Genie and Lyon's Interlude

As Genie was walking down a moonstone path toward the other palace resident villas near the meadow courtyard, he felt his brother's mind-link as a warm press to his forehead.

He focused on the link connection and answered his brother's call.

"How is he settling in?" Lyon's voice resounded around Genie's mind.

"Very well. He keeps surprising me with his innocent charm. His pragmatism is helping him survive."

"Oh?"

Genie frowned as he felt his brother poking around his brain. "Brother, I'm not holding anything back."

The sensation eased. "I don't doubt you, but I sometimes doubt your spirit-heart."

"Aren't I doing what you asked of me?"

"Yes, and too well. I worry that your romanticizing of the Chronicles of Sol will cloud your judgment for this alien."

"Kairo-wizard, brother. Your suggestion to call him that." Genie sighed. "But you're right, I'll continue to monitor him as a mentor. Besides, I'm taking him for his mage training tomorrow, as you requested."

"Excellent. Establish a spirit-link with him and broadcast his training to Lucky Dork, especially the mage path he decides. We'll continue to reinforce his public image, and his adaptation to our ways." Lyon calmly ordered. He felt Genie's hesitation.

"Do you have concerns?"

"Brother, aren't we exploiting him with danger?" Genie paused to stare at two full moons in the sky. "He's proven to be harmless to us so far."

"Genie, someone summoned him from Earth. Harmless or not, until we determine why, helping him assimilate to our ways and cause is protecting him."

"Okay, it'll be as you requested."

"Keep me informed." Lyon disconnected the mind-link.

"I'll keep it public until he picks his path." Genie sighed, thinking it was the fairest respect he could give to Kairo. He rubbed his forehead and pinched his brows, feeling the urge to empty a keg of ale.