"You're right." Peterson's expression changed.
Through his Dark Vision, he could see nothing in the direction of the sound. Humboldt Great Mage pondered for a moment, then had an apprentice bring the man from the Hunter's Cottage.
"We need you to provide some of Albert's... your son's... clothes and bedding."
The man's expression was vacant, the drunken flush from earlier in the day gone from his face. He glanced at his paralyzed wife but said nothing, simply doing as the Master instructed.
Humboldt Great Mage released the wolf and the Wild Boar from their magical restraints, gently stroking their heads.
The two animals instantly became alert. They sniffed the child's clothing, then split up to search the area around the village, focusing on the direction the crying was coming from.
The wolf and the boar returned. Humboldt knelt on one knee and held out a hand. The wolf nudged the Great Mage's hand with its nose and began to wag its tail.
