Bounty

Meanwhile, Garrick finishing the last bites of his kebab approached the village chief's modest dwelling, a thatched-roof cottage nestled near the ancient oak that stood as a silent sentinel over the village. He rapped on the wooden door, the sound echoing in the quiet evening.

The door creaked open, revealing a stooped man with graying hair and weary eyes. "Evening," the chief greeted, his voice tinged with caution.

"Good evening," Garrick replied, his tone amiable. "Name's Garrick, a Huntsman by trade. I've come regarding a matter that concerns your village."

The chief's eyes flickered with recognition at the mention of a Huntsman. He stepped aside, gesturing for Garrick to enter. Inside, the cottage was modest but tidy, a single room serving as kitchen, living space, and bedroom. A small fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls.

"We've had… troubles," the chief began, settling into a worn chair. "Livestock gone missing, strange noises at night. The villagers are frightened."

Garrick nodded, his expression serious. "I've encountered such signs before. It could be a beast lurking nearby. I'll need to investigate to determine the exact nature of the threat."

The chief sighed, rubbing his temples. "We are a simple folk, with little to offer in terms of payment."

Garrick waved a hand dismissively. "We'll discuss compensation later. For now, ensuring the safety of your people is paramount."

As they conversed, Eldron returned, carefully placing the filled barrels by the miller's storeroom. His gaze drifted toward the chief's cottage, curiosity tugging at him. The image of the creature on Garrick's parchment flashed in his mind, stirring a mix of fear and fascination.

Inside the cottage, Garrick rose to leave. "I'll start my investigation at first light. In the meantime, ensure the villagers stay indoors after dark and keep a watchful eye on their livestock."

The chief nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Huntsman. May fortune favor you."

As Garrick stepped out into the cool night air, he spotted Eldon lingering nearby, his eyes wide with unspoken questions. Garrick approached the boy, crouching to meet his gaze.

"Curiosity can be a powerful ally," Garrick said softly. "But it must be tempered with caution. The world holds many dangers, especially for one as unique as you."

Eldron swallowed hard, nodding. "Will you… will you catch the monster?"

Garrick smiled, ruffling the boy's hair. "That's the plan. And who knows, perhaps one day, you'll be the one protecting villages from such threats."

With that, Garrick straightened and made his way toward the village inn, leaving Eldron with a head full of dreams and a heart beating with newfound determination.

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Eldron found himself unable to sleep, his mind buzzing with the previous day's events. The image of Garrick, the enigmatic Huntsman with golden eyes, lingered in his thoughts. Determined to learn more, he decided to follow Garrick discreetly, hoping to witness the Huntsman's methods firsthand.

Garrick moved through the village with purpose, his demeanor shifting from the jovial traveler to a focused investigator. He examined the areas where livestock had disappeared, noting tracks and subtle signs that eluded the untrained eye. Eldron watched from a distance, marveling at the Huntsman's keen observation skills and the way he seemed to commune with the environment.

At the edge of the village, near a dense thicket, Garrick paused, his posture tense. He extended his hand, murmuring an incantation under his breath. A faint, shimmering aura enveloped his fingers, illuminating a set of claw marks etched into a tree trunk. Eldron's eyes widened; he had heard tales of magic but had never seen it wielded so effortlessly.

Satisfied with his findings, Garrick turned back toward the village, his expression contemplative. Eldron hurried to retrace his steps, ensuring he wasn't seen. Back in the safety of his modest dwelling, he pondered the Huntsman's abilities, a mixture of admiration and longing stirring within him.