... If you truly are a mage, then I'm afraid you have little choice in the matter. Meredith very rarely tolerates apostates in her city. [ coughANDERScough- he and Merrill's ties to the Champion are the only things keeping Meredith from swooping in. Swooping is bad.

He's quiet for a beat, and when he does speak again, he's lowered his voice. ]

But, if what you say is true and you're not a mage, you are out of both of our jurisdictions. So perhaps you should explain this "bending" of yours.