Introduction
“Twenty-one men have gone missing in that forest,” A local man informed Marse, who watched two mothers scolding their sons playing on the border of the forest, “That we know of,” he added.
“How many women and children have been lost to the woods?” Marse inquired.
The villagers explained how even when a father ventured in to find his wandering son, only the child came back out afterwards. The forest never claimed the youth or woman. Their visitor portrayed no shock in this peculiar pattern.
Marse turned back to the locals, “Then why bother chastising the children away?”
“Whatever foul thing is dwelling in there, it could change its mind.”
Locals suspected a sinister intent within the deep darkness of the forest. As did Marse, opting to halt his journey to be the aid desperately needed for the frightened souls surrounding it.
“Be warned stranger, you are not the first traveler or warrior who tried to solve this mystery. There are likely more men who have gone missing.”
Marse shook his head, “I’m sure there has been. I am more accustomed to danger than most warriors and adventurers, I assure you.”
Marse was the precise target of desire. He was the bait to end this mysterious danger.
