“Humphrey!” she called. “Thana, precious girl, you’ve come back to visit!” He was taller than he’d looked from the distance and there was a gentle power about him. His face was stern, yet kind, and although his leathery skin showed deep lines around his neatly trimmed white beard, he was far from feeble. I waited while the old friends shared an embrace. When they separated Thana turned and introduced us. “Humphrey, I’d like you to meet Jason Tardin.” “Good to meet you, sir.” I offered my hand. His eyebrows furrowed and his glowing eyes seemed to darken. “What do you want with me?” “I’ve come a long way, by horse and by foot, to speak with you. It is a matter of great consequence.” He scowled at me and grunted. Thana put her hand on his arm. “He’s all right, Humphrey. I promise.” Still scowling the old man examined me with a critical eye. “All right,” he said with a toss of his hand, “but I’ll not go on any fool crusades with you. I’m a man of peace.
