Tales From The Great Oak: Mountain Demon Part 2

Previously: A little village in a remote mountain range received news of a demon lurking in the mountains from the local hunters, causing fear and panic. To avoid possible harm from happening a ban on climbing the mountain range was put into action. Effectively stopping our little adventurer from exploring the mountains, or so it seems.

Several days after the news of the mountain demon and the village ban. The villagers lives are starting to regain normalcy. Since there is no new news on the demon's wherebouts the villagers heave a sigh of relief. Nonetheless to keep everyone safe the ban is still in effect.

Unfortunately, the peace didn't last long. Norn the village's little adventurer and trouble maker had gone missing. His parents along with the other concerned villagers looked for him in the vicinity of the village, effectively turning the village upside-down to no avail.

After looking for such a long time and not finding Norn either inside or outside the village. They came to a conclusion that Norn must have slipped through when everyones guard was lax. Most likely to go on a little adventure of his own. The village chief after hearing of the incident scold the village guards for letting a child slipped through them. The guards embarrased simply lowers their heads and accept the scolding.

Knowing full will that the guards are not at fault Norn's father intervines and explained that Norn is really good at escaping and it was their fault for not watching him more closely despite knowing how curious he could be. With a bitter face he also explained that Norn have probably gone to the mountains to look for the demon.

Hearing this everyone is dumbstruck. They know that Norn is incredibly adventurous but it seems they have understimated how adventurous the child could be. After hearing this the villlage chief felt a headache coming. Exasperated, he gave order to summon the village hunters.

Once the hunters arrived and explaining what happened to them. They began planning on their next move. Meanwhile, somewhere on the mountains, we see a person sitting on a rock and drinking water from a canteen. This person is none other than our little adventurer Norn.

"Phew! I'm almost there. Just a little more and I'm gonna see the demon!" Said Norn excitedly.

Putting the canteen in the bag. He stands up and walk in the direction of the rock formations. But as he neared the place his walking speed starts slowing down until suddenly stopping. Without knowing why he finds himself breathing and heart becoming faster. He is nervous. Despite Norn's bravery he is still a kid and knowing that he might face a demon he could not avoid being fearful.

"I can do this! How can I become an adventurer if I can't even handle a demon?" Said Norn in his heart.

His courage back. Norn starts walking again but not before picking some stones and putting it in his bag. Then he cautiously walk towards the rock formations. Arriving at the formations he hid behind a boulder and carefully peak. Yet, he saw nothing. Not seeing the demon he felt a surge of relief and disappointment.

"Didn't they said that they saw the demon among the rock formartions?" Norn asked himself.

"Could it be that they lied? No that can't be. Those guys aren't liers. Then could the demon have escaped?" Norn thought to himself.

Thinking that it is the most logical conclusion, Norn is greatly disappointed. But as he was about to leave he noticed some tentacle like things behind one of the rocks. Thinking that it could be the demon, Norn takes a closer look. With stones at both hand, he inched closer ready to strike at moments notice. But when he saw what it was he was dumbstruck. Then....

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? Norn angrily bellows."

A few hours after, we see a group of men cautiously walking to the direction of the rock formations. All of them were carrying weapons like knives, wooden spears, clubs and some, bows and arrows. This people were the village hunters and guards, among them was Norn's father.

"We should be arriving there soon. Everyone keep your guards up?" Said one of the hunters.

Seeing everyone nod there head. The hunter orders them to continue walking. As they get closer, some of the hunters are getting nervous and tighly clutched their weapons. With that, the atmosphere becomes tenser a hunter noticed someone squatting on the ground examining something. That someone is Norn.

"Norn!" Seeing who it was Norn's father experienced great relief. He quickly run towards his son. Seeing this, the others also followed.

Hearing the voice of his father, Norn was shock but quickly recovers and run towards his father. There, his father gives him a bear hug.

"Dad I can't breathe!" Norn complains

Noticing that his son's face is getting bluer he quickly let go. Norn, finally able to breathe again toom some deep breath.

"I really thought I was a gonner..." Norn complains

"Serves you right. Who told you to ran away from home? After going back your mom's gonna give you a handful." Replies his father.

Taken aback. Norn was about to reason when he noticed that there are other people, including the hunters.

"You guys lied! There is no demon!" Said Norn to one of the hunters sounding upset.

Surprised by the sudden accusation the hunters are left speechless. When Norn was about to continue complaining. His father stops him and asked for an explanation. Frustrated he tells them what he discovers then points at the vines on the ground.

"There is no demon. You guys simply mistook these vines for something else." Norn explained.

Picking the vines, Norn went back to a strange shaped rock. After putting the vines on the rock he asked everyone to move a little farther away then asked them to look at one of the rocks.There they saw a terrifying image of a monster resembling a demon.

"That's the demon!" Shouts a hunter.

When they heard what he said they were greatly surprised. They finally realized that what the hunters saw there were the strange shaped shadow. Due to fear of seeing something resembling a demon in books and legends. They've run away without investigating properly and hence the mountain demon was born.

Hearing what really happened the hunters were so embarrased that there whole face turn red. Seeing this the villagers can't help themselves from laughing. Noticing that it is getting dark. Norn's father stopped them and tells them that they should return to the village. Agreeing, they began descending the mountains. Teasing the hunters and commending Norn's bravery and intellect. Feeling a little proud, Norn was about to boast his exploit. But stopped after noticing his father's strict face. After remembering that he had caused trouble to others. His excitement died down like an implated ballon.

After more laughs Norn and the villagers went down the mountains.

"And that's the end of the story." Said the Grandpa Oak mildly.

Like awakening from a dream the children realized that the story has ended. Only to suddenly starts asking questions.

"Eh? It's over already? What happened after that? Did Norn get scolded?" Asked the children at the same time.

"Okay, that's enough." Said Grandpa Oak while chuckling.

"After arriving in the village, Norn was indeed scolded by his mother and lectured by the village chief." Calmy explained Grandpa Oak.

"But why? Didn't he solve the mystery of the demon?" Asked an elf child.

"That is indeed true. But you must realized what he did was reckless and foolhardy. Even though the demon was fake. There, still wild beast in the mountains and accident could happened while he was there." Explained Grandpa Oak.

Realizing that what Grandpa Oak said was true the children became quite. Seeing this Grandpa Oak cheers them up.

No need to feel down. I understand that everyone is rooting for Norn. He is without a doubt reckless but his courage and intellect is commendable. Most people wont be able to do what he did. Despjte that you musn't do what he did as it is very dangerous. Also you must always listen to your parents, understand?" Lectured Grandpa Oak.

"Yes!" Replied the children in unison.

Satisfied he asked them to go home. Seeing the children leave. Grandpa Oak closed his eyes to sleep.