Worried, James replies, “I don’t know.” To the others he says, “When we get to Ceryn’s cabin, you continue on to The Ranch and I’ll be there later.”

“As you wish,” Jiron says.

It isn’t very far before they come to where Ceryn’s cabin lies, sitting off the road a little ways. Two horses are tied out front, neither of them are Ceryns’. “Looks like he’s got company” states Jiron.

“Looks that way,” replies James. Turning his horse toward the cabin, he says, “You all go on home. I’ll be along directly.”

“Good luck,” Miko says as he and the others continue on toward Trendle and The Ranch.

He sees a light coming from the front window as he rides up. Securing his horse to the front post next to the others, he starts walking to the door when it opens and Ceryn steps out.

“Greetings James,” he says, a smile on his face.

The fact that he’s smiling puts him at ease as he replies, “You too, Ceryn.” Extending his hand he gives him a firm handshake. “What did you need to see me about?”

“Come inside and we’ll explain,” he says as he leads him into his cabin.

“We?” James asks as he follows Ceryn in. A smile breaks across his face when he sees Perrilin sitting in a chair against one of the walls, his instrument propped up beside him. “Perrilin!” he exclaims as he comes over to greet him.

Coming to his feet, the bard asks, “Been a while hasn’t it?”

Giving him a hearty handshake as well, James nods then takes the seat across from him and asks, “What brings you around here?”

“Actually, that’s a rather interesting story…” he begins as the door to the bedroom creaks as it starts to open.

James’ attention is drawn to it. Suddenly, the door swings wide and a young man steps out. His lower jaw quivers, eyes are opened wide. “J…James?” he stammers.

Jumping to his feet, James replies in utter astonishment, “Dave?”