The Myth of Bolden

“Once, a long time ago, there was a brave adventure called Bolden who lived in Excabridge City when it was merely a town, The Mayor was concerned about a rapid increase in unexplained deaths and disappearances, and so he recruited many adventurers to guard the the townsfolk. One of these adventurers was our brave Bolden, and on the first night of his patrol, the only odd thing was the muffled creaking from inside Prismore Caverns. The next morning, they reported to the mayor, and none of the other adventurers experienced anything too unusual either. The next night, just after midnight, the prismatic lights illuminating from the mountain flickered, and an odious scream followed, reaching Bolden’s unnerved ears. That morning the Mayor assumes it must’ve been one of the villagers who screamed, so, despite everyone was accounted for when the patrollers left, a second headcount was conducted. When they approached the final house, the guard assured them he remembered his villager, Koya, being present that morning, with unwavering certainty. However, when the Mayor called for Koya to answer her door, there was no response. After exchanging quizzical looks with her defender, they barged into her house with gnawing concern. They searched relentlessly. But the house was empty. All eyes were drawn to her guard, who confessed she seemed ‘rather pale’ that morning... The Mayor immediately called for the other guards to arrest him, while he was dragged away, pleading innocence. Rattled, the bystanders rested ready for the next night.
Once again Bolden’s watch began with an ominous calm. The moonlight cascaded through the mountain, throwing rainbow beams across the inky sky. Trees swayed with uncanny synchronisation, the rustling providing a soft, eminently human whisper. From within the house, only the peaceful snoring of its inhabitant was audible. A moment’s silence. Darting from the shadowy woods, a black silhouette flew to rest on the thatched roof. Just a raven, Bolden thought, quashing his rising fear. As he finally regained control of his emotions, a nauseating gurgle echoed from the River Aquastea, resembling an abnormal laugh. When it subsided, Bolden was startled when the door behind him opened, and standing fully dressed in a zombie-like trance was Dexitus, who was sleeping soundly moments ago. As Bolden went to ask what the problem was, he involuntarily turned as his face mimicked the expression on Dexitus’ face. Internally screaming for help, Bolden and Dexitus trudged lazily towards the Aquastea, which coiled into a partial moat around Prismore Mountains.
While approaching the mountain, Bolden noticed the lights of the mountain flicker— or did he imagine it? After creaking across the exhausted bridge, the two puppets entered the nearest tunnel after arming themselves with a pick axe. Carving into the mountain, the craggy tunnel narrowed as they advanced mindlessly. Before the tunnel could swallow them, they entered a crystalline cavern, whose walls almost snapped Bolden from his trance with their blinding colours. In an odd moment, it seemed like the prismatic ores moved and a heavy object clanged into Bolden’s head, followed by a creaking noise, which could only be interpreted as a threat. With the last of his consciousness and will, he staggered for the exit, only to be locked in by his body again. He proceeded to turn around, to a shape looming over Dexitus who laid sprawled under the illusive shape’s reptilian feet. Paralysed, he could not avert his eyes when the shape proceeded to growl at Dexitus, crushing his pick axe, revealing lustrous teeth. Seconds after, those splendid teeth pierced into Dexitus’ innocent flesh, who sprung from his trance, howling in pain. The shape placed a restraining foot on Dexitus’ chest and finished its meal, unhindered by the squirming howls echoed around the cavern. In his terror, Bolden summoned all his will, and his tense body released him, running towards the exit, past the fresh bones. As he neared the shale, his expression of terror reflected off the surface of its face, and with uncanny speed, brought Bolden to the ground. The shape creaked again before revealing its blood-stained teeth to finish another meal...”
At least that’s how the story goes... How anyone could recount such a thing is impossible. Probably an old tale to stop children wondering off at night, especially to the mountain. Although the story says their bones were never found...

Summary

The myth posits there is an elusive creature living in the mountain, who preys on those sent there by some mystic force at night.

Historical Basis

It is true that there were some disappearances around the time the myth is supposedly set, but characters such as Bolden are likely fictionous, however this cannot be proved as censuses had not yet begun to record the city’s population.

Spread

The tale is widely known to all in Excabridge and is even studied by children there.

Variations & Mutation

The myth always sticks to the same root, of a monster in the mountain. Descriptions of its shape and how it kills varies, but the stories all agree it is deadly.

Cultural Reception

It is important for the children of Excabridge as it is a lesson to not enter the mountains or wonder at night.

In Literature

Many stories have roots in this myth, and storytellers always twist the tale to suit their narrative style.