Jeffery was surprised at this. The old man did not look capable of murder, if that is what he had meant by “you will die”. However, he did not doubt him. “Very well, I will help you, on the condition that I will be allowed to return to my family afterwards.” It was just as he was saying that that he remembered that he had not seen his family for some time now, and he knew that they would be very worried. “That may not be possible, but I will do my best to assure that your wish will be granted at the end of your quest.”

The old man paused. He had an idea. “Jeffery,” he said. “Would you like a glimpse into the future? A future showing what would’ve happened if you had refused?” Jeffery had no idea what he was talking about. “How is that possible? No one can see what has not yet happened.” “Oh, but that is simply not true, Jeffery,” the man said with a grin. “How little you understand. No matter, though, you will understand much, much more before our time together is over.”