I turned to the next screen, they were facing a pack of wolves. Almost twice their numbers but they picked a decent and defensive position. A cove of trees that had grown close together. They increased the number of shield warriors and surrounded their spearmen.

The wolves weren’t acting as intelligent as the bear but they were working in concert. One distraction, the other attack.

Had they been against semi-defenseless troops, they would have surely culled their enemies numbers.

Sadly, the shield warriors only had to focus on defending. Their shields turn at slight angles to brush off the additional force. They leaned into the impact so their bodies only wobble back a step, which they instantly correct.

The spearmen were timing thrusting spears deep into the bodies of the wolves. Going at an automated pace that would have surely caused me some problems.

I clicked my tongue in disappointment at the few who lost their spears from jabbing too deeply and not pulling back. Or those who didn’t aim for the vitals, the eyes and throat.

I refilled my glass and laid down the forgotten book.

I began to studying them like I would targets for assassination. I had a new plan in mind. After a week of letting them explore and hunt. I would begin to assassinate them. It would be fine for them. I could bring them back since they were in my world. Ha, but it would be amusing to see how they learn to deal with me.

***

I was semi-impressed with their teamwork, their ability to divide and conquer. They were good working ants and it showed. Between bullying half magical beast with numbers and favorable conditions sought in every scenario. They also quickly compiled a defensive network that left little to fuss about.

They were in all regards, a well trained group.

Which left me puzzled? Where the fuck did he recruit these lads from? Weren’t such trained men needed on the frontline?

I mean, it didn’t honestly bother me that he took them but I was curious.

Ha, but today was the first week of their nightmare.

A black card with a flaming skull fell in front of one of their teammates. The lad bent down and picked it up. Flipping it over before bringing it back to his commander who did the exact same thing. The worst off, he left it on a table in his hut.

Haha, my stomach never hurted so much as it did when I laughed at these fools.

Night came like a brick thrown into your face. A wet fog rolls like a barrier down a hill, sweeping out of the forest into the valley.

There was a hint of rosemary on the air. A salty taste had one tried licking the wind. A chill pervaded many huts, fighting for dominance with the fire in each home. Playing tug of war with the blankets wrapped around their liege.

Perimeters guards walked with heavy footsteps and even heavier breaths, blended with the fog in front of them. Their torches only provide light for tens of paces around them. It was like a dome of sacred light amongst the despairing dark.

Sadly, it did not stop me from walking in like a wraith. I didn’t even have to count the shifting guards, take out the alert guards, or even teleport in.

I could walk in like a ghost. Right on past a man pissing in a bucket right outside his home. Past the sound of skin clapping and moans captured by the wind and fog. Right up to my prey who was meditating in grim silences.

To my prey who didn’t notice an additional person sharing their warmth. Not until a cold, wet blade pierce their chest and slit their throat did they wake from their natural sleep to stare in wide eyed horror. Their fingers latching onto their neck, trying to stem the flow.

The blade twisted in my hand. My prey’s face twisted and scrunched up. Eyes protruding like a pair of eight balls. I dropped the flaming skull onto my prey’s cold body. Their eyes watched me as I left, and I left with parting words.

“Death is a friend to us all, but sometimes it comes uninvited like cold winter’s breath.”

I sat with my prey inside a warm castle. Food spread around us. Filling the dining hall with a glorious smell that left my stomach bubbling for attention. The soft crackles of the fire light was the only other sound that reached our ears. Well, that and my smacking of lips as I enjoyed a succulent banquet.

“I don’t understand. I-i d-died.” he stammered.

I shrugged and wiped my lips. This wasn’t the first time he repeated this line of thought. It wouldn’t be the last time.

“Of course you did. Now eat up.” I chuckled, returning to my meal like a ravishing bear.

He glanced at his hands, touched his neck, and chest for the upteenth time. It was growing tiresome but he must have caught my darkening look. For he grabbed a fork and began shoving food into his mouth.

The questions and worries never once left his eyes, but it was fine.

He was alive.

That was all that mattered.

Right?