Artifacts

It's not what you know, but who you know.

Artifacts

Rolo must have expected them to go straight to the auction house. However, the place looked more like the reception room of a villa. He looked almost suspiciously at the two rows of magicians, all wearing blue robes.

The room was grand and elegant, with high ceilings and walls adorned with ancient tapestries depicting various magical scenes. The mages, all dressed in the same light blue robes, stood at attention, their gazes fixed forward.

Livius, completely at ease, told one of the mages to fetch him his cloak as well as an extra junior robe and confidently set off, almost oblivious to the mages standing around him. Rolo followed him, the weight of many eyes upon him. The air was thick with a sense of formality and respect.

Livius led Rolo through a series of corridors until they reached a small, well-appointed room that appeared to be Livius's study. The walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient tomes and strange artifacts. A large, ornate desk dominated one end of the room.

"Before we go to the auction, I have some business to attend to," Livius said, his tone casual but firm.

Rolo was awkwardly standing, still taking in his surroundings. The study was filled with the scent of old books and a faint hint of magical residue. It was a room that spoke of history and power, a place where important decisions were made.

Livius moved to his desk and began to sort through a stack of papers. "I won't be long," he said, glancing up at Rolo with a reassuring smile. "Feel free to look around."

Rolo nodded, his curiosity piqued. He began to wander around the room, examining the various artifacts and books. One item in particular caught his eye: a small, intricately carved box made of dark wood, its surface covered in strange runes.

As Rolo reached out to touch the box, Livius's voice stopped him. "Careful with that one. Best not to open it unless you know exactly what you're doing."

Rolo withdrew his hand, feeling a mix of awe and caution. "This artifact is unique," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Livius stopped and looked up at him. "What do you mean?"

"These runes... these runes are ancient," Rolo stated. "The magical energies are wild, untamed. Is it a containment box for volatile magical energies?"

His question wasn't really a question. Perhaps that was the moment when Livius really recognized Rolo's knowledge.

Livius smiled. "I'm glad you find it interesting."

"Still, do be careful," he added, moving to a large, ornate chest at the corner of the room. He opened it to reveal an array of items: gemstones that glittered with an inner light, small but powerful artifacts, and stacks of gold coins. Livius carefully selected a few choice items and placed them into a satchel.

"We'll need these for potential trades. Not everything at the auction is for sale in the conventional sense. Sometimes the most valuable items require a barter," Livius explained.

Rolo watched as Livius packed the satchel with practiced efficiency. The sight of the gems and artifacts made his eyes widen. Each piece seemed to be worth a lot, demonstrating a history of power and mystery.

Just then, the mage who had been sent to fetch the cloak arrived, carrying a long, light blue cloak with silver embroidery. He handed it to Livius, who draped it over his shoulders with practiced ease.

Powerful magic was woven into the fabric, which might have been useful, but made it seemingly impossible to summon the cloak.

"Rolo, have you ever worn a mage's robe?" Livius asked, glancing over his shoulder with a curious expression.

He got the second robe from the mage and waved him to leave. The door closed without a sound.

Rolo looked at him, slightly taken aback by the question. "Actually, yes, I have my own."

Livius paused, genuine surprise lighting up his face. "You do? Who gave it to you?"

"Shay gave me one," he replied.

Livius paused, genuine surprise lighting up his face. "Shay gave you a robe?"

Rolo nodded slowly, feeling the weight behind those words.

"In most traditions, the first robe is given by one's master after learning their first spell. It's a rite of passage, a symbol of your journey as a mage."

Rolo remained silent, his eyes distant as if recalling something long buried. Livius respected the silence, sensing that there were stories behind Rolo's quiet demeanor that were not meant to be shared at this moment.

"Well," Livius continued, breaking the silence gently, "today you'll wear the colors of my court. They will know you are under my protection."

He handed Rolo an of elegant robe, made from fine fabric that shimmered subtly in the light. The intricate embroidery and the rich hue of blue spoke of prestige and respect within the magical community.

Rolo took the robe, his fingers tracing the delicate patterns. He looked up at Livius with a questioning gaze.

"Why blue?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Livius smiled. "Blue is the color of my court, symbolizing clarity, wisdom, tranquility and serenity. It shows a mage's dedication to knowledge and balance in the magical arts."

Rolo nodded slowly, slipping into the robe. It fit perfectly, almost as if it was made for him. He looked at himself in the mirror, the light blue fabric contrasting with his dark hair.

Livius watched him with a satisfied smile. "You look every bit the part of a mage in my court. Ready to impress at the auction."

Rolo couldn't help but smirk. "Impress, huh? We'll see about that."

Livius chuckled, appreciating Rolo's cheeky confidence. "Come on, let's get going."

They headed to the designated area for port magic. As they made their way back through the corridors to the main reception room, the mages they passed nodded respectfully to Livius, their eyes lingering curiously on Rolo.

"Stay close," Livius instructed, extending a hand.

Rolo placed his hand on Livius's arm, feeling the subtle hum of magic as Livius cast the port magic. The air shimmered and swirled around them, and in the next instant, they stepped into the heart of the magical world.

Rolo did not wobble, he seemed quite stable for someone who had been pulled twice in a row through the delicate web of time and space. This might have piqued the Sorcerer Lord's interest as he curiously glanced over at Rolo.

"Have you ever used port magic before?"

Rolo shook his head. "I've seen other mages use it, but I've never cast it myself."

"You're doing surprisingly well," Livius mused. "Port magic is one of the more complex and versatile forms of magic. It requires a deep understanding of spatial manipulation and a considerable amount of magical energy. It also makes one feel a bit sick if you are not used to it."

Rolo nodded, thinking back to his own experiences. "I did have one experience with something similar, though. We used a form of short-distance port magic that opened access to an artificial subdimension. We didn't have to cast to activate it—a set of code words was enough."

Livius's eyes widened with interest. "An artificial subdimension? That's quite advanced. How big was this subdimension?"

Rolo looked thoughtful for a moment. "It was the size of a whole city."

Livius raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "A whole city, you say? That's extraordinary. Such subdimensions are extremely rare and require immense magical power to create. Who created it?"

Rolo shrugged. "I'm not sure."

"I did a bit of studying in connection with space magic," began Livius. "At its core, port magic relies on manipulating the fabric of space-time. When you cast a port spell, you essentially fold space, bringing two distant points together. It requires precise calculations and a deep understanding of magical theory. The key is to create a stable portal that won't collapse under its own instability."

Rolo seemed to be deep in thought.

"Creating a subdimension is even more complex," Livius continued. "It involves carving out a pocket of space within the existing dimension. This pocket must be self-sustaining, with its own set of physical laws and magical energies."

Rolo's face was serious as if he were mentally taking notes of Livius's every word, but he certainly would not have admitted it.

As Livius and Rolo approached the door, they were met by a stern-looking magician dressed in elaborate robes. The magician stood tall, his presence commanding respect and authority. This was no ordinary guard; his very aura radiated power and vigilance.

"Good evening, my Lord," the magician greeted, his voice deep and resonant. He extended a hand, palm up, and a faint shimmer of magical energy danced across his fingers.

Livius inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Good evening," he replied, his tone confident.

The magician began to chant softly, which resonated with the very fabric of the building. A thin, ethereal light extended from his hand, weaving its way towards Livius. As the light touched Livius, it pulsed brightly for a moment before fading into a gentle glow.

"Identification complete," the magician announced, his eyes flickering with a subtle hint of surprise. "Welcome, Sorcerer Lord."

Rolo watched this process with keen interest. The identification spell was intricate, designed not only to recognize the individual's magical signature but also to confirm their identity with absolute certainty. The light was a manifestation of the mage's power, a delicate tool used to probe the magical aura of the person before him.

Livius turned to Rolo, sensing his curiosity. "It's a sophisticated form of magical identification," he explained. "The light reads the unique magical signature that every mage possesses. It's impossible to forge or duplicate, which ensures that only the rightful individuals can enter."

Rolo nodded, absorbing the information. So, it's like a magical fingerprint.

The grand hall was an imposing structure, its exterior a blend of old-world charm and modern opulence. They passed through the wrought iron gates, stepping into a lush courtyard illuminated by softly glowing lanterns. The air was thick with anticipation, magic humming faintly in the atmosphere.

Rolo and Livius arrived at Belizár's auction, the grandeur of the event not lost on Rolo. It was his first time at a magical auction, and he couldn't help but marvel at the opulence. Iris, tasked with gathering intelligence, was already there blending into the crowd, touching things and mingling discreetly.

Livius and Rolo made their way through the crowd of people, admiring the various magical artifacts on display. Livius kept a watchful eye on Rolo, guiding him through the intricacies of such an event.

The room buzzed with anticipation as mages and collectors discussed potential purchases. People in elegant attire moved gracefully through the space, their faces obscured by intricately designed veils. Each veil was unique, a subtle indication of the wearer's rank and affiliation. 

"Remember, observe, and learn," Livius whispered. "These auctions are as much about connections as they are about the items."

Rolo nodded, his eyes wide with curiosity. His eyes darted excitedly from one artifact to the next. Each display held a unique allure, whether it was an amulet pulsing with elemental energy or a cloak that shimmered with power.

Rolo's fascination with the artifacts was palpable. He inspected each display with a mixture of awe and curiosity, occasionally muttering to himself about their potential uses. Livius observed Rolo's excitement with a faint smile, appreciating the kid's intellect and enthusiasm.

"This is just the appetizer," Livius whispered. "The real prizes are kept under tight security and will be revealed during the main auction."

Even the items on display were extraordinary. There were enchanted weapons, shimmering with latent power, and ancient tomes filled with arcane knowledge. One artifact, a small mirror with a frame of twisting vines, caught Rolo's eye. Its surface rippled like water, reflecting not the surroundings but glimpses of other places and times.

Livius followed his gaze. "A scrying mirror. Quite rare, but nothing compared to what's coming."

Rolo stepped closer to the scrying mirror, his eyes narrowing as he observed the intricate design. "This isn't just any scrying mirror," he murmured. "The frame is made from Aethereal Ivy, a plant that's been extinct for centuries. The reflections... they aren't just of places and times. This mirror may show possibilities that could have been, or might still be making it incredibly powerful and dangerous."

Livius raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "You have quite the eye, kid. Most would see just an ordinary scrying mirror."

Rolo shrugged at the compliment. "It's just theoretical knowledge. I've read about artifacts like this, but I've never seen one in person."

Livius chuckled. "Your knowledge is more than theoretical. You could recognize its significance and potential at a glance. That's a rare talent."

Rolo turned away from the mirror, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Not really. I just have good eyes, that's it."

"But I'm genuinely curious," continues the Sorcerer Lord. "What kind of magic do you have? Might it be appraisal?"

Rolo's expression flickered momentarily, a hint of defensiveness crossing his features. "I've dabbled in various forms," he replied cautiously, his tone guarded. "But as you know, my focus has been on the theoretical aspects of magic."

Livius nodded thoughtfully. "Of course," he said diplomatically. "But surely someone with your intellect must have some unique talents."

Rolo's demeanor shifted subtly, his eyes narrowing imperceptibly. Livius's probing questions touched a nerve, stirring Rolo's complex feelings of inferiority and pride. "I have my strengths," Rolo replied curtly, his voice tinged with a hint of challenge. "But I wouldn't expect a gifted mage like yourself to appreciate the nuances of my magic."

Livius raised an eyebrow, sensing Rolo's defensiveness. "Have I overstepped?" he said evenly, his tone betraying a hint of amusement. "It's not often I encounter a mage as... unconventional as yourself so I may have been a bit too curious."

Rolo's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. Livius's comment struck a nerve, tapping into Rolo's deep-seated insecurities about his place in the magical world.

"Unconventional?" Rolo retorted sharply, his voice tinged with frustration. "Fancy way of saying that I lack magic."

Livius's gaze hardened slightly, his amusement giving way to a more serious demeanor.

"Genius often comes with its own challenges," he remarked coolly. "But remember, Rolo, true greatness is not just about talent or magical power. It's about how you wield your knowledge."

"Says the Sorcerer Lord who has almost infinite magical power," replied Rolo quietly. "I don't expect you to understand my struggle. I'm not willing to discuss this topic with you."

Rolo was clearly offended. The tension between them hung in the air for a moment, both sizing each other up.

"Let's focus on the task at hand," Livius said finally, breaking the silence. "We're here for a reason, after all."

Rolo nodded tersely, his pride momentarily stung but his determination undiminished. 

They continued their exploration, weaving through the crowd of attendees. Livius occasionally paused to exchange murmured words with fellow mages and collectors, his network of contacts proving invaluable in gathering information.

As they approached a particularly guarded section of the salon, Rolo's curiosity peaked. Behind reinforced glass were artifacts that seemed to pulse with their own inner light, their presence commanding respect from those around them.

Iris, who had been stealthily gathering intelligence, approached them with a subtle nod. She had managed to glean useful tidbits about upcoming bids and potential rival buyers without drawing undue attention to herself.

"Iris," Livius greeted her quietly. "Any valuable insights?"

Iris nodded, her eyes glinting with determination. "The earring is set to be auctioned. It's garnered a lot of interest, and the bids are substantial."

Livius's brows furrowed slightly. "Any notable contenders?"

"Several," Iris replied cryptically. "We're not the only ones with an eye on it."

Rolo shifted uncomfortably, the weight of their mission settling on his shoulders. "What's our move?"

Livius glanced around, assessing the competition and the security measures in place. "We bid strategically. Iris, you go to the podium and blend in with the workers. In case we lose, you collect the information of the highest bidder for the item."

"Yes, my lord."

Just then, a bell rang, signaling the start of the main event. Rolo and Livius followed the crowd out of the salon and into the grand auction hall. The room was circular, with balconies rising in tiers around the central stage. Each balcony was filled with figures, their identities hidden by their hoods but their importance clear from their positions.

Livius's attention was drawn to a group of hooded figures on one of the balconies above. Their identities concealed, they observed the proceedings below with a detached air of superiority. Livius noted their positions and exchanged nods with some, acknowledging their presence in the arcane hierarchy.

Rolo's eyes widened at the sight of the grand hall adorned with elaborate tapestries and shimmering chandeliers. The walls were lined with displays showcasing a dazzling array of magical artifacts, each guarded by an enchantment that hinted at its power.

Rolo couldn't help but notice the meticulous seating arrangement that reflected the hierarchy among the attendees. The most esteemed mages and collectors occupied the front rows, their status dignified by their proximity to the auction podium. Livius, unmistakable with his small stature yet commanding aura of magic, led Rolo to seats in the front row, a position that underscored his influence and authority.

They took their seats. From their vantage point, they could see the stage best.

Rolo observed the diverse crowd of mages and collectors. Each person exuded a distinct magical aura, a unique signature that marked their identity and abilities. Some mages cast curious glances at Rolo, intrigued by his presence among the elite. They sensed his lack of outward magical presence, a rarity among those of his stature, and this piqued their interest even further. As Rolo waited, he could clearly feel scrutinized by unseen eyes, the weight of expectations and unknown intentions hanging in the air.

Throughout the hall, murmurs of anticipation and excitement filled the air as attendees awaited the auction to commence. Rolo felt a mix of nerves and exhilaration, his mind racing with the possibilities that lay ahead. The atmosphere was thick with tension and anticipation. The attendees quieted, their attention focused on the stage where the artifacts would soon be presented.

The auctioneer, a tall and imposing figure with a commanding presence, stepped onto the stage. His voice echoed through the hall as he welcomed everyone and explained the rules. The artifacts would be presented one by one, and bids would be made not only with money but with magical services and favors as well.

Livius leaned in close to Rolo, his voice barely audible. "This is where it gets interesting. Pay attention to the bids. It will give us a sense of what we're up against."

Rolo nodded, his eyes fixed on the stage as the first artifact was brought out. It was an ornate dagger, its blade glowing with a faint, eerie light. The auctioneer began the bidding, and I listened intently as the offers came in. Each bid was more extravagant than the last, ranging from powerful enchantments to rare spell ingredients.

As the auction continued, various artifacts were presented, each one more impressive than the last. Livius bid on a few items, winning some intricate artifacts that caught his eye.

Livius looked at Rolo, contemplating for a moment. "Don't you want to buy anything?"

Rolo shrugged. He was always broke.

"You can choose something. It's on me," offered the mage.

Rolo looked at the Sorcerer Lord with wide eyes. "What?"

"Choose an artifact," repeated the Sorcerer Lord. "I'll buy it for you as an apology for my unwanted scrutiny."

"I'm okay..."

"Don't be shy," said Livius. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Rolo slowly nodded, his eyes scanning the items with renewed interest. His attention was drawn to a few peculiar items, things that seemed to be the most unpopular among the mages.

Rolo's gaze moved to the next artifact: an old, tarnished bronze compass with intricate engravings and an unusual gem in the center.

"What about that one?"

"The Ancient Compass," Livius explained reading from the paper in his hands. The script changed with every new item, describing them briefly. This was an artifact that had been distributed among the most important attendees.

"It doesn't point north; instead, it moves erratically and sometimes stops at seemingly random directions. Old garbage. Choose something else. Don't be modest, money is no problem for me."

"I'd like to have the compass," Rolo protested.

Livius looked at him as if he was crazy. "Why?"

"It could be a magical navigation tool that responds to a specific kind of magic or leads to hidden locations," replied Rolo determined.

"Or it could be a malfunctioning artifact not worth a dime."

Rolo shrugged. "Who knows? But I fancy that one, my Lord."

Livius sighed and won the compass with an insignificant bid as no one else wanted it.

"Pick another one," said Livius. " I'd feel ashamed if it caught wind that a lord of my standing tried to pacify you with some cheap junk like that."

Rolo nodded, satisfied as if he wanted things to go this way. Livius did not see his face so he could not anticipate his sorry fate.

Rolo chose a few more artifacts, each one unique and shrouded in mystery — but most of all, worthless in the eyes of the other mages. 

Rolo's gaze fell upon a small, cracked pendant with an ornate silver frame, the gem reflecting oddly distorted images. "And that one?"

"The Fragmented Pendant," Livius said, trying to hide his impatience. "Its reflections don't match reality, and doesn't make any sense. It's practically useless."

Rolo's eyes gleamed. "Or it might reveal hidden truths."

Livius sighed, shaking his head, and placed a low bid to acquire it.

Then, Rolo spotted a heavy, old-fashioned iron key covered in strange runes. "That key looks interesting."

"The Unfamiliar Key," Livius commented. "It feels warm to the touch and occasionally vibrates. No one knows what it opens, probably nothing."

"I fancy this key, too," Rolo mused.

Livius groaned but bought it anyway. Livius seemed to have seizures after his third attempt to convince Rolo to choose something else — but true to his word, he purchased them all.

"And that book," Rolo pointed to an ancient, leather-bound tome with pages that seemed to change content every time it was opened.

"The Bound Tome," Livius identified. "The text is in an unknown language and the diagrams within shift when looked at. It's illegible. Useless."

"Or it might contain powerful spells or knowledge from a lost civilization," Rolo said, almost to himself.

Livius, exasperated, waved for the auctioneer to mark another sale in their favor.

Lastly, Rolo noticed a pair of worn, bone-like dice with symbols instead of numbers. "Those dice."

"The Pair of Dice," Livius muttered. "Rolling them produces strange effects, like changing the weather slightly or summoning brief, harmless illusions. They're whimsical at best."

"Or they could influence luck, fate, or probability in subtle ways," Rolo insisted.

Livius, stifling a sigh, signaled to purchase the dice.

After the auction, as they gathered their acquisitions, Livius looked at Rolo with a mixture of frustration and curiosity. "Why these?" he asked. "They're the ones no one wants!"

"That's exactly why," Rolo said, his eyes gleaming with contentment. "They can't figure them out and they don't want to take risks. But I think there's much potential in the unknown."

If you ask me, Rolo just wanted to acquire more artifacts and he knew that this was the only way he could get his hands on more than one. I think his main ambition was to study their magic, not to use them.

Before Livius could utter a word, the auctioneer announced the next item and the room fell silent. A glass case was brought out, inside of which was an extravagant earring. It glowed with a faint, otherworldly light, its power palpable even from a distance.

"The next item," the auctioneer proclaimed, "is not available for purchase with mere gold or jewels. It requires a trade of magic itself. The highest offer of magical service will win."

The room buzzed with excitement and tension. Rolo glanced at Livius, who nodded subtly.

Bids began to flow in, each more extravagant than the last. Spells of protection, healing, transformation, and destruction were offered, each one a testament to the bidder's power and influence.

Livius raised his hand. "I offer a binding spell of protection, strong enough to guard an entire city for a year."

The crowd murmured in approval.

The auctioneer's eyes gleamed with interest. "An intriguing offer. But is it enough?"

Before Livius could respond, another voice called out from the highest balcony. "I offer my life's work, a collection of spells and enchantments gathered over a century."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the veiled figure who had made the offer. It was clear that this bid was unbeatable.

After the auction concluded, Rolo and Livius found themselves surrounded by mages eager to make acquaintance. This event, as Livius had mentioned, was as much about building connections as it was about acquiring artifacts.

The air was thick with the unique feel of various magical auras, each mage distinguished by the subtle differences in their energy.

Rolo found himself curiously observing the other mages. Though he could not see their faces, their magical presence spoke volumes. Some glanced at him, their curiosity evident. Despite his high status, none could sense any magic from him, making him a truly anonymous figure amidst the crowd. This only seemed to heighten their interest.

The hall buzzed with polite greetings and small talk, as mages approached Livius with polite curiosity.

"My Lord," one mage began, his voice smooth and respectful. "It's a pleasure to see you here. May I ask about your young companion?"

They greeted him warmly, acknowledging his status as the Sorcerer Lord, and then turned their attention to Rolo.

"Ah, is this your new apprentice, Livius?" another mage inquired, eyeing Rolo with interest.

Livius chuckled softly, a twinkle in his eyes. "Not quite," he replied, leaving the mages even more intrigued.

The mages nodded politely and engaged Rolo in conversation, peppering him with questions about his magical expertise and background. They exchanged pleasantries, but Rolo couldn't shake the feeling that their interest was more superficial than genuine.

As the mages departed, several discreetly handed their cards to Rolo. He accepted them with a polite nod. Once they were alone again, Rolo immediately moved to tear them apart.

"Why?" Livius stopped him, looking amused.

"Why should I keep these?" Rolo asked, a hint of frustration in his voice. "They only gave them to me because I'm with you. They don't want to build connections with me; they just want to use me to get closer to you."

Livius looked at Rolo thoughtfully. "Connections in our world are often made for strategic reasons, Rolo. But that doesn't mean they can't evolve into something more genuine. Keep the cards. You never know when an unexpected ally might prove invaluable."

Rolo frowned, but Livius's words made sense. He reluctantly pocketed the cards, still feeling a bit resentful. "I suppose you're right. It's just... frustrating."

"I understand. But remember, your worth is not determined by others' intentions. It's determined by your own actions and choices."

"Now, let's see what other opportunities this evening holds," Livius added with a smile. 

As they mingled, Rolo could hear snippets of conversations from the other mages. They were speculating about him, trying to understand why they couldn't sense any magic from him.

There were three reasons for this in their world. The first was that someone had no magical potential. The second was that they were highly skilled and able to conceal it. The third and most dangerous reason was that the mage was so out of their power league that they couldn't comprehend their magical prowess at all.

The mages present were debating which of these was true for Rolo. Some seemed to lean towards the first reason, given his young appearance. Others speculated he might be an incredibly skilled mage hiding his true power. A few, the most cautious considered the possibility that he was on a different level altogether, a mage whose power was beyond their comprehension.

This debate made Rolo even more intriguing to them, and he could feel their eyes on him, trying to discern the truth. He pursed his lips.

As the evening drew to a close, Livius turned to Rolo with a thoughtful expression.

"I would like to extend an invitation to you," he began. "Not to leave Shay's famiglia for good, but to spend a couple of years at my court. I collect the most unique mages from all over the world, and I believe you could benefit greatly from such an environment."

Rolo considered the offer, his mind racing with possibilities.

"I'll think about it," he said, though his tone made it sound like a refusal.

Livius chuckled, seemingly unfazed. "Give me your phone."

Rolo paused, puzzled by the request. "My phone?"

"Yes, hurry up," Livius urged.

Rolo handed over his phone, watching as Livius swiftly entered a new contact. "I don't have a card to give," Livius said with a grin as he handed the phone back.

Rolo stared at the new contact, with a mix of emotions displayed on his face. He seemed annoyed by Livius's casual command but also intrigued by the gesture. 

Livius smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Keep in touch, Rolo. There's much more to learn and explore."

Many magicians would certainly have killed to get Livius' number, but Rolo just stared at his phone, as if he didn't really know what to do with it.

"Thank you, my Lord" he muttered, pocketing the phone.