Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

The guide that had been working with Mar'Eeyen and the elf archer, Helena, stared daggers at Lucius. It was not an unfamiliar situation. Many people despised him, but it was somewhat troubling that this behavior was something he would have to put up with in the depths of the dungeon.

Unfortunately, Lucius had little choice. The other two adventurers insisted on working with the man, Berk, or they would not continue with a partnership. According to them, the man was the best of the best. Rumors around town that Natali had gathered verified those claims as well. Several stories were relayed to him about how the guide had ventured the deepest into the Demon's Stomach than any other and was one of only a few survivors from that trek.

"What do you know about the dungeon?" The man himself sighed and ran his fingers through his shaggy, brown hair. Berk was completely disheveled, but that did nothing to hide the presence of confidence that only the most skilled at their craft exuded.

"Nothing really." Lucius answered honestly. "Other than the basics that monsters and beasts magically appear at regular intervals. Some floors possess creatures stronger than normal. Finally, these creatures dissipate on death while sometimes leaving behind magical stones, items, or rare ingredients."

"Aye, that's true." Berk nodded. "Most important part is that floors one through ten are always the same. Floor eleven and on? It shifts. No maps. No stability."

"Then why have a guide? Why don't you just sell maps of the first ten floors and call it a day?"

Berk cracked a cocky grin. "The floors may shift and change from day to day or week to week." He leaned forward and tapped the side of his head. "But the dungeon is alive; a beast really. And like any other beast it follows a pattern. Guides like me know these patterns. I'll be able to tell you if a hall is a dead end or a trap. Or if it'll lead you to the boss or treasure. Without me, you adventurers would be dying by the hundreds just to get through the fifteenth floor."

"You sound cocky." Natali muttered.

"Confident." Berk corrected. "I know the Demon's Stomach better than the back of my own hand. Drunk, sick, or halfway to death's door, I can always find my way through or out. That's why these ladies hired me."

"So why haven't you made it to the bottom if you're so good?" the woman continued. Her icy stare bored into the guide who had shown no signs of it bothering him.

"I may know everything I need to know about reaching the depths. But its 'cus I'm smart. Fighting isn't my strong suit. I can show a party the way, but they need to be strong enough to make it through."

The conversation soon turned to supplies, what to purchase, how much, and how to store them. Apparently in the village surrounding the dungeon, storage rings were nearly a silver a dozen. Most of them did not have large capacities, but they were easily available. Berk claimed to have a connection to an enchanter that had much larger rings available, though the prices were certainly higher.

Lucius quickly dismissed the cost concern. He wanted to be in and out of the place as soon as he could. He wanted to be back with his family and by his daughter's side. Kalliope looked like a balloon ready to pop as well and he'd be damned if he was going to miss the birth of any of his children. Mar'Eeyen was ecstatic about his coverage of all the costs of the expedition. Helena on the other hand… she remained quiet and withdrawn.

Something about her seemed off, but he could not quite put his finger on why. "Helena." Lucius spoke up. The group had been sipping on a bitter ale Berk recommended. With the flavors currently assaulting his tongue, Lucius wondered if the guide's bad habit had destroyed his taste buds.

"What?"

"I'll be frank." Lucius eyed both the elf and the guide. "I don't trust either of you. Berk, you have been glaring at me since we met. Helena, you've been far too withdrawn than what I would consider normal. If we are descending into the 'depths of despair', I'd rather put everything on the table."

Berk went first. His grumpy face contorted into anger. The thinly veiled mask he wore dropping off like an illusion. "The infamous 'Titan of Eroa'." He spat. "Before such grand titles you were a traitor to our kingdom. Every citizen of Arcadios knows who you are. We know your sins. Honestly, if I could, I would put a dagger in your chest right now. Unfortunately for me, even if I tried to do so in your sleep, I know I would fail."

"I see. Then why be my guide."

Berk's anger remained, despite his attempt at several calming breaths. Finally, through gritted teeth, he answered, "I want to see the bottom of the Demon's Stomach more than I want you dead. Unfortunately, unless a King or Empyrean Ranker decide to show up randomly and break through the dungeon's depths, you are my best shot."

"An alliance by necessity then?"

"Aye." Berk drowned the rest of his tankard before summoning two more with a wave of his hand. The rage remained, but at least it was honest and out in the open. Lucius could work with that. Natali on the other hand, tightened her grip around the hilt of one of her daggers. If looks could kill, Berk would have died a thousand times over.

"And you?"

The diminutive elf sighed, lowering her hood. She had soft features of an un-blooded youth, but the confidence of a killer. Looking at her created a strange disconnect in Lucius's mind. "I'm from Haedda." She whispered. Lucius felt tension rise in his body. "Former lady-in-waiting to Lady Shiyani. I was the one who helped her escape the country in the first place. I know who you are as well, Lucius Kane."

Before anyone could react, Lucius was out of his seat. His blade drawn from his back and magically extended until the edge of the weapon was pressed firmly against the elf's neck. The tavern's sights and sounds vanished. All he saw was red and the unflinching gaze of Helena.