The antics of the witch

"Girls, why don't ye wait outside!" Rick calls to his family. "Yer ears don't need to hear of such wickedness." All three women nod solemnly, standing up and filing out of the kitchen. Part of you resents his suggestion that just because they are female they are not strong enough for such a story but you hold your tongue. It is not worth losing such a valuable quest. With the girls gone he gets into his explanation.

"It all started about a month ago, I reckon. Found some runes carved into one of the old oak trees. Buncha odd fungus growin' 'round the base. Shoulda called on one of yous right then and there but I convinced meself it was just pranksters. Two days later I lost me huntin' dog. Chased after a rabbit and by the time I caught up with him he was turned inside out.

"Got worse from there. Started hearin' weird sounds at night. Chantin' and other devil's work. You'd see lights peekin' out from between the trees, beggin' good folk to chase 'em. Then, two weeks ago, I saw 'er. Flyin' above the forest, silhouetted against the moon on some kinda infernal device. That's when I knew I had a witch.

"I prayed she would just do her mischief and move on. But then the corruption started creepin' onto my farm. I've lost all the crop near the treeline, I've made me peace with that. The chickens have been riled up for days. I hope it has not infected their meat. I've already killed the goat. Well known witches possess goats, I've 'eard. However, the final straw was two nights ago. Was up late lookin' for signs of the bitch. Instead, I heard noises from me own home. I rushed in only to find..." He looks over his shoulder, making sure the coast is clear. "Me own daughters masturbatin' like women possessed. I will not let this crone lead my family away from the gods. I'll die before I do."

"Masturbation, you say?" Dukash muses, clearly picturing the scene. "Horrible, absolutely horrible. Though, could you perhaps describe in detail what- OW!"

"What my brother meant to ask..." Thror interrupts, shooting daggers at his brother before looking back at the farmer. "Is why masturbation was such a red flag?"

"It is sin for a woman to do such things," Rick replies gruffly, crossing his arms. "Those sexual deviancies only serve to corrupt wayward girls. It is not their place." You ball your fists, resisting the urge to denounce his archaic, sexist views. Eye on the prize... "I gave 'em a proper scoldin' and a proper spankin'. Have 'em prayin' 'round the clock. Should dissuade 'em for a while but the hearts of women are weak. We need to cut off the corruption at the source."

"Then let's not delay any longer!" Thror says, standing up. "No need to give her any more time to establish herself. We'll track her down and deal with her." You and Dukash stand up, following his lead.

"I like yer attitude, lad," The farmer laughs, easing the tension a bit. "I would go with ye but I need to protect me family. I'll have Siobhan make sure dinner is waitin' for ye when ye return with the bitches head!"

Nodding in affirmation, Thror turns and leaves the farm house, you and Dukash filing out with him. It certainly seems like you have your work cut out for you!