"I was planning on making my legendary cinnamon flapjacks for First Cut today," Crimmy calls to Jack and the catfolk from the kitchen, "but Vorshin's caravan came late this week and I haven't had the chance to haggle with her for the cinnamon.
"I've got some hare soup simmering, but I could also fry up some sausages right quick."
.....
Later in the day, Krogge, Randu, and Sweet Pea leave Roots and Remedies, and Laurel clicks the lock shut on the shop door behind them so she can get some rest.
Her three discharged helpers walk down Brookman's Road towards Jak-a-Napes, and as they enter the inn they find that Jack, Flint, and Rrruh have just finished getting the man from Almas ensconced in his room upstairs.
As they enter Jaks, Krogge nods to Rrruh,”looks like you found the place; brother of yours?” he add as he glances towards Flint. must be the runt of the litter he thinks, noting the difference in their sizes.
As soon as he smells the sausage he booms,”Jak is that sausage I smell? How much for a plate and a tankard of something strong to wash it down?
Back to Rrruh,”Ole fancy Jack ain’t here? I thought you was buddies.” as he brings a chair up to their table, oblivious as to whether they want him there or not.
He said in response to the other felinic fellow. He frowned slightly at Krogge tilting his head to the side in a curious fashion.
"Brother? No my friend. At least not in the sense you imply yes yes. The great philosopher Sun MaoTzun said 'Heaven & earth & I are of the same root. Ten thousand things & I are of one substance.' "
He began nodding as if that explained everything.
"The lordling took his things up to his room, he is peculiar that one.. I looked forward to watching and learning from him yes yes."
Jack had finally gotten his things settled into his personal room and took stock of everything. The bag he carried personally was the most important to him... opening it up, he unfurled his Blue Corvus outfit and held it up to inspect for wrinkles or damages.
'Wonder if I should introduce them to him yet...' he silently mused, before starting to unpack his other gear. At the very least, he could get privately suited up with his weaponry. 'Situation's worse than I thought... sounds like the Consortium has these folks ground into the dirt. I might have to step things up a bit and move forward sooner than I planned. But the others seem like nice guys... perhaps...'
Finished with strapping his spring sheath and katar on his wrist, Jack headed to the nearest window and looked outside, trying to gauge how plausible it would be to try sneaking out that way...
Sweet Pea peeks over the edge of the chin-height table. “Hey, where’s Jack? OOH, it smells good in here!” Her stomach growls audibly. “I just realized I haven’t eaten anything since last night! I got distracted by meeting new people and helping.”
She follows the heavenly aromas toward the kitchens. “Hi! I’m a Sweet Pea, and I’m hungry!” she introduces herself, “Do you need help with the food?”
Crimmy looks out from the kitchen window, confused, trying to find the source of the voice. Only when he steps out does he discover the mop of green hair perched just above the counter's edge.
"Well hello there," he says, leaning over the counter with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Sweet Pea. You can leave the cooking to me, my little guest. What would you like to have?"
The waning afternoon sun hangs in the sky ahead, and it seems like a rooftop run right now would certainly be noticed by the people on the road.
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A pair of violet eyes peer back at him. "I want whatever it is you're making," comes the reply, "Lots of it."
"Well, I was planning on dicing up the last of my winter onions to perk up the hare soup, but maybe I should boil up some eels and bake a little apple cake for a special dinner. Mayhaps you'd want to taste test it for me?" Crimmy says with a wink.
.....
As evening falls and dinner is served, a handful of local loggers and laborers trickle in to trade a silver or two for a rare good meal.
One man enters and stands out in particular. While certainly not well dressed, his clothes are hardly as worn and threadbare as many of the other patrons. He is a strapping man, and his broad chest hints at strength even beyond the wiry muscles of a logger.
He quickly scans the inn's common room, and upon finding the noble-looking man and his catfolk companions, he approaches the table where they sit with their collection of other new friends.
He couldnt help but notice the man as he approached the table, but after Jack's earlier... disruption he couldnt help but wonder if he wasnt sent to send a message. With a quick flick of his whiskers, a well timed nudge, the laying back of his ears he motioned to the man hoping flint caught sight of him and he whispered under his breath.
"Friend Flint, who is that man yes yes?"
If he was here to start trouble he wanted to be able to intercept his approach before he got to Jack.
”hherrmnhh”,he says as he bites into a juicy sausage,”We specting anyone else to join us?”, he inquires to the rest of the table as he nods towards the strapping newcomer before taking a long swig of ale.
Flint responds in catfolk, making sure not to use any words or names whose meanings could be understood in Common.
He keeps a very casual tone as though they were just having a conversation about nothing in particular.
"Not that I know of. Maybe Jack was?" he says, looking to their resident dandy.
Jack considered his options and ultimately decided against a venture out just yet. Still too light... for now... he closed the window and continued his gearing up before putting on another set of noble's clothes and grabbing some documents, heading downstairs.
Finding a seat near the hearth, Jack laid out his papers and began to peruse them, entirely oblivious to the man sizing them up as he spoke. "Now then... as you are now, by legal definition, employees of the People's Council, however temporary, you should likely be aware of their interest in the town. Now, the Council is interested in-"
He paused abruptly as the well built man approached and seemed to insert himself into the conversation. Jack looked up at him as if waiting for him to announce himself, before sitting back in his chair and clearing his throat. "Yes, my good man? Is there something you need assistance with?"
Randu takes a seat near the others after getting a bowl of food for himself. He prefers to do his own cooking, but sometimes its nice to take it easy. He is near the hearth, enjoying the warmth of it, but as Jack starts talking he can't help but listen. This People's council talk sounds hopeful, perhaps naive.
Then the new fellow comes in and he feels his guard up.
"My name's Ergin Tock," he says, not waiting for an invitation before taking a chair. "You see, I own the Sitting Duck - it's a bar on the edge of town - and a lot of my regulars have been falling prey to some terrible beast in the forest."
He looks around the inn before leaning closer and continuing in a more hushed tone.
"It's a Tatzlwyrm," he hisses in fearful awe. "Around the cutyards, men always talk - anytime a logger'd go missing, it were the wyrms, but no one ever really believed it. I sure didn't. But then we lost four men in one week near a stand of darkwood trees they found. And they weren't the last ones."
Ergin runs a calloused hand across his facial hair, and his eyes take on a haunted look.
"Ben Fulgore came back two days ago, half dead and with his leg ripped off. He was delirious, like with a fever or some such, but he confirmed it - it were a wyrm! An honest-to-the-Gray-Lady tatzlwyrm. We can't keep the loggers from going after that Darkwood - it's too valuable - but we also don't want to lose any more of our boys. I know it's a longshot, but do you think you folks might be strong enough to slay the wyrm? Me and my regulars could pool together some coins to provide a bounty, honest."
Ergin finishes by turning to each of you with hopeful eyes, although he avoids actually making eye contact.
Krogge listens with concern at Tocks information and takes a long draught of his ale, finishing the tankard he says,”what’s a tazzle worm?” darkwood...l could make a new bow and maybe some handles for my tomahawk...
Something about this Egrin fellow seemed a little off...
But for the life of him, Jack couldn't put his finger on what. Even so, the prospect of a tatzylwyrm on the loose was a nasty notion. But at the same time... an opportunity! What better way to introduce the Blue Corvus than as a legendary warrior who can kill an already feared and dangerous creature! If he could get the others to bring back not just its head, but "sightings" of the Blue Corvus... it would go a long way to getting his reputation spread!
"Tatzlwyrm, my brutish friend. Snake like reptilian beasts. And it would seem your operation has intruded on what the beast perceives as its territory. While I certainly agree that such a threat is poor for business practices ices, I fear I did not come with spare soldiers. And I cannot afford to let a man of my stature come under threat from such a monster." Jack cleared his throat before adjusting his papers. "However, this creature cannot be permitted to run unchecked. Krogge, Sweet Pea, Master Rrruh, there will be a substantially consequential bonus for services rendered if you can locate and eradicate this trivial pest. Double that if you can bring back it's head. I should like to have it stuffed and mounted. Should be a fine discussion piece..."
Sweet Pea approaches Jack and the rest carrying a large plate heaped with a bit of everything Crimmy was making. She finds a spot on the floor near the fire and tucks in, half listening to the conversation.
She perks up at the sound of her name. "Well, I like hunting." She looks like she's about to say more, but she suddenly freezes, then jumps to her feet with a loud gasp, pointing at the catfolk. "There's TWO kitties!"
He raised his eyebrows at the noblemans ...sent them into harms way while he stayed behind. It made sense he supposed but how was he to make sure Jack didnt end up smashed up by goons if he wasnt nearby? Then again, he was traveling the land to take in stories and learn more about the world before returning home... battling a tatzlwyrm to keep the loggers safe was a good enough reason he supposed.
He chuckeled at the little green girl blinking rapidly severtal times. This was certainly a treat he had a plethora of questions for her? it... not he was sure it was a her but first Tatzylwyrms. He did give the excitible small one a head nod and a big toothy grin first.
"How big do these pretzylwyrms get yes yes? Are they intelligent? Do you know the area in the woods he is talking about friend Flint?"
He asked rapidly not really pausing for answers before he asked the next question. Finally all the questions that came to mind were put forward so he merely looked at the large man inquistively, his tail waving haphazardly beneath the table.
brutish? Must be a fancy compliment
”No mister Rrruh, he said it’s a tax-el-worm”
Responding to Jack,”ye got yourself a deal Fancy Jack,” he says,”under a condition or two, namely the mead ye promised me at the dock.” he looks towards Tock, ”and I’ll be taking some dark wood for myself. Just a few good limbs for crafting. As long as we can do that I’d be happy to lead, I been hunting these woods all my life.”
SM
The catfolk nods.
I should be able to help you find the place. Anything to keep my town safe.
He speaks rather matter of factly, and it's evident that he cares a lot about his fellow loggers, and possibly is even beginning to take a liking to his 'tourists.'
Ergin's face brightens when it becomes clear that you are willing to step up and face the wyrm.
"Thank you, thank you," he blubbers. "Pharasma knows life is hard enough around here without such beasts gobbling up our boys.
"Now, I'm not sure where the wyrm's lair is. Ben's the only fellow to come back alive to tell the tale. He's laid up at the main logging camp on the forest's edge. If his fever's broken, you might be able to learn the location from him."
I definitely know where that is. When do we want to leave?
”let Ben sleep tonight. We can talk to him at sunrise before we head out.” Krogge says. As it is getting late he will also call to the proprietor,”Jak! What do I owe you for the food and ale? I best hurry home... unless ye got a bed free.”
"I would council waiting for the morning. Permit your key witness to recover a little while. But how you proceed, I leave to you. I shall be remaining here to go over details of my work and attend to minor matters. Do inform me of when you are leaving so that I know when I will be lacking hands." Jack replied, quietly contemplating how to best proceed himself. Perhaps, for the time being, he would keep his distance from the group... for a while, anyways.
"I'll try to be here in the morning then." He says. Trying to think on what if anything he's heard of these creatures.
Contrary to the fears of many woodsmen, tatzlwyrms are actually exceedingly rare, exclusively dwelling in the deepest, oldest, and most secluded places in the wilds. Presumably, this grove of darkwood tress where the beast lairs is very old and has only been exposed as the surrounding forest was felled.
Tatzlwyrms are primitive cousins of true dragons, possessing only a fraction of their power and cunning. Nevertheless, owing to their draconic lineage, they are no mere animals either.
They are serpentine creatures, around 14 feet in length and 400 lbs in weight, with long rows of spines running along their back. Their two, clawed arms make them exceptional tree climbers.
They like to ambush prey and coil around them, as befitting their serpent-like form, but perhaps most dangerous is their poisonous breath - while nowhere near as powerful as a true dragon's breath, it can nonetheless be deadly.
...
Ergin quickly excuses himself, explaining that he needs to return to his tavern.
Jak steps out from the kitchen, casting a wary eye towards the departing Ergin. His jocular mood returns once he approaches your table, though.
"For dinner and drinks, I think 3 silvers apiece will cover it. Except for little miss Sweet Pea here," he says with one broad palm raised and the other placed to his heart, as though swearing an oath.
"Her meal is on the house, I insist. For her first visit to my humble table, if I were enough of a cad to charge her, I know my mandolin would curse me with only sour notes for a week."
The inn room set aside for Jack has two beds in it, but Crimmy offers to move a cot inside to save Krogge the trip home, but the innkeeper subtly looks to Jack with a raised eyebrow, seeking signs of approval from the lordly guest.
Krogge will count out 3 coins and put them on the bar in front of Jak, smiling at sweet pea at Jaks comments. ”I don’t remember ever eating for free here, Jak must have taken a liking to you little flower.” Krogge will say to the gathlain. ”well whatdya say Fancy Jack? Mind if I kip with you tonight boss?”
Flint will have quietly abstained from ordering any food.
"If that's all, I suppose Randu and I will be headed back to our quarters. You can follow the road to the main logging camp tomorrow, and we'll meet you there after sun up. I'll ask around about Ben's condition tonight."
Krogge will nod at Flint in affirmation
Jack frowned a bit at Krogge's request to room with him. Not that he particularly minded the company, but the more folks he had in his room, the harder it would be to conduct "business". Still, he didn't want to kick Krogge out in the cold...
"...haaaaaaa... if I must. After you clean up, of course. And I shall be up early tomorrow. I like to get an early start and I have a great deal to observe with regards to getting government operations started. I suspect the best way to improve on the Council's methods is to see what is currently being done wrong by the Consortium, and cut the extra weight as needed. And hopefully finally get to speak with this Thuldrin Kreed."
************
Before the sun can peak up over the trees, Jack has already woken himself up and collected his things. Ideally without waking anyone else in the inn, especially the owner. The fewer questions, the better. Donning his outfit and collecting a slightly oversized cloak, Jack will try to creep out the door and down to the front before waiting outside for the others, trying not to arouse any suspicion or noise...
”thank ye Jack, I shouldn’t bother you”, Krogge will stay in the common room with Jack until he heads to the room. Krogge falls asleep moments after removing his armor and boots, placing them in a small pile the floor at his cot. He sleeps in the fetal position clutching his tomahawk like a teddy bear.
Krogge isn’t disturbed by Jacks early morning escape and will sleep till right as the sun rises on the Vale.
He will don his boots and armor and head downstairs, waiting for Rrruh and the Sweet Pea before heading to the lumber camp to meet the rest of the hunting party.
At the first mention of payment, Sweet Pea retrieves a pouch and pours out an incredibly eclectic collection of coinage.
“...Except for little miss Sweet Pea here," he says with one broad palm raised and the other placed to his heart, as though swearing an oath.
"Her meal is on the house, I insist. For her first visit to my humble table, if I were enough of a cad to charge her, I know my mandolin would curse me with only sour notes for a week."
“Oh! Really?” she asks, blushing a bit, “Thanks!”
Later as people are heading to bed, she asks Crimmy “Hey! You sell rooms for people to sleep in? That’s clever! Can I have one?”
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Flint will have quietly abstained from ordering any food.
"If that's all, I suppose Randu and I will be headed back to our quarters. You can follow the road to the main logging camp tomorrow, and we'll meet you there after sun up. I'll ask around about Ben's condition tonight."
"Sleep well, all, you'll need energy." He pays his coin, and heads out.
That night,he studies his notes, and then... in the morning...
"Folks ? I've done a bit of research, wouldn't be right not to share it with you." He paces, taking an almost professorial air
" Tatzlwyrms are very rare, normally dwelling in the oldest and more remote locales in the wilds. I would guess this particular batch of Darkwood trees where it lairs is very old and only recently exposed," he continues, "They're crude kinfolk of true dragons, having but a sliver of true draconic power and cunning. However, they aren't just beasts. Serpentine, about 14 feet long, and over 380 pounds in weiht. They've got rows of spines along the back.They have two clawed arms and are exceptional tree climbers because of it." He wipeshis brow, "As for how they attack? They like to get the drop on you from surprise, coil about you and you are theirs.But they do have a breath that can be lethal."
Although a bit incredulous at first, Jak soon offers to set up another room for Sweet Pea. Noticing how uncomfortable his more prominent guest is at the prospect of having a roommate, Crimmy asks whether, between Rrruh and Krogge, one of them would want to room with the small green girl.
.....
In the morning, Krogge and Rrruh dimly register Jack's absence, but they quickly chalk it up to the fellow tending to bureaucratic business with the Consortium and depart to meet up with their new fellows. As the morning sun dispels the lingering frost and chill of night, the five members of the newly minted band assemble at the broad lumber camp squatting at the forest's edge.
Thick logs ring the camp in a palisade that appears more sound and well-tended than the one that protects the town itself. A number of buildings - bunkhouses, an office, a barn, and workshops - sit within the pool of sawdust, three fingers deep, that fills the camp.
Randu has already finished serving the meager breakfast the Consortium allots to its loggers, who have begun departing en masse with shouldered saws and axes into the woods, and he offers his knowledge on the beast lurking somewhere nearby.
As regular denizens of the camp, Randu and Flint know where to find Ben Fulgore. The bunkhouse where he convalesces has become undesirable real estate, as his haunting, feverish moans deny restful sleep to everyone in earshot. Even by daylight, the sounds of his agony remain unnerving.
Flint meets up with the rest of the group in his regular attire with his backpack as well. He already spoke with his manager about needing to take the day to hopefully bring down the scourge of the camp, imperatively stating that it was his job to keep his people safe, and that included this too.
When the group meets up and they get within hearing distance of the camp, he gets a little bit less enthusiastic.
"I... I really hope we can handle this..."
Nonetheless, he continues on towards the lodging with the others, hoping they can find something out.
”Not to worry kitty, I know these woods well, if we can track this thing we can get the drop on it and end it swiftly. Krogge says trying to calm the catfolk. I wonder if I can make a dagger out of the spines...
Krogge seems almost giddy at the prospect of the hunt. As they approach Ben, Krogge will look him over.
The bunkhouse is vacant except for one occupied cot, cloistered in a corner partitioned by a ragged, stained sheet tacked up as a thin curtain.
The anguished moans wafting from that direction make it clear that you've found Ben Fulgore.
Parting the curtain, you find the logger writhing feebly upon his cot, his threadbare blanket cast aside onto the floor.
His right leg ends in a stump just below the knee, covered in bandages soaked through with drying gore.
Many other smaller lacerations, crusted over in dried blood and pus, cover his torso and arms.
While his injuries themselves are already life-threatening, the wounds have also become infected and he has contracted a high fever that has left him delirious.
Krogge looks over the feverish man, sniffing at the stump and immediately his face wrinkles,”this ones not long for this world unless that gets cleaned, even then he may not make it. Ms. Laurels about the only one I can think who has the skill.”
though in his current state I doubt he make it to town from here before passing on
He frowned looking over the feverish man at a loss of what to do. If he were this bad off, he doubted the man would have anything useful, and from the looks of him he wasnt long for the world.
"do you not have healers about to take care of those that get hurt cousin?"
He asked Flint in common, the disgust in his voice was clearly not meant for the other catfolk but the poor soul in torment in front of them.
He paused and glanced to the others.
"I am not sure he is in any condition to aid us with information. "
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Jack followed along behind the group, keeping his cloak and cowl up to mask the true disguise underneath... that of the Blue Corvus. He could hear Randu explaining the situation about tatzlwyrms, keeping mental notes as he walked closely along.
When they got to the logging camp, Jack could hear the poor logger's cries and moans of pain from outside the place, and after the group entered, he peered in through the doorway at the poor sod. He was beat up and clearly delirious... and from the sound of Krogge and Rrruh's assessment, he'd be dead before they could get anything useful out of him!
No... no, he couldn't let that happen! Perhaps Jack could muster the will to let the poor man writhe in peace, but not the Blue Corvus! His gut told him this man could be saved! Of course... he didn't want to reveal himself so early... and that was when he got an idea! Straightening up and stepping inside, Jack immediately started to push his way through the group towards Ben's bedside. "'scuse me! Please! I gotta see Ben!" Kneeling down, Jack clasped Ben's closest hand in his and adjusted his voice ever so slightly. "Ben! Hey, Ben... it's me, remember? Erm... Kal! Remember me? Kal? Ben, look, I know you're hurtin', but you've got to hang in there. C'mon, think... think of the kids! At home, remember? How do you think they're gonna feel if ol' Ben let's a silly injury like this get the better of him? Ben, please... Ben, you've gotta tell me what happened so we can help you. C'mon, I know you're tougher than this..." With any luck, Ben, in his delirium, would recognize his "old friend" and hang in long enough to either get some help or tell them what they needed. Preferably both.
Twisting his head slightly, he pointed at Randu and Sweet Pea, trying not to let his face show under the cowl. "You two! I saw you helping Ms. Laurel yesterday! Please, you've got to do something for him, anything to keep him breathing... oh! You're, uh... Krogge, right? Krog, please, you gotta go get Laurel. She'll know what to do. Whatever he needs. We can pay it, just... you've gotta help him!"
Krogge sees no reason to doubt the young man mourning his friend and his suggestions are sound.
”I agree, only Ms. Laurel’s skills can save him now. Rrruh, will you and this...Kal must join me,” he says to the two of them, “with one this far gone she may have much to carry, and it would slow her down without our help.”
Looking to Randu and Sweet Pea, “Can you ease his pain? Until we return of course.” looking at Flint, “And you, are you able to assist them hear?”
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He pushes ahead at all this
"Let me have a look and see what I can do about that," Radu nods to Krogge and sees what he can do
to at least ease the pain even if he's not sure he can cure it.
Sweet Pea passes the time during the walk to the camp playing in the sawdust and greeting anyone they pass.
Her attitude changes drastically upon meeting poor Ben, however. She stands by the bedside, staring in mute horror at the sight of someone in such pain. She can only fidget in frustration at not being able to do enough to help.
For the moment he let the strange approach and speak to the wounded fellow. It wasnt like they had dibs on dealing with those in line to Pharasma's judgement. Something about the man tickled his senses... but he let that slide for now.
He regret not studying anything of healing back home, there were several good healers amongst the clan, He had ample time to do so... it just had never seemed important...he regret that now clearly.
"You want to take him to this Miss Laurel? I can carry him if you will lead the way and keep the way clear. Or did you want to go to her and bring her here?"
He said simply to Krogge.
Krogge thought about it for a while, he was not used to leading but it was his idea. if only we could do bothhe wondered.
”I don’t know, if we carry him he may die on the way. If we bring Ms. Laurel, she may not have what she needs.” he thinks on it a moment.
Ben has received shoddy care at best. The bandages were once clean, though not boiled or even necessarily sterile, but it seems they have not been changed since being applied.
Based on their examination, Krogge and Randu doubt that Ben would survive the trip back to town. Right now, rest is the one thing giving his body enough strength to stay alive.
An infusion made from boiled Ash bark and Borage tips can be used to reduce his fever, while a paste-like lotion made from Wormwood, Rue, and Thyme can clean the infected wounds.
You're sure you can easily find these plants just inside the forest, although the Wormwood might be a bit tricky to find.
...
Ben begins babbling almost incoherently to this man, Kal, kneeling beside his bed.
Ben’s words trail off into a strangled groan. At first you fear he has died, but a quick examination shows that he has slipped back into uneasy sleep.
Krogge things on what to do for a moment before an idea strikes him, ”Flint, can you stay and assist Randu? perhaps see if you find some clean bandages. Randu, I assume you have pot to boil water in? Ms... uh Sweet Pea, I noticed you flying about yesterday, could you fly ahead to Ms. Laurel’s to let her know Rrruh, Kal, and I come to carry any supplies she needs?” Krogge finishes, looking around for a general acceptance of his plan.
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"OK!" Sweet Pea replies, happy to have some way to help. "I think I know what he needs. If Laurel doesn't have it, I can find some."
She takes off(literally) towards town and the herbalist's shop, as fast as her leafy wings can carry her.
Krogge looks to Rrruh and Kal, ”Come you two, we must hurry if Ben is to see the night.” he says as he begins to run back towards Falcons Hollow.
"Three miles up the dwarf road... mile and a half into the woods... it's okay, Ben. Rest easy. They won't get it. You just get better." "Kal" turned and stood up, walking with his head a little lower. Partly to hide his identity, and partly because he was contemplating what he said. Darkwood to wipe a man's debt. And "they" must be the Consortium... but he cut off before he could mention the tatzlwyrm.
"Agreed, let's go." "Kal" confirmed, heading along after Krogge. But in the back of his mind, a part of him began to question something. Tatzlwyrm's make their homes deep in the forest. But a part of him began to wonder if it really was a tazlwyrm that got to Ben...