Page 3 of Heart of the Hunted
"If that was the case, then we would be fighting a losing battle," Arun said. "But we're not. They are nearly all gone as you well know. So, I'm with Dain, we need a break. Even if it's just for a couple of days."
They were right and Taredd knew it. They had worked tirelessly since the end of the war, so they did deserve to have some time off, but Taredd could see the light at the end of the tunnel. It wouldn’t be long until the Humans were completely wiped from the face of the planet. Well, except for the children.
The children were a different matter entirely. Depending on who they were sold to, depended on their fate. Most were slaves, sold to serve their master. Some were used as food, either for their blood or to eat their meat.
Taredd didn’t see the appeal in either. He wasn’t one for keeping slaves anyway, he would rather have employees than slaves because they were loyal if they were treated well, and the thought of eating a child turned his stomach.
"Fine. A couple of days, but that's it,” he gave in.
"That's all we're asking for," Arun said.
"You, maybe. I was after longer," Dain sulked.
"Think yourself lucky you're having that much time," Taredd told him.
"Think yourself lucky I'm still helping after all these years," Dain countered.
"You bitch and moan, but you wouldn't be anywhere else," Arun said.
"Yeah, true. Only because I'd be bored. You guys are so fucking entertaining when you're hunting." Dain laughed. "It's like watching young Shapeshifters hunt in animal form for the first time."
"You must be talking about yourself, as usual," Arun told him. "I am by far the more superior hunter out of the three of us."
This time Taredd laughed as well. Out of the three of them, Arun was the least equipped for hunting... anything. Yes, being Fae meant he had magic, but that didn't necessarily mean he was better at hunting.
Taredd hated to admit it, but out of the three of them, Dain was the better hunter. It helped that he could call upon the enhanced senses of the animals he turned into. If it wasn't for that ability, then Taredd would be the best.
After all, Demons were capable of many things, and.… not boasting or anything... he was far superior than most of his own kind as well.
"You seriously think you're better?" Arun asked him.
"Then you? Hell, yes," Taredd said bluntly.
"How much do you want to bet?"
"Oooh, interesting," Dain said, rubbing his hands together. "Can I get in on the action?"
"Why not," Arun said. "So, what's it going to be?"
"How about, the first to capture a Human...." he trailed off, making it appear he was thinking hard about what to bet.
"What?" Dain asked impatiently.
"The first to capture a Human gets fifty gold pieces," Taredd said.
"I don't know about that," Arun said.
"That's because you know I'm the better hunter."
"Either that, or he's a chicken," Dain said.
"I am not poultry," Arun said indignantly.
"So, I'm the better hunter then?" Taredd asked.
"Fine," Arun gave in. "Fifty gold pieces it is then."
"Exciting. I can't wait to see who wins. Now, the question is, which one of you do I bet on?" Dain asked, tapping his finger against his chin.
