Wild Berry Meadow set his face toward the mountain.

Some of the less promising berries were left to drop against the soil. It may have been considered wasteful to any other creature, but the boy knew that his Lord would make the seed take root and bring life again; he continued to glut himself upon the berries until he felt nearly full, and pulled away with a deep sigh of contentment.

It was during this moment that Gilead spied a shape. At first it was a shadow — a blackness that marred his vision and made him think of ill omens, as all dark things were tainted things, but he had to put aside his superstitions. The stranger drew near, grazing as he had been, and then she spoke to him.

The words were meaningless to Gilead, who saw her for what she was — this dark thing, this tainted thing. A shadow made solid. He wondered if these berries were her only supper — but he saw no blood, nor any indication of foul play. If the demon were hungry then the boy would protect himself; however, she seemed only interested in conversation.

Nor have I, and that was the truth, for he had traveled a great distance and meadows were scarce from whence he came. His ears twisted at the sound of her name and he would have laughed, but there was a grim expression set upon his face that did not change. No demon would give their true name to a Lightbringer. She was a liar, but he would not be tricked.

From where do you come from? He kept his name safe, for there was power in names.