coins with crap on them

Zellrid muttered, with a guttural laugh. His hands were shaking, and the tension in his body finally starting to abate.

Fatigue was creeping into his limbs, a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time.

With a sigh of relief and exhaustion, he sheathed his sword.

Looking around at the moonlit forest, he realized that his battle with the Wendigo had left a trail of destruction in its wake.

The forest floor was scorched from the lightning, the trees were torn by the force of their fight, and the once peaceful night was now filled with an eerie silence.

Zellrid kicked at the splayed body of the defeated Wendigo.

"Son of bitch, your kind grow stronger by the years"

Zellrid let out a hearty guffaw, his words echoing through the stillness of the night. "Aye, that they do," he agreed, wiping the sweat from his brow. "But so do we."

"Come on, then," he said, turning towards the distant road that led back to civilization. "Let's get out of this damned forest before sunrise."

He made his way to the carriage, where the little girl was hiding.

(knock knock)

 "Open the door; it's safe now."

The door creaked open slowly, the little girl peeking out at him with wide, fearful eyes.

They scanned him from top to bottom, taking in his battered state before they finally settled on his face.

"Is...is he gone?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zellrid managed a weary smile, nodding as he extended a hand to her.

"Yes, little one," he said softly. "The Wendigo is gone. You're safe again."

She embraced him tightly, tears streaming down her face as she wept onto his shoulder.

"Thank you," she whispered gratefully.

"Now, about that wooden amulet I gave you..." Zellrid interrupted her sobs, offering his hand.

"You used it well," he acknowledged, taking the girl's hand and examining the wooden amulet.

"Now mind closing your eyes for a sec."

She hesitated, still clinging to him. But then she obeyed, closing her eyes tightly.

With quick hands, Zellrid searched through the remains of her parents, their lifeless bodies now nothing but torn flesh and mangled limbs.

He found a glimmering golden ring on her mother's finger and carefully slid it off.

While her father's pouch of silver coins lay nearby, stained with blood.

With a smirk, he gathered the belongings of her deceased parents, knowing they would never be able to use them again.

"Now you may open your eyes."

The little girl opened her eyes and was touched by Zellrid's kind gesture. He placed the shimmering golden ring in her small hand.

"This belonged to your mother," Zellrid said gently.

"Hold onto it, to remember her by. And if you ever need to sell it, you could buy enough food to last ten years with the money. But first, tell me where you're from."

"from the town of Eskivilla, east of Markthrun."

She replied, her voice still shaky.

"Wow," Zellrid whistled. "Your father must have been wealthy, far more than a simple merchant. As his daughter, you'll surely have many rivals trying to take over his legacy."

"You think?" she said, her voice filled with a mix of fear and sadness.

"Definitely, who knows, maybe this 'beast' situation is a trap. I've seen a lot of schemes like this before. But don't worry, you can handle yourself.

Let me rent you a carriage to take you back to your town. And oh, don't forget to take the key from…, um Just close your eyes one more time."

Zellrid closed her eyes and reached inside her father's lifeless body, searching for a key.

After rummaging around, she pulled out a small, intricately carved one.

"Here," she said softly, placing it in the palm of the girl's hand.

"I believe this is the key to your family's home."

The little girl looked at the key in her hand, tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"No worries, let's get moving from here," Zellrid said with a confident whistle towards the sky. After a moment of quiet, a majestic eagle appeared and flew towards them.

Zellrid helped the little girl onto the eagle's back, and then she climbed up next to her. The eagle spread its wings and took off into the sky, soaring towards the next town.

As the sun slowly rose, casting a golden glow over the blankets of snow, they finally reached the outskirts of the town after hours of traveling.

"We have arrived at our destination. Let me arrange a carriage for you."

Zellrid approached a carriage where a thin man was counting his coins. "Eh, is this carriage available for hire?"

"Yes, it is. But it's quite pricey," the man replied, noticing Zellrid's worn-out clothes and unkempt appearance.

He sized up The little girl perched awkwardly on the eagle's back, her cheeks rosy from the cold wind.

 Zellrid looked intently into the driver's eyes and spoke in a serious tone, "She'll be traveling alone to Eskivilla.

Take this 100-silver coin and ensure she reaches there safely. You know what happens to those who anger one of Ralph's men."

The driver's expression twisted in terror, but he immediately nodded in compliance. "Absolutely, I'll look after her.

And don't fret, I won't breathe a word to anyone about who you are, I swear on my mother's soul."

He pocketed the coin and hopped into the driver's seat, saying to the horse, "Alright, girl, let's get moving."

 Once Zellrid placed the girl safely on the carriage, he smiled at her and waved as she rode off down the road.

"I've arrived in Lemoyn, time to enter the town. Come on, Tay-Tay, let's go," Zellrid spoke to his eagle as he shrank down in size and perched it upon his shoulder.

"Has anyone ever told you that you smell like shit, Zellrid?" The eagle's voice was raspy as it spoke.

Zellrid couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation. "I know it's all we get working this job, some coins covered in crap," he replied with a smirk.