{"id":253,"date":"2024-11-18T20:26:38","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T20:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=253"},"modified":"2024-11-19T23:31:45","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T23:31:45","slug":"elrin-daun-and-the-grumbsy-gang-chapter-11-the-thing-that-comes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=253","title":{"rendered":"Elrin Daun and the Grumbsy Gang – Chapter 11: The Thing That Comes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n

You had a bad day<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

You\u2019re takin one down<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Sing a sad song<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Just to turn it around<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a relatively empty night in The Titan’s Trap but an enthusiastic audience nonetheless. Months ago I would have called this crowd huge, but as the town grew so did my expectations. Even in the last several weeks since our venture to the Temple of Hades I\u2019d witnessed several homes being built. There was also a second inn under construction. Just on the outskirts of town. Trant was planning to build even more homes in the coming months.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man responsible for it all, was the new fellow from Hellas; Robert the Constructor. I never saw anyone else work alongside him, he was always tinkering away by himself. Yet, he worked faster than any team I\u2019d ever seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I wouldn\u2019t watch him long, usually I\u2019d take a shallow venture into the woods to harness my physical prowess and skills with the blade. Of course I frequently had to take some alone time to mediate my past into my present before transforming my life into the prose you read before you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whenever I\u2019d return from the wilderness, Robert would have had a brand new home or building fully constructed. And due to the expanding immigration, Grumbsy was indeed beginning to flourish as Trant had always planned.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle had purchased a plot of land, and begun building a home herself. Robert was rather impressed with her moxy, and sold her supplies at a slightly discounted price. It was taking her far longer than it would have just to hire him, but she was stubborn as shit.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Impressed myself, I tried to help, but she kicked me out when I got in the way. Then begged for help later on when she realized I had a lot of good ideas. Me “<\/span>getting in the way,”<\/span><\/i> was just me being responsible.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though we only worked for a few hours a day at a time, because we spent many hours a day practicing the sword. I wish I had more time to master the pen, but it was far more important that I hone my physical skills since I\u2019m\u2026 You know\u2026 fighting to the death with killers every few weeks. Considering I don\u2019t have an excellent writing tutor, but do have a master sword fighter on hand, it was pretty obvious what my priorities should be. Also staying alive to tell the story was more important than telling a story well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once I had finished my performance, I was preparing to catch up with some of my compatriots, when the door to the inn came bursting open in the way that often comes with adventure. However, this time there was no one there. <\/span>Is what I first thought. <\/span><\/i>Until I looked down to find a hafflin with that familiar worried look.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cConnor?\u201d Trant was both uneasy and excited. \u201cHow the hell are you?\u201d He was far more uneasy the more he spoke. Waving the tiny guest over he pulled out a small glass. \u201cWhat can I get for you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYarrick,\u201d Connor dashed to the bar and hopped on a stool. \u201cWe need him now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh\u2026\u201d The barkeep was uncomfortable. \u201cHere\u2019s the thing about Yarrick\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Feeling as though Trant was going to direct him to me anyways I felt I\u2019d just butt in on my own, \u201cHe\u2019s unwell. But you have the eye of a man who needs help,\u201d Pointing at myself and my compatriots I announced, \u201cAnd usually we\u2019re the people you come to for that around here.\u201d After just a second of pondering I added, \u201cOftentimes with Yarrick. But again, he\u2019s not doing well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you beast slayers?\u201d The hafflin asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan put his arm on my shoulder, \u201cKinda.\u201d He inspected the tiny visitor<\/span> with excessive suspicion. \u201cThing is, I know a thing or two about tricky bastards. And you got the stink all over you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe already know a hafflin,\u201d I explained. \u201cAnd we wished we didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conor held his hands up in surrender, \u201cI admit some of us are the worst.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I crossed my arms judgmentally, \u201cAnd how do we know you\u2019re not one of them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRelax,\u201d Trant suggested. \u201cHe\u2019s a friend of Yarricks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan snapped back, \u201cWhy the fuck do you think we don\u2019t trust him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The suspicious hafflin pulled out a small but heavy bag and slammed it on the counter. Gold, silver, and copper coins poured out. \u201cThat\u2019s all yours if you just come with me. I have even more afterwards if you follow the journey all the way through. Wouldn\u2019t blame any of you for backing out if you fear the monster that must be slain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know if he knew what he just said to us, but we got the fuck up. \u201cI\u2019ll have you know, there are two words I never use in conjunction with each other. And those words are \u2018turn<\/span> down<\/span>!\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Raising an index finger Blondos pointed out, \u201cHe actually uses those words a lot together.\u201d When I looked disappointed he admitted, \u201cTo be fair it\u2019s always to say he doesn\u2019t do it. Though I\u2019m fairly confident I\u2019ve seen him pussy out before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t turn down,\u201d I declared, trying to ignore the hellkin.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t turn down,\u201d Roan added.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreat so you\u2019ll help me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to explain what\u2019s going on first?\u201d Syrielle was sitting on the stool behind him. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit rude to just ask us to fight a monster and end the details there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Connor nodded, \u201cI agree. But unfortunately there\u2019s not much I can say. There\u2019s hardly anything I know other than it\u2019s coming for me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having been missing for a few minutes Trant\u2019s head popped back up from behind the counter. \u201cIt\u2019s what now?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe beast comes for me,\u201d Connor told him before he continued to explain to the rest of us. \u201cMy friends and I are treasure hunters. A risky business\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before he could go on, Trant shouted, \u201cAnd my town didn\u2019t take that risk\u2026\u201d He pointed out the door, \u201cI like you buddy, but if you bring a monster to my town that opinion will change real quick.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Connor nodded, \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m offering so much gold for these folks to come with me right this instant. I have to get moving. The last thing I want is for that beast to come here.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I snagged the bag and tossed it to Trant, \u201cYou mind keeping that safe for us?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet him out now and you have a deal\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connor was moving out the door quickly and 4 of us followed with haste. There was a small donkey outside that was tied up to a tree. \u201cI need to get moving, we have no idea how fast this thing is. I\u2019ll explain as we go\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We started walking alongside his donkey which definitely wasn\u2019t running. After awkwardly looking back and forth between each other I asked, \u201cSo like, this is us <\/span>coming along<\/span><\/i> right? As we agreed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he didn\u2019t respond Syrielle clarified, \u201cExplain more please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Connor nodded to her. \u201cI\u2019m a member of a gang of traveling treasure hunters. We\u2019ve been dashing around the continent discovering old temples and hidden ruins with all kinds of goods. Problem is, in the land of Kayos. A thing or two is haunted, which often causes trouble. A couple weeks ago me and the boys picked open the wrong chest. And now, it\u2019s coming\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> He rode in silence for a second before I said, \u201cCan you tell us about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Annoyed by his ignorance I asked, \u201cThe thing that comes? Can you tell us about it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d The hafflin smiled like he wasn\u2019t being awkward. \u201cAnyways, once it was opened we found a letter telling us we have incurred the wrath of the Streax. None of us had any idea what that was. Have any of you heard that word before?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When we confirmed we didn\u2019t so the halffin continued his story, \u201cNobody has. After hitting the treasure we went our separate ways for a bit. That\u2019s when we started hearing things. Through the grapevine,\u201d Connor whimpered. \u201cSome of our friends have just gone missing. Tim and Don were killed in their homes. The insides of their houses were torn apart. There appeared to be some sort of crater in the ground. That\u2019s about all we know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo it\u2019s a meteor monster?\u201d I thought it was a smart question.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d Connor thought it was dumb. \u201cThe outside of the homes are fine. Nothing\u2019s wrong with the ceiling or roof. Not even the walls. Whatever this beast is. It\u2019s sneaking into the house, and causing chaos once inside. None of us have inspected it ourselves, it\u2019s just what we\u2019ve been told. Unfortunately we\u2019ve had to be on the move since we heard the news.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan gave a thumbs up, \u201cSmart. Staying on your toes. Don\u2019t let it sneak up on ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut we can\u2019t run forever,\u201d Connor shook his head. \u201cMy friend Bart and I came looking for Yarrick. He ain’t the best warrior we know, but he\u2019s one of the smartest. Plus we heard he was in league with some great warriors.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd here we are\u2026\u201d I announced proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell the three of us are,\u201d Roan corrected me by pointing at Syrielle and Zorthos.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The journey to the abandoned town of SuezVille wasn\u2019t long. I didn\u2019t even know the story behind the empty village. Things just happen on Kayos. There were nearly fifty houses fairly close together, though many of them had their roofs caved in. We found the nicest one, both outside and inside. With a nice cozy bed that looked untouched once it was dusted off.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for another donkey carrying a different hafflin to come trotting along, with a few normal sized men in tow, \u201cBart!\u201d Connor shouted from up in the tree, \u201cYou crafty bastard where have you been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGathering soldiers,\u201d Bart hopped off his stead. \u201cI see you\u2019ve done the same.\u201d Looking us up and down the slightly taller hafflin declared, \u201cThough I wish you could have rounded up some tougher lookin folk\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me?\u201d I was reasonably offended. \u201cWe\u2019re pretty great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Extending my hand and bowing to my closest friend I declared, \u201cRight here, we have The Mistress of Merciful Mayhem. When she hears a little carnage, she brings a lot. Syrielle Hano.\u201d She curtsied very adorably.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gesturing the other way I continued, \u201cThis crude gentleman with the funny face is none other than the sailor of the strangest honor, Roan,\u201d He seemed to ponder the backhanded compliment as I moved on.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNearest him, is Zorthos the devil of the justice flame.\u201d Now that motherfucker posed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I am Elrin Daun of Gladland. The Fighting Writer.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tallest of the three men that followed Bart walked over and shook my hand. \u201cMy name’s Cliff. This is Sam. Thad. John. And that\u2019s Darnel.\u201d He showed no desire to speak to us after the introduction. I was really hoping to get to know these comrades before the combat, but the opportunity was not given.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connor offered to play bait in the cozy home we picked out. We hoped this would give us the chance to see the monster coming for him. Roan and I waited inside with him. Bart, being an expert marksman, sat on a roof across the street. Syrielle perched on the rooftop next to him. Across the street from us was Thad and John with crossbows at the ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I had no idea where Zorthos even was. Perhaps he\u2019d cast himself in some sort of illusion. Cliff, Sam, and Darnell were gathered on the outskirts of town, forming a perimeter. Each of them had a longsword and chainmail armor.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two hafflin friends were confident that if they sat still just for the night, the beast would come. Unless it was after one of their other two treasure hunting friends that are on the run as well, but without knowing what was coming, we don\u2019t know what variables mattered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were a few hours that went by without much happening. Roan and I talked about silly stuff around Grumbsy. Connor was a super nice guy and very talkative. He told me all about the fun journeys he and his comrades have had through the land of Kayos and beyond. Looking for fun trinket\u2019s of all kinds to show off to anyone attracted to pretty things. They\u2019d only raided about three crypts on the whole continent so far. Most of their work has been spent tracking them down, or doing their research before entering.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had actually been investigating a nearby crypt when they got word of the demise of their friends. And the ones who died were known for being the best of their warriors. He didn\u2019t share much else.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the middle of an interesting story the hafflin was telling about a party with the kindest orcs he\u2019d ever met, Zorthos suddenly blurted out, \u201cHey guys. My horns are tingling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d Syrielle asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t happen a lot,\u201d He replied, still hidden. \u201cBut I\u2019m guessing danger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat definitely sounds like danger,\u201d Roan agreed. \u201cI\u2019m thinking danger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cZorthos,\u201d I yelled out the window looking around for a monster coming in. \u201cWhen the hell did you start sensing danger? I feel like that\u2019s useful information.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt happens <\/span>SOMETIMES<\/span><\/i>,\u201d He shouted from the shadows. \u201cAnd the <\/span>danger <\/span><\/i>thing is just a theory, if you were paying attention. We don\u2019t know for sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ground began to rumble. For a moment I thought the beast must have been so massive it shook the Earth as it stomped its way to us. My mind raced to imagine what kind of behemoth it could be. Then I realized it was something else entirely. \u201cUnderneath!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan figured it out just before I did and jumped towards the small man quickly lifting him to the ceiling. Right as Conor grabbed a bar above him the earth beneath them exploded. A large shark-like face was ferociously tearing through the bed that the hafflin was resting on just a second ago. Roan was knocked to the ground, but avoided the vicious teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three long thin arms on the beast\u2019s right side dragged it quickly out of the hole, as it chomped in the air, trying to snatch the hafflin\u2019s feet. When it dragged itself out I saw a total of ten limbs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Arrows and spears flew in through the various windows. One of them was made of fire. The Streax dove back into its hole and began tunneling through the dirt. I shot it with an arrow as it was leaving, not realizing that I had spent the whole time with my back against the wall doing nothing. My arrow stuck but was lopped off as it descended into the Earth as the hole closed up behind it leaving behind what could easily be described as a crater.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think we got this,\u201d I shouted to Connor without confidence.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter, I’m staying here,\u201d He chirped back.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hopping through a nearby window I dashed across the street to hop up on a shack behind a house, giving me the chance to hop down or up if I needed to.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas that a dirt shark?\u201d Syrielle shouted excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo it\u2019s ground shark,\u201d Zorthos yelled from wherever the fuck he was.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connor shouted, \u201cI told you it\u2019s a Streax.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s dumb,\u201d Zorthos yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cZorthos where are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sam had turned a corner just a few paces away from me. \u201cThe hell\u2019s going on here?\u201d He stomped along loudly, as he spun in a circle waving his sword around in search for the enemy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I shouted, \u201cI\u2019d get off the ground if I was you\u2026\u201d Right as I said it, the dirt at his feet burst wide open. Massive jaws chomped him nearly in half, though he was just as dead either way.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The light post next to him summoned a flaming ax and hacked right into the creature’s side. It squealed a bit as I fired arrows. The dirt shark crawled towards me, but Syrielle ran to the side, cutting several of its legs. Darnell was on the other side and chopped at one of the other legs with his ax being much less successful than the samurai.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She circled around to his side to finish her work. The monster was privy to her move and rolled to its right. Crushing both Syrielle and Darnell. When it was back upright I noticed the katana sticking out of its side as it limped back towards the nearest hole it created. Darnell was unconscious. Syrielle stood up to pull her sword out. There was no chance she\u2019d ever lose her weapon. Her pride gave the beast the chance to spin around and bite her shoulder. For a moment I thought she\u2019d lose her arm. I didn\u2019t quite see what she did, but it looked like she pried the mouth open with her sword, and ripped her arm out. Most of the skin was gone, replaced by a waterfall of blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan nailed a spear to the beast\u2019s eye causing it to squeal. It lashed about searching for him. I dashed over, pulling the samurai away from danger after she\u2019d completely collapsed from her injuries. When it turned to bite us again Zorthos was in between with his sword. Sam was there with a great sword of his own to assist the hellkin.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The whole time more arrows were firing at its side. Some of the bolts were sticking but others were bouncing off. Scurrying away, the Streax backed into the same hole it came out of. Once it went through, the Earth closed behind it. Leaving behind yet another crater.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I dragged Syrielle over to Roan, who was hanging down off of a roof ready to grab her. As he was pulling her up Zorthos shouted. \u201cIt\u2019s coming again.\u201d The hellkin was also climbing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Realizing the beast was attacking a target I announced, \u201cThat\u2019s me,\u201d I smirked just barely handing my unconscious possibly dead best friend upwards. I thought of climbing now, but I needed to make sure he had a good grip on her. I couldn\u2019t let her die.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From behind me I heard Sam yell out, \u201cNo he\u2019s definitely on me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was standing in the middle of the street, looking down. The Streex burst through the ground behind him, flying through the air towards its prey. Sam jammed his sword through the roof of its mouth, but it quickly adjusted and chomped down on his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClimb dumbass,\u201d Roan barked, having fully pulled Syrielle up.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I did so. It was pretty easy. I’m good at climbing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then we just sat there for a little while. None of us really knew what to do. It was definitely probably waiting for us. I decided to go down there and see what would happen. As I walked down the street, Zorthos shouted. \u201cDude he\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As fast as I could I ran to a nearby house, and the beast came bursting through the ground behind me. I hopped quickly using some sturdy boxes and low walls to climb up to the roof with ease. It smashed through the wall underneath me, and the whole house collapsed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I hopped right off the side, landing clean on the ground. Without hesitation I dove back into the debris. The Streax scrambled around tossing bricks and rubble about. It tore through a large pile, awkwardly dragging itself towards me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This is it<\/span><\/i>. I was not going to turn down. Not for nothing. The beast’s legs were injured from Syrielle\u2019s attack earlier, preventing it from lunging. What looked like a hundred teeth were charging straight for my head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But not quick enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I dug my rapier straight through the roof of its mouth. The blade went deeper than I thought. As the beast chomped down I reacted quickly, stepping to the side, but holding my blade where it was. Just at the final moment my enemy\u2019s mouth chomped down, I pulled my hand out. The hilt of the sword dug into its own lower teeth, driving the rest of the blade through its skull.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The end of my rapier stuck out the top of the creature as it lay motionless.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoly shit!\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBy poisedon\u2019s dick!\u201d Roan ran up next to me, holding a torch in his left hand near his gloveless right hand. \u201cDid you just fuck that that thing up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSyrielle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s stable\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re goddamn right I fucked that thing up.\u201d Then I slapped it on what I presumed was its ass.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter : Next Chapter You had a bad day You\u2019re takin one down Sing a sad song Just to turn it around   It was a relatively empty night in The Titan’s Trap but an enthusiastic audience nonetheless. Months ago I would have called this crowd huge, but as the town grew so did […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-253","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/253","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=253"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/253\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":281,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/253\/revisions\/281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=253"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=253"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=253"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}