Chapter Fourteen

Captain Alemorea yelled at the soldier that had been defeated and left the battle. He looked back at the demon and ran for an attack. Using his weapon the Captain performed a speed break which succeeded in stunning Bitey enough to slow him down for the fight.

Bitey was taken by surprise at the captain using such tactics, maybe the man was afraid of him. Bitey took both is swords and aimed for the last Soldier. With both flying through the air he made contact. The Soldier quivered before slumping, then got up. "Sorry Captain, I have to run!" He disappeared from the battle.

Holding both swords at the ready, Bitey watched the captain. Captain? This human is lucky to be able to speak, much less show the aptitude of a captain. And now pulling this dirty trick, a true sign of desperation He almost laughed at the preposterous human. "Now, human, this is between us, just as it should be. Just as it would have been if you weren't such a sniveling coward. Pay attention and try to keep up. My time is very valuable, and I regret spending it with the likes of you."

The captain yelled loudly for his soldiers to return, but to no avail they were gone. The captain looked at Bitey and held his great sword tightly just waiting to dig it into the flesh of this demon. "Now you will die hellish being and your memory will be lost forever." The captain ran forward an brough the sword down onto the imp with a successful hit.

Bitey growled in anger as he lifted his two swords and with a mighty swing of both he was able to make his mark on the Captain's body. The Captain took a few steps back as the hits had made him aware that this beast was more adept with the swords then he thought.

The gash was fairly deep. This human's blind, berserk rage was making him a more dangerous foe than he would have been otherwise. "Those look painful, human. Do you need to sit down? Take a rest, if you like. I'll let you have a moment to collect yourself... you need it badly." Focusing on his own wounds, Bitey again willed them to heal. {Thank you, Celestial Being.}

The Captain wiped the blood of his wound on his clothes and gritted his teeth in anger. Rushing forward he took hacks at the small imp who was able to fend off every single one. The captain moved back into position feeling the pain of his wound, but not willing to give up.

Bitey was able to deflect the hits for his life was on the line. Using his magic he chanted his spell and thanked the higher powers for granting him his power and little green sparkle lights covered his body.

Giving a sad head shake, Bitey prepared to attack. "A good lesson to learn from that is to take mercy when offered, especially when one is so badly overmatched. All your struggling has just weakened you further. Look at yourself! Pathetic!" Bitey looked the man over. He was using anger to give him strength, but the cost was control. As the anger turns to fear, he may become even more reckless. On the alert, Bitey looked for an opening in the human's defenses.

"Hold you tongue demon, I will not give into your trickery." He lifts his sword. "Taste steel!" Captain Alemorea comes in for a slash at Bitey's body. The hit really took the wind out of Bitey as the human seemed to have gotten a lucky hit. The captain stood back at the ready and laughed.

Bitey spitting up a little blood would not let the human take another shot so easily. With both weapons in hand Bitey approached with calculated precision about where this swords would go. With two swings that were much faster then the human could defend Bitey was successful in hitting his victim. The captain cried out in pain as one of the blades pierced the muscle of his left arm and left a very large blood stain.

"Why heed my words when you can remain a fool and get cut to ribbons at the same time? How very human." He watched the bleeding, winded captain with interest. I really have to find out what this demon word means. This minion seems to throw it around like it has some significance. Sufficiently bored with the human's tiresome arrogance, he drew up blades and stood ready. "Another question: would you prefer a clean and relatively honorable death, or would you rather be left a broken shell to return to you dark master in failure? Each has its merits..."

The captain paid little attention to the words of the imp. He was not so much concerned with the creature as he was with his wounds now. Inside he hurt, he knew he was bleeding as he felt the warm liquid run it's way down his body. He gritted his teeth and blinked to refocus and block the pain out. With his weapon out he looked to get another hit. With a direct charge the captain stopped just before the imp and started to weave his sword through the air, each time deflected by the creature's skill. The captain does not give up and they connect swords time and time again, each one taking steps forwards and backward and each time blocking the hit until the captain moves back to his original position.

Bitey wanted to wipe his brow as the sweat dripped from his face. The human was skilled, but his anger and arrogance would be his downfall. Bitey had both weapons in hand and clanged them together in anticipation. Bitey started to run directly towards the captain and arched himself to the right, flanking the soldier, starting to deal a serious of blows that threw the captain off guard.

The captain was beaten, he looked at the creature that had now returned to his spot. "You!" He pointed to Bitey. "It is you that I was put on this earth to destroy-" The captain coughed up blood as he bent over on the ground. Standing up he wipes his mouth and runs towards his horse. Jumping on his two soldier friends come around. "I will not forget this defeat hell spawn, and next we meet, things will be very different." The captain reigned his horse in and took off down the road.

The little boy that had been accosted was left standing throwing stones at the soldiers as they left. The woman was crying for help, Bitey heard the call.

That human was too skilled at running away to stop him. "Goodbye Captain! Tell your dark masters Sir Bitey sent you!" Grabbing up the captain's hastily discarded goods, Bitey turned to hear the cry of distress. At this rate, he'd have to save half the countryside before he'd ever get to Bertosh. Taking stock of the situation, he hesitated, then put the swords away. "Excuse me, Miss, but I seem to have arrived in the nick of time. I am Sir Bitey, Knight of the True Kingdom, Emissary of the Imp Queen. How may I be of assistance?"

The woman is looking down at her feet crying, the little boy has now run up beside Bitey and is looking at the woman as well.

"Do not cry mommy, he's here to help us." The little boy looks back at Bitey and smiles. "Did you see how he fought those men mommy? Did you see his power?"

The woman did not look up until Bitey was close enough and when she did Bitey immediately saw what she was. Her fair skin, her soft limber fingers, and her pointed ears, their tips poking out from her hair.

"Sir Bitey, please help me." The woman is crying. "My husband, he's-" The woman sniffles and wipes her hair back. "My husband is badly hurt, over here." She runs to the end of the wagon and points inside. "Help me get him out please."

The little boy runs over to his mother and jumps in the wagon calling for his father.

"Stay calm, miss. Let me assess the situation." Bitey advanced on the wagon. What did the Dark Ones want with this wagon? It must be of some importance, or they wanted another wagon... The thought seemed chilling. He cautiously climbed in, looking inside.

It seemed like a regular large sized wagon. This family was probably nomadic as the inside was full of belongings. Bitey had heard of humans who did not have a home. They simply wandered the earth moving from city to city, kingdom to kingdom in a random way that even Bitey was afraid to understand. Then again, humans seemed so random, never really knowing what they were doing, but doing for the sake of doing.

The sound of a man groaning brought you back to reality as you climb in cautious not to disturb anything. Since the cloud cover had blanketed the sky there was little to no light inside. Luckily Bitey was an imp, his vision was not too hampered by the lack of light, but he was not sure if the being inside would be able to see him. Just then there is movement behind a small blanket and Bitey sees that a human head is leaning against a chest of clothes.

"Help-" The human says as he turns to see the shadow coming towards him. He seems to flinch as Bitey moves in closer, probably expecting to be hit again. The welts, bruises and open cut on his face tell a story of hard hitting and abuse. Bitey places his hands on the body and chants the Cure spell. The green sparkles appear and fall upon the body. The human gasps for air and rapidly takes his breath, as if learning how to breathe all over again. Standing up the man rolls over and crawls to the edge of the wagon. The woman cries in joy as she runs up and hugs the man, whose face is somewhat distorted from the hits. The boy also runs up shouting for his father. Bitey stands up and jumps down from the covered wagon.

"Thank you friendly creature Bitey, you saved my father." The little boy ran up to hug the warrior. The woman wiped tears from her eyes and smiled.

"Yes thank you so much." She stood up and kissed the imp on his cap. "I was sure those soldiers were going to kill him. I was sure of it."

Bitey was curious what a group of travelers were doing out here being harrassed by soldiers from Camea. Just what was Captain Alemorea up to?

Impatient to be off, it was still important to gather whatever intelligence could be salvaged from these humans. They seemed to be grateful for his assistance. Gratitude? From humans? He looked to the boy and woman. "I have done what I could for your man. I should think he will be all right, but you will have to be more cautious. Dark things are about, many of them humans." He considered. "Tell me, what did the dark humans want? What did they come here to do?"

The man is now sliding himself around so as to hang his feet off the back of the wagon. Already the boy is running around to the water skin and dampening a moist cloth for his father. The wife has placed on hand on the man's face and looks back at Bitey.

"Dark Humans? I would not say they are dark humans as much as they are self rightious. Those <expletive deleted> soldiers." She looked back in the direction they had gone. "They did not approve of our union. They said it was against the laws of the Heavenly Father above. They said the mixing of races should be banned and punishable by death. That is why they beat my husband, and almost came for me." She took her hand and brushed her son's hair. "This is our son, he's a half breed we know that, but he's so smart, so happy, we know he's bound for goodness."

Bitey looked on and listened to the woman. She went on to tell him that they were orginally from the Isle of Narcci, but had come across to Port Evron to travel the continent. She said that there were strange things going on on the island with kidnappings and deaths. She said her family feared that things were getting out of hand as the island falls under a different ruling body then the main continent. She says they had passed through Camea when the darkness took over the sky and for the hours or so have been traveling towards an inn that was supposedly up ahead.

Bitey nodded as he listened, nothing struck him out of the ordinary. He had never been to the Isle of Narrci, but imps had no business crossing bodies of water, and this imp was no different.

"That Captain Alemorea only wanted to teach us a lesson by hurting my husband. Things would have turned out worse had you not come by. Thank you." The woman looked back at her husband.

"Yes thank you-" He stopped half a breath and then squinted. "What are you?" Suddenly his eyes opened up, "I know you!" He started scooting away. "I saw your kind outside of Camea, while I was driving, I saw your kind in the forests, you shot arrows at my wagon as we passed." He would have run if he could have. The woman was trying to keep the husband steady. Their son only watched on in fear.

Narrci... Evron... Alemorea... Bitey laughed heartily, startled out of his thoughts by the man's foolish outburst. "My kind?! You saw Dark Ones!" Then he shook his head, sobering. At Camea? He looked into the distance. "They are an evil we thought blotted out long ago. They are mine just as that captain is yours. Well you should fear them, but I am not your enemy and it is unwise to make one of me. I am chasing these Dark Ones to a city called Bertosh, although I am afraid they have already completed their assault. I have been delayed by their minions for some time. There are some on the road to the city that I wish to find. Can you tell me if this is the road I seek?"

"I am sorry Imp Knight. If I have offended you forgive. Under the circumstances it seems the something is going on in the world that is unknown to me. I believe we will stop at the inn for some time, so as to get off the roads. If they are as dangerous as you say then it would be wise to do so." His wife took the wet wash cloth the son was using to clean the wounds and wrung it out over the ground, the red liquid splattered across the ground, forming little pools.

"You ask for the city of Bertosh, why is that?" The wife asked. "This is indeed the road to Bertosh, I hear it's south of here on the coast. But that is if the city exists. No one has seen the city in centuries, and a supposed valley of illusions surrounds the city, as well as the waters near the city, so no one dares enter. What makes you desire to go to this city so much?" She again goes back to dabbing the wounds with the cloth.

To the side Shadow is now picking at the ground as the little boy starts to approach it, probably never having seen a chocobo before.

"Excellent! I am sorry, as much as I might wish to extend further diplomacy to the Isle of Narrci, I have no time to discuss. My friend and I must set out once more. I thank you for the valuable information." He advanced on Shadow, warking a greeting to him. Stopping to peer curiously at the boy and his mother, he asked, "Do you know the man Los? Do all of your kind come from the Isle of Narrci?"

Bitey had already placed his hand on Shadow when he turned to look back at the woman. Asking his question the woman looked at him oddly. She looked similar to Los, but maybe it was just coincidence.

"I don't know what you mean? What type are you talking about?" The woman went back to washing her husband's face while she looked back at him. "We on the Isle of Narrci are varied in culture and race. Long ago the island was used as a mining center for mithril. The nobles of that island enslaved many people and dragged them miles across continents to mine the mountains and underground caves. When the rebellions occurred the nobles were killed and the people flourished and lived their lives as they saw fit. That lasted for only a few decades when suddenly the need for law and order arose. A strong family took over the island and over time they forgot their roots and they turned on all of us. Many of us live in poverty on the island, scrapping together whatever life we can. Others have fled the island for the mainland in order to find a better life." She kissed her husband's forehead. "So do all my kind come from Narrci? No."

Bitey was so caught up with the story that he did not see the young boy come behind Shadow. Suddenly with a loud "WARK!", Shadow jumped up into the air and started squawking loudly. The boy ran back to his mother with a feather in his hand. "I only touched it mother, I swear." Shadow gurgled and squawked in the wagon's direction.

Bitey gave Shadow a pat, "It's all right fellow, I'm sure the lad meant no harm." He gave the boy a reproving look, "Best ask before you take something off of someone else's person." He laughed, "Especially when what you take is firmly attached. You wouldn't like it if someone plucked you bald, so be mindful." He muttered to Shadow, soothingly. Shadow cooed and WARKED under Bitey's touch. The boy nodded in understanding as Bitey lightly admonished him. The woman smiled and the husband called the boy over.

When the bird had calmed, Bitey mounted up. These are... Elves... He studied the woman and her child once more. It would take some pondering to understand this situation, later. "Farewell, elf woman. It would be wise to stay clear of Dark Ones, and probably humans of Camea as well. Be wary. Let's be off, Shadow!"

Bitey jumped on Shadow and bid the the family farewell. After a short run and lunge the chocobo was off into the air. The family below waved goodbye and Bitey turned his bird south. The woman had said to follow the road and Bertosh would be on it. Bitey hoped Bertosh still stood there, because if not, he did not know where else to look for his group.

A few hours had passed and Shadow was starting to wark a little more then usual, it seemed that maybe it was time for a rest. Bitey was a little hungry, but he could wait if need be. Up ahead there was a blinding flash of white light and a mysterious fog that seemed to come from the ground. Something odd indeed. Just below was a building, somewhat large, possibly a home, but with the wagons outside it seemed quite possibly an inn, if there were that many people. He could stop for awhile, or he could keep going, hoping that Shadow would make it.

"Shadow, you need a rest. Perhaps there is food below. As far as we are from Camea, we may find less dark presence here." Bitey looked at the wagons hopefully. They had covered much ground; chances were good that the others would be here if they weren't accosted on the road. "Down fellow!"

On the ground, Bitey checked Shadow over. "You are hungry no doubt. We will have to see what kind of provisions are available here." He looked at the sorry state of his gear. He hadn't had a chance to re-outfit and repair gear in some time. This is shameful. It's little wonder the humans attack on site. Even if they weren't evil, I would not blame them. Checking everything over, he walked toward the building, leading Shadow. He stopped near the wagons, hoping to see something familiar. Nothing. They would likely be inside anyway. "I hope you can stomach human food, my friend."

He realized his assumption was correct. The building was indeed some sort of inn, or maybe last resort so far away from the city. Inside could be heard the raucus sounds of people drinking, laughing, and dancing. The sounds of the harp and dulcimer broke the drunken noises from time to time before they were again over run with the sounds of yelling and cursing. It was typical of humans to gather for drunk fests. Bitey never could see how humans survived so long especially with their lifestyle.

Looking back at Shadow he signaled for the bird to remain outside, as it would look odd for a chocobo to be inside the building, and he did not need the trouble. Turning back around he entered the doorway.

Inside the stale smell of beer and vomit hit him hard. Bringing the back of his arm to his nose he found it amazing how these humans can fester in such dwellings. A few in the corner had one of the barmaids on the table with her dress above her waist, while the men had their way, roaming their hands across her undergarments. A lound crash startled the men as one of them fell to the floor, his head bleeding from a gash to the temple. The barmaid sat up, with tears in her eyes and ran off hoping to make it to the back room. The others only laughed. Near him most of the patrons had their back to him as they hooted and hollered in tune with the song the bards were playing. Bitey recognized a few of the notes as he had heard them in some inn so long ago. The song was called "The Inn of the Desert." The men sang out of tune with the bards, but they did not seem to care.

The bartender was wiping glasses clean with his already grease stained apron, it seemed futile to clean them, but it seemed as if he had done it forever. Bitey made a note not to accept a drink from the glasses. He walked over, and because of his stature, few noticed he had even walked in. Unknowing to Bitey two men in the dark corner of the inn did see him and he had their attention.

Walking to the bar, the bartender looks down at the imp and then starts to laugh. A few at the bar look over and they too start laughing, but then a woman's scream takes their attention off the imp as they see a barmaid whose top had been ripped off running to the back. Bitey could not believe that humans treated their female counterparts as such. Still he needed gear, and some repairs.

"What can I do for you little man?" The bartender laughed again as if his own joke were the funniest thing he had ever heard.

Casting a suspicious glance around the room and not seeing anything remotely similar to the group he was looking for, Bitey had the impression this was not the place to be. He really didn't want to have his back exposed in this room for long. "I am in need of provisions and supplies for myself and my mount. What do you have for purchase at this... establishment." It was probably a good idea to maintain a low profile.

The bartender/innkeeper laughed heartedly not thinking this this small person could afford what he had to offer.

I wonder how these humans came by these exceptional goods. Certainly these can spare me the repair time and efforts. Bitey cast his glance around the room again. Still nothing that out of the ordinary for humans, but it made him uneasy, these unwashed creatures and their shenanigans. "Let us conduct our business away from prying eyes."

He carefully measured the value of the goods. The human probably had means to repair and resell his armor at a tidy profit. But it is... my armor. A personal requisition. Shaking the thoughts away, he knew it was no time for sentiment. Not when duty was concerned and he had no further use for it. "I think you will find my armor to be of exceptional quality, if battle-worn, and I will provide the rest of the sums for what I choose." He then picked out silver items, two blades, gauntlets, and a suit of mail.

"The total is how much!?" he choked. It looks like I will have to pass up browsing these other peculiar items. I should also count these coins... "You are sure? Even with the value of my armor?" A short mental calculation told him what his trade-in was worth--not very much. He smirked as he began counting out the coins. It was going to be a while. Primitive barter-based monetary system... It was probably one of the most annoying traits of a subspecies.

A thought occurred to him. "Say, do you have any need for... wolf hides?" He displayed the pelts to the man. "Some wolves that tried to make a meal of my mount and myself left these behind."

As Bitey was counting the coins the innkeeper's mouth watered. He wondered how this small creature had come across so much money. Surely he robbed it from someone, but who was he to judge, as long as the money lined his pocket.

CLINK CLINK CLINK...was the sounds as Bitey paid the man over a thousand gold pieces as he had asked. In return the innkeeper was passing what Bitey had purchased and in return Bitey transferred over the items he had sold. The innkeeper grabbed the gauntlets and looked at them, they seemed in good standing, and probably could be melted down and refitted.

"Is there anything else I can do for you?" The innkeeper asked as if hoping Bitey would buy more. He heard the question about wolf pelts. "Well I would be willing to buy them for about a hundred and fifty apiece, provided they are good quality." The innkeeper awaited to see the pelts.

From the corner two of the men had already moved from their seats while the others watched. Unseen by Bitey, who was focused on getting good deals with his purchases, the two men started to walk closer to Bitey.

Bitey tossed the pelts before the man. "Is there a mirror here?" He held up a gauntlet and observed his reflection in it. If only there were time for a thorough cleaning. Still observing his reflection, he said, "After I have obtained the provisions I seek, perhaps I will browse the goods again. It is always wise to be prepared. Now, what sort of supplies do you have?"

The innkeeper laughs. "Mirror? Mirror? What do you think we are a woman's salon?" His hearty laugh had attracted the attention of some of the patrons and they too started laughing. The innkeeper started to mimic what Bitey would do if he were to be in front of a mirror. "Do I look good? I wonder if this color suits me?" Using a feminine voice he turned and placed his hands on his hips making a mockery of Bitey's simple question. The innkeeper could see the visible annoyance on the creature's face. "No we don't have a mirror," he answered with more seriousness. "Besides, do you think there is one that would be able to stand the look of that mug of yours?" He looked closer at Bitey, not sure exactly what the creature was.

Some of the patrons were still laughing at the thought of the innkeeper mocking the customer. A few of them were back to seeking the bottom of their mug.

"Hurry up, hurry up, my customers don't serve themselves," the innkeeper urged impatiently.

Bitey perused the list at his leisure as the innkeeper kept his eyes on the unusual customer. Suddenly Bitey had the urge to turn around. He saw nothing out of the ordinary. There are still people stumbling around claiming to be dancing. A few patrons at the tables eating and drinking. He turned back to the parchment, looking around nonchalantly. His instinct was telling him there was more than just drunken revelry going on here.

He locked eyes with the human, confused by his slang, but also irked by the man's feeble attempts at humor. "Hm. Well, if I have the mug, then you must have taken the barrel... or a few. You would do well to serve your customers a little more and yourself a little less. I will take this Pendant, the Eyedrops, a room, and whatever supplies the rest of the pelt money will purchase. Include carrots, should you have them. Have it sent up to the room. Our business is concluded." Bitey stood impatiently, giving the human a "scoot" motion with his hands, while watching the room out of the corners of his eyes.

The innkeeper looked at Bitey as if he had just seen a ghost. "Listen here you-" He was cut off as Bitey listed what he would purchase and then started to shoo him away as he requested a room along with it's key. The innkeeper grumbled under his breath as he went back for the items.

Returning he tossed the Star Pendant to Bitey as well as some eyedrops. "The room you want will be 60gp a night. If there is night anymore," he said looking up as if to see the dark clouds that now covered the sky.

Bitey ordered that the food and supplies be delivered to his room. The innkeeper gave Bitey the key and told him to go to room 315, and that the stairs were around the corner from the bar. Bitey took the key and took his newly purchased armor with him. Still the eyes watched him as he turned the corner to go up the stairs to his room.

Walking up the stairs to the second level the hallway was noticably darker then the tavern was. Stopping briefly on the second floor the sounds of laughter still found their way up to this floor.

He continued walking up to the third floor and here things are more quiet. As it is the top floor the stairs came to an abrupt end and turned down a hallway. There were a few derelicts in the hallway, probably too passed out to actually make it to their room. Hefting the weight of his new belongings onto his back he started to step over the few passed out bodies on the floor. Looking up occasionally to read the numbers on the doors.

When it seemed safe, Bitey rushed to the room. He quickly shut the door and set about preparing for travel. Taking the room in, he took a peek out the window. Quite a distance down, good thing I'm not afraid of heights. Not yet, anyway.

First things first, getting the odor out was a necessity. The window flies open and a cool breeze blows in. The dark sky made the world permanently stuck in night. How could those humans below carry on like they are when the fate of the world seems to hang in the balance? He could see Shadow down below still safe and alone with the horses. He put on the armor and tested the blades for weight and balance. Not bad at all. He plucked his book from his pack and sat down to read. Now to wait and see what comes.

Just as Bitey is starting to get sleepy, there was a knock at the door. When no one answers at the first knock there is a repeated second and third knock.

"Sir, I have what you requested from the innkeeper, if you would please, open up so that I may return to my duties." The voice on the other end of the door was soft, not as harsh as that of the innkeeper.

On alert, Bitey opened the door and eyed the delivery boy. "Very well, lad, bring it in." He looked over the goods. "Bring them in and leave them." Jingling the coins he still had remaining, he tossed some to the human when the task was completed. He made a show of yawning. "Now, I am tired and have no wish to be disturbed." He eyed the food, picking up some of the meat to test it out. He waited for the human to leave.

Hurridly he starts to make a makeshift imp with the supplies to fool any intruders. He placed the makeshift imp onto the bed and covered it up, and topped it off with the hat. Deciding that enough was enough he went ahead and started moving things into the closet, making himself a small pallet on the floor.

Inside he shut the door behind him just a hair so he could go to sleep and be awake in time to see if something was happening. As he sat down he noticed the impressive work he had done with the mock imp.

Scratching his head, Bitey peeked out into the room. He shook his head. Humans could still be unpredictable at times. If they were so interested in sneaking, why would they stop when they had an easy target? They may know they were marked. Or wish to remain in an easily defensible place. Still, it was much more intelligence then they had shown in the past, and remarkable restraint to resist their greedy natures. No matter, simply another lesson in the capricious nature of humans. He crept from the closet, walking to the bed to retrieve his cap but leaving the effigy, still curious if anyone cared to come into the bedroom. After spending so much money, it was certain that the human need for greed would have overpowered them and they would have been ransacking the room by now. Still as he repacked he was grateful that nothing had happened. Better nothing then something.

Suddenly he heard a chittering sound. He looked to the doorknob, but it's not turning, and then heard the sound again. Looking around for anything, something making that noise, but he saw nothing. He looked at his supplies and something started to crawl out. It looks like a small lizard with spider legs, but he was not sure what it was.

It moved across the floor and starts to move toward him. It was only a few inches long, and about ten inches tall, big for a lizard, but just another pest in the room of humans. It stopped just short of the bed and turned around. He saw that its body was orange, very vibrant on its back, and when it turned it made something like a screech. A bag started to move, something was inside. There was a large incision made into the bag from the inside and out rolled all the oranges, but they were not oranges. As they were rolling they uncurled and now there were dozens of small lizard insects in the bedroom.

With a flash, blades were drawn. It looked like the human's equipment would have their first trial. This was an even more cowardly move than he might have expected, but thievery and sabotage did often go hand in hand. He hewed the first of the orange beetle lizards, glad he hadn't sampled one of them.