The Chief looked perplexed. “An Ogre? Here? That’s something I wasn’t expecting.” His eyes were staring wide, as though he had seen a ghost.
“A mountain one, big and very dangerous.”
“But … we’ve never seen one before … not around here.”
“This was a smart Ogre. I’d say, judging by what I found in its lair, that it only came down to the village in times of scarcity. They don’t like humans, they stay away from inhabited areas. It must have run out of prey in the mountains and decided to come down. But it did that via the river, and at night. That’s why there were scarcely any tracks, and that’s why it hadn’t been seen.”
“I’m flabbergasted. I had no idea they could be as clever as that.”
“I don’t suppose all of them are, but this one certainly was, I can assure you. It almost put an end to me, which means there must be others in Norghana as clever as this one, or maybe even more so, and hence very dangerous.”
“How did you manage to kill it? According to what I’ve heard, mountain Ogres and Trolls are very difficult to kill. They say their fur and hide protect them against arrows and swords, and that to kill one you need twenty soldiers with reinforced spears or spikes, plus large hounds.”
“So they are. I had to use traps and elemental arrows.”
“Elemental?” Dolstar asked blankly.
Lasgol preferred not to explain the Rangers’ secrets, and neither was he sure that the Chief would understand.
“Traps and fire arrows. That’s how I managed to kill it.”
“Ah! That’s good to know.”
“Fire’s our ally when we’re dealing with beasts or monsters. I use it a lot, particularly in complicated situations.”
“I’ll take your advice and pass it on to my people.”
Lasgol nodded. “I trust there won’t be any more trouble with beasts in this area for a long time.”
“I’ll drink to that as soon as I’m better. What have you brought me?” He pointed to the bags on the table, looking interested.
“You’ll see. I searched the cave, its lair, after I’d killed it. I found some things I thought you might like to have …”
“Show me.”
Lasgol opened the first bag. “They’re the belongings of the people who went missing. At least, what little I was able to find.” He poured them out on to the table.
“How many?” the Chief asked with a sigh and a look of sorrow.
“A dozen. Some had been dead for a long time, three of them had died recently.”
The Chief breathed out heavily and shook his head. “It makes sense. Over the years, people have gone missing … but we never thought there was any connection between the disappearances. We thought they must either have left the village or had an accident in the mountains. We never suspected anything like this. Some of the hunters – and I myself as well – were sure we were facing an aggressive bear, or a tiger.”
“It’s the most logical explanation. I started the search with that idea in mind too. I wasn’t expecting to come face to face with an Ogre.” Lasgol opened the second bag and took out the Ogre’s head. “As is the custom in Norghana, I’ve brought the beast’s head as a trophy.”
“There was no need … a Ranger’s word is enough here and in all Norghana.”
“Even so, I wanted there to be some proof. This’ll silence all the rumors.”
“It certainly will. Although this’ll be talked about for years in the village and the region. You know how rumor spreads.”
“I hope it’ll mean others don’t end up like those poor wretches in the cave.”
“I’m sure of that. Many thanks for what you’ve done. To face up to a Mountain Ogre is a real achievement, even for an experienced Ranger.”
“There’s no need.”
Dolstar nodded repeatedly. “There certainly is. I’m grateful, the village is grateful. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Really, there’s no need. This is my duty, and that’s why I became a Ranger. I don’t need anything. I’ll be on my way now. I have to protect the realm and its people.”
“We’re lucky to have a Ranger like you,” Dolstar said, and offered him his hand.
Lasgol shook it with a strong grip, Northern style. “Good luck, Chief.”
“May the Ice Gods protect you, Ranger.”
Lasgol nodded and left.
As he was heading back along the main street on Trotter, he heard a great outcry behind him. He looked back and saw the Chief at his door showing the Ogre’s head to the villagers, who were crying out in horror. The murmurs and shouts became louder as the peasants went closer to see what was happening. He was about to leave the village when he heard loud clapping, and when he turned on Trotter, he saw the villagers looking back at him and applauding. He felt honored. He gave a nod and left the village.
A little later he rejoined Camu and Ona.
Is it all clear for us to go on?
I well.
Ona gave a leap to show him she was hardly limping anymore.
Right then, on we go. Let’s see that we don’t get into any more trouble – and the moment he said it, he felt things were not going to be like that. He shook off the bad omen and set off to the southeast, at an easy light pace, so that Camu and Ona could finish getting over their injuries during the trip. Luckily, they were young and strong, and in both humans and animals, youth works wonders when it involves healing from injuries or illnesses. As Edwina the Healer at the Camp had instilled in him, and he well remembered the lesson.
He regained his
