The Caravan

10

In the morning an elderly looking hollow came to the wolves and Imp with a warning. A human caravan was coming through the village and they would need to leave or blend in. Intrigued Imp immediately went into his human form which startled the hollow to no end. The wolves said they would leave. 

“Follow their rules, but leave once you’re satisfied. You won’t be able to find what you seek here.” Mother had been on the verge of leaving for some time, but had kept finding more and more instructions and warnings to leave him with. 

“And above all, trust no one. And if you really care about that family, don’t let them out of your sight. The demons here will eat them the second you leave an opening for it.” Imp nodded to everything, trying to commit it to memory. 

“You’re a demon you know.” Bruttus tousled his hair. “You better not forget that either.” Giggling Imp nodded and laughed when Bruttus scoffed at him, saying he was going to get himself killed. 

“Will you come to the cursed lands after?” Cannis asked, as she was the last to say goodbye.

“Probably not. I’ll see what this caravan is, and maybe ask where the next town is. There’s gotta be someplace I can work, and then,” he hugged his pack. “I’ll definitely see a resurrection.” 

“Yeah, ok, well, when you’re done come find us. Then we can talk again.” She nuzzled her now large face against his before joining the rest of the pack. Imp promised to find her once he’d gotten the family resurrected. And just as winter had come and gone with spring, so too did the mother monster and her mutant brood. 

~~~

Imp was welcomed by the villagers. He didn’t feel the same intensity of eyes on him as before. Which he welcomed and didn’t think much of. Instead he headed toward the inn, Mother had said that’d be their first stop if they were planning on staying. The innkeeper jolted in surprise when he entered. 

“What are you doing here?” The man's once kindly hospitable demeanor was now rotten and sour. 

“Ah-!” Imp beamed. “You’re from last night!” The imp girl!

“Shh shh shh-!” The man’s face went purple at the memory. “Keep it down will you. Why the hell would you bring that up now?”

“Huh?” 

“Listen idiot, humans are coming, if you’re going to stay in town, you’ve got to know when to shut up. Do you understand?” 

“Not really? What do humans have to do with last-”

“WELCOME!” The hollow innkeeper, possessed by an imp, spread his arms wide, and his face was filled with vigorous enthusiasm. “Just keep your head down and stay out of our way.” He whispered harshly as he passed Imp and introduced himself to his guests. 

Imp did as he was told and went to sit at a table, without asking or paying a young woman brought out a bowl of hot soup and loaf of bread. She was possessed by another of the three imps from the night before, the boy with lighter hair. 

“Thank you!” Imp beamed at her, and she jumped slightly, before returning the smile and quickly returning to work. The while he stayed out of the way, Imp couldn’t help but want to eavesdrop. 

“What brings such a fine group of travelers to Conrede of all places?” The innkeeper asked. “I don’t mean to pry, but Conrede is quite a humble place.”

“We’re here to follow up on a report of monster activity.” A young brawny man in armor and white robes explained. “A group of paladins should have come to this village before winter rolled through and blocked the pass. You’re the only innkeeper in this village are you not?”

“I am sir. My name is Romeo.” 

“I am Handriel of Goneshed Falls, a state paladin for the Emperor of Rainlen. Tell me, Romeo, do you remember a group of paladins coming through this village before winter?” 

“Well sir, to be honest no. I don’t remember any guests of that nature coming through Conrede. I’m sure you know this village is the only one with an inn this large for several days' travels.” Romeo explained. “But most of our guests hurried east to leave before the snow settled. The winters in these parts can be too harsh for the average traveler.” 

“I see, then where might the next closest village be?”

“Erm. . .”

“What is it? Speak.” 

“I’m sorry to say, this answer may displease you, sir. The next closest village was to the south west of here. But it was destroyed last fall.”

“In what manner was it destroyed?” 

“You see, sir, these parts aren’t just dangerous because of the cursed lands north of us. We’re also in the walking path of The Gargantuan. Last fall it came through the area and caused several mountains to collapse onto the valleys below. Many of the survivors fled west from what I heard.” 

The man sighed, and paused before looking up and seeing Imp. Quickly averting his eyes Imp stuffed his mouth with bread he’d been nibbling at. Pretending he’d been eating heartily the whole time.

“Sir Handriel, if it’s not a bother, may I ask what your caravan's plans are? There are plenty of rooms available if you’re looking for a place to stay.”

“Hmm, yes, we’ll need to make preparations. If you’ll have us, two days, and three nights should be enough time here.”

“Wonderful, Lenda, come here! Quickly, child!” Romeo beckoned the young possessed girl over, who quickly scurried over and curtsied. “This is my daughter, Lenda. I’m sure your caravan must be famished after traveling all the way here. If you have any meal requests, she’s no royal chef, but she’s the best cook in town.” Romeo smiled broadly and bashfully, Lenda also blushed and avoided Sir Handriel’s eyes. 

“Thank you, a meal once we’re settled would be most welcomed. Whatever that young man is having should suffice.” He smiled kindly at Imp and Imp smiled back broadly. 

“Delightful!” Romeo approved. “Lenda dear, why don’t you start on that while the boy and I help our guests with their luggage.”