The girl looks over her shoulder again to make sure that no one is close enough to overhear what she says, "There is...something...that lives in the Dark Wood. Some say it is a beast, others label it a demon. It started killing the people in the country side. At first we would hear about one or two attacks a month. Then the number of kills increased. To protect themselves the people came to the village itself, hoping that safety would come with numbers. That more eyes would allow us to find and kill the...monster. But it didn't work, well, the killing slowed, but the thing is always able to find one or two people alone and it slays them in the dark." All of this comes out in a rush, her words start to blend together as she runs out of breath.
Helain pauses to gather herself. "To triy and protect ourselves further, we started building the wall. But as more and more farmers came in to town, we had to keep expanding it. We are filled ot bursting now, and if this creature isn't dealt with...we will all likely die in this village. Either because of the creature or from smothering ourselves."
"The towns people are suspicious too. They are starting to talk. They think it is a curse brought on by someone. There is a witch...not a witch...I mean not a bad witch...Juliet, lives alone...near the border of the Dark Wood, and has never reported any disturbances. People go to her for herbal remedies. She keeps to herself, but...well people talk. And Captain Meljora. He came here after the attacks started, but he is a foreigner. I don't know who might be to blame though. Neither seems guilty to me."