Chapter 29 — Strange Rumors and a Moment’s Lapse

Part 1 — Exile, Then Saving the Nation

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A rumor swept through Norwald and the surrounding towns: Someone was whispering to children in empty streets, grabbing shoulders from behind. When the kids spun around, no one was there. Sometimes a disembodied voice muttered, “Not you…” and vanished into the dark. Creepy? Yes. But so far, no one had been hurt.

“They’re calling it the ‘Phantom Pervert,’” Meg said around a mouthful of bread.

“Probably just an overzealous busybody,” Ellie retorted, blowing on her tea. “Someone warning kids not to stay out after dark.”

“If nobody’s there when you turn around, that’s not normal,” Bill said, shivering.

Chloe ruffled his hair. “What’s wrong? Scared of ghosts?”

“N-no!”

“Too cute.” She cackled.

I filed it away. No injuries meant no immediate crisis, but I made a note to keep an eye on the twins whenever they went to market.

***

A few days later, just before noon, Ellie asked, “Have you seen Bill and Meg?”

“Thought they were washing up,” I said without looking up from the harvest crates.

The sight of her pale face made my blood run cold.

I bolted.

“Dan!” Ellie shouted behind me, but I was already sprinting down the road to town. Both kids had left earlier with baskets to sell vegetables in the market. Chloe, Elza, and Liza were away at a tribal council. Of course they were.

Vegetables lay scattered where the road curved toward the city. One basket lay on its side, straps snapped, contents strewn across the grass. Drag marks led from the path into the trees.

I ran my fingers over the tear-streaked wicker. No blood, no obvious struggle—just a clean snatch. Rage burned behind my eyes.

“Dan?” Mimi caught up, breathless.

“Kidnapped,” I snarled. “I’m supposed to protect them.”

I slammed a fist into a tree. Birds exploded into the sky. Mimi flinched. Guilt stabbed me.

“Sorry,” I muttered. “I shouldn’t—”

“It’s okay. Did you check the residual scent?” she asked calmly.

“…Residual what?”

She sighed. “Scout trick. Even if we can’t see the culprit, the ground and air tell a story.”

She knelt, nose twitching, eyes scanning the crushed grass. “Six kidnappers,” she reported. “Light armor, leather boots. They waited here. Kids were dragged to a hidden cart, then driven east around town.”

No blood. Probably unconscious. We still had time.

“I’m sorry,” I said quietly. “I was snappy.”

“Forget it,” Mimi replied. “Let’s focus on getting them back.”

Ellie arrived, panting. In minutes we hashed a plan.

“Mimi and I track them,” I said. “We travel light and fast. Ellie, wait for Chloe and the others with our gear. Tell her no flashy entrance—stealth first. Bring potions.”

They nodded. As I strapped Meg’s dropped knife to my belt, I swore under my breath.

“Hold on, you two. I’m coming.”

----- End of chapter -----