The order had come from somewhere before him, but Jason could not see the speaker.

“Keep your hands visible. State your business immediately!”

Jason held his empty hands forward. He still could not identify the speaker. The voice seemed to originate from the looming statue. “I’m just passing through these woods on my way up the coast.”

“Dispose of your weapons.”

“I have no weapons.” Jason held out his arms and slowly turned.

A little man emerged from concealment within the bushes between the legs of the giant statue. He had curly auburn hair and was only slightly higher than Jason’s waist.

Approaching with a bowlegged waddle, the small man held his hands palms outward. His tone became less demanding. “I am unarmed as well. If you intend to harm me, please end the suspense and do it now.”

“I’m not going to do anything to you. All I want are directions, so I can get clear of these woods.”

The little man approached cautiously. His simple clothing was a faded green that blended with the forest vegetation. “Pardon my candor, but if you plan to waylay me, I would prefer to have it done with.” He turned around. “There. My back is turned and my eyes are closed. I detest anticipation. If you harbor unwholesome intentions, please have the decency to accost me while I am braced for the worst.”

“You can open your eyes,” Jason assured him. “I’m not here to bother anyone.”

The little man cast a sly glance at Jason over his shoulder. “Well, your honor has saved your life.”

Three other little people, two men and a woman, emerged from hiding nearby. They were clad similarly to the first little man, but they all carried bows.

“You might be surprised how many strangers fail that test,” the little fellow said. “Who are you?”

“I’m Matt Davidson.” The lie came smoothly. There was little chance these dwarfs hidden in the woods were in league with Maldor, but since Jason was a wanted fugitive, it did no harm to take precautions.

“Greetings, Matt, son of David,” the little man said politely. “I am Peluthe, son of Rogon.” He gave a curt bow. “This is my brother, Saul; my wife, Retta; and my cousin, Ulrun.” The others nodded in turn. “Where do you hail from?”

“I’m a wanderer, but this region is new to me. I have spent a lot of time near Trensicourt.”

“Where are you going?” asked Retta.

“Don’t be so inquisitive,” chastised Peluthe.

“You keep asking questions,” she complained.

“That’s my duty. I’m in charge.”

“Then you can cook your own supper.”

“I’m headed for Ithilum,” Jason said.

His answer defused the argument. Peluthe returned his attention to Jason. “Have you not heard these woods are infested by giants?”

“Another question,” Retta huffed in a low tone.

“In charge,” Peluthe growled back.

“I’ve heard stories,” Jason said. “Any truth to them?”

Saul and Ulrun shared a chuckle.

“Come with us,” Peluthe said, “and judge for yourself.”

The little people led the way along the path, past the tall statue. As they progressed, the trail showed evidence of increasing amounts of grooming. Before long, the foliage along the sides was pruned as neatly as hedgerows. The group passed another large, menacing statue, and then a third.

“Who’s the stranger?” came a cry from up in a tree.

“Matt, son of David,” Peluthe answered. “We have found him trustworthy.”

“Where are you escorting him?” challenged the faceless voice.

“To the village.”

“Is that prudent?”

“He is in my care.”

“Very well.”

A few more paces, and the path emerged into a tremendous clearing occupied by a village. Little people like those who found Jason roamed the streets, but the houses were enormous. The doors rose at least twelve feet high, the windows were huge, and the roofs towered above the ground. The sinking sun cast long shadows.

Jason halted where the forest path became a gravel road. “It looks like giants live here.”

Saul and Ulrun laughed.

Peluthe glared at them. “Once they must have. But not now, or else we all would have been spitted and devoured. We are a small race, an experiment by some long-forgotten, misguided wizard. We’re ill equipped to defend ourselves against larger folk such as yourself. When we discovered that the forest was abandoned, we inhabited this empty village.”

Jason grinned. “And did nothing to discourage the rumors about giants.”

Retta winked. “You catch on quick.”

“So what now?” Jason wondered.

Peluthe shrugged. “Enjoy our hospitality for the evening, sleep with a roof over your head, and tomorrow we will speed you on your way.”

“Thank you.”

Jason drew a lot of attention as he strolled into the village. One little woman shrieked. Peluthe and the others repeatedly explained that “Matt” was their guest. They led Jason to a massive two-story house. Three big steps led up to the bulky door. The little people boosted themselves up each stair, and Jason had to take very large steps.

The little folk entered using a small door built into the oversized one. Jason crouched low to get through. Inside, beneath the lofty ceiling, mingled a bizarre combination of oversized and undersized furnishings. Two little women and one tiny old man appeared busy preparing a meal.

“We have a visitor,” Peluthe announced.

“My goodness,” exclaimed one of the women. “Is he safe?”

“Quite safe,” assured Peluthe. “He is Matt, son of David. This is my sister, Deloa; Saul’s wife, Laila; and my codger, Jep.”

Those mentioned smiled and nodded in turn.

“Pleased to meet you,” Jason said.

Peluthe patted Retta on the shoulder. “If you must make added preparations to accommodate our guest, be quick about it. My stomach is impatient today.”

Retta rolled her eyes. “Stop trying to show off in front of our company. I’m either your wife or your slave. You decide.”

“I don’t want to cause any trouble,” Jason said.

“Nonsense,” Peluthe said. “Retta is happiest when complaining.”

“Must be why I keep you around,” she replied.

“He’s gargantuan,” the old man griped. “He’ll eat us all.”