The Legend of the Many

The fens of Theux were not always perilous. But since dark times past, the wise say, something dwells there.

It is neither quite man nor beast. Some say it is a ball of blue light, others that it is a shadow growing from the mist itself. The Many draws travelers toward it with bewitching sounds—the echo of footsteps, a voice calling, or the smell of smoky fire.

Those who follow become lost. Those who are lost never return.

The old wise ones of Theux taught their people: If you see the light in the marsh, turn your eyes away. If you hear a voice, close your ears. If you lose your path, stand still and pray.

For the Many seeks no enemies. The Many seeks followers.

Those who follow feel their feet grow lighter, their senses fade, until they no longer know who they are. They walk through endless mist until they vanish entirely.

In 1674, seven merchants disappeared between Theux and Spa. Three years later, their bodies were found in the depths of the fens, lifeless and still.

But their eyes were open, and in those eyes—said those who found them—lay only wonder. As though they had spent their whole lives seeking something strange, something incomparable, and at last had found it.

Since then, wise travelers avoid the fens after sunset. They say: let the Many have her dancers. We wish to go home.