Jack nods. "Let's see the people before they are buried."
Coming back from his meeting the the march priest , Finnabar appraises the situation and asks a few questions of his own to Jack and Bein.
"That was quick work finding the lair", he says "but don't you think there is a male somewhere doing the hunting for them? And if it was only for feeding themselves, why would they have left bodies on the scene and not brought all of them back?"
Bein nods at Finnabar. "Also of note was the description of the pigs that were slaughtered. They were 'brutally' slaughtered, which doesn't sound like normal predator behavior. If there is a male I will endeavor to bring it down Milord, once it is found I will see it added to the menagerie per the Teachers instructions. As for why they left the bodies I too thought it was strange."
He pauses for a moment clearly embarrassed by the coming morbidness of his suggestions. " Which leads to what was discussed earlier, I volunteered to view the bodies in case there were other clues that were missed. Jack and Xarafine offered to come along as well. I hope the pigs aren't disposed of yet either as I wish to see it first hand... Will you join us as well Milord?"
Remembering his new rotation he added. "Also until this danger is past I will work at night with the guard to protect the streets and the outlying areas where possible."
"I believe an early curfew is in order and those wandering at night not go alone. I wish to have your approval so it can be announced before nightfall today sir. Lest we have another body on our hands. But I dont wish to cause a panic either..." Bein didnt hide his unease, despite capturing the female and her pup he was certain the danger wasnt past them yet. The entirety time he spoke he kept his hand on his sword hilt.
You make your way to the farm where the pigs were killed but, unfortunately, the farmer has already disposed of the bodies. Under questioning, however, he says that the pigs were killed savagely, and dismembered, with several limbs missing. Any tracks in the area have been covered by the farmer's activities.
The two humans' corpses, however, have not yet been buried, and you are able to gain access to them, after talking to the victim's families. Both corpses appear to match the farmer's description of the damage to the pigs - deep wounds and savage tears mar both people's bodies. The shepherd boy bears deep wounds, though he is missing no body parts (although one sheep is missing from his slaughtered flock, whilst the maid has had a leg torn off. Both corpses have deep wounds around their necks.
The damage is consistent with a wild animal attack.
The wounds and bite marks seem to match those of the creature Bein and Jack fought.
"Many wild creatures once mated part ways. Seeing a dam and cub does not mean there is a sire nearby--and I did not see signs of one.
"We could search the area to be sure. These humans definitely were attacked by this creature though... those claw marks would have to come from something like that. As for why they were left? It is hard to say. I am not sure about these creatures, but I know wolves will attack other predators in their territory and leave their corpses--to show other predators they are not welcome and what will happen should they encounter each other. It could be they were not hungry but rather felt encroached upon or attacked. For that matter, it's possible the humans attacked first."
Bein nods at Jacks explanation before speaking. "I will perform my nih ht patrols then until we are sure the danger is over. I will lead a patrol into the woods as well and ensure that if there is a sire we can find and trap it. We will patrol there den, set traps and the like. But should we institute a curfew still?" His fight with the dame was fresh in his mind still. If he could take her, he could bring down the male as well. However he wanted the people safe until the fight was over...
"If you lead a patrol in the woods, let me go with you, so I can track. Xarafine also wanted the thylacine studied. In fact, I should check to see the 'accommodations' for her are adequate."
Bein nods at Jack.
"I will make it my first patrol then, that way you aren't needing sleep when it is being done. Besides I doubt I have as skilled of trackers as you my friend." He smiles at his companion before nodding at what he needed to check on. "I know how to house a horse, these.... Thlaxian's are beyond me to cage. Let me know if you need my muscle Jack."
"If what you say is right, then there should not be any another attack. To be safe, I'll still insist to have a curfew on tonight. In the mean time, maybe Xarafine and I can check on the beast to see if there are signs of illness or tampering of it."
Then turning to Jack, he adds: "Do you think it is possible that the mother only attacked because we were on her territory and she had a cub?"
"Yes, my Lord. I agree that examining the beast would be a wise precaution," Xarafine replies, nodding her assent.
"I think so. Although there could be other matters we are unaware of. Patrolling with Bein could reveal other factors. If Xarafine or her superior who is here has some means of communicating with animals, that would be a great blessing."
Bein nods in agreement. Sickness hadn't been something he considered. However he wasnt going to be convinced until he was sure this wasb over.
Patrol the bridge, check the den and protect the streets. Every guard moves in pairs, each has a horn to call for help. They couldn't make a mistake. No one else was going to die. Not under his vigil.
Xarafine considers Jack's question: