The envoys arrived just before sunset their horses stomping across the courtyard with loud impatient snorts as if the animals themselves sensed the tension. The group consisted of five individuals wearing uniforms of deep navy lined with gold thread. Their cloaks hung heavy like banners and each of them bore a small emblem of the royal crest a sun rising over an open book.

Evan stood at the foot of the main tower the cool air brushing against his face. Serin stood on his right Myra on his left while Arilon watched from the steps above hands folded behind his back.

One envoy stepped forward a tall man with silver streaks in his hair and a sharp angular face that looked like it had been carved from polished stone. His tone was unshakably formal.

“I am Envoy Lethren representative of His Majesty We have come to evaluate the reports regarding an outsider capable of altering magical output through speech modification”

Evan whispered to Serin “You know he said that as if I am a dangerous device”

Serin whispered back “You are”

Myra elbowed him gently “Behave Evan We need this meeting”

Envoy Lethren continued “Our scouts reported a fire projection triple its usual power and a lightning strike stable beyond recorded standards Is this information accurate”

Arilon stepped forward “It is Evan Hartley has introduced a new method of articulation based spell enhancement It is consistent reliable and reproducible”

Another envoy stepped forward a woman with braided hair and calm eyes “Our duty is to assess whether this knowledge is beneficial or dangerous to the kingdom Some worry your techniques could destabilize magic entirely”

Evan exhaled slowly “If anything I am stabilizing it Your spells were destabilized long before I arrived because your articulation is inconsistent I am fixing errors not creating them”

The envoys exchanged looks.

Lethren asked “Show us”

Arilon nodded “Serin demonstrate”

She stepped forward and lifted her hand ready to cast the same Gale Burst Evan had corrected days earlier. She inhaled deeply stabilizing her breath then spoke in clear steady tones

“Vel saa ra thall”

A surge of wind burst forward sharp and controlled slicing through a series of stone targets like a clean blade. Dust rose in a cloud around the shattered stones.

The envoys did not gasp They simply stood very still which somehow felt more intense.

“My turn” Evan said quietly “If you want proof of method not just result watch this”

He motioned toward one of the envoys “Say a simple fire chant exactly as you normally would No adjustment Do not try to impress me”

The envoy blinked surprised “I am not a mage”

“That is exactly why you are perfect” Evan said “You have no habits that get in the way Try this say ‘Fira tor vel’ with your natural rhythm and breath”

The envoy hesitated then spoke stiffly “Fira tor vel”

Nothing happened Not even a spark.

The other envoys exchanged soft chuckles.

Evan raised a finger “Now watch the difference Move your tongue forward on the first consonant Keep your vowels open Keep the airflow steady through the last syllable Try again”

The envoy swallowed nervously then spoke “Feee ra tor veeel”

A small spark burst from his palm flickering like a match. He jerked his hand back in shock nearly losing his balance.

The courtyard fell silent.

Evan shrugged “I can teach that to any child in five minutes Fire spell success rate goes from zero percent to twenty instantly That is not magic That is articulation”

The envoys stared at him with new expressions not fear not awe something between respect and calculation.

Lethren finally spoke “The king will want to meet you”

Evan’s stomach twisted “I do not think that is a good idea”

“It is not optional” Lethren said calmly “Your discoveries may reshape this kingdom for centuries The king must decide how to integrate your knowledge into the realm’s laws and structure”

Myra placed a hand on Evan’s arm “Evan it will be fine We will accompany you”

Serin nodded “The kingdom must not misunderstand your intentions We will make sure that does not happen”

Evan stared at the fading spark on the ground “This is going to spiral fast isn’t it”

Myra whispered “It already has”

Arilon stepped forward addressing the envoys “We are grateful for the opportunity to present this method to His Majesty Evan will prepare a formal demonstration”

Lethren nodded “Three days from now you will travel with us to the royal capital The king awaits your arrival”

The envoys turned in unison and left the courtyard their footsteps echoing like distant drums.

Evan exhaled and whispered “I just wanted to fix your vowels now I have to talk to a king”

Serin smirked “Then speak clearly He is very picky about articulation”

Myra stifled a laugh “If anyone can fix the king’s vowels it is you”

Evan looked upward at the sky which was fading into violet and gold “Three days That is not enough time to prepare”

Arilon placed a hand on his shoulder “Evan you have already begun something enormous You cannot stop it now You must guide it”

Evan closed his eyes exhaling slow and steady “Then tomorrow we build the fourth rule”

Serin nodded “And after that the kingdom will hear you clearly”

And Evan felt the world leaning closer again
Listening
Waiting

For the next thing he would say.