Chapter 212: Convincing
The apprentices sheathed their weapons and followed the mage into the house when he gestured for them to come forth.
Since the house was large, there was plenty of space for them as they entered.
It was immediately clear that the house was also abandoned before they arrived. The cobwebs and dust everywhere were a sure sign. However, the part that made it most obvious was the holes in the roof that showed a bit of daylight shining through.
Since Irene desperately needed them to go to the encampment with them, she couldn’t help herself as she spoke up.
"You’re planning on staying here for the winter?" she asked. "Then what will you do after that?"
"We have only made it this far, but we will soon go to Idona and never have to face snow again," Stanley explained.
"I won’t deny that the impending snowfall does sound awful, but we promise to protect you through the season and offer warm tents to stay in as well as food and fire," Irene persisted. "Whatever you need from us is yours. If you are lacking in warm clothing, we can find cloaks for all of you. We have been given money to do whatever it takes to ensure you return with us, mister."
Stanley stood and scrutinized the girl for a few moments. The other mages, who were further in the background and looking down from an upper level that was open to the rest of the house, were also observing the conversation.
"As their leader, I have taken it upon myself to ensure these mages never have to face the dangerous black magic ever again," Stanley explained. "To go back to that place, what good will we be to you then? If black magic persists, our mana is weakened."