Orlando nodded as Ariel listed off the various things that she saw, informing the party of what they may be. "That's the River Styx, I believe," and, "Most likely a slave drive. They do a lot of trafficking at this layer," as well as, "Looks like we're headed that direction." However, when she mentioned seeing something in the sky, Orlando's brow furrowed, and his entire body and air around him became one of both caution and urgency. "Everyone, we must make quick progress, and do so on the ground. I have a few suspicions about who that lone figure may be, and we absolutely do<i>not</i>want to meet him, not in any way, shape, or form, let alone in person." Though he did not constantly hold his sword at the ready, the man was obviously ready for any sort of conflict. He gestured for the party to follow him, covering ground in a bit of a hurry.<br/><br/>Soon, the group of adventurers came within a distance of the demons to be able to discern what they were. A pair of hezrous were lashing at slaves, just as Orlando had predicted. Even by the standards held by most other slaves and drivers, these ones that were chained together were truly among the msot wretched, a blend of many different races, both mortal and demonic. As they approached, the hezrous ceased their whipping, and looked hesitantly at the party, obviously recognizing that these were no ordinary adventurers.One of them stepped forward, though he did not come within attack range of them. His voice something between a roar and a croak, he called out to them all, "<span style="color: olive">What business have you here, mortals?</span>" to which Orlando replied, "None that is of your own concern." His face was stern, aggressive, and a bit disgusted, his voice booming outward and echoing across the landscape.<br/><br/>The hezrous looked at him with a bit of anger of their own, but it seemed they knew better than to attack an entire group of people who seemed so strong. Giving a bit of a thoughtful look, the demon then said, "<span style="color: olive">You know that we need not fight here, mortal. Perhaps we can arrange... a bargain of sorts. We offer a fair price,</span>" waving his hand at the slaves. Orlando shook his head, his scowl revealing nothing but contempt and scorn towards the fiend. He spat in the dirt at the hezrous feet before saying, "I would rather spill your guts into the dust right where you stand, beast." He then looked back at the others. "I have no say in what you wish to do here, but I am not interested in the slightest. Do what you will, but remember that the slaves you buy will be your own responsibility." He turned back to the demon, his shoulder bearing the weight of his fullblade and his eyes bearing the purity of his hatred for the creatures.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>