I had worried that I would need to squeeze back through the hole in the maze to get to the forest, but fortunately, that wasn’t the case. When I ventured out behind the mansion with November, Reed, and Dawn, we found that there was an expansive lot of woods just behind the building with the maze’s confines.

As I sat squatting behind a bush, I was determined to put the encounter with the specter out of my mind. I strained my ears to listen for the sound of a wild beast, listening so intently that I couldn’t think of anything but the sound around me. I heard a snap just behind my hiding place, and I whirled around, half-expecting to see the specter ready to taunt me. But no – I pushed that thought out of my mind and focused instead on what truly was before me.

Indeed, there before me stood a micro mammoth – one that looked to be on the large side. Certainly, it wouldn’t be big enough to feed the entire guild, but it could at least feed fifty people or so. Maybe we can get a few of them, I thought.

I raised my axe and prepared to pounce, but was taken aback by an arrow whizzing through the air and piercing the beast in the head. Once it was stunned, Reed and Dawn emerged with their swords and made quick work of cleanly slaying the mammoth. I followed up with my axe and finished the job.

“You three hardly needed me,” I quipped as I tied the remains with rope, preparing to drag it back. “You’ve undoubtedly been training.”

“Sage was a wonderful teacher,” Dawn replied with a warm smile.

“Indeed.” I finished my knots. “In that case, I’ll bring this one to the mansion while you three continue hunting.”

“You’re going to drag that whole thing back to the mansion yourself?” Reed gaped.

I responded with a confident grin. “No beast is too large for me.” I lifted the rope and began my trek.

“Be careful not to hurt yourself, patting yourself on the back!” November’s voice called from the trees. I rolled my eyes and continued on.

During my long walk back to the mansion, images of the specter and the world in inhabited filled my mind. The harder I tried to push them out, the more forcefully they returned, insisting I consider them. I tried instead to think of what other beasts may inhabit the forest, but I instead could only picture the specter lurking around every corner.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“That’s quite the catch!” Lynx greeted me as I reached the door.

I dropped the rope, satisfied with my destination. “Who’s going to butcher this beast?”

“Can’t you butcher?”

“Well, I can,” I replied. It was true – I was capable of a crude butchering job to feed myself, but I much preferred the arrangement I had with the butcher closest to my home. I brought him the slayed beast, he butchered it for me and kept a good-sized chunk for himself, and returned the rest to me at no charge. “It’s not my strong suit. Besides, I consider my job complete upon delivery.”

“That’s fair.” Lynx nodded. “I’ll ask around. I’m sure I can find someone in the guild who can do it.”

I nodded in response. “We’ll see if we can get a few more. I know this one can’t feed everyone.”

“Perhaps not,” he agreed, “but the foraging team has had quite a bit of luck finding fruits and vegetables growing wild. I’m confident that no one will go hungry.”

“Is that so?” I tilted my head curiously.

“Mm-hmm. Not only that, but some of the folks who left this morning are supposed to return with food and supplies as soon as possible.”

“I suppose there’s more life here than I suspected,” I mused.

After concluding my chat with Lynx, I returned to where November, Reed, and Dawn were still hunting. They had already slayed another mammoth, so it fell on me to drag that one back to the mansion as well. This went on for some time, until we were confident we had enough to feed the guild. Satisfied that I had fulfilled my obligations for the day, I retired to my chambers.

I began drawing a bath, and marveled once again at the running water capabilities of this mansion. Knowing that it was charmed made me wonder even more how this all worked. Had the specter somehow built this with a spell? Was its power drawing the water? If I closed my eyes for a moment, would the specter appear just behind–

No. I shook my head hard, trying to shake the unwelcome thoughts out. I have to forget about this.

Even so, I couldn’t prevent myself from contemplating the trial I had passed. I had to admit to myself that there was something exhilarating about the whole experience – about solving the puzzle and finding the treasure. It was fascinating to find myself in a whole new world and encountering a ghoul face-to-face.

I considered the specter’s words. It had told us that more trials would be appearing.

Maybe I could try another one.

I could hardly believe the idea that flitted into my mind. I was shocked to find myself considering the idea, and yet I did not rebuke it right away. If I knew what to expect, I couldn’t be caught off guard again. It would almost be…

…An adventure.

The cool water I was splashing on my face did nothing to quell my adventurous spirit. I had spent most of the day mentally avoiding the topic, not wanting to face the conclusion I knew I would come to, but in the end, it was inevitable.

I would face another trial and face the specter once again.