A REST

Adam and Ronald were outside the house where the hideout of the shadow seekers is, where the gruesome murder was done.

"Is that the house?", Asked Adam.

"Yes, captain, are you sure about going in? The scene is horrible and the smell is even worse that I couldn't stand it for a few minutes and left the scene, I still don't even know what to do with them and why even Jaxith left me a message with their hideout while all of them are dead.", Said officer Ronald.

"It's important to know the relation between that assassin and wanting to kill that girl, maybe he's the one who killed them too, there are a lot of possibilities about what happened and their connection with that girl and hunter.", Said Adam while looking at the house.

"There must be something that can give me even a simple hint about what happened, I got a strange sense that I'll find something important here.", Thought Adam while looking intensely at the house.

Officer Ronald dismounted from his horse and approached the door of the house, Adam did the same and started following him as officer Ronald slowly opened the door, the smell started filling their noses, the death aura.

Adam found that officer Ronald was a bit afraid to go in again so he decided to step in first, officer Ronald decided to go after Adam so as not to appear that he's afraid.

Adam immediately noticed the blood everywhere, the smell was intolerable and flies were everywhere with their sound clear as a bell, Adam closed his eyes for a few seconds as he was trying to comprehend the ugliness of the scene before him, he slowly opened his eyes again to see clearly the flesh scattered on the floor and walls, literally a blood bath that dried, Adam covered his mouth and nose with his arm.

"It's a strange place to be a hideout officer, don't you think it's obvious for a guild that has been a pain in the head for the town for several years?", Asked Adam calmly.

"I thought about this, captain, but maybe being at the outskirts of town made them away from sight.", Said officer Ronald.

"I doubt it, if this was the real hideout then all the house must be camouflage, the hideout must be connected to the house somehow.", Said Adam calmly while eying the surroundings well before stepping more inside the house.

"Do you mean that the hideout is hidden within the house?", Asked officer Ronald, Adam just nodded his head without even turning, he was focused on everything around him, examining paintings and clocks, trying to find any lever or mechanism, Ronald started doing like him, he wanted for all of that to end quickly as he wasn't standing the scene.

"Captain, I don't think that house is so big to contain a hideout within its walls.", Said officer Ronald as he was searching for anything like Adam who in turn completely neglected him as he walked towards the corner at the end of the hall, he slowly walked step by step while touching several noticeable things before he felt a little creak under his right foot!

"The floor isn't made from wood to creak like that.", Thought Adam while looking down.

Adam slowly raised his right foot and kneeled to look at the carpet under him.

"Maybe it's not within the house walls, but under it.", Said Adam before he left the carpet and threw it away to reveal the trapdoor to the shadow seekers hideout!

"Oh! Looks like you were right, captain.", Said officer Ronald in amazement.

"It's not closed well, as if the assassin didn't have time to properly cover it right, it should be closed better than this to avoid any creaks.", Said Adam before opening the trapdoor and an even stronger smell came out that made officer Ronald cough and go to the other side of the hall.

"I hope that you don't want to get down there, captain as I'm sure it's toxic.", Said officer Ronald while looking sick.

"Don't worry officer, I need you to go out with the horses and keep an eye outside, I'll take a quick look before I get back to you.", Said Adam calmly.

"Of course, captain.", Said officer Ronald in relief, he was happy to finally get out of this house, he even started feeling that it was haunted, he ran at once out of the house.

Adam descended down the ladder carefully in the darkness of the hideout, the sunlight wasn't reaching this area and all the fire torches weren't lighted, he finally reached the floor and turned, he was barely seeing anything so he grabbed the torch by his side, it was hanged on the wall close to the ladder, he rubbed the head of the torch twice on the floor, a spark was created before finally the torch illuminated, Adam raised the torch and started moving deep in the hideout which was clear that it was much larger than the house, a clever idea though to keep away all the intruders.

The bodies here were more than above, limbs and heads, mutilated bodies and torn furniture, it's clear for Adam now that the assassin didn't make this by his own hand.

"He must have used the black stone in his possession to summon lesser demon species to make this debauchery, and those men must have been taken by surprise.", Thought Adam.

Adam kept moving until he found an office with a man dead by its side, he was holding a sword but his neck and stomach was monstrously bitten, this man was Micheal, the man who Lance left him in charge here, the one who Irene argued with before running away from the hideout and kept regretting that she wasn't kind with him after his death, he was always afraid that she might hurt herself, Adam of course doesn't know who he is so he just passed over him and started searching the drawers of the office for any possible lead.

After a minute he found a letter that seems to be sent ten days ago, not a long time and maybe it has something to do with what happened.

Adam opened the letter and started reading what was written in.

"Dear Micheal, I hope that everything is going well as I always expect from you, especially Irene who I know is always a trouble maker and you can't stand her misbehavior, but I know that you'll be the one to guide her correctly, after all she wanted to join by herself.

Anyways, I'm writing to tell you that I'm coming in two days at most to spend some time with you my friend and also see how you're doing, even Irene.

sincerely L.L.", Said the letter, Adam thought about that deeply.

"This man clearly seems interested in that young girl, it's like he's caring about her, the date says that he should have been here eight days ago, there's no clear evidence if he's among the dead or not, unless...", Thought Adam, he started thinking about a way to detect his body.

"Before everything I need to know who is that L.L.", Thought Adam while looking deep at Micheal's body.

"Irene, wake up, sleepyhead.", Said Jaxith, they were riding Senka and the night was falling, Irene was hugging Jaxith from backward and sleeping on his back, she started opening her eyes gradually.

"Come on, girl we're nearly there.", Said Jaxith, Irene raised her head and started rubbing her eyes while yawning.

"Finally, I know you're not sleeping well lately, but you'll get over it, maybe a comfortable bed after the rough past days will help you.", Said Jaxith calmly.

"Yeah yeah, whatever, I just need a comfy bed, that's all.", Said Irene while stretching her arms.

"I'm sure that we will take a good rest here, I won't even leave until you're totally rested and ready to continue traveling, you truly deserve a rest to reveal all the past tension.", Said Jaxith.

"We shouldn't take long though, I need to see Lance quickly, the sooner we meet him the better.", Said Irene.

"Don't worry.", Said Jaxith as they were entering a village, the moon was clearly visible and the owl sounds were heard, the village was lighted by several torches at the front of the closed houses and few guards were patrolling the village, it looks like a very small village.

"You didn't tell me the name of this village, Jax.", Said Irene.

"Ebonmere.", Said Jaxith while looking around him, one of the guards was looking at them, strangers out of a small village can easily be spotted.

"Are there a specific reason you wanted to get here or it's just because you wanted us to rest.", Said Irene.

"Both of them actually, I think we need a little rest in between and also I know a friend here, a dear one.", Said Jaxith.

"Okay, so where is he?", Asked Irene as they were going through an alley.

"He's the owner of the inn in here, I'm sure that he can get us a room.", Said Jaxith, he stopped for a moment and looked at the streets, it looks like he's memorizing the place, after another moment they started moving again.

After five minutes, Jaxith and Irene dismounted from Senka and Jaxith started tying him to a tree outside.

"Stay here for a second, Senka, Jaxith will get in and find you a good place to sleep in, right, Jax?", Said Irene while patting Senka.

"Irene, he's a tough horse and can sleep in here, don't you remember that he was sleeping just like that when we're traveling?", Said Jaxith.

"We were by his side, not leaving him alone in the night while getting a warm sleep in the inn.", Said Irene while pouting, she was persistent on not leaving Senka there.

"Listen, kid, I don't think that you understand what a normal horse is capable of, and obviously a horse's feeling won't be harmed by that.", Said Jaxith seriously.

"Listen, Jax, if you won't find Senka a good place to sleep in then I'll sleep with him, right here.", Said Irene while crossing her arms and leaning back on Senka

"What?", Asked Jaxith, he started getting annoyed by Irene's childish behavior.

"You heard me.", Said Irene before Senka started licking her cheeks.

"See! He's happy that I'm looking after him.", Said Irene while hugging Senka's head.

"He doesn't understand you.", Said Jaxith.

"No he does.", Said Irene before Senka neighed quietly while looking at Jaxith.

"Now he's angry because of you.", Said Irene.

"Angry?", Said Jaxith while looking at Senka, he felt like he was in some sort of joke now, but he thought about something for a moment, is Senka actually understanding them? After Irene healed him he was acting strange and was showing much love towards Irene, did Irene make something more than just healing him?!

"Okay, you won, I'll find him a good place to sleep.", Said Jaxith calmly while looking at Irene.

"Woohoo, you won't sleep outside today, Senka.", Said Irene loudly while hugging Senka.

"Shhhhh, lower your voice, we're in a small village, people sleep here early except in the inns which is also quiet, unlike in Orstone where they stay a bit late.", Said Jaxith seriously.

"Oh, sorry.", Said Irene, Jaxith sighed.

"Now follow me.", Said Jaxith before he turned and moved towards the inn.

"Be a good boy until we come back to you.", Said Irene while rubbing Senka's ears before going after Jaxith.

The door of the inn was opened and a bell rang as an indication of someone's entrance, Jaxith and Irene stepped in, the inn was nearly empty, just a couple of people drinking quietly and a calm woman playing on a harp, the people were eying them, clearly knowing they're not inhabitants of the village, Irene noticed the eyes around her and walked faster to get close to Jaxith while looking worryingly around, they walked towards the counter where there was a man with white short hair cleaning some glasses with his back to the counter, Jaxith reached the counter and took his right hand out of his coat's pocket and put it on the counter with a little hit to get the innkeeper's attention.

"You can tell me what you want without any disturbance, I think that you're not from town to act like that, outlander.", Said the man in a calm tone.

"What if I intentionally want to miss with you, old Miller.", Said Jaxith while smiling, a few people around them noticed how Jaxith was talking to the innkeeper like that and started standing in a menacing way in order to make Jaxith stand back, Irene noticed the not friendly stares around them.

"Jax, are you sure about having friends here?", Asked Irene.

"Still want to mess with me, young man?", Said the man.

"Unless you bring me your best orange juice." Said Jaxith while smirking, the man let out a calm laugh before turning his head around, he was a man in his early fifties.

"You still drink like a child son.", Said the old man while laughing warmly.

"What can I say? Nature endowed me with citrus addiction.", Said Jaxith while smiling.

"JAXITH THE HUNTER, LONG TIME NO SEE BOY.", Shouted the man while laughing as he turned around the counter to hug Jaxith.

"Sit down boys, that man is a dear friend, whatever happens I won't forget the great favor he did me years ago, I missed you young man.", Said the man as he hugged Jaxith while patting his back.

"Me too Miller.", Said Jaxith as he patted over Miller's back too, the men around them sat back.

"More than three years and you don't come to visit, you bastard.", Said Miller angrily.

"You know the nature of my job, I rarely traverse away from Lumina, just on necessary occasions.", Said Jaxith.

"So I guess that now you're on one of these occasions, right?", Said Miller as he saw how Jaxith's clothes weren't clean and there were blood stains on his coat.

"Yeah.", Said Jaxith, Miller noticed Irene.

"The girl is with you?", Asked Miller.

"Yes, her name is Irene, Irene meet Miller, my dear friend I told you about, one of the most trustworthy persons I've ever known.", Said Jaxith before Irene stepped forward and put her hand forward to shake Miller's hand.

"Right, Mr. Miller, I-um, I'm honored to meet you.", Said Irene, Miller paused for a second as he looked at her face, he knew from her eyes that she wasn't human, but he didn't want to make things weird so he shook hands with Irene.

"And polite, I really adore polite girls, it's a pleasure meeting you, Irene.", Said Miller while smiling.

"Thank you, Mr. Miller.", Said Irene while shaking Miller's hand.

"So, how're you doing?", Asked Miller while looking at Jaxith after shaking Irene's hand.

"I'm fine, not perfect but fine.", Said Jaxith.

"Jax, Senka.", Said Irene, Jaxith looked at her and sighed.

"Hey, Miller, before we indulge in talking I've a little request.", Said Jaxith.

"Go on.", Said Miller.

After a few moments, Jaxith, Irene with Senka and Miller were outside the inn and standing in front of a wooden red double door, Miller slowly opened the door and lit the oil lamp inside the room, it looks like it's some sort of a barn.

"Here we are, this little barn is made for horses of the clients who rent rooms at the inn, come on get him in, there's even food for him there, just give him what he wants.", Said Miller.

"Okay, thank you, Mr. Miller, come on, Senka.", Said Irene as she and Senka went in.

"I don't want to cause you any trouble, Miller, but she really likes that horse and I didn't want to upset her now.", Said Jaxith.

"That's nothing, Jaxith, this time of the year is almost empty from any guests that use the rooms, and the horse is looking very good actually, that's a fine piece of a young stallion, anyways, what's the story behind that girl? I think that you didn't become some sort of a baby sitter, or did you?", Said Miller.

"That's a very long story, I don't know where to begin.", Said Jaxith.

"I'll tell you something, I'll get you juice and I'll bring myself a drink, we can talk about everything you want while Irene make the horse ready for the night and even talk inside after that, I'm sure that you need a place to crash in and a good meal too.", Said Miller.

"I'm sorry if I'm causing you any trouble but you're the only one that I can rely on in a situation like this, and actually I may need Emelia's help with something about Irene." Said Jaxith.

"Don't bother, Jax, after all you saved her and Emelia is the best thing that happened in my life, whatever I do won't be enough to repay your favor.", Said Miller while patting on Jaxith's arm.

"How is she and Mrs. Miller by the way?", Asked Jaxith.

"Emelia is fine, she's even married now, I hoped that you would have attended the marriage.", Said Miller happily.

"That's great news Miller, I'm really happy for her and you, what about Mrs.Miller?", Said Jaxith.

"Well, she passed away about two years ago, you remember how she was always sick, the last time she didn't make it.", Said Miller in a sad tone.

"Oh god, I'm sorry about that Miller, I really don't know anything about that.", Said Jaxith.

"Don't apologize, of course I know, at least she saw our only daughter get married, I still remember her tears of joy when she was dressing Emelia, anyway, I don't want to make things awkward for you, I'll go get the drinks and talk a bit while the maid get the food ready for you and Irene.", said Miller.

"Sounds like a plan.", Said Jaxith before Miller stood and walked away, Jaxith looked at Irene in the barn, she was cleaning a corner with a broom.

"This corner is warm and perfect for you Senka, just a second.", Said Irene, Jaxith smiled while looking at her.