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much time here. Let's stop the analysis and make the most of it." Jack declared, ending the discussion. "Hopper, what did you find?"
                  "There's a small village through the woods about a mile from here. It's got a stable and an Inn not much more, ”  Hopper answered, then grinned through a vicious set of fangs.
                  "How'd you find it so fast?" Jack asked with a quick glance at Nicole, realizing her eyes were tracing the outline of his leathery vest and pants.
                  "I started jogging. These long legs can cover a mile in record time and I didn't even break a sweat . Maybe being a troll isn't going to be so bad?" Hopper turned to Sarah, "How about a kiss?" She screamed and tried to escape his grasp to no avail.
                  "Okay you two love birds let's get moving." Jack said heading to follow Nicole who was already eagerly moving up the rise.

Chapter Three
     
    A large gray hawk kept constant vigil over the small group as they moved through the thick layer of trees and silvery brush toward the village . Two white squirrels hopped from branch to branch, scurrying close to the adventurers before turning to dash back into the brush. A few paces away a large antlered deer boldly stopped to stare as they paused just inside the tree line and examined the small cluster of rustic buildings. 
    Several small dilapidated cottages lined the arrow dirt road that ran through the center of the tiny village . Each shack consisted of just enough wood and straw to keep a light rain from penetrating the exterior. Across from the tiny homes stood a large hovel which served as the local inn.  The two-story wooden structure was in severe disrepair, although apparently still functioned.
    "Maybe Hopper should stay out of sight.”  Jack suggested, hesitantly, "He might draw unwanted attention."
    “What about Nicole?" Sarah answered defensively. "I don't see any elves . . ."
    "If we spend all our time arguing about what to do we'll never get anything accomplished.   I'm going in." Nicole said casually then moved forward swiftly, leaving them all behind.
    "Hopper, stay here with Sarah," Jack ordered, as he jumped over a fallen log and
    dashed after Nicole.
    The remnant of a sign hung above the entrance of largest dwelling. The word 'Inn' was crudely scratched on both sides.
    "Well, I don't see any 'condemned' notices, so I guess it's safe to enter. " Jack grinned wondering what kept the so called 'Inn' from crushing the small stable next door as it appeared to be leaning on it for support . As they neared, Jack realized the stables were actually in worse repair than the Inn itself. Yet Nicole walked right past the Inn and headed toward the small stables. Moving to the entrance, Nicole smiled in greeting at a filthy young boy dressed in rags and mud. The boy . not more than twelve ignored them and continued to work feverishly scraping muck from the hoof of a white mare.
    Jack called to the boy as he came up beside Nicole. "Are you in charge here?"
    "Yep. " The boy answered without so much as a glance in their direction. 
    "We’re here to . . . well we are suppose to . . ." Jack stumbled, looking for the right words.
    "You've got something for us boy." Nicole said. She smiled wickedly and extended her hand toward the child. "We're in a hurry, so let's have it."
    "Have what?" The boy dropped the horse's leg and straightened up, staring intently at Nicole.
    "You've got our supplies and money boy. Hand them over and be quick about it."   Nicole answered, her eyes sparkling in the dim light of the stables.  The boy stood unmoving, his eyes wide, mouth agape staring at Nicole.
    "We don't want any trouble." Jack added with a smile, stepping in front of Nicole. "We just want what we've got coming." Jack knew those were the wrong words as soon as he told them. He stepped back a pace expecting a gang of cutthroats to jump out of the rafters and 'give it to them'.
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