A World of Magic

She realised he was also scrutinising her, so she looked quickly away so as not to appear rude.

It was starting to get dark, so the man lit a couple of candles that were standing on a small wooden table, in the middle of the room. He walked over to a wooden chair, in a corner near the fireplace. Sitting down he sat facing Ann. "Strange looking clothes you where wearing" he said.

Ann wasn’t sure what to say, he looked equally strange to her. Under his furs he had green woodland clothing, they where loose fitting, and looked to be woven. Everything about the place and his attire looked like something from an old novel. There was nothing modern or 20^th century about this place.

She had to think fast, what could she say. "My family bought them for me, latest fashion from London" that seemed a pretty good answer.

He raised an eyebrow "Where is London? I haven’t heard that name before"

Surprised Ann couldn’t help blurting out "I’m not in England anymore?"

Sitting forward in his chair the man stared intently at her "No your not, England is not a place I recognise either".

Shaking her head Ann started to get really worried, thinking to herself I have dropped down a hole into god knows were. How was she supposed to cope with this situation? Was there a way home?

"Do you have a name?" he asked

"My name is Ann"

"I’m Serge Landers. Are you hungry?"

Ann suddenly realised she was very hungry. On her nod Serge disappeared into another room. Ann took it to be a kitchen area. She could hear what sounded like metal pots being moved around. The fire was starting to make her feel drowsy; she had warmed up pretty quick now that her wet clothing was removed. Pleasant smells started to come from the other room, Ann’s mouth started to water.

Serge returned with a couple of wooden bowls and spoons. "Here is some stew for you, come and sit at the table".

Doing as she was told and making sure the blanket didn’t slip, Ann sat down at the table. The stew was pretty good, it was mostly vegetables but had some nice herbs to add flavour.

Ann complimented Serge on his stew. He just nodded.

"Can you tell me what they call this place?" Ann asked Serge.

Serge paused to answer her, "You are in the Northern Lands. My cabin is in Norstar Forrest."

Being none the wiser and not knowing what else to say she ate the rest of her stew in silence. After the stew was finished, Ann sat back by the fire. Serge cleared away the bowls and returned shortly to stoke up the fire.

"Your clothes won’t be dry until morning, you can stay here for the night".

Ann gave him a little smile, "Thanks I must appreciate your help."

Serge nodded, "You can sleep in the bed ", "I will be happy to sleep by the fire".

Ann tried to protest about him giving his bed up, but Serge briskly moved her into the bedroom and closed the door. She did feel tired, and realising she would probably loose the argument. Ann tucked herself into the large bed that was in the small room.