The Forest Deep
Part 13
Exploring further in, Yavan found nothing that would indicate a second presence within the cavern. Every surface appeared to have some small deposit of undisturbed dust and between the open layout and the single bathing and bedding spaces, Yavan began to relax and turned to trying poking at the bedding, trying to see if anything of note could be found there.
After a few moments, Menzo spoke up. “Do you think…” But then he faltered. Yavan turned back, having found nothing of note beyond everything being sumptuous, and considered the young man’s expression.
“Thoughts?” he egged on, curious as to Menzo’s potential insights.
“I… I was wondering. Is it possible he wasn’t eating… just… people?”
This gave Yavan pause. Then, frowning, he stepped back and with decisive motions, he moved towards the front of the cavern, signalling for Menzo to follow. As they walked, Yavan wagged a finger in the air.
“I wonder,” he said, “if you might not be onto something.”
Coming upon the desk once more, Yavan threw his arm up so that his sleeve pulled slightly upwards and reached towards a large box only a few inches deep. Carefully, he lifted the front of the heavy lid and cocked his head to peer inside. Then, he sighed, breathed out loudly and turned his shoulders slightly so that Menzo might also get a look at the collection of small bones that could be found inside.