Watching the bird hybrid beastkind like a hawk. Bastian clenching his teeth, letting out a growl that the stranger blatantly ignored while approaching the wagon. His brick wall posture grew spikes. His aggression climbed like stairs, with each step taken the higher Bastian’s rage got. Building into a wavering tower taller than the trees, hearing the beastkind slighting Elizabeth, caused its collapse.

The movement was swift. A life becoming no more than prey, was immediately struck upon. Claws digging into their flesh and fangs sinking into their neck until the body was limp. Fortunately, Bastian wasn’t as starved as the stray cat with the plump bird stuck in its jaws. The other birds clamored, as they retreated into the skies. While the black cat, with a twinkle in his eye, scampered off with his catch. Bastian stomped the ground and blocked the beastkind from getting inside, or any closer to the wagon. Stopping himself from shoving the stranger backward, grabbing them by their neck or gutting them with the blade still tightly held.

“I won’t be spoken to like that, nor will I let my partner be besmirched by the likes of a stranger who doesn’t take heed to someone’s warning.” Bastian spoke in a matter of fact tone. “How do you know what I’m after, and how do you know their related at all? You have five minutes to explain yourself before we leave...” Bastian glanced back at Elizabeth, holding his gasp in, not realizing she hadn’t finished dressing yet. Shifting his eyes away, gulping and clearing his throat, his tail briefly swished back and forth. Bastian didn’t smell magic and couldn’t sense a threatening aura. Half turning his body around. “Bringing someone else along is a decision I won’t make lightly nor alone.”

“Would you be uncomfortable with someone else coming with us to the city?” Bastian asked her with a much softer tone.

The beastkind shrugged. "I will not apologize for saying what I think. My words don't seem to bother your companion as much as they do you." He commented. He chuckled when the other man got uncomfortable about seeing the woman naked. He had never thought of nakedness as a big thing. Sure humans showed more that beastkind but it was the same basic form. Well sort of. He was curious about their relationship but decided it was none of his business.

"As for how I know my problem is connected to yours? That is simply. I caught the scent of your young while tracking my own. While that doesn't mean the people that have my son have your young they are heading in the same direction. Atleast for now. I have an idea where the people that are taking my son are headed. But if you do not want my aid I will continue alone." he answered.

Liz looked up at Bastian when he asked her if she would be ok with the stranger joining them. She didn't understand why he asked. He didn't need to. Still she appreciated his thoughtfulness. She gave him a smile. "If you think he can help I think we should let him travel with us. Atleast until his own search takes him in a different direction it couldn't hurt." She couldn't think of a way it would be a problem.

Like a self aware wooden hammer, he once heard in a folk tale. Bastian couldn’t nail down anything down. Knowing he wasn’t intimidating to the stranger and any further attempts to penetrate through the stranger’s wall, would only lead to splinters of information. One already stuck into his heart, that he couldn’t pull out, or ignore.

Bastian lightly shook his head at the stranger. Rubbing his forehead and letting out a sigh. Forgoing his posturing and walking away from the wagon. Collecting his dirty clothes and leather straps that lied behind the bush. Brushing off specks of dirt and grass from the straps and putting them on underneath his robes, sheathing his sword. Returning to the wagon, with the slightest frown and arms crossed.

“I have no interests in your secrets. But since you sought my assistance. I expect you to respect me and my belongings, if you expect to step foot in my wagon.” Bastian stated. He paused, starting to rub his nose. “That includes her and disrespecting her is like mocking a warrior’s steed or steel. Any further disparaging remarks will be met with me making you do cartwheels. Am I clear?”

Avoiding eye contact, he climbed aboard the wagon. Sitting down and taking hold of the reins, waiting for the stranger to head inside. His heart thumping, rubbing the ache sunken deep into chest, biting his lip. “How old is your son?” He asked in a more empathic tone. “Assuming there's truth that someone in this city had abducted his son. I could get some credible information out of this question...if only I could lie to myself that, that was my intention.” He thought.

"I am not seeking your assistance Bastian." the beastkind corrected. "I know where the slavers are going. At least the ones who have my son. I stopped here because the thieves' guild told me that there was another beastkind who's children had been taken. I figured I would off you what knowledge I could. But if you don't want my aide I understand. I am a stranger. You have no reason to trust me."

Liz climbed into the wagon. It was larger than the other. Which meant there would be more space for supplies and things. She didn't think the unusual beastkind would be joining them. She wondered if he truly knew more about the kidnappers than they did. It was possible. Slavery wasn't controlled as well as it should be. It wasn't uncommon for people who weren't criminals to end up as slaves. Especially children with no protector.

The winged beastkind flapped his massive wings. "My son Sam was taken about a month ago. I had trusted him into the care of someone that I thought I could trust while I took care of a family emergency. I was wrong." The beastkind shook his head. Liz could almost feel his sadness. She was almost sure that He was telling the truth. But she understood Bastian's hesitation. There was no way to know if this man was telling the truth.

Bastian’s eyes glared forward, ears pointed in the opposite direction. Leaned forward with the reins held tightly in his grasp. Only sounds of clopping and the breeze messing with his hair. Racing down the stretched cobblestone road, like he was trying to avoid getting stabbed in the back. Catching a glance, passing a wooden sign confirming their cities direction. Wrapping one paw around the hilt of his blade, tapping his cold against the cold steel. Looking over his shoulder.

“Not that I’ll ever understand the inner workings of a criminal organization. But I was under the impression they don't meddle in affairs that weren't akin to their specific interests. The only reason these assassins aided me, was because I had personal connections with one of their members. My father must have had substantial connections, that he must’ve been unaware of. Plus, I know my friend likely shared this information on account of his own personal animosity towards those I’m hunting. Maybe it was because he helped me look after them once, when I was deathly ill. So given all that, I won’t waste time questioning it. Especially, if it helps saving my family.” He paused to catch his breath.

“But how does any of that relate to you or your child? And how’d you know my name when nobody's given it? Assuming the assassins guild sent you, explaining how you found us in such an obscure area, quick enough to intervene before we had even stepped in our wagon. I know enough to know the assassin's guild doesn't divulge specific names to anybody or use their real names in conversation. They're all given nicknames and even then only use them sparingly. They don't even give names of their targets either, to help disconnect with their targets. Because names are too intimate." Bastian kept making the horses go faster. Hitting a bump in the road, shaking the wagon.

"So, if you’re somebody working for the guild. I want you to spill your guts, before I do it for you. Because having a cold blooded killer around us, greatly increases our risk for dangerous conflict. Or you one of my father’s many relationships that I heard about and never once witnessed helping him while the curse broke his sanity down? While I don’t doubt your own son’s peril. If I think you aren’t being completely honest and lead us to grave consequences. I won’t hesitate to hurl you off the wagon, head first.”

The wagon had became a courtroom. Bastian playing judge, jury and executioner. His paw gripping the blade, waiting for his prisoner's possible last words...

The beastkind gave Bastian a sad smile. "I understand the workings of this criminal organization. I have been part of it since I was a cub. You are right usually they don't get involved with things that don't involve their specific interests. But I have alot of connects and alot of people owe my debts or favors. Even with that getting information on you and your situation was hard. But i thought it was worth the time and effort. Clearly I was wrong."

The odd beastkind flapped his wings. "I don't know if my son's kidnapping has anything to do with your children. But I thought it was worth the time to find out. I will make up the time some how. I hope you and you human succeed in finding your kids." He stepped away from the wagon.

Liz sighed as she watched the other fly away. She didn't blame Bastian for being wary. But she feared they may have lost a lead. Still she could be wrong. Maybe Bastian knew who had taken his children. Or atleast where they had been taken. She settled into the middle of the wagon now that there was no reason to be towards the front

A glimpse of surprise faded away, the beastkind flew, disappearing from sight. Looking straight into the bright sun. Blinking, Bastian turned forward. Feeling the breeze easing up, like his posture, sinking back into his seat. The horses halted their gallop, provoking a serene silence.

The wagons contents stayed intact within their containers, shifting very little from their original positions. The road ahead hadn’t changed. Beginning to pass farmland, tall fences surrounded endless colorful seas of grain, tomatoes and corn stocks. Catching a pungent smell of roadkill, his nostrils twitched, rubbing his nose until it stopped tingling.

“Avoiding unnecessary stops, we should make it before nightfall. If we’re lucky they’ll be present by the time we arrive...I didn’t-” Cutting his thoughts off. He looked down and held his necklace in his paw for minutes, clenching it and speaking up.

“Do you think I was being unfair?” Bastian asked. “I thought I only did what was necessary to keep you safe…but I've been screwing that up too haven't I?”

Interrupted by Bastian’s stomach rumbling. He sighed. “There’s some smoked fish and mutton inside the barrels in front of you...feel free to eat whatever’s inside the barrels. Could you hand me a mutton chop?”

Liz was surprised by Bastian's question. She hesitated not sure that she wanted to answer. "I can't say that I understand your actions. You accepted everything the woman in the cave told you even though it made no sense to me. I guess that she played by some sort of rules I don't understand." She told him honestly. They were playing a game she had no experience in. She wasn't the best person to be advising him.

"From the little I understood with your conversation with the other beastkind, you didn't trust what he said because he didn't play by the rules like the woman did." Liz shrugged. She didn't think it was fair but he knew more about these people than she did. "I think that the other beastkind could have been more help than the woman was. But what is done is done. It is too late to know if he had any information you can use." She would have allowed him to stay atleast until they knew if he had information that they could use. But that wasn't her decision and it was too late to worry about it. If the other beastkind had information they would never know it. It was a missed opportunity. All she could do was hope that they didn't regret it.

Liz reached into the barrel that Bastian indicated held the food. She preferred that her meat be hot but supposed that didn't matter to someone who was part animal. She pulled out a chop and handed him one.

Bastian silently listened to Elizabeth. Maintaining the same reserved look. Attempting to ignore his famished stomach growling, like a Cerberus from the jaws of hell, and the cravings of gnawing his arm off. Unconsciously licking and biting his lips.

“I cannot say I’ve always understood my actions. But, I’m usually right in the end…” Bastian uttered while rubbing the back of his neck, then scratching his shoulder. Quickly inhaling and letting out a brief sigh. Pausing for a few seconds...“I wasn’t given much of a choice to turn around, after the entrance closed behind us.”

Bastian smiled showing his upper teeth. “If his circumstances were genuine, and fate wishes we work together. Our paths will intertwine. Perhaps, we’ll see each other when we’re finally into town. Until then, let’s promise to be prepared for anything.” Clenching the reins and turning around, noticing pillars of smoke coming from the skies. So close to town, Bastian could literally smell it.

With a squeaking creak, the barrel opened up. The smell that followed was pungent and smoky, like sticking your face near a bonfire and inhaling. His twitching nose knew the pleasant aroma coming from the spiced mutton. Making Bastian’s mouth water. Grabbing it by the bone.

“Thank you.” He said. Opening his maw wide and sunk his fangs into the thick meat, bloody juice squirting onto his tongue, cramming the mutton inside and trying to remind himself to properly chew, and with his mouth closed. The seasoning only enhancing, the bliss expressed through Bastian’s smile. “This is so good…”

Liz shook her head. "No. I don't think so. Sometimes fate only gives you one chance." Liz told him sadly. She didn't believe in fate or destiny. Yes some things happened for a reason but not everything. She refused to hope that things would change. She accepted that She had only so much control but she wouldn't give up the little she had.

She took one of the fish and picked at it. She was hungry and knew that she had to keep up her strength. But she was worried about all the things she didn't understand. She wanted to help Bastian but How could she if he didn't listen to her? She was worried that she was just making this harder for him. So far she had been nothing but a burden. She wanted to do more. She felt like she should. She had never felt like she had a purpose before so she didn't know what to do about it. All she could do was give Bastian her best.

“Well, if my father’s old stories are anything to go by. We’ll be in a more welcoming atmosphere. Ironic, that the town supposedly filled with soldiers, would be kinder to strangers than the city with frequent tourism.” Bastian thought, swallowing the last bite. Finishing their meals and closing distance toward their destination. “But I’ll still be cautious. I know there’s discrimination, and much worse, where we’re heading…”

The wagon approached the front entrance gate. Bastian stared at the several smoke stacks, spewing out above the solid stone walls. Smelling the smelted iron and bronze. Crossing over the bridge. Bastions, barricades and belfry’s, far as the eye could see, unable to peer past the width and depth of what loomed in front of them. Two guards in leather garb, armed with polearms, pointing in their direction. Bastian’s grip on the reigns tightened, like his throat. Slowing the wagon to a complete stop, fifteen feet away.

“Pay or Permission?!” The guard hollered, his speech reminiscent of a braying jackass. Blinking, taking time to articulate an answer, interrupted with the polearm slamming the ground. “You deaf beast?! Pay or Permission?!”

“Excuse me, but doesn’t this town permit access to all lawful strangers?” Bastian asked, jumping down from the wagon, stepping forward and placing his paws on his horse. Met with the second guard’s smug smile, spitting something off to the side.

“Yeah, we also enforce the laws of our city. Requiring every non-citizen to pay a toll, which grants them permission to use our resources and benefit from our protection. Unless given strict permission to override that payment, by our king. So, pay us or we’ll have to turn you around.” The guard said while chewing off and spitting out his fingernail. Bastian stroked the horse’s mane, managing to remain calm and avoid staring in disbelief.

“This sounds like extortion to me. Aren’t soldiers supposed to be honorable?” Bastian uttered, scratching his chest. The first one let out a hearty laugh.

“Lippy little bastard, aren’t ya?” The first guard scoffed. Twirling his polearm around in circles, seemingly to show off its maneuverability. The second guard giving him a steely look, causing him to cease his actions.

“This ain’t a shakedown, beast. It’s our newest city policy." The second guard responded candidly, glancing in Elizabeth’s direction. "That goes for you too miss.”

Liz watched Bastian interact with the guards. It was clear that this was unusual. She had never been here but even she thought that there was something like this situation. She had never heard of a town charging a tac to get in. But when the guard explained why they were doing it. The problem was that she had nothing to offer them. They should know that. While she had a collar on. So what did they hope to get out of this.

"I can't pay your toll. I am a slave." She indicated to the collar that she was required to wear. She didn't know what they would do if Bastian refused to pay the toll. She supposed they could find shelter elsewhere. But she had the feeling that it was more than shelter that he was looking for here. So she would just have to wait and see.

Giving a suspicious glare, his other paw resting on his hip. Tapping a claw against the hilt of his blade. The guards shifted into more defensive stances, anticipating a fight. He glanced up, spotting vultures flying overhead and circling above one the buildings. A halo of the dead. Hearing the shrill squawks gathering for the feast. He didn’t waste time arguing, reaching into his coin purse while sighing. Sounds of heavy coins shuffling between his paw.

“...How much?” Bastian answered in a defeated tone. The second guard responded by pointing to an opened barrel among several sealed ones grouped nearby. Bastian blinked and turned his attention to a cloaked figure approaching the barrel and dropping in two silver pieces. He hadn’t even sensed the figure’s presence, despite being a mere lunge away. The doors making a wretched squeak as the figure stepped through. Bastian plodded over to the barrel brimming with silver, tossing the coins inside. A distinct smell assaulted his nostrils and lingered. Feeling a sudden cold shiver tingling the hairs on the back of his neck. Bastian rubbed underneath his nose before climbing up into his seat. He clenched the reins and started leading the wagon inside. The guards both went aside, the gate doors opening wide. The first guard gazed at Elizabeth, his impish grin spoke clearer than words could convey. As the gate closed behind them, finally entering the city.

“Hey! Horses and wagons go in here!” Called out by a stocky boar beastkind adorned in armor. Finding themselves among a dozen blacksmiths using crafting tables, leather racks and forges on their porches outside their homes. A massive crowd surrounded stalls selling a sundry of armor and weapons. Causing a ruckus. Shouting too many things at once, making it impossible to decipher without sharp ears. Seeing far more beastkind than he expected. Watching one wrestling with a human, both muscle-bound. The beastkind grappled the man, lifting them off the ground. Then slammed them down onto the stone road, displaying their differences in power. Not a single sentinel was in sight.

The beastkind stomped on the man’s back, flattening his attempt to stand back up. Curb-stomping the human and breaking off two of their teeth. Spitting out the blood oozing from their mouth. “You win, I give...” The man uttered, looking up at the beastkind. But it was clear the beastkind wasn’t finished. Bastian couldn’t overlook this, leaping down from the wagon and striding forward. Being ineffectually shouted down by the boar for ignoring him. The beastkind noticed Bastian, immediately lifting his hands in a stopping motion. Taking a few steps away from the injured man, enough for the man to flee inside the nearest shop.

“Relax. He incited the conflict, claiming beastkind were barbarians. Far too mentally deficient to fight and that tactics, only humans are capable of, win battles. So I tested him.” The beastkind explained, speaking in a righteous tone. Bastian scowled at the beastkind, but turned back. He glared at the boar, returning to the wagon.

“My horses and wagon better safe, if either get even a single scratch, I’ll have your head.” Bastian warned heading inside toward the stables. The boar smiled.

“Fret naught, we beastkind must stick together.” The boar replied being chummy. Bastian sighed, hopping down after he stationed the wagon.

“Forgive my rudeness.” Bastian apologized, sounding calmer. “What exactly is going on in this city?”

“Why, you’re amidst an ongoing revolution my friend.” The boar answered. “Thanks to advancements. Revolutions no longer take lifetimes to succeed…” Bastian listened while helping Elizabeth down. “Though, if you plan to stay long I’d suggest not going to the north side of town. Most places still disallow our kind to enter and strictly enforces those laws...”

“Is that the purpose of the new tolls? Funding this ‘ongoing revolution’?” Bastian questioned, crossing his arms. The boar firmly nodded. Bastian began rubbing his chin.

“That’s what I figured. It’s clear something big is unfolding, unbeknownst to the neighboring cities. I haven’t heard a single murmur about this...but I’m not here to concern myself with politics.” Bastian thought taking Elizabeth’s hand. “I wanted to confirm something, follow me and keep close.”

Liz watched as Bastian paid their toll. She had mixed feelings about it but there wasn't anything she could do about it. She had no possessions of her own. Hopeful the money he lost could replaced somehow. She hated that she was costing him so much while doing so little. While their were laws that kept the beastkind out of certain places the beastkind had more rights than she did. Which was fair considering she was a convicted murderer.

Once the wagon was parked Liz moved towards the back to get out. She paused to look around. She had never seen so many beastkind in her life. In a way it scared her but she knew Bastian wouldn't allow anyone to hurt her. Unless he wanted to. Her owner still confused her. She doubt that would change. He was too different from her. In some ways he was like her father.

Liz had barely stepped out of the wagon when Bastian took her hand. She had little choice but to hurry after him. She swallowed nervously wondering what would happen next. She had to hope that Bastian knew what he was doing. If he didn't they might never get his children back.

Bastian lead Elizabeth outside the stables. Scowling after a moment of preparation, walking toward the marketplace. The place filled with silent chattering, sneers and boisterous laughter. Many beastkind twisted their necks, nearly snapping them off. Glancing at Bastian coming from behind, glaring daggers. Penetrating through the large crowd until spotting the face-down human corpse amidst the assembled. The dressed-up and deceased aristocrat approached by several guards with heads hung low. Helmets covered their identities. Unlike dogs, they didn’t need tails tucked between their legs to display their trembling bones. Picking the body off the ground and hurling it into an empty wheelbarrow.

“Lotta good your precious wealth and fashion sense did ya!” An armored beastkind called out in a gravelly voice, east of Bastian and loud enough for Elizabeth to hear. Bastian shielded his twitching nose with his paw, the familiar pungent scent lingered. Gently squeezing her hand and taking them into an dead-end alley. Resting his paws onto her shoulders, sighing and removing the feigned fury from his face.

“Here’s the plan.” Bastian confided gazing into her eyes. “The northern building that I cannot access, with the vultures circling overhead. It’s a gambling ring. That’s where you’ll locate my target that’s connected with the kidnappers. She’s nicknamed ‘The Bladed Beauty’, known only by the flayed flesh from her clientele. Rumored to be the best at altering one’s entire appearance. Including herself, which is why pictures of her or my kidnappers are likely worthless. Find her, gain her trust and trick her into leaving the premises.” His tone was firm, giving her a concerned look. “Given the circumstances with the ongoing beastkind insurrection, you’ll actually be safer there than around here. But I’m still asking to put yourself in danger for my sake. Please be careful, I don’t want you to get yourself killed.”

He stepped back, dropping his arms to his side. Briefly looking elsewhere and clearing his throat. “I’m going to track the cloaked figure who entered the city before us. I’m certain they murdered that nobleman at the marketplace. But I’m probably being baited into a trap. Their wearing a strong and unique smelling cologne, which is preposterous for an assassin. Unless they wanted to be found. Every beastkind could smell that a mile away. The other explanation is that their working with the beastkind, alerting them to aide and allow them to kill select targets…but if I ignore it. I willingly risk others lives...I have enough eating at my conscious." He said staring at his blade while muttering his last words, clenching his paws.

Liz looked around things were anything but peaceful. She admitted, atleast to herself that going inside sounded like a good idea. Even if it was a gambling place. She had never been in a place like that scared her but she had made a promise and she would do her best to keep it. She had no idea how to find this bladed beauty. Bastian clearly didn't either. She didn't think that finding someone who was known to chance appearances was going to be easy. But right now it was the only lead they had.

She nodded. She didn't like that Bastian was going to trail the figure. Especially since he thought it was a trap. She agreed that it probably was. It was one of those obvious set ups. Still she sort of understood why he wanted to follow the figure. He didn't have many leads on who stole his children or why. She thought about the other beastkind who had tried to help them. He seemed to know alot more than they did. But it was too late to follow that lead.

"I'll try to find her." Liz promised. She wanted to tell Bastian to be careful. Not that he would listen. She took a deep breath before heading towards the building her had pointed out. While she technically was allowed in the building it was unusual for woman to go into gambling establishments. Especially woman like her. She looked around wondering if the bladed beauty even looked like a woman. There was no reason to assume she would so Liz decided to walk around and check out the people in the building before decided the best way to find the woman she was looking for.

The wealth disparity of the northern city couldn’t be reflected any clearer than seeing windows with golden furnishings. Mansions with opened doors and gates three times her height, but without a soul in sight. Far from silent, Elizabeth heard music and merriment from the building with vultures perched on its roof. The temperature had been rising, the brightness of the sun bare down upon her. Even the weather felt foreboding...

Going through the entrance, the stench of alcohol coming from those getting their glasses filled by the bar wrenches. Noticing crowds gathering beside the immaculate fireplace, listening to the bard playing on his pan flute. Further observation would witness the cards and coins littering all the tables. Weapons, trinkets and jewelry exchanged and dished out among them. Folks picking their teeth or stabbing rapidly between their fingers with a dagger. She hadn’t seen a single violent act or an angry face. Though it wasn’t reassuring, with armed and imposing strangers in every corner. Suddenly, a woman made direct eye contact with Elizabeth and smiled at her. Dressed in a vibrant red, with matching necklace and earrings. Glistening like a lighthouse from the shores, standing out from the surrounding men. A beacon drawing attention towards her. Beckoning Elizabeth closer with a finger.

---

Standing amidst the shambles in a shaman’s tent, time berating his presence. The feeling of swallowing a knife. Another stabbing victim, their pupils screaming a lifetime of regret, lying in a crimson pool. His neck sweltered from the growing heat. Clutching his necklace as dull pain cut inside his chest. He called out to a fleeting glimpse of the figure ascending to the rooftops of the western buildings. Bastian huffed for oxygen, hearing an inaudible whisper. Shutting his eyes and clenching his fists tighter. Focusing, as the necklace glimmered.

“Get him…” The tone of those words suggested it wasn’t a mere suggestion. Repeating the phrase ad-nauseam, becoming more hostile. Bastian bolted forward through the stretch of stone road. Passing many one story buildings and lunging into the air. He grabbed onto a ladder attached to a building’s wall, climbing up to the rooftop. The blackness erupting from the chimney, clouded the sky. The smell of smelting metal, didn’t obscure the figure’s fragrance. Continuing to run and leap across rooftops, lacking any visual traces. As if he was following their ghost. Civilians below witnessing Bastian’s blur moving above their homes. They gathered in a circle in the town square. The populace green with envy and spread like weeds among the city, protesting the encroaching beastkind movement.

He leaped down into a distant alleyway far from the rioting crowds, landing on all fours. Looking up at the monstrous smile beneath their hood. The wolf wearing sheep’s clothing, claws hidden in the cloak.

“Alright, you’ve worn me out. What exactly do you need?” He uttered speaking cordially. Bastian stood upright, catching his breath.

“I wanted to ask you the same question...Why are you killing these people? Why would you have such a strong perfume, if you didn’t want to be caught by someone like me?” Bastian asked, the figure answered with a snort.

“The world doesn’t revolve around you.” He quipped. “This isn’t perfume. Nor did I purposefully spill it on my clothes. Accidents happen when you’re dealing with volatile chemicals, and you’re a little klutzy.” He answered sprinkled with sardonicism. Bastian remained silent, causing the beastkind to continue. “If you haven’t been told to stay away from the north. Might I suggest, not to drink the water either? I can imagine the scent would already be appalling. The physickers are out of commission, so they won’t have anything for the inevitable tummy-ache.”

“Why? What does starting a war accomplish?” Bastian asked. The beastkind changed his posture, shaking his head.

“That’s a stupid question.” He sneered. “I can tell you know nothing. But no one’s foolish enough to come here without a purpose. You must be aware of the corruption and criminals plaguing this city for a decade now...” Bastian blank stare, had plenty to say about his absence of knowledge. Or at least, how bad it was… “You came to find somebody right? Blackmailing you? Killed your siblings? Kidnapped your children?” Bastian eyes darted down from rapid-fire inquiries, hearing sounds of shuffling parchment. The beastkind scoffed, rushing up to Bastian and shoving a crumpled-up paper into his paw. Bastian smoothed the paper out, eyes widened. Seeing “The Bladed Beauty’s” real name, Scarlett Wild. Making note of a distinguishing birthmark at the back of her neck, cursed and forever unconcealed with her best magic.

“How fortunate that we crossed paths then. She happened to be my last target. She’s a vile monster, who has others do the crimes against our kind. Aiding the worst scum of the earth to live a blessed life, while the corpses rot under the ground. Better hurry and find your kids before she buries them herself.” He murmured with urgency, back to back. “Unless you plan on playing hero, and trying to stop me from doing what needs to be done...”

Bastian snarled a bit, turned around. “I’ve never claimed to be a hero…” Leaving his pursuit behind for a new desire burning like his blood. He sought the target Elizabeth had been sent to find, fully aware that bloodshed would soon follow...only hoping he wouldn’t be too late.

Liz looked around the room uncertainly. She was used to upper class, if a little shady, places like this. This wasn't the first time in a gambling establishment but it was the first time she had been in one alone. She knew she stood out like a sore thumb but there wasn't anything she could do about that. She had a job to do. There weren't as many people as she feared. Which was good since she wasn't used to being around so many people at once. She took a deep breath gathering her courage.

As she started to move around the room Liz noticed a woman surrounded by men. The woman was attracting. Too much attention. The woman was like a siren. That couldnt be the beauty Liz thought. Someone who could change their, and others appearance, would be someone who didnt want to be found easily. Even someone inexperienced as she was knew if you wanted to hid you needed to attract as little attention as possible.

When the woman beckoned her, Liz's frown deepened. The action made her uncomfortable. She wasnt trying to draw attention to gerself. Hell she had barely walked into the room. This had set up written all over it. Nothing in Liz's limited experience had been this easy. Still she had to start somewhere and the would take several people out at once.

Liz still had no idea how she was supposed to find this beauty. The woman hide from bounty hunters surely she was smarter than the sheltered daughter of a doctor. Still other people found the bladed beauty to have her change their appearance so it wasnt impossible she just needed to figure out how they found her without announcing that she was looking for her. Liz took another deep breath and gathered her courage and headed towards the woman.

A crowd clapped along to the tune of another song. Played by strings, without words they sing. The bar wrenches blew out each candle, putting back what had been knocked off the mantel. The men watched Elizabeth approach and stay, all falling silent. The woman shooed the drunk away ones away, all being compliant. Turning to the man dressed in fur, firmly nodding to her. He shuffled a deck of cards, the entrance and her exit blocked by guards. The men exchanged whispers followed by snickers. But Elizabeth couldn’t decipher what they were saying. The woman then folded her hands, like she was praying. Receiving the first two cards given out. She covered her face, masking the briefest pout. Dealing the other hands much faster, Elizabeth and the ten men received their cards shortly after. The dealer stood by his treasure stack, tossing Elizabeth a filled coin sack. Elizabeth felt a reassuring touch from behind, inexplicably giving her peace of mind. Seeing a plain young maiden wearing white, hair dark as the night. The maiden smiles at the woman, then departs. Elizabeth’s hand was a six and seven of hearts. The starting bet was already set...

“I hope you know how to play.” The woman finally spoke up, eyes fixated on Elizabeth. "Come on boys, you know we don't have all day."

Liz was surprised when she was dealt into the game. It was very very unusual. First she had rarely seen woman allowed to play the games. Of course the only one she had been had been for the upper class. Maybe things were different in to lower classes. Although Liz didn't think so. From her time in jail she had seen that the lower class men tended to be even more anti woman than the upper class ones.

But she had also learned that limits like sex and social standing could be overcome. The fact that this woman was playing with the men and hadn't felt the need to ask their permission to add another woman to the game meant something. But she wasn't sure what. She wished she was more experienced. She doubted that she could help Bastian the way he thought she could. He apparently thought she was a knowledgeable criminal instead of a naive girl.

Liz shook her head. She didn't touch the cards. There was something going on her and she wasn't going to get involved. She had to find the Bladed Beauty. And there was no way someone who was hiding from bounty hunters would be so obvious. As someone who had once been wanted for a crime Liz knew that when you were hiding you had to keep a low profile. "I don't know how to play. I didn't come here to learn."