A month had passed since the family gathering. Now, Kollam and Esha were visiting the dwarf healer in Brunnenheim. The healer spent an hour examining Esha, checking that everything was in order with her delivery just a month away. After the examination, the healer grinned and said, "You’ve got twins, lass, so make sure you’re eating well and preparing yourself. Those first years of motherhood will be annoying."

  Esha smiled. "I’m just grateful they’re healthy," she replied. "It won’t be a bother. I’ll raise them right."

  The healer gave her a playful look. "Ah, keep saying that until they turn three and chaos takes over your home. I’ve got six myself—two girls who can’t be bothered and four little rascals—and let me tell you, there are days I’d happily sell a few!"

  Esha laughed as she rose to her feet, and Kollam quickly took her arm. "I’ve got you," he murmured.

  The healer glanced at him with a chuckle. "Let the girl walk herself," she teased. "Trust me, she’ll be asking for plenty of help in the next month."

  Kollam smiled. "Thank you, Healer Mon."

  Mon nodded as they headed out, making their way back home.

  Halfway there, Esha noticed a tavern and asked, "Are you hungry?"

  Kollam looked a bit puzzled—they had just eaten breakfast a couple of hours ago—but nodded and replied, "Uh... Do you want something to eat?"

  Esha tightened her grip on his arm. "Yes! I’m starving," she said eagerly.

  Kollam nodded. "Then to the tavern, it is."

  After finishing a meal fit for two, Esha sighed, clearly satisfied. "This food is amazing! Finally, I’m full."

  Kollam smiled, though a thought struck him—Esha was a ghoul, and ghouls often had intense appetites during pregnancy, needing far more food than usual. He recalled the healer’s words—whether advice or warning—and glanced down at his coin pouch, thinking, *I hope this holds out... or I’ll be working extra days!*

  Once they left the tavern, they strolled back home. Esha, content and cheerful, walked beside Kollam, occasionally sneaking glances his way.

  Kollam noticed and grinned, prompting Esha to look away quickly, pretending to ignore him while still casting furtive glances.

  When they arrived home, the place was bustling with family. Esha had decided to open a small tavern, offering free meals to the needy and half-price meals to travellers. She wanted to do good deeds, believing it would bring blessings and health to her children—a long-held family tradition.

  Kollam didn’t mind. In fact, he enjoyed the lively company and especially fewer sleeping hours.

  They had set up the garden with tables and chairs. Out front, a large wooden sign read, "Good People’s Tavern."

  Inside, they were greeted by a lively scene—family members rushing about, serving food, cleaning, shouting, and cooking. The place was alive with the many ghouls working together.

  Iga came down the stairs, calling out, "KEEP IT DOWN! The customers can hear us from the garden!" Spotting Esha, she asked, "Everything alright?"

  Esha nodded. "Yes, everything’s fine… though I’m a bit hungry."

  Kollam looked at her in surprise, and Iga raised an eyebrow. "Wait, has she eaten already?"

  Kollam replied, "Yes, a lot—barely an hour ago."

  Esha glanced at Kollam, "So? I’m still starving!"

  Iga smirked, turning to Kollam. "Better keep her fed, or she might start eyeing you next."

  Kollam nodded and hurried toward the kitchen, calling out, "Is there any food?"

  Iga turned back to Esha with a playful warning. "Try to keep yourself in check, alright? Don’t eat more than ten people’s worth in a day, or Kollam’ll go broke trying to keep you fed."

  Esha nodded sheepishly. "I can’t help it; I’m just always starving."

  Iga added, "I’ll be watching you. And remember, I’m not Kollam—if you pull anything funny, you’ll get a punch in the face. Got it?"

  After a long day, many people donated what they could to support Esha’s family and help with the community meals. As night fell, the children were still playing while adults relaxed on any chair, table, couch, or empty patch of ground they could find.

  Rona was chatting with Esha, who was eating a large bowl of soup when Iga approached and asked, "How much has this fat cow eaten so far?"

  Esha didn’t answer, but Rona replied, "She’s had enough for ten people already. I’ll stop her if she wants more."

  Iga clenched her fist in mock seriousness. "Remember, one more bite and you’ll have a broken nose."

  Esha sighed contentedly after finishing the bowl. "I’m good now. Thank you for the food."

  Later, Iga helped Esha to her room, where she would sleep with her mother, Rona, and Jina. The children settled into the other rooms, while the men found their usual spots outside.

  Meanwhile, Kollam was strolling by the lake with Gor. "Thanks for keeping that from the family," Kollam said quietly.

  Gor shook his head. "Just keeping an eye on you. Remember to let us know if you’re ever leaving the house, so someone can look out for you."

  Kollam stopped, meeting Gor’s gaze. "Sir, I need to work. What we have will only last us three years at most."

  Gor nodded, understanding. "I know, but if something happens to you during one of those episodes, who’ll care for your family? Who’ll love your children like you do? They need you."

  Kollam paused, then replied, "If anything happens to me, I know you and this family would never abandon Esha. But I’ll work hard, do good, and pray for the best. I need to make sure my family is safe."

  Gor patted his shoulder. "You’re a good man, Kollam. I’ll keep an eye on you and ask some friends to watch over you, too. And don’t worry—this illness of yours will pass."

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  Kollam nodded, smiling. "Thank you, sir. I’ll pray and trust that God will guide me through."

  The next morning, Kollam left home, climbed into his cart, and headed to the merchants' guild to pick up delivery and transport quests. He accepted three assignments and set off, hoping to complete his work by day’s end.

  Back at home, the family reopened the tavern and began serving meals. Rona took charge in the kitchen, with Iga assisting her.

  On the second floor, Jina sat beside Esha, keeping a watchful eye while knitting a shirt for the children. She noticed Esha gazing out the window and asked, "Want me to sneak something from the kitchen?"

  Esha turned to her sister with a smile. "It’s still morning. I should try to hold out a bit longer."

  Jina nodded, then set her knitting aside and stepped out. Moments later, she returned with a big bowl of soup and a hearty slice of bread.

  Esha looked surprised, but before she could speak, Jina waved her off. "Just eat. No one will know."

  Esha smiled gratefully and started eating as Jina patted her head. "We’re sisters. How could I leave you hungry?"

  Downstairs, Iga and Rona were scolding Gor and Houn. Iga pointed an accusing finger. "Look here, you two! That soup bowl was right there! You both came in, then left, and now it’s gone! Do you think I’m blind?"

  Gor stammered, "Dear, let me explain—I didn’t take anything, I just—"

  Rona interjected, "Father, Houn! Out, both of you!"

  Gor and Houn quickly left, and Iga and Rona returned to their cooking, aiming to finish before the customers arrived. With morning still in full swing, most patrons wanted simple breakfasts—eggs and milk.

  By midday, the tavern was bustling. Rona and Iga greeted Lan, a humble but generous man, who smiled as he handed them a small purse. "Thank you for the food. Please, take this as a token of my gratitude for everything you’ve done for me and my family."

  Rona declined, saying, "Lan, keep this for your family. Just pray for Esha, alright?"

  Lan smiled, gently placing the purse in Iga’s hands. "I’ve earned enough silver, so this is just a small thanks. I’ve always prayed for Esha and your family’s safety. May God bless you all."

  Iga and Rona bowed slightly as Lan left for work. Then Iga nudged Rona. "He’s a good man. Now, go rest. And tell your sister Vula to get to work! She’s done nothing the last few days except flirt with her man. Oh, and make sure that rascal goes out to buy vegetables!"

  After an hour, A young man strode into the bustling house, his presence drawing subtle glances as he surveyed the lively chaos around him—ghouls moving swiftly, serving food to diners in the garden. He made his way to the reception area and, in a calm tone, addressed Rona. "Good day. I’d like meat soup and water."

  Rona replied, "Coming right up, sir. Please wait here."

  The young man nodded, standing patiently as he scanned the scene—the house, the garden, customers enjoying their meals, children playing nearby. A faint, mocking smile tugged at his lips.

  Iga approached with his order, gesturing toward a table. "That one’s yours. Let me know if you need anything."

  As she got a closer look, she realized she didn’t recognize him. "You’re not from Brunnenheim, are you?"

  "From the west. It’s been a month’s journey from Eldoria City," he replied.

  Iga’s eyes lit up with recognition. "I travelled to Eldoria in my adventuring days. What’s your name, young blood?"

  The young man turned to her, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Joe... Joe Gostave."

  Iga gave a slight bow. "Welcome to our tavern, Joe. Eat as much as you like, and pay what you can. We don’t set prices here. Just keep my daughter in your prayers."

  Joe nodded. "I will. Have a good day, my lovely lady."

  With a smile, Iga left to tend to other customers, and Joe settled in to enjoy his meal. He looked around at the scene—children laughing, ghouls serving food with warm smiles, Iga and Rona sharing a laugh.

  Joe looked down, watching as flames devoured everything beneath him, reducing the green grass to ash and leaving only the corpses of those he once knew—people he had spoken to, lived among, now lost forever.

  Joe’s thoughts stirred with anger. *I want to burn everything you ever loved, Dan. I want to watch it all turn to ash. But I can’t bring myself to do it. Instead, I’ll make you suffer. Yes, I will.*

  After settling his bill with Iga and paying extra for some cooked meat to take with him, Joe left the tavern and headed back to his inn.

  Once inside his room, he shut the door and sat heavily on the bed, taking a deep breath. The weight of what lay ahead—taking a life, even one as guilty as Dan’s—hung over him. *How do bandits make this look so easy?* he wondered.

  A monstrous voice suddenly echoed from the bathroom. With a sigh, Joe rose from the bed, following the eerie sound.

  He opened the bathroom door, finding it empty. Yet the voice continued, as though something unseen lurked within.

  Joe knelt down, offering the meat. "Eat up. You’ve got a mission tomorrow." Strange, guttural sounds filled the air as the meat was snatched from his hand and devoured, yet nothing was visible. Watching the meat vanish, Joe muttered, "Hell hounds, you’ve cost me a small fortune."

  The hellhounds—massive, invisible creatures from the realms of demons and devils—remained hidden from view, using magic to cloak their forms. Slightly larger than a snow wolf, they had red eyes, teeth as sharp as claws, and limbs ending in formidable talons. Trained by demons and devils, they could sometimes be encountered in the forests of the devil kingdom, though these sightings were rare and unfortunate.

  In the demon kingdom, however, hell hounds were almost extinct, wiped out over 1,400 years ago during the dark reign of King Karaban, the malevolent demon king. Outside of border stations and military outposts, they were nearly unseen in the wilderness.

  Joe sighed, “Stay quiet. I need some sleep.” Closing the door, he lay down, trying to settle himself before tomorrow’s encounter with Dan.

  Meanwhile, at Kollam’s home, Iga stepped outside and walked to the lake, where Gor, Houn, and Kollam sat talking. She greeted them, “Enjoying yourselves, boys?”

  Houn nodded. “Yes, Mother. Do you need something?”

  Iga looked at Kollam. “Your wife wants you with her. We’ve tidied up the room, so you’ll be staying with her tonight.”

  Kollam asked, “And where will you be, Mother?”

  Iga replied, “I’ve moved some of the little ones around. I’ll be with my daughters in a room we set aside. There’s space—now go on.”

  Kollam nodded and headed off. Iga then sat beside Gor, rubbing his chin playfully. Gor looked at her and asked, “Is my daughter alright?”

  Iga replied with a smile, “Oh, just the usual. Hungry and a bit of a handful, like Rona and Jina before her… and like I was before them.”

  Houn stretched and stood. “I’m going for a walk in the city.”

  Gor raised a brow. “It’s night. Are you sure?”

  Houn grinned. “This is Brunnenheim City—no one’s worried about thievery here. I’ll grab a bite in some tavern.”

  As Houn strolled off into the night, Iga leaned over, kissed Gor’s cheek, and whispered, “I love you, dear.”

  Gor smiled and teased, “More than your grandchildren?”

  Iga smirked. “Know your place, you old fool.”

  Gor chuckled as he looked out over the lake. He was surprised when Iga settled onto his lap, giving him another kiss on the cheek. Smiling, she added, “I love them all—my grandchildren, my daughters and their wonderful husbands, and my sons with their kind wives.”

  Gor grinned. “So, there’s no special place just for me?”

  Iga looked at him with a warm smile. “You’ve given me everything, Gor—from an adventurous life to a cosy home, a wonderful family, and a good husband. You’re the heart of all that I treasure, so you can be content with the last place, alright?”

  Gor laughed, kissed her cheek, and wrapped her in a tight hug. After a moment, Iga playfully protested, “Gor, you’re choking me!”

  Back at the house, Kollam lay in bed beside Esha, who snuggled up to him. She asked softly, “Do I look ugly?”

  Kollam shook his head. “No. Why would you even ask?”

  Esha sighed. “I feel huge! I ate twelve meals today. Don’t tell my mother.”

  Kollam chuckled. “Your secret’s safe with me. Are you feeling alright?”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know. I want to cry, get angry, sleep, do nothing, eat…”

  Kollam gently patted her head. “I understand. It’s all part of the pregnancy. Don’t worry; I’m here for you, just like you’ve always been there for me.”

  A tear slipped down Esha’s cheek as she whispered, “Thank you.” Within moments, she fell asleep, leaving Kollam to close his eyes and murmur, “God, please keep her safe.”

  The next morning, Joe sat by the forest near Brunnenheim City, observing the road, the gates, the soldiers, and merchants with their carts. His hand trembled as he took it all in. Finally, he rose and stepped into the forest, feeling the faint presence of the hell hounds close behind him, their steps leaving subtle imprints on the ground.

  He walked deeper into the woods, carefully noting the distance from the road and the dense canopy of trees surrounding him. With a cold, commanding tone, he instructed, “Go now. When you see fire, begin the hunt.”

  The hellhounds growled and darted off in different directions, leaving Joe alone. Glancing down, he noticed his hand was still trembling. Gripping it to steady himself, he murmured, “See you soon, Dan.”