Pacificus made his way into town, noting the state of the crumbling walls. Despite efforts to repair them, the atmosphere was bleak. The laborers, emaciated and exhausted, looked like walking corpses, forced into their tasks under the watchful eyes of well-fed soldiers who did nothing but oversee the work.
After paying his dues to the Lord of the town, Pacificus headed to the orphanage. Merina greeted him at the door, her black hair more disheveled than usual and her blue eyes filled with worry.
"Have you seen Arty?!" she called out to Pacificus, her tone desperate.
Pacificus's mind raced. He remembered the young child making arrowheads, the one known affectionately as Arty, short for Artemis.
"No," he replied, shaking his head.
"Oh Gods!" Merina exclaimed, her panic intensifying. "Where is she?"
Pacificus thought quickly. Arty had been making arrowheads, likely for hunting. The only nearby hunting ground was the Never Ending Forest. His eyes widened with realization.
"I'll try to find her," he said, attempting to calm Merina.
"Please do, Pacificus," she pleaded.
As he turned to leave, Merina called out again, "Wait, Pacificus, please wait. Take this with you." She handed him a dagger. "I don't trust the others. They might have taken her."
Pacificus nodded, accepting the dagger. He bolted towards the forest, determined to find Arty. The Never Ending Forest loomed ahead, a place he knew well but also feared. The dense foliage and ominous reputation of the forest did not deter him; the thought of Arty alone in such a place drove him forward.
He sprinted through the familiar terrain, his mind focused on the task at hand. The trees blurred as he moved with a speed and grace that belied his size. Every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs heightened his senses, each sound potentially indicating Arty's presence.
As he delved deeper into the forest, memories of his own experiences here flooded back. The creatures, the trials, and the blessings of Gaia and Thanatos that had shaped him. His resolve hardened. He would find Arty and bring her back safely, no matter the cost.
Pacificus's heart pounded in his chest, not from exertion but from the urgency of the situation. The forest, usually a place of solitude and reflection, now felt like a labyrinth of danger.
Pacificus couldn't call out Artemis's name; the beasts of the Ever Resting Forest were too intelligent, and a shout would only attract them. Their fearsome reputation wasn't due to sheer strength or speed but their cunning. They could easily outsmart humans, even those as capable as Pacificus.
As he ventured deeper, a thick fog began to roll in, shrouding the forest in an eerie haze. Whether it was a natural phenomenon or the work of some monster, he couldn't tell. The fog made the search for Artemis even more challenging, turning the forest into a labyrinth of shadows and indistinct shapes.
Carefully, Pacificus navigated through the forest, fully aware of its dangers. The Ever Resting Forest was more like a dungeon than a woodland, filled with creatures that could easily distract him with their magnificence. He saw great beasts, their eyes gleaming with intelligence, and trees that moved, revealing themselves as treants. These ancient beings often confused hunters who used them as landmarks, causing many to become hopelessly lost.
Man-eating plants of various kinds loomed in the mist. Some had potted flowers that snapped shut like jaws, others had sticky vines that ensnared their prey. Each plant was a predator in its own right, capable of capturing even the most cautious humans.
The forest was alive with dangers, each step a potential threat. Pacificus moved with heightened awareness, his senses on high alert. He marveled at the ecosystem, understanding why even demons and dragons avoided this place. The fog thickened, making visibility almost impossible. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig set his nerves on edge, yet he pressed on, determined to find Artemis.
He couldn’t afford to be distracted. He needed to find Artemis before any of these dangers could reach her. His mind raced, trying to anticipate the girl's movements and think like a hunter, not a farmer. The fog seemed to wrap around him like a shroud, but he pushed forward, the dagger Marika gave him gripped tightly in his hand.
As he moved, he recalled his training, the years spent perfecting his parry in these very woods. He relied on his instincts, honed from countless encounters with the forest's beasts. Every step was calculated, every movement deliberate. He had to find Artemis, and he had to do it quickly. The forest seemed endless, but his determination was unwavering.
----------------------------------------
A young girl was seen making arrowheads inside her home. She had short silver hair and piercing silver eyes. Her hair was cropped so close that each of her siblings thought she was a boy. But, of course, she was not, and she didn’t mind. Among her siblings, she was the tallest, her stature giving her an air of authority and responsibility. Her nimble fingers worked swiftly, shaping rusty nails and broken shards of metal scavenged from the ruins of their hometown into crude yet functional arrowheads.
Their family had survived a brutal siege. Hiding in the basement of their home had saved their lives, as the orphanage above was destroyed by monsters—creatures tamed and unleashed by enemy beast hunters. The memory of that horrific day haunted her every night. The roars of the beasts, the cries of her friends, and the crumbling of their sanctuary echoed in her dreams.
After the siege, they were left with nothing. Their lives reduced to a constant struggle for survival, scrounging for insects and mushrooms just to stave off starvation. She often thought they were destined to die in such a cruel, slow manner, her heart sinking with each passing day as their food dwindled.
But then, a giant appeared.
He was a towering figure, two meters tall with flowing white hair and a majestic white beard. His skin was a healthy, vibrant shade of brown, radiating vitality. One eye was a deep violet, the other a striking blue, making him an unforgettable sight. Even before the siege, she had seen this giant. He was a familiar figure in their town, pulling a massive carriage by himself, laden with sacks often larger than he was. His strength was legendary, his presence both imposing and comforting.
The giant always went to the Noble’s dwellings first before arriving at the orphanage. He carried those sacks into the young girl’s home, their contents a lifeline for the orphanage and the entire town. Each sack was a treasure trove: one filled with hard bread that needed soaking in water to avoid breaking teeth, another with a mix of potatoes and peculiar produce like a root plant with a screaming face or a massive vine. There was even a time when he brought them a sack full of sheep.
Thus, the kind giant helped them survive. But even she knew that the giant wouldn’t be able to help them this time.
At first, it started with people slowly disappearing in town. It began with the elderly, then the young ones. Young Artemis didn’t know what was happening until she saw some men with beaked helmets and black robes carrying dead bodies to a pile. The pale bodies had black swollen skin that was rotting. She even recognized some of the faces of the corpses. After dumping the bodies in a pile, the men with beaked helmets then burned the bodies.
“What the?” said one of the men wearing beaked helmets. “What are you doing here, kid? Scram! It is not safe here!”
She ran away, her heart pounding in her chest. Was it a curse? A cult? She did not know.
A few days later, she saw one of her siblings with black swollen skin. It started with one, then spread to two. Her siblings were moved to a different room, where they slept and cried in agony.
‘It was a curse,’ she thought to herself. ‘It was definitely a curse, and those beaked men are the reason for it.’ To her, the beaked men were probably cultists who worshiped the Dark Gods.
Seeing her siblings suffer from the curse one by one, she grabbed her bow and headed towards the Ever Resting Forest. She had heard it from a story: a couple went to the forest to seek help from a Forgotten Deity. Their child was born with a curse, and they pleaded with the Forgotten God to save their child. The deity granted them their wish.
If such a God would listen to the plight of mortals such as herself, then surely that God would listen to hers. But the Ever Resting Forest was a living nightmare itself. She gulped as she stared at the dark, foreboding woods.
The trees loomed like ancient sentinels, their twisted branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The air was thick with mist, and the distant cries of unseen creatures sent shivers down her spine. Indeed, the forest was terrifying, especially for a small girl like her. But the pile of corpses haunted her more, and she braved the forest in which even demons and dragons refused to enter.
With every step, her heart pounded louder, the silence of the forest broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant howl of some unknown beast. The fog grew denser, swirling around her like ghostly apparitions. Shadows moved in the periphery of her vision, and the eerie glow of bioluminescent fungi cast an otherworldly light on the twisted landscape.
Determination fueled her steps, her resolve unwavering despite the terror gnawing at her soul. She had to find the deity, had to save her siblings. The thought of their suffering and the sight of the corpses spurred her forward, deeper into the heart of the Ever Resting Forest.
Armed with a dagger, a bow, and some arrows, Artemis ventured deeper into the forest. Each step she took was cautious, the weight of her mission pressing heavily on her small shoulders.
She stopped abruptly when an enormous creature came into view. It looked like a dragon, but dragons were supposed to have wings, weren’t they? This creature did not. It walked on all fours, its scales looking like an impenetrable armor. Great horns protruded forward, giving it the appearance of a demon from hell. The beast was so large that its head alone was bigger than their orphanage. To her relief, the magnificent creature was sleeping.
Artemis felt a surge of fear and helplessness as she stared at the beast. She had heard stories of such creatures—beasts that hunted down dragons themselves. This was a Dragonsbane, also known as a Dreaded Saurian. A creature so immense and vile, it was hidden by leaves, moss, and vines. She gulped, her hands trembling as she carefully stepped past the slumbering nightmare, mindful not to disturb its rest.
Once she was safely past the Great Beast, she heard a sound—a bell? She couldn’t be sure, but she instinctively hid in the bushes. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath quickening as she peered through the foliage. The sight that met her eyes made her skin crawl.
A tall, imposing figure walked into view. It was humanoid in appearance, moving on two legs, each step producing a bell-like sound. The creature was shrouded in black robes, its entire body concealed. She couldn’t see its eyes or face and couldn’t tell if it had any. The way it moved, the eerie, deliberate gait, sent chills down her spine.
Artemis covered her mouth, stifling any sound that might escape. The terror was palpable, her heart racing as she tried to remain hidden. The creature's presence was suffocating, an embodiment of fear itself. She stayed perfectly still, her small form blending into the foliage, praying the creature wouldn’t notice her.
The creature simply passed by the bushes where Artemis was hiding. She remained perfectly still, not daring to move or make a sound until the bell-like ringing faded into the distance. Tears streamed down her face, but she stayed in her sanctuary of leaves and branches, too terrified to emerge.
Hours later, she took a deep breath and crawled out of her hiding place. She didn't bother standing up, finding solace in the cover of the bushes. They were her friends, her protection against the forest's many dangers.
Despite her fear, her determination to seek help from the Forgotten Deity drove her onward. The orphanage was her family, and the thought of losing them to the curse was unbearable. She had to keep going.
Suddenly, a tree moved. She froze in fear as it revealed a face—an uncanny and terrifying face with golden eyes that locked onto her silver ones. The tree, or what seemed like a hunchbacked man with long arms and legs covered in bark, moved slowly through the wilderness. Branches sprouted from its back, adorned with vibrant leaves, and it walked without a sound.
Artemis stared at the walking tree-man, paralyzed for a moment before continuing her journey, still crawling through the bushes. The forest grew darker and more ominous, each step a test of her courage.
Then she smelled something foul, a stench so putrid it made her stomach churn. It was the stench of death. She turned around slowly, dread creeping up her spine. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw a pair of eyes staring back at her.
----------------------------------------
Meanwhile, Pacificus was walking through the Ever Resting Forest, his senses alert to every rustle and movement. Suddenly, a massive creature swooped down from the canopy, attacking with a powerful dive. It was bird-like but without feathers, its reptilian skin gleaming in the dim forest light.
"A Winged Hypobeast," Pacificus murmured with a smile, eyes twinkling with curiosity. "And a big one."
He nodded in approval as he deftly used his dagger to parry the beast's attack. The creature's massive beak clashed against the blade, its trajectory redirected by the force of the parry. The Hypobeast, surprised, veered off course and crashed headfirst into a nearby tree.
"A healthy scavenger means a healthy ecosystem," Pacificus said, admiring the featherless beast. Despite its intimidating size and the fact that its head alone was large enough to swallow him whole, he showed no fear.
The Hypobeast, startled by the unexpected challenge, hesitated for a moment before flapping its massive wings and retreating into the sky. Pacificus watched it go, a sense of satisfaction filling him.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
Continuing his journey, he soon encountered a moving tree—an ent, its ancient form towering above him.
"Greetings, ancient one," Pacificus said, bowing respectfully to the ent.
The ent's golden eyes reflected his image, studying him with a deep, timeless wisdom.
"I am looking for a child. Have you seen one?" Pacificus asked.
The ent extended one of its long, branch-like fingers, pointing in a specific direction. Leaves and vines draped from its outstretched limb, swaying gently.
"Thank you, ancient one," Pacificus said gratefully, bowing once more.
The ent nodded slowly before continuing on its ponderous path, each step a testament to its age and strength.
As for Pacificus, he sprinted towards the direction the ent had pointed, his heart pounding with urgency. The forest, with its myriad dangers, closed in around him, but his focus was unwavering. He soon heard the unmistakable sound of a child screaming, spurring him to push harder through the underbrush.
----------------------------------------
Young Artemis didn't know what she was looking at. When her eyes met the creature's gaze, she was filled with terror. The beast was birdlike, with black feathers and a massive, disgusting bloat dangling from its neck. Its golden eyes were sharp and focused, like those of a predatory bird.
Artemis had heard stories of dragons, and this creature resembled a feathered dragon with a head that looked like a monstrous rooster.
She heard the flapping of its wings, felt the rush of wind pass her back, and then found herself airborne as the winged beast grabbed her with its talons.
In panic, she screamed, her mind racing. Held aloft by the beast's claws, she had no choice but to fight back. Grabbing an arrow from her quiver, she stabbed the creature's foot with all her might.
The beast shrieked in surprise and pain, releasing its grip. Artemis plummeted towards the ground, her fall broken by the branches of a tree. She tumbled through the leaves, the branches snapping under her weight. She landed ungracefully in a thicket of bushes, her life saved by the cushioning plants.
She lay there, dazed and winded, her body aching from the impact. The world around her spun, but she forced herself to move, to get up and keep going.
It was a brilliant decision, for the hungry winged beast wouldn't let go of its prey. It swooped down, trying to grab young Artemis, who was now trying to run away from it. She panicked and screamed. Who could blame her? She ran deeper towards the trees, hoping the dense forest would slow the creature's descent.
It worked somewhat, but this was the beast's home. Its huge size wasn't a detriment to navigating the forest. Like a snake slithering through branches, the creature folded its black wings and weaved through the trees, its claws ready to snatch the young girl.
With eyes full of hunger and a beak slobbering in anticipation of its meal, the creature's claws moved closer and closer to young Artemis, determined to give its prey a quick death.
Just as its claws were about to close around Artemis, the direction of its attack suddenly changed, and the creature's world turned upside down.
It heard an unfamiliar voice. Unlike the girl's cries and screams, this voice was happy and jolly. "A beautiful creation of nature," said the low voice. "It's a cockatrice."
The cockatrice screeched in confusion and frustration, flapping its wings wildly to regain its balance.
Pacificus looks at the horrified Artemis. She had dropped her bow when the cockatrice grabbed her, now armed only with a dagger and a bunch of arrows.
"Lady Artemis," says Pacificus, smiling warmly at the young girl, "please head back home. Lady Merina is worried for your safety. Also, please don't return to the forest without assistance from a hunter."
"B-BEHIND YOU!"
Pacificus turns just in time to meet the cockatrice's beak with his palm, redirecting its attack. The creature tumbles to the ground, losing its balance.
"Hmm," Pacificus nods in approval. "Beautiful creature. It's also a male, judging by the large and bright combs and wattles. A magnificent specimen, don't you agree, Lady Artemis?"
"NO! PLEASE LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!" she cries.
"I agree."
While the cockatrice struggles to stand, Pacificus scoops up young Artemis onto his shoulder. The cockatrice shrieks, its neck inflating ominously. It releases a dark gas from its beak, the cloud rushing towards Pacificus and Artemis.
Artemis yelps, hugging Pacificus's head tightly. Pacificus swings his dagger with such force that it creates a sonic boom, generating a strong gust of wind that redirects the gas back towards the cockatrice, surrounding it in its own smoke.
"Please remember, Lady Artemis, these smoke clouds can turn you to stone. Cockatrices only use this ability when they feel threatened. They will never use it on their prey, as they can't eat stone."
"LET'S JUST GO!" she cries, "I WANT TO GO HOME!"
"Good idea, Lady Artemis. Agitating beasts and animals is never wise. It's best to leave these creatures alone in their habitat. Let us go, Lady Artemis."
"IT'S COMING BACK! IT'S COMING BACK!"
The cockatrice, shaking off the effects of its own petrifying gas, lunges towards them once more. Its golden eyes gleam with predatory fury as it spreads its wings wide, preparing to strike again.
Pacificus lets Artemis stand on her own two feet, turning to face the advancing cockatrice with his back to the girl. He thinks about teaching her an important lesson about dealing with monsters. "Lady Artemis," says Pacificus, his voice calm and collected, "when facing a wild beast, it is important to note that they never hunt for pleasure but for survival. The best way to fight a beast is to be brave."
He spreads his legs, assuming a stable stance. "Stand your ground."
He spreads his arms wide, making himself appear larger like a bear. "And show no fear."
The cockatrice roars at Pacificus, charging with alarming speed. However, Pacificus fearlessly faces the beast and roars back with all his might.
The action catches the cockatrice by surprise, causing it to stumble in its flight, flapping its wings awkwardly to regain balance. The sight is almost comedic—a grown man bellowing at a ferocious beast, while the cockatrice, momentarily bewildered, pauses to reassess its target.
Artemis watches, her jaw dropping in disbelief. The scene is surreal: the giant, roaring man standing his ground, and the cockatrice, clearly puzzled by the unexpected display of defiance.
The cockatrice roars back, its shriek a bone-chilling sound that pierces the air. Pacificus responds with another roar, his voice a booming echo that causes the creature to hesitate, bewildered. The beast almost looks embarrassed as it backs away, hovering uncertainly before flying off into the dense forest.
"See that, Lady Artemis?" Pacificus says, smiling reassuringly at the young girl. "You can scare a beast by showing courage. That way, you can avoid unnecessary conflict. But it's also important to show respect and keep proper boundaries with these magnificent creatures."
Artemis blinks, trying to process what she just witnessed. The surreal experience leaves her questioning reality. But then, she notices the shadow of the cockatrice looming closer once more. She sees the madness in its eyes, the relentless hunger. Terror fills her to the core, and she screams, "IT'S BACK!"
Perhaps it has a sense of pride, or maybe it cannot tolerate being bested by a smaller creature. Or perhaps it’s driven purely by hunger. Whatever the reason, the cockatrice returns with a vengeance. It charges straight at Pacificus, diving like a falcon with talons outstretched, aiming for a fatal strike.
In a heartbeat, Pacificus reacts. With practiced precision, he uses his dagger to parry the beast's attack, redirecting its lethal momentum towards a large tree. The cockatrice slams headfirst into the tree trunk with a sickening thud.
Dazed and enraged, the cockatrice struggles to regain its footing. It glares at Pacificus, its eyes blazing with fury. It opens its beak to let out a final, defiant roar, but before it can, a massive branch snaps free from above, crashing down onto the creature's head with a heavy, final blow.
Pacificus watches in horror as the life fades from the cockatrice's eyes. "Nooo!" he cries, his voice filled with anguish. "I did it again." His shoulders slump in defeat. "I killed another beautiful creature. I have broken my oath."
"You did it," Artemis said, her eyes brimming with relief and awe. "You killed the monster."
"Yes," Pacificus sighed, his voice heavy with regret. "I have... I killed a beautiful creature."
Artemis looked at the giant, her face a picture of confusion. "What are you so sad about?"
"I killed a beautiful creature," Pacificus repeated, his tone mournful. "I vowed to only kill for the sake of eating. This encounter... this encounter is a waste of life. I'm so ashamed... WOE ME! WOE MY SHAME!" His lament echoed through the forest, his broad shoulders slumping under the weight of his guilt.
Artemis blinked, trying to process his words. "Tha-thank you, Mr... ahh, Pacificus, was it?"
"Yes, that is my name," he replied, a trace of sorrow still lingering in his eyes.
"Please accompany me to the temple of the Forgotten God," she pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation.
"I can't do that, Lady Artemis," Pacificus said gently. "Lady Merina is worried for you."
"But I can't return," she insisted, her eyes wide with urgency. "Please, Sir Pacificus, my family has been cursed and I need the aid of a god to break it."
Pacificus looked at her, admiration flickering in his gaze. "Oh," he said, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "What kind of curse?"
"I... I don't know," Artemis admitted, her voice trembling. "Their skin turns black, and they become ill and weak."
"Ahh... a sickness," Pacificus murmured, his eyes shifting to the cockatrice. "There is no need to go to the temple, Lady Artemis."
"What?" she asked, her confusion deepening.
"Because the cure for your curse is right here," Pacificus explained.
"Really?" Artemis's face lit up with hope. "Where?"
"There," he pointed at the cockatrice.
"That thing? It's a monster and it smells horrible," Artemis recoiled, her nose wrinkling in disgust.
"Lady Artemis," Pacificus began, his tone patient and instructive, "cockatrice blood is used by apothecaries to cure diseases and poison. These magnificent creatures smell bad because they are also scavengers who scavenge the most putrid and rotten meat out there. They can also eat poisonous creatures."
"Doesn't that make the cockatrice poisonous?" Artemis asked, her eyebrows furrowing.
"Venomous, my lady. Cockatrices are venomous, not poisonous. Anyway," Pacificus smiled as he grabbed the cockatrice's head, "please follow me. This creature has died by my hands, and I do not intend to waste it."
"What are you going to do to it?" Artemis asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and revulsion.
"Cook it and eat it, of course," Pacificus replied cheerfully.
"EAT IT?" Artemis echoed, her eyes widening in shock.
"Of course," Pacificus said with a smile. "It will make a good stew, don't you think so?
----------------------------------------
Artemis still couldn’t believe it. The cockatrice was a huge creature, yet Pacificus dragged the monster in front of the town gate without any effort, its lifeless body trailing behind him like a sack of feathers.
"Oh, please tell Lady Merina that I need to borrow the largest cauldron they have," Pacificus instructed, his voice light-hearted and casual.
Merina spotted Artemis, her eyes filling with relief as she rushed to embrace the young girl. "Where have you been?" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms tightly around Artemis.
Artemis hugged her back, feeling the familiar comfort of Merina's protective embrace. "I was saved by Pacificus. I was attacked by a monster in the forest."
"What!?" Merina pulled back, her face a mixture of horror and relief. "Don’t you go there again! Who knows what would have happened if it wasn’t for Pacificus."
"I know, Mom. I’m sorry.... Can I borrow the large cauldron? Mr. Pacificus needs it."
"What? What for?"
"He says he wants to cook cockatrice stew for us."
Merina stared at her, speechless for a moment, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to process the request.
"Mom?" Artemis prompted, her voice tentative.
"Cockatrice stew?" Merina finally managed to say, her eyes widening. "He wants to cook a cockatrice?"
Artemis nodded.
Merina sighed, shaking her head. "Alright, but you’re not going near that thing again. I’ll get the cauldron."
"Thank you, Mom!" Artemis said, relief washing over her.
Artemis returned with Merina, her eyes widening as she spotted the three men in black robes and beak helmets conversing with Pacificus. They seemed engaged in a transaction involving bags of cockatrice blood, exchanged with hesitant smiles and uneasy gestures.
"Mom, it's them," Artemis whispered urgently.
"Who?" Merina asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"The cultists," Artemis replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Cultists?" Merina's eyes widened with alarm. "What are they doing here?"
Artemis pointed discreetly at the trio, who were now discussing something with Pacificus. The men in black robes seemed agitated, one of them visibly frustrated, his voice rising in anger.
"You saved this town, you know," one of the black-robed men said to Pacificus, his tone strained. "It seems the plague has returned once again. Gods! What is with these people!" His voice turned bitter. "There's a plague going on, and they're more concerned with declaring war with each other! Agghhh! Those selfish, fat, irresponsible, motherfu—"
"Here is your blood, Doctor," Pacificus interjected calmly, handing over another bag of cockatrice blood.
"Oh, thank you," the doctor replied, visibly calming down.
"And can we have the venom sac too?" another beaked man inquired eagerly.
"Sure," Pacificus nodded, retrieving a sack from the carcass of the cockatrice.
"How much do we owe you, Sir Hunter?" the beaked man asked.
"I... I don't know," Pacificus scratched his head awkwardly. "I wasn't planning on selling it... I just wanted to cook it."
The three men exchanged glances, clearly intrigued. "Can we have some?" one of them asked.
"Of course," Pacificus smiled warmly. "This thing is huge."
"Indeed," a beaked man nodded, eyeing the massive carcass thoughtfully. "I didn't even know cockatrices could get that big."
"Pacificus," a familiar voice interrupted, and Artemis peered out from behind the large cauldron. "You need to borrow our cauldron?"
Pacificus blushed slightly at Merina's unexpected arrival. "Y-yes," he stammered. "Thank you."
"Then by all means, please use it," Artemis replied, gesturing towards the cauldron.
Gratefully, Pacificus took the cauldron, while Artemis darted behind Merina, seeking refuge from the curious gazes of the doctors.
The doctors exchanged glances, their eyes shifting between Artemis, Merina, and Pacificus. One of them finally spoke up, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's the masks, isn't it?"
Merina chuckled softly. "Yes, Doctor, it's the masks."
With a nod of understanding, the three doctors removed their masks, revealing their faces. To Artemis's surprise, one of them was actually a woman, her expression kind yet serious.
"I apologize for the masks," the female doctor said warmly, addressing Artemis and Merina. "They're necessary in our line of work, but they can be unsettling."
Pacificus set to work preparing the cockatrice stew with practiced efficiency, his movements deliberate and skilled. He began by meticulously cleaning the enormous bird-like creature, deftly removing its feathers and tough outer scales. With a heavy cleaver, he carefully segmented the meat into manageable portions, revealing its muscular, sinewy texture.
In a large, weathered cauldron perched over a crackling fire pit, Pacificus arranged the chunks of cockatrice meat. He started with the breast, opting to sear them first in hot oil to lock in their juices and enhance their natural flavors. The meat sizzled and browned, filling the air with a savory aroma that mingled with the scent of burning wood.
Meanwhile, Pacificus prepared the vegetables. He chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes into hearty chunks, adding them to the cauldron along with the searing meat. Each vegetable hit the hot surface with a satisfying sizzle, quickly absorbing the flavors released by the cockatrice meat.
To enrich the stew, Pacificus poured in a homemade broth made from simmering bones and aromatic herbs. The broth bubbled and steamed as it enveloped the ingredients, infusing them with a deep, earthy essence. He seasoned the stew generously with salt, pepper, and a blend of wild herbs gathered from the forest, ensuring each element contributed to the robust flavor profile he sought.
As the cauldron simmered over the open flame, Pacificus stirred the stew methodically with a long-handled wooden spoon. He monitored the heat, adjusting it carefully to maintain a steady, gentle boil that would tenderize the tougher cuts of cockatrice meat without compromising their texture.
Occasionally, Pacificus sampled the stew, tasting for seasoning and richness. Satisfied with the balance of flavors, he added a final flourish of fresh herbs to brighten the stew and elevate its aromatic complexity.
"That smells delicious," the female doctor complimented, her eyes bright with anticipation.
"Thank you," Pacificus replied warmly, a slight smile forming on his lips as he continued to stir the bubbling concoction. "But there's too much meat left," he mused, glancing over at the sizable leftover portions of cockatrice. "I don't want to waste any of it."
Artemis, eager to help, hurried off to call her siblings while one of the plague doctors fetched a larger cauldron from nearby storage.
"We have a plague-stricken town to feed, if that's all right with you, Sir Hunter," the doctor noted, setting down the bigger pot beside Pacificus.
"Of course," Pacificus nodded, his attention shifting from the stew to the task of transferring the remaining ingredients into the larger vessel.
As word spread through the town, a line began to form around the cauldron. Residents, initially drawn by curiosity and the tantalizing aroma, soon found themselves marveling at the sheer size of the cockatrice that had become their unexpected feast.
"I didn't know you could eat monsters," remarked one elderly man, his eyes wide with amazement as he filled his bowl.
"It tastes like chicken. I love chicken," another person chimed in with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the hearty meal.
"That thing is so huge, it could feed the whole town," a young mother observed, spooning stew into her child's bowl.
"And delicious too," added a teenager, savoring each bite as if discovering a new favorite dish.
Throughout the evening, lively conversations filled the air as the townspeople gathered in the courtyard, sharing stories and laughter over generous helpings of cockatrice stew. For a brief moment, worries and other troubles were set aside, replaced by a sense of community and gratitude for the nourishing meal.