Page 98 of Huntress

People stared at them as they passed by, offering friendly nods and smiles. It was an interesting sight to see humans walking around with small armaments strapped to their belts or thighs. They could defend themselves if needed, but they were casual and at ease.

They passed a café, a butcher, and a bakery, and the delicious savory scent of a restaurant announced its presence before they saw it. There was a repair shop, a tailor, a leather worker, and a cobbler.

Elsie practically drooled a little at the prospect of the last one. Comfortable, well-fitting shoes and boots weren’t easy to make, and were even harder to come by.

“These people are set up better than the nests,” Perrie whispered, leaning in close to Morgan.

“That’s because we have free will.” Anne’s tone was biting, and she gave an exaggerated smile. “The knowledge behind our trades has been passed down through family lines since the fall of man.”

At the end of the street, they came to an inn, a big white building with an A-frame roof. Dark brown wooden beams decorated the facade, and a wooden sign outside advertised rooms for rent.

“You have two rooms waiting for you upstairs. The baths are communal but kept clean. There’s food and ale downstairs, and if you’re present at the right time, you’ll be treated to a song,” Anne said.

“Who do we talk to about planning?” Elsie asked. “We’ll need to tour the village and decide when and where to take care of your salamander problem.”

Anne’s lips twisted into a frown. “I already told you, he won’t be coming tonight. Our people have a night watch to monitor for any potential trouble. Your services are not needed until morning. Please enjoy the rest of your day. We will send for you tomorrow, and planning can commence then.”

“Until then, please do not harm any demons or magical creatures you may come across while you’re here. They are our friends, neighbors, and allies.” Anne glanced at each of them, then turned and walked away.

“What should we do?” Riven asked.

“We’ll check out our rooms and take her advice. Explore the town, eat, sleep, and maybe do a little shopping. Use discretion and do not exploit their kindness,” Elsie stressed. “Tonight, whether they approve or not, I’ll be joining their vigil. I want to get a feel for security around here, and we’ll build relationships with their people more easily by standing beside them.”

“I’ll come with you,” Morgan volunteered.

The rooms were cozy but comfortable, with one being set up dormitory-style, having three double beds inside. Saint tried to follow Elsie, but Perrie stopped him cold, wagging a finger in his face.

“Isn’t it obvious? One room for the boys, one for the ladies.”

“Ooooo, does he usually stay with her? Are they a pair?” Riven asked in a loud whisper.

“Ew, no. It’s not like that,” Perrie scowled, dragging Riven into the room to explain the demon’s presence.

Elsie ignored them, walking Saint into the other room. It was set up similarly, but it also had a desk and a chair.

“You’ll be fine with Morgan,” she said, though his expression disagreed. “It’s just for sleeping, and we’ll only be here for a few days.”

He set his bag down with a heavy thud, staring her down. Anxiety shone in his eyes, but she refused to give in. If he couldn’t learn to get comfortable with Morgan, one of the most reasonable members of her squad, he’d never get comfortable with anyone.

“Maybe I should keep your sword with me.”

“Don’t worry, Captain, I’ll keep him in line,” Morgan offered helpfully, completely oblivious that he was making the demon’s discomfort worse.

“He’s not going to start anything. I’m going to go check out the cobbler, and then stuff my face,” Elsie told them. Saint followed her out.

“What? Where are you going?” Perrie complained.

“Shopping.”

At the cobbler’s, Elsie got herself fitted for boots and a pair of sneakers. Saint was disgusted by the idea of being touched and refused a pair for himself. When the cobbler finished her measurements, they wandered the town for a while.

There wasn’t even a wall around the perimeter to keep out predator animals. Large white dogs roamed the pastures with the livestock, keeping their sharp noses to the wind.

There was a watchtower, at least. About twenty feet high, it wouldn’t put the watchers above the canopy, but they’d be able to see as far as the treeline and across the fields. A second tower stood higher up the mountainside, among the terraced gardens and homes.

“I like it here. I wouldn’t mind living in a place like this,” Elsie said after a while.

“This place doesn’t fit your lifestyle,” Saint snorted. “You might like it for a while, but you’d get bored.”