Bribe him
From Create Your Own Story
Dez hurried after him. "Hang on, Zeth, just hear me out," he said. "I'm not asking for a favor with no recompense. There is much I can offer in return."
"Oh, please," Zeth said, rolling his eyes. "You're the Serpent Mage. Your magic is a joke compared to mine. What could you possibly do to compensate me for a favor of that magnitude?" Stung, Dez drew himself up to his full height, nearly two inches taller than Zeth.
"I could not send a hundred vipers after you," he said, "but more than that, I can offer protection, I can offer poisons and antidotes, I can offer spies and soldiers. And, I can keep those other men from ripping you apart." Zeth paled.
"You make an interesting offer," he said, his voice tight. "I shall consider it and let you know." Dez stopped walking and watched him disappear into the castle. He'd consider it. He'd better consider quickly, because as soon as dinner was over, the choice would be made for him. Dez started into the castle.
"Excuse me, Dezzren?" Dez glanced back as Ellissan entered the courtyard, his fine silver robes flashing in the setting sun. "May I have a word with you?" Ellissan was one of the eldest mages not serving on the Council. Whatever he had to say was probably important.
Dez should...
