The female Fire Drake slowly dragged her body over toward her clutch of eggs, or rather the remains of her eggs as the Dragon Executioner had shattered the remaining ones. Her left leg and arm were broken, wings left in tatters and blood staining her scales, but none of that mattered to her; all that mattered was the destroyed nest and how she had failed her unborn clutch. She looked away from the destroyed eggs to see her mate still fighting with the human, no matter how much fire he used, the man trudged forward ready to continue his onslaught.

"You foolish beast, have you not realized that I can't be destroyed by your flames." Dragon Executioner smiled as the burnt flesh on his body was already recovering.

"What…what is this thing? No human could stand up to this much damage! Even an armored knight would be reduced to a puddle of molten metal, yet he heals from everything."

The Fire Drake backed away while still spewing fire upon the human; even with his flesh burned away the dragon Executioner smiled as he saw the dragon back away in fear. With a swing of his hammer, he pushed past the fire and charged forward swinging a second time striking the dragon across its jaw. The Fire Drake collapsed to its side, blood spilling from its mouth along with fragments of its teeth with Dragon Executioner sneering over him.

"Just you wait. I'll deal with you, but first, the female needs my attention."

The male Fire Drake struggled to move as it watched the human turn and slowly make his way toward his downed mate. The Dragon Executioner licked his lips as he moved closer and closer to the other injured dragon, allowing his hammer to scrape along the ground. Slave Bard nervously hid behind the largest rock he could find, both worried that his current master might be killed but also that he might survive.

"If Master was to die, then these dragons would waste no time in attacking me as well even though I had nothing to do with the destruction of the eggs. Guilty by association I suppose. Then again…do I want Master to win? I'd get to stay alive a bit longer, but it would still be as his slave. What to…" Slave Bard looked on with wide eyes as there was a sudden movement behind Dragon Executioner. "Master! Behind you!"

Dragon Executioner paused momentarily, confused by what the slave was saying when he noticed the shadow growing around him. He turned with war hammer raised, expecting the drake to try and bite him but was instead struck by the creature's tail. The blow sent the giant flying until he struck the nearby earthen wall, slumping to the ground with a frown.

"I don't know what hell you came from, but if you think I'll simply roll over and let you feast on my heart, you are sorely mistaken!" The Fire Drake roared as it rushed over to continue his attack, slamming its claws down upon the Executioner. "Die you monstrosity! Die!"

The dragon's claws pierced deep into the man's flesh, bright red blood began to pool around his body, yet this only brought a smile to his face.

"Good. I was worried you had no fight left in you."

The Dragon Executioner swung his war hammer and struck the dragon's arm, cracking the elbow joint with the thunderous blow. The dragon bellowed as it stumbled away from the giant man, the wounds upon his body already healing as he got back to his feet.

"Time to die foolish dragon."

"NO!"

Dragon Executioner turned to now see the female charging at him, jaws open ready to snap down…but she would never get the chance. Dragon Executioner sneered as he swung the war hammer and struck the female across the side of her head. The female was downed instantly but the Executioner was not finished. With a wide smile, he raised his hammer over his head and brought it crashing down upon the dragon's neck. The female let out a weak cry and blood ran from her jaws which brought a furious roar from the injured male.

"You are all too weak. The weak shall become food for the strong. So die and let me feast!"

"Get away from her!"

Dragon Executioner quickly moved away as the male attempted to strike at him again with its tail. The male looked toward his still mate while Dragon Executioner readied to attack once again; he leaped onto the dragon's back once again slamming his hammer down upon its scaly hide.

"Damn…damn it. Need to get him away from here. Protect my mate."

The firedrake began to flap its wings despite the Executioner striking his body over and over. Dragon Executioner could see what was happening and knew he needed to act quickly and looked toward Slave Bard.

"Slave. Toss me your chain."

"Huh, my chain? Uh, at once Master." Slave Bard picked up the loose chain from the ground and rushed to throw it to his master. "I wonder what he needs the chain for? Does he plan to use it to keep the dragon from…"

"I hope you're not afraid of heights." Dragon Executioner laughed as he tightly held onto the chin in his free hand.

"…oh bloody hell…"

The dragon gained some height, on its back was the Executioner who used the jagged side of the war hammer to pierce the flesh of the dragon while he held onto the chain connected to the screaming bard who dangled below them. The dragon flapped its wings several times, rising high and high, before flying away at tremendous speeds. The weakened female watched this as her mate flew away with the two humans, for now she was safe and would be given the time to recover, assuming her body would.

"Th…thank you…my…mate." The female firedrake closed her eyes, her body too weak to stay awake any further.

xxxx

"This village…something is definitely wrong." Tortle Master frowned as he looked around at the people.

There were some who looked toward the odd group of adventurers while others went about their normal business as if nothing had happened. The party had expected the village to descend upon them in a mad frenzy but there was no movement by the villagers. Soon enough everyone returned to their usual behavior but this only made the group warier of what was going on in the village.

"People act strange. See man shout but do nothing." Rabbitfolk Warrior looked around confused by the reactions of the people.

"No. To them, we are the strange ones, the unwanted outsiders." Tortle Master let out a frustrated groan as he looked about the area, half expecting them to attack them.

"We should move to an area where we can talk more privately." Half-Dragon Priestess looked about the town for a potential place where they could gather and discuss the next steps of their investigation.

"That's assuming there is a place where we can talk without the walls having ears." Harpy Scout nervously looked around while keeping a hand close to her quiver of arrows.

"That's where our friends come in. Brawler, Monk and Warrior have much better hearing than the rest of us. Not to mention we can have Specter, Fang and Talon can alert us if anyone is coming close to where we are."

"Get Out…"

"Huh?"

Padfoot Monk turned his head and began to look about trying to determine where the voice had come from but none of the voices seemed to match what he had heard.

"Something wrong?" Wolf Brawler noticed her friend looking around with an uneasy expression on his face.

"I'm not sure Huntress. I heard a voice just now, or at least I thought I did." Padfoot Monk continued to look around but there were no signs of any distress.

"We should go about exploring the area. We might discover the cause of which before it causes these people any further problems." Half-Dragon Priestess made the suggestion as she too looked around worried there might be someone eavesdropping.

"How should we split up? I imagine moving as a giant group will do nothing but draw unwanted attention to ourselves." Grippli Ranger had a small frown as he examined their group and grunted a bit. "Then again, given the members present we'll still stand out."

"That may be, but the people might be willing to speak with us if there are fewer of us approaching them." Padfoot Monk understood what his colleague was suggesting, so many demi-humans in a mostly human village would definitely raise eyebrows. "While investigating, it might be wise to pretend to be looking for supplies for future travels so as to blend in a bit better."

"That's a good idea." Half-Dragon Priestess nodded her head as she carefully thought about how to break up the groups. "It might be best if we go in pairs around the village."

"If you don't mind, I shall procure sleeping arrangements for us at the inn. A tortle isn't really built for speed, so I might slow the group down."

"We'd greatly appreciate you finding us a place to regroup later, and you would definitely not slow us down, don't think like that." Half-Dragon Priestess smiled as she clapped her colleague on the back of his shell then looked toward the others. "Then how about this? Scout and I will take to the air to see if we can spot anything from above, the rest can go off in pairs."

"Sounds like a good plan. Ranger and I will head off in this direction then." Armor Piercer motioned with his thumb behind his back the direction they would travel.

Half-Dragon Priestess looked to the rest of the comrades, she was a bit worried about Rabbitfolk Warrior and Saber Rider since they were a bit more boisterous when it came to interacting with others. She had intended for Wolf Brawler to pair with Rabbitfolk Warrior while Padfoot Monk would pair with Saber Rider, but she would not get the chance to suggest this.

"Rabbit Girl and I go this way! Find monster and beat him up!"

"Yeah! We find thing controlling people and kill it!"

Half-Dragon Priestess was a bit tense as she watched the two of them being rather loud, she was worried they might attract unwanted attention but was more concerned with Harpy Scout. Harpy Scout had a visible scowl on her face as she watched the two being friendly; she clenched her fists but took in a deep breath and exhaled to calm herself.

"It's alright. He's my mate. He won't do anything with her."

"Then Huntress and I can then travel in the opposite direction, that is of course if you are alright with that suggestion?"

"Like you need to ask. Let's get this investigation underway then." Wolf Brawler smiled as she gave the monk a playful slap to the side of his arm.

"Can I ask that Specter accompany the two of you? With Scout and I looking overhead, I worry about him by himself." Half-Dragon Priestess smiled as she reached over to scratch her dire wolf atop his head.

"Of course. We'd be happy to have his company." Padfoot Monk smiled as he bowed his head toward his comrade.

"Fang you come with us. Also, no eat food around here. Pretty Bird get mad if we make trouble." Saber Rider reached over to pat the large saber cat before looking toward Harpy Scout.

"I'm glad you remembered. Now see if you too can follow those instructions." Harpy Scout offered a small smile, though she was still worried about the two of them together.

"Alright. Everyone be careful, something is definitely amiss here and we must discover what it is." Half-Dragon Priestess turned her attention to Saber Rider to ask him one final favor. "Have Talon go with Tortle Master, he can circle above the Inn and show us where to regroup afterward."

"Yes. Will have him go with Giant Turtle Man."

The large group dispersed with Half-Dragon priestess and Harpy Scout taking to the air while the others continued to maneuver through the town. The people had noticed them walking about and were cautious of what they could say without invoking their master's wrath. For now, they would wait for either the adventurers to leave on their own or eventually destroy one another as others had been before.

xxxx

"What type of herbs do you have in stock?" Grippli Ranger carefully examined the stall with the various plants and powders on the nearby vendor stall.

"Oh quite the variety. Pepper, saffron, mint, laurel, mustard, just about anything you might desire." The vendor smiled as she waved a hand over the various items available. "Though I don't just carry herbs and spices for food, I also carry medicinal salve and ointments as well. Quite the life saver for adventurers when your miracles are all used up."

"Oh that would definitely be quite helpful for us. Our party does not have very many magic users." Grippli Ranger smiled as he nodded to the vendor then looked back to Armor Piercer. "What do you think my friend?"

"Huh? Uh…yeah sure…whatever. Look, don't we have something we need to be doing?" Armor Piercer growled in frustration as he watched the people casually move around him. "Damn. I'm a bit more patient than the rabbit but even I don't have the patience for these drawn-out tactics."

"Quite correct. I'll have to consult with the rest of my party but rest assured we shall be back to purchase so much needed supplies." Grippli Ranger smiled and bowed his head then carefully looked around before leaning in. "Before we go, a final question if you don't mind?"

"And what would that be?"

"How long has the behavior of the town been this way?"

The smile on the woman's face remained but he could see a twitch in her eyes as she struggled to maintain her composure. Armor Piercer studied the woman as well but soon took notice of the other people moving around them like it was a normal day, but their eyes were focused on the adventurers.

"Wh, what do you mean? Everyone is acting normally."

"But earlier, a gentleman…"

"There's nothing wrong here…ah…nothing at all." The older woman grunted a bit as she clutched at the wood on her booth. "See, everything is fine. Please leave."

"Sorry. My friend and I will be leaving now." Grippli Ranger calmly backed away from the stall only to bump into something sharp. "Ah! Oh, those pincers are no joke."

"Sorry, I wasn't thinking about where I was standing." Armor Piercer had been looking at the other people around them and he moved a bit closer toward his friend.

"We should continue moving around if we are to find the rest of our supplies." Grippli Ranger groaned as he could still feel the pain of being poked by the sharpened ends of the pincers in his back.

"Huh…I thought we…oh right. We need to get gather supplies." Armor Piercer was initially confused but then realized his comrade was trying to be discreet.

The pair moved away from the other people carefully watching for any potential actions these people might use against them all the while pretending. The two continued down the street, Grippli Ranger leading the way while Armor Piercer followed behind given how large his body was.

"Got to be careful. This body is quite big compared to the others, I'm more used to open spaces than these narrow streets." Armor Piercer looked down at the smaller frogman before him, his eight legs stabbing at the pavement as he followed behind. "About earlier…"

"He's slowing you down…"

"Huh? Slowing me down?"

"What did you say? I'm slowing you down?" Grippli Ranger stopped and turned to face his comrade, a visible frown on his face.

"What? No. I wasn't talking to you. I was…"

"Then who were you talking wi…"

"His body is too dangerous…"

"Huh? You're too dangerous? Who…"

"What? Dangerous? That was an accident back there!"

"That may have been an accident, but even you must know how strong that body of yours is. Those pincers are no joke, if I have used any more force I could have been impaled."

"You got some nerve little frog. This body has helped keep this group safe much more than you and that puny bow."

"How dare you question my skills! Your only skill is the strength in that massive frame of yours." Grippli Ranger frowned as he moved a hand toward his bow. "Damn scorpion. I've heard the fable of the "frog and scorpion", does that mean it's in your nature to betray others?"

"You little…perhaps I should put this stinger to good use and show just how effective my venom is." Armor Piercer too moved a hand for his lancer as the pincers of his scorpion-like bottom snapped at the frogman.

The two figures glared at one another, neither drawing their weapons but anxiously waiting for the opportunity to attack. Both soon became aware of the townspeople carefully watching them and realized this was not the place for a scuffle.

"We need to be continuing our investigations, no time for us to be acting on impulse." Grippli Ranger sighed as he removed his hand from his bow. "I trust you can understand that much right?"

"Don't insult me. I'm well aware of what we need to do. I'm only concerned that you might be in over your head should we encounter something troublesome…or worse, are a hindrance to this party." Armor Piercer smirked as he walked past the smaller adventurer, purposely looking down upon him.

"I can take care of myself. When you get in trouble, I'll try to help you out…if I remember." Grippli Ranger let out a sigh as he followed behind the massive figure, the glare still present on his face. "Stupid giant bug, like walking behind a giant wagon, his body nearly takes up the entire street."

xxxx

"I don't see anything out of the ordinary." Half-Dragon Priestess looked left and right as she glided through the air. "All the people seem to be moving around normally. Maybe they act different during the night. Do you see anything?"

Harpy Scout frowned as she looked down below, she could see the people moving around as well as her comrades, but her attention was more focused on two figures in particular. She watched as Saber Rider and Fang rushed past many of the surprised townspeople to catch up to the spirited Rabbitfolk Warrior. She could see the smile on the young woman's face as she ran from spot to spot with her comrades in quick pursuit; though she could only see his back, she could easily imagine the smile on his face.

"You're supposed to be investigating the town, not flirting with her…you bastard."

"Scout?"

Harpy Scout snapped out her momentary trance as she continued to flap her wings as she flew in place as he friend flew closer to join her.

"Scout you alright?"

"Uh, yes. I don't see anything suspicious as well, at least nothing out in the open."

"You want to talk about it?"

"Well, if we're not seeing anything out in the open, it could be a magic-user hiding in one of the buildings."

"I mean you glaring down at the two of them."

"You should mind your business."

"Scout. We've known each other nearly all our lives, we're practically sisters. Keeping these emotions bundled up is not healthy. Trust me, I know something about it."

Half-Dragon Priestess thought back to her time with the slavers who attacked her mother and captured her. The pain she felt being struck by their clubs, watching her mother being attacked and the wicked laughter of the men that surrounded her cage had haunted her for such a long time. The only thing that saved her was the new family she had been adopted into and being able to share her fears with others who were there to listen and helped her grow as a person.

"I'm feeling jealous. There, happy?"

"I'm offering you an ear, it's not my place to judge just to offer advice to a friend…if she wants it."

"Damn it. Even though we spent the night together, I'm still worried about him being taken from me. I'm a bit possessive as you can probably tell."

"I would have never guessed." Half-Dragon Priestess smiled as she and her friend hovered in the air above the village. "I doubt Rider would act that way with Warrior. He has you and proved it the other night right?"

"Yes, but…I know he's not a complete idiot, but he is too easily influenced by things around him! I can't help but worry that she might convince him with her body, or worse…with the promise of food."

"They both do have quite the ravenous appetite, but I don't think you give him enough credit. Rider already swore himself to you and he's put his life on the line to keep you safe. You really couldn't ask for a better person to have by your side."

"I…I know. I guess it doesn't help to be young and in love does it?"

"I haven't experienced love like you yet but I am also young. We may be old enough to go on adventures by ourselves but there is still much we must experience in this world." Half-Dragon Priestess smiled as she looked toward her friend then back to the others. "I tell you what. Why don't you go down and observe a bit closer, this way you can see there is nothing to worry about. I'll keep searching from above."

"Thanks for listening and the suggestion. I do feel better."

Harpy Scout slowly descended for the tallest building while Half-Dragon Priestess continued to fly around the area. She perched on the rooftop of the closest building; she knew she still needed to keep up with her investigation of the village but would still keep an eye on Saber Rider and the others. She noticed that the pair had exited the village and were now close to the trees by the edge of the woods.

"Now what are you both doing…no! Priestess is right, I should have more trust in Rider. He's not about to do something with…"

"He will betray you…"

"What?" Harpy Scout nervously looked around expecting to find someone directly beside or behind her but she was all alone on the rooftop.

"W, what was that? Felt like it was someone whispering right in my ear. What did it say, he'll betr…"

Harpy Scout turned her attention back toward the others only to find Saber Rider cradling Rabbitfolk Warrior in his arms. Harpy Scout was shocked by this sudden change but that shock quickly turned to anger as she stood a continued to glare at them.

"Damn you." Harpy Scout took to the air and flew towards the pair as fast as wings could carry her.

xxxx

"We need hurry. Lizard Girl say search and find anything strange. If we run, then not stay in one place too long." Saber Rider jogged ahead as he looked from left to right for signs of the one controlling people.

"That good plan. We also get to exercise while we search. I always want to run but other say slow down, Tortle friend not move as quick." Rabbitfolk Warrior jogged along with Saber Rider, a smile present as she too looked left and right while investigating.

The people in the village were quick to move aside as the pair raced past them as well as the massive saber cat that followed. One look at the fangs on it was enough to convince them it was best to keep a far distance from them. Saber Rider noticed that the people were acting strange, almost as if they were purposely avoided them.

"People act weird. Like they afraid of something. Man who control them might be here."

"I notice that too, but I also notice something else. Food here smell great!" Rabbitfolk Warrior paused as she took in a deep breath, savoring the smells of meat and sweets cooking around them.

"Yeah it does. Makes my mouth water. Been too long since we ate breakfast, would love to get some meat. But no have money. Still not understand point of shiny coins but Pretty Bird say they be used for food."

"I understand, I not have money too. Tortle friend worried I spend all money of food. He worry too much." Rabbitfolk Warrior frowned as she crossed her arms while thinking about what to do next. "We need food but we not have money for food. Can't steal, that bad."

"That and Pretty Bird get mad at me again if we do. Hmm, oh wait. When we come into village, I see trees with fruit. We go to the edge of village and we find fruits in trees to eat."

"That sounds like a good plan, but what about Fang? He can't eat fruit right?"

"Yeah, he only eat meat." Saber Rider turned toward his brother and went about scratching the top of his head. "I promise to get you meat later."

Fang moved toward his brother and rubbed his head beneath the barbarian's hand as the trio continued to race through the village.

"We have race. See who faster!" Rabbitfolk Warrior leaped forward, determined to win this competition.

"I not lose!"

Saber Rider chased after the young woman but found that he was a bit slower than her as she reached the trees a few seconds before him. There was a bit of a frown on his face as he watched the girl happily jump while he gave the ground a swift kick.

"I win next time we race."

"Not worry, I go ahead and get you fruit."

Rabbitfolk Warrior suddenly jumped up, reaching the highest branch of the nearby tree to get the nearby apples. Saber Rider smirked as he watched his friend in the tree collecting the food for them to snack on.

"Rabbit Girl have strong legs. I no can jump that high. Have to use tree to climb up to branch. Next time we get to race I beat…"

"You can't win…"

Saber Rider turned, he had heard a strange voice but none of the villagers were anywhere. He looked about the area but could not figure out who had been talking to him when he noticed Fang growling nearby, he turned to see the large cat shaking its head while using its right paw to scratch at its ear.

"Fang, you alright?"

"What you say? Something wrong?" Rabbitfolk Warrior cradled five of the apples in her left arm while reaching out for another with her right and could not see what was happening behind her. "Let me get last…"

"They don't trust you…"

"Huh? What you…"

Rabbitfolk Warrior too suddenly heard a strange voice as she looked left and right but there was no one on the branch with her when her foot slipped. Rabbitfolk Warrior was surprised as the apples fell from her arms and she tumbled backward. The fall wouldn't be fatal but it would certainly hurt depending on how she landed, there was not enough time for her to reach for a branch just to brace for the impact. When she landed it was actually much softer than she had expected when she looked up to see Saber Rider cradling her in his arms.

"Wha…Rider?"

"Rabbit Girl okay?"

"Y, yes, I fine. Thank you." Rabbitfolk Warrior smiled before Saber Rider set her down. "I nearly hit the ground, thank you for saving me."

"What happen? I see you suddenly fall from tree."

"Not sure. Thought I heard strange voice and when looking, I slipped and fell."

"Strange voice? I hear same…"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?"

Rabbitfolk Warrior and Saber Rider turned to their side to see Harpy Scout flying down toward them, the anger on her face clear for both of them to see. The two believed she had seen some kind of threat but the moment she landed she walked forward and gave Rabbitfolk Warrior a violent shove.

"Hey! Why you do that?"

"Stay the hell away from him! You say you're not trying to seduce him yet I see you sneak away from others and have him cradle you!"

"Wait. Pretty Bird wrong, she fall from tree and…"

As Saber Rider reached out to place a hand on Harpy Scot's shoulder, she turned and slapped him across the side of his face. Saber Rider hissed as he took a step back and placed a hand on the sore spot along his left cheek.

"DON"T YOU DARE "PRETTY BIRD" ME YOU BASTARD!" Harpy Scout glared at Rider but could feel the hot tears running down her face. "You would fall for any pretty face, wouldn't you? You even go for someone as foolish and stupid as her!"

"Stupid? Scout go too far! I not after your mate but I see you need to be taught a lesson." Rabbitfolk Warrior moved into a defensive position while reaching for her short sword.

"Don't test me! As mad as I am, I might just kill you." Harpy Scout reached for her bow and readied an arrow while aiming for Rabbitfolk Warrior.

The two women stared at one another while Saber Rider nervously looked on, not sure how to handle the situation.

"What I do? Pretty Bird my mate and Rabbit Girl my friend. How I stop them?" Saber Rider did not want to take up his weapon against either person when he had a quick idea. "Please, no fight! We need investigate village and see what control people. No time for fighting. We talk things out later."

Harpy Scout and Rabbitfolk Warrior continued to glare at one another but eventually relented and put their weapons away.

"I'm going to continue searching with Priestess." Harpy Scout turned her back to Saber Rider as she allowed her wing to fully unfurl. "Don't let me keep you from fondling her body."

Harpy Scout took to the air without so much as a second glance back leading both Saber Rider and Rabbitfolk warrior confused by her actions.

"Why Scout lash out at me?" Rabbitfolk Warrior still angry found herself clenching her fists as she watched the harpy fly higher and higher. "I not stupid. If she wants a fight, I won't back down or hold back next time."

"I not know. Pretty Bird behavior strange." Saber Rider could still feel the stinging pain in his cheek, but they had more important things to tend to. "Come on. We need keep investigating."

xxxx

"Monk you alright?"

Wolf Brawler and Specter stopped and turned to see Padfoot Monk looking left and right, a visible frown still present on his face.

"Oh, it's nothing Huntress." Padfoot Monk shook his head as he continued to walk with the duo. "The atmosphere of this village is still quite unusual especially with my abilities."

"What do you mean?"

"Though I can hear the cheerful conversations of the villagers around us, I can sense a mix of unease and fear." Padfoot Monk's ears twitched as he continued to listen to what was being discussed.

"Don't suppose you know if it is directed toward us or the things controlling the people?"

"Unknown at the moment Huntress but I can tell you the people are distinctly afraid of something in the area."

"That's to be expected. We saw that should they try to act in an odd manner, they are punished by the master of this village."

"And we shall find them in due time."

The two suddenly stopped when they heard Specter whining; Wolf Brawler could the dire wolf shaking its head while pawing at its ears. The dire wolf stopped its head shaking and looked toward the two adventurers and began to growl, barring its teeth at them.

"Specter, what's…"

"Be careful Huntress!" Padfoot Monk stepped in front of Wolf Brawler with staff ready. "I fear that our comrade may be under the control of whatever ails this village."

"Then we should…"

"He's mocking you due to your size…"

"Huh? What? Monk is…mocking me? I see, because of my small size he views me as someone who needs protecting. Don't you dare look down at me!"

"Specter you must…"

"Get out of my way Monk!" Wolf Brawler pushed past her comrade and raised her fists as she looked toward the dire wolf. "You won't get anywhere by being cautious."

"Huntress please wait a…"

"For the last time I am the Wolf Brawler!" Wolf Brawler turned Padfoot Monk, a snarl escaping her lips as she looked toward him. "I'm assuming if you can't see me, then you can at least hear what I am saying."

Padfoot Monk was taken aback by her comment; he had always believed there to be a level of trust between the two of them since they were both padfoots but clearly, he was mistaken.

"As you wish." Padfoot Monk frowned as he backed away tightly clenching his staff.

"Now as for…you…what?" Wolf Brawler turned her attention toward Specter but was surprised by the sight.

Specter had stopped his growling and gave his head a shake, when he looked up at the duo he was wagging tail.

"What the hell? Guess the effect doesn't last long on animals?" Wolf Brawler let out a sigh of relief as she really didn't want to fight Specter. "Guess everything is back under control. We better continue our…"

Wolf Brawler found that Padfoot Monk was walking down a different part of the street.

"Monk! Where are you going?" Wolf Brawler frowned as she started to run to catch up with her comrade.

"I would rather by myself for the time being Hun, I mean Brawler." Padfoot Monk stopped momentarily to acknowledge his comrade but soon kept walking. "I feel we'll be able to investigate more efficiently if we split up."

Wolf Brawler frowned as she watched Padfoot Monk continue walking away, her confusion giving way to anger and frustration.

"Damn idiot. Where the hell does he think he's going?" Wolf Brawler sighed as she shook her head before looking back toward Specter. "Come on, looks like it's you and me for now. Fair warning, you act aggressive again and I will put you down, comrade or not."

Specter simply wagged his tail as he continued down the street with Wolf Brawler while Padfoot Monk moved down a different part of the village.

xxxx

After several hours of searching the village the group could not find any sign of the person or creature that might be controlling the villagers. The groups eventually saw Talon circling one of the larger buildings, screeching to let everyone know where they should regroup. Half-Dragon Priestess and Harpy Scout descended from the sky to find the rest of the parties near the inn, but there was an air of tension amongst them all.

"What's going on?" Half-Dragon Priestess looked over her friends and comrades confused by their sudden behaviors.

Harpy Scout and Rabbitfolk Warrior were glaring at one another with Saber Rider confused by their behaviors. Armor Piercer and Grippli Ranger could be seen arguing with one another, threatening to come to blows. Padfoot Monk and Wolf Brawler purposely stood away from one another, A visible glare present on Brawler's face as she occasionally looked over toward him.

"We search all day but find nothing!" Rabbitfolk Warrior crossed her arms and shook her head. "No sign of person affecting village."

"I'm surprised you had time to search. I figure Rider would just keep fondling your body." Harpy Scout looked toward the warrior with disdain.

"Scout what are you saying?"

"YOU KEEP ACCUSING ME! SCOUT NOT GET AWAY WITH…"

"Enough of your shouting."

Everyone stopped their petty arguments to see Tortle Master set out of the Inn, a frown visible on his face as he massaged the right side of his head.

"Always that loud voice of yours. It gets on my nerves to have you shout at the top of your lungs." Tortle Master groaned as he looked toward Rabbitfolk Warrior.

"What you say? You annoyed by voice? Tortle Master never…"

"Everyone please." Half-Dragon Priestess held out her hands for everyone to try and calm themselves. "I understand that this was not the most productive day. Let's forget about it and enjoy some food and well-deserved rest. We'll try again tomorrow."

The group was silent, many still angry but finally relented by quietly going into the Inn. Half-Dragon Priestess silently watched this as they went in until she was the last one outside.

"Ancestors, what's wrong with them? Have they too fallen under the control of the mastermind of this village? We have to stop this before we all become puppets like the villagers." Half-Dragon Priestess could feel her anger growing as she wished to destroy the heresy that afflicted the villagers and possibly her comrades.

xxxx

"This…this should be far enough. My mate…should be able to flee now."

Sometime earlier in the day, the male fire drake crashed upon the ground; the trees and rocks only adding to the injuries it had already sustained. As the best hit the ground, the two occupants who had been riding along with it were flung away. Slave Bard screamed as he figured the impact would kill him, but miraculously he landed in the branches of a nearby tree; Dragon Executioner hit the ground hard, breaking an arm and both legs before striking a tree with his back.

"Ah…ah…I'm alive…somehow." Slave Bard had endured several minor cuts and bruises but had escaped relatively unharmed. "Bless the roll of the dice, I survive another day. Wait, Master, did you also…"

Slave Bard looked down from the tree to see the broken body of his Master, blood pooling around his body. Slave Bard believed his Master had died and for a brief moment smiled at the thought of finally being free until he saw Dragon Executioner's hand begin to move.

"My that was painful." Dragon Executioner moved his broken arm until the bones realigned. "Don't' rejoice to early slave, I'm far from dead."

"Oh…I'm happy to see you survived and are recovering Master."

"No need to lie." Dragon Executioner smiled though his body was covered in blood as he finally got back to his feet. "You actually warned me when the firedrake was about to attack. You shall also part take in the feast of this dragon's flesh. Just let me finish the monster off."

Slave Bard watched with wide eyes as Dragon Executioner retrieved his war hammer and moved toward the broken body of the firedrake. The weakened creature struggled to open its eyes as the giant looked at the creature with a deranged smile.

"Even if you kill me here and now…someone will eventually destroy you."

"I'm hoping that something like that will happen, otherwise I might be bored in this world of weaklings. Until that day arrives I shall keep killing everything that stands in my way." Dragon Executioner gripped the war hammer with both hands and raised it high over his head. "Too bad you won't be around to see it. However, you can rejoice, because your heart will soon be a part of me."

Dragon Executioner brought the hammer down, cracking the dragon's skull open as blood, bone, and brain fragments splattered his mighty frame. He raised his hammer high into the air and bellowed in victory over this dragon.

"At long last, a dragon heart to feast upon." Dragon Executioner laughed as he could not hide the drool that oozed down the side of his face. "Very soon, little dragon, I shall do the same to you."

Author's Note: I am so sorry for the long delay. I think it's been almost two months since my last update. These two months of work have been rough and writer's block has not helped either. Rest assured I shall get the story back on track as I plan out the other adventures the party shall face before making it to the Kingdom of Light and Shadows. Please continue to look forward to the story and the growth of our fledgling adventurers, plus some trials for Goblin Slayer and the others.