‘I forbid you to go alone. If the rumors are to be believed, this beast has taken down hardened warriors and mercenaries, not just farmers. I will discuss this with her Majesty and devise a plan. Then we will go with a small group to see what we can do to possibly take it down. Do not give me that look. You know very well I want to stop it, but I will not throw you or any of the men under my care to the slaughter.’

Brigitte heard Reinhardt’s words from earlier that week echo in the back of her head. Though she made up her mind and packed up the leather satchel with what she needed for a few days’ travel. Brigitte sighed to herself as she put on the last bit of her gear.

Her father and Reinhardt would be furious, but it didn’t stop the fact that something in her said she had to do this. Quietly sneaking out the back door that led to the Lindholm stables, where her horse, Snö, was waiting. After attaching the saddle and gear, Brigitte climbed onto its back; looking behind once before riding into the night.

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“Foolish child! I can’t believe she actually went off on her own like this.” Torbjorn said, muttering angrily. “Why didn’t you stop her?!”

“I thought I had. She seemed like she agreed to my plan, but I should have known. We both know how stubborn Brigitte can be when she puts her mind to something.” Reinhardt said standing up, bowing to his friend. “Do not worry, I will search for her myself and bring her back.”

Once the door closed behind the burly knight, Torbjorn sunk into his chair. Letting out a sigh as he rubbed his pulsing forehead.

“Brigitte will be fine. She is tougher than you and Reinhardt combined.“ The voice came from his wife, Ingrid, who leaned over and kissed his cheek.

Torbjorn gave Ingrid a small smile. “I know, but she is still my baby girl. Just wish she wasn’t as stubborn as me.”

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Brigitte knew these paths, luckily, including a few hidden ones, even at night. All thanks to traveling with Reinhardt during training and when he had to go around the country on diplomatic meetings for the Queen.

According to the stars, she was heading the right way. It had been a few hours’ ride and it would be close to a camping spot that they had been to before. There she could take a small rest since there was still quite a distance before she’d even reached the mountain’s beginning.

Brigitte came upon the river that flowed from the enormous lake, noticing it through the reflection of the full moon. She tied the reins to a tree before laying out camp. They both needed to catch up on their strength to traverse the mountains. Brigitte took a few bites of dried meat, keeping watch until eventually falling asleep.

After traveling for two days through the farmlands that stretched for miles on the outskirts of the large capital city of Sviar. The bugs that were ‘attacking’ her were the only complaint Brigitte had in the warm summer air. The enormous mountains that held the rumored beast were not far off. For now, it was best to stay the night in the last town before the mountain trails. Any information was essential, but with rumors, the locals would exaggerate some details.

“This seems like a good start plus I can get a room for us both.” Brigitte said as she smiled at Snö, rubbing his flank, causing him to neigh happily while heading for the inn. After making sure her horse was comfortable and safe at the inn’s stables, Brigitte got a room for herself.

Once inside, Brigitte noticed how busy the tavern was. Though mostly with local farmers and merchants.

“I’d like a room please, sir.”

The innkeeper behind the counter gave a warm smile. “Of course, my lady. That would be one silver and that includes the price to lodge your horse.”

“Here you go and a little extra for a warm meal tonight. Thank you.” Handing him the coins to receive the key to her room. Once upstairs, Brigitte dropped off her bag, cleaned up, and changed into some fresh clothes before going down to her meal. Maybe with all the chatter, someone would mention the beast.

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Two days prior.

Reinhardt made his way down the many corridors of Horus castle, the home of the Amari line for many generations. Usually he’d be going to see the Queen about matters of State and Security of the City, but with Brigitte’s disappearance, it would be a whole different matter. Sighing, the knight pushed open the heavy doors to the grand hall to see Queen Ana, sitting on her throne decorated in owls, talking to one of her other advisers.

“That should be satisfactory to the earl. Send him my regards.” The white-haired queen said, nodding her head to the man as he returned the gesture before walking off. Though her eye lit up when she saw her favorite knight walk in. “Reinhardt, you are a comfort to see, though the look on your face says you aren’t here for pleasantries.”

“No, your majesty.” Reinhardt said, kneeling before the throne. “My apprentice has put it on herself to be a hero and go after the monster that appeared in the northern mountains. Despite my warnings. I ask that I take a few of my men to get her back before she has any more foolish ideas.”

It took a moment before she responded with a tilt of her head. “You have my blessing. Though come back safely, may your path be watched over.”

He got off his position to walk closer, gently taking her hand in his larger one to kiss it. “I will return swiftly, Milady.”

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Brigitte had just finished her morning meal, satisfied with how her information gathering had gone the previous night. Some of it was just the usual over-exaggeration when the rumors spread from merchant to merchant. Though one man got her a possible location where it ‘slept’. If there was one thing that almost all the people said was to be careful or turn back. There had been a lot of raids on the other side of the mountains. Villagers and animals found dead with strange claw marks and acres burned to ash. But that didn’t stop Brigitte’s determination. She needed to stop the creature before it hurt more people.

Her first stop was to get some rations at the merchant’s store a few streets over. After doing that, she packed up her gear and grabbed her horse from the stables. The dawn’s sun lighting her path up the mountain trail.

The path felt a little more perilous than it should have been. Sure, it had its dangers, but this seemed off to Brigitte. Most of the signs pointed out more rock slides were happening, though it didn’t seem natural. Giant claw marks torn into the stone mixed with splotches of red.

“I wonder if this belongs to the beast.” Brigitte asked herself, leading Snö around the corner.

Some broken weapons were strewn across the ground, along with what were the owners. Upon closer inspection, the men were mercenaries. A lot of them were being hired to take out the creature that appeared not too long ago. Most sought the huge bounty offered by the nobles or just wanted the recognition from the Hunter’s guild. After giving a quick prayer for the lost souls, Brigitte moved on.

Hours passed but Brigitte at least knew she was on the right trail. Spots of blood were getting more prominent, and this seemed fresh. Though she knew that she would have to make camp. Looking at her map, according to the guides from town, there should be a system of caves travelers used not too far off.

“Well Snö, it looks like we’ll be resting before continuing on.” Brigitte said, petting the horse gently on the neck, in attempts to calm it. Snö was getting more nervous the closer they got into the mountains. Maybe he smelled something.

Not too far off was a gap in the wall, marked with a merchant’s symbol. Brigitte gave a sigh of relief, happy that she found it before the total night fall. Walking in, she had failed to notice the fresh blood trail that led inwards because of shadows of the torches on the wall.

Brigitte set up camp in a corner of one of the carved out ‘rooms’. She was glad to get off her feet and eat something. Snö had calmed down some after a treat and warm fire to ward off the chill of the mountain air. Taking off her helmet and placing it in her bag, the squire leaned against the flank of her horse. Eyes closing to drift into sleep.

In the shadows, a pair of eyes watched her...