Ugly Inc : Chapter 4 : Tine Paths
Crow tried to sit patiently while waiting for the rest to be ready, but it was hard. One, because she was not looking forward to going back to the manor. She was not a monster hunter or a paladin... some fool knight of the church with a bloodlust for abyssal spawn. She was working folk. Sure, there was fighting and some killing (too much lately), but it was all shine and barter. Not dark magic and rotting souls.
The other reason she found it hard to sit still was her new armor. It had been ready for pick-up this morning, and it seemed like she might need it. fool! you don't take a long flight with new wings... . She should have worn it for a few days during normal activities and light training. But the child-like voice in the back of her head screamed for every layer of protection she could get... and this time, she listened.
It was light, and moved smoothly. It just didn't feel right, and it just added to that tingle at the base of her spine.
When she could stand it no longer, and the sun was about an hour from its zenith, she gathered the crew around her in the back.
"We go here to save one of us, not lose more. Yes? Temple, he will know what we need, so we keep our eyes open, and wits sharp. Kray, he will give us a warning if there are the risen dead in the manor. Each of you take one of these when we arrive. Sliver links shimmered over long arms as she handed out a little bottle to each of the crew, saving one for herself. "This will help you against any poisons we might encounter. I would also take one of the anti-virals Temple was offering, if you have one. The threats in there could be of any variety, and it is best to be protected."
Crow laid out the rest of the "plan", as it was. They would not be able to sneak in, not the seven of them. And sneaking had not helped the buglers that the house had consumed in the last two seasons. Best to stay together and expect that whatever was inside could not be hidden from, only avoided or overpowered. No, they would take the front door. Search together, and watch each other's backs.
Once the questions and suggestions were discussed, Crow led the group out of the Den, and into another.