The door to the apothecary shop opened with a strong blast of wind that extinguished all flames in the room. Outside for some reason appeared dark as night as a shadowy figure entered. It was bent and covered in a black robe that swirled with shimmering runes that faded in and out of view as it walked. A cold chill clung to Nall, and grew stronger as the being drew closer. When it neared the counter, it raised one arm and pointed to the man. A hand appeared from the depths of the robe, bony and gnarled by more than just age. Then it spoke, its voice ancient and powerful. The apothecary could feel the echoing voice in head as much as he could hear it. Whatever was concealed in the robes, it was most likely Human once, but no longer.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">âNall Levitas, apothecary and disciple of Magewood. I have work for you.â </span>It turned its hand palm up and, as it did, a large bag appeared.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">âYou will be well compensated for your services.â</span>The creature dropped the bag on the counter and lowered its hand again. The sack landed with the clatter of coins. Over a dozen gold pieces, far less than the bag clearly held, spilled out from the impact.<br/><br/>-------------------------------<br/><br/>Masakoâs two captors shrugged and turned from the cage back to the gathering crowd in the square. The shorter one commented, his back still to her<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#8080ff">âDonât go using that spear âtil you are well away from the guards if you put any value on your life.â</span>After that, he was quiet as he eyed people who passed by. Her partial cooperation was good enough for them.<br/><br/>It wasnât long before her singing started to attract attention, a lot of attention. After a few minutes a sizeable crowd had gathered by the make-shift stall. People started outbidding each other over the beautiful woman. Market guards stepped in the keep a few fights from breaking up. Before long, the short man and his taller associate had a bag of money in hand and were on their way out of Seranto.<br/><br/>A broad shouldered man with a thick studded leather brigandine, black knee-high boots, and a long sword on each hip was left with the ownership papers. He stood before the opened cage with a long leather cord in his hands. He strode confidently towards Masako.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00">âYou belong to me now girl. Donât think of trying anything funny.â</span>His confidence was perhaps well earned as he seemed the type who had seen his way through a number of battles.<br/><br/>-------------------------------<br/><br/>The young man put away his bow and arrow and drew a dagger from his boot. He slowly started to climb the tree, eyes still alert as he searched the branches. After a few feet, he noticed the flowers of the staff, an oddity among the mighty oakâs branches.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#00bf00">âSince you arenât coming down, Iâm coming up. I donât know if you understand me or not, but if you do, I want you to know I donât mean to hurt you.â</span>He cautiously worked his way up the mammoth trunk. The Oak had clearly been growing there for many generations.