fantasy
Talon of Silvari

8
(This is a Witcher inspired series: ‘Those Who Hunt the Shadows', part 4/4.)
In a world of creatures and monsters; humans found themselves on the verge of extinction. Desperate times called for desperate measures. the ends justifying the means, and this, the Kynigoi were created.
Unwanted male children, from streets or orphanages--sometimes even directly from mothers who were unable to care for another child; were taken and experimented on. 1 out of 20 might survive.
Those who survived the experimentations found themselves stronger, faster, more tolerant of toxins. But for all their suffering; they were feared.They had become less human, and more monstrous. A sacrifice for the continuation of the human race.
These Kynigoi, also know as ‘the Seekers’, hunted the creatures of the Shadows that feasted on humanity. A lesser evil, to combat the greater evil.
~Story: The Vengeful~
The village was down half the population.
Something stalked the forest, flitting from shadow to shadow among the trees. Every few nights, a sheep here, a cow there. But then a child disappeared and another. Until it wasn't just children, but adults vanishing as well.
A bounty was posted and prayers were uttered that someone might come.
Finally he did.
Talon.
He didn't speak much to anyone, just the chief of the village. Once the price was agreed upon, he started camping outside the village in the forest, stalking what stalked the village. You saw him from time to time, but never spoke to him and he never spoke to you.
Then a week later, Talon brought the head of the creature that had plagued the village for nearly two years. Salvation…?
But the headmaster wheedled and begged, saying the agreed upon price was too much. Talon stood firm; threatening the village chief until the chief caved, leading the Kynigoi outside.
To an ambush.