I enjoyed reading Last of the First, but I did have some problems understanding Verinaar’s POV or why he was the last mage standing or why he was seen as the Mage who would do a deal for the greater good.

Unlike his predecessor, and the magi’ii who plotted against Alyiakal, Verinaar is comparatively reasonable… and a realist. First, he knows that Alyiakal could destroy him, but that Alyiakal would prefer to deal with him so long as Verinaar remains reasonable. Second, by retaining Verinaar, Alyiakal is effectively stating that he’s not out to remove mages without cause.