Riot faithfully served his lord for two decades, putting his mage skills fighting the beasts in the dangerous Territories and to make the lives of the castle inhabitants easier.
When that lord dies, he is replaced by a flashy young man who regards Riot as a threat and throws him out. With no home, no possessions, and no money, Riot has gone from a stable life he enjoyed to feeling like the world no longer needs nor wants him.
A chance encounter, however, brings the promise of temporary work that is certainly better than nothing. If the job comes from yet another flashy young man, well, hopefully this one won't be as bad as the last.