Sorcerer… Cyborg???

As Kothar neared the quarter of the city where his home was located, he noticed more and more obstructions, there were none spiked railings and irregularly shaped roofs to discourage exactly what Kothar was doing right now.

But these would only discourage the opportunistic burglar, for the more serious individuals, complex runes arrayed the windows and attic doors of those houses that had them, defending against all but the most determined intrusion.

Kothar leapt from roof to roof, nimbly avoiding the obstacles in his path. He spotted the flat roof of his home from afar, the plants his mother had always cared for were flourishing, which brought a sad smile to his face.

Kothar leapt onto the roof, and headed toward the attic door, but then felt a sudden disturbance in the electromagnetic field around him.

Kothar leapt forward, a masked figure had slashed through where he had just been standing with a pair of curved daggers, Kothar was about to retaliate, when he noticed that the gear was far too familiar.

'Simon?" He asked, his voice muffled by the mask. He didn't want tor reveal himself just yet, he couldn't be certain if this was an impersonator or Simon himself.

"I'm not surprised you know my name, but I am surprised that your masters told you about me before sending you here to your certain death. I've taken care of far too many overconfident chumps like you!" Simon stalked forward, sending a pair of daggers spinning towards Kothar's head, who ducked them easily, before leaping back to open some distance between him and Simon.

[It has to be him, right, Silane? No one else could be so arrogant!] Kothar exclaimed, surely an impersonator wouldn't be so blunt in their impersonation of Simon.

[I haven't noticed anything off, try something that only the two of you would know to mention.] Silane advised, she was fairly sure the cocky Thief facing them was Simon.

[I've got a better idea.] Kothar responded, as he drew his lightning blade.

"Where the **** did you get that? And what have you done with my nephew?" Simon flew into a rage immediately, dashing forward, flickering in and out of sight.

"From Jotun, who crafted it for me!" Kothar sent Lightning Element mana crackling down the blade, and the edge began to hum, and he sent a bolt down into the space between them, simultaneously pulling his mask away from his face.

"Uncle Simon! It's me!" Kothar exclaimed, dropping the weapon and raising his hands.

Simon immediately skid to a halt, and a look of confusion crossed his face. 

"What in the world are you doing sneaking around the city at this time of night, and trying to break into your house? You've got to know better than that by now." Simon hissed, as he pulled Kothar into a warm hug, his multitude of knives softly clinking as he did so.

"Let's get inside, so I can explain." Kothar said simply, before flicking his eyes from side to side, indicating he was worried about watchers.

"Anyone nearby right now would have to be miles better than me at hiding, and I think anyone like that would be as rare as they come." Simon said cheerfully, but pulled up his mask anyway and led Kothar in via the attic door.

[I know of one individual who'd put Simon's skills to shame.] Silane muttered, but Kothar ignored her. He was in no mood to discuss the odd gray man right now.

AS Simon led Kothar down to the kitchen, Kothar realized how much the house had changed, everywhere he looked was smiling with runes, the entire house was absolutely crawling with runic formations that would put even some Magic Academies to shame.

While Ophil's tapestries stills decorated many of the walls, many tables and shelves had been added to the house and all were absolutely laden with piles upon piles of documents and parchment.

"What's going on Simon? What's with the house?" Kothar asked, he knew that things would be different after the war with Kalun but not to such an extent.

"You've really been holed up with the books, huh?" Simon gave Kothar and odd look and set out a platter of cold cuts and cheeses for him. He knew that just like himself, his nephew enjoyed a hearty meal after travelling.

Simon watched happily as Kothar tore into the food, not leaving even a crumb, before he began to speak at all.

"You really don't know what's been happening in Ursten? Not even the war with Ralun?" Simon raised an eyebrow at Kothar, confused at how his nephew could seem so oblivious, surely he realized that his father had become the Grand Marshal. He had always been so perceptive and a sponge for information, those mages really had got to him.

"I've recently been, for now, let's say indisposed. Fill me in on what's been going on at home." Kothar ignored Simon's obvious skepticism and grabbed a pastry before following Simon to the seats by the enormous hearth, where a large fire was roaring in the grate.

"Your father has been appointed Grand Marshal of Ursten, he has formed an alliance with the Southern Tribes and with Duke Anteris, who has been appointed Grand Admiral of the new royal fleet of Ursten. Currently, your father has almost completely decimated Ralun, hence why I've been watching out for spies trying to infiltrate your home. Desperate people will try desperate measures." Simon said with a hint of sadness, his thoughts turning far away.

"What! Grand Marshal? But surely, my father wouldn't accept such a position!" Kothar exclaimed in surprise, the Tam he had known wouldn't  hold the kingdom so eagerly in his palm.

"I'm afraid many would disagree with you. Most of the nobles of Ursten have come to think that rather than being appointed by Rotan, Tam effectively appointed himself Grand Marshal of Ursten." Simon looked to see how Kothar's expression would change, at seeing his father in such a light.

"Alright. So, Uncle, what do you think, did he do it?" Kothar's expression remained serious, and he stared hard at Simon as he asked him.