“What is that thing?” whispered Maybell witha shudder.
Malstisos looked at Jacob. “I was hoping our youngfriend here might be able to enlighten us.”
Jacob’s eyes went wide. “Me? How should Iknow? I've never seen such a creature.”
Malstisos studied Jacob then looked down at the remains.“I found it about half a mile behind us. It was clearlyfollowing our trail. I tried to approach unseen, but it must have hada keen sense of smell because it knew I was there the moment I sawit. I am no seeker, but no human I have ever encountered, saveperhaps Lord Starfinder, could have heard my approach. When I knew Iwas discovered, I decided to withdraw, but the thing was on me in aninstant. It moved as quickly as any elf, though not as graceful. Itstruck at me with bare hands, but with power beyond human strength.As it was unarmed, I had the advantage and buried my knife in itsheart.”
“Then why cut off its head?” interruptedJacob. “And why bring this disgusting thing here?”
“Like I said,” Malstisos responded in a lowtone. “I was hoping you could help identify it. You have beenhere throughout the entire occupation. Have you never heard of such acreature? But that's not the only reason.” He reached into hissaddlebag, retrieved a flask and a small cloth and began cleaning hishands and knife. “I have the creature’s head because itwas the only way I could kill it. My blow through its heart servedonly to enrage the beast. As I pulled my blade loose, it charged inwith a ferocity I have never encountered. Again and again it charged.I was only barely able to avoid its blows. I slashed away at everypart of it and watched in horror as it had no effect. It wasn't longbefore I knew I had to either kill it or flee, so I waited for it tocharge one last time and brought my blade across its neck. To mygreat relief my stroke fell true and the creature died.”
“What should we do now?” asked Millet. “Ifthere are more of these things we don't stand a chance.”
Malstisos dried his hands and wiped his knife with oil.“If there are more, then we are in mortal danger.” Hechecked his pack and sheathed his knife. “I cannot protecteveryone at once. Still, I don't see that we have any other choicebut to continue with our plan. If we are lucky, there are no more ofthose things about. If not, then I'll do my best to kill them beforethey are upon us. Now that I know how to kill it, one will pose melittle danger and with only Maybell at my side, I should be able tokeep her safe.”
“It's settled.” Millet mounted his horse.“The crossroads, then we will part ways. By then we should knowif there are more of these… creatures.”
The party rode on through the rest of the day insilence. It was nearly sunset when they arrived at the hospice. Itwas little more than a small cabin with a small adjoining stable, butthe smoke from the chimney and the aroma of roast pork filled theirhearts with joy. Millet dismounted and motioned for the others towait. “I'll see to our accommodations,” he said. “Iwon't be but a moment.”
The interior was as he expected. The single room waslarge enough to hold a dozen beds and a roughly made dining table. Afire crackled in the hearth and was the sole source of light, givingit a comfortable, albeit dim, atmosphere. A thin young man sat at thetable carving a piece of roast pork. His blond hair and fine featuresindicated that he had not seen many winters. He looked up as Milletopened the door and frowned.
“If you're here to rob me, I have nothing to takebut some roast pork and a half bottle of wine.”
Millet stopped and bowed low. “I am not here torob you, young man. My companions and I seek a bed for the night.”He scanned the room for signs of other people but saw none. “Areyou master here?”
“I am,” the boy replied. “At leastuntil my uncle returns.” The boy stood, wiping his hands on histrousers. “I'm Gerald. And you are welcome here, though I havelittle to offer.” He walked to the hearth and stirred the fire.“How many are you?”
“Four,” Millet replied. “And we onlyask for a bed and perhaps a bite to eat.” He fished threecoppers from his pocket and placed them on the table. “Thisshould cover our expense.”
Gerald’s eyes widened and he retrieved the coins,clutching them tightly. “In that case, you are verywelcome.”
Millet smiled warmly. “If you would allow me tostable my horses.”
“Of course,” stammered Gerald. “I'lldo it for you, if you'd like.” He headed toward the door stillholding the coins.
Millet grabbed the boy gently by the arm. “Thatwon't be necessary. But if you could prepare a meal I would begrateful.”
“Yes, yes,” said Gerald. “It's alreadyprepared. It will be waiting.”
Millet thanked the boy and returned to the party. Afterthey unpacked and stabled the horses, they entered. Four plates andcups had been placed around the table. Malstisos was careful to hidehis features beneath his hood.
Gerald whistled merrily as he placed blankets on thebeds. The roast pork, though a bit plain, was well received, and soonthey were laughing and talking as if they hadn't a care in the world.
“Hostels in this area are usually filled tobursting this time of year,” said Millet once his belly wasfull. “Why are you so empty?”
Gerald's face twisted in anger. “Angraal,”he spat. “It's because of those damn soldiers. Most are tooafraid to travel, and the few that do are agents and officials of theinvaders. They take what they want and leave us to starve.” Hishands trembled as he drank from his cup. “This hostel has beenin my family for three generations. We’ve never had much, butdonations from the temples and travelers kept us fed and clothed. Wewere able to help hundreds of people who might have otherwiseperished on the road. I always took great pride in the work my familyhas done here. Now I can barely survive.”
“You mentioned your uncle,” said Millet, hisvoice filled with compassion. “Where is he?”
“Hunting,” replied Gerald, regaining hiscomposure. “We can't afford to buy food most times, so my unclehunts for what we need.” He nodded to the leftover pork.“Without it we'd starve.”
Maybell reached over, took Gerald’s hand and saidsoftly. “You're very brave to stay here alone.”
Gerald managed a weak smile. “It's my uncle that'sbrave. The forests are riddled with bandits and thieves. So far he'savoided them, but it's only a matter of time before I fear his luckruns out.”
“I'll pray for you,” said Maybell, tearswelling in her eyes.
Gerald jerked his hand away. “Save your prayers,”he snarled. “The Gods care nothing for me.” He stood upand faced the wall. “I'm sorry.” His voice cracked as heforced back his tears. “I know you mean well. It's just that ithas been so long since hope has been in this land. I've prayed andprayed, but I think the Gods have abandoned us.”
“Perhaps not,” said Millet. “Perhapshelp is on the way.”
Gerald turned and sighed. “I hope you're right.”
They soon retired for the night. The earlier cheer wasovercome by sadness, and none slept peacefully.
Chapter Four
Lee sat by the fireplace in the main library of Valsharareading quietly. Over the past eight days, it had become his favoriteway to pass the time, and the only thing that took his mind off hiswife and son, not to mention Gewey and Kaylia. He had always beenproud of his own collection of rare books, but Valshara heldtreasures beyond his imagination.
When he wasn't in the library, he spent time with hismother. She told him of her life in the temple and recalled memoriesof his father. It soon became clear to him the love she held for theman and the pain she felt after his death. He found it difficult attimes to fight off feelings of guilt for the anger he had felt towardher for so long.