Audio Read-Along:
Recap: Jerard the wizard is currently racing through the forest, underpants flying in the breeze, fleeing the disturbing scene where he found a dead body.
(Click here to read from the beginning)
Eloise knelt at the forest's edge, sifting through the damp underbrush for herbs. She inhaled the earthy fragrance, enjoying the unusual stillness.
CRASH!
With a yelp, she tumbled to the ground, struck by something heavy. She screeched as Jerard's gangly frame collided with her in the darkness. Struggling to her feet, her chestnut hair tangled with leaves, she gasped, "Sorry, I didn't see you there."
"Don't apologize, silly girl. I'm the one who hit you," grumbled the old man, emerging from a pile of blue wizard's robes. Eloise helped him up, and his tone softened.
"I was attempting a quick blink—teleportation, you know—and I'm afraid I rather overshot my mark. Was aiming just to clear the brook over there."
He brushed the mud off his shabby robes, frayed at the hems and patched in several places. "You shouldn't be out here alone. It's not safe. I just stumbled upon something... troubling. You should head back to town and fetch help."
Eloise shook her head, a stubborn glint in her eye. "I’ve waited weeks to collect this rue. I won’t be able to come back until the next crescent moon. What’s happened anyway? I can help. I'm not easily scared."
Jerard rolled his eyes. Young people. "It's dangerous. And disturbing."
"Then it's good I found you. Lead the way, sir."
Jerard sighed and looked around anxiously. "Very well. We're better off together. Stay close and keep quiet. I'm Jerard, by the way."
"I know who you are. The Old Alchemist of Aerie Bluff. I'm Eloise."
"Hmph."
They walked through the dark underbrush to a moonlit clearing. There, sprawled before a gnarled tree, lay a body. Eloise squeezed his arm tightly as they approached. She gasped, "Oh no… It's Elsbeth."
He glanced sideways at her but saw determination in her eyes, not fear. Good. She might be able to handle this.
He looked down at the body and realized that he too recognized her—Elsbeth had been on the town council for years. Once, she had sided with him in a dispute over a goat. He bowed his head.
“Oy!” A sharp voice cut through the night.
They turned to see a man emerging from the mist, lantern in hand. It was a guardsman, with a strong brow, prominent nose, and grey eyes. He wore a brigandine with his Lord’s insignia. His hand moved to his sword hilt, eyes narrowing as he surveyed Jerard, Eloise, and the lifeless elder on the forest floor.