Sapphire of the Fairies

Alan handed out the bowls of breakfast and sat studying the boys.

"Why did he give this Lanorian Star back to you, Master Clava?" Tedi asked.

"He sent it back with a message, Tedi," Konic began. "It is a message that you both need to hear and remember. He wanted it to be a reminder to you that you should never underestimate your opponent. He demonstrated quite adequately that he could just have easily put that between your eyes."

"So you think he might be a friend?" asked Arik.

"I don't know what his game is," admitted Konic, "but I know a killer when I see one and this man is a very capable killer, probably the most capable that I have ever seen. He acts like he has no interest in you two, but I know that is a lie. Still, he could easily have killed you both when you were in the woods talking about the witch."

"What do you mean?" asked Arik. "When did he see us in the woods? If you mean the time that I think you mean, there is no way he could have been around. I would have heard him."

"Son," soothed Konic, "he said you were on a game trail looking for Tedi and finally found him. He said you were talking about a witch in a blue dress and that you each addressed the other by name. He said that was how he learned your names."

Arik turned beat red as he realized that the bandit had been close enough to hear the conversation and he hadn't even heard him. He blushed further when he remembered his boasting about how good his hearing was and how he would be able to detect anyone within one hundred paces. "His advice about overconfidence will be well taken," admitted Arik.

Tedi, who had been quiet and reserved during the previous exchange looked sadly at his father. "The only proper course of action is for Arik and I to leave Lorgo. If we stay, we endanger both of you and the rest of the town."

Alan started to protest and Konic laid a hand on his arm to quiet him. Arik looked up, his face still red, and nodded. "If we can get a new start in another town, we can . . . sorry, Father, but we can lie about our ages and try to establish new lives."

Konic went over and hugged his son. "Don't be sorry, son," he soothed. "I have always told you that the truth will never hurt you. I was wrong. You should always try to tell the truth, but this is one lie that we can live with." He pushed his son to arm's length and looked him in the eye. "But it is the exception, mind you. Don't let me catch you making a habit out of it just because I excuse you one lie."

Arik laughed and hugged his father. "I will miss you, Father."

"I will miss you, too, son," Konic cried, "but not today. Today we have much to teach you and many things to get ready before you leave. I also think it is high time for you to call me Konic. From now on, I will think of you as my friend and should we meet again, that is what you will be to me."

Nearby in the woods, two black clad figures watched the emotional scene in silence. As patient as trees, as quiet as the earth, they stood and waited.