Blood

The group of stone workers and their family members walked for two more days before they arrived at their destination. The quarry was far away from civilisation and there was nothing but forest and sky watching over it.

Artemus inwardly wept in relief at finally getting away from the old man whose life story now took up a chunk of space in his frazzled mind. The anti mage had never been subjected to such tortuous chatter that went on for several hours at a time. It was only during a meal break and sleep time that he found succour from the suffering that was designed by the devil himself.

"Son, why don't you join us?" The familiar voice called to him. "We're taking the largest cabin and we've got room for one more."

"No thank you," Artemus replied. He wasn't even trying to be polite about it anymore.

"Are you sure? My missus is a great cook you know. Did I tell you about how I convinced her to marry me? It happened a long time-"

"I have to go."