The Aftermath
Since the attack had happened, the village was in quite a state. Children were crying, mothers were out of their minds with fear and so were the men. Especially the ones with tasks way beyond the village borders. The council member that possessed magic had a blooming business. Most of his amulets were sold at high prices. The people were able, and even those unable were very eager, to give up priced possessions for amulets to protect their families. The poorest villagers promised him all sorts of debt arrangements or even indentured servitude.
Rumple did not obtain an amulet, and neither had Aengus. Adair and Aidan had gotten the very best amulets that were available and Talieshin also wore one around his neck. Miss Locke had sold a valuable ring to get an amulet for herself, but hadn't bothered to buy one for him. She had warned him to stay with the other children, not leave the village alone, or else suffer the consequences. Rumple was glad that he was older than ten, he was almost thirteen, otherwise he would not even have been allowed to leave the village. Everyone in the village was so afraid and upset, that it was nice to slip away in order to get some peace and quiet.
He knew he shouldn't be wandering out on his own, but since he didn't have friends, it's not like he had any other options. To stay as safe as possible he always kept the village in sight, and didn't venture into the forest on his own, or get too close to the water. Which was a shame really, because he loved fishing. He wondered what had happened to John Woode. Was it a fish-like creature or some winged animal, or perhaps some entirely unknown beast? He was eager to find out. It was an interesting mystery, a puzzle to solve, a welcome distraction from his dull and lonely life.
Near the water, he sees the group of boys gathered again. Adair is talking loudly, resembling his father, and the other boys are listening to this young charismatic and potential, probable leader. The amulet with a golden sun, symbolizing the sun's powerful protection, is swinging as he is gesturing wildly. They are talking ambitiously, as boys do, about catching the creature. Not hindered by their lack of experience in such expeditions, nor by the very realistic fears of their parents, they make plans for the hunt. Rumple is eavesdropping, quite aware that he will never be included, or beaten again if they see him listening in.
After being in an uncomfortable position for a while, he gives up. His muscles are aching. He sees an old man sitting on a tree trunk at a short distance. The man smiles at him. Rumple walks in his direction. The man is a wise man, and had been part of the village council for many years until the newly arrived and popular magical practitioner had taken his place. There was only place for four in the village council after all. "Heard anything interesting?" he asks with a small smile. Rumple is a bit ashamed, and feels uneasy in the presence of such esteemed company. "They want to catch the creature," he answers. "A very honourable task, indeed," the man replies, "though very unwise to be contemplated by mere children…" He is silent for a while.
Rumple decides to take his chances and begins to ask many questions as he can think of to this wise man. Does he know, or even have an inkling of what kind of animal, or creature could be behind the attack? Did something like this ever happen before? Are there beings out there that cannot be killed by swords or weapons? Did he ever encounter a dangerous beast himself? The man is a bit taken aback by the sheer amount of questions that Rumple fires at him. He is about to answer, when another boy is running towards him, screaming a question as well. "Will this one do?" The boy is carrying a small but straight tree branch. He hands it to man. "Yes, that will do very nicely," he answers. "Hello Rumple," the boy says. "Are you two friends?" the man asks surprised, looking at his grandson, Talieshin. The two boys don't know how to answer that particular question. No, they are not friends, not really; they are both outcasts, but that doesn't necessarily count as friendship, does it?
The man decides not to push and looks at the tree branch. "When you've finished making it hollow, I can put in the small holes for you. That is a precise task, which needs an experienced hand." "My grandpa is making me a new flute," Talieshin says happily. Rumple nods. The old man notices the awkwardness between the two boys. Time for some distraction, he figures and he tells a story about the founder of the village who encountered a serious threat just like this one, over 300 years ago.
"It will be your own fault if the monster catches you, and by being so careless, you almost deserve it!" Miss Locke is enraged that Rumple is still venturing out on his own, with this enormous danger out there. "I'll be fine. Don't worry. It's not like you really care!" Rumple spits bitterly. "Now, Rumplestiltskin, you know that's not true. I took you in and you are not even a relative of mine. I could kick you out anytime, but I haven't, have I?" Miss Locke is seething. You didn't even buy me an amulet, Rumple thinks to himself. "But you should make yourself more useful, bring in some money," she continues, "I'll have a word with Joseph Waterhouse to see if there are some tasks for a boy your age." Joseph Waterhouse is the overseer for Adair's father and the last thing Rumple wants, is to work at that farm, the largest and wealthiest of all. Especially with the owner's two sons laughing and picking at him every day. The image haunts him 'till he falls asleep.