The boys cleaned up the camp and stowedthe bag before taking off in search of game. They hunted for acouple of hours and finally decided to head back to town. Arik hadcaught five rabbits and Tedi three. “I said we could be partnersand split the take,” Arik began, “and I meant it.”

Tedi shook his head and laughed. “Noway, fisherboy,” he chuckled. “You may have out-hunted me today,but tomorrow it will be my turn.”

The boys laughed all of the way to theFisherman’s Inn. Master Tern was in a good mood this morning aswell, although it was already later than when Arik usually showedup and customers were already eating breakfast.

“So, we have two hunters now,eh?” quipped Esta Tern. “Show me what you’ve brought for my guests.That bag doesn’t look big enough to hold a deer.”

While Arik dumped the contents of thebag and talked with Master Tern, Tedi strode over to the doorway tothe common room. He began gazing at the strange and differentcostumes the travelers wore, wondering where they were coming fromand where they were going. So little was known about the outsideworld and most travelers were not the talkative type. His eyessettled on a dark figure in the dimly lit corner of the commonroom. Tedi focused his eyes at the dark warrior image hiding in theshadows. The stern, cold face had icy blue eyes that seemed to beconstantly scanning every person in the room without seeming tomove. He was dressed entirely in black and his outfit appeared tohave pouches sewn into it everywhere. The man could probably carrythe contents of a campsite in those pouches and not even need apack on his back. His long hair was jet black and bound into a tailthat was draped over one shoulder. The black hilt of a massivesword strapped to his back protruded over the other shoulder.Across his midsection was a wide black belt with many loops forimplements, but only a lone black knife was present now. His eyesturned on Tedi and stopped in recognition. Tedi turned and ran outof the kitchen without stopping.