The Watcher in the Woods navigated the thick forest with ease and found the Man in Black and Bailiwick camped under the canopy of a Thyme Tree. Sage brush grew all around the massive tree and provided fragrant boughs for the highwayman and sorcerer’s fire. Bailiwick drew on a briar pipe and the Man in Black rolled some locally grown tobacco. The Red-headed stranger, Waymore, and Straight Arrow sat at another fire and filled the air with folksy music with a cither, juice harp, and banjo. Highwaymen sat around and tapped along with the songs. Beeyo the Kobold leader gathered with a group of ten of his underlings in the periphery of the noisy camp. A big man was tied to a tree near the group’s horses. Three Kobolds taunted him. An exact visage of the man sat with Bailiwick and the Man in Black.
The Watcher approached the Man in Black and reported, “They have fallen back toward Jack’s Refuge.”
p-Jack interrupted, “They won’t find old Jack there.”
The Man in Black muttered, “I tolerate you because Bailiwick insists you are valuable to us. Yet you let a fake Mayard Klarje slip through your hands, and worse yet, our attack simply killed one of your ilk. I’d say you’re not of much account and nigh worthless to us.”
p-Jack replied, “Well, I did bring old Jack to you and filled his shoes.”
The Man in Black said, “I never had a problem with Jack Taylor until now. He allowed my men to use his facilities. Having you available to spy on the goings on between the mines and Gnome-town hasn’t borne much fruit.”
p-Jack said, “I did let my colleague walk. He was fooling the Gnomes. I thought he might ultimately be an asset. I tried to get here and warn you of the deception. The attack came before I got here. ****** horse came up lame! Well, then here’s a tidbit for you. Mayard Klarje does travel with them. It’s the kid.”
The Man in Black guffawed, “Balderdash! I spared that kid years ago! He’s just a prestidigitator at best.”
p-Jack said, “Not that one! The young sorcerer! He bears the mark of the Klarjes. For whatever reason, Mayard is traveling in the guise of his nephew. The Gnomes thought the Shapechanger was Mayard. I guest they know the truth now.”
benjamintowe 