Victor and Astrid travelled together to Harbell. They did not speak of Mr. Silver or his secrets, and he avoided bringing up Astrid’s suggestion at the inn. They ignored it for now and focused on the next hunt. Fortunately for Victor the Roach he was hunting was foolish enough to attack a traveller in front of three of his companions under the light of dusk. The Roach was identified as a Greater Beast, though its usual method of hunting involved a Dark One who would lead unsuspecting victims into the Roach’s ambush.
Victor found the Dark One in question at a market under the guise of a saleswoman. He allowed himself to fall under her gaze, until she approached. “That is a good coat, but it is a shame it is so worn and dirty!”
“You sell clothing,” Victor noticed. “Any chance I can buy a replacement?”
The woman nodded and smiled. “I come from a caravan just out of town. If you like I can take you to them. They will have the coat you’re looking for!”
She led him along the road until the festivity of the market became scarce. Still, she suspected nothing. They went over a hill and towards a cluster of trees. Victor eyed them carefully. He concealed a silver stake in his sleeve. There were no bird calls or other wildlife. He turned his back to the trees and waited.
The moment the Roach leapt from its hiding place Victor spun and drove the stake into its chest. The Dark One screamed and fled in horror but Victor ignored her, as the Roach was his true goal. It, too, broke away and tried to flee, with the silver barb still embedded in its torso. Squirming, the creature removed the stake, but bled out a few moments later.
Astrid had watched from afar. According to the rules of the task she was not permitted to assist in the killing of the Roach, but now she came and stood beside him and beheld, quite impressed, the monster’s bleeding corpse. “That has to be the cleanest Roach kill I have ever seen!” She patted him on the back and turned towards town. “Come on, I think congratulations are in order!”
They stayed one more night in Harbell, and prepared to return to the academy the next morning.
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