es

, " a man's grave

usiness, " Larg

at the door was mostly blocked by his brother's stature. Besides, it was dark and only two candles ill

' on, " the man said in a tremulous t

ld you, he

rgo turned. He winced at his brother then gave a barely perceptible gesture with h

disappearin', "

t got to do

ry, but we both know your da's a retired soldier…he ain't some ha

ng the stair squeak again. Once more, Largo turned ex

s, boy, " L

dn't turn away, he had no other alternative and we

o conceded. "Let

ed the two were speaking outside, so he snuck all the wa

u the sword, right

Thatcher from town. He was an old man whose son

to go out and hunt whoever is takin' chil

here…but…you know, "

rd out. There ain't so many people in town that

Thatcher said. "I don'

it be

st an' vanished. Hunters gathered at Fletcher's yester ev

ted Da' to l

ou could in

t, " Largo rep

place for Larson to hide, so he just stood there, leaned aga

go upstairs, "

adventure like Georg

made him chuckle. "Don't be stupid. That old paintin' i

" Larson

ters anymore. They went out wit

ns, or orcs, or ogres looking to

you're happy

Larson trailed off an

on, and go to be

dad comi

" Largo repl

sneaking out to find out what was going on, but Largo slept in the same room, so slipping away in th

There were no leaves on it, and the trunk was dark gray, almost black as charcoal. The tree had a face like an old man, and its two, long limbs were bent like it had elbows.

lled. "Today's the last day th

was the first time he wasn't angry at being awakened fo