Alfred screwed up his face in disgust; it wasn’t Sioni, but the fact that it was a rotting carcass did not change.

He forced himself to look. It seemed to be the remains of a person, no doubt. A few scattered pieces of fabric still remained, and the grass looked like it had been painted over in copper.

Who had done this? Alfred looked up, and took in his surroundings. With a jar, he noticed that several of the trees were mutilated – and badly.

He stepped up to one of the trunks, and gently brushed the lengthy scars with his fingers.

The scars were deep and long; they looked like someone had inflicted them with great anger.

Alfred winced – thank Heavens they hadn’t come to this campsite when the carnage had taken place.

Suddenly, there was a rustling, and Alfred looked up.