Hazel was polishing and sharpening his sword when Jason and Maya got back to a camp the others had set up on the outskirts of town. The innkeeper had found out what they were planning and told them in no uncertain terms that if they were going to be “poking the bear,” they would not be welcome anywhere near the townsfolk.
Jason had a few choice words with the town as they departed. He made it very clear that them sitting around waiting to die at the fangs of a bunch of undead was the worst decision they could’ve made. Maya hardly ever saw him let his anger fly out of him like that, and it was exciting. He looked so full of life and energy as he told them all off.
“Did you finish whatever project you needed to work on?” Hazel asked.
Jason nodded. “I took a little longer than I had anticipated, but I’m ready now. How’s Grum? I know he was having issues with the idea of cutting down so many branches.”
“Lilith and he took some time to do a bit more scouting. He said something about asking the animals for advice. I have no idea what that means, but they should be back before sundown.” Hazel took a second look at Maya and saw something else in her eyes. “Is there something the two of you would like to announce?”
Jason looked at Maya, and she shrugged. “If you’re asking why she’s looking at me like that, she usually is like that for the rest of the day after we have sex. Something about it makes her feel more alive and connected to the person she did it with. She’ll be back to her normal self by the time she wakes up tomorrow.”
Hazel’s stunned expression was a surprise to Jason. He never understood why people insisted on being surprised when he spoke frankly about his sexual relationship with Maya.
“Don’t worry, golden boy,” Maya said. She used Lilith’s nickname, but her tone was much more playful and less scornful. “This isn’t the first time this has happened. Jason only pretends to be as emotionless as his automatons. Deep down, he really is as passionate as anyone can be.”
“Passion can be a useful tool if directed in a constructive way. Otherwise, if left to its own devices, it’s a chaotic and unpredictable force,” Jason said evenly.
Maya gestured like a trouper presenting the finale of a stage show. It was expansive and over-exaggerated, which made Hazel laugh. Jason tried to maintain an indignant grimace, but his façade cracked when he saw Maya smiling. The three shared a long, enthusiastic laugh while their two companions returned to the camp.
Maya ran up and hugged a surprised Lilith. After a moment, Lilith hugged her back and the two embraced for the space of three slow, deep breaths. When they started to pull away, they were brought back together by Grum as he initiated his own bone crushing hug. Maya let out a small sound somewhere between a squeak of surprise and a squeal of delight.
When Grum released his companions, Maya was giggling. Lilith for her part was rubbing her chest and shoulders, trying to get some feeling back into them. “I had never realized how strong you were Grum. Is it because you’re an orc?” Lilith asked.
“Grum’s family is strong, but Grum get stronger still. Grum need to protect the earth. She helps Grum be strong, so Grum can fight for her.”
“Grum,” Jason began, “did the animals in the forest tell you anything about the mansion we don’t already know? Like how this all happened, or if there is something else that we should be concerned about?”
“Animals say there is dark shadow in the woods. Grum thinks they mean vampires, but they explain vampires came after shadow. Grum thinks shadow might’ve made vampires, but it is tough to say. Animals can be wise, but they are not smart.”
“Great, so now there are two great evils we have to contend with,” Lilith said scornfully. “This plan of yours better work your piousness.”
“It’s my plan, actually,” Jason pointed out. “Hazel helped me think of it, but if it doesn’t work, you can blame me. Otherwise, if you are going to continue on with us, I’d thank you to not antagonize anyone.”
“It’s fine, Jason. She isn’t the first person to be angry with me because of my oath. As long as she can offer us help in neutralizing this vampiric threat, whatever anger she still holds for me will just have to be a hazard of the job.”
Lilith looked mildly surprised at Hazel’s words. “And what if I betray you for my master? This might be a ploy to get in good with the vampires, so I can join them and help them feed on the townsfolk.”
“If that was your goal, then all you would have to do is tear the rose bush off the gate and fling it open. You could’ve done that at least a half dozen times since we’ve gotten here. You could’ve just come back from doing that, but you didn’t. That tells me, at least for now, you’re on our side. I don’t like demons or vampires, but if I have to use one to destroy the other, at least I can do it to protect people.”
Lilith looked at Hazel with a curious expression. “I thought your kind considered working with any of the force of evil a betrayal of your oaths.”
“Some do. Some think no good can come from things that are, by nature, evil. I believe that the gods sometimes use even evil forces to do great things. If that’s the case, why shouldn’t I follow their lead?”
“Well, that is quite the surprisingly nuanced take. Maybe following your perfectly straight teeth into battle won’t be such a waste of my time.”
“Your confidence in me is overwhelming.”