The Diary of Dergan Bogg

When he was done he put it down and went to the door. The last rays of the sun were disappearing behind the dense wall of woods that surrounded the cabin. Fred gazed suspiciously at those woods, his hand falling upon the hilt of his sword. But nothing seemed to be out there except for a chill breeze that rustled through the branches overhead and the undergrowth below. A moment passed and then Fred moved to the side of the cabin and began taking logs from the woodpile and bringing them inside.

Old ash swirled in the fireplace. It had been a long while since a fire had been lit there last. But within minutes a warm blaze began to heat up the cold cabin and the place immediately became less dreary to the tired adventurer.

Locking the door securely, Fred removed all of his armor and his wet underclothes as well. He placed his clothing near the fireplace to dry out and then rummaged for a few things from his pack. For the next 30 minutes he spent his time cleaning his armor, rubbing it till it shined and making sure there would be no danger of rust. Then, his clothing dry and toasty, he put his underclothes back on. Only then did he return his attention to the diary and begin re-reading it.

Day 1: I have found the old cabin just as uncle said I would. It is a hale place, still locked, and completely undisturbed by the attentions of any wildlife. I have collected some firewood and will set out my traps tomorrow.

Day 2: After I set my traps I went to the lake. It is clear that the fishing there will be excellent. Also, the forest is full of wild roots and vegetables, more than enough for me to gather up a fine harvest.

Fred kept reading, the diary entries running much like the first two for many pages. But then there came an entry which was a bit less mundane.

Day 19: I cannot shake the feeling that I'm being watched. And the strange hooting I heard two days ago has come again, and this time it was closer.

Day 20: Two of my traps were tripped some time during the night, but whatever game I'd caught somehow got free. My traps were so thrashed about that they're useless now. And there was so much trampling at the spots that I could not find any clear sign or print of what kind of animal it was. All I can say for sure is that it was big.

Day 21: The hooting was louder than ever last night. I could not get to sleep until very late. In the morning I found another trap destroyed and the earth there was trampled even more so than before. Bushes were trampled or torn out by the roots. Some of the trees were scarred, with large parts of bark ripped out of them. I believe I am dealing with some kind of bear. But I must admit that it is no kind of bear I've ever come across before.

Day 22: I went fishing today and caught a full basket. I would have stayed to catch a second load but half-way through the day I suddenly had the feeling that I was being watched again. I know how being alone in the wilderness can play games with one's mind, but there is something more to this. The first few times it happened I just shook it off as a woodsman's fancy, and sure enough the feeling disappeared and days went by. But now the feeling is back and it's stronger than ever. I don't think it's a fancy anymore.

1. Day 23: I am building a bigger trap. I intend to catch that bear once and for all.
2. Day 35: I cannot stand the nights anymore. The hooting and roaring of that thing lasts from moonrise to sun up. It is driving me mad.

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree