Page 21 of These Violent Delights

Cave Bear

Quill's caravan limpedinto the supply outpost, bedraggled and weary.They had narrowly escaped being massacred by briar wolves, thanks to a fortuitous rock slide triggered by the wolves themselves.The caravan was just exiting the pass when the slide occurred, sparing them from the full brunt of the attack.Quill couldn't help but wonder what fate awaited the Beast Queen's minion for such a colossal mistake.

Now, with their supplies replenished, they were ready to head back home at first light.Quill took a short walk by their camp, pondering how he would ensure their safe return.Hiring mercenaries was not an option, as there were none available.Buying a magic weapon was both expensive and impossible in these parts.He needed a solution, and fast.

Suddenly, a cacophony of yelling, screaming, and snarling erupted nearby.Drawing his sword, Quill saw his guards running to join him.He cautiously moved around the bushes to see the source of the disturbance.

A goblin woman lay on the ground, her child crouched beside her, crying.A goblin male lay dead, his corpse savaged by a shadow beast.The smoky cave bear, with smoke dripping from its fangs, saw the newcomers and snarled.

Quill held up his hands.“Easy there!We're here to help.”He addressed the child, who he suspected was controlling the bear.The bear didn't attack immediately, so Quill tried again, doing his best to appear trustworthy.“Is that your mom?She looks hurt.Do you want me to help her?”

The girl hesitated, unsure if she could trust him.

The woman moaned and reached out a hand to her child, who looked about four.“Easy, baby.I'm okay.”She had two black eyes and didn't look okay at all.She sat up, avoiding the sight of the dead body.“Mommy's here.Put away your cave bear, okay?I've got this.”

The girl reluctantly made the bear disappear.

“What happened?”Quill asked.

The woman groaned and painfully got to her feet, using a tree for support.“He was trying to take my daughter.He knows she's a mage and probably thought he could control her.”She looked at Quill warily.“So don't try anything funny.”

“I wouldn't dream of it.We have a healer with us, if you would let us help you?We have food also, if you're hungry.”

As Quill spoke, the beginnings of a plan formed in his mind.They needed this woman on their side.She had a pack on the ground, suggesting she might be traveling.If she didn't live here, he had a chance to recruit her.

The little girl perked up and tugged on her mother's skirt.“Mommy?I'm hungry.”

Quill seized the opportunity.“We're here on a supply run for Lady Zelda of the magic castle.”He didn't mention the tribes, thinking Lady Zelda's name would be more persuasive.“She's hiring mages, if that's something that interests you.She pays good wages.”

He frowned slightly.“The only downside is, it's a couple of days' travel from here and we'll leave in the morning.You can ask around town if we are who I say we are.I've been asking everyone if they knew any mages for hire.”

The woman looked at her daughter and then back at Quill.“Tell me more.”

I have some concerns

---