The man watched as Moondust approached him. As if expecting her, the man waved. “Halloooo!â€? he said from a distance, with one eye on his fishing line. He placed his free hand on a small black dog sleeping beneath an arching elm tree that towered above the two distant figures like a giant hand.

Although she had visited the lakes of the sand pits before, she had never seen this man. His aura revealed dark shadows laced with pure light and she could sense a tremendous power and kindness within his slender frame.

“I am Gereon the Candle master. Come and fish awhile. I have caught one sheatfish and I have another nibbling on the line. Help me catch more and I’ll fix a feast you won’t soon forget, Moondust.â€? the man said to her.

“How do you know me, candle maker?â€? Moondust asked. “Have we met before? “She asked.

“All travelers are friends of a man who has something to give. Grab a pole and fish awhile dear girl,â€? the man said to her.