Trish smiled at him. "Nope, I didn’t eat yet, so I guess we can go after you introduce this man to your father. Oh, by the way, nice to meet you, Jared. I am Trishtan Addison. I have known Ned since we were little kids."

Jared took her hand gently and kissed the back of it lightly. "Nice to meet you too, dear; my name is Jared Bandson."

She smiled once more at the tall, aged man. "Well, Ned, come pick me up at home after you are done."

"Better yet," Ned began. "Why don’t you come with us and then we can go to Jeremiah’s Tavern right from there." He looked over her shoulder at some of the men already beginning to prepare for the fests. "We should have time before I have to help set up."

"Alright," she replied.

They finally made it to the book keep. Ned pushed open the door to reveal a graying man, reading a book through polished spectacles. Shelf after shelf behind him was filled with books, of all sorts: books of history, map books, and books of old folk lore among others. "Dad, I have returned." The man lifted his head and smiled. He then looked to who Ned had with him, not the girl but the man. He gave a reluctant smile, trying to conceal the worry he had over the man. "Father, I have brought a man who wished to visit your book keep from the forest. This man’s name is Jared Bandson; he saved my life from a nimmer. Jared, this is my father Gordd." Jared showed a sly grin to Gordd. "I am going with Trish to Jeremiah’s tavern to get something to eat. After that, I will have to go set up for the festivals. If you need to speak with me you can find me outside setting up." He took Trish’s hand in his own, Gordd waiting patiently for them to leave, and they walked out of the door.

"Well, if it isn’t the Keeper of Fate, himself." Gordd proclaimed.
"Yes, it is I. I have come to talk with you about important matters."

"Every time you have important matters to tell, it has to do with something bad." He joked, knowing that it was probably something bad. The Keeper of Fate never gave out news that was good. "Come. Let us talk in the backroom."

Gordd went and locked the front door of the shop. He led the other man through a doorway in back part of the shop, then through a long hallway, which led to many different rooms. Finally, they turned left into a room; empty pretty much, except for a desk and two chairs. The room across the hall was where Gordd stored all his personal books; books he did not sell, and only he himself would read. The books contained special information of history, of special occasions that occur throughout the land, and of certain legends, which some people think are legends but others think are actual historical stories. They both sat down in the chairs.

"What has it been five hundred years since I’ve last spoken with you, Gordd?"

"I say some where around there. So, what brings you here this time, Keeper?"

"Gordd this will disappoint you a bit but it is about - let’s just call him your great grandson - Ned." His brows wrinkled. "I’m afraid that I have some disturbing news for you -"

"No, Jared, not Ned!" he exclaimed. "What is it? Why do you always reveal trouble to me?" Gordd’s eyes were filled with anger. His veins were shooting from his forehead.