The sun had risen three times since the bandit's night attack, and the Pathfinder adepts had now safely crossed the mountains, approaching the first populated settlement since starting their journey.

"Looks like we have reached Kanis" Shouted Alec so that all of the group could hear. If one were to see them from a distance, instead of a party, they would see separate travellers who appeared to be heading in the same direction while keeping a distance from each other.

Only Alec and Aron walked together, often falling into quiet conversations that the others were not able to hear.

"This atmosphere is depressing." Huffed Aron as he fiddled with his twin blades.

Alec sighed. "You're telling me. Not only is it getting on my nerves but if we get into any trouble like this, we are done for. Maybe we should stay in this town for a bit. If we rush too much, it will only be to our deaths."

Alice, Claire and Bruce were all clearly separated from each other, Alice refusing to speak to Bruce, Claire to Alice or Bruce and Bruce with anyone since Alec had unofficially usurped his position of party leader and blamed him for everything that had happened to this point.

Claire had reverted to her human form and was now wearing a short reinforced leather skirt, revealing her long white legs that almost glistened in the sun.

Within half an hour they could clearly see the wooden, palisade walls and town gate causing everyone but Claire to heave a sigh of relief.

Claire turned around scanning the horizon with hope in her eyes. -"If I can speak to him first, maybe I can mediate this whole issue. I understand his feelings, and she might be the most insensitive person I know, but I can't just let my sister die for being a fool in love."

As the group approached the gates, the guards unsheathed their weapons and watched them carefully. "Halt travellers, what is your purpose here at Kanis?"

"We are travelling adventures looking to resupply and acquire mounts for our journey." Said Alec in a matter of fact voice. "We were attacked by some pretty powerful beasts crossing the mountains and had to abandon most of our equipment."

Giving the rag-tag group a look over, noticing the depressed aura hanging over them the guard nodded and put away his sword. "Looks like you guys have had it rough, Mike's Inn is located in the town centre, next to the blacksmith and apothecaries. Our humble town is too small for any guilds or associations so its the best we have."

"Thanks, to be honest, anything is better than being stuck out there." Alec returned the nod before leading the group through the small wooden gate.

One of the town guards looked at his commander. "Boss, why did you let them in without even paying the fee?"

"I had seen that look many times before when I was stationed in Hell's Steeple, they are the eyes of those who feel like they are walking towards their own demise and have no control over it. I'm not going to steal the ferryman's fare."

The town's streets were bustling with energy as the townsfolk went about their everyday business. However, the adepts were in no mood to frolic and headed straight for the centre.

"What now... oh noble leader." Sulked Bruce.

Alec gave Bruce an angry look. "We will be staying here for three days to recuperate before moving on. Let's get our lodging sorted out and get a meal TOGETHER. We need to put our petty differences behind us if we are going to survive the coming months."

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Alice stepped towards Alec "What about Mors? I thought we needed to move fast."

"Running blindly and fighting amongst ourselves is exactly what he would want us to do. We will go at the fastest speed we can while making sure we give ourselves the best possible chances of survival." Alec turned and began moving through the crowd towards the town centre. "We may be the hunted, but that doesn't mean we have to be idiots about it."

Later that night the adepts were awkwardly sitting around one of the many circular tables crammed full of people at Mike's in, eating their evening meal in silence when all of a sudden, a commotion at one of the other tables drew their attention. They all froze as a familiar aura washed over them.

"Filthy demon, how dare you touch my food." Bellowed an overweight, pock-faced man as he pushed what appeared to be an 8 to 10-year-old child wearing a slave collar, tumbling to the floor.

"Sir... I was asked to serve this to you by my master. I.. I am sorry for any offence." mumbled the child as it stared at the floor and wrapped its black whip-like tail around its waist.

"My heart almost stopped thinking it was Mors." Said Aron, relief evident in his voice.

Alice and Bruce nodded in agreement as they pushed their plates away, losing their appetite.

"YOU DARE TALK BACK TO ME! I am a great adventure which has slaughtered countless demons... probably even your pathetic parents," spat the man, alcohol heavy on his breath, as he raised his hand to backhand the child.

"STOP!" Claire appeared in between the man and the child, grabbing his arm and stopping it dead as her fingers applied crushing pressure.

"Who do you..." The moment the man made eye contact with Claire he fell into silence. Terrifying blue, reptilian like eyes with what appeared to be black, swirling mist, locked onto his causing him to shiver.

"I think you should sit down and eat quietly." Releasing his arm, Claire turned to the child. "and you should go work in the kitchen until this guy leaves."

As the child scampered back into the kitchen as the man slowly sat back down into his chair before taking a deep drink from his tankard.

Claire returned to her seat.

"Whats up Harold? Lost your nerve to a little girl," joked one of the man's friends.

Harold spoke solemnly. "My friend... there is always a bigger fish in the sea. A high-level demon has corrupted that girl... probably Marquess or greater. Although I could probably kill it, the only time you let a demon know of your existence is when you're about to put a blade through its heart."

"If I were to attract its attention now, I would be jumping at every shadow or candle flicker for the rest of my life. Rule one of demon hunting. You go for them and only them. Never, Ever, the things they hold dear."

When Claire returned, Alec had an angry, impatient look on his face. "Don't attract unnecessary attention to us."

Claire who had once again started eating, slammed her knife into the table with a loud thud. "Tell me what to do one more time, and it won't only be the table that has a hole in it... elf."

"Claire? What's wrong with you? You never use to be like this!" Said a concerned Alice. -"She is starting to behave like that damn demon."

Not wanting to tell them anything, Claire decided to be vague. "I woke up sister... maybe you should do the same before its too late."

Claire glared at Bruce. "Then again, you might be a lost cause."