The Cartographer

Avera came with Benjamin back into the living room of Eliezer's home, having finished their jaunt through the woods together, to find their host and his companion sitting, chatting, and sipping on tea along with another man.

"Hello, sir," Avera said sheepishly.

"Hello," the man replied with a well-humored grin.

He was a built man with weathered skin and he spoke like a man from the northern regions.

'Perhaps this is Sam, then...'

"Would you like some tea?" he added, holding up his porcelain cup.

Eliezer laughed. "Aren't I the one who should ask?"

"Pardon," Ben said with his usual quiet insistence, "but some introductions may be in order." His voice was kind and unobtrusive.

"Of course, dear," Dorcus replied pleasantly. "Benjamin, Avera, this is my brother, Samuel."

"How do you do," their visitor said with a smile and a quick wave of his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Benjamin replied with a bow of reverential courtesy.