Adventurer Series 3: The Daemon

Chapter 2: Revived Past

In the town, there were a whole manner of people running around carefree, some of which had the same animalistic features as me. I didn't feel like an outcast in this place, and that made me happy. I saw children playing their games, men and women alike working together or on their respective fields of work. One woman greeted another man by kissing his lips, which meant that they loved each other. I wonder if I could ever love someone and kiss them like that.

"There's the guild house." Kurtis said, pointing to a large building in the center of the town. There were many people of various kinds inside and talking to each other, similar to the other guild houses I've been to with Kurtis. When we went inside, I made sure to stay close to him, even latching onto his arm to ensure I wouldn't be separated from him again. The incident at the port tavern was a reminder of what would happen if I strayed too far from him.

"Can I help you with anything, sir?" a girl asked to Kurtis.

"Do you happen to know where Karl Cain is?" Kurtis asked.

"Let me see..." The girl opened a book and looked through the pages for a while, "No, there's no one here by that name. Are they an adventurer in another guild?"

"No, he's a Hunter." Kurtis replied.

"Oh! Then you'll want to talk to the Hunter's guild just across from here."

We all turned around to see another guild house just across the town center. It was smaller than the one we were in.

Kurtis gave his thanks and we all exited the adventurer's guild to make our way to the Hunter's guild. My heart was racing with worry as we walked.

"Kurtis, shouldn't we do something about...me?" I asked. The memory of being captured for ransom still lingered. If five Hunters were difficult for Kurtis to fight, he would not survive a whole guild of them, and I did not want to lose him.

"You're right. A contract like you would get a lot of attention." Kurtis said. His solution was to pull up the hood from my cloak. It covered my ears and obscured my face. I pulled my tail inwards so that no one could see it peek out. It was a suitable disguise.

Upon entering the guild house, I could feel the stares of the other Hunters. My heart was rushing, but I had to stay calm so I wouldn't expose myself. Kurtis approached another girl at a counter and spoke to her.

"I'm looking for someone." Kurtis said.

"Bounties are on the board in the back." The girl said, pointing in a direction.

"I'm looking for a Hunter named Karl."

Kurtis' statement got the attention of the rest of the Hunters in the guild. I was frightened at the sudden attention we were all getting; almost as if Kurtis had said something he should not have.

"Are you after his bounty too?" The girl asked.

Kurtis' face flashed with surprise before he changed it back to one of indifference, "No, I'm...looking for his services."

"Well...provided he survives, you should find him somewhere in the Red Light district. Some other Hunters went after him."

"Thank you." Kurtis said, giving a quick nod of his head before leaving.

Outside the guild house, I started to breathe heavily to calm myself down. The whole experience made my heart feels as if it would burst out of my chest.

"Lady Prana, are you alright?" Kurtis asked in concern. He let me fall into his arms and held me up.

"I'm fine. Just...anxious, that's all."