Night was coming and Malkai was starting to feel rather fatigued. He had been walking the whole way, and while he kept himself hydrated and made sure not to hustle, it still took a toll on him. Fortunately the city was within view, and Malkus was certain that he could arrive by tonight before he’d give out. Shortly after seeing the city Vivian awoken and mentioned seeing something in the distance. Unfortunately Malkai’s eyes weren’t sharp enough to see from his position, but Falchion was more than able. He both saw and smelled the corpse coming nearer, and flew down to Malkai to warn him. [b] ｢Corpses. Slow, but there are many of them coming out from the sands. What will we do?｣[/b]

Malkai thought about it. He wasn’t too exhausted that he couldn’t fight, but even in this form he wouldn’t be at his best. Catarina and Vivian should be safe from the undead’s attacks so long as they stay on his back, but that just means Malkai would have to take the brunt of the attacks. While Malkai was certain that Vivian had enough spells to destroy most of the undead, he wasn’t certain how skilled Catarina was with her crossbow. She’d be better fighting off the undead on foot, but that puts her at risks of getting overwhelmed, not to mention there was no time for her to don armor. Catarina suggested outrunning them and Malkai was inclined to agree. If they had the cleric here they may have a fighting chance, even if Malkai is tired, but without one it’d be best to minimize the risks. [color=00a651]”I will do my best. Slow them down however you can. I will rush towards the city, and once we reach it the town guards can fend off the dead.”[/color]

Malkai proceeded to take the shortest route to the city that didn’t involve running through zombies. And though he was tired, he also used two spells: one to help him move faster and another to slow down the undead. [color=00a651]｢Longstrider! Entanglement!｣[/color] He shouted out in druidic, albeit bent for the more beastial tongue of an elephant. Longstrider imbued his legs with extra speed allowing him to run faster than he normally could, and he used Entanglement to make the weeds and cactus in the desert tangle up the movements of the zombies. He didn’t expect his spell to affect all of them or for it to hold them off forever, but it should stop some of them long enough for Malkai get too far for them to chase. He could only hope that they weren’t strong enough to run, because unlike him the undeaf won’t tire out and might just pursue him all the way to the city. [color=00a651]”Hang on tight!”[/color]

[hr]

Veridis followed Erika in relative silence. It goes without saying that he shouldn't blab about information as important as possible vampires in this city. But as a bard it was practically his obligation to weave and recite these epic tales and adventures. Of course it'd be best to do that after the a venture had been concluded. He had no idea how this story may end, And for all he knows it could have a tragic one. 

That being said, while Erika reminded them to keep the information about the vampire quiet, her outfit and demeanor made her stick out like a sore thumb. She was quite intimidating and indeed a fearsome fighter, but if she wanted to keep a low profile, Veridis was certain that she had failed. While perhaps the common rabble didn't know how to identify an Inquisitor on sight, no doubt the spies of the vampire know what to look for. They may have already noticed Erika and warned their master for all Veridis knew. He didn't speak up however, figuring that it was too late for her to change now. Perhaps he'd bring it up once they were safe within the temple, but for now he simply followed.

He did have a question, but not for Erika. He turned his head to the warrior woman, who was still a stranger to him. A friendly one without a doubt, but if he wanted to be more than strangers with the woman, he would like to at least know her name. [color=7bcdc8]”I don't believe I've caught your name. I would love to know more about a powerful woman such as yourself.”[/color]