The Cave of Menag

The relief I felt yesterday as we saw the rocky outcrop, still turfed and with whisps rising from the smoke hole, was immense. I noticed that Menag's strong oak door had seem some recent activity as the evidence of slice marks, and gouges, was clear.

I stood close to the stone home and called his name, announcing my arrival. It took a while, but the door did eventually open and Tomepicker and myself were quickly ushered inside. Menag, looking much older and frailer than I remembered, quickly sat us down and asked us for news about the forest and further afield.

He hadn't been outside of his cave for months. His only source of food and drink were the acorns that Dryhoot, the ageing owl sat quietly above the small fireplace, returned with daily. It made me recall my previous meeting with Menag, when I sat and drank a mug of acorns then as I had spoke of momentous events.

I first gave Menag good news. I told him of Rhonas and Coraniel, living in Tingamel castle, and having started a family. Menag was visibly delighted to hear of this, as he had for so long not known where his ward was.

Then Menag asked us why we were venturing so deep into the forest, at a time when it was so dangerous. I explained the trouble Yermej was causing, and the recent discovery of Goblins within the land too.

Menag warned us not to return through the forest in the dark as there were Goblins roaming around. So that was the smell Tomepicker had picked up on the way in! We accepted Menags offer of his floor to sleep on, and settled down to a night in the forest.