Well. That had gone better than Zed had learned to hope for. Maybe he should hang on to the towel and pass it to any other sopping wet people with heart pendants he passed along the way. It seemed to work like a charm, for getting people to cooperate.

He smiled fit to burst. "Then it is a deal, Maron! One way or another, I will see you again soon."

And then, off he dashed. Before taking a flying leap from a fencepost and up onto the roof of the blacksmith's. Just to look around and get his bearings, before venturing back into the forest.