VII

Two weeks have passed since the town massacre and the now trio are still on the move. The witch, whose name is Tatianna, woke up and has been slowly recovering. Isaac and Nyx did scare her at first but quickly realized that these strange people are her hero's so there is no need to fear them. They have been feeding and taking care of her, Nyx did heal her but only just, not wanting to give away too much of her identity. Sadly, one of Tatianna's legs had to be amputated, as an infection started to spread and it was best to cut it off, to not let it spread. For the two weeks that they traveled they had not encountered any towns or villages which certainly was odd but Tatianna explained that from her hometown nothing further was built as it was deemed to dangerous to progress. But now, Isaac can't simply find any danger, they haven't encountered anything that would be a danger. But as they started to climb they came across a couple stone structures, man made, even a few walls, but they have been abandoned long ago. The higher they climb the colder it got and for the two out of three it wasn't anything, but for Tatianna, the lack of proper clothing could pose a danger to her. 

They marched through a blizzard, continuing along a path they saw, wondering where it would lead. Staying in it for longer would mean the death of Tatianna but also they needed to reach any place soon, hiding would only slow down the cold taking a life, So they continued, clinging to each other, Isaac throwing his jacket over Tatianna to at least grant her some warmth. As the blizzard is still lasting and growing in strength, through it, in the distance, a light source breaks through. From a walk they enter a gallop, breaking through the snow, Palegrim's strange nature grants him quite a lot of strength so this tall snow is not much of a problem. As they get closer a spark of hope ignites in the trio's chest, not for him or for Nyx, but for Tatianna. They stop at a massive stone wall, in front of a heavy gate made of pure stone, engraved with runes. Isaac jumps down and starts shouting , hoping that someone would hear and his hope was put well. Soon the doors open up and are let into the confines of the wall. This fortress is inhabited by dwarves it seems and they don't take a liking to the new guests. All of them raise their weapons so Isaac pulls out both of his guns and takes aim. They have here, a standoff. 

Dwarf: What are ye' doin' here demon? 

Isaac: I ain't here looking for trouble, we are only looking for shelter. We got a girl with us that needs help, badly. 

Dwarf: What do you mean you aren't looking for trouble lad? Your kin is always up to something. 

Isaac: Well I ain't like my kin. Can we talk about this later, she really needs shelter. 

There is a long silence, but then, one steps forward. 

Dwarf: I am takin' a gamble with you, but I see the lass. Follow me. 

Isaac: Thank you. 

Isaac nods to Palegrim as he starts to walk forward, the other dwarves. They move up more steps and reach another even larger door. As it slides open they step inside, with the door closing behind them they are met with a pleasant warmth. But not from the people inside, that is for sure. They look in shock, terror, horror and anger, but also confusion. As the one they have been following takes off his helmet he speaks. 

Dwarf: Yalgrag  and Fiforlig, take that young lass somewhere warm and safe. You two, follow me. 

As Isaac helps to get Tatianna off of the horse the two dwarves maintain their distance so he places her on the ground. Then, once assured that she had been taken away him and Nyx follow after the main man so far. 

Drondik: Me name is Drondik. What is yer's? 

Isaac: My name is Isaac and this beautiful lady is my darling, Nyx. 

Drondik stops for a moment and looks at both of them then at Isaac, with a face expression that can only match that of disbelief but then sighs and continues. 

Drondik: Lad, yer standard in beauty is, strange to say the least. 

Isaac: Hey, what is that supposed to mean? 

Drondik: I am taking ye to our elder. I have taken a gamble on ye, but so far, ye sure are different. 

As they pass through a small doorway, they step into the main city and it is beautiful. Nestled in a cave, it is large and impressive. Dwarven structures somehow stick out but also blend into the interior of the cave. As they pass the many people, most dwarves but some not, probably travelers and adventurers, they get a shock of their life. They see a pale vampire looking man, a demonic maiden atop a pale horse, some scream, some gasp. They finally reach a large building after feeling like a display at an aisle. The building bares banners, soldiers patrol it. As they walk inside they are amazed, or at least Isaac is at the interior. Adorned with crystals and gold edges, the stone and interior itself look absolutely beautiful. 

Drondik: Ye three freaks stay put, don't cause any trouble. If ye do, I swear on Thok's life that I will have ye killed. 

Nyx: Please, do not fret, I assure you dwarf, we won't cause trouble. 

Drondik: Good. 

He walks away, leaving them feeling exposed. The looks of the people around them surely do paint a vivid picture of emotions. From one of the none dwarves Isaac hears something that shocks him. A human with darker skin standing next to two of his companions, ones a elven male and the other a cat folk male with black fur. 

Human: Dayum, a demonic cowboy and a freak. Now that is quite new, deserving of a freakshow.

Isaac turns to face the man that said that. He is not insulted, instead, he is shocked. The way he spoke, the mention of freakshow. There is only one place he heard such way of speaking, such words said. As the black mans eyes lock with Isaac, a sense of fear rushes through the man as he stares as the amber glowing eyes stared back at him. 

Human: W-What do you want freak? 

Isaac: You ain't from here, are you? 

Elf: What? 

Isaac doesn't respond, instead smiles. Walking forward towards the group, everyone is stiff, awaiting for the worst to happen. Nyx is also worried, as of late, Isaac has become unpredictable. 

Isaac: Names? 

Human: What the hell do you want? 

Isaac: I want your names? 

Elf: We aren't giving you our names freak?

Isaac: Very well, tell me. Does Wild West ring a bell? Or, Coca Cola? 

The group twitches at the mention of these names, staring right at Isaac who in return smiles back at them. They quickly pull out their weapons and press them against various parts of his body. He smiles, he got the reaction that he wanted, a reaction that confirmed a question he had. 

Human: Where did you hear those names?

Isaac: Good to know I ain't the only one. Hahaha. 

The group is unsure what to do. They slowly lower their weapons and watch as Isaac walks back to Nyx, laughing like a maniac. Then, from the awkward silence that followed a female voice speaks up, breaking the thick atmosphere. It coming from another elf. 

Elf girl: Hey guys, good news, we... Why are you guys so afraid? 

As she turns her attention the where they are looking she is met by two imposing figures, two monsters. But what terrifies is not her appearance, but the aura, the air that surrounds them. She is the threat assessor in her group, having the ability to see peoples aura she stands terrified. The woman, her aura gentle, soothing despite her appearance, the horses strong, that of a powerful beast and then, the mans. She almost threw up when she saw it. Normally an aura is like a flame around a person, around a being, but in him, it was a living thing. A face staring at her, tendrils outstretching of the purest darkness, she feels it on her skin, making her sick to her stomach. But what terrifies her even more is  not only the darkness, but the fact it isn't simply an aura, it is something more, something sickening. 

Elf: Sis, are you alright? 

The elf ran up to his sister, noticing her complexion growing pale. They were scared, yes, but she, she is petrified for some other reason. Whatever she is seeing is not good. The human runs up to Isaac. 

Human: What did you do to her? 

Isaac: Me? I ain't do nothing. We merely locked eyes, that is all. 

The human once more points his sword at Isaac. 

Human: Bullshit, you did something. She got sick and you did something. 

Isaac: Now, now, why don't you put down that sword? We don't want trouble here, do we? In such an establishment. 

Human: You demon, shut the fuck up. Answer me. 

Isaac tired of being pointed a blade at returns the favor and unholsters one of his revolvers and aims at the man, they stare at each other. The man nervously looks at the end of the barrel, gulping. 

Isaac: I think you know what this does. Because, I believe we come from the same place. 

Nyx: Isaac, what are you talking about? 

Isaac: Don't you worry about that dear. All that matters is that he knows what this is and so do his friends. Tell me, black man, are you all the same as you and me?

Cat boy: You said your name is Isaac? 

Isaac: Correct. 

Gin: My name is Gin. It is a pleasure to meet you, these are my friends. The dude currently pointing his sword at you is Tyler, the brother and sister are Ruven and Keya. 

Tyler: Gin, what the fuck are you doing giving him our names? 

Isaac: Well it is nice to talk to someone civilized for once. 

Gin: Can we talk, like in private, from prying eyes? 

Isaac: I would like to...

Drondik comes back. 

Drondik: Our elder wishes to meet ye. 

Isaac: Tell you what, Gin, I would love to talk to yall. Tell me where to meet later? 

Gin: The White Rats Tavern. It is a popular place. 

Isaac: A deal. 

With a nod Isaac walks towards Drondik but not before helping Nyx off of the horse. They follow after Drodnik to meet the elder, while Gin and his friends argue. Normally Gin is the quiet one, not a decision maker so his antics not only surprised the group but also angered them. Keya got better once Isaac was out of view but she could still feel the gaze not only from him but IT. Whatever he is, he is not like them, he is something bigger and far more dangerous. 


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