Eventually.

It was nearing dusk when I had finally found my way back to the fringes of Madosin, somehow ending up a stone's throw away from the Cooper residence.

My disappearance must have caused quite a stir, for Mrs. Cooper threatened to have her husband chain me to his forge, before sending him off to inform my staff to come and collect me. Pressing me for an explanation for my tardiness, I told her that the instructions I had been given were vague, and that perhaps foxes here looked different to those back across the pond.

In fact, I had the good fortune to ask the man directly, as he was lounging in the sitting room speaking with Gloria, once I had been returned to my accommodations by Howard. "So he must be the perfect guest for you then?" he asked, taking a sip from his cup, "I know how much you love your audiences."

I did not allow her to respond. "Good evening, Mr. Hawk. I see you've helped yourself to our hospitality. I trust that whatever you heard in the woods has been dealt with?" I said, through gritted teeth.

"It was, and with much greater success than your pathfinding, Mr. McKay," he replied, lifting his cup at me, with a easy smile. Finishing his drink, he stood and handed his empty cup back to Gloria. "However, having spoken to Morris, Gloria, Howard, and a few others, I have determined that you are not a threat nor something to be overly concerned about. I do advise you avoid forests for the rest of your stay with us. For they are large, and only so many of us that stand any chance of finding you alive." Making his way towards the exit, he put his hand upon my shoulder and gripped it firmly. "But if you must venture through there, come to my home, on the East side. My family will stop you from getting lost again."

I narrowed my eyes at him. I did not enjoy being mocked and made a fool of. But manners demanded I not embarrass myself. Biting back more scathing remarks, I nodded at him stiffly, "Thank you, for your concern, Mr. Hawk. I will make sure that I ask for you by name." Smiling, he nodded, gave my shoulder a pat, and left. Once the door closed behind him, I said to my staff, "Howard. Gloria. I will be having my dinner in the study. I do not wish to be disturbed. Extend my apologies to any callers coming tonight, and tell them that I will speak with them tomorrow."

Without waiting for their response, I strode off into the house and began undressing my dirt, twig, and leaf laden clothes, heading straight for the bathroom where, as expected, a hot bath awaited me.

It is now past midnight. It is only now that my anger has cooled, that I am able to put ink to paper without my hand shaking.