Ep. 21 To Port Lenning Part 3

I entered the building with measured steps. While larger than the other structures in town, it was hardly impressive—just less dilapidated than its neighbors. Ahead, a door stood slightly ajar. I approached quietly and peered inside to find a man with long brown hair hunched over papers at a desk. Even from the threshold, his exhaustion was evident.

"Uhm, e-excuse me?" I called softly.

He looked up, revealing a face drained of color, with deep shadows beneath his eyes. "Yes? Can I help you?" His voice carried the weight of many sleepless nights.

"I heard you're having some sort of issue that requires the help of an effective warrior."

At my words, a flicker of animation returned to his face. His eyes gained a glimmer of hope. "U-uh yes, yes, that is correct," he replied, straightening slightly. "But I must warn you, this job is not easy. I've already lost a chunk of the little amount of men I have trying to do it."

As I suspected—dangerous work. But standing there, I realized my predicament extended beyond a single meal. Crossing the ocean would require funds as well. My options were nonexistent.

"I assumed as much, and I assure you I'll be fine," I stated with more confidence than I felt.

He studied me with a blank stare before gesturing to the chair across from him. "If you say so. Please sit, and I'll give you the details."

I settled into the chair but raised a hand before he could begin. "That sounds great, but I need to ask—if I'm doing this job, I need some food and water first. It's been some time since I've had any, and I need to be in top shape."

Confusion flickered across his face before he masked it. "Of course, of course." He called out to someone in another room, and soon I was devouring a sandwich and gulping water. I'd never tasted a sandwich before—it was remarkable.

While I ate, the chief outlined my task. "Over the past two weeks, the children of our town have been lured into the green woods outside of town." The green woods—that must be the section that wasn't burned. "We don't know why or what is doing it, but it's like the kids are under some sort of hex. They'll do whatever it takes to get inside those woods."

He sighed heavily. "We tried going after them, but those woods are flooded with monsters, and our men aren't strong enough to fight."

My mind flashed to the grotesque giant that had chased me through the forest. A chill ran down my spine.

"We started keeping a closer eye on the kids and have managed to stop some by imprisoning them," he continued, "but their minds are still warped. If they were ever let out, they'd go straight to the forest." He leaned forward, desperation evident in his posture. "I'm willing to give you a very generous reward if you venture into the green woods and slay whatever is controlling the children."

I swallowed the last of my sandwich. "How will I know which monster is controlling them? You said those woods are overflowing with beasts."

His expression darkened. "The last time we ventured into the woods, we believe we came close to its den because..." he paused, "we started to find some of the children... dead." His voice dropped to almost a whisper. "We were chased out by other beasts before we could learn more, but that's at least a start. As for the rest, I'm afraid that's up to you, sir...?"

He left a gap for my name. I hesitated. My official designation was 388m-72, but that wasn't the name that emerged. "Teller, sir."

He nodded. "Nice to meet you, Teller."

The chief handed me a simple map of the area, including the green woods with a trail marked to where they believed the monster's den might be. As I studied it, a question formed in my mind: Why were those woods not burnt like the rest? But I kept it to myself. I was already conspicuous enough without revealing gaps in what might be common knowledge. I'll just check my holowatch once I am alone.

With our meeting concluded, my stomach full, and the information I needed in hand, the chief shook my hand and wished me luck. As I stepped back into Port Lenning's gloomy streets, the weight of my task settled upon my shoulders.