Marked for Death

Three hunters stood in the cold, dark, wet room below a ship's deck, one next to the other. One woman, two men. They said nothing and kept their gazes set on the door ahead. Their demeanor stiffened at the sound of incoming footsteps.

"Hold your breath," one said, shuddering for a brief moment before inhaling and standing at attention. The woman, not akin to her usual demeanor, uncrossed her arms at the presence beyond the room. The three hunters watched the door swing open, stifling their trembling at the arrival of a rihoun. He was old, wide, and his carapace was darker than the salty room they were huddled in. He looked at the three humans with distaste and, most of all, absolute fury.

"I don't want to hear anything from you imbeciles, today," he growled, the croak in his rihounic voice shuddering through the hunters' ears. He spoke quietly and neared slowly. "Listen carefully. You've cost me a hefty sum today with your little gimmick. Those stingy guards are well-tipped at the moment, stuffing their faces with my precious earnings because of this mistake. You. You three have exposed the cross market, and have nearly exposed me. The only reason I don't have your heads mounted on my walls is because whatever escaped from that ship is no beast of ours. They're merely suspicious of what our part was in all of this. But suspicion can be snuffed, so I'm going to offer you a deal."

The rihoun dragged his foot over the wood, then strode toward the three hunters like he was their last judgment before death. Their hearts pounded and their breaths quickened, despite the bravery they'd shrouded over themselves not a few hours ago.

"You three are going to leave this city. Hunt down that damned creature. I don't care if it downs you in a second. If you don't kill it and drag its corpse to me with your stupid little flesh hands, then don't you dare come back to the city. Ever. You will be banished from all dealings with the cross market."

The woman gulped and braved a glance at the rihoun. The two locked gazes and passed a silent understanding. If they were banished, then they were enemies. Enemies were dealt with and never seen again.

"We'll not stop until we've redeemed you, sir," the woman spoke through a struggling voice. "Be it in the death of that monstrosity, or us. Our honor does not waver."

The other hunters glanced at their partner, then at the rihoun, but quickly returned attention to the soggy floor. The rihoun studied the three of them carefully, watching for any sign of doubt. After a long, dreadful moment, however, he finally spoke.

"Honor is replaceable," he growled, and turned on his heel to leave. The floorboards shook with his step. "Don't make me wait." The door shut behind him and left the three in silence once again.