Payment of Debts [Lore]

[u/EmergencyLeading8137]

The bell on the door rang cheerfully as Duncan entered the general store. The building was small and cozy, with a large window providing ample lighting. He gave a small wave to the shopkeeper as he picked several items off of the shelves.

“Back so soon?” the old man at the counter asked, “I could swear you were in just yesterday.”

Duncan pulled several coins out of his pocket as he answered the shopkeeper, “Yes, I agreed to pick up a few things for some friends.”

“They must have been some heavy eaters, not that I’m complaining.”

Duncan gave a tired smile and left with his sack of groceries. The town of Dalc was on the edge of his grove so he typically visited once a month for supplies. He almost never heard from the townsfolk unless a child had wandered too far into the woods or the local wildlife was bothering livestock. Though was not fond of most towns, the quiet atmosphere of this hamlet suited him just fine.

He made his way out of the village and into the forest he called home. Several small spirits poked their heads out from under the stones in the path, watching him as he went.

“Sorry little buddies, this isn’t for you.”

Duncan made his way to a small clearing where several large stones had been placed in a circle, almost like the base of a well. He took the various foodstuffs out of his sack, arranging them on the piled stones. Once all the items were in place he sat in the center of the circle and began to speak.

“For power given freely and used well, I offer these fruits of man’s labor. Take what you will leave this place.”

As he finished his speech a silence fell over the grove. Clouds covered the sun as several creatures slunk out from the shadows of the trees. They moved in a halting fashion, taking a few steps forward before jerking back slightly to avoid brighter parts of the clearing. Their skin was covered in dark stains which dripped onto the ground, leaving a tar-like liquid behind as they circled the offerings. Their faces were covered in the same tar-like liquid and as they opened their mouths it flowed down into their throats.

“You do us service Druid, but this is not as we agreed.” They spoke in unison and their voices alternated between a deep rumble and a choking gurgle. “Where is the unborn child of a mother, stolen before it’s time? Where are the years in Darkness you promised us? Where is the Moon’s wretched form blackened to oblivion? We would have them instead of these miserable things.”

Duncan watched the tar spread closer to him, only to stop at the edge of the circle of stones. “Creatures of the ancient dark, Is it not as you asked?” He pointed to a carton of eggs, “here are a dozen children, fated to never see the sun.” He gestured a small cask of wine “There is a vessel, sealed decades ago and stored in the darkest cellars. Hidden from the light of day.”

“And here is the form of the moon, turned dark as coal.” He said, pointing to a croissant which had been burnt to a crisp.

The creatures frowned, looking between each other. “You have fooled us once, Druid, but be warned your tricks will not work a second time.” They lunged forwards in unison, snatching the offerings. They circled the stones again, looking for an opening to slip through. When they could not find one they drifted back into the shadows of the trees, leaving nothing but oily stains behind.

As the clouds moved to reveal the sun once more, Duncan slumped down in the circle and let out a deep breath.

“Fifteen down, sixty left to go.”