Into the woods

Dill would always be August's loyal servant. August had shown him and his family compassion when things were most dire, and fealty was his only payment. But as time went on his loyalty gave way to understanding and friendship. No one could or would understand the stress and responsibility that had been placed on his shoulders as the heir to be. Even after the kingdom's fall, August felt the burden responsibility for his former citizen's well being was his duty.

The mad wizard had yet to make good on his promise, but assured them that the first task would soon be upon them. They made their way back down the hill into the village, and to Brooke(their guardian)'s place. The wizard had held them up for a few hours of rituals and rhetoric, before August's patience ran out. Dill had been excited when the wizard announced he was bringing milkshakes from the 'fifties'. He wasn't really sure what they were, but they sounded good. August however dismissed himself, and Dill was sure to follow. They made it back to Brooke's place as the sun was setting; much after suppertime, and being new to Brooke's place, there was sure to be reprisal. Sure enough upon entering the hut Brooke gave her full attention to the two of them. Brooke normally was a sweet natured women, lovely and full of wisdom. But something happened when she became angry, her shape became more poignant, and began to tower over the two of them, cowering in fear. Her hair turned from a few light shades of cyan, to deep cerulean, and her beauty became mythical, and could take the words out of any man.
"Agatha told me she saw the two of you headed towards the hill and the wizard." She steamed.
"Well...I..." August stammered, rarely could he be found without words or a curt response.
"What did I tell you two about seeing the wizard?" She paused, "That's right, I said the man is bad news, and forbade you both from seeing the man. His antics are not to be tolerated, and he's likely to get one of you two into a lot of trouble if you start partaking of his insanity."
"But ma'am, he did help with my illness..." Dill attempted.
"Yes, or it could just be that all the sleep you got after you nearly drowned, and the noodle soup cured you." She stated with a sense of finality. "Now clean up, you smell terrible, and supper's cold."

The next morning, Brooke awoke them early. Back to her kind self, she stated they were both on double chore duty.
"After you two are done with the cows, I need you two to head out to the old well past the abandoned barn. The water from there will be just what the poor mare needs."
"Which abandoned barn ma'am?" Inquired Dill.
"Head out to the old center of town, take the left onto the main road, and you'll find the barn. If you've made it to the crossroads, you've gone too far."
With their chores done, they headed out towards the old center of town, neither being familiar with the village yet, they weren't sure which would be the 'main road', but figured if they made it to the crossroads they could always turn around and try again. Sure enough they reached the crossroads, They made out an older man, sitting on a large pack, hood over his head to keep the sun off his face. The noon day sun was not kind.
"Hello fine sirs!" Greeted the elderly man. "What brings you out this way?"
"Sir." August forced out. He was taught respect for his elders, but he could see a slimy salesman when he saw one.
"We were looking for the old well, but I fear we're not familiar with the area to find it. Do you think you could point us in the right direction?" Dill inquired.
Standing up meet the two companions he spoke, "There are a few wells around these parts, was it the one by the barn, or the one by the swamp? I think there was also one by..."
August cut him short, "We want the one by the barn."
The man took no notice of being cut off. "I'd love to help you two, but could you do something for me, I could really use some of that water from the well, this heat has taken a lot out of me, and I didn't pack enough." Pulling out an empty water sack.
"Just tell us where the well is." August figured the old man would want something for something as simple as directions.
"Of course, of course. Take this path into the forest, it'll wrap around toward the barn, and the well from there, and will only take half the time if you were to circle back around through the village."
August rolled his eyes, and headed down the path, Dill was short to follow, but quickly thanked the man, and took the water pack.
The old man's eyes had a strange glint to them, and his jagged teeth were revealed as a grin crept across his face. "It might be quicker, if they don't get lost along the way."