When Forrick woke, the sun had already risen. He packed his things away for travel and entered the inn to find Gridj and Tefachi already eating their morning meal. They finished up as he sat to start on his own, Gridj heading outside to presumably prepare the horse and cart for travel, while Tefachi spoke to the innkeeper.

She counted out a generous number of coins for the man, who began to thank her profusely.

“Please, don’t thank me, the coin is payment for damages,” she stated flatly.

The man frowned, not comprehending.

“Weren't no damage from the attack last night, you and your man saw to that. I wouldn't ask for your coin in payment even if there was.”

Tefachi shrugged.

“You’ll see what I mean.”

Then she left, telling Forrick to join her and Gridj outside when he was ready.

When he made his way out the cart was packed and Gridj was again sitting in the driver’s seat while Tefachi lounged in the back. Forrick climbed in and they were on their way again.

The corpses of the Braegermangers had been stacked off to the side of the road. The pile quickly faded into the distance.

They passed the time dozing, chatting about Sherridge and gazing at the countryside. They stopped for meals but otherwise maintained a steady pace till night fell. This time there was no inn and instead the three travelers slept under the stars next to the road.

A distant howl woke Forrick when the moon had reached its zenith. He rolled over and his eyes settled on Gridj, whose hulking form was barely covered by the blanket draped over it. Then his eyes moved to Tefachi, right next to Gridj. She seemed much smaller under her blanket than Forrick recalled. He squinted to see better, but he was drowsy and it was dark. His eyes rolled back and he fell asleep again.

The next day they woke early and ate some bread and dried fruit before setting off again. It was around midday that Forrick began to recognise the land around. He piped up and began excitedly pointing out landmarks, much to Tefachi’s bemusement.

“-and there’s Enmond’s farm, bit of a sourpuss but he grows good potatoes. Oh, and that there is Fallyacker’s hill. I take my wife and son up there occasionally for…”

His voice trailed off and his face grew somber. He was quiet for the rest of the ride into town.

Sherridge was a comfortable little place. The river Thammus flowed beside it with a strong enough current to power the flour mill. On one side the town was bordered by woodland, but on the other two was open farmland. Sherridge itself was made of pale stone buildings with shale roofing and collectively housed about forty people among the fifteen or so buildings.

As the road wound into town it became cobblestone, and the horse’s hooves click-clacked loudly. Faces appeared in windows and looked up from what they were doing to see the strangers. They would see Forrick and wave merrily, but the beekeeper did not share their enthusiasm. His expression remained dour.

Gridj pulled the reins in the center of town and turned to Forrick.

“Master beekeeper. Where is the well?”

Forrick pointed toward the side of town opposite the riverbank, and Gridj redirected the horse. But before he started forward a voice called to them.

“Ho there strangers! Hold but a moment!”

A stout man dressed in fine maroon clothing was waving to them. He strolled over and introduced himself.

“Good day travelers. I am Victor Arnen, mayor of our good town.”

Forrick poked his head over the wall of the cart.

“Hello mayor. They’re with me.”

The man paused.

“Oh… I see. So these are the hunters you hope will find dear Shiola.”

Gridj stepped off the cart, the relief of his bulk taking significant strain off the wood. The mayor did an impressive job of hiding his shock, managing to confine his reaction to widening eyes only.

“Good day Mayor Arnen. I am Gridj, and this,” He gestured to Tefachi, who had also stepped off the cart, “is Tefachi.”

The mayor hesitantly shook Gridj’s hand.

“Right… yes, welcome to Sherridge then, hunters. I hope you find your prey quickly.”

“I am sure we will complete the task swiftly and be on our way.”

“That is… comforting to hear. I wish you well then. I'm afraid I must tend to my duties.”

The mayor turned to leave, but Tefachi spoke up.

“Please, Mayor Arnen. We were hoping you, as the man who would best know the town and its people, might be willing to answer some questions?”

He hesitated, his discomfort very clear to see.

“Oh. Of course. What would you like to know?”

“Since Forrick has been gone, have there been any more deaths, attacks or odd occurrences?”

“No. Not a thing. It's been peaceful as ever.”

He turned to leave again, but Tefachi stepped in and grabbed his arm, pulling him firmly back to stand looking up into her searching gaze.

“Do you know what a Shymock is?”

Arnen’s face paled and he took a moment to answer.

“No. I don’t know anything about your monsters and creatures. Now take your hands off me before I call the guards.”

She released the mayor from her iron grip and he hurried away, entering his home and slamming the door closed behind him.

As Tefachi got back into the cart, Gridj raised an eyebrow at her.

“I’d bet money there's a Shymock nearby, and the good mayor is involved with her somehow. The smell was definitely coming from him.” She said.

Forrick near jumped to his feet to express his shock. “Mayor Arnen? Surely not. He's always been good to the town. What can you tell from a scent that makes you say he’s consorting with monsters?”

It was Gridj who answered.

“He smells faintly of seawater. We’re far from the ocean. But some creatures keep the smell of their home about them.”

“Like sha… shimrocks?”

“Shymock. But yes.”

A few of the townsfolk witnessed the exchange and quickly dispersed afterwards. Though one round, freckled face poking out from behind a wall lingered a little longer before also rushing away.

The cart trundled on and shortly arrived at the well. They all hopped off and walked over to it. Tefachi picked up the coiled rope sitting next to it and began yanking it between her hands, testing its strength.

“I presume the river is iced over during winter?” Gridj enquired of Forrick, querying the purpose of the well. The beekeeper nodded.

Tefachi handed the rope to Gridj, who tossed one end down into the well and began wrapping the other end around his massive hand. Tefachi then carefully put her legs through the gap between the roof and the stone wall of the well. She turned and blew a kiss to Gridj with a grin, then pushed off from her perch, plummeting downward. Forrick ran to the side of the well with a shout. After a moment the splash of Tefachi entering the water could be heard.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Gridj put a hand on Forrick’s shoulder. “No need for worry beekeeper, she knows what she's doing.”

Still concerned, Forrick reluctantly stepped back.

They stood waiting, looking out over the fields and at the town. Forrick’s own home could just barely be made out in the distance, a comfortable stone building with four rooms surrounded by a green field, with his wife’s chandlery attached and a small shed for his beekeeping equipment nearby. He pointed it out to Gridj.

Sanit, Forrick’s son, was home with his elderly grandmother. The boy was strong and clever for his age, and knew how to do the basic chores to maintain the property in his father’s absence. Forrick hadn't had the strength to tell him that his mother was gone, if he was honest with himself, that had been cowardly.

After what had probably been about half an hour, Tefachi climbed out of the well, surprising them both.

“How did you…” Gridj began.

Tefachi answered his unfinished question. “You can't see the ladder from above. The grooves in the stone are very cleverly cut. Makes it a right bitch to climb up though.”

Gridj put his hand down into the well and began feeling for the ladder. Tefachi shared her findings while pulling off her shirt to wring it out. Forrick quickly averted his eyes, but not before catching a glimpse of her muscle-lined stomach and exposed breasts.

“No sign of a body, but, and you'll like this… there's a tunnel under the water. Man made too, from what I can tell.”

“How far did you make it?”

She put her shirt back on and got started on her pants. “Maybe thirty feet, headed back under the town. We’ll need to mix something up if we want to go any further.”

“I doubt we’ll be able to find the ingredients for a quick brew. It’s going to be a few days at least for any potions we can make with river weeds and livestock products.”

“The town will have an herbalist, we should at least check there first.” Tefachi turned to Forrick. “Bee master, could you direct us to the apothecary?”

Forrick didn't answer. Instead his brow was furrowed and he was looking incredulously at the well.

“Did… did you say there's a tunnel in the well?”

Tefachi sighed and pursed her lips, already seeing what Forrick’s next question would be.

“Do you think Shiola could've…?”

He trailed off. Gridj walked over and gently patted the man on the back.

“Wouldn't she have come home by now?” Gridj said.

The investigators shared a look, then softly directed Forrick back to the cart. They all got aboard and trundled out of town, towards the beekeeper’s property.

When they arrived, the front door opened and a child came running out. Forrick hopped off the cart and his son leapt into his arms. He held the boy fiercely, kissing the top of his head. Almost immediately tears rolled down both of their cheeks.

“Is mama really dead?” Sanit sobbed into his father’s chest.

“Yes.” His father replied.

It was a while before Forrick let his son go and wiped his face. He then turned to the investigators and cleared his throat.

“You… uh… wanted to see the herbalist?”

Tefachi shook her head. “We’ll go on our own. Might be better if you stay here. If we need anything, we know where to find you.”

“Thank you both.”

The investigators got back on the cart and made their way back into town, heading for the local inn to set up accommodations for the night.

“You want the horse and herbalist, or the river?” Asked Tefachi.

Gridj stretched his shoulders and rolled his neck. “I’ve been sitting for too long. I need to stretch my legs. I'll go looking for the creature.”

Tefachi climbed into the driver’s seat and Gridj handed her the reins, then he hopped off the cart, landing with a loud thud. He was about halfway into town, surrounded by farmland and the river Thammus. He made his way to the riverbank.

Lush foliage, river plants and trees surrounded the water. The land on the far side of the river was wild and untamed, and no bridge existed with which to cross over.

Gridj knelt by the water and started digging in the mud. It took a few tries but eventually he found the right spot and pulled up some bulbous roots. He unfolded a satchel from his pack and loaded them inside. Next he examined the reeds, but did not find what he was looking for. He walked down the bank for a while, searching, but came up empty handed. Eventually he sighed and pulled his shirt off in preparation to cross the river.

His frame was enormously bulky. Powerful muscles covered his shoulders, chest and arms. His abdomen was a solid barrel. And across all of it ran the intricate dark tattoos, leaving no more than a fingers width of unmarked skin from his waist to his jaw.

He held his pack, satchel, shoes and shirt above the water and waded out. The current was strong and the river deep in its core. But Gridj pushed forward with one powerful stroke after another, propelling himself astonishingly quickly to the other side.

Once back on dry land and properly clothed, he began his search anew. The reeds still failed to offer up the specific ingredient he was after, which quickly became frustrating. These were Sullenstalks, the common reed of the region, and it was the proper time of the year for them to bloom, yet not a single stalk had flowered.

Or rather, Gridj could not find the flowers. Wilted petals were scattered about, and broken stems adorned many of the plants. Yet all Gridj found was a single small bulb, not yet ready to bloom. He cursed as he searched, spending well over an hour scouring the reeds up and down the bank.

He gave up on the Sullenstalk flowers eventually, when he noticed a pair of footprints in the mud. They were old and near faded, and it was difficult to tell if they were entering or leaving the water. Gridj turned inland from where he found them, searching for other signs of a person or creature.

There were snapped twigs and crushed leaves everywhere, but without footprints or any kind of other evidence it was difficult to determine what was the work of animals and what was the work of something… else. But there was enough of a pattern to be able to make out a trail of sorts, a trail he began to follow.

About twenty minutes of walking brought him to the edge of a clearing. It was difficult to see at first, as the clearing was covered with a thick layer of foliage, but it was actually the ruins of a cottage.

Gridj circled the ruins cautiously, watching for movement and any signs of what might be hiding within. The most he could make out was some old pots and pans and the remains of what must once have been a bed.

He stepped into the clearing slowly, scanning all around. He wasn't particularly worried for his safety, but he wanted to be prepared for whatever might happen next.

Nothing.

Gridj entered the broken building, the sun sending a few last rays through the open roof before sunset began. Inside he found some abandoned belongings and the rotted remains of wooden furniture. Something gnawed at his instincts however, and he kept searching. There were damaged patches of moss on the stones by the door, indicating that something had entered the dilapidated building recently. He started examining the ground by a large, mostly intact trunk, which was disturbed as though it had been kicked over.

Before any conclusions could be drawn however, Gridj heard a loud snort behind him. He turned just in time to see a massive paw rushing towards his head. He ducked and took it on the shoulder, but the force behind the blow sent him sprawling.

He didn't have a moment to recover, in an instant the bear was upon him, slamming its powerful claws down onto him. The force rippled through his body and shook his head, rendering him momentarily stunned. The bear slammed down onto him again, then, satisfied he was down for the count, it brought its jaws down and tried to clamp them around Gridj’s neck.

He managed to put his forearm between the bear’s maw and his neck. He winced as the bear bit down on him, but the creature’s powerful teeth did not break his skin. Instead, it gnawed at his arm and the tattoos there began to shimmer and glow a bright cyan colour.

The brief respite was enough for Gridj. He pulled his arm, and the bear’s head, with all his strength, catching the bear off guard and throwing it off balance. It wobbled and fell, then rolled onto its back and flailed for a second.

The two of them, man and beast, got to their feet and began circling each other. The bear lunged first, but Gridj was ready, and jumped aside, allowing the creature to miss and overextend.

Now given an opportunity, he leapt in close and took the bear by the neck with both arms. He yanked hard, pulling the beast off its feet to flail about again. He locked his arms as best he could, now having the bear trapped on its back with its head held firmly in place. Then he began to drag it across the ground and out of the ruined cottage.

Once out into the relative open space of the clearing, Gridj flung the bear. It rolled away, yelping, before scrambling back to its feet. It looked at Gridj warily, no longer eager to attack.

He lunged forward and bellowed at the top of his lungs. It was enough to make the bear flinch.

“Go on now, get out of here.” He told the bear, shooing it with his hands. The creature hesitated, then slunk away, watching Gridj over its shoulder as it disappeared into the woods.

As he watched the beast go, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Away at the edge of the clearing on the other side, a woman stood watching from behind a tree. When she saw Gridj notice her, she vanished behind the tree. Gridj shouted and ran over to the spot where she had been, but found nothing. The woman was gone.

He considered trying to follow her, but neither heard nor saw any evidence of the direction she had disappeared to. He would have to search the ground in the nearby area for footprints and the like, but it was growing dark, which would render the task very difficult.

Instead Gridj reentered the cottage remains, which were now even more of a mess thanks to his clash with the bear. The ground was churned and disturbed, and multiple items of furniture were left little more than piles of splintered wood. Gridj sighed in frustration. None of this had been what he came looking for anyway, so he decided to head back into town.

By the time he got to the inn, his pants were soaked and he was crankier than usual. The sun had fully set and the moon was beginning to rise. He found Tefachi seated at a table in the corner of the room, not far from the fireplace, two large bowls of hearty stew before her.

He plopped down heavily, his face sour as ever.

“You look miserable, ce caerr.” Tefachi stated, using her pet name for Gridj, an ancient Ousteparian phrase that roughly translated to mean “my gift”.

He shrugged, rubbing his temple. “It was a frustrating afternoon.”

“Did you find anything?”

“These.” He pulled out the round roots he had dug out of the riverbank, mudspuds, they were often called.

“Doesn’t Sullenstalk grow in these parts? You couldn't find any?” Tefachi asked.

“No, someone's picked the flowers all up and down the riverbank on both sides. Probably the herbalist, right?”

She cocked her head thoughtfully. “He had a few, but not that many.”

Gridj shrugged. “Well, we’ll have to buy them from him anyhow. I didn't find any signs of a nest either. It could still be out there, but it's either inland a ways or further downriver. For a creature hunting in the town I don't think it's likely to be so far away.”

Tefachi nodded in agreement, then noticed Gridj’s torn shirt. “What happened to you?” She asked, pointing at the damage.

“Oh, that. Attacked by a bear, of all things.”

She scoffed. “Really? How unlike you.”

“Mhm. I suspect it was set upon me somehow. After I sent it on its way, I caught a woman watching me. She disappeared though, and it was too dark to track her down.”

Neither spoke for a short time. Both considering the events Gridj reported.

Tefachi broke the silence. “Sherridge isn't as pleasant and peaceful as the mayor would like it to seem.”

“Indeed.” Gridj responded. “But what about you? Did you find anything?”

Tefachi smiled. “Oh, you’re going to love this…”