Something of interest

Some time had to spent to disarm the runes and traps, and then there was cleaning if equipment...especially of the griffin musk. But the trip back to the hunter’s lodge was significantly shorter than the hunt for the beast.

When Marius got back to the hut and knocked in the door, the same greeting was had with the hunter as a few days ago.

“What the hell do you wan-“ The hunter stopped around seeing the Rune Blade, as if surprised to have seen him. Marius just stared at the man as he rose his trophy for him to see.

“It is done, the local area is safe. One dead griffin.”

With that, Marius tossed the trophy to the side. This caused the hunter to sigh, “It’s no good thing that this happened...but at least the natural order is back. And the village is safe.”

Marius just nodded, “It goes without saying...this is never mentioned to anybody.”

The hunter nodded back, “Of course, I ain’t a fool seeking an executioner’s axe.”

The hunter sighed again and motioned for Marius to come inside. As the Rune Blade stepped in, the hunter produced a map and laid it out on the table. Picking up a stick of charcoal, the hunter circled a point on the map. He began explaining.

“This, is where we are. Now, over here,” he drew a line from the circle to another point of the map, “there is a cave here. One time while huntin’ was gettin’ scarce, I had to spend a few days traveling to get enough meat to sell. That was when I discovered this place.”

Marius listened to the details the Hunter was giving him. Meanwhile, he took out his own map and began copying the directions, adding any notes that seemed to be important. The hunter continued.

“At first it seemed like nothing special. However, I heard...strange sounds, coming from there.”

Marius raised a brow, “What sort of sounds?”

The hunter shrugged, “I...am not sure. Chanting? But, it was unlike anything I have ever heard. Strange language, strange voice, absolutely inhuman at points. Heard nothin’ like it in my life. At one point, there was even some strange glowing there. I camped out there a couple days, saw some strange cloaked figure go in and out of that cave day and night.”

Well, that was a plethora of knowledge. And the hooded figure went out during the day? Well, that could eliminate vampires, though the thick clothing could negate the sun’s harmful effects. There was only one way to check this all out.

Marius thanked the hunter for the information and went on his way.