Marlon frowned. He could hear the distinctive battle cries of the shadow brutes, but no Adventurer was registered to be exploring this deeply in the mines. He hoped some poor fool hadn't wandered into the area but he seriously doubted it was possible for an untrained explorer to reach this level.
As he rounded the corner, shock made him momentarily incautious and a rock rolled, nudged by his boot. Instantly the brutes turned, alerted to his approach. They wasted no time, attacking in tandem. Marlon was certain there had been three. When he had cut down the first two, he raised his blade to deal with the third, but the cavern was silent save for the drip of water from the ceiling.
He peered into the darkness, raising his hand to extend the light from his glow ring. The third shadow being was propped against the far wall. It was a much smaller being, clearly not a brute. He appeared similar in size and shape to the sorcerers, but he wore no mask and there was no glow of magic.
It shifted, making a soft sound that could have been a groan. Marlon tensed, preparing for a preemptive attack, but another sound drew his attention. As the smaller shadow was not an immediate threat, he turned to face the approaching sound.
"Ho, Marlon." The Dwarf stepped forward from the tunnel, calling out in his native tongue. "Hold your blade, I am no shadow."
Marlon lowered his sword politely. He glanced at the fallen shadow, feeling the faintest twinge of pity. The Dwarf would not treat the creature with any gentleness. The War had ended but the two races remained bitter enemies. To his slight shock, it was gone.
"I heard battle," said the Dwarf. I came to help."
Marlon laughed. "You came to test your blade against the brutes," he responded.
The Dwarf nodded. "Of course. But you have left me no opportunity."
"Apologies," Marlon sheathed his sword. "Had I anticipated your arrival I would have been more courteous."
The Dwarf nodded. "Had I been swifter, I might have saved you some trouble. Ah well. There are many shadows in the caves. I will find good hunting here."
"I will leave you to it then," said Marlon. "I will clear this level and return to the Guild."
"My hunting takes me deeper into the darkness."
"May your blade hold its edge," said Marlon by way of parting. The Dwarf vanished down another tunnel, leaving Marlon to stand in the cavern, peering around, searching for the shadow creature. He strained to listen, but the caves were silent.
Marlon shook his head. He'd need to explore this mystery further, but for now, he had patrolling to complete.
The creature occupied his thoughts often as he went about Guild business over the next few days. It was fortunate that Gil spent much of his time resting his eyes. The elder member had been Marlon's own mentor, in the days before the weight of age slowed his sword hand and made him more prone to enjoying the heat of a warm blanket in his chair by the fire than the heat of battle. Gil had been a mighty Adventurer in his time, and he was still well respected in the Guild.
Marlon set the report aside, realizing he'd read the same line three times without comprehending the words. A familiar ache was beginning to take hold behind his good eye and he noted that his lamp had burned quite low. The shadows dancing on his desk brought the odd creature again to mind.
It's almost as if the others were attacking it, he thought. They are savage, but I have never known them to attack their own before. What is it about this one that caused the others to brutalize it? And how did it disappear so quickly?
Marlon's thoughts seemed to chase themselves in circles. With a sigh, he turned away from the desk. The reports would simply need to wait for the morning. He stacked them neatly, and turned to his quarters. Passing the large seasonal supply closet, he paused.
The traps… I wonder… Perhaps if I could capture the creature alive, I could study it. It may be simply a runt. In any case, it would be fascinating to study one more closely, particularly if it's a new type. The brutes we capture for the Spirit Festival are far too violent and dangerous to be able to observe them closely. A closer examination might give us valuable information about the creatures.
Marlon continued to his quarters with new resolve. The reports would simply need to wait. He had hunting to do.
Marlon stood back, admiring his handiwork. He'd doubted his own ability to properly place the trap alone, but the thought of bringing any other Guild members in on his plan had been rejected as unwise. They would dispatch the creature on sight, denying him an opportunity to study it more closely. There had been something about the creature that seemed… off, somehow. It lacked the chaotic violence that normally marked the demeanor of the denizens of the darkness.
All that was left now was to wait. He slipped his glowing ring off and into his pocket, and stepped back into the shelter of a crevice in the wall, settling down so that the wall of the cave supported his back. He had baited the trap with several items known to have value to the creatures. A diamond, a void essence, and one of the oddly colored buns they often carried. If the creature was injured, its hunger might drive it out to look for resources.
Marlon sat, waiting patiently, for quite some time. He was near to giving up when he heard the faintest whisper, a brush against the stone, as if the lightest cloth ever envisioned had momentarily contacted its rough surface. He held himself silent and still, waiting. He didn't have to wait long to hear the odd sounds that made up the creatures' language. It was muttering to itself as it approached… but its sounds were… Marlon listened, frowning. It almost sounded as if… but it couldn't be. He was imagining things, of that he was certain. The creature could not possibly be muttering in a human language.
"Yoba be blessed," the familiar phrase was barely a whisper, but Marlon found himself mouthing the traditional answer, 'and you also.' He strained to listen, fascinated, as the creature cautiously, slowly, moved across the cavern.
"Strange bun. Why must it be strange bun?" the voice complained in its sibilant hiss. "Even still, Yoba provides."
Marlon held himself perfectly still, holding even his breath. The creature was moving directly for the food, even bypassing the diamond. He could hear its movements faintly. It sounded as if it were dragging something, a faint shuffling accompanying its journey across the small cavern.
"Gratitude, Yoba, for this food, and the nourishment it provides," the creature whispered. Marlon was again struck by the traditional wording of the prayer.
How? He wondered. It not only speaks human language, it speaks as if it knows the worship of Yoba. What is this?
Silently, he composed his own prayer, thanking Yoba that he had been distracted by the Dwarf upon the first meeting, and had not cut down this strange creature immediately.
The box closing with a faint snap sounded like a cherry bomb in the silent cavern, startling Marlon out of his reverie. He slipped his hand into his pocket, retrieving his glow ring and quickly stood. He stepped forward, eager to check the trap and secure his prize. He breathed another silent prayer, thanking Yoba's providence that the Dwarf had moved to other hunting grounds. He did not wish to explain to the creature with whom he'd come to a mutual respect, his interest in this mortal Dwarven enemy. The Dwarf would have dispatched it instantly and with relish. While Marlon was no friend of the shadow beings that roamed the mines, attacking unwary Adventurers, he did not take pleasure in killing, preferring to dispatch those he fought with a swift strike.
He strode forward, setting down a torch to provide some light. There was a scuffle of activity within the clear walls of the box. As Marlon approached, his eye adjusting to the light level, he took in the strangest sight he had ever met. Rather than rushing the wall closest to him, trying to attack even through the clear barrier as any captured brute would do, the creature was desperately searching the surface furthest away, pressing against the magic-infused material that made up the box as if it could find a weakness or a crack through which it could slip with its shifting form. Marlon cleared his throat and the creature shivered, its efforts becoming more frantic.
"The box is secured by magic," he mentioned, keeping his voice calm. "Our wizard, Rasmodius, designed it. He knows his business. You will find no way out."
The creature's movement stilled, and it turned to face him, its strange, faintly-glowing eyes peering through the darkness. It seemed determined to press itself as tightly as it was able against the side of the box furthest from him, regarding him silently. Marlon felt a jolt of shock. Never before had he noted any expression from a shadow being but hatred and anger. This one looked … wary. Almost afraid.
"Wh… what do you … you want of me?" the creature's voice lisped but Marlon made out the words easily. "I do you no harm. I do not wish to fight. I only want to live in peace."
"How is this possible?" asked Marlon. "You speak?"
The creature tilted its head. "Yes."
"But how?" asked Marlon, incredulous. A familiar excitement was rising. He had not felt like this since locating the Dwarvish Translation Guide that had led to his being able to converse with the Dwarf, an ability that had led them to their current relationship of mutual respect. The Dwarf did not consider him a friend, this he knew. Their concepts of friendship were very different. Still, they had formed a sort of alliance that helped keep Adventurers safe and permitted some limited trade between the Dwarf and the Guild members.
What could we accomplish, if I could speak with them? If the shadow creatures could be reasoned with. If we could understand them? They are clearly intelligent, not like the mindless slimes.
The one in the box ignored his question, returning to its frantic search for a way out. "Yoba, have you left me?" it muttered. "Have you brought me so far only to permit me to fall to a human's sword? Or worse…"
"I haven't even drawn my sword," remarked Marlon.
"What is this… this thing?" asked the creature, sinking down along the far wall so that it was sitting. "Why have you done this? What do you want? What … what are you… going to do with me?"
Marlon shook his head. "Answer my questions," he said. "How is it you came to speak a human language?"
The creature let out what might have been a laugh. "If I answer, will you let me go?"
Marlon considered. He would not lie to the being. It was not in his nature. "I might," he responded. "I am Marlon, of the Adventurers' Guild. I am charged with the protection of those who come into these mines seeking ore and resources."
"I know what you are," responded the creature. "Monster Hunter. But I have not attacked anyone. I just want to find a place I can be left alone. Why am I in a box? Why didn't you just cut me down like the others? What do you want?"
"If I were going to kill you I would have done it already," responded Marlon. "I want to know why two of your own people attacked you. I want to know how you came to speak a human language. For a beginning. As to what I'm going to do with you, I haven't determined that yet. Your cooperation will help me decide."
"Wait. I've seen these traps before… In the caverns under the lake… they were other humans who came, but they used these boxes… they took some of the brutes. I heard them talking… they wanted them for a "festival." I understand why you kill those who attack you in the caves, but do you humans make a celebration of killing them? They never came back… is that what you're going to do to me? Am I to be presented to humans to be slaughtered for their entertainment?"
The creature struggled to its feet and started rubbing the sides of the box again, searching. Marlon watched it, fascinated. He had captured a number of brutes in the past, and some of the smaller shadow creatures as well, but none of them had shown such determination to escape. Their only thought was to attack their captors and kill them if they could. This one seemed only to want to get away.
"The Spirit's Eve festival isn't for another month," he told the creature. "And those brutes aren't slaughtered. They're put on display at the festival for a short time. They're not killed at the festival. We only kill those who attack us, in self defense."
"A… month?" The creature's movements became more frantic. "You can't keep me in a box for a month. Wait, other brutes? You put them in a cage together?"
"Yes. They have plenty of space to move around. We're not barbarians," responded Marlon. "We treat them gently enough."
"You can't… Yoba help me… I can't… be in a cage, with the others… The humans won't have to kill me, they'll do it for you. Let me go… I'm not like the others. I don't want to fight humans. I don't want to fight anyone. I just want to go in peace."
The creature slumped in the corner of the cage, and Marlon realized with a jolt that it seemed to heavily favor its left side. He had seen enough Adventurers dealing with injuries to recognize the signs.
"Why did they attack you?" he asked. "Why would they want to kill one of their own?"
The creature made a sound which might have been a laugh. "For the same reason you captured me so easily… I'm not like them. I don't want to fight."
Marlon eased down to the cave floor, taking a seat and resting one arm casually on his bent knee as he studied the creature. It watched him warily, remaining pressed back as far as it could get away from him.
"I don't want to kill you," he told it. "I just want to talk."
"You had to put me in a box for that?" it asked.
"Would you have spoken with me willingly otherwise?" he responded.
"...Fair."
The two, shadow beast and human, remained still for a long moment, studying one another. Marlon noticed his eyes moved as he glanced away from the Adventurer, still seeking a way out.
He felt an unfamiliar pang of… almost guilt. The creature was right; it hadn't attacked him. He had entered its territory and captured it. He had no qualms about the work he'd been doing for years. He knew that left unchecked by Adventurers, the monsters would spill out into the valley, driving the humans from their homes. The Guild had been founded to combat just such a problem. And yet… Watching the creature, the way it shifted… He took no pleasure in seeing any being afraid and in pain. Ordinarily he would simply dispatch any creature in such a state, simply to end its suffering, and the threat. This one, however, had offered no threat. He was not foolish enough to trust that it would not attack, given the chance, but its ability to speak was unheard of, and its apparent devotion to Yoba was even more unusual.
His memory conjured Gil's voice. If you must strike, do so quickly and without hesitation. Only recall that not every problem is solved with a sword. You must always think, my boy. It is unusual for a follower of Yoba to enter this type of work, but all Adventurers bring their own strengths and skills. Use your devotion to guide you. An Adventurer's honor is the only thing that separates us from the monsters.
"You know of Yoba," Marlon commented. "You speak human language. The others attack you. How is this come to be? Where did you come from?"
The creature made a gesture. "From the darkness. When does any shadow begin to exist. Where does any soul come from?"
Marlon shook his head. "You know that's not what I'm asking. How did you come to be in this region?"
"I was traveling. Seeking places away from the fighting."
"The war has been over for years. What fighting?"
The creature sighed. "If I tell you all of it, will you let me go? What do you want to know? That the Dwarves invaded my home? That I was left behind as the others fled?"
"You're a refugee. So you fled the invasion… and then what? You've been wandering all this time? You didn't return to others of your kind?"
"I couldn't find them. Everywhere there were only brutes battling dwarves, and then the Adventurers came… They slaughtered the brutes, but the dwarves were wise enough to avoid them. Then the dwarves and humans seemed to begin working together… at least not attacking one another. No place was safe. No cave deep enough, no shadow dark enough… There was no place for me. I guess there never will be."
"So how did you come to speak human language? Even the dwarves haven't learned to do that."
"The dwarves won't. They are arrogant and prideful. Not to mention vicious."
Marlon inclined his head. He couldn't deny the creature's assessment. "Clearly you didn't learn from a dwarf. So how did you come by the ability?"
"How do any learn things?" the creature sighed. "If you must know… There is a place… not far… an island. It is home to only a few humans. The dwarves have long abandoned the volcano they kept there as an outpost… only one maintains a space there, to trade with the Adventurers who come to use the technology…"
"The Fern islands." Marlon nodded. "Ginger Island contains the volcano that houses the dwarven forge."
"Yes. I believe that is the human name. I… found some small caverns there, in which I concealed myself for a time…"
"Wait, go back a bit. How did you get to the island?"
"Oh… I had… run afoul of some humans in the forest. I did not know there was a Wizard living in that area… he is far more discerning than most humans, and detected my presence. I could not stand against him, so I fled… I came to a beach, and a small human habitation… there was a sea-going vessel. I was cornered, he was coming, and this… what is the word? Boat… it was moving over the water away…I slipped into the opening in the side, into the darkness below and concealed myself.
"I had escaped the Wizard, thank Yoba, but now I was trapped. I began to despair, considering I would be trapped to haunt this vessel until I fade from existence… but Yoba smiled… The vessel came into a land… in the darkness. I was able slip out again, through the shadow and escape into the jungle.
"There was little there, to eat, no deep caverns in which to conceal myself, but it was peaceable. I avoided the volcano, of course. Heat and fire are not my natural environment. The jungle was comfortably warm and damp…" It sighed. "I should never have left that place… but Yoba guides."
"So you learned to speak while you were on the island? How?"
"There were humans there. One who moves slowly and does not seem able to see well, in dark or light. She sits at the shore and tosses a line into the water to draw forth fish. She was… peaceable. There is a small cave, near an abandoned human base, not far from her shack. I took refuge there. The Gourmand Frog did not mind the company, so long as I did not crowd him… The human… Birdie… I had no one. No one with whom to speak. The Frog slept all the time and barely spoke. So I… I observed her. I was afraid to go too near… I didn't want to frighten her, or to be attacked again, but I heard her speaking. She spoke to Yoba. Spoke often, to them. I learned the patterns of her speech, though I did not understand. It was… a comfort. I don't expect you to understand."
Marlon nodded. "No being understands fully another's burdens," he responded, quoting the Book of Yoba. "But I do understand what it's like to be alone. So you learned from this… Birdie? I know of her. She's the widow of a pirate who was lost on the Island, before the Adventurers established an alliance with the dwarves. I was told she waits there, for her lost husband."
"Oh. I didn't know. I thought she was just odd. But she was… peaceable. I… kept the slimes on top of the plateau, away from her house. It was the least I could do. I think she knew I was there… or that something was near. She… left fish sometimes, where I could find it, and … did not seem to notice, when it went missing. I'm no thief though! I brought her things I found. The bright fruits that humans are able to eat. Once, I found an image of a human. I didn't know if she would find it valuable but it seemed like a human artifact, so I left it for her. She seemed pleased."
"So how did listening to a lonely old woman's ramblings teach you to speak yourself?" asked Marlon. He made a mental note to look in on Birdie the next time he was in the area, and make sure she was equipped with all she needed for her lonely existence.
"It.. it was later, when… when the wispling came," said the creature slowly.
"Wispling?"
The creature nodded. "Smaller human. I don't know your word. There was a storm. Yoba was throwing thunder eggs and the water fell. Even the sea was angry. Birdie had gone into her shack and fastened the door. I sat atop the cliff near the beach, to watch the thunder eggs fall. But there was a boat. It was trying to move on the water, but the water was too big… It broke. Some of the pieces came to the land, and I went out to the water, to see if there would be anything Birdie could use… But there was a wispling… I thought he was… well he was not moving. But I… he was so small. Not scary. So I… I don't know why I did it but… I couldn't just leave him in the water, like a bit of trash. I pulled him onto the land."
"Leo. The wild boy who lives on the island. We suspected he was a shipwreck victim." Marlon was fascinated. "So he taught you to speak?"
The creature shuddered. "No. I didn't stay. I'm not an idiot. It might have been small but humans are dangerous."
Marlon chuckled. "If it's the boy who is there now, he's only dangerous to unattended mangos," he responded. "I thought that the parrots took him in."
"They did. I… I pulled him from the water but… he moved. So I… I fled. I couldn't help him. I hoped maybe other humans would find him. I…" he creature closed his eyes. "Yoba is merciful. I didn't know what would happen to him but… there was nothing more I could do. I went back to my cave."
"The parrots must have found him," said Marlon thoughtfully. "Parrots are mimics. They pick up any sounds they hear and repeat them. They're quite intelligent animals, and can even learn to use a few words."
"They have their own sounds," responded the creature. "They speak among themselves, mostly about where to find more walnuts. Whenever I found one of the shiny ones, I'd leave them near the woman's place, so that she could trade with the parrots."
"You understand the parrots?" asked Marlon.
The creature nodded. "A little. Their sounds change. They like sound. They play with it, the way a shadow wispling plays with fog. The wispling that came from the water, his sounds stay the same, mostly, but he's like them too. He heard their sounds and made them. The parrots seemed amused by him. He was small and could reach the walnuts hidden in the jungle. He would bring them to the parrots and they would bring him fruits. I watched and… in time, I learned. I knew what the parrots were saying, usually… so it didn't take long to learn the human's words too. And the other human's words began to have more meaning. She spoke to Yoba… and I found peace in this. I knew of Yoba from my own wisp days, though I was surprised to learn that the humans know also of Yoba. I did not know any other creatures knew of her."
"Nor did I, truthfully," Marlon said. "I didn't know shadow creatures acknowledged anything but darkness and violence."
The creature shook his head. "The brutes…" he sighed. "It's true they are violent, but for good reason. We were driven from our homes by the dwarves, and then humans came into our caverns and tunnels and attacked us also."
"The caverns and tunnels were carved first by dwarves," Marlon said mildly. "Humans explored them seeking resources. Iron, copper, gold, gems… We need those things to craft items we use for farming."
"Is that why the humans come? I didn't know. I just know they come to our darkness and kill us. Or capture us."
"The Guild was founded because the monsters were attacking humans in our villages," Marlon said. "There was no safe place for us, either. We hunters keep the spaces our explorers go to get resources safer."
The creature sighed. "Always fighting. Always war. I just want to live in peace. Before the dwarves came, I had a den. There were others. It was warm and damp and dark. We shared space. Had sufficient nourishment. We were content, and grateful to Yoba for her provision."
"You had a family."
"Family? I am not familiar with this word."
"A mother, father, siblings."
"Mother? Father? What are these words? The wispling spoke them sometimes but… it seemed cause him distress."
"Those who brought you forth," answered Marlon. "Likely Leo misses his parents. They must have died, when that ship sank."
"Ah. I have no… mother, father. Shadow beings are not humans. But we do gather together and share the darkness."
"I see." Marlon considered. "Why did you leave the Island?"
"The dwarves. More humans came to the island. A strange man who would go into the caves… I was able to avoid him, but.. Soon more humans came, accompanied by a dwarf who seemed to be leading them. They went to the volcano. The dwarf set up shop there. They don't often leave the mountain, but the humans began roaming the island more often. The first one, whose … boat, I came on, the pirates… and the sun was growing more and more bright… the jungle wasn't safe. The wispling… Leo, he had moved into the secret places there. The old human… her speaking to Yoba brought back the thoughts of those I lost. So one night, I… slipped back aboard the vessel. I hoped the Wizard might have forgotten me. It returned again to the shore I had come from. I could not go back to the forest, so I continued along the beach, and followed the river. I came to a human habitation, but was able to go around it, through the forest. I found the mountain here… and a way into the mines. They were cooler than the caves of the island, but there was a large pile of stones blocking the path to the human village. I thought it might be safe. So I … moved in.
"Some of the brutes had already found a place here but I was able to avoid them mostly."
"So you came to the mines after the rockslide, but before Joja removed it. I understand."
"Joja? That is what the being is called that shook the mountain?"
"It's a …" Marlon rubbed his forehead with his finger. Explaining a "corporation" to a shadow being was more than he felt up to. "Yes. Joja is its name."
The being nodded. "After that, the humans came. They didn't come to the lower levels of the mines, so I was still able to avoid them… until the day I had the misfortune to run into a couple of brutes… and a human."
"I see. So you've been living down here."
"Yes. I haven't bothered anyone. I stay away from the humans. I don't cause you any trouble. So you can just let me go. You'll never see me again, I give my vow. I will move on, again. Surely there are other tunnels, other caves…"
"To the north is the Badlands, guarded by another Guild. A large one. You would not escape their notice. To the east is Grampleton. It's a much larger human settlement. South is the Ocean of course. Perhaps to the west… the Cindersap forest… but you'd have to get by Rasmodius, the wizard."
The creature stared at Marlon, its eyes wide. "Yoba have mercy, I am truly lost. There is no place for me. I… If I could just, stay here then, in these caves, I will give my vow to harm no humans… I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't want to fight. I only want peace."
"You can't stay here," responded Marlon. "The Dwarf patrols these caves."
The creature slumped. "I have no choice. There is no other place for me."
A thought was beginning to form in Marlon's mind, but he knew the day was growing late, and the Dwarf's patrol would be bringing them to the area in time. He had to make a decision. He considered the creature.
"If I let you go…"
The creature's head snapped up and it stared at Marlon.
"If I let you go, will you meet with me in two days' time, in a specific location?"
The creature's eyes widened. "Meet you? You… want me to return to your sword willingly? Are you crazy?"
Marlon shook his head. "In return for your vow, I will offer one of my own. If you come, I offer protection. A truce, for the meeting. I will not attack nor trap you, and I won't let anyone else harm you either. I only want to speak with you again."
"But why? What do you want from me? And why should I come to a human?"
"I have an idea. One that might help you, but I need time. Look, consider your options. You can agree to this meeting and I'll let you go. You're a unique being. I am also a follower of Yoba. I value life, and I see no reason to end yours, if you're as peaceable as you claim."
"Why should I trust you?"
"Do you have any other option?" Marlon watched as the creature looked around bleakly at the trap.
Finally it let out a sigh. "Very well. Let me out. I will come."
"Do you remember the cliff, just above the beach, in the lower point of the forest?" asked Marlon.
The creature nodded warily. "That's where the Wizard almost caught me."
"Rasmodius won't be a problem," said Marlon. "I'll speak with him. Remember, I'm vowing that I won't harm you, and won't let anyone else harm you either. But I demand a vow of you in return."
The creature went still. "I said I would come."
"Your word. By Yoba. And mine is the same. What do you call yourself? I would like to do this properly."
"By… Yoba?" The creature seemed to consider, then sighed. "I really don't have a choice do I, if I want to get out of this box."
Marlon waited.
"I am Krobus," said the creature finally. "In your sounds. It is as near as you are able to understand, to the word in my own language, for "bridge-crosser.""
"Very well. I, Marlon of the Adventurer's Guild, give my vow before Yoba to you, Krobus of the shadow people, that if you come to meet with me at the appointed time, that I will do you no harm, by word or by deed, and that I will permit no other to do you harm. I offer you a meeting under truce."
Krobus swallowed, but moved slowly to stand. "I… accept your vow, Marlon. And I, Krobus… also vow, to come to this meeting you require, in the same spirit of peace. I vow to attack no human who does not try to harm me or capture me."
Marlon nodded. "That is reasonable and fair. Very well. Two days' time. At the cliff above the beach, when the water is lowest. It should be dark enough for your comfort then, and not so late that I risk exhaustion."
"Very well. Now, will you truly release me?"
"As I vowed," answered Marlon nodding. "I… appreciate, the risk you are taking. I think I might be able to help you. If I am able I will. I'm trusting you, too."
The creature didn't respond, only stood, watching him warily, as he unfastened the latch. It was a bit tricky, as the trap wasn't ordinarily opened from such close proximity. Usually it would be taken to a remote location, well away from the areas Adventurers explored, lowered to the cave floor and the latch released with a line, letting the brutes escape into the caverns but not turn on their captors. Marlon lifted the latch, and swung the door open.
He never saw the creature move. It phased into shadow, melting into the darkness, and slipping past him with barely a whisper of movement, before vanishing into the caves.
I hope I haven't made a terrible mistake, thought Marlon. He wasted no time in disassembling the box. He needed to return it to the Guild's supply closet before its absence, and his, were noted.
"It speaks, you say?"
Marlon watched as Rasmodius paced by again.
"Yes. They apparently spent some time in the Fern Islands and picked up the language from the boy that lives there among the parrots. They're also a follower of Yoba."
"Yoba, you say? Fascinating." Rasmodius paused. "And you're certain it's the same one I met in the lower forest when I was studying the Junimos?"
"They said they escaped you onto Willie's boat," Marlon said. "So yes, I believe it is the same creature."
"I knew I should have captured it that day. I wasn't expecting it to run, honestly. Normally void spirits attack, but this one was gone before I could draw my dagger."
"They're afraid of humans," Marlon said. "They only agreed to this meeting because I vowed protection."
"I trust you have some manner of defense? You did insist that I come unarmed, but at least I am able to warp away should it attack. I would not like to leave you defenseless, Marlon."
"I do." Marlon moved his cape to show the short dagger fastened to his belt. "I don't expect to need it. This is no brute, Rasmodius. I have encountered them twice now, and they haven't tried to attack me. I believe Krobus is a unique individual. One who deserves to be preserved. They said they want to live in peace. If they agree to this plan, with your help, we can do that much for them, and in return they give us an opportunity to learn so much."
"Hm. I confess the knowledge that could be gained from a peaceable shadow beast would be quite useful to my studies," responded Rasmodius.
"Their name is Krobus," said Marlon. "And from speaking with them, I would call them a person, rather than a beast. They are quite intelligent and discerning."
"Fascinating. Very well. Krobus, then. But will they come?"
"They gave their vow. If I am not mistaken in my assessment, I believe that yes, they will come."
"A shadow… person, making a vow to Yoba. Fascinating." Rasmodius peered into the darkness. "They are coming. Marlon, you were right. I just felt the first ripple. They've passed the barrier."
"You didn't lower it for their arrival?" Marlon asked, alarmed. "I gave them my word, Rasmodius…"
"I altered it to account for their presence. I would not have agreed to come with you if I meant to cause you to break your vow, Marlon," answered Rasmodius, still peering into the darkness. "They will be able to pass through the barrier freely. They will come to no harm from my magik. So long as they are not violent, I won't try to hold them."
"Very well." Marlon relaxed. He was able to hear the small sounds of movement now, barely discernible among the forest sounds. "Krobus, it's all right. Please come out."
Very slowly, a dark shape began to form. He saw the deeper darkness begin to coalesce as he watched, and the faintest glow of Krobus' eyes became visible from the edge of the brush.
"You… you said I wouldn't have to worry about the Wizard," said Krobus, now fully formed, but standing well back and watching them warily.
Rasmodius cleared his throat. "Greetings, Krobus. It is a pleasure to meet you. Marlon tells me he has offered you a vow. I am not a follower of Yoba, but I respect Marlon a great deal and in deference to him, I also come under an agreement of truce."
"Well, I came. Now what?" Krobus asked. "I know you didn't make me come all this way just to let me go again. What do you want?"
"To talk. Perhaps you would like something to eat?" asked Marlon. He set his pack down, careful to move slowly, letting Krobus see what he was doing, so as not to make them even more nervous.
"I have brought a few items… I don't know much about shadow beings, but I believe you can sustain yourselves with these?" He spread a cloth on the grass, and laid out one of the odd buns sometimes dropped by the brutes, several void essence, and a midnight carp. "I recall at least that you did mention Birdie left you fish."
When he looked up, Krobus was considerably closer, though still out of reach of a weapon. They were watching him almost longingly.
"You… you brought food?"
"Yes. I thought we might share a meal. The three of us. These things aren't really nourishing to humans, but I brought a little fruit for Rasmodius and I."
"Share… a meal? With humans? Yoba laughs… and yet…" Krobas inched closer. "Is it a trap?"
Marlon sat back, spreading a second cloth and laying out apples and pomegranates, knowing they were the Wizard's favorite. He chose an apple for himself.
"I gave my vow." he said. "Please. Eat. I do not believe you have had sufficient supplies for quite some time."
Krobus moved without seeming to, and knelt beside the cloth. "It is a trap," they muttered, reaching for the void essence. "Baited with life-giving nourishment. Yoba be blessed."
"And you also," responded Marlon. He lifted the apple, taking a bite, and watched as Krobus absorbed the void essence. They didn't eat it in the manner of a human. It just seemed to fade into their darkness, but they sighed, as if they were enjoying it. He noted that they avoided the multicolored bun.
"I thought this was also a food shadow people enjoyed," he remarked. "Humans can consume those too, though they are very odd."
Krobus shook their head. "I… am not fond of them. They are a food carried in war times, to provide strength, but the flavor…"
"Absolutely fascinating," said Rasmodius. He picked up the pomegranate. "Thank you Marlon. This was quite thoughtful. Now, Krobus, shall we discuss the reason we are gathered here?"
Krobus looked sharply toward the wizard. "I am here because I had no other option," they responded. "The Monster Hunter… Marlon, demanded my vow."
"Which you gave, in exchange for my own," said Marlon mildly.
"I had to. If I had not come, you would have simply hunted me down," said Krobus.
"A valid concern," said Rasmodius, "but an unlikely outcome. Rather, the brutes or the Dwarf who patrols the tunnels would have run across you eventually and you wouldn't have to worry about Marlon or the other Adventurers."
Krobus seemed to deflate, shrinking on themselves. "I am aware. I barely made it out of the caves to come here. The brutes spotted me leaving and chased me to the end of the river where it leaves the caves. I barely slipped past the glittering boulder. It was only because I am smaller than them that I was able to slip out and escape them."
"It's not safe for you there," said Marlon quietly. "If you go back, they will surely be waiting."
Krobus turned away. "Yes. I know."
"Marlon came to me with a plan, one to which I have agreed," said Rasmodius. Marlon glanced at the Wizard. His tone was almost gentle, something he hadn't expected from the gruff man. "Your agreement, however, is still required, for it to go forward."
"I will not betray my people!" Krobus stood up and took a step back. "You can just kill me now. Whatever this plan is, I want no part of it."
"Krobus, please, hear us out. We're not asking you to betray them. We want to help you."
"Why? Why would you help me?" Krobus asked, but they did sink slowly back down.
"Because you are a unique being. Because I would like to speak at greater length with you, to learn more about your people…" Rasmodius held up his hand to forestall protest. "My studies are not like the Adventurers Krobus. I don't hunt your kind. My task is to gain a greater understanding of the world, to add to the collective knowledge. I am not asking you to betray the secrets of your people."
"And you? Why would you help me?" Krobus turned to Marlon. "A Monster Hunter that doesn't hunt me?"
"You're not a monster, Krobus," said Marlon. "You're a being, with a life force of your own, who just wants to live in peace, isn't that what you said? I'm offering you an opportunity to do just that. I don't believe you can survive much longer down in those caves. The village is growing. A new Farmer moved in just a few days ago. She lives north of where we sit now. There is already a small ranch and two other farms in this area. The farmer came to the caves while I was there just yesterday. She's determined to explore the tunnels, seeking ores. She's not alone. Other humans will come. The caves you've chosen to take refuge in aren't safe for you."
Krobus slumped. "I know. In truth, I came because I know this. There is no place for me in the Worlds. Only Yoba provides. Perhaps this is her will. Perhaps a swift end by your blade is her mercy, keeping me from a worse fate at the hands of the brutes or the Dwarf. Very well. I accept my fate."
"Krobus," said Marlon, "I have given my vow not to harm you nor to allow any other to harm you. I am not offering you death. I am offering protection."
"In your cage?" answered Krobus warily. "No. I'd rather die swiftly than be put on display for a bunch of humans in their festival."
Marlon shook his head. "Not in a cage. Krobus, I'm offering you an opportunity. A place you can stay that humans nor dwarves nor shadow brutes come. You would be concealed from the humans but near enough for Rasmodius, with your permission of course, to come and speak with you from time to time. A secure place where you can be safe and free. You're not a prisoner. You came because of your vow, but it doesn't bind you to accept this offer. You are free to choose."
"Free to choose confinement?"
"You will be free to come and go as you please, with only one condition- that you cause no harm or trouble to the residents of this town. They are also under my protection."
"What kind of place?" Krobus was watching him. "Where would I find such a place? I can't live in the forest. The slimes breed there…"
"No. The forest isn't suitable. If we lead you to it, will you at least look? And if you don't find it acceptable, you can leave, still under the vow of truce."
Krobus was silent for a long moment. Finally they sighed. "Very well. I will come."
"Excellent. Let us waste no time then," said Rasmodius, getting to his feet.
Marlon quickly tucked the cloth back into his bag, and motioned for Rasmodius to lead the way. Krobus moved reluctantly to follow, glancing back at Marlon.
Marlon followed the pair, keeping a small distance between himself and the very nervous shadow creature, careful not to crowd them. Rasmodius led them down the short staircase to the sewer door. He produced a large key from one of his many pockets, and inserted it carefully. The lock creaked and groaned in protest, but yielded, and they entered.
"Mind your step there," said Rasmodius, carefully picking his way along the edge of the run off channel. "It widens out a bit further along."
The three made their way deeper into the tunnel, until they reached the intersection near the river where it came into the town. "There are two homes above and not far," said Marlon quietly. One is occupied by two young girls whose parents are traveling. The other by a woman whose husband has gone off to a far off war, and their two sons. None of them are adventurous."
"They… they don't come down here?" Krobus was gazing around. He went to the wall and touched it, feeling the material. "It's wonderfully damp," he remarked.
"No. There is an entrance here…" Marlon indicated the faint light showing in the tunnel ahead. "You can see the ladder from here. But only Rasmodius and I have keys. None of the people of the village ever enter this place. If you stay in the tunnels and don't allow yourself to be seen outside, you would be safe."
"There is a room here to the east," remarked Rasmodius. "When Marlon came to me with his plan, he asked my assistance, and I agreed. I created this room for you. It's not very large, but there is a crevice in the back. You can't be cornered here. The crevice leads back to this tunnel, that loops around under the forest. The entrance we used is not far from my own tower. I would be able to visit you without arousing suspicion, if you would be willing to have me come, and you could easily come to my tower, if you are threatened or in need."
"There is no barrier here to keep me confined?" asked Krobus.
"No." Marlon shook his head. "You took a big risk, when you came tonight Krobus. I appreciate the trust it took to do that. I'm taking a risk, too. Rasmodius and I are the only ones who know you're here. As long as you are willing to live at peace with the people of this village, we will keep your secret. You will be under our protection, just as they are."
"You… you mean I could… stay here?"
"Yes. We are offering you this as a choice. You can stay here, or you can leave this place and try to find your own way. As I said, you are not a prisoner, and you have come under a mutual truce to this meeting. We are inviting you to accept our offer."
"Peace, and protection. In return for what?" Krobus considered them. "What do you want of me?"
"I ask only that you speak with me now and again," said Rasmodius. "I make no demand of you Krobus. If you prefer privacy, I will not trouble you with my presence. The offer is open and offered freely."
"I… I think I would … like, to have someone to talk to sometimes," said Krobus slowly. "Before the war, I was a merchant, gathering items on my travels and trading them with others. Would you object, if I were to remain here in secret, to my doing this? I would gather items from far away of course. I will not enter the human village, and I am no thief."
"I don't see that there would be any objection," said Marlon slowly. "The Adventurers trade with the Dwarf. If you are able to find others to trade with, I see no reason you shouldn't do so, as long as you're doing no harm."
"I am always interested in objects of arcane significance," remarked Ramsodius. "Perhaps you might discover some artifacts or other useful items for my studies. Gunther, who keeps the museum, would also be interested in any dwarven, elvish, human or natural artifacts and gems you may come across."
Krobus let out a deep breath. "Then I … I accept your offer. Yoba be blessed."
"And you also," responded Marlon. "Is there anything you need, Krobus, before we take our leave?"
Krobus shook their head. "Am I free to explore these tunnels?" he asked.
"Certainly. You may consider this entire system as your own domain. I ask only that you keep yourself concealed from the people of the village. They wouldn't understand that your presence here is no threat to them."
Krobus shivered. "Yes. Humans are dangerous, I know. But I only want to be at peace. So long as they do not enter the tunnels, I will have no trouble avoiding them."
"Excellent. I will come back in a few days to look in on you, if that is acceptable," said Marlon.
Krobus nodded. "Very well."
"I ordinarily don't travel by foot as the others do," said Rasmodius. "I use a warp. If I warp in, I will come to the tunnel we followed to get here, and approach on foot, so that I do not startle you. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes." Krobus nodded. "I appreciate the courtesy."
"Certainly. This is to be your home," said Rasmodius. "We will treat it as such."
Krobus went very still, and Marlon saw their face move in an approximation of a smile. "Home. Yoba be blessed."
Marlon smiled, too. "And you also."
~Fin~