Chapter 51: The String of Disappearances

Harold didn’t express any displeasure at Wu Qingsong’s unilateral decision.

If things go as planned, Ram should soon find a suitable identity for Wu Qingsong. This would mean that they would have to move to Esola to set up their mercenary group. At this crucial juncture, having the powerful and experienced commander Nina lead them on an adventurous mission could be seen as a test before they truly stood on their own, akin to a valuable field drill.

Yet, both Liuli and Ling were riddled with anxiety. Despite their extended training sessions, this would be their debut as warriors. While Wu Qingsong persistently cheered them on, breaking years-old habits was no simple feat.

“You three will guard our rear,” Nina directed. “The vanguard and both wings will be our responsibility. In any given situation, hold your position and wait for my command. Always stay calm, never scatter, and remember. Often, staying in formation is the safest strategy.”

For this mission, Nina brought along only eleven individuals. Yet, each was a battle-hardened warrior, familiar with this land’s intricacies. 

Nina led the vanguard, while the others took turns scouting the flanks, staying connected with wolf howls. Their journey was smooth, and they soon reached the village with the highest number of disappearances.

“Nine villagers have disappeared over the past week,” Nina shared with Wu Qingsong, having previously investigated the area. “In the other two villages, the numbers are six and four, respectively.”

“Who went missing?”

“Men, all in their prime,” Nina responded. “Both middle-aged and younger ones. They disappeared when they ventured out alone, not too far from the village.”

This led her to believe that a small mercenary group might be responsible. If it had been wild animals, disappearances wouldn’t be so frequent, and unmistakable signs of struggle would have been evident.

The wolfkin were not like the passive sheepfolk and micefolk of the plains who often succumbed without resistance. Wolfkin were combative by nature and known for their fierce independence, many were exceptional hunters. They had constantly clashed with guard squads and hunter groups in the region. Although their combat prowess might not be on par with a regular army, they wouldn’t be easily preyed upon by wild animals without putting up a fight.

If the culprits were a powerful force, the mercenaries wouldn’t operate in secrecy. They’d more likely target a village directly, plunder it, and make a swift exit with their loot before any help arrived.

But Nina was still uneasy. This area lay deep within the Tecks Mountain range, considerably distant from any city. Mercenaries would typically avoid venturing this far in, as being discovered would mean facing encirclement by potentially hundreds or thousands of wolfmen, making a safe retreat nearly impossible.

While there were instances of slave captures in the past, small hunter groups would typically retreat once their captive count matched their own. Otherwise, suppressing potential rebellions from the captives and transporting them became exceedingly difficult.

Now, with nineteen individuals gone missing in the vicinity, if the culprits indeed numbered as such, how did a hunter group of this scale sneak past the surrounding villages to infiltrate so deep? Why haven’t they attacked the village directly, choosing instead to abduct its residents?

“Princess Nina!”

For some unknown reason, the villagers had convened in the village’s central square. Upon seeing Nina and her entourage, they swiftly approached.

“Another incident?” A sinking feeling washed over Nina. “Haven’t I warned you all to avoid venturing out alone during this time and to remain within the village’s confines?”

“Princess Nina, this time they were snatched directly from their homes,” blurted an elderly wolfman, his voice laced with panic.

“From their homes?” Nina echoed in disbelief.

She was quickly ushered to the involved dwelling. The wolfkin village fanned out from its central square, and this particular house was among a few located on the village’s periphery. Doors and windows hung wide open, the interior largely untouched. The state of the bedding painted a grim picture, as if intruders had barged in, hastily flung the covers, and abducted the inhabitants.

“Did any neighbors hear anything?” Nina pressed.

“We heard nothing, Princess Nina,” several wolfmen replied with palpable anxiety in their voices.

Given the wolfkin’s acute hearing and olfactory senses, any slight noise during the abduction, even a muted cry for help, would have alerted the neighbors. A stir of such nature would swiftly mobilize the village’s men, preventing such a bold kidnapping.

“Perhaps they used some form of sedative or drug?” Wu Qingsong pondered aloud.

While this seemed a likely explanation, Nina couldn’t discern any peculiar odors.

Dread rippled through the villagers. The very notion of being whisked away from the sanctuary of one’s home was an unprecedented horror, shattering their collective sense of security.

“Princess Nina…” The same elderly wolfman from before spoke, urgency thickening his tone.

“Rest assured, their scent lingers. We’ll immediately set out to find them and ensure everyone is brought back safely,” Nina told the villagers. “Please, go about your usual tasks, but exercise caution. It’s best to move in groups. If we aren’t back by tonight, I want everyone to gather and stay at the village hall. No one should remain in their homes alone.”

“The trail leads towards the back mountain,” one of Nina’s warriors reported in a hushed tone after surveying the area.

“Let’s go after them,” Nina declared.

A few eager young wolfmen stepped up, ready to assist. However, Nina gently held them back, “There’s a possibility the enemy might circle back while we’re away. During our absence, the village’s protection is in your hands. Can you manage that?”

“We give you our word! The village will stay unharmed under our watch,” the spirited young wolfmen responded, momentarily losing sight of the fact that safeguarding the village was fundamentally their responsibility.

Setting out from the village and following the trail leading to the back mountain, they found tracking became somewhat straightforward without other conflicting scents. They hastened along the uneven mountain trail, delving deeper into the forest. Before long, fresh footprints marked the path. Given the circumstances, it was improbable for villagers to ascend the mountains, and the profound depth of these footprints suggested added weight, probably the captives.

Yet, a shadow of unease crossed Nina’s face, mirrored by the other wolfmen. Wu Qingsong, baffled. They had found the enemy’s tracks, evidence they were on the right path. Wasn’t this a good sign?

“These footprints belong to wolfkin,” Nina said gravely. “I’m certain of it.”

Could it be that their own kind was raiding the villages? The thought was unsettling.

“The footprints are recent. Given they’re likely burdened with captives, their pace would be hindered,” Nina reasoned. “We’ll know the truth once we catch up to them.”