The Venator: Among The Frogs

Chapter 3: The Beast of Wartwood Swamp

It's been just a couple of days since Darby and the salamanders started their journey, riding on the tiger beetles across the vast fields of Amphibia on their way to a place called Frog Valley, where according to the rumors, a rare beast was found in the swamps that Darby believes must be one of his friends. While the salamanders weren't sure about it, they didn't rule out that possibility.

They were coming across a sloping field, as the journey helped him clear his mind while he witnessed the beautiful landscapes they're passing by. While he's not much of an explorer himself, to see a unique fauna in this strange world was overwhelming for him. Darby spotted some frog people working in the harvest, before he and the salamanders spotted a small village ahead.

"Let's stop over there!" Gunther announced while he was leading, before he and the rest diverted the main road and headed towards the village.

Once they went in, the salamanders and the human hopped off their mounting as Darby kept wearing the cloak just like the last time.

"Alright, let's take a short break before we move on." Gunther said before cracking his back. He then handed a few waterskins to his grandson. "Filip, would you go to the well over there and fill these up?"

Filip nodded before taking them with him and walked off.

"As for you two, why don't you go to the inn and ask around if there's any news lately?" Gunther said while pointing at a two-story small building with a thatch roof. "I'll stay here to take care of the beetles."

"Wait, why me? Shouldn't I stay in disguise?" Darby asked with a hint of concern.

"Do not worry, no matter how strange you look, they won't even pay attention to you." Gunther reassured him before gesturing to them to move on.

"You heard the old man, let's go." Duncan said before heading towards the inn.

Darby followed the scarred salamander, and both went inside the tavern. Once they crossed the door, they looked at the place fairly empty.

"Alright, I'll go talk to the innkeeper. As for you, just don't let them see your face." Duncan said before he approached the counter where a middle-aged frogman was standing.

Darby looked around the place to watch a few frogs sitting on the benches while drinking and chortling in a calm environment. He then spotted a stranger who looked slightly taller than the rest of the frogs. He even had a long tail. However, Darby soon realized this stranger wasn't a frog, but a salamander or a newt, probably like Filip and the other venators. He appeared to be middle-aged, with gray skin and wore a blue-patterned yellow tunic with blue trousers.

"Excuse me. Mind if I have a seat?" Darby asked politely, gaining the attention from the stranger who just blinked at the question.

"Not at all, fellow traveler. I've never received such a question before, but I wouldn't mind having some company." The newt responded cheerfully, though that only made Darby raise an eyebrow at his remark, but shook his head.

"I won't take much of your time, sir. I'm just here to ask you about the rumors I've been hearing going on about Frog Valley." Darby replied as he sat across the table.

"Ah, now that's something I'd like to talk about. But first, allow me to invite you for a drink. Innkeeper! Bring one mug with the best you got for this fine gentleman here!" The newt called the owner for another drink.

"Y-You don't have to do that, I'm not gonna be here much longer..." Darby said as he pulled the cloak over his head more, feeling like a few glances were upon him.

"I just thought you'd need something to help with your dry throat. Let's get on to the purpose of the subject, shall we? You say you want to know what's going on in the Frog Valley, isn't it? I assume you're referring to the recent rumor about The Beast of Frog Valley." The strange newt asked as he took a sip of his drink.