The guard Incala addressed snickered, a smile tugging at his lips. The guard beside him elbowed him in the side, and his expression grew serious once more.<br/><br/>A hush fell over the room. Aereze’s companions left his side, stepping outside of the circle. Aereze lifted his hands, and the runes carved into the ground were set aglow in brilliant white light. Runes crept up Aereze’s robes and encircled his hands until he too was aglow, with arcane symbols flickering across his skin. He began to speak an enchantment in some ancient language, his voice echoing throughout the chamber. All of Glen Avon shook with the force of his magic. The light grew brighter and brighter until Aereze spoke the final word. His figure was obscured by the blinding light but soon it began to fade. Thazel rushed into the circle to catch Aereze as he stumbled. The crowd cheered, and Aereze lifted a hand in acknowledgment, regal even in his exhaustion.<br/><br/>Afterward was the evening banquet taking place in the courtyard. A long, low table was set up, around which the nobility of Glen Avon lounged. Aereze was not there; neither were his two companions.