Note: the monster in this story is pulled from folklore — a redcap is a type of goblin that dips its small hat in the blood of its enemies to keep it the namesake color.

From me: I wrote this out of frustration with my family in Nov. 2020. COVID and all the shutdowns exposed the toxicity of my biological family unit to a degree that could no longer be easily ignored. It also gave me the chance to finally break away from them and the relief I felt at passing on family get-togethers was salient.

This story is a ‘thinly veiled metaphor’ (quote from one still-enmeshed sibling, said derisively) that helped me clarify what was fundamentally wrong with the people I share blood with.

A party of eight adventurers decide to tackle one of the longest and most disturbing monster infestations in the known lands...

Sir Katerinna Freemx, a well-known knight, is the sensible leader of the group; their calm, compassionate style keeps the others in line.

Brother Esalk is the shy cleric who is working his way through his last trial for his gods.

Yerrick Goodbranch's herbal remedies and abilities to commune with all plants, fungi, and animals of nature make him a versatile teammate.

Hemmish Flynn, bard extraordinaire, isn't always a team player, but he can come through with a distraction at the drop of a tri-pointed hat.

Jakye Unriegned uses his tracking skills and uncanny stealth to scout ahead.

Lyssia Dragonhart is a scrappy, often underestimated brawler that could use her shorter stature to surprise even the best fighters.

Djinnson the Savvy, while not actually related to any djinn, has mastered most magics and even some that his own elders hadn't been able to conquer.

And lastly, the enigmatic and often aloof Kyrsten— no last name— whose roguish tendencies keeps everyone on their toes.

The eight set out to vanquish the nasty monster that has plagued the mountainous town called Family for decades; the monster demands the town sacrifice a child every year or risk losing everything. When they arrive, instead of thanks and gratitude or even warnings and prayers, they're met with indifference.

Why would the town be so against being rid of such a monstrous villain?

…And why won't the town's own hero help them?

Fantasy-Adventure

Warning: depictions of violence against children.