Crusade Gone Awry Ch. 08

"We've all been sent a message," Ermina explained. "He wants us to meet him somewhere in the desert. I don't think we were the only ones he called. It also says that none of the races are to fight any other races on the way."

"What does he want you for?"

"It's only a summons. It didn't elaborate."

"Are you going to go?"

"I don't think it was optional."

"You stay here human," Fahad ordered, pulling his hood up. "You can't keep up with us anyway..."

"I'll take him," Ermina interrupted. Fahad snapped his head back to her, death in his eyes. Ermina only crossed her arms, as if daring him to do something. Instead, he motioned to the others and they all started trotting away, presumably to the demon king. Fahad stayed behind, glaring between Ermina and Tay several times.

"We made a vow Ermina," he said firmly. "It wasn't supposed to be something that was thrown away on a whim."

"Hey Fahad, here's an idea," Ermina replied. "How about you go about your business and stay out of mine? Go die alone in the desert if you want, but don't drag me along with you."

Fahad sneered at her but said nothing else. He turned and began running away, much faster than the others. Ermina let out a large sigh and slumped a little.

"Uh, you and Fahad have a lot of tension," Tay piped up. "Did you two have a thing...?"

"No!" Ermina bit at him. "It wasn't like that. It's just...before my parents died, we fought a lot. We had clashing personalities. After they died, I was too hurt and depressed, so I just let him take over. We were fighting like we used to before the starving, and he figured out it's because you and I...well we..."

"Play horsey?" Tay teased.

"I swear I will kick your head in."

"I was kidding! Relax! I kind of like you being more forceful. It's kind of hot! Anyway, where is this demon king?"

"You don't actually have to go. There's no telling what he'll do if he sees you. You would probably be better off staying here."

For the first time, Tay glared at her and pointed a finger. "Don't even try that, or I really will tell people what we do in private. I'll tell everyone I ever meet just how dirty the last centaur was."

Ermina glared back at him, but more playfully. "Fine Tay, we'll go see the demon king together. You're leaving the bridle and the bit here, however."

"Of course I am!" He didn't sound convincing at all. They soon joined the long chorus of creatures and monsters, all marching across the desert.