They found themselves at the top of a short stairway leading down into a dim, earthen room. Jacques descended slowly, and through the low entryway he could see flames licking contently the wall of a dug-out hearth. There was an assortment of rickety wooden furniture as well, all held together with worn rope and wooden pegs. Shelves were lined by clay containers and stone tools, and tattered books in several strange languages. Along the ceiling and dirt walls was a collection of mysterious-looking oddities, most of which the function and purpose could not be determined simply by looking.

“Aahh, Jacques!” came a crooning voice. “How long it has been since I last saw you!” From an adjacent room a stout, hunched old woman came tottering excitedly toward them. Though she was haggish in appearance, her face was very warm and kind. Gabrielle looked quizzically at Jacques, but he was beaming steadily at the woman.

“Indeed it has been long, Matilde. But I’ve come on an errand. I have a favor to ask…”