Chapter 217 - Burden to carry (2/2)

The rain started to fall as if to sky knew how they were feeling. During the journey, Gary had remained silent, something that was unusual for him.

He sat hunched on his worse as the death of Berg was a heavy burden for him to carry. He truly believed he had been the cause for it all.

Eve and Mike were struggling with the decision of whether to abandon the quest altogether. Lilly had in fact given that option to them after they had just witnessed the death of someone. She even said she would still pay them.

However, the only thing she couldn't guarantee to them was a safe journey back. If the Little Pond guild was to journey back, they would continue forward meaning no one was there to protect them. In the end, the fear got the better of them and they decided it was better to stay with the current party then head back on their own.

With Berg gone, the formation had changed slightly with Lenny's suggestion. Lenny, Ray, and Ark would ride at the front. While Lilly would be surrounded by Mike and the archers and finally Gary and Jack would guard the back of the group.

Suddenly, Ray spotted something in the sky with his dragon eyes. It was Purple in colour meaning it was a minion of the shadow plague. The Beast had a long thin head with black wings.

”A Goblin Vulture.” Lenny said, ”Most likely a spy sent by the Demon man, we must get rid of it.”

”Archers it's time for you to act,” Lilly commanded.

Each of the archers readied there bow and fired arrows into the air at the creature. The arrows landed well and moments later the Vultures body fell to the ground.

”Hopefully that was the only one,” Lenny said.

But then, two more Vultures appeared this time diving straight at Ray and the others. As they came down, they stretched out their claws ready to rip the flesh of its victim. However, the birds were unable to make it even past the first line of defence.

Ray jumped from his horse and punched both of the vulture��s body out of the air and onto the ground. They had died in an instant.

”No, they were far too weak,” Lenny said. ”The worst is yet to come.”

And sure enough, a group of eight furious dogs had come out, all at the intermediate level. All though this time, the group dealt with each one swiftly and with ease.

Ray wondered if the demon man truly wished to fight him in a one on one duel or weather the Shadow plague's plan was just to wear them down.

After riding for a while longer, they had no more encounters and had finally reached the abandoned town. There were crumbled buildings and broken rocks everywhere and, in the centre, a single dried up well.

Not much was left of the town.

”Where are we meant to meet the demon man?” Mike asked.

”All that was stated was to meet in the town, nothing else,” Lenny replied.

”Look over there,” Eve said pointing at a nearby hill just at the edge of town. A dark figure stood on top.

”I do believe that is our Demon man,” Lenny said.