The direct route to the forest

“Let us take this route,” says Adella. “The sooner we get to the forest, the less likelihood that we will encounter someone from the palace who might recognize me.”

“As you wish, m’lady,” replies Courtney, and the two women direct their horses toward the first road.

“Did your family have any concerns about you making this journey,” asks the princess.

“In truth, I have told no one, other than to send a letter to my uncle. I thought it wise to keep word of our adventure to a minimum. Besides, there is no telling how Father would react to news that I am traveling to norther parts; undue worry is not good for his health.”

Adella’s friendship with Courtney started because they grew up together. Her father Eustace Underwood, was once the King’s own gamekeeper and lived with his family in a modest home on the palace grounds. They would still be there had it not been for that tragic accident.

“How is your father doing,” asks Adella. “It has been ages since I last saw him.”

Courtney grows somber. “Mother says he is well, but I have my suspicions that it is not as well as she says. When last I saw him he seemed to have gained some weight, and there was a healthier color in his cheeks, but he was not himself. He told me he was just tired, but I felt there was something else — like he was keeping something from me. Perhaps I worry too much, but since they moved to Allensburg, my contact with them is sporadic.”

Mr. Underwood had served faithfully as gamekeeper for years. One day he ventured to the northern region of the kingdom to assess the pheasant population for a hunt. When he didn’t return as expected, the King ordered a search of the area. After two days of searching, Courtney’s father was located. He was in a cave miles from where he was supposed to be, naked, tied up, and nearly mad with fright.

When brought back to his home he could scarcely speak. Over several days, they were finally able to glean enough information from him to determine what had happened. The best anyone could make out was that he had been attacked by a Wendigo.

Wendigos had not been seen in the area for generations, and the thought that they had returned created no small amount of terror. The horrid flesh-eating creatures are described as being gaunt to the point of emaciation, with desiccated skin pulled tightly over their bones, causing the bones to visibly protrude against the skin. Their complexion is said to be the ash gray of ****. Their sunken eyes lie deeply back in their sockets, adding to the overall impression of the monster as a gaunt skeleton recently disinterred from the grave. The Wendigo gives off a strange and eerie odor of decay, decomposition, **** and corruption.

While Mr. Underwood’s description certainly matches that of a Wendigo, it was unheard of for such a beast to tie up a victim and keep it for later. They typically feast as soon as possible.

It was unsurprising that Courtney’s father was not the same after that. Despite the many excursions made by brave knights, no sign of the Wendigo was found, but Courtney’s father could not shake his fear, and it soon became quite evident that he could not continue as gamekeeper. The king provided the family with a modest sum to help them start anew. Mr. and Mrs. Underwood moved to Allensburg and its warmer climate, for her father’s mental wellbeing, as well as his physical health, since it is known that Wendigos prefer the colder climate of the north. Courtney remained behind as Adella’s lady-in-waiting and was provided quarters in the Palace itself.

Adella sees the worry on her friend’s face. “I’m sorry, Courtney. This must be so troubling for you. When we get back, I will put it in the ear of my father that your parents would benefit from a visit, and I’m sure my father would want you to come along as well.”

“That would mean so much to them,” Courtney says with a smile. “I know Father fears that he has lost his relationship with the king, now that he can no longer be of service to him.”

Further discussion on the subject ceases when the ladies turn a bend in the road and see a young man. He is on foot, walking in the direction of the nearby forest. The horses seem to have sensed his presence first and appear to be somewhat nervous.

“Be cautious, Your Highness,” whispers Courtney. “Have you ready access to your sword?”

“I do, but he appears to be unarmed. Do you have reason to be concerned,” the princess whispers back.

“No reason in particular, but the horses do not seem to be at ease; perhaps they sense something we do not. It might be well for us to pass him and give him wide berth.”

“Perhaps,” says Adella, thoughtfully. “But It is getting late, and he might have news for us about the prospect of a place to stay for the night.”

“Or we could be giving a potential marauder valuable intelligence by letting him know that two unescorted women will be camping in the area.” The horses give nervous snorts, as if in agreement.

“Good evening, ladies,” says the young man as they draw with earshot. “I don’t believe I have seen either of you in these parts. May I be of any assistance?”