Gruff went out into the forest with Master to collect fruits and berries to can. "Master, why did Marcia have to go to the village?" Gruff pouted.
Master rubbed the top of the young boy's head, "There is no other blacksmith nearby. And even if there was, that smith is very good at his job. I'm unsure if I would trust anyone else with my sword."
"I don't like it when you guys go to the village. It's better if we go to the Shaman's village."
"No way am I going over the mountain each time I need my sword sharpened. Plus, no offense to the Shaman blacksmith, but they aren't as good as soa PEl's smith."
A rustling caught the attention of Gruff and Master. "What is it?" Gruff licked his lips.
"Looks like we are having rabbit stew instead of cricket stew tonight."
"Thank goodness." Gruff raised his bow and aimed at the rustling. As the rabbit popped out of the bushes, he leased his bow, hitting the bunny right between the eyes.
Master patted Gruff's head, "You're as good with the bow as you've always been. This is a big one!" The rabbit hung halfway down the woman's torso. "Why don't you take it back home, and I'll look for a few more berries."
Gruff hopped up and snatched the rabbit from Master, "Doesn't this beat Jonah's biggest rabbit catch?"
Master smiled softly, "I believe you are right."
"I can't wait to rub it in his face." Gruff rushed off with the giant rabbit in tow.
"That boy just can't wait to get back at Jonah."
Another rustle sounded in the woods. Master quickly ducked behind a large thicket. The lean man strolled through the woods. His eyes were glued to the mountain. As usual, he moved with an ethereal form, as if he wasn't real.
Master moved slowly behind a tree, not once taking her eyes off him. The man raised a hand to blot out the sun as it set beyond the mountains.
Master shifted. Crack! The man turned quickly to face the noise. Master's breath caught in her throat. His blood-red eyes looked straight at her. "I trust you won't get in my way this time."
The red-eyed man walked off, and Master fell to the ground. He looked exactly like he did the last time she saw him.