Gift

The dragon-like mouth gulped down the arrow in a single bite, spitting out a fist-sized purple fireball aimed at the magician. It flew so fast that the robed man had no time to conjure a complete shield in time. Instead, his hurried hands waved, forming a half shield to provide a timely protection. Unfortunately, the fiery projectile still bounced on it and flew upwards, grazing his hood and face, burning his cheek and forcing him to tear off his hood and toss it away.

"Such an old dog has come running to my kingdom" - Henry's raspy voice echoed through deep breaths as he analyzed the white-haired old man before him, whose face was etched with wrinkles - "I needed to give a welcome gift to such an important guest." - Henry tone was filled with mockery as he looked at his enemy's injury.