A Hut in the Forest

"I'm sorry, Fred." Tarsa said weakly. "I wish I could be as strong as you... but I..."

Fred felt her forehead. "Crap!" he muttered. "Hey, you old crone! She's burning up! Please tell me you brought some of your herbs and shrunken heads with you!"

"Mind your manners, child." Satrina bristled. "We'll stop at that peasant's hut and ask to stay there for the night."

They parked their horses before the wooden hut and Fred jumped off, gently taking Tarsa in his arms. She seemed barely conscious, mumbling "Fred!" in a faint voice.

"It seems something's always wrong with one of ye." Satrina cackled, banging on the door. There was no answer, although there was a light on inside.

"Damnit, we don't have time for this." Fred muttered. With one kick, the door went flying from its hinges, crashing in several pieces on the floor.

"Good job, genius." Skye said, landing on the roof of the hut. "Now what's to keep the monsters out?"

"Stuff a sock in it." Fred said, striding into the hut and laying Tarsa on a bed of animal furs. A fireplace blazed in the corner, but no one was home.

Satrina walked in after him, casting her gaze about the scant wooden furniture, hanging dried meat, earthenware crockery and various weapons of steel affixed to the walls. "Let me see the young one." she demanded, kneeling beside Tarsa.

Skye flapped inside and perched over the fireplace. Minutes passed in grim concentration as Satrina examined the priestess. Finally she said. "Tis no Valmar-taint, but a simple illness brought on by stress and overexertion. She needs to rest, and drink plenty of fluids."

"And yet time to rest is one luxury we cannot afford." Skye said.

Suddenly the night was pierced by a roaring howl of rage. The ground seemed to shake as a gigantic man appeared in the doorframe. He had a fiery-red beard and wore animal furs over his massively muscular frame. "Who broke my door?!" he demanded. "Who are ye dastardly vandals! Speak, lest my bastard sword do the talking!"

1. Fred begins the negotiations, and a battle soon ensues.
2. Satrina quickly motions for Fred to stay silent. She proceeds to calm the forester down.

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