A loud clank woke him.
Baruch's eyes fluttered open and for a moment, his heart skipped a beat, not knowing where he was.
His hands were on a cold and hard surface.
"You didn't try anything."
That familiar voice said, calmer than it was the previous night, and Baruch turned to see his uncle standing over him.
Oh.
Baruch blinked and remembered where he was.
"He" didn't come?
As Baruch thought this, his uncle went to one knee, grabbing his chin with his right hand.
"How did I not notice?" The uncle said, caressing Baruch's left cheek.
Baruch slapped the arm away. His uncle chuckled.
"Even as a mage, you're still here, lazy as you've always been."
"Doesn't matter, now, I think you understand you are better off using your abilities to help the family."
Actually, Baruch's nature was one of wanting convenience. Before, yes, he was scared of his uncle. Now, not at all. He still held on, though.
"And I've sent word. You're still a rank one mage."
