William ignored the intrusive stare and enjoyed the evening with his new friends. They ate, drank, and finally retired for the night to their rooms on the second floor of the tavern.
"Are we really going into the desert?" Stuart complained. "I don't like the idea of being in the desert."
"I don't like the idea either," William admitted, "but we must go if we want to earn money. Plus, I want to go to that northern region of the continent."
Stuart was confused. "You mean the most dangerous region that Louise said demons used to live in? Why do you want to go there?"
The little rat didn't know about William's demonic powers yet. William pondered whether he should tell him or not, and decided to be truthful. They had a contract, and lying didn't seem like a good way to start their partnership.
"I have some sort of demonic bloodline," William revealed. "That's why I want to go there."