"So this is Cheval..." Dian said as she stepped out of the carriage at the top of the hill pass outside of town. The other three stepped out behind her lamenting the silent quarter-day journey it took to get here. "Look, over there. The lighthouse is still functioning." She pointed towards the distant lighthouse on a small island connected to the town by an isthmus. It's beacon was still lit and rotating, the light apperent on the underside of the dark clouds overhead. A storm was coming. Reggie stepped up behind her. "You think he's still keeping it? Maybe a make-shift church?"
"It's a good chance that's the case. Or it's where the demon's alter resides. Ag, what's your take on this?" Dian question turning to face the group.
Ag was sending off the carriage driver who turned back towards the capital. Ag stepped up to her shielding his eyes as the lighthouse beam passed over them. "We should investigate there, and the town as well. A good sign of a demonic cult is that the local populace fully supports it even if they don't join it. I think we should split into two teams of two to cover as much ground as possible." He adjusted the triple sword sheath along his back.
"Alright, Ag and Reggie to the lighthouse. Mordeki, with me." Dian commanded. Mordeki wanted to ademently reject the idea but was interrupted by Reggie.
"Have you two never heard the phrase 'Never Split The Party'. Our run of legendary heroes is gonna end real damn soon if we split up." He stated getting in her way.
Dian bent down with arms crossed as she glared at Reggie. "Are you a child? A toddler that needs to hold mommy Dian's hand so she can protect you from the big bad cult?" Rivers of venomous sarcasm practically flowed from her mouth.
"N-no!" Reggie was genuinely upset and taken aback by her sudden hostility.
"Then act like an adult and back Ag up. He's already half way down the hill." Reggie let out an angry grunt as he ran down to catch up with Ag. Mordeki despite not being the one yelled at was also intimidated into submission as he followed behind Dian reluctantly.
Dian's body shook suddenly as she let out a yelp of pain. She lost her balance slightly causing her to slightly trip down the hill only barely catching herself. "Are... you alright?" Mordeki asked sheepishly.
"Yeah..." Dian had a sudden coughing fit that she covered with her hand. "...just a sudden chill up my spine. Nothing to worry about." Mordeki was unconvinced, but continued walking down the hill ahead of her anyway.
"What the fuck was that?" She thought as she looked at her almost drenched palms. "It felt like something cold just grabbed my heart... and did I just cough up water?"