28 This Hero Cant Find Tael! (1/2)

This is bad.

I've waited a few minutes just in case he was out watering the grass for a moment, but he hasn't returned yet. I doubt he's just messing with me.

Judging by how dark it is and how long I was in that sleeping bag, I would say that it's probably around 2 in the morning. My equipment is still sitting right by the fire where I left it. I doubt we were robbed. What do I do?

Calm down! When something unexpected happens you need to think! I need to do an assessment and go point by point.

First: Is Tael gone? I can't call out for him because it might bring the attention of monsters. I doubt Tael would have just left without saying anything either. It's been too long for him to have just left in order to relieve himself so I can pretty safely say that he's not here.

Second: Did Tael leave a sign that he was leaving for some reason? I'll search around the campsite and investigate. It's possible that he needed to leave and left a note somewhere. I should investigate the rock he was sitting on…

As I was searching the rock, I saw a white rod-like object sitting on the grass nearby. This is Tael's wand. From the way he described it, it's not something he would just leave behind casually. Either he dropped this intentionally or he was taken from here. This leads into the third point.

Third: If he was taken by something or someone, what do I do? It's too late to head into town and form some type of rescue party. The drawbridge has definitely been raised at this point. That means that it's up to me to find him and rescue him.

Fourth: How do I find him? He left his wand behind but I can't tell if it's because he was struggling or because he just dropped it. I need to search the area where his wand was found.

I gathered my supplies and drew my broadsword. In the worst case scenario I am still being watched by whatever took Tael. I need to be cautious.

I need to switch my mindset. I am no longer trying to find Tael, but instead I am trying to hunt him. What do hunters do to track their prey? Track their prey… Track...

”I need to find tracks.” I said to myself. Animals and people always leave tracks of sorts. From footprints to objects, everything leaves a trail.