Book VI Holiday Special: The Legend of Midwintre Part II
"His name is Joscha, and he rules this county," the old woman said in a hushed voice asKelancarefully bandaged her wrist.
Many of the villagers had managed to flee safely into the woods; although they had been wary of theChapterandhis sonat first arrival, they quickly warmed up to the foreigners once they realized they were not under the spell of the dreadvampire.
They sat huddled in a large group around the campfire Valdren had built, telling their tales of the horror of daily life in their village, constantly waiting for the next strike by theundead.
"Joscha," Kelan murmured. "How long has he been here?"
"As long as any of us can remember," the woman admitted with a weary sigh. "My parents lived under his shadow, and their parents as well. A few foolish babes have gotten it into their heads to try and fight him, but it's for naught. Hisgargoylesandghoulsdismember the weak ones, and he takes the strong ones himself, and they come back as fiends from beyond the grave."
Valdren rumbled unhappily, startling the small group of children who were huddled beneath his golden wing. Apologetic, he gently patted their heads. "We are from a far-off land. The sun shines every day there, and there is no snow at all-- and no undead.
"My father and I have been traveling the world to learn all we can; I believe we were destined to find you and lend you our aid."
The villagers murmured amongst themselves.
"There are no dragons here, least of all anything like you," a burly man admitted. "But Joscha is powerful beyond measure-- and he answers to something even greater. It would be far too optimistic for us to expect salvation of any kind, let alone from a summerfairy and his pet."
Valdren's temper was just moments from exploding when Kelan swiftly touched his snout, nodding politely. "As anyone would expect-- all of you have been through years of fear and torment at the hands of these fiends. There is every chance we may fail, and you will continue to live this nightmare.
"But stay with us, if it suits you, and help us survive this land, and my son and I will do all we can to help you in turn."
Next Chapter: Book VI Holiday Special III
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