Reidar held his father's gaze. "I want to buy you some skills."
Matthias shook his head. "Reidar—"
"Dad." Reidar's voice was authoritative. "You saved Mom. You fought through a city full of monsters alone. You amputated your foot to survive. Let me do this."
"Your family—"
"Is far away. Mom is here. You're here. And you need help."
Matthias's jaw tightened. His fingers drummed against the crutch.
"What kind of skills?"
"You have healing spells. Plenty of them, from what I can see. What you don't have are allies. Comrades who can watch your back while you work." Reidar leaned forward.
"I have the spriggans."
"They won't always be there," Reidar said. "I'm going to buy you summoning skills. Like mine."
"Summoning skills?"
"I love them. Being surrounded by high-level creatures that can distract enemies and protect me makes me feel safe. That's what I want for you."
Matthias studied his son's face.
"The cost—"
