Jaekob Goes Searching for the Cheshire Cat

   Early in the morning, just as the crown of dawn appears on the horizon, the Druid makes his way through the lush forests of Calenhad. He is armed with his elven longbow and the dagger Father had given him so very long ago. He has a rucksack sufficiently stocked with lembas bread, cheese and dry meats. And, of course, healing herbs in case he found the cat in dire need of help.
   Saphira, his trusted friend and ally had recently traveled to Mirkwood and met a rather unsavoury creature - an unseelie. There had been no sight of the kidnapped cat, but if intuition held true, there was some kind of connection and he was going to see for himself. She had warned them all not to venture there, but if he could find the Cheshire Cat, how could he not?

Jaekob Heads Out on his Journey

   As the ship's Captain, steered the small vessel across quiet seas, Mirkwood came into view. He had been musing to himself about the cat and it's importance. Long ago, when he was but a young Druid and still learning his own way, an esteemed teacher had crossed the wrong path and in turn had been turned into a cat. Year's later, as the Druid's skills developed and grew and he prepared to sit off on a journey to new lands, the cat had been put under his protection, "Take the cat with you!" they had told him. "Protect our friend."
   And he did just that. The cat knew only peace and happiness and lived quietly in the gentle surroundings of the port city of Cheshire. THEN, the cat was taken! It's whereabouts unknown.
   The Druid cupped an open hand over his eyes to hide the already bright sun and peered westward as the peaks of Mirkwood grew in front of him. "I will find you, little one. I will find you and bring you home."

Mirkwood Looms in the Distance