Bob was drinking tea and scrying, a popular hobby. He looked at Othello. The baboon magician stroked his rather stubby beard.  He saw his master walking down a street past Meracles house. Meracles was a narcissist, but he was also one of the most powerful magicians in the city.

Mordred's was a super scientist, and his personal daemonic agent informed him he was approaching Meracles territory. He skirted around it, and went on. Mordred knew that Meracles had been possessing D rank magicians for centuries, giving them powers, but twisting them towards dark magic.  Then there was a dead-end where there shouldn't have been one.

"I was plotting star charts, and who should I find but the reincarnated Mordred, a cat man, ha ha," said Meracles with a snicker.

"What do you want, Meracles? I have no quarrel with you," said Mordred.

"But you're aware of the time loop? Reliving the past two years what, thirty six times now? I would've thought the glorious Wizard of Change could handle Othello's projections and Grey's World Tree system, but I guess not," said Meracles.

"I know we have it, but my memory resets along with everyone else," said Mordred.

"I think the two of us could do something about it," said Meracles.

"Why bother? Red will eventually figure it out, or enlist the aid of Grey or the other two of the Four Wizards." said Mordred.

"I'm tired of this," said Meracles.

"Then move, out of Othello," said Mordred

"No, I think I'll make you move," Meracles with a sadistic grin.

He flung Mordred, body and all, into the astral. Bob caught Mordred with a web of white magic and pulled him out.

"Bob, I didn't think I was going to get out of that one," said Mordred, trembling from mild shock.

"Not to worry old friend. I've got your back," said Bob with a smile.

Meracles saw the rescue, but shrugged. He had ruminating and sorcery to practice. He would get out of this loop, one way or another. But how?

Mordred made a point to repay Meracles, but settled in for the night. It was sprinkling outside Bob's apothecary, and that helped Mordred sleep.