A woman stepped into the pool of light cast by the streetlamp. She gently lowered her hood. “My name is Gwynn,” she said.

Ardwyn recognized her as the herbalist from the market who had given him the Ethereal Blossoms. She had silver streaked hair, and soft smooth skin with less wrinkles than normal for what seemed to be her age. There was something unnatural about her appearance which Ardwyn could not tell quite what it was exactly.

Rodrick still had his sword raised, not wanting to let down his defenses easily. “What is it that you want?” Rodrick said in a less than amicable tone.

Gwynn said, “Lower your sword. I need to speak with Ardwyn. It is not you I seek.”

“Ardwyn, do you know who this is?” Rodrick said, his hands still firmly on the handle of his blade.

“Yes,” Ardwyn said, “I know her.”

“Speak freely here under the light,” Rodrick said to Gwynn. He took a step back.

Gwynn seemed slightly agitated by Rodrick. Something in her eyes flashed and her cheeks tensed. “Who are you to stand between us?” she asked.

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“I’m Rodrick, watchman of these gates.”

“If you value your life lower your sword, Rodrick.”

“I will do no such thing,” Rodrick said, an anger rising in his voice. “As I say, speak freely or leave us.”

Gwynn ignoring Rodrick, turned to Ardwyn and said, “Ardwyn, I know what you seek — the Ethereal Blossoms. I can help you.”

“Is that true, Ardwyn?” Rodrick asked.

Ardwyn said, “That is why I came here.”

Rodrick slightly angled his sword downwards, his face still seeming one of distrust.

“Come with me, Ardwyn,” Gwynn said. “I will take you to the place where we can find the Ethereal Blossoms.”

“And where is that, earth witch?” Rodrick said.

Earth witch. Ardwyn wondered if she was really a witch. He had never seen a witch before.

“Why do you call me a witch?” Gwynn asked Rodrick.

“I know what you are,” Rodrick said. “I have eyes, and a mind of my own.”

Ardwyn wasn’t sure if Rodrick was being slightly over defensive, or if they really were in danger.

“I need to get home,” Ardwyn said to Rodrick. “The Ethereal Blossoms are the key for opening the portal.”

“I cannot stop you,” Rodrick said. “But I urge you to reconsider.”

Gwynn took a few steps forward and Rodrick immediately angled his sword.

“Very well,” Gwynn said. “No one is forcing you. I will be on my way then.”

Gwynn turned around and disappeared into the fog.

Something strange inside of Ardwyn took over.

“I must go,” he said. “I have to follow her.”

He left Rodrick behind, stepping into the darkness of the green fog.