When the dust settled, an arrow was aimed at his throat. She was staring at him, observing him, waiting for him to make a move, ready to loose the string and let her arrow fly.

He wondered. Why had she not shot him yet? At this range it would be beyond difficult for him to dodge. Under any circumstances, a meeting between a human and a demon usually resulted in a fight to the death. Yet she was waiting for him to make the first move. Curiosity gnawed at him.

"Why not just let that arrow fly? Your prey is right before you, huntress."

A sparkle of interest lit up in her eyes.

"Are you prey? You have yet to attack me, and I doubt you taste good."

He laughed, and asked:

"Then why are you here, if not to hunt prey?"

A sigh escaped her lips. "Because the kingdom wants war, and my home is located in the kingdom. If only barely."

"You do not care for your nation?"

"Why would I care for a king who doesn't care about us, until he needs warriors? Make no mistake, I am not here of my own volition."

"Did they threaten you, huntress?" he taunted her.

"Our warriors are strong, but we cannot risk everything for a battle we cannot win. We gave in, but my home still stands." Her voice was laced with determination, it would not stay this way. He could not help but admire that will.

A rough and unpleasant voice interrupted the conversation.

"What are you doing?! Shoot him!" the captain, his lavishly decorated sword pointing at the demon's chest, shouted in outrage, but she ignored the man.

Instead she lowered her bow, the arrow now no longer threatening the one standing before her.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" he chuckled.

"Why?" she asked in response, "Because you're a demon? Because he is my captain? You have done nothing but speak to me as if I were an equal, yet that man", she glared, "has threatened me more times than I care to remember. Tell me, where should I aim my arrows?"

His eyes widened in astonishment, then narrowed in amusement. Her actions pleased him, her words resonated with him. He confirmed his earlier thoughts once again, it would be such a waste for her to die here.

He put his hand on his chest and bowed his head slightly, saying:

"I am Arick Zilverhoorn, serving under lord Garm Zwart. May I know your name?"

"Jyl, the Grey Wolf", she introduced herself, "Nice to meet you, Arick Zilverhoorn."

"Now then, huntress Jyl, would you care to listen to my offer?"