Silvern | Stiles Stilinski (Book 2)

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Maid of Gévaudan

Our tale begins in a small tavern in Gévaudan, France. The year is 1764.

The bartender stood at one of the walls, attempting to attach a poster to it. A reward poster for the capturing of the Beast. There was a humming sound as a crossbow bolt flew through the air, pinning the poster against the wall. He smiled, turning to face his helper, "Merci, Marie-Jeanne"

The young woman sent him a quick grin before brushing a dark lock of hair out of her eyes. She returned to the letter in her hand, eyes scanning the page as she prayed for good news from her brother. Sebastien was in Canada, fighting in the war.

She glanced up, seeing the bartender stood in front of her. "Don't give up hope" he told her, smiling at her hasty nod.

"Her name was Agnes Mourgues. She was eleven-years-old. Eleven! Torn limb from limb, there wasn't enough of her left for a proper burial" a man argued.

"I am well aware. I am also aware that every new report conflicts with the last. Some say it is part hyena, part wolf. It has red fur, black fur, cloven hooves, a stripe down its back" Tolbert sighed, rubbing a hand against his wrinkled forehead.

The bartender shook his head, "We know it kills at night, it targets the head and the neck. This we know for sure"

One of the men nodded, "It won't stop. Where the wolf finds a lamb, there he seeks another"

"But it never eats its victims, it kills for sport"

"No animal kills for sport" Tolbert scoffed.

The man huffed, "This is no animal"

The elderly gentleman chuckled, "Tell that to the King, I have word he may send a contingent of his own professional Hunter's. Until then, we can use volunteers for a hunting party. Especially someone to lead it"

"Why ask for a volunteer? We all know who the best hunter is in Gévaudan" a voice spoke from the doorway. He turned his gaze to the young woman, "Marie-Jeanne Valet, my sister"

She grinned, her soft brown eyes sparkling with joy as she ran to greet her brother. "Bas!" she cried as she hugged him tightly. After they let go of each other, she turned to his friend, hugging him too. "Marcel, you are home!" she laughed.

Sebastien accepted another hug from her as they went back to her table. "Good to have you back, Marcel" the bartender handed him a key as he smiled widely.

"Don't worry, my friend. You still have a job" Marcel chuckled as he patted his friend's shoulder.

Tolbert huffed, standing up to address the huntress. "I am not going to argue with your brother, Marie-Jeanne. What do you say?"

The other patrons began to chant her name and her brother raised an eyebrow, "Well? Will you heed their call?"

"I hunt animals, not rumours!" she protested.

Everyone began to laugh, but the moment of happiness was shortlived.

The door flew open and a man entered, carrying the body of a little boy in his arms. There was a heavy silence as people stared at the child in terror. The patrons cleared one of the tables, allowing the boy to be set down.

"Emile? Emile?" the bartender sobbed as he cradled the child in his arms. "Mon Dieu, my son! Emile?" he pressed a gentle kiss to the boy's pale cheek.

Henri sighed, "I found him in the woods, he whispered his last words to me"

Tolbert huffed, "What were they?"

"La Bête. The Beast"

Marie-Jeanne struggled to tear her eyes off the corpse of the young boy. "Monsier Tolbert, I do not know what creature did this, bug the hunting party leaves at dawn"