A Gandalf this guy is not. In fact, he IS a conjurer of cheap tricks. He's also a wild talent, sensing magic and all things strange and supernatural, he's able to talk to them and knows a lot about them. He can make magical barriers with a lock of hair, or a bunch of fish scales. He can curse you, or bless you, depending on his mood.
This one just overflows with imagery and story. The narrow panel adds perfectly to the drama, it could be a on a huge scale, but the 'slice' adds focus to the already tight narrative. If this we on a book cover, I'd want to read the story badly!
They are the Three River Kings. Mean dudes indeed, but he's used to this type of situation - he built a circle of fish protection and is now having a pleasant conversation with them.