The group decided that Lavenguard had given them enough trouble for one day. Joe took to the air, with Christine riding her horse and Brian on Mike's back. The peasants they passed watched with a mix of curiosity, amazement, and perhaps a little animosity. With no real knowledge of the area, they headed back to the clearing where Tye had first brought them. The teenager was waiting or them when they got back, though his method of passing the time made them stare. An executive desk sat in the middle of the space topped with two huge computer monitors. Tye was kicked back in an expensive looking chair, grinning at them. A large 7-11 Slurpee cup sat on the edge of the desk next to a fancy keyboard and mouse. He grinned. "Glad you guys made it back." He looked at Brian and grinned wider. "Almost intact."
Mike flushed. "Uh, yeah. That was really my fault. I should have been smarter than going into the stable like that. Poor Brian got caught in the crossfire with the wizard."
Tye nodded and gestured at the monitors. "Oh, I know. Saw it all. I 'm betting you will end up stuck permanently as a horse. You keep making decisions that take you that way."
"Well, we got out of there." Mike sighed. "I won't make that mistake again."
Tye chuckled as he looked at his monitors. "Yeah, you'll make new ones." His 'computer' was showing him a rear view of the centaur and Brian's hands busily grooming and braiding the mane that ran down Mike's back. None of the others had noticed that the centaur's mane was longer and thicker, or the faint shadow of brown hair creeping out from the sides all up and down Mike's spine.
"So, you guys pissed off the Wizard of Lavenguard." Tye made a gesture and the desk and computer vanished. He stood up and the chair vanished as well. "You can either go back and try to make up with him, or look for another Wizard to help. The next one is about 50 miles from here, living alone in the woods."
Both Mike and Brian shuddered. The centaur said "I don't want to end up back under his power. Either Brian or I would probably end up as his sex toy. Maybe both."
Christine shrugged. "We can protect you, and there are worse things than sex. This Wizard is pretty powerful, and he did let Brian go."
Joe nodded his massive dragon's head and rumbled "If he was Tye's first choice, I'm not sure I want to go with a second best."
Tye shrugged. "You need to make a decision. Sleep on it tonight, and either go back to Lavenguard in the morning or start off for the forest."
A pile of bags and packs appeared between the adventurers and Tye. "You have food, supplies, and stuff to camp with. And there's a pack of personal stuff for each of you. I'm going home for Pizza and a movie. I'll catch up tomorrow.' And with that, Tye vanished.
The packs were easy to identify. Christine's had some delicate gold and emerald earrings and a matching dagger that was obviously elven. Joe's held nothing but jewels - a private dragon's hoard. Mike scowled when he saw his bundle - a pair of heavy-duty saddlebags and straps to carry the party's provisions and equipment like a pack animal. Actually, he didn't mind the bags, just the matching draft horse bridle and reins Tye had added as a reminder of his earlier goofs. Brian had a small bag with a few worn grooming brushes and tools and a rope to secure it around his waist. There was no clothing or weapons for the former elf - he was apparently expected to remain a stableboy for the near future.
They made camp, taking a while to figure out how to build a fire and create bedrolls. It got dark quickly, and they ate some cheese and bread Tye had provided and had water to drink. Brian brushed Mike out despite the centaur's initial protests. Mike gave up both because it seemed to fill a need that Brian could not ignore, and because it felt really good. They finally set up a watch, and settled for the night.