“...and that’s when I fell, off the side of the bridge, into the torrents of the Sa’Bur. A calculated risk I admit, but worth it no doubt for I have a feeling that we are to embark on the most magnificent of escapades. A feeling deep within that we may become the stuff of legends! A feeli..”

The fire flickers and shadows dance and weave, the sound of a twig breaking causes Helmet to stop mid-sentence and spring to his feet. Drawing his sword in one smooth and obviously well-rehearsed action, he spins about in order to confront whatever or whoever might be there on the edge of darkness. But a creeping sense of stiffness overtakes his joints and try as he might he cannot move. A staying hand touches his arm - it is Hood, standing beside him. With the slight pressure of Hood’s hand, movement begins to return, but Helmet senses that the situation is now under control.

Something or someone slowly emerges from the shadows. An out of proportion face, smiling and bemused, a lithe and nimble body. It takes a moment for Helmet’s eyes and mind to adjust. He stares at the masked intruder.

“I see we have another companion,” - soft and pleasant voice emanating from behind a strangely grotesque mask.

Hood nods imperceptibly, turns and goes back to sit near the fire.

“I’m Madeleine by the way,”

“Helmet, my name is Helmet, so you two are...acquaintances?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

“And what manner would that be?”

“Bound by fate and in it to the end.”

“Indeed - it seems then, that we may perhaps be a party of three!”

“Four” whispers Hood, his sibilant utterance seemingly stirring the flames of the dying fire. The other two turn in surprise. Hood waves his hands above his head imitating the waving of bells.

Madeleine smiles, Madeleine is always smiling. “So, you’ve taken to our mutual friend Hy-Jinx have you?”

“Four eh? Like the Companions of Reeva! D’you know the tale? It is I believe a very old and ancient story.” Helmet interjects enthusiastically.

“Yes, I know of it - a wizard, an assassin, a clown and a knight…Hmm…” Madeleine snorts a laugh, “You are indeed right! A coincidence of history perhaps. Hy-Jinx will be able to regale us with a ballad or two when next we meet. I’m sure she’ll know them off by heart”.