Chapter Five

The boy Pete Draenen followed the cloaked wizard along the trails within the treeline of the forest. This was a path he had not ever taken, and he realized he was in strange country. Unbeknownst to Pete, but not to Lefleur, silent eyes watched in the forest. There were watchers in the woods, all their minds were bent on the amulet that Lefleur possessed. Sooner or later, there would be trouble brewing.

As they crested the hill they came to a small house. The roof was simple and the building crudely constructed. A light was lit within. Slowly, the door opened, a wandering eye peeped from the shadows. "Charles... Charles, is that you?"

"Yes, Chalmers. I come to you in need of counsel and a place to rest."

The big man named Chalmers laughed heartily. "Another fix you're in, I suppose. How many is it this time?" He laughed again.

"I would have you know it's been decades since the last time I needed your assistance," the wizard retorted.

"All the same, I am glad you've kept in touch." Chalmers laughed, "Because I know you're into something foolish if you're here on some purpose or other."

"Games, must we?" said the wizard teasingly. "We have just come from Dayhue. I've brought his boy along with me for his aid."

"Chalmers is the name," said the big man, one huge hand gripped Pete's in greeting. "As you may have guessed, I'm the person Charles comes to when he's in a bind. Which he is again!" and he roared with laughter.

"Pete. Pete is my name. I want to say, I've not been in these woods in my entire life. Are they relatively safe?"

"Well, I can see that you've taken precautions," Chalmers said, gesturing at the broadsword. "You'll need it in this part of the land. There are wild creatures about,
ravenous beasts who hunt for blood. Stay on your guard here, and no mistake," he said with a hard look on his face. "It is not safe to travel here."

"The woods - what are they called?" asked Pete.

"Well stop asking questions and come inside, for Pete's sake. Hey. Wait a minute, your name is Pete, and I've just said 'for Pete's sake.' " The husky man roared again. It was apparent that he was a good-natured sort of fellow.

"I've never heard that one before," said Pete sarcastically. "But I can feel the heat within. You've a fireplace."

"Yes, many years I've lived here in comfort. But I'm a tough man and can protect myself. I'm glad you've stayed with me this night. Otherwise you might have fallen at the hands of the beasts. I assure you that you're safe with me." said Chalmers.

The wizard sat in front of the blazing fire and rubbed his hands for warmth.

--------to be continued-------