The 'second sight' that Peter Hawking had been blessed with now stood him in good stead as he stepped back quickly from the old oak tree. The Oak King himself could have used such a haven for his winter's sleep. As Peter closed the spell with a raising of both arms to the heavens, a great splintering of wood showered the small group with leaves and wood particles. Miraculously, no one was hurt by the flying debris. Ian, shielding Rebecca with his body, could only pray that Aunt Arabella had moved away from the explosion. There had been no time to protect her from the hail that spewed forth from the old oak. Looking up, he was relieved to see Arabella shaken but unharmed, gathering the remarkably calm, but equally unhurt Emily and Daniel to her bosom.

      As the moon sailed from behind a cloud, the small group of stunned adventurers were amazed at what they saw. The immense oak that had stood since before the revolution was split in two. Surrounding the once proud old tree were the remains of branches and leaves, scattering in the evening wind.

      Standing where the mighty oak had stood was the figure of a man. In the dim light, Rebecca could tell that he was strong and heavily built. The moonlight shone on his golden blond hair that was tied back with a black satin ribbon. The man's face should have been hideous with the saber cut that ran the full length of his right cheek, but in the case of the apparition before them, it only served to enhance his strong chin and chiseled features. The lines around the deep brown eyes bespoke a man in his early forties who had seen the world and weathered many storms.

      The long blue coat and sword at his side were in stark contrast with the sparkling white linen that shown from his collar and cuffs. His strong legs, encased in black leather boots that reached to his mid thighs, gave the impression of a man who could move quickly when he had to. Perched on his head at a rakish angle was a black tri-cornered hat edged in blue. To complete the picture, the man sported a magnificent mustache and beard, carefully trimmed and groomed to perfection.

      Carefully taking in his surroundings at a glance, the dashing stranger looked straight into Rebecca's eyes and gave a sweeping bow, taking off his hat and brushing the ground with it, as he completed the greeting.

      "It is a delight to at last meet you in the flesh, my dear Rebecca", said Captain Jamie O'Roarke.