"I do hope we find the pesky thieves soon," sweat dripped down the Duke's brow as he hoisted himself up a shallow depression in the mud, " I must say, this work you do, Mr. Hunter, is quite tiresome."
The hunter stood atop the trees, surveying the area for any hostiles. They were in the Forests of Mire, a long vertical tree line stretching far into the north, far beyond what eyes can see. It was a treacherous environment where a single blunder could lead you crashing down into a bottomless ditch and a single wrong turn in your path could lead you into the awaiting jaws of a terrible beast; one must tread carefully if they are to escape certain death.
Many have sought this place as a location to escape captivity, and escape they have. Just not necessarily alive.
"You should not have come with me, Duke Borealen." The hunter was unaccustomed with company, and he never understood why royalty chose to speak in such sweetened language.
"Oh pish posh, I'll have you know I came first in the Grand Hunts for 2 years in a row." The Duke's chest puffed out in pride from the memories.
"I will not be held responsible for your death."
The two of them forged onwards into the eerie forest, and towers of leaves swiftly obstructed the light from the sun. However, the forest itself had its own source of light, illuminating the sights around them in a gentle ebony green.
"Has the forest always been this beautiful?" The Duke was overwhelmed. It was rare that anyone ventured within the Forests of Mire, and it was truly a sight to behold.
"No. Not always."
A flock of luminous birds fluttered as if they were fairies, dancing and singing in this emerald wonderland. Each one a different colour, a different melody, and although there was an eerie tune to the notes they sung, it only served to make the woods that much more captivating.
The duke was about to comment on this otherworldly creature when the Hunter suddenly stopped.
Something was wrong.
Behind them lied a fearsome beast. Grotesque yellow eyes peppered what seemed to be its head and saw blade-looking objects were stuck to its mouth. Its tongue was forked in many places, and the frame of the monster resembled a large snake, slimy, and horrid. This was a being that would fuel your nightmares, a Crescat.
"Be still." The hunter was perfectly motionless beside the duke, "Be Brave."
"If you run, it will attack."
The duke had never seen such a monster before. Despite the warnings of the Hunter, his rational mind was overrun by his human instinct and he bolted away from the terrible creature.
True to the words of the hunter, the monster immediately started to slither across the forest floor at a breakneck pace towards the frightened duke, mouth wide, expecting a hearty meal of flesh and bone.
The Hunter climbed up the tree without a word. To him, this was no duke; this was no companion.
This was another fool that will pay the price for his own mistakes.
A sharp flash of regret crossed his mind, but was quickly set aside. Once you dig your grave, you must lie in it.
Saving the Duke was now an impossibility. The Hunter took advantage of the distracted creature to pull out his rifle, trying to find a clear shot at the snake-like abomination.
A deafening scream pierced the air, as the hunter witnessed the gruesome sight following the scream. Despite his training, the Hunter couldn't help but wince at the hideous spectacle before him. The remains of the duke were splattered across the once beautiful viridian undergrowth as the beast quickly tore apart the flesh and bone. A gaping mouth and a primal hunger ravaged the body of the duke until only bones remained.
