The attack was violent, unexpected. No one was prepared. The villagers gathered on the Grand-Place and Brassas, the village chief made the call. All answer present when the old man pronounces their name. All of them? No. Grédert is absent. Jelabert, his helper, runs to the small house a little way away from the village. A few minutes later, Jelabert returns, his face deformed by sadness. In his arms, the lifeless body of Grédert.

Illustration : Mournful Wizard