" Most of the children here are the orphans of the now dead. Some, like yourself, were left here on our doorstep. Some out of lack of caring or neglect. Only one was left out of fear. Fear of what he would bring unto this world. Fear of the "powers" and "majicks" this child would grow into. This one was not like the others. He was not born to the beings of this world. He was a hybrid, created with the joining of one of us with those of the "Dark". No one knew what his destiny would be except that his father was one of those known as Shadowlings, in fact, he was one of the very ShadowLords who ruled in the Council of Shadows. This ShadowLord was known as the darkest and well versed in the ancient arts of the foulest and most powerful majicks. He was even feared by those of his own kind and some were even jealous of his power and rank. This lead to his downfall. They arranged for him to meet one of our kind. A young, full of life feline that brought light to all she touched and smiled at. She was well loved in our community as she was also a healer. She was also my daughter and my soul...", He hung his head at these words, a small tear rolling down his cheek. Clearing his throat, he continued. " They met one night while she was walking home from healing one of the Elders who had been hurt while hunting. Normally, she would have been escorted home during the dark hours but for some reason she refused to ask for an escort and no one noticed her departing. When her absence was finally noticed, men were sent out to try and catch up to her and failing that, to look for her for she was not home and had disappeared from the village. They searched all the rest of the night and the next day as well. No area of the forest nor river was left undisturbed in this search. Yet still, she was not found. Finally, at the entrance to a dark cave, her cloak was found. It was ripped and there were a few traces of blood on it. Torches were brought and the cave was searched... to no avail... there was no other traces of her to be found."

"The men returned to my home carrying her cloak and laid it at my feet. No one could look me in the eyes as they knew I was bereft with grief. No one would leave me alone that night for fear I would take my own life and just as well, for the grief was ripping my soul apart and I would surely have surrendered to death. A funeral was held for my daughter, though no body was on the pyre, only some of her belongings as the flames licked along the dry wood. After, I returned to my home and after a few days, began to function once more, for what good is a leader if he can not take care of his community? Hmm?" He attempted a smile but I cold tell that the words and the memories were once more tearing his soul to shreads.

I attempted to tell him that we could talk later if this was hurting too much. He merely shook his head, smiling once more... words coming to his lips.." No no... this must be told. It has been put off for too long now." He took a deep breath and continued.." All seemed to have returned to normal for the next few months. We planted our crops and tended them. It soon became time to harvest them when word came to me of what was called "Ghosts" were being seen amongst the fields at night. Livestock began to disappear. Whole areas of the fields would be stripped clean of crops, yet no one was ever caught. We mounted guards to oversee our fields. Still the "thefts" continued. No one ever saw anything except "ghosts". Yet when approached, these "ghosts" would vanish with no trace. The people grew fearful. No one would go out at night, not even the guards were brave enough to be alone. No one would leave the circle of lantern light. Then .... people began to disappear. Not too many at first. Mostly from the very outlying farms and areas. But eventually it became clear that someone was taking our kin and community. Word was sent to all to move in closer to the walls of the village and they came in droves....filling the walls to almost overfilling. Soon there wasn't a bare spot that was not occupied by a child or adult. And still the ghosts could be seen from the walls. Then the sounds began. From within the forests and behind rocks, the sounds droned on. Wails, screeches... hysterical laughter...and fear took a deeper hold on the souls of all within the village. It was then that it was decided that we HAD to solve this mystery. Volunteers were asked for and a group of 20 armed men set out from the gates to follow the sounds." He paused once more here.... and took a deep drink of water. His paws trembled visibly.......