From behind her, a laugh rang out, echoing like a breeze that rattled tree branches, and a voice behind her crooned, “You are a long way from home, mage!”
Viviana gave a start, then turned slowly, chin held high. Despite her surprise, she was not afraid.
Stalking toward her was a man dressed in black. One gloved hand gripped a skull-topped walking stick, and a wide-brimmed hat shaded his raven-masked face. He teetered as he walked, as if unable to fully control his body. And as he staggered in a zig-zag toward her, green magic seeped from his clothes and mask. The grass at his feet, wet from the rain, withered and died.—From Protector, an entry in the Tome of CHAOS