I was a little surprised that everyone kept up with my fast pace with no problems, obviously they had a good amount of training behind them already, but I would make them better, but for now that would have to wait, I had friends in danger.

There were no problems reaching the village, in fact it was a little too quiet. I had been worried about running into the ones Queen Daz had been concerned about.

I sniffed the air, searching for the usual sweetness when I came this way before, but instead I caught the slight scent of burning, had something happened.

My new unit followed without a word. I felt their eyes on me, a strange nervousness came over me as I realised, they would rely mainly on me for information, strategies and well most things. I gulped, glanced back at them, they were all looking at me.

“Just keep going master,” whispered Raziel.

“Right.” I nodded. “The village isn’t too far from here; from the scent they have already been attacked.” I continued to move forward. “Just stay quiet. I will approach first.” They said nothing.

I headed onwards, deeper into the forest, further as the sun began to set, we reached the outskirts of the village.

I noticed some of the areas they harvested were more barren than usual, I wanted to investigate, but with the fading light it would have made it difficult.

“Stop right there!” I heard someone shout at me. I held my hands up, using Larana to send my scent further into the village. “Fang.” He showed himself.

“Raoul.” I put on a smile.

“Is that really you.” He came closer, looking me over. “You’ve grown since the last I saw you.” He patted me on the back.

“I haven’t grown that much.” I rubbed my head nervously.

Raoul glanced behind me. “I’m presuming the others are friends of yours.”

“They are my personal unit,” I explained, signally them forward.

“Well then, they are more than welcome here,” he smiled, encouraging us to follow. “So, what brings such a distinguished knight of Cathopia.”

“Queen Daz had concerns about random attacks brought on by the darkness. I have been sent to investigate and stop them if I can,” I informed.

“Queen Daz worries too much,” sighed Raoul. “But she has a right to do so.”

“Raoul,” I said his name in wonder.

“We’ll talk tomorrow at daybreak where I can show you, for now rest and let us enjoy your visit.”

“Alright.” I wasn’t going to argue, seeing would show me what was really happening.

Everyone in the village welcomed me with smiles, it almost felt like I had returned home for the first time.

“Hey Fang.”

“Come to forage with us again?”

“Looking good Fang.”

They were all calling out to me, but I noticed there was a strange fear in their eyes. I glanced at my unit as the Pardus were investigating them. “I want you guys to keep this place a secret.” They all nodded in unison.

Raoul showed us to the hut we would be staying in, from there we enjoyed a small feast, then a beautiful performance by the female dances of the tribe.

“See one you fancy Fang,” joked Raoul, who sat next to me throughout the entire event.

I shook my head. “Too busy for that.”

“Oh,” he laughed. “Perhaps your heart already belongs to another.” I looked away from him as Tigra crept into my mind. “I am right, care to tell, young warrior of Cathopia.”

“I’d rather not,” I glanced at the flames. “I am here on official business.”

“You must never forget Fang, to take a breath, breathe in the atmosphere as you might miss something.” Raoul patted me on the back. “Nothing will happen this night, enjoy yourself.”

I sighed, noticing Edge letting lose, dancing with the females, Kiba and Rex were enjoying the food. Finn was right at home as he originated from here. Lin just sat by the fire. Ibiki on the other hand was on guard, keeping an eye on everything.

I relaxed a little but signalled to Raziel to check out the area just to be on the safe side; to my relief he found nothing.

As the feast came to a close, we settled in the hut. I was concerned for Lin, sharing a hut with us guys, but she thought nothing of it, just changed in front of us and went straight to bed.

Most of us were shocked, looking in all sorts of directions to avoid looking at her, but she seemed to enjoy teasing us all. I was certain I saw a grin upon her face as she tugged herself into bed.

After that little bit of excitement, everyone went to sleep.

I stared at the ceiling of the hut thinking about what troubles they could be having, would it be related to the herbs or perhaps King Alton, I mean Dumah, sending someone to attack the village for not cooperating again.

“Sleep master,” snarled Raziel. I glanced at him. “Rest is required to face new challenges.” I let out a sigh before allowing myself to drift off to sleep.