Penumbral

Chapter 21: Harpies' Nest

Alexander paced back and forth in front of Danlioden, the bard followed him with only his eyes.

-Dan this is important, I need to talk with them- The Council man spoke with an unnerved tone.

The bard grinned widely and started counting.

-3... 2... 1-

The duo came out from one of the doors in the upper floor, Alimur was fully armored and finished strapping his sword and Jorn's skull to his back while he complained about another nightmare to his friend, Aurora listened intently and gave him reassurance, once the duo reached the last step of the ladder the Human questioned Dan.

-Dan do you know where they sell bigger tents?... Oh Alexander sir what are you doing here?-

-I was relaxing with a drink when Danlioden told me you two were gonna deal with the Harpies today, so I wanted to talk-

-Debriefing?- Aurora asked with curiosity.

-Yes- Alexander answered in a now calm manner.

-Always wanted to use that word- The Demi-Human chimed in happily.

-Well, the Harpies are led by Frederick Artac and his ten wives, he has fifty daughters and a lust for combat, all of them are considered to have decent training, they harassed various caravans over the years and are now trying to expand further inland, their "nest" is a cave on top of the Hyl Plateau, it is up to you two on how you want to deal with them, as I suggested yesterday the preference is for a negotiations... but if that doesn't work you are free to kill- The Council man spoke with a seriously dreadful tone.

-Got it, we'll just buy a bigger tent and head there- Alimur responded in a calm tone alongside a nod.

-Right beside the Guild there's a store that sells that sort of equipment- Danlioden answered the Human's first question while pointing to his right side.

-Exit through the Darkan district... and good luck- Alexander commanded in a serious tone but cracked a smile once he saw Aurora saluting him.

The duo exited the Guild and entered the small shop beside it, they were greeted by the Human shopkeeper, various camping equipment hanged from the walls, the two sold their old tents and campfire kit then bought a larger grey one and alongside it they also got a new campfire kit with retractable skewers, a pot, two bowls and a metal grate with retractable support, they leave the store and head towards the celeryuso to the Darkan district, they get comfortable in the empty cabin as it was early in the morning.

The scenery passed by quickly but it could still be seen in all its beauty, a meld of stone and wood formed magnificent two storey buildings and equally breathtaking cozy homes, architecture was flamboyant and contained at the same time, beautiful and simple, Darkans of all shapes roamed about, their black skin contrasting with the fair skinned horned Demi-Humans alongside Humans, their black tails swung from side to side close to synchrony, Aurora observed in awe and Alimur smirked as he could only imagine her reaction once they visit Grimacreage.

A few minutes pass and the duo is outside the city walls, they look at the plateau in the distance and began making their way there, holding hands they calmly walk, their objective wasn't far and the time they had is used to plan ahead.

-I can simply fly us up there-

-Hmm... the Harpies would take notice and attack us-

-Aren't we going there to talk? Sneaking in would just make them less cooperative-

-You're right... but we can't risk being attacked in the air-

The duo continues discussing their approach for a few more minutes before a screech is heard from above.