The boy Pete Draenen awoke and looked about him. He was in Mr. LaFleur's friend Chalmers' house, and he saw Chalmers making some eggs over a small stove.
"Ah, you're awake!" said the wizard LaFleur. "I'm glad. We have a few things to discuss..."
"Er, over breakfast, of course!" said Chalmers with a grin. "I wouldn't have it known that I would let you both run off without it," he said, roaring with laughter.
"I like this fellow Chalmers," said Pete. "He's always in good spirits!" He moved closer and took a plate from Chalmers, and began to eat. "Aren't you going to eat?" he asked LaFleur.
"Well, I already have," said the wizard, "and now, I have important information to share, regarding the next step of our journey." The wizard sat down in a comfortable chair. "First, it is of the utmost importance that we ride out of these woods before nightfall. Were we to risk another night here, we would surely face the evil things which dwell in the forest here. Even though we could hold them off, it is still important also that we move further away. Next, you must know that we may be followed. We must press on, and make haste. Thirdly, we must disguise our trail so that we can shake someone off our trail. I will provide as much cloaking power as I can, but we will need to take additional steps, which I will detail when the time comes."
"I have to admit this is an adventure I never would have thought would happen to me," said Pete. "I am very excited to go along with you, Mr. LeFleur. But what is this cloaking power you are talking about?" he asked with a puzzled look.
"Yes, Pete. I will tell you when the time comes. You must trust me and know that time is of the essence, and that I will let you know once we are beyond danger. Just remember, for now, that things are well in control and I have high hopes for our journey. But be careful. The creatures will be watching, and you must be on your guard," the wizard said, extending a long finger towards the broadsword. "You must act swiftly and surely if anything should come to pass. I needed you for this purpose, and to make sure that I had adequate protection."
"There isn't a man who has ever bested me in my training with the sword," said Pete, elevating his chin a bit. "I'm by your side, through thick and thin, you can count on me should danger come. I'm not too afraid, but I am a little bit," he said with a sheepish grin.
"As you should be," said Chalmers with a cold look in his eyes. "Here me now, Pete! These creatures are ravenous and merciless. Some say they serve a dark master. Minions of his majesty the Dark One. Others don't believe these stories, and think the old ways of the past have died out. But the old magic is still alive, and well even here among the woods-dwelling tribe you saw last night. I have seen the magic used to smite some of the creatures. It is very powerful. But so are these creatures. Be on your guard, at all times, with a careful eye."
With that, Pete had some of the courage drain away, and he thought warily that he must try as much as he could to be strong. He wasn't sure he liked this bit about the magic and the creatures. Their power seemed to threaten him, and his bones were cold within him as he contemplated the future.
"And we go now, Pete," said the wizard, once the boy had finished his breakfast. "We must fly with due speed out of the reaches of this treacherous forest. Come."
They went outside and mounted their horses. Chalmers went up to the wizard and gave him a wink of the eye. "Here I give you two things, LeFleur. The first is a vanishing agent," he said, handing a small vial with a cap at the end to the wizard. "And the second is the Gift of Annuil, which was given to me by the last elf who stayed near here." he handed a small medallion to the wizard. "Use it when you need help the most. Others will hear you then."
Next he stepped to the boy, who was mounted on his horse. "Remember Pete, this broadsword may come in handy, but I have something here within the cabin. He walked inside, and came back with a gleaming shield. "This shield will protect you when the time comes for swordfighting." He handed it to Pete, who was glad to accept it. "Keep my old friend company. Don't stray too far. These woods can swallow a man up. Remember to be on your guide." He winked at the boy.
"Thanks, Chalmers," said the wizard. "And now we ride! Farewell, old friend! With that, he took off on his horse, followed by Pete Draenen on his mount, through the forest.
