The night drew on slowly, every passing minute making my head hurt, thoughts like a snake chasing its own tail.

    Throwing the blanket off, I get up, the cold wooden floor creaking under my weight as I stretch whatever sleep had made itself home in my limbs.

    Scanning the room, for a moment I could not see Lonán in the dark, his form hidden behind his cloak that moves as he tosses and turns in the seat. Stepping over I can see the finally see the decent sized bruise that made itself home in his arm, as his once gloved hand lay bare and his sleeve scrunched up against his chest.

    Cursing myself inwardly,  I cautiously pick him up and maneuver him to the bed. Immediately his open palm searches for the corner of his cloak. Pulling it up and over his shoulders like a guard.

    Shaking my head, I grasp the blanket and throw it over him before stepping out of the room. The cold air that laced the once cheery hall slide up my spine, and sending goosebumps through my arms and legs.

    Taking the winding hall to the main entrance my eyes find the barkeep still in the same almost squatted position behind the counter, eyes closed, and arms crossed against his knees.

    Against his chest covered in a thick wool blanket was the owner, her fire-red hair scrunched up and hiding her.

    Stepping outside the night sky danced with stars, open and free, as my feet carried me over to the stable to find both horses gone.

    Confusion and agitation hit me like the blade of sword before another more sinking feeling dropped into my gut. Swiftly turning around my feet bound through the dirt and back inside. The Taverns creaking floor louder, more prominent as I hopped the stairs two at a time.

    The sound of scrapping concrete hits my senses as a hand gripped the front of my mouth.

    "Quiet..."

    Looking up the Goliath's eyes stare ahead, waiting, watching. Until finally the sickening feeling became a boulder in my chest.

    Elongated dripping limbs scrap the ground as the monster pulls itself down the hall, dark ooze trailing behind it as it rounded a corner.

    "One of our guests brought something with them..." The Goliath mumbled, releasing me from his hearty grip. "You might—"

    Bolting down the hall as quietly as I could, I keep my eyes open for the creature until the door to our room peeled into view. Heart thudding against my ribcage as the creature stops in front of it for a moment. Words, broken and distorted drop from its open maw before continuing on its way.

    Getting into the room was the easy part, waking up the mage seemed to be the ticket. Shoving him nearly off the bed as his eyes shoot open and he bolted upright.

    "He— what- what happened?" Looking around he continues voice muffled, "Why am I?"

    "We have a problem..." I breath out, stepping over to my armor. Gripping the chest a loud, shrill scream breaks the air. Curses fill my head as, I drop the chest plate, grabbing my mace and shield in its place.

    Looking back Lonán is already out of bed. Front door to the room now swinging open the pattering of feet disappearing down the hall. Gripping the shield and mace in hand, I give chase.

    Bounding down the hall the atmosphere around me suddenly feels claustrophobic, tight, as though the air in my lungs was being forced out with every step.

    At last I round the corner, hands find my chest, and the familiar long, nippy hair of Hazel stands on end before me.

    "WHAT IN THE HELL IS THAT THING?!" She exclaims, fear written all over her shaking frame as a loud shout rips from further down the hall.

    "AZAR!" Flames pour from the room ahead as dripping black ooze seems fly right into the wall.

    Placing Hazel off to the side, I rush forward shield raised and mace jutting forward to bury into the wall beside the creatures head, or what I would assume to be its head.

    "Get away from it!" Lonán shouts as flames yank me back and onto my backside. "If its not one thing its another! I swear can't we get a break!!" Lonán continues to shout as his flames lick at the creatures screeching body.

    Vaulting down the hall its body almost seems gelatinous in nature before disappearing entirely into the nearest room.

    "What in the hell is that thing?" Hazel questions almost chasing after us as I slam my shield into the closed door tearing it off its hinges.

    Within the room nothing but darkness met us, the warmth of flame only starting to die down from inside.

    Lifting her hand Hazel lets the lick of flame pull from her palm, and illuminate the room.

    "Holy shit..."