Snippet #1815013

Frankly, Jess was torn as to what he should do regarding the young Asian girls situation, his past association with the human trafficking of children did much to convince him that deep down he really didn't care about what might happen to Daiyu. On the other hand, the fact that he had already saved her life once before made Jess feel that somehow it was his job to protect her, he certainly had no respect for the Porter family who had kept the girl in slavery, perhaps as a result of his past involvement with similar activities. The wagon train had traveled another half mile before Jess made up his mind to save the girl, Melanie's last comment being a big factor in his decision.

After casting a bitter look toward Melanie Jess pulled the horses reins to the right, signaling for his stallion to turn. Riding away from the caravan Jess made his way back to Hope Falls, as the others, who themselves were either too frightened or simply to cowardly to follow his example, turned to watch Jess ride off. After Jess was some distance away Bob Durnum came riding up to the Porter's wagon, catching up to the wagon on Melanie's side Bob spoke to her about Jess Anderson. "I think I know who that man is, and he is no friend to your children." When Nathan turned to look at Bob he turned his horse away and returned to the wagon being driven by his brother.

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Back at the abandoned ghost town of Hope Falls two of the feral creatures from the shadows at the other end of the town enter the house where Daiyu is hiding. The only way for her to see was through the slats of the wooden floor, looking up Daiyu was confronted with something she could hardly believe. The beings from the shadows were in fact animals, but with forms that were anthropomorphic in nature. Unlike wolves these creatures walked on two legs and completely upright, they were the size of an average human male.

Their bodies were lean and sinewy, with strong chests and arms that were elongated, they also had large hands and feet. Their faces seemed to be in a state between the flattened facial structure of human beings and the elongated snout of the canine. The eyes of the creatures were yellow and they had thick black eyebrows which were curved and pointed.