
Moghol Baz Khan is a mythical monster hunter of Chitral, and earned fame far and wide for roaming across Chitral, and confronting monsters and demons.
One day. just across the Shandur in Langar, near a stream descending from Kohkush Lake forms the headwaters of the Gilgit River, he faced one of his most unusual battles.
Vast forests of stunted willow and birch trees and small huts lined the area for travellers.
Moghol Baz was passing by the area, while nightfall approached. He decided to stop at one of these huts and settle in for the night.
Although he could sense that something about the forest around him was strange, he couldn’t exactly figure out what it was. The forest seemed to be alive, breathing down his neck, and watching his every move.
His sixth sense got the best of him, so he chose to spend the night outside one of the huts, rather than take shelter inside. He made a fire and stoked it, as he waited for sunrise, so he could observe the surroundings in the light of day.
The night passed slowly, however, Moghol Baz always seemed to have enough patience. When the sun was high in the sky, he entered the dwelling. He was shocked to find the floor of the hut littered with human bones.
Moghol decided to stay there another night. He did not light a fire, and waited inside in the dark hut, ready to fight whatever being was responsible for such an evil deed.
His eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness.
As the hour of midnight approached, a strange creature entered the hut. It was all wood and bark, only that it was walking. The creature was a living tree!
The tree-being lashed with one of its roots to strangle Moghol Baz, but he was quick and dodged aside. Moghol Baz then jumped onto the monstrosity and lashed at it left, right and centre with his battle axe.
With this fresh supply of firewood, Moghol Baz lit a fire and passed the night cosying his toes on the remains of one of his kills.
Note: Locally known as Kohkush Langar, the lake is also known as Baha Lake.
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