“Does anyone live there?” Iarion asked. Barlo noticed he avoided mentioning dragons.
No point in starting a panic, I suppose.
“We do not know,” Sefu said. “We do not cross the river. Those who make the crossing do not return.”
“The trouble you’ve been having, you suspect it comes from the swamp, don’t you?” Iarion pinned Sefu with his gaze.
Sefu’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “Yes. We have no proof, but many people have gone missing. They were last seen near the river. We used to live separately, in different tribes. Some had land close to the river. Since the disappearances, the tribes have joined as one, and we stay away from the river year round, except to scout the borders.”
“Who goes missing?” Silvaranwyn asked. “Is there any pattern?”
“Men, women, children... All have gone miss
