[David E. Gervais]

Sitting in my humble camp by the waters edge, I watch as the sun sets behind the trees on the far side of the river. As darkness begins to engulf the forest and the moon peeks over the horizon sending white sparkles dancing across the river, I notice a flock of birds spring into the sky startled by something. I scan the surroundings and see a gentle glow eminating from within the forest. I find it strange that someone would make a campfire in the middle of the woods when there is a river so close by. I decide to go take a look at who might be there, before I go I give my stew a stir and check my makeshift oven to see how the fresh bread is comming along. Satisfied that I have enough time to make the short trek I head off into the woods walking towards the soft glow.

As I approach the edge of the clearing I notice a hunched man sitting beside the fire and I must say he sure looks the worse for wear. In a gentle voice I hail the stranger and ask if he is in need of assistance. The man barely has the energy to acknowledge my presence, I tell him that my camp is just a short way from here and that I have a stew and fresh bread cooking and ask if he would like to join me. "It's not good to camp in such an open space, you leave yourself vunerable to attack, come, join me friend. My camp has much better shelter and I would welcome the company."

I wait for the weary adventurer to make his decision,..