Despite your assurances to Shila, it takes you most of the day to
arrive at the city of Lein. On the way, you pass nothing but a few
animals. No people make themselves apparent, probably for
the reason that there are no people nearby. None of this changes
as you approach the town, which appears as dead as the country
surrounding it. The sun is fading on the horizon as you walk down
what you suppose is the main street of Lein. Shila follows you, looking
about nervously. No sounds, not even those usually accompanying
nightfall, are audible. Just the tread of your step as you carefully
move through the town.
'Stop!' a commanding voice echoes from all directions. A man
appears in front of you suddenly, seeming to have come
from nowhere. He is dressed in a tattered robe and carrying a large
staff with ornate designs carved in it.
This must be the wizard that the scout who first came here had spotted.
Remembering the fate of the scout, you stop where you are. Shila
stands behind you and to your right - you can tell that she's readying
whatever protective magic she has on hand.
The wizard looks the two of you over, as though gauging how much
of a threat you present. After a moment of scrutiny, he seems to have
made up his mind. 'Leave here!' he commands you.
