"Milady, please!" Kastus called. "This forest is a labyrinth! We must try to make our way back at once."

The grizzled guard, normally so stoic and proud, could not help but shiver. The sun had sunk low already, casting deep shadows over the world. Here in the forest, it was growing dark as a new moon night. Up ahead, he could barely see the glitter of Lady Mirasca's dress and jewelry. The woman turned and the guard could feel his mistress' eyes on him.

"We cannot turn back," her soft voice says. "Little Munio is lost! He's my son! I can't leave him!"

Kastus' frown deepened. "Milady, your son is dead. He died of the pox last year..."

It was getting worse, he realized. Ever since the boy fell ill, Lady Mirasca had plummeted into near mania. He had thought she had overcome her grief. Yet this journey past Grimwald Forest had been plagued with strange sights and sounds. She was talking to peasants, listening to their wild tales of magic and demons and who knows what else! And just today, she had screamed and ran into the forest, calling after her dead son. It had been all he could do keep up with her. If this kept going, he would have no choice but to tie her up for the remainder of the trip.

Then he reached her. Mirasca had stopped, smiling and pointing into the brush.

"There he is! Munio! I saw him!"

Kastus was about to, once again, inform her that it was impossible... but then he heard a child's laughter. It was a faint echo, but it did indeed sound like the young master...

"Oh mother," they both heard Munio's voice say. It was chiding, teasing. "You found me! But now you're lost! Don't worry, I'll help you out of the dark, scary woods."

"Munio..." Mirasca gasped. "Son, please, come to me..."

Kastus was aghast. He could hardly speak; his tongue was dry and thick in his throat. His eyes widened as he noted a soft yellow glow in Lady Mirasca's eyes. Something was amiss, but, he had never seen her smile like that for over a year...

"Don't worry," a voice said behind them. "You won't be alone anymore."

The voice sounded like Munio, but then it started shifting to something else. Something sensuous and esoteric. Something wicked.

"You'll be with me."

Kastus turned, eyes wide with fear. He tried to reach for his sword, but the yellow light behind him bid him stop. Up on the fallen log he saw a diminutive, humanoid figure, barely taller than Lady Mirasca. Its eyes shone in the dark and all Kastus' fear was suddenly banished. Replaced by a mindless calm. A perfect peace and surrender.

"Come," the creature said. "It's almost time for dinner."