Solifan the wizard and Aldor stood on the beach of a lake in the middle of the forests of Dimkarat and watched the 'Shooting Star' sail away. The setting sun was drawing long shadows over the smooth surface. Captain Jokham gave them a last wave, then thousands of runes on the hull flared up, and the boat was swallowed by the waters.
"How will we get back?" Solifan shouldered his backpack.
Aldor was studying a map and searching the view over the lake for landmarks.
"The long way, I'm afraid." He folded the map and looked at Solifan expectantly. "I know where we are and how to get home; now you just have to find your cat."
"Let us look for a place to stay for the night." Solifan gave the lake a disapproving look. "I have had enough water for today."
Half an hour later they had spread their bedrolls in a moderately dry cave, and Aldor was making a small pile of firewood in front of the entrance.
"It's not dry enough." He took a step back, and Solifan lifted a hand towards the pile. His eyes began to glow, and within seconds the logs started to fizz and steam until only dry, cracked wood remained.
"Oh how I missed that." Aldor sighed. "SO convenient." He stacked some branches and logs and produced a metal kettle from his backpack. Solifan's eyes flared for a second, and the branches began to burn.
"I will now try to find Ból." Solifan sat down at the fire and closed his eyes.
