It is by my authority as High Inquisitor that I demand the traitor

  Laurian Cain be brought to the Capital. Alive, if possible,

  so that his just and full punishment can be enacted.

  -Imperial missive from High Inquisitor Viticus

  Chapter 9

  Present day

  Karis found Laurian at the city gatehouse, the dark clad hunter adorned in fresh clothes and counting silver coins from a sack that hung on his belt. Laurian seemed to have spent his bounty well, as besides the fresh garb, he was also in possession of a dark grey stallion, which was burdened with backpacks and sacks that hung on the saddle.

  “You get paid well, sir,” she said, trying to sound as meek as she could.

  A sigh escaped him. “Did my previous statements not get past your ears?” he said as he placed his wide brimmed hat on. “Or do you want compensation as well?” He threw her three silvers, the sun-eye of Qarthus on one side and a shield on the other.

  She grabbed one, but had to fish the others from the dirt. After cleaning the coinage up, she walked up to him, holding them out to return. “I wish to talk again about–”

  “I will not rethink anything.” He ripped the coins from her hands. “You have no place at my side, and that’s final.”

  Karis breathed in deep, then looked at him with pleading eyes. “I know, but–”

  “But you still deign to bother me? After you saw me slaughter near a hundred without a second thought or a moment's regret. After you saw me kill a vicious demon that was possessing some poor woman, right before cutting her head off. After I’ve repeatedly warned you–threatened you.”

  “And you were right to do so. I am naive–I know that. But given the severity of my goals, I cannot be picky about who I associate with. And you may scoff at my ambitions and my reasons, but I know deep in my heart that somehow following you will guide me to the answers I need.”

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  Laurian rolled his eyes and put his gauntleted hand on her left shoulder, its heat slight but noticeable, reminding her of the fire he could summon at any moment. “Look, I know nothing about how to rid the world of demons. I only know how to cut them up until they stop moving.”

  “The woman who told me of you said only that you would guide me to what I seek, not that you would know. I think the strictest interpretation of that would mean for me to follow you.”

  “Are you referring to that witch who could see the future?”

  Karis nodded.

  “Well, did she say anything about me wanting to be followed?” He spun around, flinging his cape into the air as he did. Then, as the city gate opened with a scream of heavy wood, he pulled at his horse’s reins, the two exiting Longton side by side.

  “I could be of service to you,” Karis said as she ran after him. “I can clean, cook, nurse your wounds, or–”

  “No.” He turned to face her, eyes aflame with anger.

  “But…you don’t understand. You see, my people, my parents, even my own little sister were slaughtered by–”

  Laurian turned to the road ahead and walked away at a brisk pace.

  Karis sighed, then lifted the wrapping around the hollow pit of her eyeless socket and plucked out the round diamond she kept within. “Catch,” she said as she threw it at him. He caught it as the diamond flew past his right ear, never even having to turn to see it.

  “I have more. Much more,” she said

  Laurian pocketed the diamond. “What do you require of me?”

  “To follow you around and…I guess see what happens. Maybe some times you might allow me to study a demon’s corpse. But I will otherwise just be in the background.”

  He turned to face her once more, walking towards Karis in slow, heavy steps. “Only if you agree to some ground rules. First: We are not allies, companions, and we are certainly not friends. Our relations will never transgress the bounds of business. Second: When I request so, you will remain silent at most times, save for any necessary communication. That is, unless I am able to avail you of some knowledge, but such will require further payment. And third: I will always prioritize my own life. As such, if you are ever in mortal danger, do not trust that I will risk myself to hoist you to safety. Oh, and fourth: Eh…you will be required to offer your cleaning and culinary services at my request. That is, if you can satisfy them.”

  “You’ve got a deal,” she held out a hand to shake, and he received it.

  The sun was descending as they left the city of Longton, the sky above painted a mix of pale orange and pink. Karis’ heart beat fast, and she felt dazed as she walked next to the man she had searched for so long, half-sure that she would wake up back in Hollowhills with both eyes and Yurina beside her. But she knew well that this was no dream. And was surer still that she was one step closer to her goal.