Children in Need

Tall shapes loom out of the dense fog that surrounds everything. The muddy ground underfoot gives way to slick, wet cobblestones. The tall shapes become recognizable as village dwellings. Nestled among these solemn dwellings are a handful of closed-up shops. Even the tavern is shut tight. The windows of each house stare out from pools of blackness. No sound cuts the silence except for mournful sobbing that echoes through the streets from a distance. A soft whimpering draws your eye toward a pair of children standing in the middle of an otherwise lifeless street.

After shushing the boy, the girl turns to you and says, “There’s a monster in our house!” She then points to a tall brick row house that has seen better days. Its windows are dark. It has a gated portico on the ground floor, and the rusty gate is slightly ajar. The houses on either side are abandoned, their windows and doors boarded up.

The adventurers exchange wary glances as the mist parts to reveal the ghostly village. Inverna rests a hand on the hilt of her sword as she surveys the area.

“This place reeks of fear and death. Keep alert.” She turns to the frightened children with a sympathetic look. “Do not be afraid, little ones. Tell us of this monster.”

Galandro kneels down, speaking gently. “Aye, you have our word we shall protect you. What did you see in your home?”

Nib gives the children a reassuring smile. “There there, we’ll keep you safe! Just tell us what happened.”

Donnabella nods eagerly. “Please, let us help. We are heroes, here to banish any evil that plagues this land!”

Inverna shoots Donnabella a look and hisses under her breath. “Hush! Do not make rash promises when we know so little.” She turns her gaze back to the children. “But my friend speaks true – we only wish to help. Please, tell us what you know.”

The girl swallows hard, fighting back tears. “P-papa went in the basement a few days ago and never returned. Then we heard awful sounds down there…like an animal eating. Mama told us to run before locking herself inside.” The girl shivers. “We heard her scream not long after. Now it’s silent. The monster must still be inside!”

The boy nods fearfully. “We tried to get help, but everyone is locked inside their homes. You’re the first people we’ve seen on the streets!”

Inverna’s expression hardens with resolve. “Monster or no, we shall investigate this. Take shelter where you can, children.” She turns to her companions as she draws her sword. “Come. We put an end to this evil, then perhaps bring hope back to this village.”