After Kaerwen had gotten his orders, hed led Letho and Roy out of the resplendent chamber and into the guest rooms on another floor.

Youre going to leave me behind again, Letho? Roy tried to persuade him. Dont you think battling this kind of monster is valuable experience for me? Its fine if I just watch from the sidelines. I wont be a burden, trust me. Weve refused the request once in Svanthor, but in the end, we couldnt escape it. Dont you think this is a sign from fate? Roy talked about fate after not getting any reply. Letho seemed to like anything related to fate. Fate is telling us to face this challenge together.

Shut it. Fate doesnt have time for a kid from a village like you. Letho kept his eyes on Kaerwen, and without even turning around, he answered, The hunts going to take us deep into the forest, and thats its turf. Everything is its eyes and ears, so theres no place to hide. Watching from the sidelines isnt going to happen. Letho raised his voice on purpose. So give it up and stay in Mount Carbon. Go on a vacation and stroll around. Not everyone has the chance to visit this magnificent fortress. Youve been training your shots, and the dwarves here are experts. You can ask them to teach you if you have the chance. Read my notes if youre bored out of your mind.

Roy stopped insisting after Letho stood his ground. Letho got one point right though. He was willing to compete with the dwarven crossbowmen, since he just bought a new crossbow, and he was raring to go.

***

They went up the spiral staircase that led to the second floor with Kaerwen in front of them. As if struck by lightning, Kaerwen served Letho and Roy quietly after getting scolded by Brovar. He brought them to the space above Brovars chambers, which was another clearing in the mountain. When the door was opened, they were greeted by a corridor filled with doors on both sides leading to exhibition rooms and storerooms, and sconces hung on the wall. When they looked up, they saw a steel door with a rectangular observation hole at the end of the corridor.

Roy suddenly felt the howling winds and freezing chill that came from the steel doors observation hole, and he shivered. Theres windows here? When he went up to the door, Roy craned his neck and was shocked by what he saw. Whoa, the dwarves sure have an eye for exquisite stuff.

The room behind the steel door was of standard size, and it was empty. There was no wall at the end of the room. It was completely open, and snow flew in along with the cold gale, freezing the ceiling, walls, and floor. So, open air resort, eh? And with snow to boot. The guest would only have to walk a few steps to see the majesty of Mount Carbon up close, feeling the primal charm of the snow-capped mountain. They could enjoy the view of the endless pine trees and the flaming sunset among the ivory lands.

Well, theyll have to make sure they dont freeze to death in the first place. There werent any blankets or fireplaces in the room. Only races with hairy bodies and high resistance to cold could enjoy the view. Oh, if they take a few more steps, they can fall down the cliff and die.

What do you think, boy? Make one mistake in the Mahakams, and youll be in there for a week. Want me to make the arrangements for you? Kaerwen asked snarkily as he drifted to Roy.

Roy turned around and stared down at the dwarf, who only reached his chest, and he squinted. Im sorry, Mr. Kaerwen. Who were you calling a boy?

Kaerwens face fell, but he was reminded of Brovars orders, and he snorted. After making a few turns and arriving at the guest rooms in the depths of the corridor, Kaerwen tossed them two keys. Dinner will be sent to you. Lights off at ten, and stay in your room. Not even the great elder can save you if you barge into forbidden places. And Ill be waking you tomorrow, Letho. He slammed the door shut.

Roy stretched his arms. Too many things happened that day, and he was overwhelmed. He needed time to process it. Letho put his index finger to his lips before tiptoeing to the door. Once he confirmed the coast was clear, he beckoned Roy. Know why I didnt let you join?

Because Id be deadweight.

Thats the main reason.

Give it to me straight, Letho. Roy took a deep breath. I noticed it. You were misleading him, werent you? When you raised your voice?

Good. Looks like the winds didnt freeze your brain. I do have a mission for you.

Hm? Roy sat up. I knew it. Strength is everything here, but sometimes, you need brains to pull something off.

Letho whispered, Youll be investigating the dwarves while Im away on the hunt. I need you to find a dwarf with a special mark on them. He drew a strange symbol where a spiders web and antler overlapped. Remember this mark. Tell me immediately if you see it on any part of any dwarf. And dont get caught.

Roy rubbed his chin and frowned. Everyones wrapped up in layers of clothes. Its winter, you know. How should I even check their bodies? What if the marks on their butt? Cant ask me to pull their pants down, can you?

Thats up to you. Letho patted his shoulder. You did well in the House of Cardell, boy. Use your advantage here.

Roy sat on the bed and thought about it, and then he came up with a plan.

Try keeping this mission a secret. Dont let them catch you, he warned Roy sternly. But if you find anyone trustworthy here, getting some help is fine. As long as they dont have the mark.

I have another question. Roy asked, What if the targets a woman?

The people whod go into the forest and come into contact with the leshen are men. Theyre your prime targets. Letho paused. If the target isnt among the men, then go for the women. Youre young, and you look cleaner than the dwarven children. I dont think the women would complain even if you do anything.

Roy thought about the hairy, bearded women, and a chill ran down his spine, but not because of the cold. He shook his head, praying that the target was not a woman. What does that mark mean? The note doesnt have anything about it.

Letho licked his lips. Alright, listen. The stronger a monster is, the more land it occupies. This monsters hunting grounds range from Svanthor to the valley near Mount Carbon. It must be incredibly old, and incredibly strong. Or at least, Ive never encountered that kind of monster before. I have to prepare for the worst. Its awakened a spell thats related to the mark. It can take the marks hosts life force, and revive on the spot even if I kill it, so you have to find the bearer of the mark. And the bearers submitted to it, so theyre probably a slave now. You must not get caught, at any costs.

Roy trembled, and the image of a gigantic monster with antlers, white skull, algae on its body, and gnarly limbs appeared in his mind. So, it is a leshen.