Shaniah had slowly worked her way into the town and spent time on the rooftops of the main street across from the Archaics who stood outside the jail and hid in the shadows of the buildings below her. They did not catch her scent, whether it was because of the stillness of the air, or her position downwind of them. More likely it was because they were still initiates, recently turned and not fully familiar with their newfound senses and powers. Her scent blended with the cacophony of smells they were processing at the moment. Experienced Archaics would have known she was there.
Malachi or his minions had been busy. There were dozens of Archaics in the town. The humans sequestered in the jail were going to die. It was only a matter of time, unless someone came for them in daylight. Then they might have a chance. She had eyed Hollister’s train on her way into town. It might be their only hope.
It had been smart of the humans to hole up in the jail. She had learned humans were excellent at building jails and prisons, and it was probably the most secure building in the entire town. They could make it through another night. The humans inside did not yet understand the Archaics besieging them. The Archaics were consumed by hunger and were using their strength and viciousness to feed. Being recently turned, planning and plotting eluded them in most cases. Now, watching the jail, she knew there were likely no living humans left in the town. The Archaics were gathering where the food was.
She needed Hollister and the man-witch to find Malachi, but for now, it was time to even the odds. The three Archaics in the street died quickly.