Daegal was more confused than anything. “Why does that matter? What’s so different about these ‘soldiers’ that I can’t get rid of them?”

  Fiora for her part looked at him incredulously. “What are you talking about? They are...” She paused, considering things from his perspective for a moment before sighing. “Wait, I guess you wouldn’t really know. Okay, let me explain. The difference between a bandit and soldiers is that the soldiers are acting on behalf of the kingdom, and they work to maintain law and order across the land. They don’t raid or destroy without reason.”

  The kingdom...

  Daegal had only a vague idea of what a kingdom was, and it was mostly gathered from listening to conversations where people grumbled about things like politics and rumors from more of these ‘kingdoms’, because apparently there was more than one. The fact that one family could control so much territory because they were born to it was a very foreign idea to him. He had to carve a territory out of the surrounding land of the mountain for himself, and then he had to protect it from any curious or stubborn animals that tried to push in on him. He figured money had to be involved in some way to maintain such a large amount of land, hiring more humans to protect what they could not alone.

  While it was all very interesting to think about, it was beside the point right now. He had more pressing concerns.

  “So why are they here then if they aren’t trying to raid your home?”

  “That’s the thing, they showed up and made a grand announcement out of their intent. They said they were sent by the church to investigate claims of a demon having taken control of the village. That means they’re here looking for you.”

  Daegal was shocked by this revelation. “How do they know about me? When could they have possibly found out?”

  Fiora’s expression soured immensely as a scowl darkened her features. “It was Conrad, that snake bastard! He was there to greet them eagerly. He must have sent out a messenger as soon as the snow started to melt. They’ve probably already torn apart the barn looking for you.”

  Her eyes shifted to a downcast gaze as worry creased her brow. “They might even be at my house too.”

  “What do we do about them, then,” Daegal asked.

  Fiora shook her head. “I don’t know. I left as soon as I heard what they were looking for. If you go back now, then they might attack you, and if you fight back, they’ll just send more. There’ll be more soldiers, heavily armed and armored, and they won’t stop to ask questions the next time.”

  “So... You’re saying there’s nothing that can be done?”

  “That may be the case, yes.”

  Daegal wasn’t sure what to think about that. On one side, he felt the crushing weight of helplessness start to press down upon him, but on the other, a part of him burned with fiery indignation. He refused to believe that there was nothing he could do, no action he could take to protect what he was trying to build and the people he had come to know. This was the first place he had even slightly felt like he belonged, and he was loath to give it up so easily.

  Dropping the fox he had caught, he started walking again toward the village, dragging Fiora behind him slightly as she pulled uselessly against his progress. “Deagal, what are you doing!? Didn’t you hear me?”

  “I did.”

  “Then why are you still walking toward the village!?”

  “Because I have to.”

  “What? Daegal, please stop! I don’t want you to get hurt, and I don’t want you to hurt anyone.”

  “I’m...” He let out a sigh. “I’m not going to hurt them if I can avoid it. I will watch, make sure that they don’t try to hurt someone else while looking for me.”

  “That’s still very risky, Daegal. What if they see you?”

  “I spent ten years hiding from humans, Fiora. I think I can avoid them for one more day.”

  She sighed, mumbling to herself. “I still don’t like it.” Then Fiora took a deep breath. “Fine, I’m coming with you, and don’t even think about telling me not to come with you. I’m worried about my dad, and I’m not humoring any argument you might make.”

  “Didn’t even cross my mind to try,” he said with a grin.

  Daegal led the way through the woods, coming to its edge. He scanned that side of the village for anyone out of the ordinary and didn’t see them just yet. Figuring it was clear, he guided Fiora along as they moved quietly toward the houses. They stalked quietly, for the most part. Fiora’s dress wasn’t exactly conducive to stealth, but humans weren’t the most perceptive of species, so he found that amount of noise acceptable, for now.

  Together they made short dashes between the houses, Daegal following distant sounds of a crowd in search of the source. It seemed most of the village was drawn to the commotion, with few people being in their way. Those that were in their way, however, were of concern.

  Two strangers were walking around in a casual manner, eyes glancing here and there. They wore clothing that was strange to Daegal, tabards with lots of embroidery on it and a padded vest beneath. The embroidery showed a shield with a crown and a rose going through the middle. These two men also carried spears propped up on their shoulders, and though they weren’t brandishing or using them in any way, it was still concerning for Daegal.

  The way the two of them moved and ‘searched’ was odd. It looked like they were paying the barest amount of attention possible, almost like they didn’t even believe that there was anything special about this village. That was curious to Daegal, and he considered that information as they passed by and rounded a corner. Once they were in the clear, they moved again.

  It wasn’t too much longer before the stealthy duo were approaching the center of the village where there appeared to be a concentration of the population. People milled about, focused on the figures near the far edge of the crowd. There were horses there, minded by more strangers with weapons. Upon one of the horses there was a man distinguished from the rest by his attire. He wore upon his person a chain shirt beneath a vest of brigandine, all topped with a tabard of similar design to the others.

  The man himself had rugged yet refined features, not unattractive in any way. He sported a road weary look, black hair slightly messy and a light stubble upon his face. There was a faded scar above his lip, too long to be from an accident, but not jarring and had lightened significantly over the years. His eyes were tired, disinterested, like he had gone through this many times before and was no longer invested. Someone who was invested, however, was Father Conrad who was standing beside this man’s horse, speaking in a loud voice as he tried to exert some amount of authority over this situation.

  “I’m telling you, the devil is here, corrupting the people and drawing them toward the dark influence of hell itself!”

  The man on the horse sighed. “Yes, sir priest, I'm aware as you have been saying so ever since I got here. However, that still doesn’t change the fact that I haven’t seen any sign of this devil of yours.”

  “It is here! You are obviously not looking hard enough. Root out it’s hiding spot! The girl, Fiora, harbors it, enthralled to its will. Find her and you’ll find it!”

  The man kept speaking in an exasperated tone. “We are trying, good Father, but she is not here either. My men are searching the village, but we have come up with nothing particularly strange so far.”

  “Then question the girl's father! Must I direct your every move! We have no time for these delays when the forces of hell are rallied against us!”

  “I was instructed to perform an investigation, not an interrogation or a crusade. Anything beyond the purview of the mission as it was stated to me is not my concern.”

  “It will be your concern when the gates of hell open before us! The rest of the village has seen the devil; it has walked our roads and tainted our souls with its presence.”

  The soldier on the horse looked out over the sea of faces. Some people nodded assuredly in agreement, confirming the story, but others looked a little unsure about getting involved in this whole affair. The man sighed again, an action that seemed to be quite common for him.

  “We still have no evidence of it, nor cause to exceed the parameters of our assignment.”

  That didn’t sit well with Father Conrad, and now he turned to threats. “Need I send another message to capital church detailing your inadequacies and failure to properly assess a threat to the very foundation of the church. Noble you may be, but you are on the lowest rung, and your position may be up for review pending an investigation by the bishop.”

  The man glared at the priest, scrutinizingly. “And who are you exactly to call upon such a threat? A priest in the middle of nowhere.”

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “My family have been priests for many generations. My father has close ties to the bishop in the city.”

  There was a tense standoff for a moment where the soldier attempted to pick apart Conrad’s threat for its validity. In the end the tired man let out a grumbling sigh as he chose not to risk the chance that it might be a genuine one.

  “Bring the girl’s father here for questioning,” he gave a short order to a one of his men standing next to him who saluted and went to complete the task assigned to him.

  As Daegal watched all this unfold, Fiora tugged on his tail to get his attention. “What’s happening out there, Daegal?”

  She couldn’t hear as well as he could, so she was out of the loop, an oversight he corrected. “They’re grabbing your father. They want to question him about where we are.”

  The worry on her face increased exponentially. “Dad...”

  Fiora slipped in front of Daegal so she could see around the corner of the building as well. She watched what was happening with anxiety, and Daegal watched with a growing tension in his body, on the edge of springing into action at the first sign of something he didn’t like. Despite his skills in stalking, there was too much open space, so he couldn’t get closer than this without risking being seen.

  It took a minute, but eventually Emil was led by a soldier to the man who commanded this group. They weren’t being forceful with Emil at the very least, simply coaxing him along until he stood in front of the rest of the village. The man on the horse went through the motions as he began the ‘interrogation’.

  “You are the father of the girl Fiora, yes?”

  “Y-Yes I am, good sir. Please, I... we have not caused any trouble, and I do not understand why you have come here.”

  “Because you have welcomed a demon into our midst!” Conrad jumped into the conversation only to be chastised by the soldier.

  “Father Conrad, refrain from speaking out of turn, especially when you have nothing new to say.” The snubbed priest didn’t like being treated that way, but he didn’t do much more than sneer after that, allowing the soldier to continue.

  “Now, if I remember correctly, your name was Emil, yes? Well, Emil, I just want to know where your daughter is as I have some questions for her. Of course, if you can tell me about your priest’s so-called demon and where to find it, I can do my job without the extra effort.”

  Daegal braced, wondering if Emil would try to sell him out for his daughter. He wouldn’t have even blamed the man all that much for it either as in a contest between himself and Fiora, Fiora would win as she was Emil’s daughter.

  “I... I do not know where my daughter is right now. She leaves quite frequently to search the woods for herbs. She could be anywhere, and I don’t know when she will be back.”

  “And the demon?” the soldier asked.

  Emil paused, considering for a moment as Daegal held his breath. “This... demon, that Father Conrad refers to, I believe that he may simply be overreacting to a perceived threat.”

  That surprised Daegal when he heard Emil say that. It would have been very easy for him to confirm the priest’s story and try to give Daegal up, but the fact that he didn’t really struck Daegal deep in his heart. Emil was willing to make things harder on himself for Daegal’s sake, and things were looking to become very difficult.

  “Overreacting! Am I the only sane voice left in this village!? The servants of hell walk among us, and nobody cares!?” Conrad turned to the soldier again. “This man is well known to be overly protective of his daughter. The demon has his daughter in thrall, and Emil could have been forced to defend it.”

  Now Conrad turned back to Emil, his expression softened beneath a thin veneer of caring. “It is not too late, Emil. God will forgive you, will save your soul if you help get rid of this monstrosity now. We cannot yield to the forces of hell, no matter what promises of threats they whisper in your ear.”

  “I really don’t know anything, and I don’t feel as if any of us are in any danger.”

  “Then you are already lost.” Conrad turned his back on Emil. “Captain, it is your duty to perform interrogation, so do your job and find the abomination that haunts us.”

  The captain closed his eyes for a weary moment before turning to Emil. “Sir, this is your last chance to talk. If not, I will be forced to have you flogged to ensure you are not hiding anything.”

  Daegal saw both Emil and Fiora tense as the man said that. “What does flogged mean?” He asked Fiora.

  She looked unsteady on her feet, which already set Daegal on edge. “They’re going to beat him until he either gives us up or they’re convinced that he is telling the truth.”

  That shocked Daegal as he blinked. “That’s... that’s horrible! Why would they think that would work, especially since he is telling the truth?”

  “It doesn’t matter if he is telling the truth or not. If he doesn’t give the answer they want to hear, they won’t be satisfied. Many people will break under enough pain and say what they think will make it stop.”

  Honestly, sometimes Daegal wondered if he was really the monster in this world. His claws nervously scratched against the house he was hiding behind as he turned his attention back to the group. Emil repeated with more emphasis that he had no idea where Deagal and Fiora were, which was responded with more firm treatment. Two more of the soldiers grabbed hold of Emil and started to pull his coat and shirt off. They forced him down to his knees, holding his arms out as a third retrieved a notched cane.

  Fiora attempted to dash out, but Daegal caught her immediately and pulled her back into cover. “Let go of me! I have to help my dad!”

  “Fiora, quiet!” he shushed her in a low but urgent voice. “I know you want to help, but there’s nothing you can do.” Daegal sighed in a resigned way. “I’ll do it.”

  That stopped Fiora for a second as she looked at Daegal. “What? No! No, that’s even worse! They’ll try to kill you!”

  “They might try, but I’m hard to kill, and it’s not like I’ll sit there and let them.”

  “But what are you going to do? You can’t kill them.”

  “If it comes down to it, I’ll lead them away, but I’m hoping they will at least let me speak before attacking.”

  “It’s too risky!”

  Daegal shook his head. “No, it’s the only way to prevent either you, or your father, from being beaten just to find me.”

  She looked like she wanted to argue, but they were getting ready to start flogging Emil, and her shoulders sagged in resignation. “Just... please, be careful.”

  “I will do what I can.”

  Daegal moved Fiora to the side as he steeled himself. He didn’t have time to sit and contemplate his next actions, so he stepped out around the side of the building and into the open. Some noticed him immediately, but he made sure that everyone did as he called out.

  “Stop!” All heads turned toward him now, and while the villagers did seem surprised that he had shown himself, the soldiers where in a state of shock. None of them expected to actually find something like him, and now there was a jolt of alarm throughout their group.

  “To arms! Form a line in front of the civilians, spears at the ready!”

  The soldiers in the area rushed to complete their orders, even as fear was plain to see on their faces. They held more discipline than bandits or raiders, that much was clear. They formed their thin line; spears all pointed at him with trembling hands. They thought they were about to die in a struggle straight out of a bard’s tale, but Daegal defied their expectations.

  “Peace! I have no intention of starting a fight with you.” That caused a great deal of confusion. Conrad jumped in with a zealous shout in protest.

  “Lies! It is a devil, plain to see! It desires nothing more than to corrupt the soul and destroy innocence itself! Do not believe its lies!”

  Daegal had never done such a thing before in his life, and even now he made no aggressive moves as he stood a fair distance away from them all. The one in charge of the soldiers looked like he was caught in an impossible situation. He had a duty to his kingdom that said he should attack the monster in front of him, but he knew that giving that order would result in all their deaths. The strength that practically radiated from Daegal was enough for him to see that.

  The man could not decide whether he believed that a beast of such strength would be genuine when it said it wanted peace. Having such power usually meant that things that were desired were taken. This problem was eventually settled when another voice spoke up from the crowd of villagers.

  Randolf had stepped forward, speaking up to the soldiers. “Excuse me, I know it might not be my place to speak here, but he, that is, Daegal there, has been living peacefully among us. He hunts and brings me meat to prepare for the village. We’ve had more of it than at any other time thanks to him. He might be an odd one, but he’s a good egg, I believe.”

  It wasn’t just him, as more stepped forward, like the lady he usually bought blankets from, or Eira. “He earns his keep like everyone else, and he even helped me make it through the winter by buying so many of my blankets. I was able to make enough money to fully stock my larder, so my children don’t have to skip meals on some days.”

  “That ‘monster’ you came here looking for doesn’t exist. Daegal is simply a good lad with a troubled past and you would be better off looking for real monsters,” Eira asserted with confidence.

  A few smaller voices called out from the crowd as well.

  “He’s really nice!”

  “Yeah! He plays with us and lets us climb onto his horns.”

  “Don’t be mean to Daegal!”

  The fact that murmurs of agreement, even if hesitant in some cases, seemed to echo out amongst the louder voices meant a lot to Daegal. He was frankly stunned by them coming to his defense, and it put the soldiers on the back foot as well. The leader of the group considered the things the villagers said and the behavior Deagal exhibited. Ignoring the priest’s incessant voice calling out for him to attack, he instead spoke to Daegal.

  “If you wish to speak, then I will hear your words.”

  Relief eased Daegal’s worries somewhat, but he remained alert as this was far from over. “T-Thank you. Your name was Captain, yes?”

  The man blinked, caught off guard by a misunderstanding that he had never thought possible. “Uhm, no, that is my rank, not my name.”

  Now Daegal felt embarrassed for starting off the conversation so poorly. “Oh, s-sorry, I didn’t... Ahem, well, what is your name?”

  “I am Leoric, lord of the Ashwood household.”

  Daegal dipped his head slightly. “N-Nice to meet you. I am Daegal.”

  “So I’ve heard.” Leoric sighed. “Can we dispense with the... pleasantries? I have neither the time nor the mental fortitude to indulge in them. What do you want?”

  The question struck Daegal as much more profound than it was intended. That was something that even he had trouble identifying as of late. Why was he here? What did he hope to gain from all of this? As he thought about it, the answer slowly came into focus, rising from the depths of his heart where it had been buried for many years. With slow sigh, Daegal’s shoulders slumped as he spoke his desires.

  “I just... want to belong somewhere.” He could feel a shadow of depression falling over his features, but he couldn’t stop it. It might have helped him to show that vulnerability, though, because the soldiers looked unsure now after they had seen this side of Daegal.

  There was much that was hanging on this conversation and on how Leoric responded to Daegal. The man himself was aware of this and contemplated his reply with the full weight of that knowledge. A few moments of tension existed between them all, and it felt like it was about to snap at any second. Eventually Leoric took a deep breath, coming to a decision on the matter.

  “I am not in any way equipped to handle the situation. I had thought that I was coming out here to chase off a wild animal or the twisted nightmares of some deranged folk. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I would actually find a demon here. There is one thing I know, though. I’m not here to die like a hero in some legend, I’m here to conduct an investigation. So, we won’t be fighting you today.”

  Daegal grinned as Leoric said that, but it was a little preemptive of him as the man continued.

  “However, even if I leave this as it is to report back, more will come after me, and with attitudes that won’t allow for such concession to be made.”

  Now that Daegal thought about it, the man had a point. What was he going to do if more human soldiers showed up, especially since he couldn’t kill any of them. Leoric, though, had an answer for that.

  “Taking this into consideration, I think that there is only one option available to us that has a chance to avoid confrontation, either now, or in the future.” He fixed Daegal with a stare that immediately captured his attention. “So, let’s make a deal.”