Slayers Gears Prologue

Rezo the Red Priest's fingers drummed loudly on the table.  He stared at his notes, ignoring the way his legs were feeling numb from sitting in the same spot for the last two hours.  Strangers would be shocked to find him reading, since it was widely known that Rezo had been blind since birth.  Few people knew that Rezo was able to use his magic sight to read like any regular person.  He could trace the shapes and read the ink letters with his magic, but his was still surrounded in darkness.  It didn't satisfy his yearning to see the world with his own eyes.

A chilling wind blew in through the window.  The Red Priest shivered and wrapped his robe tighter.  The last thing he wanted was to freeze in the cold air.  

Rezo scowled.  Just when he thought he might be able to make serious progress on a cure to his blindness, his grandson had to pull this stunt.  Not that he blamed the boy, but the circumstances could not be worse.

"Lord Rezo."

He looked up to his maid, Ozel.  He hadn't even heard her or the wheeled tray clanking when she entered the room. That was an achievement in itself, considering Rezo's hearing was more heightened than most.

Solemnly, and with no emotion in her voice, she asked "It has become quite cold.  Do you want a cup of tea, Lord Rezo?"

He sighed and leaned back.  "Yes, that sounds very good right now. Would you also put another log on the fire?"

Ozel nodded and swiftly poured his cup.  He didn't have to tell her to put in some milk and no sugar.  The maid had an incredible memory for such minor details.  It had caused Eris to be quite jealous several times in the past.

Rezo reached for his cup, but then heard quick footsteps.  He placed his cup back on the saucer and stood, as his two servants entered the study.

"Zolf, Rodimus, did you find him?"

He heard a sigh from the old knight.  "Forgive us Lord Rezo," Rodimus began.  "But we were unable to locate Master Zelgadis."

"It seems your suspicions were correct," Zolf replied, with a hint of aggravation in his voice.  "Some of the locals saw Master Zelgadis leave the town, hitching a ride in a hay wagon of all things."  He clicked his tongue.  "In short, Master Zelgadis has run away."

Rezo grumbled.  "That boy.  He has no idea what he has gotten himself into."

"What will you do Lord Rezo?" asked Ozel.  "Are you going after him?"

The Red Priest sighed.  "I have unfinished business here and I can't leave.  Zolf, Rodimus, can I trust you two to find him?"

Zolf huffed slightly.  "Finding him isn't the problem.  It's him staying in one place long enough for us to nab him that's the trouble."

"He'll have to catch his breath eventually," Rezo commented.  "But I need you to bring him back, at any cost."

"Understood, Lord Rezo," Rodimus replied.  "We will bring the young master back.  We won't fail you."

Rezo massaged his temples as his servants left.  He was clearly not going to have any more good mornings for a long while.