“Sold! To the fel in the green cloak.” A voice shouts with a drop of a gavel.
That’s right. I’ve now been sold. And if the translation device I am using is correct they are demons, or atleast humans who speak a demonic language.
I honestly sort of expected it. Not this situation, but when Jiro told me the demons were being heavily restrained, I knew it would only be a matter of time before the tide flipped.
I hadn’t anticipated such a sophisticated society though, perhaps a barbaric tribal one at best, but never did I expect both an economy and fair competition in trade.
Now as I’m carried off somewhere, I can’t help but wonder who or what exactly bought me.
I’ve never even heard of a ‘fel’.
The name brings the story of ‘the precursor elf’ to mind for some reason. But those are nothing but the works of fiction, I’m sure its just the similar spelling that is bringing it to mind.
Come to think of it Tasha, Lotil’s personal maid, had very distinct pointed ears just like the elves in those tales. It was obvious she was a demon of some kind, but I can’t think of any other books describing humanoid demons with those features, so what exactly was she?
Then again, I haven’t read all the books stored here yet and there are quiet a few. I find it hard to pick up a book when I never know when I am going to be…
▐◊▌▐◊▌
Like that.
I wasn’t even expecting it.
I’ve read that demons have better control of mana but that was just uncanny.
“You almost found your way into dangerous hands.” A voice from the other side of the bag mutters as he inspects the magic bag.
What exactly does he mean by that? Why are his hands any less dangerous? A demon is a demon, there is no lesser of two evils.
“And you have a guest as well?” The demon again mutters with interest. Coughing into a fist, the demon begins speaking again but in human language. “I am sure by now you have realized where you are. But I have no intention of harming you. When the time is right I or my descendants will send you back to one of the new human nations. I would handle it now, but the condition of the human world is not one that could counter attack with your possessed power yet.”
So he knows everything?
How is that possible?
“I’ll understand if you are scared to speak. But I want you to know my family has always supported the humans. We are very serious about our aid towards humanity.” The demon continues explaining with a serious tone. “You probably don’t know the history of it all do you? Does the name Fa or La mean anything to you? How about Yinotia? If you understand it, then you’ll know I’m telling the truth. We will always support the humans. How could we not? They are our ancestor’s children. Our distant cousins who we can’t help but see as endearingly foolish.”
The first people. The Yinotian’s, origin of magic and father of humanity.
“Read this.” The d… voice again adds.
Coming through the wall of the bag was a thin book which looked to be meant for children.
Honestly, I was kind of insulted at first until I opened it. It seems to be written in both human words and demon script. Perhaps it’s the only version of this ancient story written in human words.
But why would they even need it?
I suppose this family might use it but I can’t imagine most demons can read human books.
Am I really taking this seriously? Why would a demon, support humans, of course its easy to use human history to manipulate us, perhaps he thinks, if he can make me trust him, I will hand over the sword? I’m not stupid.
Still what bad can reading do? And I recently remarked on my lack of studying in these past days.
Fine. Let’s see what this story is about.
▐◊▌▐◊▌
‘In the early days, after god placed us on this land, we knew only rampage.’
‘From coast to coast we warred with each other. Indiscriminate murder of even kin. In the end, only the strongest would survive. Destruction was in sight.’
‘Several people were aware of that fact, including twins La and Fa.’
‘Sister had an idea but couldn’t imagine how to implement it.’
‘Brother helped but alone the two could never succeed.’
‘With the help of Sister’s magic, Brother’s scheming, they began to create a demon fundamentally different by nature.’
‘A demon like they, with the desire to create, with emotions and sympathy, and ultimately, a demon free of the flaws of demanity, that even they couldn’t shake.’
‘Only with the help of the strongest demon in the world, the king, could the three create this new world.’
‘Ebbing and flowing forever ‘humanity vs. demons’ will replace the war that would have demolished all life.’
▐◊▌▐◊▌
A lot is missing from that story. Conceptually I understand what its trying to imply. But this won’t solve the problem La and Fa observed. Didn’t it just prolong that issue?
Unless they created something that made it fundamentally impossible for humanity to ever win.
So we are forever locked in this war? Then what am I even delivering this sword for? This sword, it’s said to have been made by the predecessor elves, then…
“The hero’s sword. It’s…” I mutter for the first time with furrowed brow at this new realization.
“Yes it was made by one of their early children, the original ‘Yinotian’s’ who settled the fairy islands.”
Then all of it is a trick. The sword is probably designed to fail or…
“If the hero uses this sword…”
“La and Fa would finally win their war.” The voice laughs coyly, “The demon king is a fool if he thinks my parents aren’t as greedy as he is.”
Then it’s not a trick? The sword will truly work as described?
“Then you are my ally, despite the fact that my ‘best case scenario’ results in your death.”
A long moment passed as the demon contemplated his words. “La and Fa personally oversaw the creation of the sword. They weren’t afraid then. And neither are we now. We simply want to see to the missions success. Will I be sad that my children or great-grandchildren will be killed? Of course. But as an early precursor of human I fundamentally see flaws in my own behavior, I’m a human still possessing the worst flaws of demons, its why we regularly live amongst the demons and only rarely blend into human society. Personally. I can’t even rationalize my own existence.”
That’s hard to digest. Perhaps its just my fear of death when applied to his own situation. I suppose maybe that fear of death is something we later versions have acquired.
Am I really believing this? I honestly can’t point to any flaws nor any benefits to him telling me a lie.
Realizing I am not going to answer the demon speaks once again. “When the time comes, the hero can’t hesitate. So, you mustn’t either. I’m deactivating this tool now, so no sensitive types detect it. I might not meet you again in my life time. But I will properly instruct my descendants to pass you onto a human once the time is right. Good luck armory bearer.”
▐◊▌▐◊▌
I woke up for a few moments as the familiar voice introduced me to his son Liam. At that time, I realized I didn’t know the fathers name but by the time I formulated the question my eyes were again shutting.
▐◊▌▐◊▌
Again, for mere moments I awakened with a new introduction. This time Liam’s youngest granddaughter Sophia.
▐◊▌▐◊▌
Sophia was replaced with Flint.
Flint with Leyo and Leyo with Tirist.
How many years have gone by? Hundreds? Thousands?
This can’t continue.
The next time I was awoken I didn’t listen to a word. I didn’t want to count anymore.
▐◊▌▐◊▌
Human mana. I’d recognize it anywhere. Where is it coming from? How did I get into the hands of…?
“Take this.” A heavily accented voice says in human language. “It’s passed down in our family with orders to hand it over to a human in need.”
“Th… thanks.” A voice carefully replies without as much accent. “You… you really won’t kill and eat me?”
“I’ve already said we bought you with no such intention.” The demon explains simply. “Believe us when we say we truly hold no ill will towards your kind.”
I’d believe him buddy, he is handing you his own destruction and he is probably somewhat aware of that fact.
Honestly though I am surprised they have kept their word. I suppose it was a carefully handed down tradition but still, I underestimated them. Now even more I am sad that I don’t know the name of the person who rescued me from the block all those generations ago.
I never even thanked him.
