The man entered my bedroom, how I was not sure. I only knew that there had been no one in my room earlier that day, and yet at the stroke of midnight he came out of the shadows, decked in a dark emerald robe that looked almost black with a sword strapped across his back and a bow slung across his shoulders. He looked bred for war. When he spoke, it was with purpose and determination, as though he hoped that what he said I would hear his meaning plain as day. I listened, trapped in the corner of my room with nowhere to go, and no weapons to help me should he prove to be dangerous.

“You are a liar.” He spoke the words, though they contained no malice. No accusation. They were a simple fact. Spoken without malice, without anger, without any harshness that is usually associated with those four simple words.

I waited, struggling not to stare at him. I knew that staring was rude, and others did not appreciate it. I was not disappointed, as he continued speaking a moment later.

“You lie not because you like doing so, and not because it’s to ‘save your own ass’, but because you feel as though you must cover your tracks. You lie to protect others. You lie to create stories, ones that others may or may not be able to disprove. And you have been getting better at it more and more, have you not?” He questioned, and I shrugged, not really knowing the answer to that one. “You lie because you wish to do what you lie about. You lie because you feel as though it is one of the few things you are capable of doing well. Your lying is not wrong, nor right. It is simply who and what you are. A liar.”

I finally found a question.

“And?” I asked, hoping for a good answer as to why I did what I did.

“And that is not all that you do. You are also a dreamer. You dream of places, places filled with monsters. You look at areas that few rarely look because you are curious, and because you sense danger. There are things that you know you cannot see, yet you look in those areas…both hoping and dreading in the possibility of seeing them. You are hoping for something to happen, but you also don’t want whatever it is to happen because you fear yourself. You are a liar and a coward.” He informed me.

Again, he was not insulting me. He was simply stating fact. How I knew this, I did not know, but I did know that I knew he was leading up to something.

“So,” I said finally, giving up on not staring at him. He looked like he was outfitted for a war. A sword at his side, bow at his back, a quiver of arrows that was hid beneath his robe, and probably even more weapons that I couldn’t see.

“You are also strong. Others find you weak, because you keep to yourself. You keep to yourself because you know it’s the only way to protect those that you care about.” He paused. “You’re a liar, a coward, and a loner. Three traits.” The last two words were spoken so softly, I wasn’t sure if I had even heard them. I decided to ignore those two words, and concentrate on the rest of what he’d said.

“What of it?” I asked, watching him puzzled. “What are you leading up to? What is it that you want that you felt you had to sneak into my room and attack me at knife point?” I demanded, feeling suddenly cross and irritated. “Why can’t you just tell me what you want?” I asked, crossly.

He seemed to deliberate for a few moments, before finally nodding his head.

“Very well. You have the perfect qualities to become part of the Rangers.” He informed me, and I blinked.

“Are you serious?” I asked, incredulously. “Rangers are honorable, not to mention strong, and smart.”

“They also keep to themselves, must be able to create stories to protect themselves upon the spot, and travel long distances without needing the company of others.” He pointed out coolly. “You seem to enjoy the woods, as much as other areas. You are also fascinated by magic, people, swords, and the sky. You have the perfect qualities that we seek in Rangers.”

“We. Who is ‘we’?” I asked, confused.

“Myself, and the Rangers of the King.” He countered.

“What King? There hasn’t been a King anywhere for at least a hundred and fifty years, if not more!” I protested, frowning. He sighed.

“I am from another world, young one.” He informed me. “I come through a magical portal that was created by that of a wizard who seeks to help build up the King’s Army. We are in dire need of strong men and women. But in order to bring you to our world, I must kill your body here. Your spirit will be inside your body, but I have something to save it.” He informed me, studying me intently.

“Death doesn’t bother me, only the manner in which I die.” I said softly, and he nodded once.

“Aye, another quality for a Ranger,” He said, understandingly. “Now then. The body that awaits you is back at my world. My world is different from this one. It doesn’t have the books you are used to. It doesn’t have the games or foods you are familiar with. It is very different, and I fear you will take some time in getting used to it. And yet…the King needs his rangers. The King needs you.” He said seriously.

I frowned.

“If you got here, why not take some of our things with you there?” I wondered, ignoring that last line, though goosebumps rose up on my arms at the words of being needed. Rarely did anyone truly need me for something that important.

“The wizard said that it was something about balances. You may pack a few keepsake items with you, and I will carry them with me, along with your soul, for when we reach my world.” He suggested, and I nodded.

“Yeah. Am I allowed to take some of my books with me?” I asked, hesitantly, and he nodded once.

“You may pack as much as you can carry,” He informed me, and I sighed. I was going to have to pick and choose which books to take. “I will give you an hour to do so. I assume this means you wish to be a King’s Ranger?” He questioned, and I nodded. “Good, then. Prepare as you will, I will go outside, and wait.”

“Would you like anything to eat or drink while you wait?” I asked, and he shook his head. I nodded, and once he was gone, I moved rapidly.

I didn’t bother with the clothes, though I did pack my belt and a few fuzzy warm socks that I thought I would be able to trade later. I wished to pack my computer, but instead deleted all of my stories that I’d written over the last few years. I then made my bed neatly, and placed my laptop on top of it.

After that, I went and snagged my Lord of the Rings Trilogy book, as well as the Hobbit. I wished I had the other books that went with this series, unfortunately I had never managed to get the others. I also picked up three more books. The herbal book that I had gotten from a bookstore that was filled with information. My journal and all the pens and pencils that I could stuff into my dufflebag. Two of my other favorite books, and I looked longingly at my Harry Potter series, but finally just shrugged and stuffed it as tight into the duffle as I could. I then packed the Chronicles of Narnia series, since it was small, and finally I packed Eragorn series, and the Dark is Rising series. That should keep me busy, I mused.

I then went downstairs, carrying the duffle with me, and stuffed the mixed teas into the dufflebag, remembering that teas were important. I added a Ziploc full of sugar, and I stuffed in the last of the candy bars. I added the pop tarts and a few of the knifes from the counter that I thought I could trade for something better as well. I also packed the few things from the bathroom that I could manage into a Ziploc bag. All the important things.

Then I checked things over one more time, added a bit more paper to my journal and a few more of my blank notebooks and colored pencils, and finally figured that it was past time. I was done. I’d gotten everything that I needed.

“I think I’ve got everything,” I told him, and he nodded. “Hey. What’s your name anyway?” I asked, frowning.

“My name in the dwarven tongue is Hammerfall. The Elves call name me Lightfoot. Amongst the menfolk of the North I am known as-” For a moment, I almost thought that he was going to say ‘Strider’. “Shadow.”

“Dwarves? Elves?” I asked, eagerly. “Really? Will I be able to see them?” I asked, hopefully. He chuckled.

“Perhaps,” He informed me, seriously. “Now,” He withdrew his blade, and it shined beneath the light. “Are you ready?”

I hesitated.

And then I said quietly,

“Death is but the next great adventure. And I am not exactly dying, am I?” I asked, and he grinned.

“I like that,” He murmured softly. “Death is but the next great adventure…and you will surely have the adventure of a lifetime.” He informed me, and then he swung.

~*~*~*~ 

When I woke, I groaned feeling achy all over. I also felt…weird. Like I wasn’t in my body, but it was my body because I was able to move and do what I commanded it to.

“How are you faring?”

I started, and jerked upwards, taken by surprise. I looked at him, blinking in confusion-before memory returned.

“Like I got run through by a sword.” I told him, and he smiled even as I saw my bag at my feet. “Oh, cool. Thanks,” I said, swinging it onto my shoulders, so that I could start carrying it. He halted me from doing so.

“You are naked,” He informed me, dryly. If only clothes could be involved. Goosebumps were rising on my arms as the wind stirred, and for the first time I took note of where we were, ignoring my new body until later. It didn’t feel that much different after all.

Woods were surrounding the pair of us. Trees were tall-very tall. Taller than I’d ever seen them before, and a part of me danced happily at that. The ground was very firm, and slightly cold. There were mountains far from us, but still looked close enough that I could make out more than just the faint outline of them. Fields were scattered in front of the mountains, and behind us were more trees and woods…and a road.

“Where are we?” I asked, frowning at the surrounding area.

“We are a week’s journey away from Barton, a small village in the north,” He informed me. “We can trade stuff there later, if we must.” He added, looking concerned. “I have spare clothes, but they may be a bit big on you.”

I nodded, and he quickly handed me the clothes. I required some assistance, of which he obviously had prepared for that, and soon I was dressed in en’s pants, a semi-loose shirt, and really nice boots that seemed new. He then handed me a sword. I accepted it, frowning.

“Rangers are required to carry swords as well as bows and arrows. Unfortunately, I do not have a spare bow and arrow kit for you, but we will try to pick some up in Barton.” He informed me, seriously.

“I’m not all that familiar with a sword. I know how to use one, to a point, but I’ve never practiced with anyone.” I said, stuffing it into my belt with the sheath. He nodded understanding.

“Which is why, before we go to sleep at night, we will begin practicing doing such.” He agreed, and I withheld a sigh. Barely in this body, and already we were setting up stuff. Speaking of…

“Whose body was this?” I asked, glancing down. I didn’t look bad. A bit thin, but with training and all, it would gain muscle in no time, as I it appeared that I was still in my teens in this body. I had yet to see what I really looked like. Now I was wishing that I had thought to bring a mirror. At least I had grabbed what rope I could, along with the other tools that I knew we would likely need.

He shrugged, seemingly uninterested.

“The wizard said that the body belonged to a young orphan, who gave his life for the wizard. The wizard promised to keep the body in good repair, and give it to one who would treat it well.” He informed me. I frowned.

“Who is this wizard?” I asked, confused.

“His real name is unpronounceable to humans, therefore we call him Zarrack.” He explained. We were already walking at this point, and I was eating one of my candy bars, as I was in a new body, and I was starving. He’d handed me bread and cheese, which I accepted, and I had my large bottle of tea from home.

No.

Not home.

My old world.

This was home, now. This was the place that I would call home. Do not think of the past, I told myself sternly, and he seemed to sense that I wasn’t listening to him, for he said gently,

“Are you already regretting your new life?”

“Not regretting. Just…it’s confusing.” I said, and he laughed. “What?”

“Life is always confusing,” He said, amused. “Now then. We need a name for you. We can’t just call you ‘ranger’, though that would be good enough for me. What name would you like, young one?” He asked, and I considered.

I thought through all the names, thinking of using ‘Frodo’ even. I liked the name ‘Will’, but it was…too easy. I also liked the name ‘Theory, ‘Gallegos, ‘Aaron’, ‘Benjamin’…

“Tarian,” I said suddenly, and he blinked. “Ian, for short.” I added, and he chuckled.

“Do you realize what your name means, in the elven tongue, young Ian?” He asked, and I shook my head. “Tarian means ‘traveler’.” He informed me.

I blinked, and then laughed. Of course it did.

~*~*~*~ 

We reached the city of Bardona within a week. I was exhausted, and more than eager to sleep inside a building. I had learned that I was to call him ‘Reech’, an easy enough name to remember. Within the city of Bardona, it looked to contain mostly humans, though there were some awfully short humans that looked like they could be dwarves. I was to keep close at  side at all times, and I knew that there was a good reason for it.

Finally we reached a place called The Arrow’s Mark, and went in out of the light rain that was pouring down. I felt like it was more of a ‘Prancing Pony’ place, and we went to sit out near the fire, in the back corner where we had a perfect view of the place.

“Stay here,” Reech ordered me, and I nodded as I sat, my back to the corner of the wall, putting the bag in my lap. I wasn’t stupid enough to put it on the floor out of sight, and I wanted to keep my things longer than just a week. Reech looked to be speaking to the manager, or at least one of the employees at the counter, an elderly looking man who looked cheerful enough.

A big, buff man stepped in front of my view suddenly, and seemed to stare at me intently. I simply stared back at him, not instigating, not saying anything to upset or anger him. He stared at me for a good long while, and I got a sense of…darkness…about him that made me uneasy.

Finally, just as I was getting to the point of thinking of calling for Reech, he turned and left. A few seconds after Reech joined me at the table.

“Who was that?” Reech asked, frowning at the man who had all but vanished out of the area.

“I don’t know,” I said, hiding my unease. “Did you get what you needed?”

“Aye. The manager, Abel, says that we can have a room here for tonight, as long as you don’t go causing any trouble. Rooms are free for the King’s men,” He informed me, and I blinked.

“Oh. That’s good then. Shall we order something to eat?” I asked, and he chuckled.

“I have already done so,” He admitted, and I grinned at that. After wandering the streets for a bit and getting the lay of the land; we spent the night at the Arrow’s Mark, and we both shared a room, though had two beds. I read some of my books, keeping my things close to me. I also had my only jewelry that I had packed as well, thinking to trade it for something more special.

The next morning we both got up almost at the same time, though I got up a bit after he did. He was already dressed, and looked surprised when I woke up.

“I was just about to wake you,” He informed me, sounding amused. “Would you like some hot breakfast? There’s plenty downstairs. I believe they are serving eggs, sausage, toast, and bacon.”

“Please,” I said, yawning. “Tea to drink,” I added, and he nodded once moving to get us a table. I quickly dressed, putting all my things into my bag, and debating about what to do with it-when he returned, and was holding the door open for a pretty serving girl carrying a tray laden with food.

I hastily went to help her, but she held me back.

“Nay, good sir, I’m perfectly fine, though I thank you for your help.” She said with a laugh. “I’ve had much practice of this, and so long as the floor doesn’t shake and rumble from a downstairs bar fight, I think I can get this safely to your table.” She said, her eyes sparkling with humor.

“Are you sure?” I asked, even as Reech was rolling his eyes.

“Ignore the lad. He’s lived his life doing such chores. While he’s polite and kind in wanting to assist, he knows nothing about how people hate letting others do their own work without getting anything in return.” Reech informed her.

“Oh,” The girl said, looking at me curiously. “I thought you were a noble lad, you looked…well, you seem like you could be a young Lord, especially with that beautiful sword that you carry. What’s the sword’s name?” She asked, and I answered slowly, testing it’s new name out that I’d given it last night.  

“Frydo,” I’d come up with the name after much thought, it being a cross between ‘fire’ and ‘frodo’. It looked like an elven sword, with the nice designs that were wrapped around it, and it seemed like a good enough name for a sword.

“A good name,” Reech observed.

“Almost elvish, isn’t it?” The girl asked, curiously. Just then, a woman’s voice screeched from downstairs, and the girl shouted back loudly, making both Reech and I wince at the unexpectedly loud noise.

“COMING!” She hollered. “I SAID I’m COMING!” She scowled. “Apologies, sirs. Here,” She quickly set the tray down on the bed nearest her, and hastily began moving towards the door. “I’ll be back to see if you need anything else, goodsirs. Please, enjoy your breakfast!” She called, as she dashed down the stairs.

“And I’m sure we will,” Reech said wryly, and I grinned. After a hasty breakfast, we quickly packed our things and prepared to leave. I was rather protective of the few things from my old world, and I was still struggling to get used to my new body as well. It was quite…weird. But in a good way. I felt that I was slowly getting comfortable with it.

“We will head to the market first. You need a bow and arrows, as well as gloves and a handful of other small things that I think we’ll need for the journey.” Reech observed, as we strolled out of the Arrow’s Mark, the girl I’d spoken to waving goodbye as we left.

“You never did tell me-where are we going?” I asked, curiously.

“We are out to seek Wizard Zarrack. It was said that the last place he was in was the Tower of Gildarn, home of Wizards and Magicians, and all those that wish to practice magic. It is a good month away, provided we are not besieged by bandits or other such nuisances.” He said, scowling at the thought.

“Gildarn,” I murmured, memorizing the word as best as I could on the spot. “Alright.”

We approached what appeared to be a small market, with a handful of stalls scattered about. We hastily moved towards the stall with the knives that were there. I bought a handful of them, despite some of them looking rather poor. Reech looked approving as I stuffed the knives in various places of my clothes and shoes. The stall manager merely looked bored, as though he’d seen it done a hundred times.

Then he looked taken aback when I stuffed a knife down my back, tying it with my hair. For a lad, my hair was a bit long, and probably needed a cut soon, I thought to myself absentmindedly. He actually gaped at me as I was struggling to get it settled, and then grinned.

“There. How’s that look?”

Even Reech looked thoughtful as he purchased a few extra knives, as well as some leather.

I then purchased a bow and arrow kit, two quiver full of arrows that looked wickedly sharp, a lock-pick set that I tucked around my waist to study later, a quarterstaff that would also prove to be a walking stick, and finally a spare satchel as I was running out of room to put things in.

“All that extra weight might not be a good idea,” Reech informed me. “It will make it harder to walk long distances without tiring out.”

“But it’ll build muscle, won’t it? And help make me grow more. I’m like a twig,” I said, glancing at myself in annoyance. “Even the wind could easily blow me away.”

He chuckled, and didn’t disagree.

We went from stall to stall. I bought maps, a couple of books even, and some food. Reech bought whatever he felt that he needed-some odd looking stones, spare food, a couple of extra canteens filled with wine and water, and then it was time to be off.

“We’ll stop by two more places before we leave,” Reech informed me, and I nodded. We made it to a fairly good sized building near the edge of town, and Reech knocked on the door three times. Almost instantly, the door opened, and an elderly looking woman was standing there, her skin so wrinkled, it looked like it could be peeled off.

“Reech,” She said, eyeing him with amusement. “It has been a long time,”

“Fara,” He responded quickly, a bright grin on his face-the first that I’d seen, and it made quite a difference. I blinked at seeing it, and half-smiled as well, feeling that whoever this woman was, she was obviously important to him. “May we come in?”

“Of course,” She responded, moving aside. Reech stepped in, and I followed him looking around the place curiously. Herbs were everywhere-hanging from the ceiling, even, and I could feel them crunch underneath my new leather boots. The place smelled wonderful…like peppermint tea. The fire was cackling in the fireplace, and every so often a pop would sound.

“Who’s the lad, Reech? You don’t usually travel with men this young,” Fara said, eyeing me with interest.

“This is Tarian, he’s an apprentice Ranger.” Reech said quietly, and her eyes went wide. “Yes, I know.” He said, to some unasked question. “Don’t worry, I plan to train him well. But based on what I’ve seen so far, he is already doing better than even I had thought.”

“Reech. There has not been a new Ranger in…” She hesitated, glancing at me as I was examining her books. “Young man,” She told me sharply. “I have a well out back. Please fetch me a bucket of water.”

I hid a wince. Wells were…disturbing. Especially when you couldn’t see the bottom of them. She gave me a sharp look, and I responded as politely as I could,

“Yes, ma’am.”

She blinked at that, but I turned in the direction she had pointed to go and fetch the water. I knew that she just wanted to talk to Reech privately, but that didn’t annoy me. The well loomed, looking ominous as I reached for the bucket that hung over it. I attached it as well as I could, and began lowering it down, struggling not to look at the bottom of the well. I could feel the darkness seething, rumbling, turning over and over and trying to get towards the light. There were things in the darkness…shapes that loomed…laughed as they saw me, and taunted me-

The bucket was finally at the top of the well, filled with water. With shaking hands, I quickly unhooked it, and left the well-without turning my back. I walked backwards carefully, studying the well intently, but the darkness remained where it was. Finally feeling as though I was at a safe distance, I turned around and nearly crashed into the back porch fence. Muttering curses under my breath, I moved up the steps and into Fara’s house.

“-sees darkness that no one else does, do you realize?” Fara was asking.

“Yes,” Reech’s voice was grim. “I realize. That’s part of why we are traveling to Zarrack as fast as possible. He is strong. Stronger than I have never seen before. I fear for him, Fara, and I would have you do a Reading, if possible.” He insisted.

She sighed.

“I brought the water,” I said, raising my voice as I came in from the back. My hands were shaking slightly, though I tried to hide that as well as I could.

“Thank you, young man.” She said, sounding gentle. “I hope that it was not to taxing.”

I blinked at that, uncertain as to what to say in return. She took the water from me, and set it next to the fire.

“Sit. I wish to cast the bones for you,” She instructed me. I noticed that Reech had moved well back to the front door, and I frowned but sat as she had told me to. She took out a bag, and sat in front of me, her knees against the floor and her feet behind her.

She shook the bag three times before tossing it onto the floor. Instantly a handful of bones were scattered about, and they seemed to shape into something, though I couldn’t describe what it was. I just knew that it was powerful.

She seemed momentarily frozen as she stared at the bones, looking shocked.

“Fara?” Reech asked, cautiously, and she shook her head for a moment, before she began to speak.

“You come from a different world, traveler, and you seek more still. You dream and dream, but you know not what you dream. Your way lies darkness, misery, war and death. You will learn to fight, much sooner than you think-oh, you may think you know how to fight now, but you will not know enough, for there are those who are far, far stronger than you could ever imagine.” She breathed, sounding grim.

I felt frozen, listening to her words with a sense of dread, as though I already knew what she was going to say, and couldn’t prevent her from saying it.

“You will encounter a great enemy, one that could destroy the very world you live in. You will encounter fantastical creatures, ones thought long extinct. You will bond with a prince, one who may or may not prove to be your downfall. You will find the greatest love in your life. You will be powerful, deadly, and desirable to all you encounter. And you will travel and see more than you have ever dreamed.” She paused, and I got the sense she was reaching the end.

“You will one day find a treasure, something that must be protected at all costs. You will have to guard it, with your life. For if the enemy captures it, then all will fall.” She had barely uttered the words, before a new voice joined in, this one giving me goosebumps, and I could see Reech looking stunned into disbelief. “The Destroyer will Rise Again, and all shall fear Him! He will know the true meaning of night, and he will triumph over all the lands! The Destroyer of Magic has come! He has come-and he seeks your souls!”

A horrific scream came tearing out of Fara, and suddenly dark shadows were coming from her mouth and eyes and nose as well as the fire place. I fell backwards, knocking the stones across the floor, and panicking at the monsters actually coming towards me-

Without warning all of them vanished abruptly when the door opened, and light flooded into the room. Fara fell backwards, unconscious. I looked to see that Reech had flung open the door, letting the light come pouring in where it was needed most. He helped me to my feet.

“Are you alright?” Reech asked me, and I nodded. “Never have I seen Fara give such a powerful Reading,” He muttered, looking uneasy.

“Should I…” I hesitated, unsure of what to say or do. I was sure that this was somehow all my fault, but I had no way of knowing how. All of it was nothing like the books that I’d read about. But then again, this wasn’t the books. Often, I’d fantasized about living in one of my favored books, such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter or Narnia. Often, I’d dreamed about going to familiar written places, imagining meeting people that I felt that I already knew.

I didn’t know anyone here.

Not even Reech.

Finally, in the end, I just decided to remain quiet and help Reech help Fara as best as he could. I could only trust that Reech knew what he was doing, that I wasn’t going to wind up being just a pawn in his schemes, or his leader’s schemes, or…anything else. I was having a hard time concentrating on the fact that I was here, that this was actually happening.

And I had the feeling that it was about to get worse. After cleaning things up, and making sure that she was okay, we left Fara’s that evening. She didn’t remember the casting much at all, only that she had cast.

“Do not tell me what I have cast, not unless I specifically asked to be reminded,” She told me gently, as I opened my mouth to ask questions. I shut it with a snap, and she smiled. “I know you are confused, and you are likely as lost as a kitten atop a tree. But one day, I am sure, you will find balance. You will find the answers that you have been seeking.”

“Has Reech?” I asked, glancing to where he was checking the horses that he’d purchased. I was nervous about riding-I’d only ever ridden once, and those were ponies when I was six in a tiny circle back on my old world. I barely remembered even doing that, but it hadn’t been all that pleasant an experience.

She chuckled.

“Sharp lad, aren’t you? Reech has found some of the answers he sought, but not all.” She admitted, her brow furrowing as she glanced at him. “He still seeks that which he cannot have,”

“Which is?” I asked, curiously.

She smiled her mysterious smile, and Reech finally came over just as I was about to repeat the question.

“We’re ready. Fara, as always, it was lovely meeting you,” Reech said, and she grinned.

“You better come and see me more often, boy,” She told Reech. “I may still look as beautiful as ever, but I’m getting old, you great irritating ranger,”

He chuckled, and we were on our way. I turned to wave goodbye as we were nearing the end of the area where her house was visible-

And stared when I found that it had completely vanished.

~*~*~*~ 

A few hours into traveling, and I got to thinking about the whole ‘three traits’ thing. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense-after all, a lot of people at my old world had those traits. I could think of several that would fit the bill perfectly, and so I blurted out,

“Why just those three traits? You know there’s a lot more people with traits like that out there,” I asked.

He sighed.

“Truthfully, it’s not just those three traits, but it helps to have those,” He agreed, and glanced around. “Let’s stop for lunch, and I’ll explain.”

We set the horses in a thicket nearby; that was also next to a small stream, where he filled his canteen with water, as I did. Then we were parking against a comfy tree, and he began to pull out food, talking as he did so.

“The three traits-you remember them?”

“A loner, thief, and coward,” I answered, frowning. I bit into an excellent piece of strong cheese, and waited patiently for him to continue.

“There are other traits as well that aren’t mentioned at first-honor, is one of them. Intelligence is another. Capable of surviving in any environment. Able to spot trouble at a glance.” He sighed. “I watched you for close to a year, lad, and you possessed all the qualities I was searching for. And you are not so great a coward as you think you are, which is exactly why I picked you.”

I blinked, but said nothing-mostly because of the excellent food that I was busy eating. A few moments later, and he said around a mouthful of ham,

“Perhaps you would like a story of how you came to be needed?”

I nodded eagerly. I always loved stories, especially ones that were interesting and full of magic. He smiled, obviously sensing this.

“Another quality, but one I had picked for myself-a bookworm,” He noted quietly, making me smile as he did so. Then he shook his head, cleared his throat, and began.

~*~