“Well, there is no doubt abouther breath,” chuckled Esta. “That woman eats more onions than aregood for a person. I’ll let you go meet with your father, but Iwant to know what is going on.”

“Master Tern,” Arik began,“the reason that I came to you is to lead her away from us beforeshe can do any harm. We know that she has been asking everyone intown where we live and she seems determined to get her questionsanswered. Tedi and I plan to spread the word that we left town tothe north to seek adventure. We hope that she will try to follow usand leave Lorgo.”

“You’re still a bit this sideof a man to be adventuring off,” scolded the innkeeper.

“We don’t plan on reallyleaving, Master Tern,” Arik added quickly. “We’ve had enoughadventure already. We just want to get rid of the witch before shecaptures us or our fathers in that spell again.”

“That cuts pretty close to alie,” admonished Esta.

“It is a lie,” admitted Arik.“I also lied to her about my age. I told her I was fourteen. Idon’t know why, but I get the feeling of just wanting to be rid ofher. Master Tern, I really don’t know what to do about her. I knowshe means me harm and I’ve never done anything to her. I’m hopingthat my father can help me when he arrives.”

“I’m not sure why, Arik,”responded Master Tern, “but I believe you think what you’re sayingis true. I won’t lie for you, though. The woman started questioningme and I refused to answer her. I will do that again. You run alongand meet with your father and tell him that I want to know what isreally going on.”

“Certainly, Master Tern,”replied Arik. “You could honestly tell her that I said we wereleaving town. If she is not really after me, she won’t follow. Iwill go to my father and he will let you know what is goingon.”