Spread out to cover more distance.

"We need to find shelter before the sun rises." You instruct your pets. "Amon said these woods were once home to goblins. They probably had a cave in the area." You continue to dictate as you walk to the wagon and begin to undress. These merchant's clothes are uncomfortable and filthy from the night's events with Nisa. "It will be best if we split up to search. It may take some time for us to find and we can not afford to be caught unprepared." You pull a fresh dark cultist robe over your shoulders. The beast of Zporaflor quickly slithers off to the south along the rocky cliff. Nisa only nods before gathering her daggers from the ground and sprinting southeast, deeper into the forest. Due east is the only direction left to search without heading back the way you originally entered the old woods. You fasten the robes closed and gather your own dagger before heading out.

Traveling at night can be difficult but you have long since grown accustomed to the darkness. Making your way through the woods you can still feel the presence of the beast in the distance. With luck one of you will find adequate shelter for the day. After hiking nearly half an hour, you stumble upon a small creek running south across your path. It is only a few feet wide and, by the look of it, only knee deep. It's not shelter but it could provide you with drinkable water if you end up staying in the area for long. You kneel at the bank and dip a hand in to discover it is cool to the touch as you cup some in your palm to take a sip. "As refreshing as it looks." You think to yourself.

"Here" The single word surges through your mind, more a sensation than actual speech. It must be the beast, it has found something. Quickly you stand and begin making your way in the direction you can feel it's presence.

Fighting your way through bushes and fallen branches littering the forest, you guess you have made it about halfway to where the beast must be and a sense of alertness creeps up your spine. You know the best is ready for danger. The alertness grows into a rush of conflict and you quicken your pace into a run.

Following the call of the beast, you are lead to a section of the rocky cliff where you find a small entrance covered by thick bushes. Pushing your way in, you discover a tunnel leading downward. Without the light of the moon, the path is almost too dark to see much in front of you but you must find the beast. Clasping your hands together with index fingers raised, you begin an abyssal chant before slowly raising your right hand to trace an invisible rune upon your own forehead. A snap of energy fills your eyes with a blessing from Grevakhnu and you are able to see clearly once more. Drawing your dagger, you explore deeper into the cave ready for what you may find.

Downward you travel as the air becomes thick with musk and the smell of blood. In your rush, you failed to notice the sensations from the best had calmed. "No matter. It has done well to find this place." You mutter under your breath, your dagger still in hand at the ready. The path leads to a large cavernous room littered with old bones and two more tunnels lead deeper still. You find the beast of Zporaflor, its tentacles constricting around the body of a dead wolf. Its bulb sits atop a deep wound absorbing the animal's blood. Another dead wolf lays near, it's body shriveled and drained. A single large brown mushroom crowned by three black rings growing from its chest. "Good work beast." You say not sure it even understands your words.

A moment later you hear footsteps descending the entrance tunnel. You turn ready to face whoever approaches. "Herald." The low hiss of Nisa's voice calls to you as she enters the chamber.

"Good. You found us." You acknowledge the possessed girl.

"Of course. The beast summoned me." She kneels before you. "But I am yours to command." Her naked body still covered in the violet fluid, dirt, and blood.

"We need to discover what else lies in these caves. Our supplies from the wagon should be brought inside as well but I fear the sun will be rising soon." You inform the girl.

Still on her knees, Nisa gently caresses her slightly swollen belly careful not to disturb the runes drawn in blood. "Our children are not yet ready Herald. Otherwise exploring the caves would be simple work." The quiet hissing of her voice conveying regret she cannot serve you better. "I could retrieve your things myself. Or explore with the beast. Tell me your desire and I will see it done."