The town of Barley

But, I didn't sleep for long. It hadn't been two hours before the beautiful red-headed bitch was kicking in the face.

"I fucking hate you." I spat blood into the dirt. "Why couldn't you just shake me, or yell? Who the f-"

"Follow." She turned and started to walk off. I got the sneaking suspicion that if I didn't I'd find myself with new ventilation. So I rolled to my feet, adjusted my belt, and stalked off after her. I thought, hoped really, that there was a point to her nonsense. My best guess, hope, was that she was testing my patience; making sure I wouldn't snap at the little things.

I was equally certain her killing the goblin had nothing to do with it.

"You need another one." She said as I caught up. "You still look inhuman."

"What can I say, **** puts a damper on my appetites." It struck me that antagonizing someone like the Exciser was probably stupid. Then again, stopping at this point was probably just as stupid; she'd probably take it as suspicious behavior and stab me in the face. "Didn't get enough of an eyeful last night? Man, you are repressed."

"You are trying my patience."

"And you fucking murdered mine." I shrugged. "Guess we'll both cope."

"I'm regretting saving you."

"I'm regretting being saved." I snapped my fingers and met her glare. "You know, I wouldn't need another one if you'd let me keep the old one. Capturing a new goblin every time I need a fuck is so inefficient! My father would be ashamed at the waste."

"I will not abet slavery." She rounded on me. "The Goddess ab-"

"The Goddess abhors slavery," I cut her off, gesturing sharply, "But slaughter's just peachy? What a fucking joke."

"Goblin's aren't people-"

"So killing them is fine." I sneered, poking her hard in the shoulder. "But enslaving them is wrong?"

"Don't touch me, demon." She smacked my hand away, baring her teeth. Her marked eye, surrounded by a serpentine tattoo, shone red.

"That's right. I'm a demon, too; inhuman, same as the goblin. Let's see if your logic holds." I gave her my most scathing look. "Am I free to go?"

"You are a danger-"

"AM I FREE TO GO!" I gave a smile, because fuck her. "No, I'm your **** until you decide I can be free. I have to do what you want, or you'll kill me. That's a fucking collar. And you, master, are a hypocrite. I would know, it takes one to know one."

And then I walked past her, heading towards Barley, and dared her to strike me down.