“Do you see it, Nukta?” asked the wise woman.
“I see, but I don’t understand it,” replied the holy man.
Ursula and Nukta were enjoying the Winter Solstice. They came across a cherry tree in blossom. “This does not bode well for the Waldvolker,” said the wise woman.
“What do you mean, Ursula? Is this some Pagan omen?” asked the holy man.
“Flowers out of season, trouble without reason,” said Ursula.
“As I am new to your ways and can offer no guidance, what should we do?” asked Nukta.
“It’s best to consult the runes. If I am correct, I must alert Hendrick,” said the wise woman.
“The wizard. Doesn’t he sleep during Winter Solstice?” asked Nukta.
“I fear Hendrick is the only one who can help us. Now would be a good time for one of your prayers,” Ursala said.
The wise woman walked through the woods to her home. Nukta followed, chanting as he went.
The runes confirmed the wise woman’s suspicions. Bidding farewell to her friend, the wise woman hastened to the wizard’s dwelling.
“In full bloom, you say, every bud? Are you quite positive?” asked Hendrick.
“Yes, the runes also confirmed my suspicions,” replied Ursala.
“We must go tell the twins at once. They will need time to prepare their tools and send word to Thosis at the Academy,” said the wizard.
Hendrick grabbed his hat, and the two approached Franny’s home. “I should be the one to tell them,” insisted the wise woman.
“Very well, you have a strong bond with them, so there will be no doubt coming from you,” said Hendrick.
Izba greeted the two and offered tea and biscuits. “Izba, will you please run and fetch Fern? The matter we need to discuss is of the utmost importance,” said Ursula.
“It’s back. That damn necromancer has crawled out of Hell to seek revenge, hasn’t it?” said the cat.
“By the Gods! They said you were intuitive, but I could not have guessed you were psychic as well,” said Hendrick.
“Runs in the family. I’ll be off then,” said Izba.
The wise woman explained what she and the holy man had seen. Deciding to wait until the abomination attacked to avoid wasting precious resources.
“I hate waiting,” muttered Fern.
“I hate getting my life force sucked out of my body,” replied Franny.
“I need a nap,” said the cat, who crawled into his window box and fell asleep.
The night was long and cold as the group waited for word of an attack. After several days, nothing happened, so the magical team decided that the whole episode had been a fluke.
“It’s possible the necromancer moved on. It could have sensed we had detected it and didn’t wish to have another encounter,” said Hendrick.
“I don’t like it. As long as it’s hiding, we must attend to the more pressing matters,” said Fern, the marsh wizard.
From his window box, the cat cracked one eye and spoke. “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”
This tale is far from over, but time makes it more savory, like a good soup.
See you next time, children, or maybe not?
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