The mountain goats proved their worth. They traversed steep walls and paths with ease. Compared to them, Allie's team had trouble keeping up.
Hex focused on the sounds of the screeches. He continuously adjusted their route in response to the direction he heard the noise coming from.
But it was not easy. With each passing moment the creatures seemed to spread out. At first the noise kept coming from one direction, but now he heard it in different spots.
"What are these creatures?" Alice finally asked. She seemed on the verge of a breakdown. And they had yet to face these creatures.
"Heartless are humanoid creatures," Duter replied in a soothing voice. During this whole excursion he remained calm. He even volunteered to close rank by staying behind everyone.
"The stories tell that they were once humans living in the mountains. To survive they offered their hearts to Heavens. In exchange they were gifted with sharp olfactory sensors, great strength and demonic bodies."
