[Deorlin]

Jasper quickened his pace, making for the clearing indicated in Evelina's short note. He was none too sure of the way; her directions had been sparing, to say the least. But it seemed to be but a short distance from the main road, so he trusted that five or so minutes would bring him to her. The moon shone fitfully through the clouds that scudded across the night sky. A night bird called mournfully, making Jasper jump. Then he laughed out loud, a high pitched, horse whinny of a sound, ending in a snort. Why should he be on edge? These lands were inhabited by hobbits - hobbits! And everyone knew they were soft, easy going folk, who had naught but a few constable types, and those not even professionals, scattered throughout their little realm.

"No fear there!" he chuckled to himself. The sound of his own voice comforted him mightily. Just a few more paces and he should be at the clearing Evelina had written of.

Sure enough, the trees, which weren't thick enough to be a wood even, were thinning out and then he saw, as a cloud cleared the half moon, there stood the small clearing, a fantasy land of light and shodow. He stopped and cautiously looked about for signs of the woman, or the other acquaitance that might be expected - Bandolin. Jasper crouched low to the ground, wanting to see before being seen. He scanned the clearing, but to no avail - it was empty.

"So, you've made it I see!" Evelina's voice as it hissed in his ear made him nearly jump out of his skin! Where had she come from? He was sure she had not been there a moment before!

"A little jumpy, aren't we?" she whispered tauntingly. "What, afraid of the little halflings? Well, in fact, they can be mighty cruel when they wish. But don't worry. Stick with me and we'll see just how jumpy we can make them!"

"Evelina, what's all this about anyways? Yer note was awful short. Is there money to be had or not?" Jasper tried to cover his nervousness with a show of irritation.

"Patience, my frined. Patience. Bandolin will be here shortly, I hope. Then I will explain it to you both. As many times as it takes for you to understand." She laughed derisively and sat back, calmly surveying the night.

Evelina was always like that, Jasper fumed to himself! She acted so . . . superior! Well, perhaps one of these days, she'd find out who really had the upper hand here. But for now . . . well, best wait and see what she had up her sleeve.