The Dungeon Tree

Within the town was a large makeshift kitchen with Louis working behind the counter, serving up food for those who lived in the village. Within the line, I could see Daena with a hungry expression on her face.

"It's lively here." I said.

"I'd rather a lively place to stay than a quiet one." Vylan said, guiding me towards where everyone was.

Half way towards where all the villagers were, Daena looked over in my direction and I could see a giant grin appear on her face. She quickly finished serving one of the villagers before running over to me, pushing Vylan out of the way.

"There you are, captain! I was beginning to worry about you!" Daena got close, her face only inches away from mine.

"Sorry to make you worry. I'm here now though so I'll do my best to make everything easier for you and the villagers here."

Daena smiled, "I know you will!"

The three of us walked back over to where the villagers were and took a seat, allowing for the other crew members to help serve the villagers while we discussed our knowledge and next course of action.

"So our first priority should be finding those kids. Y'know, that merchant along with John and his group." I said, leaning back a bit.

Daena shook her head, "that won't be possible just yet."

Her response caught me off guard. She was usually the one most willing to help those she didn't even know so her denying that idea was unheard of. That must've meant something here wasn't right though. The Daena I know would never act like this without reason.

"What's the hold up?" I asked, looking over at Vylan to see if he wanted to chime in.

Vylan sighed, "remember the monsters I told you about when you first woke up?"

I nodded, "what about 'em?"

"Y'see, the village here had a special ward to keep the monsters out but they ended up breaking. So we decided to stay here and defeat the monsters before going anywhere."

"Simple enough then. Point me to where the monsters are and I'll take care of each and every one of them." I got up from my seat and removed my trident from its holder.

"We're not sure where these monsters are located and it's a bad idea to head out at night. Let's wait for Reiner to return before we do anything rash, 'kay?" Vylan said, blocking me off from leaving the village.

I stared at Vylan blankly for a second before taking a deep breath and sitting back down, "good call. Since Louis is back, is Reiner here as well?"

Vylan shook his head, "not yet. He should be back soon since he was right behind Louis while heading back."

I felt a bad feeling in my stomach when I heard that. I trusted Reiner's skills but even then, a lack of information can prove deadly to anyone. Once again, I got up from my chair and readied my trident.

"I'll find him."

Vylan, realizing there was no way he could convince me to stay, let out a sigh and stood to the side. "Fine. Just don't get killed, 'kay?" Vylan grinned.

I nodded, "as if I'd let that happen. Could you point me towards where he last was sighted though?"

"Right over in that direction." Louis said, pointing southward.