Janik turned around to regard the old wizard. Cyrus stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes on a far distant point. “You aren’t backing out now are you?” Janik asked. Cyrus casually shook his head. “When we approach the lair you must remain vigilant. Lady Caspen will be well guarded, and her captor will have minions of his own to throw at us.” Janik nodded his head. His hand went down to the battle axe tucked in his belt. “Yes, well I have a few tricks of my own.” “Don’t get too cocky there, warrior,” Cyrus said. The wizard adjusted a sapphire ring on his left ring finger so that the gem was in the direct center of his finger. He then reached back and took his staff from a holster near his saddle. The horses whinnied and shied away, pulling at their guide ropes. “It appears as though the horses don’t want to be here any more than I do.” Janik shrugged and started his way through the forest.
