Intimidation always happened to be prime among the Dark One's copious talents, and it has served as one of the quickest indicators of how easily one may play into his hands, time and time again. The man's reaction to his slow approach, his litmus test of sorts, has informed him adequately.

"That rather depends," he says, apparently unconcerned, "on what you can do for me."

Grizelda flows over the forest floor, weaving close to the man's ankles. The cane makes no noise against the softened carpet of fallen leaves and twigs, but he continues to move steadily forward, measured and unrelenting.