Raz'Kul was stunned to silence, but after a few seconds managed a weak laugh. “That was truly awful Genie! You really need to work on your riddles, and your rhymes! And maybe make them a little shorter? How am I supposed to remember all of that...complete nonsense?”

But Raz'Kul's mind was already racing, and somehow he suspected the importance of this information. A few threads had already struck a chord, and none of them were good ones.

And yet? Was this the legendary trickery of the Genie? Apparently the three wishes were nonsense, but one other theme rang true throughout all the stories.

A Genies wish was a veiled curse, a mockery, and a ruse. Never trust a Genie!

A single piece of parchment materialised in Genies hand, and with a flourish he presented it to Raz'Kul.

However Raz'Kul made no move to take that parchment. Instead he caught Genies eyes, searching.

Raz'Kul whispered. “Most of that made no sense Genie, but the Void? The Void is a fable designed to stop children sneaking out at night!”

“It's nothing but a children's tale! Are you telling me the Void is real?”

Before Genie could reply his mouth was sealed shut once more. However Genies eyes revealed everything as he nodded to Raz'Kul.

And with that last act of defiance and another discordant jangle of chimes - Genie vanished.

The parchment swirled in the eddies of Genies passing to drift towards the floor. Raz'Kul moved like lightning to snatch it out of the air and scan it. It was an exact copy of the riddle.

Despite his claims to otherwise, every word was already burned into Raz'Kul's memory. He didn't need it written down but he pored over it regardless, looking for any nuance, any alteration, or any inflection in the punctuation or wording. 

He looked for anything which might glean any meaning from what made no sense, which was almost all of it. There was no deviation, but the single word “Void” seemed to scream out at him and Raz'Kul noted it was the only line which finished with a full stop. He knew that was no mistake.

He turned the parchment over and was surprised to see there was some additional script on the back.

Raz'Kul. Genies are manipulative, devious, and conniving. Our words are laced with half veiled truths and misdirection. This is accepted, and in fact expected. You are correct in that I tricked you into making your wish, however I could not have done so if your heart was not true.

I broke two core rules by imparting background knowledge, and influencing your wish before it was made. I will mask it as a beginners mistake, as you yourself pointed out - I am both young and inexperienced.

What I predict is dark, but the final outcome is by no means pre-destined. Use these years to gather allies to your cause! If you are ever in trouble find a place of Serenity and listen. I hope my 'blasted chimes' haunt your dreams, whether I'm silenced or not.

As reparation for my trickery and within this note - I have put my life in your hands. If ever another Genie realised what I had told you relating to the inner workings of The Genie, or they became aware of this note?

They would destroy myself, yourself, and anyone who had read it.

I'd hope you would never use such leverage against me in retribution, even in the darkest of hours. However perhaps this balances the scales somewhat?

I have placed my trust in you Raz'Kul. All I ask is you do the same with me.

Raz'Kul carefully folded the note and put it in his cloak pocket, then reached down for the battered copper lamp. 

It had disappeared...

After looking around for a few seconds Raz'Kul slipped his pack over his shoulders and laughed in bemusement. “I'm really not sure whether to thank you or curse you Genie, though I thoroughly suspect it's the latter!”

But as Raz'Kul opened the window he whispered. “If my task is to gather allies Genie, I think I already have my first? For now, we'll call it a thank you!”

As Raz'Kul climbed out the second floor window and dropped silently to the alley, he heard both the front and back door of the Dishonest Return splinter open.

Seconds later he heard the sound of booted feet storming the tavern accompanied by shouts for his surrender.

Raz'Kul was already running as the shrill whistles of the Militia and the barking of hounds followed him in close pursuit...

Chapter 5