
It was almost dark before I heard the footsteps of a man. He approached the ruins with a clumsy gait. Round as a barrel, he took fright when he saw me in the ruins. Either through fear or foolishness he stuttered accusingly, "Y-Y-You there, who are you!"
"I am Waspo's brother, but you may call me Greenthumb. Have you business with my brother?"
A dirty silk mopped his sweaty brow. The man sweat as if he was not made for the harsh climate of Salem, for the balmy humors surely did not agree with his rotund constitution. Or perhaps it was the furs with which he draped himself, despite the warm weather? Regardless, after realizing I was not a threat, he replied, "No good sir. I know not for a man named Waspo. I merely visit this place to sate my... desires."
"Desires?"
"I am a collector, good sir, of things that slither and creep." At that moment, his eyes darted towards some discrete movement. A beetle had come out from under a log to see what the commotion was. His eyes fixed on it like a man starving looks at meat upon the campfire. He continued, "Dost thou have need of these bugs?"
I shook my head no, and that was all he needed to hear as he lunged towards the creature. Caught in his meaty, moist hands the man licked his sweaty mustache. He produced a thin strand of silk from a hidden pocket and began to wrap it around the beetle, struggling to be free. He then dangled it from the thread, watching as its tiny limbs furiously tried to peddle in mid air.
The stranger stood there, transfixed by the creature until I spoke. "Sir, do you have any help to offer? I am looking for my brother."
He snapped back, angrily, "Are you a half-wit? I already said I know nothing of your brother Wespa. If the man is gone, try a doctor! Now good day sir!" And with that, he marched off, cracking branch and brush caught underfoot.
I was left there, alone at twilight. But rude or not, the man had given me a good place to start. Tomorrow, I shall travel into town to see if I can find a doctor. Perhaps my brother has fallen ill and if so, I shall rush to his bedside at once!
(
Walking the Beetle now for sale! )
~
Greenthumb