The bandits erupted in laughter as they emerged from the forest's shadows. Confident that they had their prey trapped, they were in no hurry to end the show.

Dressed shabbily in worn leather armour and carrying a wide assortment of crude but effective weapons; only a fool wouldn't be able to tell their profession with a mere glance. After a quick scan of the ragtag group, the adepts were horrified to find that every single one was probably at least a count or Viscount. Excluding Mors, Bruce was the highest ranking member of their party, being a 2-star Count, the rest were still in the late Baron stages and as such, at a severe disadvantage.

"Probably an ex-military unit from a defeated regime that refused to surrender." Grumbled Aron as he flipped his daggers in the air. "Why couldn't it of been your run of the mill bandits?"

Pathfinders, even the adepts, prided themselves on being able to overcome a few ranks however that was only in a more or less equal fight. As more and more bandits emerged from the woods they knew that they would have to rely on Mors and his strength to get out of this situation in one piece.

The owner of the deep voice that had shouted out earlier, lumbered forward revealing a huge, yellow-toothed grin he rested a massive War-hammer on his shoulder. He looked the adepts over before shouting at the large chested, cow-eared woman that was standing next to him. “I thought you said there were six?”

“Boss I not lie, before was six, one with red eyes and no weapon.” said the woman in a thick unknown accent.

This was the moment that, apart from Aron who noticed earlier, the rest of the group realised Mors was absent and began cursing. As the situation escalated, even though no one had said it out loud, they had been placing more and more hope in him, only to have it shattered in an instant.

“I bloody told you, Clare! I knew he would abandon us and run at the first sign of trouble” raged Alice as Bruce spat on the floor and began grinding his teeth. -”I was foolish to think that we had made any progress… a demon will never change their ways.”

"He..he wouldn't leave us!" declared Claire in a weak voice as she hopefully scanned the surroundings for any sign of Mors.

"Give it up Claire, the bastard probably used us as bait." Grumbled Bruce as he tried to think a way out of their situation.

“Nice acting kiddo’s but unluckily for you, I am half beastkin and have a nose that would put a bloodhound to shame.” jeered the woman who had been pretending to be pregnant. “Boss, I can't tell what his race is or location but he is definitely close, within a couple of hundred meters."

“Jan, Hal get your arses up here and find him.” bellowed the bandit leader as he tapped his War-hammer with impatience. He had fought in many battles and learnt to be wary of the unknown. -"We have these five trapped with little chance of escape. Let's find out who this mystery person is. We can collect our rewards at any time."

Two beastkin ran forward and stood next to their boss. One had floppy dogs ears while the other's resembled a cat.

The dog beastkin stepped forward and bowed. “Boss, I have been trying to locate him since he left their group, but his movements are too erratic. If I was a betting man I would say he was using a high-level movement skill. Something feels off about it though... I can't put my finger on it but it's like our roles are reversed and it is us who is being cornered."

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

"Useless." The bandit leader was obviously displeased at his response and turned his glare to the other. "Hal what about you?"

The catkin moved towards the group. His eyes reflected the moonlight and the adepts felt as if a something had passed over them causing them to shudder. Taking a few deep sniffs, Hal's tail abruptly stood on end and its fur stuck outwards like tiny needles. "Boss... they carry the scent I prayed never to smell again."

He briefly vanished from sight before reappearing next to the bandit leader. Standing on his toes so he could reach, he cupped his hand and whispered into his boss's ear.

Laughing so hard it spooked a few birds roosting close by, the bandit leader wiped a tear from his eye. "A WHAT!...BHAHAHAHAHA, Jan you truly have been getting old these last few years. One of 'those' haven’t been seen around these parts in tens of years and this stretch of Devil's Mountain is also known as the Demons Hunters crossroads. There is no way a demon would be stupid enough to venture here, especially with a group of weak kids."

"Boss! Please, I am serious. They have the scent and the exact energy waves about them. If they have bumped into either and are still alive, then we should leave them alone. There are some things in this world you do not want to anger, even its only a small chance."

"JAN! Knock it off! We all know you use to belong to a famous slayer party and faced your fair share of danger but I am telling you there is no way in hell one of those races could be around here. Those kids have tricked you, my old friend. Stand straight and stop spooking the others."

The bandit leader let out an impatient huff. "Now kids, we came out nicely like you asked, why don't you get your friend to come out as well. We can then talk this over reasonably. The bounty on your heads is around 200 gold, as it's such a bother to collect it from the empire, if you can each pay half of that you are free to go."

"Just because we are young doesn't mean we are stupid. You are concerned our friend will go alert the Pathfinders of your actions and hunt you down. You will never let us leave here alive." Shouted an enraged Bruce. These bandits were completely looking down on him and the Pathfinders he represented.

"Ha, I have some of the best trackers in the south, even if he did escape, he wouldn't last long enough to tell anyone about it. If he doesn't come out by the time I count to five, deals off and after I deal with you, we will have ourselves a hunt." said the leader without concern. "Either way we will get our due."

"Your underest.." Bruce was cut off by the countdown.

"5."

The adepts moved closer together so they could talk. "Do you think he will let us goes if Mors comes out?" asked Alec in a desperate voice.

"4."

Bruce eviled the elf. "Not a chance and its not like Mors would saunter into the clearing and give himself up just because we asked nicely. That demon has already shown what type of person he is. I bet he is sitting out there eating a snack while he enjoys the show."

"3."

Claire still refused to believe Mors had abandoned them and her hope or it being part of some plan was rekindled now they knew he was close by. "But he is still here, maybe he has a plan?"

"CLAIRE! I thought you were smart. He has abandoned us! Get over it and start thinking of a way we can get out of this?" hissed Alice as small flames danced in her eyes causing her sister to look at the floor.

"2."

Bruce put on a resolute face. "We are going to fight. When he finishes the countdown follow my lead. They have quite a few archers still hidden and if we don't get close to their own men we are going to be ripped to pieces."

"1,"

Alec fidgeted with his bow and slowed his breathing. "The mages are on right side of the road so we should go left."

"Times up Ki..."

The moment the countdown ended, as one, the adepts exploded into action turning into blurs as they rapidly approached the forest's edge furthest away from the bandit leader.

"FIRE!" The bandit leader revealed a malicious smile. -"Good, wouldn't want it to be too boring."