The moon shone on Shire village where the Sea Scorpion Troupe was staying at the moment. That night, they were circling a bonfire in the village center, enjoying a grilled meat banquet with the newcomers. Alan took the main seat and raised many toasts to the duo. I welcome you to the troupe, Roy, Letho. Well be your comrades for the next few days, at least until we reach Ellander. He downed that mug of wine and raised another toast. But I have a few things to mention here. Since youre coming with us, youll be following our rules. Youll have to talk to everyone before doing anything. If you break that rule and cause any trouble, well have to ask you to leave.

Weve been wanderers for a long time now, so thats fine with us. Letho raised his cup calmly. Oh, good wine. Castel Reviellos Pomino, and ten years of age, at that.

Ah, it seems you know your alcohol, Letho. I see that folklore has demonized witchers quite severely. Alan grinned, hyping the mood up.

The flames were starting to crackle as the lard from the pig it was roasting dripped into it. It roared higher, and the aroma wafted across the air.

Eveline was beside Roy, talking about the interesting things shed seen after shed left her tribe. Kantilla was giggling and nibbling away at Evelines ear, her eyes gleaming. Sitting across from them was Amos, who had a hook nose and was wearing a headscarf. He was leering at Eveline, though of course, he got no response. On the other hand, the ugly Ferroz was huddling closely to Collins as they bit into the roasted meat together. Roy noticed their mouths were almost glued together, and they looked very much in love.

Theyre obviously dating. Brokeback Mountain in the witcher world, huh? Roy was surprised, though the troupe members werent. He tried his best not to show any discomfort by shifting his attention to the meat. The flames crackled, and the smoke was filled with its scent. Its fat-to-meat ratio is just right, and it instantly melts in your mouth. This worlds people sure know how to cook.

Letho and him looked at each other and dug into their meat, holding a silent competition. Theyd been eating biscuits and dry food for a week. It was their first normal meal in a while, so they appreciated it.

***

A guest came halfway through the banquet. It was an old man, who was also Shires chief. I hear youre leaving tomorrow, but if its possible, can you stay for a while longer?

Alan answered calmly, Why?

The chief sighed. Things are getting bad. Misfortune is running rampant. Boogeymen have been seen in the Mahakams, and youll probably bump into kobolds or spriggans while on a leisurely stroll. Fairies and rusalki have been kidnapping hundreds of children from the villages around, while drowners hide in the swamp, waiting to get the jump on passing carriages. And diseases weve never even heard about before are breaking out. Its disastrous. He downed some wine, and his face turned scarlet.

Itd be a dull life without wandering troupes putting on shows whenever they pass through villages. Most of us wouldve hung ourselves at this point.

Roy burped and wiped the grease from his lips. So this chief is trying to lick their boots? And where did he hear those preposterous stories from? If monsters were running rampant, we would be seeing a lot more witchers than we are now.

Alan, the leader of the troupe, was also flabbergasted by the sudden praise. You flatter us. We arent as noble as you think. All were doing is giving our aid whenever possible. Its great to hear that we put smiles on Temerians faces, especially in these troubled times.

He snapped his fingers at everyone and let out a loud whistle, then something magical happened. A small, grey falcon darted out from the dark and flapped its wings as it perched on Alans gloved hand, the flames illuminating it. The falcon nodded at everyone and cawed, and then it pecked at the roasted meat.

And we didnt do it for free. Your villages roasted meat is quite a dish. Art says it loves it. Alan gazed at the falcon lovingly, as if it were his own son.

I am delighted to hear that. Stay here for a while longer. Eat, drink, and be merry. The chief raised a toast. If its possible, I want to tell you how I feel. He clenched his fists and started talking, Its just a few days trip to Ellander, but its not safe. You should stay here for a little while longer. At least until Ellanders troops have cleared the path.

Our troupe isnt weak. We wont be stopped by mere bandits. Alan sounded confident. And from what Ive heard, Ellanders Order of the White Rose only cares about the safety of the city. They dont care about the villages around them. Itd take too long if we were to wait for them.

Alan was trying to ask the villagers of Shire about his true goal. Everyone stopped what they were doing at once and waited for the chiefs answer.

The chief trembled for a while before resolving himself. Then he said, Ill be honest then. Shires in a predicament right now. Our trader, Andre, has been gone for half a month now, and we have no news about him at all. Rowling, who went to pick some herbs near the swamp, went missing as well. I fear the worst might have happened. The chief paused for a moment. And misfortune has been spreading throughout the village for a while now. Before you came, we were suffering from missing livestock. Chickens, dogs, cows, goats, sheep, you name it. And we hear all kinds of eerie screams at night. Tom, the night patrol, is scared out of his mind and refuses to step out of his house, even now. But the situation took a turn for the better once you came.

Alan looked at him coolly. Youre saying somethings behind this, but we scared it away.

Yes. The chief nodded incessantly. We think its either a petty thief, or a ghost, or a phantom. But since youve arrived, the ghosts havent shown up. Theyre probably scared of you guys.

The troupe members were on high alert after hearing that. Kantilla licked her dagger, and she seemed to be raring to go. Eveline looked pensive, while Collins hugged Ferroz. Amos averted his gaze and curled on himself.

I didnt mean to hide it from you guys. We can prepare a bounty for you, as long as

Alan interrupted him. We wont change our plans. The troupe leaves tomorrow morning.

The chief rubbed his hands, looking disappointed and awkward. I can understand why theyre angry. Then he looked at Letho, who was already greasy and tipsy.

Witcher, can you and your disciple stay back then? He hesitated for a while. Well pay

Sorry, Letho apologized. My legs badly wounded. Even walking is difficult for me, let alone fighting.

Roy wanted to say something, but he stopped himself when he thought about Lethos injury. Best not to cause any unwanted trouble for now.

In the end, the chief left, looking despondent. The night darkened, and the members were drowned in their own thoughts. On the other hand, Roy took Letho aside for a quiet discussion.