Chapter I ~ Episode 3 : The SECRET of the BOG

( from the journals of the wanderer, Ryld Hune... )

3.
T H E   S E C R E T   O F   T H E   B O G

In which the horror of the swamps is revealed and ultimately defeated. Even so, a triumphant return to Borska almost turns to disaster due to fear and superstition, but all is well that ends well...

After a short rest, we are no closer to figuring out the mystery of the bog. The bloated rotting body is devoid of blood and has multiple puncture wounds, but I am convinced that this is definitely not the work of vampires as Mirko keeps blabbering on about.

We've decided to push on ahead to get out of this hot, humid, wet bog before dark. I can't think of any more words to describe this place.

*  *  *

It was nearing the dusk hour, and as we plodded along, I drifted off, listening to the whispers on the wind. I snapped out of my dazed state when Mirko shouted and kicked his horse forward, as if to leave us behind. My senses came back to me quickly and I saw around us creatures rising out of the bog.

At first, they seemed almost beautiful, with the beams of golden sunlight shining through their sheathes of water. It made them seem like they were glowing with a holy light, and as their wings sprouted out of the water, for a moment I wondered if some faerie beings were visiting us.

But as the shimmering water fell away from the, I then realized the truth of it. As they emerged from their submerged membrane, we could see that they were in reality horrible insects of a terrifying size! I could only describe them as gigantic, hideous mosquitos the size of dogs. A half-dozen of these monsters sprouted from the swamp and began swarming around us.

Iskra drew her bow. Mirko galloped his horse further down the rough path, but too quickly. The horse faltered and he was thrown to the ground, but that didn't keep him from fleeing even further on foot!

The noise of their wings was high-pitched and maddening. Iskra began flailing about erratically, trying to block it out. I could feel it driving me to panic, but I steeled my mind against the drone.

In the heat of battle, our bound prisoner had no defense. One of the things pierced him with its long stinger, and killed him quickly but painfully. Another creature wounded Iskra as well, and began draining her blood. The fight was short but fierce. Mirko kept his distance, but he did not abandon us as I feared. He begain firing the bow we took from the Rastanian marauders, wounding some of the creatures, and giving Iskra a chance to fight back. In the end, we prevailed.

Mirko was stung, but not seriously. Iskra sustained a bad wound, and it seems to have caused a reaction. Her face and body has become rashy and bloated, much like the corpse we found. Her skin is burning and itchy. I fear she's been poisoned by the creature's bite. I tried to recall all the natural herbs that can counter similar effects from stinging insects. I know of just such an herb, but I was unable to find any nearby. Perhaps I may find some on our way out of the bog.

* * * 

Iskra looked to be getting worse, her breathing was laboured and her speech all but unintelligible due to the swelling.

We returned to the village, but rather than a hero's welcome, we were greeted more with suspicion and fear. They worried over Iskra's appearance, and feared she would die from her bite and become something undead. I am not sure what is wrong with these people, but if Mirko doesn't shut up about vampires I am going to roast him alive. No... strike that. I think he means well, but he is infuriating when he starts to talk, and for some reason these people are only too eager to listen to him.

I tried to reason with them, but to no avail. They insisted that Iskra be shut up in a shed until morning, while they chanted prayers and etched holy symbols into the door. I decided to find a local with knowledge of herbs -  most of these villages have at least a healer or a midwife that knows of such things and where to find them. I managed to get one of villagers to direct me to an old woman named Gerda on the outskirts of the village.

I left Mirko explicit instructoins to protect Iskra, and went to find the Gerda. I explained the situation and thankfully she had a sensible head on her shoulders. She had the herbs I was looking for, and she gathered other supplies and we hurried back to the shed... only to find it afire, the villagers racing around in confusion, and Mirko and Iskra nowhere to be found!

I assumed correctly that Mirko's first impulse would be to escape on his horse, and I found him riding out of the local stable with Iskra. I hailed them, and brought Gerda before them to see Iskra's condition.

The old woman Gerda took charge and was able to make the villagers listen. We soon had a proper bed for Iskra, and she was tended to with a poultice that brought down the swelling and eased the other symptoms. Now she is finally resting easy. I didn't want to leave her unattended, so I sit now curled up next to the hearth of the hut they've placed her in. I'm exhausted, and think I may soon fall asleep.

*  *  *

It's now morning. We spoke with Gerda and the head man of the village. We explained what has been happening with these monstrous mosquito creatures, and have dispelled the vampire rumours, I think. We told them of the raiders that we apprehended, the true fiends behind the massacre at the crossroads farm. I felt obligated to return some of the stolen money and possessions the raiders carried. Iskra, and even Mirko, gave much of the recovered coin to the little orphan Olga, to see that her parents are buried properly, and that she is well taken-care of now that she is alone.

Today, it seems like people were finally warming up to us. Many apologized to Iskra, and attempted  to make amends for their foolishness by giving us food and gifts. I sincerely hope they have learned something from this.

I think we are going to stay here for another day or two until Iskra is recovered. I'm not sure where she's bound for next, but I think I will accompany her, if she will have me. I think I've had my fill of wandering alone, and even Mirko seems like he might not be so bad after all.

We will see what tomorrow brings us...