The King in Yellow

Against advice, Peerly rose before dawn to take King and his quadcopter into the forest to get the best vantage point. He scouted out positions in the afternoon and would plan his next morning's attack route. As a rule, we discourage solo treks into that part, especially during May timeframe. Too many people have been injured or report being chased by something unnatural, something wet.

 

Indeed, we were woken by the sound of King barking loudly. It was a both a warning and a whimper, as if trying to escape but having to snap back at times. We quickly dressed and rushed to Peerly's cabin, finding it empty. The echoing sounds of King continued from the paths leading into the forest, towards the water.

 

Eventually we found King. Or rather, he limped his way to us, it's hard to be sure. We continued to call for Peerly but there was no answer. We retreated to the cabin to tend to King and get emergency services involved. As with other incidents, we knew from experience it would take more than us to mount a rescue.

 

The following week was a dismal hunt. A few scraps of clothing were discovered. It was difficult to determine if they belonged to Peerly. Nothing of the quadcopter was located. We know Peerly brought it with him as its empty case was left in the cabin. Since cell service is poor, he had left his phone behind too.

 

King remains skittish to this day. He doesn't dog-smile as he used to. When he does make eye contact, it's as if his soul has been pulled out. We hope he finds a good home. The  police have assumed Peerly has died.

 

The injury on King's back leg has started to heal over. The more hair covering it, the better. Nobody has been able to identify the animal who could make such a bite. It is circular, as if made by a sucker. And there are 4 needle-point wounds in the center. As if something latched on and bit, to suck out his blood.