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((The Mon/Wen/Fri Double -- page 2 of 2))
Ambassador Stoutamire appeared to be waiting on him to finish his examination of the photographs before saying anything else, so it was up to Hector to revive the conversation.

"...Where did this creature come from?" he asked.

"That, too, is unknown," said the ambassador.

'Figures,' muttered Garovel.

"You don't have any ideas at all?" said Hector. "No theories, even?"

"We do not." Stoutamire shook his head. "Perhaps if we were able to study the creature up close, we could gain some insight into that subject, but as things stand, that is impossible. It is difficult enough to observe from afar. The Beast likes to conceal itself, usually in the forest--of which, Lorent has many."

The forest, huh? Many of the photos did seem to be taken there.

Another question occurred to Hector, one that was perhaps more important than any other he had yet asked. "Have you sent any other hunters like me after it? Ones with supernatural powers?"

For a moment, Stoutamire only looked at him. He had been quite straightforward thus far, but now he seemed to be considering his answer. "...Yes. We have."

"I see." Hector maintained his composure. "And still, none of them returned, you said."

"Yes."

'Well, this just keeps getting better and better,' said Garovel. 'Ask him why he's contacting us instead of Intar. They have loads of servants.'

"Why are you coming to the Atreyan government and not the Intarian one?" said Hector.

Stoutamire frowned. "We did go to them. And they sent help. Three times. After that, they said they could no longer spare the resources to assist us."

'Holy shit,' said Garovel.

"Perhaps they were telling the truth," said Stoutamire. "With this war going on, the Intarians are very wary of invaders. And even if they are not officially involved in any of the conflicts, they may still have their fingers in quite a few of the related pies, so to speak."