28 This Hero Can't Find Tael!

This is bad.

I've waited a few minutes just in case he was out watering the grass for a moment, but he hasn't returned yet. I doubt he's just messing with me.

Judging by how dark it is and how long I was in that sleeping bag, I would say that it's probably around 2 in the morning. My equipment is still sitting right by the fire where I left it. I doubt we were robbed. What do I do?

Calm down! When something unexpected happens you need to think! I need to do an assessment and go point by point.

First: Is Tael gone? I can't call out for him because it might bring the attention of monsters. I doubt Tael would have just left without saying anything either. It's been too long for him to have just left in order to relieve himself so I can pretty safely say that he's not here.

Second: Did Tael leave a sign that he was leaving for some reason? I'll search around the campsite and investigate. It's possible that he needed to leave and left a note somewhere. I should investigate the rock he was sitting on…

As I was searching the rock, I saw a white rod-like object sitting on the grass nearby. This is Tael's wand. From the way he described it, it's not something he would just leave behind casually. Either he dropped this intentionally or he was taken from here. This leads into the third point.

Third: If he was taken by something or someone, what do I do? It's too late to head into town and form some type of rescue party. The drawbridge has definitely been raised at this point. That means that it's up to me to find him and rescue him.

Fourth: How do I find him? He left his wand behind but I can't tell if it's because he was struggling or because he just dropped it. I need to search the area where his wand was found.

I gathered my supplies and drew my broadsword. In the worst case scenario I am still being watched by whatever took Tael. I need to be cautious.

I need to switch my mindset. I am no longer trying to find Tael, but instead I am trying to hunt him. What do hunters do to track their prey? Track their prey… Track...

"I need to find tracks." I said to myself. Animals and people always leave tracks of sorts. From footprints to objects, everything leaves a trail.

I began to investigate the area where I found the wand. Since it's dark, I decided to light a torch. It's better to be able to see my enemies than to get snuck up on, even if the light from the torch is a beacon of sorts.

After a moment of searching, I saw that the grass near the wands initial location was flattened down. Whatever took Tael must have been dragging him.

I began to follow the flattened grass. Thankfully, this grass is thick enough to where it's hard to lose track of where it's been flattened. With the help of the torchlight, I've been able to follow the path that's been made for me without much issue.

"This is… from his robe, right?" I said to myself.

Attached to the bark of a tree, there is a small patch of purple fabric. After spending an entire day next to someone wearing that color, it was easy to recognize. This confirms that I'm following Tael's trail. This also confirms that someone or something is dragging Tael away, but it didn't drag me away. This also confirms that whatever took him was not after our supplies since Tael's wand and my equipment was still at the campfire.

My only worries now are that something could still be following me and that Tael is either hurt or dead. Why did he not make any noise? Surely he wasn't willingly taken. Once I get Tael back, we'll head back to the drawbridge and wait there until it's lowered. Camping in the forest was a bad idea. This is all my fault.

I followed the trail for several more minutes before I encountered a cave entrance. Sitting outside of the cave was a single familiar creature.

"Gruuu…" I heard it growl at me.

The Goblin slowly walked towards me and shielded its eyes from the torchlight. Acting on my adrenaline and instinct, I immediately rushed the goblin and stabbed into it with my broadsword.

"Gagh!" I heard it yelp. The noise of something metallic clattering on the ground came after as it dropped its weapon.

I pulled my sword out of the goblins carcass as I approached the cave entrance. This is a worst case scenario. Tael has most likely been dragged inside of a goblin base and the only way to save him is to go inside and take him out. Can I do this?

I firmly grasped my broadsword as I slowly began to walk inside.