It seemed a miracle when Quincy finally stumbled out of the woods to the view of a small two-story stone cottage. A tendril of smoke curled into the morning sky. He'd made it.
Quincy's limbs ached with fatigue and the cold, but he managed the short walk to the cottage's door and knocked timidly. He could hear movement inside and the door opened a crack.
"Oh it's you," said the young woman as she swung the door wide. Adelaide's curly brown hair was swept into a braid over her shoulder and she wore a simple grey dress. "I thought I told you not to return."
"Yes," Quincy thought back to their last encounter. Adelaide had allowed him and his brother to stay in the cottage for a short time, but she'd seemed very nervous, and insistent they not stay long. "but I'm afraid... it's Thomas..." Quincy's voice shook, and Adelaide drew in a short breath, realizing that Quincy's brother was not accompanying him.
"You'd better come inside," Adelaide conceded as she moved from the doorway. She led Quincy to a seat by the fire and brought him some tea.
"So... what happened?"
Quincy sighed. "Thomas, he... We were in the woods and.. The edelwood... Is there- I-Is there any hope?"
Adelaide nodded, biting her lip. "I think so. My- my mother was a witch. I think I have something that can help you, but-" she stiffened as a sound could suddenly be heard from the top of the stairs.
"Hide."
"Wha-"
"Hide now," Adelaide whisper-shouted through gritted teeth. She leapt up, briskly opening a smallish broom cupboard and shoving Quincy inside before he could argue.