ã€ŠThe Krottorus Fables: Stolen Children Of The Winterã€‹


 Chapter One

    ¡°The northern continents have always been considered to be the harshest of all the lands throughout Krottorus with its year round freezing temperature and unique creatures, making it home to only a select few willing to brave these lands and call it home¡±

    Wandering aimlessly atop the frozen lake with nothing in sight but a white haze in every direction obstructing my view. With no shelter or resources for a fire. I have no other choice but to push through the unforgiving blizzard that had fallen upon me as if being tested by the gods as they watch from their skies looking down on my suffering.

    As my body slowly starts to lose its colouring over time, becoming a worrying shade of blue as the coldness takes root, becoming the sole thought on my mind.

    Each step becoming more draining than the last, a constant fight against the brisk winds stealing the breath away from my chest, making the feat of a single step enough to make anybody struggle.

    Owning nothing but my clothes and my blade on my back and the dozen or so fish that I intend to sell for a small amount of coin.

    With each passing step the snow crunched under my boots, submerging my feet and lower legs forcing them forward with each step, fighting the constant resistance pushing against me, as if the blizzard was determined to keep me trapped in its vortex, refusing to release me from its grasp. As if testing my strength and my resolve.

    Doing my best to push through the pain, covering my face as best as I can, my thick white scarf and my long, grey, furred robe dragging through the snow with each passing step were my only sources of warmth; the only way I had a chance to make it through.

    Snowflakes catch on my beard, turning it from a dark black to a frost white as the flakes become trapped, entangling and forming clumps of snow, weighing me down further, freezing the bottom half of my face, my teeth chattering together from the cold.

    With each passing second, my body gets colder and colder; with each passing hour, my body would start to develop pneumonia.

    My feet and hands were already turning a vibrant blue, developing the early stages of frostbite. I could still move them but it took a vast amount of energy that I didn¡¯t have to spare.

    I must have been walking for hours but there is still no sign of civilization, or even the blizzard showing any sign of letting up its unrelenting bombardment.

    Distant noises could be heard, though difficult to figure out from which direction as the snow muffled them; with each direction looking exactly the same, I¡¯m becoming slightly more concerned as the distant noises become closer, closing in from what seems like every direction all at once.

    It was hard to make out amongst the roaring of the blizzard, but as the distance between me and those noises gradually shortened inch by inch, one thing became glaringly obvious - it wasn¡¯t another human. Growling continuously piercing through the air between us.

    The hairs on my arms standing up on their points as the sounds send a chill down my spine causing my whole body to fill with an unnerving angst. A dark silhouette forming amongst the blizzard as the unknown creature draws nearer.

    The animal¡¯s outline emerged through the blanket of snowflakes raining down on us both. Slowly reaching for my dagger, I removed it from my belt, grasping it tightly in my right hand, preparing for a fight. My eyes widened at the sight of a single hyokla baring its fangs at me, teeth snarling as saliva ran from its mouth in desperate hunger, on the hunt for its prey. Unfortunately that was me.

    I wiggled my feet in the snow to allow some extra room to pivot my feet, knowing that it would be impossible to fight with the snow confining my movement.

    My eyes are fixed solely on the hyokla that stands before me. Stalking me. Observing my movements just as I observe it.

    Prowling in circles as I follow it with my eyes all of a sudden one becomes two circling me in opposite directions and two become three.

    It wasn¡¯t just one hyokla, it was a pack of them. Each sported a large mane and thick, spotted coats, their light footwork allowing them to walk on top of the snow with ease, each prowling rings around me as I do my best to recover my mobility.

    Gritting my teeth at the unsavoury situation I appear to be in, unable to escape and left with no alternative but to stand my ground and face them.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    My breathing was already strained from exhaustion. With every inch of my body already tightening from the cold, I was only just able to bring my fingers together to grip my dagger''s handle as I lowered my hood and brought my blade up towards my chest holding a defensive stance, ready for the fight.

    Their footsteps are muffled but not completely silent; there''s a subtle crunch when they get ready to attack as they push off the ground with their hind legs for an extra burst of speed to close the distance.

    One rushes behind,widening its jaw as it lunges towards me, latching onto my arm as I raise to guard, its fangs sink in, piercing my flesh, drawing blood from my arm.

    Building up a muster of energy as the adrenaline kicks in, I lift up the beast and toss it over my head, smashing it into the snow behind me. Unfortunately, the snow cushions the blow as the other two observe from a distance.The hyoklas soon back to its feet as if it wasn¡¯t even phased by being flung through the air.

    As I stand observing it shaking off the snow stuck to its fur and recovering it¡¯s lost mobility, blood drains from my arm, dripping down and mixing in with the snow at my feet turning it crimson red.

    ¡°Dammit,¡± I groan in frustration, holding my wounded arm, agony pulsing in time to my heartbeat as the beast looks on, my blood dripping from its mouth.

    Not getting a chance to recover though as another one rushes at me from the side going straight for my neck,as if the beast is acting purely instinct I manage to duck just in time narrowly managing to avoid what would''ve been a lethal strike. Quickly reacting to the beast grabbing my blade swinging it upwards in a desperate attempt to cause any damage that may slow it down .

    As the edge of my dagger pierces the beast''s flesh as if it were slicing a block of cheese.Its body flew above me, ragdolling as it landed through the snow.

    The hyokla¡¯s never giving myself a chance to worry about the kill I''d just performed. My direction immediately turns to the two that are left prowling from a distance concealing themselves in the blizzard, each waiting for an opportunity for them to strike me when I''m least expecting it.

    Caught off guard, when they both charged me simultaneously, emerging from the sheet of snowflakes that kept them shrouded. They hastily close the distance from opposite directions unsure of how to counter them, all I can do is act on instinct and trust my gut, as they swiftly approach.

    My heart pounds faster and faster with each passing moment as the hunt prolongs, but the longer the more the cold affects me.

    My grip loosens around my blade¡¯s handle, and I just barely muster the force to keep it in my hand; I falter as the Hyokla make their move.

    A mad dash from the hyokla facing me head on straight down the line, with no variation in its movement, as I raise my hand to swing my dagger and strike it in its side as it launches itself towards me in one mighty burst of speed.

    ¡°Dammit!¡± I scream aloud as a new pain emerged in my shoulder. My hand release its grip , dropping my dagger in the snow, as I turn my head to see the cause my eyes widen.

    The other Hyokla is attached to my shoulder, its fangs firmly planted in my skin refuse to budge no matter how many times I strike it with my injured hand. The third Hyokla right in front of me, so close I can smell it¡¯s breathe in my face, making me physically recoil at the distasteful scent; mustering all my strength, I grab the Hyokla¡¯s mane from over my shoulder flinging it forward, using every bit of remaining strength left in my body; an unsettling cracking could be heard.

    A crashing wave as the bodies slammed together in front of my eyes, a cracking of bones could be heard as the two mongrels collided with one another keeping a hold of the mane refusing to let go¡­ not yet¡­ no matter how much a fight the mongrel insists on putting up.

    Frantically reaching for my belt with my injured hand running my hand along the numerous items attached until finely I reach what I''m looking for, a small metal knife with a pointed tip and a small groove along the ridge of the blade, plunging it into its throat.

    As the life drained from the Hyokla it¡¯s resistant drained with it, becoming unable to fight back as the blood flowed down the groove of my knife, making it quick and somewhat painless as the light its eye quickly faded, leaving only the husk of the animal that would soon be buried in the blizzard.

    Removing my knife from the corpse, getting ready to throw it at the remaining Hyokla as it realises it¡¯s lost, it disappears back into the blizzard.

    Grasping my chest at my accelerated heart rate, doing it¡¯s best to keep me conscious as hard as it is, looking down to see a large patch of crimson red snow where my blood had been soaked into, removing my scarf and tying it around my hand quickly absorbing the blood.

    I¡¯ve gotta keep moving, I thought to myself, reaching for my dagger wiping it clean of any lingering snow in my time of desperation trying to convince myself to push through the agonising pain, desperate to get out of this dastardly blizzard and back to some sort of land.

    As the conditions worsened now, not only having to worry about frostbite and pneumonia also having to worry about potential blood loss from my hand and my shoulder.

    Struggling to muster any strength after that fight with the Hyokla¡¯s, dragging my feet through the snow, my vision became more and more blurred with each passing minute, the landscape losing its colour to only be replaced with black spots in my view.

    Wincing as pain in my head gets worse the more blood drains from my hand leaving a vibrant red spotted trail behind, my steps smaller and smaller dragging along along the frozen lake leaving only a trail in my wake, struggling to keep my eyes open, in the distance two shadowy figures could be seen, nothing distinct to notice about them, no clothing or faces just a dark outline of two children but yet I still felt some level of familiarity staring at their figures.

    ¡°PLEASE HELP!...¡± I begged multiple times in a desperate attempt to gain their attention, waving my injured hand in the air, I could feel my consciousness fading into the darkness.

 Chapter Two

    Winded and groggy from my reckless venturing through the disastrous conditions. Distant noises approach once more. Laying helpless in the snow I can¡¯t do anything but watch the distant horizon. My stomach turns as the noises become louder and clearer.

    As the distants sounds get louder and closer, slicing through the blizzard at a cheetahs pace. A person perhaps?  I think to myself struggling to remain conscious as the spots in my vision start to take root obstructing most of my view.

    ¡°HEY!!¡±¡± The distant noise cries out in a muffled scream. ¡°IS ANYONE OUT HERE?¡±

    As time is running out as they¡¯ll soon be on top of me, I need to make a decision quickly as whoever it is will soon be heading past. The shadowy outline increasing in size the closer they get.

    With no other choice but to take a chance that they would be friendly and offer me aid¡­ Ariel I would have to take but the worst they can do is leave me here¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± I cry out. My voice strained, trying to gather what little strength I have left although I produce nothing but a muffled whisper.

    The Jingling of bells could be heard throughout the edge of the storm difficult to pinpoint, as multiple were chiming all at once echoing off of eachother, but they were moving at an exponential speed, coming in my direction.

    A shadow rushes towards my numbed body at a abrupt speed, it''s too big to be a person the closer it got, fighting the pain unsure what to expect once again doing my best to grab my dagger, immediately dropping it next to my face though unable to muster the strength to move my fingers to form a grip around the handle.

    Doing everything I can to remain conscious and aware of everything going on around me, when suddenly six or seven bunny-like creatures appeared from nowhere, each wearing a miniature harness.

    My gaze follows the rope from each creature leading backwards towards a medium sized sleigh which appears to be made of old logs bearing a red cloth attached to the back.

    A stranger quickly dismounts rushing to my side examining my body, dropping to his knees ,the snow cushioning his fall, frantically shovelling the snow around my face to the side doing his best to free my airways in attempt to help me although, the open wounds across my body make it hard to breathe either way.

    Taking a painful breath once my nose was cleared of any obstructions, but at least I was still breathing nonetheless.¡±Whoa! He¡¯s still alive!¡± The stranger cries out in surprise, clearly expecting a victim of the storm. ¡°Long Side,¡± He commands, waving a hand to his small furry companions causing them to slowly approach my body as I lay helpless only able to watch from my snowy confines.

    As the stranger frantically digs around my body doing his best to free me as much as he can, and as quickly as possible, tossing my fish to the side without a second thought, he quickly realises how much jeopardy my life is actually in, as I lay watching the sleigh pull alongside my body. ¡°He¡¯s a big one,¡± The stranger admits to himself,his pace growing quicker and quicker now realising he¡¯s on a time limit to get me treatment.

    As he comes into view looking at his sleigh and looking back at me clearly trying to assess the situation he¡¯s stumbled into, as he unclicks the sheeting covering his sleigh  at the back, revealing around a dozen or so of crates.

    Crashing thuds could be heard as he starts to toss them off of his sleigh in a frantic panic, as the crates clashed together breaking open to reveal various resources, mainly alcohol and food. I imagine both to be a scarcity in these conditions, hard to procure.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Why would he go so far for a stranger. My eyes widened from the shock of why he would willingly toss all of his supplies away for the sake of a person on death''s door.

    As I laid watching him frantically shuffle his way around the snow performing one task after another with the sole purpose of helping my sorry arse. I could feel a slight nudging on my side as he tried his best to roll my body onto his sleigh without much success barely able to move me out of this ditch I was stuck in.

    Relaxing my breathing in a last ditch effort to gather any remaining strength left in my body, searching frantically for the remaining scraps needed to lift my own weight off the ground, luckily my body wasn¡¯t in a lot of pain anymore as the cold had managed to completely numb my body.

    Gritting my teeth, growling, releasing a push off on my completely frailed fingers, all of them looking as if they could snap at a moment''s notice, each a vibrant shade of blue spreading right down to my knuckles.

    A sudden relief overfills me knowing I¡¯d lifted myself up just enough for the stranger to lower his body allowing me to prompt myself up against him, as we shuffled our way onto his sleigh, laying me down on the wooden surface on the back where his cargo once laid in troves. ¡°My da¡­gg¡­er,¡± My words barely make it from my lips.

    ¡°Hug your chest it should help a tad, i¡¯ll grab it,¡± The stranger said whilst gesturing for me to raise my hands up.

    Placing a blanket over the top of me that just covered my whole body in a desperate attempt to raise my body temperature, followed by the red sheet being clipped back on over the top of me, shielding me from further enduring the relentless torment of the blizzard that had already nearly claimed my life once today.

    I could hear him shuffling around the sleigh outside, unsure of whether or not he was going to fulfil my request, he took his seat at the front of the sleigh.

    ¡°HIKE, HIKE,¡± He demanded of his furry companions, as they took off without delay.

    A large jolt hit me whilst in the back causing my body to shift in all manner of directions hitting my head on the front of the sleigh, producing a large thud loud enough for him to hear up front.

    ¡°Sorry about that, but I need to get you back immediately,¡± he shouts back, apologising immediately, knowing the severity of my condition.

    Although I can¡¯t do anything about my body temperature, I can still do something about the wound on my hand, reaching desperately for my belt once more, to reach the small glass vials no bigger than my finger, attached containing some honey inside.

    Doing my best to wiggle my fingers trying to gain any extra leverage that could be used to further my reach, grunting in frustration with each failed attempt, trying my best to bend my waist to the side ever so slightly, shortening the distance.

    Knocking the vial off of my belt, my heart skips a beat as it falls through my fingers watching helpless from a far, reaching around the base of the sleigh trying to find it, hoping it didn¡¯t fall under the sheet losing it to the depths of the snow outside, Luckily though it got caught in a groove in between the logs, a smirk emerged as things were looking slightly better.

    Patting down the area of the sleigh in a panicked manner, the need to do something about these open wounds grew by the second, finally feeling it amongst my fingers although unable to grasp a clear grip on it to pick it up, struggling to move my fingers.

    An idea came to mind in my struggling attempts trying once more grasping at the vials between two fingers squeezing them together forming a death grip around the indented curved shape of the vial, refusing to let though for any reason raising it to my head with no alternatives but having to bite the cork seal to remove the contents.

    Ideally I would have like to use it sparingly but with my fingers in the state there in, no way was that happening, interlocking the vial between my thumb and my palm gradually tipping, watching the thick, gloopy honey drain out onto the transparent vial onto my hand, a harsh stinging as it formed a thick layer coating over the wounds preventing any more blood loss.

    The sleigh begins to slow down as gradually, I can only assume we¡¯re almost at our destination. ¡°I¡¯m going to need you to keep quiet, the people here don¡¯t take kindly to strangers¡± he asks of me a simple request, it¡¯s the least I can do after he¡¯s gone out of his way to help.

 Chapter Three

    With the sleigh coming down to a walking pace, angling my head slightly to be able to see though the thin layer or fabric keeping me hidden from any onlookers to no avail, the only sights being able to see are small shadows.

    Have we reached our destination? I thought to myself unable to gain a clear picture of the surroundings outside, unsure of what was waiting for me outside I had no choice but to follow his request, keeping quiet as he navigated his sleigh through what I could only guess had to have been multiple buildings.

    ¡°Your back¡± A high pitched voice announced moving quickly towards us, a constant crunching under its feet, A Child perhaps?

    ¡°Yes, you miss me like, Kiddo?. Do me a favour, go open the back door to the house and only tell your mother.¡± The stranger instructed the child, followed by more crunching of snow as he ran away to perform his task eagerly.

    ¡°Am I to be your secret then, if you''re sneaking me in like this?¡± I enquire through the fabric keeping my voice quiet to avoid detection but loud enough to ensure he will hear me.

    ¡°I told you before that these people don¡¯t take kindly to strangers¡­ especially at the moment.¡± he replies immediately without missing a beat.

    Moving off once more at a sluggish pace making our way through what I can only guess is his hometown, taking the roundabout way around the outskirts to best avoid cutting through the centre, looking to avoid raising suspicion of passing onlookers.

    Finally though we have stopped once more for hopefully the last time, my head crashing into the front of the sleigh as my body slides along the back once more, Gripping a hold of my shoulder ensuring it doesn¡¯t scrape against the bottom of the sleigh catching and peeling even more of my skin off.

    Blinded by the light as my eyes take a moment to adjust as the stranger pulls off the sheeting from over my body revealing me once more to the elements, quickly offering me his arm to aid myself up, resting my arm across his shoulders as if he were my third leg to prompt myself up.

    He wore all black from head to toe; hat, scarf, coat, padded trousers, boots. His face hidden underneath his scarf and hat, but seemingly unaffected by the harsh snow as rushed around the sleigh performing multiple tasks at a time.

    Dragging my feet using the last of my recuperated energy from the journey over here with each passing step, coming closer to entering his home.

    ¡°Come on just ahead¡± he pleaded desperately trying to get me into shelter, carrying all of my weight clearly displaying his struggle not expecting me to be as heavy as I am. ¡°My your heavy¡±

    A large wooden doorway stood before us old and battered but yet still intact nonetheless. swinging open with an unrelenting creak only to reveal a small young girl, wearing a grey knitted jumper with padded trousers, rushing towards us grabbing my waist trying to help to keep me upright. Her eyes are clear brown with short dark hair.

    I can feel her pushing my back ushering me into their home, as I step over the threshold into their home.

    A wave of heat rushes my body from all directions as I make my way further in, my nose starts to run from the sudden change in temperature

    ¡°Quick, over on the couch, in front of the fireplace¡± he points me in the direction in which to help figure out where he wants me to go. ¡°Sasha, get some blankets¡± to which she immediately takes off round the corner thudding with each step as she launches herself up the stairs.

    ¡°What about the two children I saw?¡± I ask as he sets me down in front of the fireplace, trying to warm my body up to allow the oxygen to circulate all throughout my body.

    ¡°Um¡­ there wasn¡¯t anybody else out there¡± he responds, his voice quiet, bearing a layer of sympathy unsure of what to make of the situation ¡° we need to clear those wounds¡± he adds trying to change the topic to something else as Sasha returns hurdling her way down the stairs with a large stack of blankets in her arms, dropping them on the floor at the base of the couch. Standing and staring at me as I lay on their couch with my feet hanging off of the end.

    Removing the goggles, scarf obstructing his view, patting himself down removing and all snow that remained amongst his clothing, running his hand through his hair ruffing it up, hastily removing his large winter coat freeing his movements allowing him to focus on his jobs at hand.

    ¡°Sweetie, what¡¯s this about you bringing home a raggedy old man or something?¡± A woman¡¯s voice emanated from the top of the stairs, as the child sat beside me smirking, staring directly at me looking me up and down.

    ¡°Can you bring some bandages and some water¡± he shouted back to her before she came down, as he helped me remove my coat to reveal the huge bite marks in my shoulder, peeling away my shirt that had stuck to the dried up blood. ¡°Some tweezers as well¡±

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Sasha pulling a face of intrigue at the sight, irregular for a child her age, most recoil at the sight of blood in my experience, my attention diverted to the woman making her way downstairs bearing the first aid equipment requested also with some spare clothes for me to change into once finished.

    What have I done to deserve such kindness? I can¡¯t help but feel like I¡¯m taking advantage of their generosity, offering me a complete stranger shelter, aid, and introducing me to their family.

    The woman wore some baggy grey jeans along with a cream knitted sweatshirt that went just below her waist, with a matching hat and slippers to go with the outfit. Her hair was a dark brown long in length running down past her shoulders and down her back, her eyes an vibrant brown much like her daughters, standing out in contrast to he light coloured outfit.

    ¡°Ah¡­ my apologies, how rude. I¡¯m sapphire, that¡¯s my husband Damian and I see you¡¯ve met my daughter Sasha¡± she went on to introduce me to her family whilst Damian examined my back accessing the damage done.

    ¡°Are these what I think they are?¡± Damian asks over my shoulder clearly displaying his unease and concern after closely examining the marks closer.

    ¡°Those would be Hyokla¡¯s teeth '''' I remarked back releasing a huge sigh mentally preparing myself for more pain that is due to come very soon.

    ¡°Could you take her upstairs please, just whilst I tend to his wounds¡± he asks his wife not wanting his daughter to see the state, especially when he has to remove them one by one.

    ¡°Aw¡­ I don¡¯t even know his name¡± she pleads, wanting to stay and watch and learn all she can about the raggedy man as she called me, guessing it¡¯s not often someone new comes into town.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what, if you go upstairs now, I¡¯ll answer any questions you have later. You can call me Rudsek¡± I barter with the child, understanding his fathers concern I wouldn¡¯t want my children to see such an unruly sight, if I had any that is.

    ¡°Promise¡±

    ¡°Promise¡± giving her my word as her mother ushers her upstairs with her hand on her back directing her back upstairs as we begin the unsavoury task.

    As Damian took the tweezers dipping them in a glass of alcohol, I remove my blood stained shirt, dropping it on the floor getting ready to start the delicate process of removing all the teeth still lodged under my flesh. As Damian offers me a look of nervousness before he commences as if giving me one chance to talk him out of it, but it needs to be done.

    As he began the procedure clasping onto the first tooth with his tweezers placing his free hand on my shoulder. Pushing against my body pulling on the embedded tooth as it resists his pull refusing to leave my skin. With no other way he had to twist the tooth around whilst embedded, a sharp pain stinging through my body as he forces the tooth, causing me to release a small grunt as I wince at the subtle pain. ¡°Stubborn bugger¡± he announces raising the tooth to his eyes admiring it, before placing it in a dish just beside me.

    It was a discoloured yellow under the splatters of blood that cling to it,with a sharp pointed tip with a slight curvature to properly cause as much damage as possible as it would rip the flesh of its food.

    With each tooth removed a sharp stinging pain through my back with each clinking as he places each tooth in a dish one after another, my only comfort is that with each clinking sound that¡¯s one more tooth closer to this being over, doing my best to ignore the constant pain scanning the surroundings of his house.

    The house made up primarily of logs, the same kind the sleigh was made out of, the ground floor is basically just a living room with a cobble fireplace, pictures dotted around of their family and a staircase leading upstairs in the corner of the room, with a kitchen and dining room acting as another room separated by a smoothed out cobble wall in between bearing a mounted candle on either side.

    ¡°What were you doing in the blizzard¡± Damian asked raising his eyebrows ¡°you¡¯re not from round here¡±

    ¡°Was just passing by trying to make some coin whilst ice fishing, when the blizzard started out of nowhere¡­ but also as if I felt drawn back to the north¡­.¡± I respond with my head lowered along with my voice, as if deep in thought whilst thinking about what it possibly could be but every time I do I find myself fidgeting with my necklace as if it has something to with it.

    A final grunt as the final tooth was extracted, never before had a subtle clinking sound in the background meant such relief to my ears, taking a moment to catch my breath as for the first time today my life wasn¡¯t in jeopardy, the discolouring in my fingers and feet was slowly going down as my body started to warm up from the heat of the raw flame.

    Slowly regaining the feeling in my body as the numbness fades and the colour returns.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go take a warm bath, whilst I wash your clothes and your welcome to stay whilst you recover¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve already done so much I wouldn¡¯t want to impose¡± Trying to ensure I don¡¯t overstay my welcome figuring it¡¯s best that I move onto the next town once the blizzard. A sudden rush of thuds could be heard as Sasha came storming down the stairs in a franticked state, almost tripping over her own feet, completely missing the last few steps, managing to recover before her face planted onto the wooden floor.

    ¡°You can¡¯t go yet mr, you said I could ask you questions¡­ you promised'''' She looked up from the bottom of my feet, her puppy dog eyes on display tugging at my heartstring knowing exactly how to make me feel guilty for even considering leaving.

    ¡°As long as you show me those small bunny things that pull the sleigh¡± I respond mockingly in an attempt to lighten the mood which clearly worked as now, she looks up at me with an adorable grin, smiling at the fact that she got her wish. Honestly though it feels good to be asked to stay, I''d forgotten what that felt like in all my years travelling alone to have someone to enjoy company with.

    ¡°Speaking of which, can you bring them inside Sasha whilst preparing dinner?¡± Damian asked, offering me a simple smile as if trying to keep her busy for a while, giving me some time to relax in my bath without worrying about onlooking eyes.

 Chapter Four

    ¡°The legends say that man was made in the image of the gods when they walked amongst us, making the realm of Krottorus where nothing but the oceans last, eventually as the need for god''s diminished, they started to disappear one after another never to be seen, only worshipped¡±

    As I soak in my freshly run bath, watching the steam slowly arise into the air only to disappoint into nothingness. I can¡¯t help but question their generosity towards me.

    There must be some kind of ulterior motive, I mean no one¡¯s that nice for nothing. I can¡¯t help but be sceptical about it all, unsure of his reasoning all I can do is keep on my guard and wait for the punch in the gut when their real reasoning is revealed.

    Ulterior motives or not though it did feel particularly enjoyable to share in someone else¡¯s company and not just my own, being able to share the stories of my travels with others.

    Disturbed by a subtle knocking at the bathroom door. ¡°Rudsek, food¡¯s almost ready downstairs¡± Sapphire announced through the door ¡°I¡¯ve gotten the blood out of your shirt and the scarf as well¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ thank you¡± Unsure how else to respond, how far will their generosity continue to extend towards me already making me as if i¡¯ve already taken advantage of them.

    Submerging myself one last time in the murky water in one final attempt to ensure all the muck and blood was washed away but also to attempt to wash away and drown all the negative thoughts, consuming my head.

    Ready to get out realising they had taken most of my clothes leaving me only with my boots, my trouser and belt with my dagger and all my tools still attached although even at a glance I could tell a knife was missing from it immediately, even when it¡¯s laid scrunched up tossed across the floor. A slight smirk emerged on my face with a suspicion of where it might be though.

    As the water ran in streams down my body, dripping onto the mat laid atop the floor, I felt so good under my feet, soft and relaxing to the touch as I wiggled my toes enjoying the feeling knowing it wouldn¡¯t last, as I¡¯d be back on my way in a couple of days.

    Catching a glance in the mirror that sat beside the door taken aback my own appearance, slicking my long black hair back down to my shoulders,  a few rogue strand bounce back dangling in front of my face, continuing to run my hand through my beard, it¡¯s the cleanest i¡¯ve ever seen it, although now a vibrant grey but so soft when I run my hand through compared to the usual brittle and wired look it it normally has, staring intently at my reflection never before had my age of forty-three been so apparent.

    As I started to bandage up my wounds, make sure it¡¯s firmly pressed against my skin with no chance of coming loose, admiring my reflection as I washed my face in their sink which felt tiny compared to the size of my hands, washing away any honey residue that sealed the wound leaving only a scar in its place.

    ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready!!!¡±

    I hear being shouted from the bottom of the stairs from an over excited six year, more than excited to claim her promise, making my way down to meet them at their dinner table excited for what is most likely my first actual meal in months although the thought of sharing a meal with others does but a smile on my face.

    Reaching the bottom of the stairs scanning the room to see Damian and Sapphire waiting patiently at the table ready to eat as an overexcited child bops up and down on the spot waiting anxiously for me to take my seat with the family.

    ¡°I would''ve put a shirt on but it wouldn¡¯t fit¡­ sorry¡± Rubbing the back of my neck in my own embarrassment standing in only my trouser and boots. ¡°I¡¯ll just put my coat back on¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, you¡¯ll be sweating if you put that back on in here.¡± Damien responded instantaneously, not giving me a chance to even reach for.

    Was it really ok for me to sit and eat shirtless with them? I thought to myself in my subtle discomfort, glancing back and forth between the table and my clothes drying my by the fire unsure what the best course to take would be. Interrupted by Sasha grabbing my hand leading me over to the table, sick of waiting any longer no doubt.

    Picking up the chair as I pulled it from under the table not wishing to mark the floor of their beautiful home, my nostrils flaring at the aroma of the full roast that laid before me, a plate packed to the brim almost overflowing; meat, vegetables, potatoes, puddings, gravy.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    My mouth started to drool just from the sight of such a meal, saliva building up in the base, anxious to begin eating, my eyes frantically scanning the plate from side to side unsure of where to begin though, it all looked so appetising. Not that it mattered though it was going to end up in my stomach regardless, reaching for my knife and fork ready to feast like royalty for the night.

    ¡°Say, what¡¯s with the bunny looking things over there?¡± pointing my knife over to the small bed full of them beside the base of the stairs trying to appease my curiosity as I''ve seen all manners of creatures but never anything like them.

    ¡°There Yagerjack¡¯s silly¡± Sasha outburst swinging her chair back raising her hands in the air nearly sending her food flying. Honestly the sight was enough to make me chuckle causing me to forget to chew the food in my mouth causing me to swallow the potato whole.

    Pounding on my chest ensuring the food goes down reaching for the water chugging the glass in one foul swoop, followed by a couple of coughs into my fist afterwards.

    ¡°Have you been to the north before?¡±

    ¡°Once before but I don¡¯t remember much about it, it must have been around¡± I start to say as I sit doing the maths on my fingers as if I were a child figuring out how long it¡¯s been ¡°roughly twenty years or so¡±

    ¡°What have you been doing in that time?¡± Sasha asked curious about my past, only fair considering they¡¯ve willingly opened their home to a complete stranger in which they knew nothing about.

    ¡°Been travelling all over this realm, exploring temples and ruins, seeing everything Krottorus has to offer, from herbs and plants to creatures and those of myths.¡± I respond in excitement at having the chance to discuss the topic with others for a change waving my fork around in the air.

    ¡°Wow¡± an amazed Sasha sat staring captivated by my words of the realm outside of Freyview, which she knows nothing about ¡°Can you show me something?¡± her parents watching in the background opting not to interrupt her keen fascination about the realm outside, just enjoying the smiles that their daughter wears.

    ¡°Of course¡± reaching below the table to my belt, unclipping one of my small vials and handing it over to the curious child as she popped the cork.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Sapphire enquired as she was also curious about the yellow goop inside the vial.

    ¡°Honey, you can eat it. Pour a small amount on your finger and swallow it.¡±.

    Watching the young girl frantically shaking the vial upside down impatiently waiting for it to run down the side and out the vial as her parents sat chuckling to themselves at the sight, huge grins from ear to ear across their faces as we all sat back and enjoyed the show. Finally her eyes light up, managing to get some out of the tiny vial a matter of seconds before it¡¯s gone.

    ¡°Eeekk¡± she shrieked as the flavour immediately hit the back of her throat ¡°So Sweet¡±, she declared, her face lit up as if she¡¯d just received a bunch of gifts on her birthday.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what when I come back to town next I''ll bring you a crate of honey, since you can¡¯t gain it in the harsh conditions of the north¡­ Deal¡± He eyes widened at the excitement of being able to taste more honey.

    ¡°Make it two.¡± She retorts back opening negotiations on the honey shipments she would be delivering.

    ¡°Oof, you drive a hard bargain but¡­ I think I can make it work'''' As we shook hands to finalise the deal, each smirking, her cause of her new found honey import she had managed to start, and myself being able to make a little girl so happy with such a simple thing.

    There was a warmth to the whole night, my heart a flutter at being able to see this happy family, that doesn¡¯t have much but still so closely bonded together that it doesn¡¯t matter, but still making wonder about the missing pieces in my life refusing to let me feel whole, no matter how much I travel and knowledge I gain nothing seems to fill it.

    Our night was disrupted by a panicked and unrelenting brayying on the door, followed by the distinct scream in the distance.

    ¡°Quick, Help the Drakari¡¯s childs gone missing¡± A voice bellowed through the door

    As we didn¡¯t know what was going on, only that something was wrong, me and Damian each lunged from our seats, grabbing my shirt, coat and scarf leaping into action racing towards the door, forgetting completely that no one is supposed to know I''m here.

    ¡°Sasha, Stay with mummy¡± Damian demanded, putting on his hat and goggles, unsure whether it was still blowing a gale outside as Sasha ran swiftly into her mothers arms.

    ¡°Come on honey, we¡¯ll go to your room and wait there,¡± Sapphire added, trying to reassure her, whilst hiding the apparent concern on her face ushering upstairs out of the way.

    Flinging the door open the blizzard had stopped luckily making much easier to see the surrounding areas, as people were frantically running all around the town searching anywhere a child could possibly be hide, the more people that ran past us, the more eyes I felt catching my glance each of them bearing there own suspicions.

    I guess what Damien said earlier was right, these people don¡¯t like outsiders. I catch myself at a thought observing each person from a distance, each taking the time to look me up and down at a moment''s notice, but a moment is enough for them to display their distrust towards me.

    ¡°I¡¯ll check around the town border, if I find anything i¡¯ll come find you¡± I instruct Damien offering any aid I can in the time of crisis, at least if i¡¯m around the border of town, I shouldn¡¯t draw too much more attention towards myself.

 Chapter Five

    As the search continued long into the night, reaping no rewards, the frantic distant shouting from the village as all the adults ran around checking any hiding spots big enough to hide a child, none of them being able to think straight overcome with dread.

    As I walk around the perimeter of Freyview looking for some tracks to follow, hoping for something to point me in a direction, anything that could give me some sort of clue that could help to narrow down what in Krottorus was going on.

    With my eyes constantly trading glances between the outskirts of town and the ground at my feet taking in as much information building a schematic of the layout of town as well as the surrounding area.

    Racking my brain for options that the kidnapper may take.

    ¡°Can I help you two?¡± distracted by the two guys tailing me from behind following me since I felt the town square. Not even trying to be subtle, each scowling at my mere presence, completely disregarding the fact that I¡¯m trying to help.

    ¡°Who might you be exactly?... aint seen you around here¡±

    ¡°Rudsek¡± Meeting their gaze refusing to be intimidated by too men smaller than myself, their eyes full of suspicion and dismay, refusing to let me out of their sights as they proceed to follow me as I return to meet with Damian in the square.

    ¡°Is that all you have to say?¡± They both scoff in dismay and distrust from behind me, followed by one of them planting a firm grip on my shoulder trying to turn the weight of my body around, clearly insulted by my choosing to ignore them. ¡°Were talking to you¡±

    ¡°My name is all you¡¯ll get from me if you don¡¯t show me some respect.¡± swatting his hand off of my shoulder, clearly asserting my discontent to his approach of getting his answers.

    Refusing to indulge them any longer, making my way into the square where a large board sat at the centre surrounded by wooden benches appeared to be hand crafted out of dark shaded wood, resistant to the elements despite being outside.

    As all the adults gather around the square all huddled together in a panic.

    ¡°Has anyone found my child¡± a woman pleads held in her partners arms tears flooding down her face as she covers her mouth weeping into her hands

    Scanning around a vast sea of adults looking to group with Damian to tell him that I couldn¡¯t find anything around the border.

    ¡°If we follow the footprints ,perhaps we¡¯ll know where they are?¡± A voice offering an impractical solution to their current predicament.

    ¡°Which footprints will you be following are at least a dozen different in this labyrinth of tracks, you people have created¡± I argue, speaking my logic towards the crowd, arguing exactly why we shouldn¡¯t do that resulting most likely in more people getting lost in the surrounding area just wasting time.

    As all eyes started to catch my distinct presence amongst the crowd each person bearing a look of hostility towards me was unsure of my purpose of being here. The crowd started to whisper amongst themselves.

    ¡°Who is he?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him before¡±

    ¡°Does he know what happened?¡±

    Each person whispering to one another acting as if I¡¯m unable to hear their questions in which no one else can answer.

    ¡°He¡¯s with me.¡± I turn immediately recognising Damians voice as the crowd starts to part down the centre, each person making way for Damian to make his way through. I don¡¯t think Damian was considered to be the town leader but I do believe he was respected amongst the people that reside here.

    ¡°How do we know he had nothing to do with the abductions.¡± One of the men that had been following me prior retorted, stepping forward to face me, a sternness in his eyes as if he was convinced I had something to with the abductions.

    ¡°He only came to town earlier today and was essentially comatosed when I brought him back, and he¡¯s been with me and my family all day.¡± He stated the facts coming to defend me in front of all these people. ¡°He didn¡¯t even know about the abductions.¡±

    ¡°How do you know he has nothing to do for them, huh¡­ Did you ask him?¡± The man continued to argue, refusing to listen to my reasoning, his face turning red in his self proclaimed righteous fury. Refusing to accept the pure coincidence that I happened to end up in this town shortly after the abductions began.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°You clearly have no idea what¡¯s going on, where and why the children are being taken otherwise you would have done something¡± Stating the hard truth for all to hear, all averting their gazes from me looking at each other in their own guilt as my words ring truth within each of them.

    ¡°You bastard!¡± He Screams in frustration at his own helplessness, bunching his hand into a fist

    Without any hesitation, he strikes my face as hard as he can leaving my cheek a glowing red.

    Damian and the others rush in to pull him off of me, preventing him from throwing any more punches at me, restraining his arms, binding his movement, preventing him from any more outbursts as he grits his teeth whilst struggling desperately trying to get another punch in.

    The taste of blood filling my mouth as he burst my lip with that last punch, as the blood builds in my mouth with no other options but to spit it out as unpleasant as that may be.

    As I spit the pool of blood from my mouth into the snow below forming a vibrant red puddle where it sits and slowly drains into the snow itself turning the patch red.

    Looking back at the man that struck me a look of realisation at what he had just done, shifting my eyes from side to side accessing the state of the crown a mixture of expressions to be seen mainly consisting of looks of concern front the woman whilst the men look with a subtle look disapproval towards my approach of expressing my views.

    ¡°Right now I''m your best bet at helping to find these kids that have gone missing so when you gain some sense and are ready to ask for my help i¡¯ll be on Damians porch, where you can keep an eye on me as well¡­ making sure I don¡¯t do anything suspicious.¡± Taunting him further whilst wiping away the last of the blood that sits around my lower lip.

    ¡°You arrogant bastard¡± He yells whilst spitting up launching saliva from his mouth as he gains a second wind rekindling his fury and frustration.

    ¡°I¡¯m as arrogant as you are prideful, refusing to accept help, just because I''m an outsider.¡± Scoffing aloud for all to hear, all eyes fixated on me once more, as I state the hard cold truth once more, refusing to sugar coat my words. ¡°When you''re willing to put that pride aside for the sake of the kids, then I''ll help.¡±

    With everything I had to say said the rest was out of my hands, taking my leave and returning back to Damians with him close in tow, the crowd murmuring becoming quieter and quieter the further away I become, the discussion becoming heated in the distance as a divide amongst the town people became apparent, those wishing for my assistance and those who still reluctant to trust.

    Returning to Damiens after what seemed like the longest night of my life after meeting the not so friendly neighbours, he said they were distrustful but that¡¯s clearly an understatement.

    ¡°Dear, would you go say goodnight to Sasha, please.¡± Sapphire asks as she comes down the stairs exchanging a subtle kiss with Damian as they pass each other, honestly it¡¯s quite a sweet sight to see.

    ¡°I¡¯ll start clearing the table¡± She adds making her way into the kitchen, honestly I completely forgot about the mess we made whilst eating dinner, there was so  much going on outside, dinner completely skipped my thought.

    ¡°Let me help¡±

    ¡°Please you¡¯re our guest¡± She politely responds making her way to the kitchen.

    ¡°I insist¡± following behind into the kitchen to see food still left on the tables, looking at the remaining food on the plates I can¡¯t help myself all that drama I stirred ahs made me hungry once more grabbing my plate once more picking off the remaining pieces of food, shovelling it into my mouth refusing to waste even a scrap left.

    Noticing Sapphire looking at me from across the room grinning in her amusement at the sight of me shovelling the remainder of the food into my mouth one bite after another.

    ¡°That¡¯ll be cold¡±

    ¡°Tastes just as good cold as it does warm¡± I respond grinning as I finish off the last of the contents of the plate collecting up the rest along with the silverware and glasses, taking them over to the sink and grabbing a tea towel ready to dry them as she washes.

    ¡°What was the noise about?¡± She asked her tone to be completely different, low and quiet as if to ensure there''s no way for Sasha to over hear.

    ¡°Another child¡¯s gone missing¡± I reply, keeping my voice down, knowing it¡¯s a sensitive topic especially for a mother herself, unable to imagine the thoughts that must be going through their heads, knowing that it could very well be her child next. ¡°How many does that make if you don¡¯t mind me asking¡±

    ¡°Three¡± she responds, pausing on the dishes for a moment, clearly distraught at the mere thought of what the other parents could be going through.

    The rest of the night was quiet as we carried on the dishes, Sapphire didn¡¯t say much else after that withdrawing into her thoughts just the occasional piece of small talk, shortly after taking herself off to bed, kindly offering me the sofa to sleep on in front of the fireplace wit some extra blankets and pillows to try and make myself comfortable¡­ as difficult as that may be on a sofa I couldn¡¯t fit on laid down.

    Grabbing my journal wrapped in cloth and my makeshift graphite pencil, slowly making my way towards the porch ensuring not to wake the family that slept soundly above, finding a comfortable spot on the steps outside, just out of reach of the snow coming down, but it was a lighter downpour now as the blizzard had finally subsided, in which I could sketch in my journal both the Hyokla and the Jaggerjacks that I had previously encountered.

    Ever increasing its contents with information from all over the world, kept together in a leather bound covering with stained crinkled pages, from its general wear and tear throughout the many years I¡¯ve owned, sealed with some string tied off at the front.

 Chapter Six

    ¡°Throughout the realms there are temples and ruins containing scriptures carved in stone bearing ancient languages, each depicting the abandonment of the gods as they left the realm of people, seeking new pastures.¡±

    Looking out into the depths of town from the porch from which I spent my night, unsure of they would even ask for my help, watching as the lights flicker on and off throughout the windows, as eyes watch me from afar from the comfort of their homes each observing my behaviour, sceptical of me, doubting my offer to help is genuine.

    Scribbling away in my journal adding in my new entries of all the things I¡¯ve learned and discovered these past couple of days about the north, the creatures I had seen, a hand drawn map of the region in the area from what I had seen.

    Wearing it down steadily with each additional page I fill in, until my journal is complete and there¡¯s nothing left to explore in this realm, although I¡¯ve never thought about what comes after once all the pages are complete.

    ¡°Do you really intend to sit out here all night?¡± My eyes drew away from my drawing to see Damian stood in the doorway holding two mugs each producing a vast amount of steam from the top.

    ¡°There¡¯s something relaxing about sleeping under the stars at night¡± Staring off into the dark sky filled with little glints spread all throughout. ¡°plus I thought I¡¯d make it easy for everyone to keep an eye on me.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing anyway?¡± Damian asks, inquiring about what I do to pass the time when I''m on my own.

    Handing over my journal to let him have a look through, his face in awe as he flicked through the pages one by one. ¡°You drew all these?¡±

    ¡°Ye,it takes a lot of attempts till I''m satisfied with it though.¡± My face turns red with embarrassment at his words, it¡¯s the first time I''ve shown that journal and its contents to anyone else other than myself. As I sat opposite watching him continue to flick through the pages as I just observed him sipping my coffee, as if he were a child just given a new story book.

    ¡°What¡¯s a Dreclya?¡± he asked turning the journal around to show me the page, pointing to the picture I drew of the creature.

    ¡°Nasty creatures¡­ They burrow underground at high speeds; the skin on their back acts as their armour, tough to penetrate all the way down its snake-like body. Its tail splitting off into two bearing enough force to strike any man down in one blow, limited visibility though.¡± His face filled with both fascination and dread at the sound of such a beast as he takes a gulp at the thought of encountering such a beast, speechless with nothing to say just a look of disbelief ¡°Don¡¯t worry though, they only live in the deserts in the south.¡±

    ¡°Does everything in this journal sound like a dangerous beast?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not all about creatures, there''s other languages, the alphabet''s ancient scriptures and symbols, from churches and temples.¡± I explain flicking through the pages whilst he holds it back to the first page, where it all started.

    ¡°You¡¯ve done so much¡±

    ¡°About twenty years ago, when I filled in that first page¡­ seems like so long ago now¡± A smirk emerged across my face with a little chuckling as I reminisced briefly in my head about all my adventures and how far I¡¯ve come since then.

    From setting out at the age of twenty five or so, in order to find something important to me as if a part of myself was missing, constantly making notes and recording everything I¡¯ve ever seen, from the mapping of new lands, every new species of creature I find, ancient texts and foreign languages.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Say, when did the first child go missing?¡± I ask knowing completely that it¡¯ll put a damper on both our minds but still, even if they don¡¯t want my help yet, I would still like to be able to gather as much information as I can.

    ¡°Thought you weren¡¯t going to help, till he put his pride aside? What game are you playing?¡± Damian asked with a raised eyebrow unsure of my methods, unable to gain a read.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be straight with you, I always intended on helping, but I need the people of this town to trust me and be quick about it¡­ now I don¡¯t have time to get to know everyone and tell them all about myself. So I had to take a roundabout way which isn¡¯t ideal but there''s a time crunch that makes it seem like I''m the only one that can help so they¡¯ll divulge everything I ask without hesitation or arguing back.¡±

    ¡°That is a horrible plan!!¡± Damian retorts back immediately.

    ¡°I Know. I Know¡± I repeat aloud visibly asserting my discontent with having to do things this way. ¡°But three kids have gone missing, right now their my only concern¡±

    ¡°About four days ago the first went missing, the second was two days ago, that''s why I was out around the lake seeing if I could find any signs that could have pointed us in the right direction.¡± He carried on to explain. ¡°Each child was soundly in bed with their parents in the next room over, then they would be gone without a trace and a blizzard would then follow the next day.¡±

    The Blizzard would follow the next day. Those words bothered me the most, an unease spreading throughout my entire body. Why would the blizzard come after the abduction and not during?

    Trying to rack every corner of my brain, for possibilities, it was obvious that something was taking them but for what purpose, my frustration consuming coming up with more questions by the minute to which none of them had answers, slicking my hair back, a habit I seemed to have picked up in my travels as my hair grew out each time I had unresolved thought plaguing my mind as it was my attempt to try and push the thoughts to the back of my mind.

    A distant crunching of snow being ground beneath a boot getting ever closer with each passing step as me and Damian cease our conversation directing our gaze towards a familiar face making his way towards us, wrapped in a fleece jacket and a black scarf, pausing at the foot of the porch, looking off to the side refusing to look at me. Displaying a scowl across his face in his displeasure.

    It was the man from before that felt the need to punch me in the face, rubbing my thumb just below my lip remembering the subtle pain from my burst lip.

    ¡°You gonna hit me again?¡± I ask, holding a straight face waiting to see what his response will be.

    ¡°Only if you deserve it¡± He mutters under his breath, steam emanating from his mouth with each exhale.

    ¡°Seriously!¡± Damian scoffs at the disbelief in what he¡¯s hearing.

    ¡°But¡­ We do need your help, if you''ll still offer it.¡± muttering his words, finally swallowing his pride and asking for my help. ¡°Only for the children''s sake.¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± I agree with him nodding my head subtly in a mocking tone.

    ¡°Ok, but you have to provide anything I ask for¡± offering my hand out to him to cement our new treaty.

    ¡°That goes for you too.¡± offering a side glance towards Damian making sure he¡¯s aware that he¡¯s also to be a part of this deal amongst the three of us.

    ¡°Ok, the name¡¯s Warrick, since you didn¡¯t ask¡± he reluctantly declares planting his hand firmly in my own offering his allegiance to help me find the children ¡° what¡¯s the first step?¡± Trying to gain an insight into what¡¯s going on in my head.

    ¡°Tomorrow I want to see the rooms of the children that were taken, can the pair of you arrange it?¡±

    ¡°Should be easy enough¡± Damian declares, offering a subtle glance towards Warrick. ¡°For now we should get some sleep¡±.

    As Warrick turns his back to retire for the night, still looking as if he was questioning my ability as to whether I could help or not. ¡°One last thing¡­ I¡¯ll say what I think, whether that upsets people or not, my only concern is finding those children.¡± Offering a fair warning, to both Damian and Warrick.

    Turning my back as Warren heads home to retire for the night, me and Damian proceed to do the same knowing full well that tomorrow is going to be a long day.

 Chapter Seven

    Awoken by the not so subtle nudging of a hyperactive child desperate fresh outta bed and full of energy and life, as my dazed view began to focus.

    Sasha stood before holding a black lump in her hands with a huge grin on her face filled with excitement ¡°look what I found under my bed¡± her whole body hopping up and down on the spot, refusing to sit still for even a second.

    ¡°Huh¡± I responded, not aware of what she was going on about, still half asleep from the late night I got last night. I even ended up sleeping on the floor as my large body couldn¡¯t get comfy on the tiny sofa that was offered up to me.

    ¡°Look¡± Sasha repeated shoving the lump in my face refusing to move it until I acknowledged what she had found.

    ¡°A lump of coal?¡± My eyebrow raised, unsure of the significance of the rock as well as the fact as to how some would manage to find its way under the bed of a six year old child on the first floor of a cabin in the middle of nowhere.

    Her eyes carried a gleam amongst them as she ran around the house showing off her new found present, a slight chuckle emerging from myself as I find it amusing how simple children are that such a simple thing can provide so much entertainment.

    Returning to my blanket stuffing a pillow over my face as I release my groans trying to prolong the need to wake up off the floor I currently reside within as Sapphire and Damian make their way into the room immediately chuckling to themselves at the sight of me laid flat out shirtless wearing only my trousers as I continued to groan into my pillow.

    ¡°Do you need anything Rudsek?¡± Sapphire asked as she made her way towards the bottom of the stairs, greeted by Sasha eager to show her her lump of coal. ¡°That¡¯ll keep us all toasty by the fire tonight¡± she adds.

    ¡°Coffee¡± I groan, tossing my pillow back onto the sofa next to me forcing myself to get up ready for the tedious day of investigating that lies ahead. ¡°How do you people have this much energy this early in the morning?¡±

    Reaching for my shirt and socks that laid over the arm of the sofa just beside my head, finally making myself get up dragging my feet into the kitchen, desperate for that coffee.

    Met promptly by the wave of a freshly cooked breakfast that Damian stood cooking over the hobs as Sapphire handed me a mug full to the brim with coffee, immediately I put some honey into my mug to give a sweetness that helps me wake up in the morning.

    ¡°Do you want me to do anything?¡± I ask the pair of them, feeling bad about them basically doting on me since I ended up at their doorstep in my sorry state, although I already know what the answer will be.

    ¡°Your alright, just relax for a bit¡± Sapphire replied with a smile meant to offer me comfort, but instead started to make me feel a burden, taking advantage of their generosity.

    Reaching for my coat and boots sneaking out whilst they are all in the kitchen, doing my best to go unnoticed carrying my boots to avoid any unnecessary noise, slowly opening the front door releasing multiple creaks the wider it opened.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Where are you going this early?¡± Damian enquired as he catches right as I¡¯m almost outside the door.

    ¡°Going to go to the square and check a couple of things out and I¡¯ll meet Warren as well¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll come with you¡± he responds almost immediately, cutting me off and not giving me a chance to respond.

    ¡°Wait¡­ you have breakfast with your family, I can manage a couple of hours with Warren¡± doing my best to offer him reassurance that I¡¯ll be ok on my own, trying to convince to stay and have breakfast with his family, he¡¯s been so fixated on me and the missing children through the entirety of yesterday.

    ¡°Just don¡¯t punch Warren¡± he says offering one last bit of advice ¡°¡­ and don¡¯t let him punch you¡­ again¡±

    ¡°If that''s what it takes for you to have breakfast with your family, sure¡± I jest, shooed him away from the door back into his house, encouraging him to spend time with his family and not the stranger he met only yesterday.

    Shutting the door behind me allowing to the family to have some time together, fighting with my boots to get them on, thumping on the ground below the porch trying to cram my heel against the boots sole, trying desperately to wiggle my feet in, knowing their the only boots I own that will allow my feet to take the cold.

    Making my way through the town a dark atmosphere all around, the air carrying a thickness of tension thick enough to make the hair on the back of my neck stand on edge, my eyes darting all around taking in all the sights to be see, scanning all the layouts of the cabins from the outside trying to see if there''s anything different between the ones that had their children taken and the once that didn¡¯t, although all the cabins are built exactly the same impossible for me to differentiate them.

    Sitting in the square waiting patiently for my escort to arrive to take me to the suffering families as the snow started to fall from the heavens once again, fitting into the schedule that Damian told me about, not enough to obscure my view like a blizzard would, but it is getting harder over time the longer it goes on.

    How long does he intend to make me wait?

    Tapping my foot in the snow growing impatient at the fact that their still no sign of Warren, finding myself fidgeting with my necklace once more, as if a method I developed to keep myself distracted as when it¡¯s in my grasp, there''s a familiarity about it that I can¡¯t quite explain.

    ¡°I thought we were meeting at the family''s house¡± Warren asks with his hands in the air clearly displaying his own frustration. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for half an hour¡± he adds yelling at me from down the street.

    ¡°How would I know which house is theirs?¡± I remark back dropping my necklace letting it bounce off of my chest a couple of times before tucking back into my shirt away from onlooking eyes.

    ¡°Right?¡± He responded by clicking his mouth in response, followed by waving his hand towards himself gesturing for me to follow him.

    As I get closer to his location I can see him looking me up and down with his judgemental eyes clearly still unsure of my motive for offering to assist. ¡°You couldn¡¯t have changed your clothes?¡±

    ¡°These are my nicest clothes¡± I scoff back in retaliation at his remark, his face difficult to read, unable to tell if he is being judgemental of my appearance of failing at trying to lighten the atmosphere trying make peace between the two of us.

    An awkward moment passes us by continued with a just as awkward walk through the snow towards the last abductee¡¯s cabin, unsure of what to talk about with Warren feeling nothing I can say to him will ever cause him to change his sceptical view of me, the only way I can prove my sincerity at his point is through my actions.

 Chapter Eight

    As we came to the door belonging to the parents cabin of the last missing child the tension in the air became almost unbearable as silence ran throughout the entire town, not a soul in sight with only the wind howling through the snow fall.

    With Warren politely knocking on the door waiting patiently for us both to be invited into their abode, he stands there going over the rules he kept trying to force upon me. ¡°Remember you let me do the talking¡± He kept repeating until he felt confident that I would follow his rules.

    As the door opened half way letting a roar of a creak, loud enough to alert anyone that would potentially try and sneak in, seemingly impossible anyone would have been able to hear from any location within the cabin.

    A distraught mother answered the door peeking her head around before opening it completely weary of letting anybody enter her residence after what she had gone through. Not that she could be blamed for harbouring such feelings towards others.

    Her eyes ran red with dark patches under her eyes also clearly unable to get any sleep, probably from the stress and worry for her child''s sake, not that it will do it any good. ¡°I¡¯m Rudsek, may I come in?¡± I ask myself to manipulate my tone doing my best to appear as non threatening as possible despite my large frame and six foot height.

    ¡°I told you to let me do the talking?¡±Warren mumbled under his breath, shooting me a piercing look of disapproval at the fact that I spoke.

    ¡°So what¡­ I can¡¯t ask questions¡­ Say hello? Nothing¡± I mutter back under my breath trying to be subtle but the deepness of my voice projects my words louder than intended for all in the room to hear.

    ¡°I told you to let me speak¡± he whispers back to me hoping that the woman doesn¡¯t hear us.

    ¡°And I told you that you do what I say when I say, I can¡¯t find the children if I don¡¯t get the right information to do so¡­ don¡¯t like it go away then¡± My voice went back to its original tone filled with frustration and a vein popping out the side of my head.

    A constant bickering back and forth between two grown men, each refusing to back down, thinking their way is the best way to move forward with no end in sight, quickly interrupted by a slamming echo from the back. ¡°Do you two have a problem? If so go outside and sort it out, then come back¡±

    ¡°No¡± We both snapped looking to see her husband standing in the dining room with an axe slugged over his shoulder smelling of freshly cut firewood wearing a chequered patterned flannel jacket with a woollen inside, offering up a proper lumberjack vibe he had going on.

    His face evidently displaying his own dissatisfaction at our constant bickering since it¡¯s all we had done since we had arrived followed up with some disgruntled groaning.

    ¡°Can you tell me what happened the day your child went missing?¡± I ask the distraught couple trying to continuously remind myself that they are still suffering and in shock, that this isn¡¯t going to be easy for them.

    As  they started to explain the details of the day from the moment they woke explaining how it was the same as any other day, as I found myself pacing around the downstairs scanning anything that could have looked out of place.

    All the furniture looked to have been brand new and well maintained with no signs of a struggle throughout the entirety of the downstairs; both the locks were intact on both the front and the back door and none of the windows had been smashed although someone would have heard that, someone passing by or even a neighbour.

    Although the fireplace caught my attention and the charred resources that remained inside, rubbing my fingers in amongst the ash, letting it linger on my finger tip as I lifted it to my nose to identify it.

    ¡°Does everyone in Freyview use firewood?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s the only thing that works¡± She replies

    There wasn¡¯t even an indication that anyone had been in the cabin altogether but I guess anything that would have been left would have already been tidied up.

    ¡°Is there any chance he could have gotten lost in the forests or mountains I saw surrounding the town?¡± I ask, trying to figure out if this is in fact an abduction like everyone has been saying.

    ¡°The kids grew up in those forests no way they could have gotten lost¡­¡± her eyes filled with certainty that even I had to believe there was no way she was lying, not about this. ¡°They know not to go near the mountain as it¡¯s dangerous as well¡±

    ¡°What makes it dangerous?¡± My interest peaked at the mention of it, not even realising it but a smirk forming across my face. Remote, Dark, not too far away. My thoughts fixating on it as this mystery begins to unravel itself.

    Quickly rubbing my hand down my beard as if to wipe away the smirk hoping that it went unnoticed by everyone in the cabin, going back to a straight emotionless face whilst trying to gather as much of a picture as possible.

    ¡°It¡¯s just got an ominous feeling about it whenever you go near it, so we stay clear of it.¡±

    ¡°Would it be okay if I look in the room upstairs?¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯ll help, follow me¡± She said, lifting her weight from the rocking chair in which she sat taking the lead, offering her my hand to help her up and gain her footing as she carefully stood to take me upstairs, shuffling along at a pretty slow pace.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Swiftly followed by Warren practically breathing down my neck this entire time, honestly I''m more surprised that he hasn¡¯t tried to push me out and take over asking the questions, not as if he¡¯d know the right questions to ask.

    ¡°It¡¯s the first door on the left¡± She says as we each approach the top of the stairs leading into a narrow corridor with three doors, one for the child¡¯s room, one for the bathroom and the last one leading to their room.

    As I push  the door open slowly unsure of what could be waiting inside as Warren stands on the opposite side of the door watching my every move whilst the mother waits at the top of the stairs for us both, not wanting to go in herself.

    Slowly making our way into the room as we both stand in the centre scanning its entirety, nothing apparent to be seen just a standard children¡¯s bedroom, a wooden frame with a wardrobe and drawers crammed in the corner, nothing out of the ordinary. ¡°Anything strike you as odd about this room?¡± I ask aloud, providing a hint to Warren that something had piqued my interest waiting for some sort of remark from Warren but he just stands there looking at me blankly.

    ¡°Looks like a normal bedroom to me¡± Warren replies, shrugging his shoulders not offering up anything to help the conversation.

    ¡°Here give me a hand moving this?¡± I ask him as I nod my head towards the bed planting my hands underneath the headboard.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± he asks with a raised eyebrow, unable to tell if i¡¯m being serious or not.

    Offering him another head nod towards the bed indicating to him without words that I am in fact serious. As we both stand at the ends of the bed ready to lift, moving it to the side as we both count down from three revealing a rug placed below the bed.¡±Now why would they put a rug under the bed out of sight?¡± I ask not expecting to get a response out of Warren ¡°You know how kids ask parents to check under the bed for monsters?¡± I ask Warren whilst also expressing my train of thoughts aloud.

    ¡°Ye¡± He responds with a hint of concern in his voice, watching my expressions closely trying to pick up on what I¡¯m thinking at the moment.

    ¡°Sometimes the kids are right¡± I announce flipping over the rug to reveal the hardwood flooring with a large dark patch.

    Crouching down and accessing the marking on the floor there''s something off about it rubbing my fingers amongst the hardwood, trying to get a feel of what it is, raising my hand to my nose taking in the scent.

    Brushing my hand through my hair once more clearly showing my frustration in front of Warren ¡°What is it?, I''ve smelt it before¡±. The frustration building gritting my teeth, unable to solve something that seems so simple it¡¯s on the tip of my tongue.

    ¡°Warren shut the door¡± I whisper to him trying not to draw attention to ourselves and what I''m about to do.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because if they see what i¡¯m about to do they¡¯ll probably interrupt and kick us out and I can¡¯t have that¡­ not yet¡± I explain as quickly and quietly as I can in a short time, in which he does as I told him carefully closing the door as I asked.

    Removing a flat stone from my pocket and my dagger from my belt carving a symbol into its surface.¡±What are you doing?¡± in which I ignore focusing all of my attention on the carving. ¡°What are you doing?¡± he repeats, determined to get an answer out of me.

    ¡°It¡¯s called a rune¡± I snap back finishing off the carving blowing on it a couple of times ensuring that it¡¯s perfect.

    ¡°Runes, like magic runes?¡±

    ¡°Not quite, it¡¯s more like  the magic before magic  thought to be forgotten long ago¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not making any sense¡±

    ¡°Ye, ye, sure thing¡± I responded dismissing him once again, continuing to focus on the task at hand.

    Throwing the freshly carved stone into the centre of the room, as Warren looks at me confused with no clue as to what I am doing or as to why I¡¯m doing.

    ¡°How is any of this helping?¡± he retorts back at me completely out of his depth just along for the ride at this point.

    As the carved rune in the stone starts to glow as it takes in the surrounding energy creating a vortex as the stone starts to spin uncontrollably, creating a miniature typhoon with in the room in which we stood, making it harder to breathe sucking the oxygen to the top of the room, my knives jiggling against each other as they get swept to the side from the force along with my coat flailing behind me.

    Warren pinned against the door struggling to keep his footing whilst simultaneously trying his hardest to keep the door to the house shut, as the typhoon began to subside and the stone began to slow

    A vibrant purple glow where the dark patch laid distracting my gaze from a now collapsed Warren sat against the door breathing heavily struggling to catch his breath.

    ¡°What is that?¡± He asks in between gasps, still trying to gasp for air.

    ¡°Another rune¡­¡±

    ¡°What does it mean?¡± Warren continuing to try to make sense of everything I¡¯ve said and done in the last five or ten minutes

    ¡°The rune¡¯s closest translation is welcoming¡­¡± My eyes widened at the potential realisation on as to what that could mean, turning my back racing out of the house as fast as I could, launching myself down the stair rushing out of the cabin without uttering another word, racing back to Damian¡¯s to grab his sleigh and make haste to the mountains.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Warren screams at me following a short distance behind. ¡°What are you doing?¡± He carries on shouting trying to catch up grabbing at my shoulder to stop me from ignoring him any further ¡°Stop, ignoring me¡± He demands.

    ¡°You gonna let me go solve your problem?¡± I snap back at him, slapping away his hand off of my shoulder in my anger taking over with each passing moment.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere till you give me some answers.¡± he yells,in his frustration of having no answers, no explanation and feeling no closer to finding the children. Facing the difficulty of putting his trust in a complete stranger.

    ¡°When coal lies beneath and embers burn bright,

    He shall enter for his devouring that night,

    To be consumed at winters last light,

    To be hidden from all till next winter''s night¡± I recite an old nursery rhyme that comes to mind at this whole predicament. One I can¡¯t seem to shake.

    ¡°What does a nursery rhyme have to do with anything?¡± he responds, not being able to keep up with my thought process, unable to make sense of the words I utter.

    ¡°Think about it, cloak lies beneath and embers burn bright.¡± his face staring blankly as my words mean nothing to him ¡°there were coal remnants in their fireplace.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a lot to go on though,¡± he explains, trying to see the logic behind it. ¡°So the next part he shall enter for his devouring that night¡­ Who is he?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± I say, rubbing my beard looking around in all directions as the frustration builds up, my heart pounding quicker by the minute as the mystery continues to thicken. Gaining more and more questions but very little answers.

    Turning my back, heading around the back of Damian¡¯s cabin, for a break from everything and everyone to collect and arrange my thoughts I had learned. Leaving Warren stood in the centre of town on his own with even more questions than me.

 Chapter Nine

    Making my way around the back trying to isolate myself from the constant company of others, just needing a moment to myself.

    Flicking frantically through the frayed pages of my journal hoping to find anything I might have discovered in my travels previously that could help me gain some more insight¡­ anything; myths, lore, creatures, lost texts, anything.

    My only clue remains to be an old nursery rhyme told to children growing up in the winter meant to scare them all into behaving.

    What if the nursery rhyme was the only clue I needed? I thought to myself reaching in my pocket for my stick of graphite turning to a clear page in my journal as I started to scribble the rhyme out in its entirety making sure not to skip any of the words.

    Mumbling the rhyme aloud making sure I get it right as my eyes continuously scan each line individually breaking it up analysing it section by section, repeatedly back and forth. The fear of missing even a fraction of the meaning, consuming me. Knowing how much could potentially be at stake.

    ¡°When coal lies beneath and embers burn bright¡± I repeat it aloud, Knowing that it¡¯s exactly as it reads, referring to the lumps of coal children have been finding under their beds and burning them thinking nothing of them.

    ¡°It shall enter for its devouring that night.¡± A slight unease in my stomach as each time I repeat those words, What is It exactly? Is it the children being devoured? How does it enter? Multiple questions are racing through my mind, though some of the answers seem obvious, my denial taking over, refusing to accept those answers, not believing them to be true.

    ¡°To be consumed at last winter''s light¡± A time frame perhaps? Caressing  my beard in my frustration at not being able to determine how many nights of winter remain, unable to gain an accurate picture of how long I have left in order find them

    ¡°To be masked from sight until next winters night¡±

    Hibernation cycle perhaps?

    My heart is pounding faster and faster with each passing moment as I clench onto my chest trying to regain my composure. My breath quickening, releasing little clouds with each exhale as my actions become more frantic by the second.

    Frozen in place, unable to move when the realisation hit me¡­ that lump of rock Sasha was holding when I woke up this morning, was a lump of coal if I''m not mistaken, my eyes widening in fear.

    Slamming my journal to the side in amongst the snow my feet sliding as I desperately push to lift myself up of the ground, slamming through their back door with my shoulder with almost enough force to remove rip out the hinges, bursting through the door as if the house were ablaze desperate to rush.

    My eyes darted around the room looking for Sasha, scanning every corner, every piece of furniture forcing my way through the house frantically searching every room, eventually coming to hers.

    Without hesitation slamming the door to the side in my panic, a large thudding heard all throughout the house as it slammed against the wall.

    Fixating on the centre releasing a sigh in my moment of relief as my lock onto Sasha laid across the floor, face buried in her  book waving her feet in the air without a care in the world. She screamed as her eyes widened as a moment of panic swept her face, realising it was me bursting and not some random stranger.

    Quickly followed by Damian and Sapphire rushing past me, making their way to their daughter holding her in their arms with a firm grip, squeezing her tight, refusing to let her go ¡°what¡¯s going on?¡± Sapphire asked, clearly displaying the concern in her voice unsure as to what was going on¡­ what to make of the situation.

    Making my way into the room scanning every inch within sight; the floor, on top of and under the dresser.

    Dismissing the family as they sit comforting a shocked Sasha, as her eyes begin to water unsure of what she should be feeling ¡°ssh, it¡¯s only Rudsek¡± she says doing her best to calm her down, offering reassurance that everything will be ok.

    Laying on the floor beside them looking under the furniture in their room brushing the books and toys scattered all over to the side, my actions becoming more and more frantic as the panic sets in. ¡°Where¡¯s the coal?¡± I ask the room hoping that someone would be able to provide an answer although they all look blankly in return offering no words. ¡°The coal!¡± I bark, my voice starting to show a mixture of panic and frustration at the lack of communication. ¡°Where is it?!¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Grabbing Sasha¡¯s shoulders with a firm grip preventing her from running away no matter how much she struggled, ¡°where¡¯s the rock you had this morning!¡± I repeat demanding she tells what she did with it, my grip tightening unconsciously as my panic continues to rise refusing to subside, my fingers continuously pressing against her skin.

    ¡°You¡¯re hurting me¡± she cries as she winces at the pain in her shoulder and tears resume to form in her eyes, overflowing streams running down her face. ¡°Please stop¡± Unable to wipe away the tears focusing on her constant squirming to free herself from my grasp.

    ¡°Please, let her go¡± sapphire pleading in the corner of my eyes, but my gaze is so fixated on Sasha pleading for answers that it goes unnoticed. Trying her best to remove my hands from around her daughters shoulders, whacking my arms with her own, trying to force me to loosen my grip even for a moment to allow Sasha a moment to escape.

    I can feel the pounding on my elbow coming from Sapphire, but my panic is far stronger. consuming me, causing me to fixate on getting the answer I need to hear.

    The pleading of a desperate mother and the wailing of a frightened child become nothing more than a muffled ringing in my ears, my heart pounding faster the longer this continues, this single moment dragging on for what feels like an eternity.

    In my moment of frustration I shake Sapphire off of my arm shoving her to the ground in her resistance a small thud echoed throughout the room as he body crashed. ¡°Rudsek!¡± A muffled shouting overpowering the pleas and screams, his face a glowing red in a righteous fury at my behaviour.

    It must have been Damian grabbing my wrist doing his best to force me to release my grip, a constant pressure slowly increasing over time squeezing tighter the longer it continues. ¡°What have you done with the rock?¡± I continue to demand growing impatient in her non compliance of such a simple request.

    ¡°She¡¯s terrified, let her go now.¡± Damian and Sapphire pleading on their daughters behalf as she¡¯s unable to get any words out, in between breaths and the whimpers.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt you.¡± He begs further trying to resolve everything as peacefully as he can, without the need of violence, but his words feel empty to me, nothing more than an empty threat, from a panicked father. Disregarding his words as only that¡­ just words.

    As he quickly realised his words meant nothing to me, intending to call his bluff at the expense of getting the answers I demand.

    All of a sudden, a strike against my face was overturned by a distinct cracking overpowering all noise, silencing everybody in the room in an instant. As all eyes stare at my face. My nose sat crooked bearing a distinct redness to it, a constant sharp pain emanating from it, with no sign of dulling.

    Releasing my grip from Sasha''s shoulders struggling to breathe for a short while, reaching for my nose to access the damage, there weren''t any signs of bleeding, just a sharp sting whenever I applied pressure to it. Damian had dislocated my nose in his anger.

    Brought back to reality looking down at my hands, taking long hard breathes through my mouth, as my nose felt completely blocked.

    At the realisation of my actions and the pain that I had caused slowly lifting my head to see Sasha wrapped in Sapphire¡¯s arms whilst Damian stood towering over me, nursing his fist close to his chest, his face still a searing red with the veins on his neck about to burst if left any longer. ¡°I Want you out of my house, and this town¡± Damian demands, his voice furious, staring me down, never blinking, never wavering in his words.

    I could tell by the look in his eyes he meant every word he said, it was more than empty threats. A hatred in his eyes glaring straight at me plain as day.

    ¡°Just tell me what did you do with the coal?¡± I plead one lost time setting aside the panic and frustration in my voice, losing all emotions relying on only my judgement.

    ¡°We used it in the fireplace, when we ran out of firewood.¡± My eyes widened staring at the floor at the vast realisation of what this meant¡­ Sasha would be next.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got to listen to me. Sasha¡¯s going to be taken next!You need to get out of here.¡± I begged them trying to make them understand what I know.

    ¡°No, you need to leave. Now!¡± Damian demanded pushing me out of Sasha¡¯s room, having to barge me with all of his weight doing his best to get me out of his house.

    With each step backwards I''m forced to take driving me closer to their front door. My time is shortening to make them believe that Sasha is in danger and I''m her best bet for her safety.

    ¡°Listen, something is coming for her today¡­ I don¡¯t know when, you have to let me help.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve helped enough¡± He snaps looking back at his daughter''s room clearly concerned for her wellbeing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave¡± I say, raising my hand in the air showing my surrender and I''ll do as he asks ¡°but I won¡¯t leave town until I know she¡¯s safe¡±.

    Taking my leave as I''m escorted out of his lovely home ensures I have all of my belongings with me, granting me no reason to return, as he¡¯s about to shut the door in my face, catching a glimpse of Sasha standing in Sapphire¡¯s arms at the top of the stairs looking down on me.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Cutting me off. The door slammed in my face abruptly. The pain overflowing at the thought of not seeing them again, and the trouble that I''ve brought upon this town since my entering. I wish I never came to this town. I find myself thinking as I rest my head on their door. Knowing the untimely fate that awaits them.

 Chapter Ten

    Kicking the snow pile at the foot of the porch stairs in a desperate attempt to release my pent up feeling of helplessness and frustration clinging to my chest.

    Making my way into the town square where I should be able to monitor to their house from a distance out of view, but still able to hear any abrupt noises that may occur within the towns borders, removing my scarf from around my neck, filling it with some snow securing it tightly for a makeshift ice pack for my fractured nose.

    As I lay down on one of the benches with the best view of Damian¡¯s and Sapphires house, releasing a loud sigh of release as I pressed the snow filled scarf against my nose, instant relief from the pain as the cold helps to reduce the swelling of my nose slowly making it easier to breathe. Strained but still easier nonetheless.

    Why am I still here? I think to myself as I find myself mentally adrift observing the snow fall from the thin clusters of snow clouds passing over top of Freyview.

    A constant doubt in my own actions acting out of character. In all my years of travelling. I¡¯ve never once offered out my aid to help fix a problem that didn¡¯t directly affect me, deliberately going out of my way to avoid other people¡¯s problems.

    ¡°Who have you got in a fight with now?¡± I hear Warren¡¯s voice from across the square. Tilting my head up slightly to catch a glance to see if it is.

    ¡°Not in the mood for¡­ well¡­ you¡± I announce rolling my eyes at the mere annoyance of his presence.

    ¡°But seriously¡­Who did that?¡± he asks, pointing towards my nose, repeating his original question determined to get an answer.

    ¡°Damian¡± I answer begrudgingly ¡°you really not gonna let me have five simple minutes to myself¡± Staring him down removing the ice pack from my crooked nose. Sitting up to allow him room to sit beside me knowing full well he isn¡¯t going to leave me to my thoughts any time soon.

    ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡± Warren asked if his demeanour changed from the guard that¡¯s been watching me all day and night with his unhealthy scepticism. To a softer, more relaxed tone compared to his usual sternness and authoritarian stance he normally takes when talking to me.

    ¡°All you¡¯ve done is ask questions, since I got here¡±

    ¡°True, this will be the last one then.¡± scratching his head at the realisation that I was basically right, nearly everything he has said to me since I arrived was one way or another some form of question. ¡°Why are you trying to help us?¡±

    Taking in a deep breath ready to explain the real reasons I was willing to help from the beginning. ¡°I¡¯m not a fan of adults. They always twist their words and bear ulterior motives in which they will take advantage of anyone to meet their needs¡­ however children are innocent they say what they think without reservation, no twisted words, no hidden agendas. The children are the best of us and they don¡¯t deserve what''s happening to them.¡± The deepness of my voice helps to display my seriousness in my words.

    Saying the words aloud for Warren to hear but also become a gentle reminder of the main reason I offered my assistance in the first place, putting my feelings aside for the sake of the future generation.

    ¡°But I had my own ulterior motives as well. Call it fate or destiny or whatever else you believe¡­ but something drew me to this town in search of something I¡¯ve long forgotten¡± I explain further with my fingers as I announce my real purpose for my presence in this town.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Abrupt screaming cutting our conversation short brought me back to reality from my trance, both me and Warren leapt to our feet scanning the surrounding area, our eyes locked onto Damian¡¯s cabin as the lights flickered through the window.

    The closer we got to the cabin the louder the noises became, the constant screaming of the entire could be heard from outside the cabin, reverberating all throughout the town, lunging up the porch steps skipping out most of them desperate to cover as much ground as possible. My only thought is about getting into that house, damned to the consequences.

    My attention was drawn away from gaining entry by a loud smashing occurring only metres away from my face, causing me to close my eyes and raise my arm in an attempt to shield my face from the shards of glass flying past me along with a broken up vase that had thrown in my general direction.

    My heart beating ever quicker as my desire to break in continues to rise at an exponential rate, slamming my shoulder into the door as hard as I can, gritting my teeth as the pain from my shoulder as the force of the impact rekindled the pain, reopening the wounds from the previous day.

    My face turned red at my own helplessness and frustration quickly realising that I can¡¯t even muster the strength to knock down an old wooden door, frantically looking around for any other means of entry, pressing my hair back whilst scouring the area.

    A subtle smirk emerged looking at the shattered window laid at my feet, shrugging off my coat tossing it over the window ledge covering the remaining shards.

    Placing my hand on top of my coat, a subtle crushing could be heard as I pushed down on my hand, pushing off of the ground vaulting the window. My gaze brought to the monster of a being currently holding Sasha all tied up under its arm as it stood in the living room, just staring its breathing louder and calmer than everybody else¡¯s in the room.

    Unable to believe the sight I was witnessing for the first in all my travels, refusing to comprehend that such a being could exist in the first place. It bore the head of a goat with horns protruding from its forehead wrapping back around on itself with piercing black eyes and a snake-like tongue hanging just outside its mouth, to display its split end.

    ¡°It¡¯s got Sasha¡± Sapphire cries out as tears streaming down her face, continuing to scream, as Damian holds her back in his arms refusing to let go knowing there''s nothing the two of them can do against such a monster.

    Refusing to take my eyes off the heinous creature¡­ even for a split second to offer Sapphire and Damian that everything is going to be ok. Slowly reaching for my dagger¡¯s blade interlocking between my thumb and my index finger, trying to reveal my intentions, almost becoming mesmerised in its eyes of darkness unable to see anything but my own reflection in them.

    I can take it. I think to myself snapping myself away from my trans like state, observing its movement, looking it up and down. It doesn¡¯t appear to be too big underneath that frayed dark cloth it seems to be wearing to keep its body hidden from the onlookers'' sight. Doing my best to ignore Sapphires screaming, at least for now my only focus right now has to be getting Sasha back.

    Its nostrils begin to flare up, taking a large number of small breaths each releasing a small cloud of steam as if it¡¯s ready to make its move. All of a sudden it flings a bound Sasha over its shoulder onto its back, chomping down on the rope with its teeth, fleeing towards the chimney with Shasha in tow behind.

    Out of options, grabbing a light grip on my blade, withdrawing my arm back to my ear, throwing my dagger forward with as much force as I can muster. A shriek released from Sapphire at the sight of the sharp pointed blade hurtling towards her daughter ¡°stop.¡± Damian shouts at the top of his lungs his voice trembling with fear it¡¯ll hit Sasha¡± Damian continues to cry out, his only concern now being for his daughter.

    As the monster begins its ascent up the chimney, dragging Sasha along with it. Quickly rushing to retrieve my dagger catching a glance up the top only to see the snow clouds looming over the town.

    Rushing back, vaulting once again through the window, grasping my coat on my way through, putting in as hastily as I can knowing I don¡¯t have time to waste. ¡°I¡¯ll get her back. I promise¡± I say back to both Sapphire and Damian both sobbing uncontrollably on the floor without looking back, continuing to jump over the porch railings making a mad dash around the back.

 Chapter Eleven

    If those Jagerjacks aren¡¯t mounted to Damian¡¯s sleigh. Turning the corner, unsure whether I will be met with an unimaginable amount of luck, as I rush around the corner a constant flow of anxiousness overcomes my entire body, beginning to form an uncontrollable sweat. unsure of what I would be met with. whether or not my gamble would pay off.

    mounting Damian''s sleigh with the jagerjacks attached frantically looking around for some sort of indicator on how to get them moving. Racking my brain trying to remember exactly how Damian managed to get them to start the last time. I think it was something like this

    Grabbing the reins in one simple motion. ¡°Hike, Hike.¡± I shout repeating the words I remembered Damian shouting to start them moving forward before, hoping that was in fact the correct command he used. Launching themselves forward with all their might, my body felt a jolt of whiplash at the sudden takeoff I wasn''t expecting.

    Taking off in a rush, full of anxiety in a race against the clock refusing to lose sight of the goat headed creature leaving Warren behind to tend to the currently distraught couple as he revels in his frustration, as I catch a glance of him looking on in disapproval with no other options but to watch me as I take off with the only means of catching the creature.

    The further away I got from Freyview the harder the snow began to fall just like Damian said it would.. Looking back toward the town unsure if the choice I made was the right one as my chest tightens filled with doubt and worry, momentarily losing control of the sleigh as it swung to the side as my weight shifted with my body.

    Having never even seen a sleigh before now, this whole experience was completely new to me. My only knowledge is from what Damian had told me about briefly and the glances I caught whilst being towed on the cargo bed, peeping through the fabric.

    Repeating the actions I remember seeing Damian performing when he was taking off on it, whipping down on the reigns making the Jagerjacks run at their top speed, getting me to the mountains as soon as possible because if i¡¯m right that¡¯ll be where all the answers lie.

    Doing my best to keep control of such a large mode of transport, as the sleigh subtly veers from side to side as I occasionally unintentionally shift my weight from side to side causing the base to dig in further causing a cascade of snow to spray off the side trying to keep my feet firmly planted balancing out the weight to avoid being launched through the air. Gripping onto the handlebars refusing to stop for any reason.

    As the journey went on my control of the sleigh got better and better with each passing minute, threading the reins around my wrists and through my hands allowing for a better grip.

    Don¡¯t let me be too late, please don''t be too late A voice in my head repeating itself on a constant loop, unable to drown it out, becoming my obsession driving me forward¡­ consuming my every instinct.

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    On a mission to find some answers to the numerous questions I now had, racing against the clock.although I¡¯d lost track of the creature in amongst all the snow, the tracks still remained only just visible but it was something left behind for me to follow.

    ¡°Hike!¡± I yell once more, whipping the jagerjacks once more, fighting our way through the snow, biting down on my tongue desperate to reach the end of the trail clearly heading towards the mountains.

    As the scenery flew by as nothing but a blurred motion, with no time to see the sights and look around to take in the newly discovered scenery my attention focused solely on the tracks ahead disregarding anything that wasn¡¯t of help in finding Sasha and the other children.

    Grasping my chest, its pounding became more apparent echoing all throughout my body.

    Was it the cold? Panic? Fear? All of the above.

    A pit in my stomach at my own nervousness and uncertainty about what lies ahead, or even if I would make it in time. I can¡¯t think like that. My mind stuck worrying about the worst case, violently shaking my head doing my best to expel such doubts.

    As the mountains began to come into view, a small passageway could be seen at the base of them.Gently pulling on the reins causing the Jagerjacks and the sleigh to slow down a  harsh wheezing from each of them, struggling to catch the breath after such a harsh and grewling workout.

    ¡°I see what she meant by an ominous feeling¡± I mutter to myself knowing no one is around to hear. Standing affront a large passageway cutting through the mountains.

    Taking a large gulp dreading the path that lay ahead but certain it was the right way given the tracks leading in. The pit in my stomach remains continuing to  get worse with each passing step the closer to the passage entrance.

    The amount of pressure that could be felt just standing at the threshold was enough to deter any person.

    The air felt heavy and full of negative energy, the longer I stood staring the larger the feeling of unease filled my body. My body froze in place devoid of all movement as a chill ran down my spine and my body breaking out in a cold sweat from my head to toes, as if even my body refused to go that way despite what my mind was telling me.

    Grasping onto my necklace that laid around my neck. ¡°Grant me strength, not for myself but for the aid of those who need it¡±. I pray under my breath holding it close to my chest tightly as it sits cold cradled in both hands.

    The words have no special powers, only the meaning behind them, requesting the strength to help me through this trying moment in my life not for myself but the ones in need of my strength, delving deep within myself to muster the scraps for the benefit of others.

    A gradual flow of courage spreads throughout my body as my heart calms, the beating that was once so overwhelming, once again at my mercy reduced now to nothing, no noise¡­ no constant thudding¡­ only me and my thoughts remain.

    My new found courage carves the way forward, my body still trembling with each passing step I take into the abyss, but my will to help the others pushes me forwards.

 Chapter Twelve

    The deeper into the chasm I become with each passing step, the more unease travels throughout my body, a constant cascade of snow falling from the mountains side as well as the constant howling of the wind as it echoes off of the cold stonewalls. As if trying to halt my progression, deterring me from heading any further.

    Pushing forward throughout the harsh condition with no intention of heading back a distant light brightening with each step closing the distance towards my goal¡­ fulfilling my promise.

    Raising my arm shielding my eyes from the blinding light as I finally reach the end of the chasm, my eyes taking a minute to adjust from a large blurred chamber out of focus, as the surrounding area revealed itself piece by piece. Caught in a panic, feeling like I had walked into the belly of the beast.

    Taking a moment to observe the area around, stood within a perfect ring of trees towering up towards the heavens. Where are we? A forest?... No. A forest would have a stronger aroma, these are probably the trees around. Doing my best to assess the situation at hand afraid of being outmatched walking into its trap.

    Where are the kids? My mind starts to wander prioritising my concerns in a list from most concerning to personal curiosity that can wait. Scanning the area for any sign of the missing children but none in sight, all that remains the heinous beast stood before me staring me down¡­ stood waiting for my arrival.

    Its eyes glowing orange in the darkness with a vertical black slit piercing my body with its gaze, as if staring into my soul itself, enough to intimidate anybody that would dare to venture this far into its territory.

    Still keeping its body hidden under the black cloak that it wears frayed all along the bottom from being draped through the snow at such high speeds, bearing two spiral horns wrapped around themselves protruding from its head as it stood its mouth overflowing with drool and its tongue draped from its mouth.

    ¡°Can you speak? I ask cautiously, keeping my distance, withdrawing my dagger from my belt preparing for a fight, not expecting to simply return the children out of kindness. As it paused observing my actions as I observed it in return slowly encroaching closer to its position taking small steps refusing to let my guard. ¡°Can you speak?¡± I repeat projecting my voice as loud as I can, unsure whether or not I¡¯ll even get a response.

    ¡°Nobody¡¯s ever asked me that before¡± It hisses in return tilting its head slightly to the side displaying curiosity and intrigue.

    ¡°What have you done with the children you took, you monster?¡± I demand it answer my question, raising my dagger pointing its sharpened blade straight towards the beast.

    ¡°I¡¯m no monster¡­ but, Mlaji, God of the Devouring and those children are mine to devour¡­ to satisfy my hunger.¡± It speaks with no malice in its voice or actions.

    ¡°The Gods have been gone for centuries¡± Reluctant to believe its words.

    ¡°We were expelled by one of our own, when our hunger grew too vast, nearly ravaging humans to extinction.¡± Its voice hissing as it recalled the events in question, its anger riding becoming more and more agitated with each passing moment. ¡°Is that why you¡¯re here to seal us again?¡±

    Its nostrils flaring releasing small clouds of steam fueled by its rage as it shook the cloak of its back revealing its large pasty figure with hair coating its back and arms, reaching down to its knees with extended fingers and sharp piercing nails attached.

    Towering over me as it stood on its feet, my gaze following its head as it raised higher and higher standing over me looking down on me. It must have been at least eight feet tall.

    With one swift motion out of the blue slamming its arm into my side, sending my whole body flying causing me to lose grip of my blade along the way through the air eventually slamming into the ground, as I rolled onto my back struggling to gasp for air, my vision blurred for only a moment before returning .

    My attention drew to the objects suspended from the branches of the surrounding trees all around the pair of us. What is that? I think to myself squinting my eyes for a better view. There they were the children I had been looking for all this time suspended in cages made of sticks dangling high above the ground. ¡°Sasha!¡± I cry out gasping for breath. Making sure that they were definitely in them.

    ¡°Ye¡± Her voice panicked, trembling with fear.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Is he here to help us?¡± Other voices could be heard coming from above. It sounded like all the missing children were being held here. ¡°Good¡± I mutter to myself under my own breath at least knowing they were all ok for the time being, picking myself back up off of the ground after feeling like I''d just been run over by the sled.

    My eyes quickly darted around the area desperately to locate the whereabouts I had dropped my dagger, knowing full well the two throwing knives I have left on my belt would be all but useless against a god.

    Before getting the chance to locate it though Mlaji getting ready to continue his unrelenting attack planting his. As he plants his hands back onto the ground. Blowing steam from his mouth as the drool continues to build up overflowing from the side of his mouth.

    An unrelenting charge heading straight towards me, building up momentum constantly closing the gap as I try desperately to escape his path. Out of options, grasping for the knives attached to my belt. Launching them back with as much precision and force as possible.

    Quickly batted away though as he uses the horns on his head to easily deflect them both scattering them across the floor as they ricochet away. Without any hesitation lunging forwards through the air pinning me down once more. His strength was incomparable to anything I''d ever seen before, able to keep me restrained with one hand alone despite how skinny and frail he looked.

    Am I really no match for him¡­ these helpless negative thoughts consuming my every moment.My chest becoming tighter under the sheer force of his hand sealing my airways shut, even struggling to escape draining most of my strength and energy from my body.

    As the god lowered his head pressing its head right up against my body it¡¯s nostrils flaring releasing a constant wave of bad breath that would have normally made me gag, had he not currently been crushing my airways. ¡°You smell familiar but yet different. Perhaps I''ve devoured someone close to you perhaps.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never met you before in my life.¡± I snap my anger taking over at my own helplessness.

    ¡°Tell me, is there something missing from your life?... a gap you can¡¯t fill¡­ no matter how hard you try.¡± toying with me playing on my emotions whispering in my ear a constant droning, doing its best to get a rise out of me.

    My struggling ceases for a moment when the realisation hits, my eyes widened in shock as perhaps there was truth to his words having known that I have felt that exact feeling that he described so accurately.

    As he ran his finger along my cheek subtly piercing my skin with his long rounded nail, drawing blood as he mocked, chuckling to himself. Toying with my emotions as I laid helpless at his mercy, struggling to breath. Occasionally trying to push off of the ground each time manage to catch a large breath of air. ¡°You really do smell so familiar, it¡¯s in the tip of my tongue I can almost taste it.¡± He hissed as he ran his tongue across the newly formed cut along my cheek as I tried to recoil in disgust at the sight as he ingested some of my blood. Swallowing it in one gulp.

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°I remember now¡­ it was your children I devoured all those years ago¡± Mlaji stated rubbing his chin, with a large sinister grin across his face. Chuckling at his own amusement.

    My anger rising, reaching its boiling point, my head feeling as if it¡¯s about to burst, biting my lip, my whole body squirming desperately to escape from his grasp. Freeing my arm gripping onto his arm squeezing with all my might trying to get him to release his grasp even by an inch, for his strength to falter, for even a moment. ¡°Why can¡¯t I remember them?.¡± A trembling of fear in my voice, unable to recall the memories of having children, raising them or even what they looked like.

    ¡°Go on. Look up at those children up there¡­ I''ll allow it.¡± Adjusting the weight crushing my chest relieves the pressure slightly, as my body gasps at the sheer relief, being able to breathe freely once more, a feeling I will never take for granted again. Refusing to follow Mlaji''s instructions, doing my best to figure out my next move, accessing everything I already knew about him, analysing everything seemingly relevant. ¡°I told you to look!¡± He demanded grabbing at my hair, yanking back my head forcing me to look up at the hanging cages.

    As the children all stood in their confinements hung high above out of reach of all those below with no means of escape helpless and stranded, all they could do is watch the one sided game taking place below. Each waiting anxiously for their saviour to come and resume them all front eh big bad and return them to their families.

    The constant echoing of his breathing in my ear as he continues to taunt me, pushing my buttons, as the potent smell of his breath lingers on the tip of my nostrils refusing to leave. ¡°He shall enter for his devouring that night¡± he whispers directly into my ear as his serpent-like tongue lingers in the air, only inches from my skin. ¡°A warning initially meant for others in my exile later to only become disregarded as nothing but a fictional nursery rhyme¡­ It''s true I devour the children I take, leaving nothing left; not flesh, not blood, not even bones remain once I''m done¡­but it goes beyond that¡­¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Beyond that?¡± my voice trembling as my body sweats uncontrollably in a cold sweat as my twitches from head to toe uncontrollably, the visible fear consuming every thought and action running through my veins.

    ¡°I don''t just devour the body¡­ I devour their very existence; thoughts, feelings, memories. Everything¡­to the point where they never had existed¡±

    My heart started pounding faster and faster with each passing second, the distant cries of the captured children becoming nothing more than a muffled noise in the distance drowned out by the pounding in my chest as my heart echoed with every passing beat, taking over all my senses, drowning out everything.

    A constant thumping overtaking my whole body, my vision became blurred and the stairs became distorted and outstretched appearing a lot longer than they were only a moment ago. Grasping onto my chest with such force, digging my nails into my chest through my shirt causing small vibrant stains to form, feeling as if it¡¯s getting tighter and constricting making it harder to breathe. Gasping for air, as even breathing was hard.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be¡± I mutter under my breath in between the strained breathing. ¡°I had two children¡± knowing his words ring true, after all he has no reason to lie ,clutching onto my chest finally able to understand the emptiness I''d felt for so many years. My eyes started to water uncontrollably at the realisation as tears formed, quickly cycling into a depression consuming me, taking away my will to resist.

    ¡°I remember them¡­ you know, a young boy and a younger girl¡­ how their memories were so sweet, how they hung onto their hope that there dear old daddy would swoop in to save them¡­ but alas you never came¡­ and I ate them both, The girl first whilst the boy watched screaming and shouting, begging desperately for me to stop. Such music to my ears as I watched as he forgot all about his little sister, as the memories faded from his mind¡­¡± He continued to taunt, taking comfort reliving the moment of his savage feast, refusing to sit still.

    Giddy with each passing step he took pacing in circles around my body, collapsed to my knees on the ground forced to endure, this phycological torture, completely helpless forced to listen to his excessive rambling as I the blood drips slowly from my chest forming a puddle at my knees, displaying only my reflection, unable to recognise the person looking back.. Only my eyes were consumed with a bitter emptiness.

    ¡°There it is¡­ the look I admire so much¡­ It has such a distinct taste.¡± Mlaji cries out bearing a large grin across his face, his eyes brimming with excitement at the thought of his next meal as he licks the drool from his lips, holding back his apparent hunger.

    ¡°What if I let you consume me instead of the children?¡±

    ¡°You''re mistaken this isn¡¯t a bargain¡­ I''m going to devour you regardless, but I''m going to make you watch as I eat them first.¡± He says pushing his fingernails into my chest piercing and hooking onto my flesh through the bandages underneath my blood stained shirt, causing me to cry out in my pain reopening my previous injuries from the Hyokla attack.

    Dragging me across on my back forcing me to look into the eyes of each of the children that would soon cease to exist if I didn¡¯t come up with some kind of plan, quickly.

    Frantically looking around for anything¡­ my dagger¡­ my knives¡­ anything that I could use, desperate for ideas, flailing my limbs, shifting my weight, trying anything and all solutions coming to mind one after another. Each to no avail. With time running out, each of my ideas becomes more desperate than the last.

    Rolling onto my stomach twisting the gods arm around with me, I start to clamber up his boney, pasty body, mustering every little bit of will power that remains snapping myself away from the depression he had so efficiently stirred, turning into a justfull wraith acting as the fuel to the fire lit within me pushing me forward for the sake of those children trapped so far above.

    Clambering up his arm like an infected zombie, digging my fingers in, refusing to let go until I¡¯d achieved my goal, slowly but surely making my way further and further up closer to his head, my goal, as I reach my free hand forward closing my eye, biting my lip, desperately trying to extend my reach as far as possible trying to gain a firm grasp, until finally, something curved, solid and cold with a rough feeling to it could be felt.

    Opening my eyes, hoping that what I had in my hand was in fact what I had been reaching for in my desperation. One of its horns sitting securely squared in my hands.

    Pulling with all my force, biting my burst lip as blood continues to seep into my mouth, the pain adding to the fuel to the fire within as the god cries out in pain drowning out the subtle cracking noise that could be heard coming from my hand as the horn starts to chip away on one side from the force, soon overshadowed by the distraught and agonising cries the god bellowed echoing all throughout the area.

    The harder he resisted the easier it became to apply force needed, ripping the horn clean away as it ripped its nails out from my shoulder releasing me from its clutches without a second thought, slamming my body back into the ground once more. Only ensuring that his horn would be completely removed, ripping away the fragment of flesh in which the horn was attached.

    Shifting my head slightly to the side to allow the pool of blood to run and vacate my mouth once more allowing it to drip onto the ground before me, hearing nothing but a harsh breaths coming from behind me to see the monster of a god, stood with a malicious stare peering over his shoulder aimed directly at me

    Turning his body, stamping his foot against the ground, ready to begin his charge at me, no longer intended to capture me to devour, but now only seeked my death.

    Calming my nerves, taking in one deep inhale swiftly followed by a quick exhale, stopping the trembling that had previously consumed me to the point of petrification, my body lighter than it''s ever felt before, more nimble and looser. Clutching the remains of the horn tightly in both hands knowing it¡¯s the only thing that could probably hurt a god, or at least this one in particular.

    As Mlaji breathing becomes more erratic by the second just I rein mine in, my eyes fixated on his micro movements throughout his body from the blinking of his eyes, to the strength of his breaths, biding my time waiting for the optimal moment to react,  no matter how erratic his movement may seem at a glance.

    This moment seems like it¡¯s going on forever, staring each other down, refusing to make the first move, stuck in an everlasting duel, all senses heightened watching everything occurring.

    A subtle shift in its breathing, releasing one mighty breath of air much deeper than the rest, a sudden push of the ground as it lunges itself forward tearing up the ground beneath its feet from such force as it lowers its head, looking to impale with its sole remaining horn.

    The closer it gets with each charging step I find my heart flutters once again, this time it¡¯s different though able to keep my mind clear of feelings remaining still with a level head as I remain everstill¡­ watching anxiously to make my move¡­ Not yet¡­ Not yet¡­ I think to myself internally screaming, refusing to let my instinct take over and dodge to the side, biting the inside of my mouth in my anxiousness.

    As the god, Mlaji lunges forward throwing its full body through the air at full force with no signs of reservation, as I take one last breath, knowing the moment I have been patiently waiting for is upon is now upon me, waiting until the very last instant, throwing my body to the ground, ensuring not to slam my head though, thrusting the spiral horn into the air right into its chest as it flies right over top. Pushing against the resistance, its chest slicing open right through to its stomach, its blood pouring out in a gushing wave, drenching me from head to toe soaking all of my clothes a new shade of crimson red.

    ¡°That actually worked! HA!¡± Shouting and chuckling to myself in disbelief, quickly turning around to see the body laid across the ground as my smile, just as quickly turns into a face of disturbance as the insides slowly seeping out into a pile across the floor. Tossing the horn aside the body laid cold, twitching in its death.

    Brushing my hand through my hair pushing it back out of my face, after all the struggling, forgetting my hands were still soaked in blood, dying my hair a further darker shade than it already was, as I grab my dagger and knives laid across the area ready to make my move towards freeing the children, struggling to figure out how.

 Chapter Thirteen

    As I push the sled from behind to ease the burden off of the Jagerjacks as the children sit huddled together,  doing their best to warm their bodies up, each still bearing a subtle trembling still visible to onlookers. Each child refuses to speak, to acknowledge their trauma.

    Keeping my eyes forward eager to return them to their loved ones, knowing the only way they will ever be able to move forward, is to be surrounded by others. Occasionally glancing down observing the faces of them, trying to gauge their mental status, unsure of how long it will take for each of them to move on from what happened.

    As each of their faces, bears an emptiness lingering over their heads. I want nothing more than to offer them my words, ensuring them that things will get better with time, but I am just a stranger to them who happened to be in the right place at the right time.

    Digging my feet into the snow, arching my back pushing the sled as my shoulder leaves a bloodied trail in our wake, as I push through the pain, keeping me lucid, focused on my task at hand.

    As the silhouette of the village of Freyview, heads started turning, becoming anxious and restless in their movements, as the sky lit up with all gradients of colours; blue, red, green, orange. Natural curtains of light shimmering amongst the darkness of the sky, dancing, weaving amongst the stars, observing the events of Krottorus unfold below.

    As the sled grinds to a halt, the distant screaming, growing louder by the second as a large mob rushes towards, the disrupted thudding of at least a dozen villagers, all rushing clambering atop of one another, each desperately pushing each other aside. The parents wrap their arms around the children, squeezing the remaining life out of them. Sapphire and Warren included.

    ¡°My baby¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m never letting you go¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, we looked everywhere for you¡±. Each of the parents cried out, holding their heads closely tucked into their chest, each of them scared to let go as tears and whimpers echoed throughout the land, but not of sadness, of pleasure and relief overflowing from within too much to keep bottled up.

    This is what I¡¯ve been missing. looking around at all the people and their joy, so infectious I find myself with a subtle grin, my heart a flutter at the sight, but it doesn¡¯t feel like joy, my heart stings too much for it to be such a thing though, like a subtle needle pricking it repeatedly.

    Quickly realising that my job was done, there was no reason for me to stay in this village any longer, not wanting to interrupt a perfect moment between everybody else, pushing the sled, sneaking away from the crowd, removing the harnesses from the Jagerjacks. Hanging them up one by one on the mounted hooks screwed to the outside wall, allowing them to graze the grass lying between the snow. Readying myself to take my leave and carry on my travels.

    As I turn my back away from the town facing back towards the only path leaving out of town, towards a small dock where a small boat waits for me to return south to the mainland. ¡°Leaving so soon?¡± A voice shouts from behind, from the direction of the constant chattering and cheering ¡°Without this¡±. As I looked over my shoulder to see Damian stood holding my journal in the air. Stood with a stern face written across his face as he tosses it to the ground at my feet in his disapproval at my choice to leave, without notice.

    ¡°My job is done, your family is whole again, as are the others. I have no reason to stay.¡± I argue back, my voice stern in my justification for my actions.

    ¡°Do you really think you can just sneak away after everything you¡¯ve done for us?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t stay here¡­ It¡¯ll hurt too much¡± I continue to argue, adamant in my decision to leave, refusing to budge for any reason. Picking up my journal off of the ground wiping away the lingering snow that clings to the leather cover.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    ¡°What do you mean?, what happened exactly?¡± he asked his tone to change to a softer, more concerned tone putting aside his own feelings working hard to understand my own.

    ¡°I was told I had children¡­ a family¡­¡± Taking a deep breath, choking on the words accepting the reality of the situation. ¡°That family is gone, and I don¡¯t think i¡¯ll ever be able to regain anything like it¡±

    ¡°So why not stay with us, we can¡¯t replace the family you once had but surely that doesn¡¯t mean you have to be alone¡­ That¡¯d just be punishing yourself.¡± Damian responded, waving his hands around trying to convince me to stay with his family, clearly expressing his concerns.

    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Damian interrupts, cutting me off demanding a valid justification, his voice clearly demonstrating his concern for my well being.

    ¡°I¡¯m forty-three years old, I shouldn¡¯t be lodging in another home. I should be taking care of myself.¡±

    ¡°Bull, I don¡¯t buy it. There''s something else. I can see it¡­ Just tell me.¡±

    Taking another deep breath preparing myself as my eye starts to water as a pool forms in the base of my eyelid, knowing full well what I''m about to say is going to hurt not only him but myself ¡°If I stay with you, all I will see is a reminder of what I lost¡­ what I can never have and eventually grow bitter and resentful¡­¡± my voice shaking at the emotional pain of saying the harsh truth¡­ the only truth that he will believe, looking down avoiding his face, whatever facial expression he must be wearing; pity, confusion, anger, understanding.

    A sudden warmth overflowing my body, my eyes widening from his reaction, not one I was expecting in the slightest as he wrapped his arms around my waist offering me a simple pat on my good shoulder. Hesitant for a moment, raising my arms up to waist holding them inches away, hovering in the air unsure whether to replicate, almost forgetting what it felt like to feel the warmth and comfort of another soul. The subtle warmth and softness from his skin, the calmed breaths against my ear. ¡°I don¡¯t want to become a resentful old man¡± I cry on his shoulder, clenching his coat in my fist, not wanting to let go of the only person I could consider a friend. I feel him pull away from me, resting his hand on my shoulder.

    ¡°You always have a place here¡­ you know that right?¡± A smile visible across his face in his reassurance, the voice rang genuine with no other motives lying.

    ¡°You''re really leaving?¡± I hear Sasha¡¯s voice coming from behind, disguised amongst the crying and whimpering coming from her. Startled for a second knowing the scene that was about to unfold. Dammit, I wanted to avoid this. Gritting my teeth in my frustration, unable to avoid her, quickly my plan to leave discreetly backfired on me completely.

    As she rushes towards me barging her way past Damian, frantically smaking my entire body with her small hands. Each smack doesn¡¯t carry enough weight to leave a mark, she¡¯s just lashing out releasing her frustration, her actions are filled with anger but caught in her gaze, her eyes display only sorrow. ¡°You can¡¯t leave, you can¡¯t¡± She demands screaming in her despair as Damian tries his best to pull her off of me.

    ¡°It¡¯s ok, i¡¯ll handle this¡± I say to Damian, wafting her hands to the side, stopping her constant swatting, distracting my train of thought, whilst trying to grab her attention, ensuring she¡¯ll listen to what I say.

    ¡°I need you to listen to me, It was only ever my plan to stay for a short while, till i¡¯m all better, but that doesn¡¯t mean you''re never going to see me again¡± I say crouching down, talking to her on her level, maintaining eye contact with her.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna come back?¡± She replies sniffing her nose, wiping it clean on her pyjama shirt sleeve turning it a darker shade of purple.

    ¡°Of course I am. I made you a promise didn¡¯t I¡± I say quietly wiping away the remaining tears left trickling down her cheek. ¡°I gotta bring you some honey.¡± I recall offering a smile, recalling the night of laughter and discussion that started. ¡°Now, show me that smile¡± , poking her jokingly.

    Finally she cracks a smile, her mood brightening ¡°Do you really have to go?¡±

    ¡°I do, but first. I have something for you¡± Removing my rune necklace, handing it over to Sasha placing it firmly in her hand. ¡°Whenever you need me, think of my name and I¡¯ll come running, when you¡¯re scared hold it close and it¡¯ll give you strength.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll treasure it forever.¡± She says as Damian and Sapphire place their hands on Sasha¡¯s shoulders, each sending me off with a smile. As Sapphire mouths the words thank you silently without uttering a noise.

    Turning my back, making way out on the only path out of town

 Chapter Fourteen

    Coming to the small docks that sat not too far south of Freyview, a small crew of four sat around a campfire by the oceanside, all dressed in cloaks, dawning the guild''s crests. Merchants perhaps? I¡¯d still better remain on guard ¡°Say is that your boat?¡± Pointing towards the vessel of a ship currently docked.

    ¡°Aye, what''s it to you?¡± One of the men responded, as all the others looked to him, leading me to believe he was the captain of this ship.

    ¡°I¡¯m after passage out of the north, that''s all.¡±

    ¡°From the amount of blood on that shirt, you sure you¡¯ll make it out of the North?¡± He responds walking over to the barrel of beer, refilling his oaken mug as his crew snicker in the background, each drinking their ales.

    ¡°You let me worry about that, besides if I die, you''ll have to loot my body and take my coin.¡±

    ¡°And if you don¡¯t die?¡± The man interrupted quickly grinning as he took yet another large swig of his drink clearly determined to finish it before our conversation ended.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you regardless, twenty coins total¡­ half now, half upon arrival.¡± Reaching for my pouch from my belt containing my coin showing them all I''m good for the money, rattling the coins inside around a bit to ease any doubts in their mind that it wasn¡¯t coins.

    ¡°I like you, come sit¡­ have a drink with us.¡± He says bursting out laughing, patting for me to come sit next to him, handing me a mug full of ale. ¡°You don¡¯t even know where we''re going¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter to me¡± I responded whilst drinking my mug of ale in one go, forgetting that it¡¯s supposed to last me, after all I don¡¯t know how far their generosity extends. ¡°But if I were to know where we''re going, where would that be?¡± As I ask I can hear the rest of the crew muttering amongst themselves, enjoying themselves with some blackjack, gambling on their profits.

    ¡°Namzi, have you ever been?¡±

    ¡°Once, a couple of years ago¡­ it was a wasteland if I recall, the land was dried up and infertile. Barely habitable.¡± A physical confusion swept my face, racking my brain struggling to figure why on earth they would be going there of all places.

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    ¡°It¡¯s not anymore.¡± He retorts, handing me yet another mug of ale for me to sit and enjoy this time, stopping myself from drinking it whole again. ¡°The land is thriving, yielding one of the largest profits of our time.¡±

    Land doesn¡¯t just become farmable let alone harvestable in such a short time. Surely? I think to myself becoming more and more curious about the situation. Another god perhaps? That last one did say there were others. Or just some schmuck with magic?

    ¡°That¡¯s where i¡¯m going then.¡±

    ¡°Welcome aboard!¡± They all cheer as they raise their mugs slamming against one another in the air, spilling a large portion of the contents across the floor, but that didn¡¯t matter as everyone was happy in each other''s company.

    As the night continued, I found myself having so much more fun than usual as we all drank ourselves stiff and taking a quick bath in the ocean washing away all the blood I was still wearing, gambled all throughout the night under the aurora, as one of the men played his lute and a women looked to be in her late twenties with them serenaded us all with song, her voice captivating as if a siren luring me out to sea.

    ¡°What is your name, old man?¡± Old man I play the words back in my head in disgust, I¡¯ve never felt like an old man.

    ¡°Rudsek, yourself?¡± Ignoring his last remark about my age.

    ¡°The one singing is Esin, whilst the one with the lute is Sernon, the one passed out is my brother Ailsesird and I''m Aellil. A pleasure to meet you.¡± The part abruptly coming to an end by the sound of a shattering glass, landing right in the centre of us.

    ¡°I¡¯m awake¡± Ailsesird yells out leaping off of the ground standing to his feet. As I look around observing each of them individually their faces have all gotten very pale all of a sudden, each looking at the boat. As I avert my gaze towards the boat to see what they were all looking at so intensely. A woman stood leaning over the side ¡°Who do you think you are? Drinking my booze¡± She said her eyes locked with my own staring down on me from above, refusing to submit and be the first to break eye contact.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright captain, he just wants to pay for a ride to Namzi and since we''re going there anyway.¡± Aellil chimes in, knocking over his mug spilling the rest of his ale across the floor.

    ¡°Fine, but we gotta stop at Aelstone first and deal with some business first. It¡¯ll take about ten days to reach Namzi with our stop¡­ Don¡¯t like it find another way.``

    ¡°That¡¯s fine by me, I''m in no rush¡± I declare, meaning I can sit back with my feet up as I have done tonight and enjoy the ocean view for a change. After all, who knows what troubles Namzi will bring.