As he made his way down the stairs to the main floor, Draven was startled by how lively it was outside. People talking, carts rattling, and lots of different animals.
The same girl from the previous night was once again manning the desk. Walking up, Draven was careful to keep a calm and casual expression on his face, remembering how terrified of him she had been.
"Good morning. Matilda, right?" Draven said as he reached the desk.
Matilda's eyes widened as she stammered, "G-G-Good m-morning, L-Lord Mortenson."
Draven carefully placed the plate he was holding on the desk. "I wasn't sure what to do with last night's plate."
Matilda blushed a bright red, her eyes falling to the floor. "You could have left it in the room. We clean the rooms every day."
"Ah, well now I know if I stay here again," Draven said easily. While placing the key for his room on the counter, Draven asked, "Is there anywhere nearby that's been having problems with animal overpopulation?"
Startled, Matilda dropped the pen she'd been holding. "Umm… I believe gatherers have been having issues with a large herd of drenin's that have been eating everything in the forest to the west of the village."
Draven smiled. Drenin were an easy hunt and quite filling too. "Thank you. If you don't need anything from me, I'll be leaving. Thank you for the hospitality."
Despite hating growing up at the temple, Draven was thankful for the manners it taught him.
Walking back towards the village gates, Draven saw the same guard from the previous night once again manning the entrance.
"Good morning," he called out as he approached the guard.
The guard dropped his clipboard at the sudden call. "Good morning, my Lord!" he exclaimed loudly.
Draven chuckled lightly. "Could you tell me where the herd of drenin would be? I'd like to help thin it a little before moving on."
The guard stared at him, eyes wide before quietly pointing in the direction of the forest. Nodding, Draven headed in that direction without another word.
Several hours later, now well fed and the drenin herd thinned, Draven finally set his sights on Red Peak Mountain.
"I suppose it's finally time to go meet them," he said quietly to himself.
As he approached in his raven form, Draven instantly knew something wasn't right. The area was too quiet. Landing on a nearby tree branch, he watched the cabin for several hours with no visible indicators that anyone was there.
As dusk approached, Draven finally shifted. Straightening his clothes, he approached the cabin. A single knock on the door sent it flying open. Cautiously, Draven entered the cabin. "Hello?" He called out. "Is anyone home?"
Wandering around the open space, Draven came to the realization that they'd left. And in a hurry too. Aside from the furniture, there was nothing of value left in the cabin.
As he continued to look around, searching for any clues as to where they had gone, he saw a small carving that looked like it had fallen under a chair. Pulling it out, Draven admired the small figure. It was exquisite in its detail. A life-like wolf surrounded by a fierce looking dragon.