“A guy wearing armor. Hmm… let me think… Do you know how many people come into this inn wearing armor?” The barkeep snapped.
“Please sir it’s really important. His name is Torhan, and he might have been traveling with a female healer.” Jacko said.
The barkeep looked at him. “I don’t know your friend. Kiala might. She was working over the past few days.”
“Where is she?” Breen asked.
“You want a lot; don’t you?”
Breen handed him some coins.He grabbed the silver and called to her.The serving wench across the room looked up when she heard her name and came over. “Can I help you?” She asked.
“I’m looking for a friend of mine named Torhan. He would’ve arrived a few days ago and most likely would have been traveling with a healer named Katara.” Jacko said.
The young girl thought about it, and then her eyes lit up. “I do remember a man and woman stopping by.”
“You do? Do you know where they went?”
“That I don’t know.”
“Did they stay long?”
“They caused a ruckus with two of our locals.”
“What did they do?” Breen asked.
“I think that they were asking too many questions, and it upset them.”
“We really need to find my friend. Can we talk to the people they upset?”
Kiala hesitated. “Only if you promise not to upset them like your friends did. They’re kind of old.”
“We’ll do our best not to.” Jacko answered.
“They’re over there in the corner.” She said and pointed.
Jacko saw the two men she was referring to and gave her twenty silver pieces.
“What’s this for?”
“A round of mead for the table and for your time.” He said, and they walked over.
“Excuse me can we join you?” Jacko asked them.
They stopped talking and looked up at them.
“Why?” The man on the left asked.
“We have a few questions to ask you?”
“Well if you’re buying you can.” The man on right added.
Jacko smiled, and they sat down. Kiala was there in the next instant and placed ale in front of each one. Jacko ordered two more for them.
“My name is Jacko and this is Breen.”
“Well met strangers. My name is Kipt and this, here is Erea.” Both men picked up their fresh tankards in delight, smacked them together, and then took a long swig. “What brings you to our little town?” Kipt asked.
“We’re looking for friends of mine that stopped by a few days ago.”
Erea lowered his mug. “Why talk to us?” He asked.
“Because they were seen speaking with you.”
Kipt looked a bit uncomfortable. “I don’t think we want to talk to you.”
“If you answer some of our questions I’ll give you enough coin so that you both can drink yourselves into a stupor for at least a week.” Jacko placed a handful of coins on the table.
“Okay, what do you want to know?”
“What did you talk about?”
“They asked about the town and the stores.”
Jacko could tell he was hiding the truth. “Did they mention a child named Sybil?”
“Why are you people so interested in the child? She’s cursed.” Erea said.
“I just need to find my friends; they're in danger. Do you know where they went?”
“We haven’t seen them after they left the inn.”
“What did you tell them about Sybil?” Breen asked.
“Nothing because the girl lied to us.”
“What did she say?”
“She said that she was a family member, and we knew she was lying.” Kipt said and took another swig.
“If you don’t know where they are can you tell us where to find Sybil?” Jacko asked.
“No.” Erea firmly said.
“Just tell us and we’ll be on our way.” Breen said.
Kipt looked at them. “I’d suggest you go see either Priest Piersum or the former caretaker, Clodovea.”
“Where do they live?”
“Clodovea lives down the street in an old cottage, with a wraparound porch, and Priest Piersum lives in the house next to the temple.”
Jacko gave them another ten gold pieces and bid them farewell. They first went to see the priest and when he didn’t answer, they went to Clodovea’s house and knocked.
“Who is it?” A female voice from the other side of the door asked.
“Are you Clodovea?” Jacko asked.
“Who wants to know?”
“My name is Jacko and I’m with someone named Breen. We’re looking for our friends, Torhan and Katara, and we heard that they might have visited you.”
“If you’re his friend, then tell me why he would’ve talked to me?”
“He most likely spoke with you about a child named Sybil.”
“What was wrong with Sybil?”
“She was in a deep sleep and the only way to bring her out of it was by using a special amulet called ROM, RAM, or something like that.”
Clodovea opened the door. “If you’re lying to me, these wolves will attack you.” She stated.
Standing next to her were two very large wolves and behind the wolves was a child.
“Do you understand?”
“Yes.” Jacko said.
Clodovea nodded to the girl, and she bent down close to the animals and whispered something to them. The wolves parted enough to allow the strangers to enter. Clodovea introduced Sybil to them, and she was asked to go upstairs. The largest of the wolves followed her.
“Please come this way.” Clodovea said and led them to the formal seating area. The other wolf followed her closely.
“Thanks for allowing us to enter your home.” Jacko said after he was seated.
“I see they succeeded in waking her.” Breen said.
“They did.”
“Do you know if they left town?” Jacko asked.
Clodovea looked at them still uncertain if they were friend or foe.
“Please help us.” Jacko pleaded with her.
“They did.”
“Do you know where?”
“After Katara dropped Sybil off, she told me Priest Piersum was partially responsible for what had happened to her, and they were taking him away. That’s all I know.”
Someone knocked on the door.
“Are you expecting other visitors?” Breen asked.
Clodovea shook her head.
Jacko placed the finger knives securely around his fingers and Breen unsheathed her sword.
More knocking and then someone said. “Clodovea are you in there? It’s Katara, and I need your help.”
Suddenly, Sybil came running down the stairs. “Katara.” She said and opened the door.
Katara entered. Her many cuts and bruises from the thorns made her appear like she’d been through a war.
Clodovea came rushing over. “What happened to you?” She asked.
Katara was about to answer when she noticed the two strangers with weapons drawn. “Who are you?” She asked them and took out her mace.
“Don’t you know them? They’re friends of Torhan’s.” Clodovea said. She was clearly puzzled.
Breen sheathed her weapon.
“My name is Jacko and this is Breen. Where is he?”
Katara looked at them suspiciously. “How do I know you are who you say you are?”
“Ask me anything you want.” He replied.
“Did you have a promotion a few weeks ago?”
“How do you know?”
“Well?”
“I did.” Perplexed, Jacko answered.
“Tell me what happened to your friend.”
“He was my teacher and met an unfortunate end.”
“By who?”
“By a fox name Slyantom.”
“Was there anyone else with him?”
“A human and a goatman. How do
you know this?”
“I believe who you are, and I’ll explain later. Right now, Torhan is in trouble, and I can use your assistance.”
“What happened?”
“He’s been captured by a lunatic, and we need to rescue him tonight.” She said.
“What?” Clodovea exclaimed.
“I’ll do whatever is needed.” Jacko said.
“You look like you’re in bad shape. Are you going to be okay?” Breen said to Katara.
“Not really, but it doesn’t matter, we need to go now.”
“Drink this.” She said and handed Katara a yellow vile.
“What do you want to do, kill me? That’s for unconscious people. Do you have a blue one?”
Breen searched through her pack until she found one and handed it to her.
Katara drank it in one gulp and felt better a few seconds later. “Clodovea, you have to leave before dawn and stick to our plan.”
Clodovea nodded.
“Let’s go. Good-bye Sybil you be good.” Katara said, and the girl smiled.
Once outside, Jacko stepped in front of Katara. “Tell me where we are going?”
“The person who has him lives a few miles to the north of here.”
“Why was he captured?” Jacko pressed.
“We stole something from him, and he finally caught up to us.”
“Torhan’s not a thief.”
“Well he’s not a killer either, but try to convince someone of that in Mirkin.” She quickly answered and walked past him.
Jacko turned to Breen. “Stay here with Sun and tell him where we went after he wakes up. I’ll mark the trees along the way so that you can find us.”
“Are you sure about this?”
He nodded, and Breen went into her pack and handed him the flask of dissolving liquid and then hugged him. “Be careful.” She said and walked away.
Jacko watched her for a few seconds and then caught up to Katara, who was about to enter the woods.
Torhan, groggy from the toxins that coursed through his body, passed out several times during their trek to the manor despite being jostled around. In between the haze-like dreams, he thought about Katara, Jacko, Sybil, Molech, and the demons. Some visions were peaceful, while others were violent and mysterious and didn’t make much sense. He came fully awake, by the time they reached the mansion and heard someone walking toward them.
“Where’s the female?” A male asked.
“She got away, but we’ll send that one over there when he’s ready.”
Torhan knew that they were talking about him.
“What happened to our other pets?”
“They were killed trying to capture them.”
“Really? They don’t seem all that tough.”
Torhan heard footsteps walking over and then someone grabbed his chin and lifted his head.
“He’ll do fine; the master will be pleased.” The same man from the mansion said and pushed his head forcefully away.
“What’s this?”
“It glows and if you do anything violent toward him. This dagger will respond and attack you all by itself.”
“How is that possible?”
“No idea.”
“Did you throw it away?”
“I did, but it comes right back.”
“Interesting. Take them upstairs to the far room. The master wants to speak with them.”
Torhan and Molech were taken inside, up the stairs, and dropped into a room. The guards removed the blindfolds, placed metal cuffs on their arms and legs, and removed the ropes.
“You’re going to love it here.” His captor said and left, locking the door behind them.
The room was large, empty of furniture, and dimly lit.
“Congratulations, you managed to get us both killed.” Molech said to him.
“No I didn’t. You did by getting me involved with your scheme when I met you in Redden.” Torhan snapped at him.
“I did? Don’t give me that! You benefitted as well?”
“From what? Being turned into one of those creatures?”
Molech laughed. “So dramatic.” He said and moved his arms until they responded. “I think the toxin is wearing off, try to move your limbs.”
Torhan did and they responded slightly. “What do you think these cuffs are for? They’re not attached to chains.”
“Don’t know.” Molech tried getting up, but his legs were still too weak. He looked at Torhan and saw he looked defeated. “Don’t worry we’ll get out of this. I’ve been in tougher situations.”
“And after we get free, what about us?”
“We’ll settle our little matter, or maybe just part ways.” Molech continued moving his limbs back and forth, trying to regain their circulation. By the time he was able to stand on his shaky legs, footfalls approached from outside the door. He produced two knives. “Here take this, but wait for my lead.” He handed him one of the daggers and Torhan placed it out of sight instead of in the scabbard.
The door unlocked, opened inwardly, and in stepped two cloaked men carrying staffs and a middle-aged person. Torhan knew at once that he was Fefantor by Tole’s description.
“I see the poison is wearing off.” Fefantor said when he saw both of his prisoners standing up.
“Why are we here?” Torhan demanded.
“Let me think about that one. You entered my house unwelcomed, killed some of my men and my pets, and stole an item from me. Is that reason enough for you? Now let’s have a brief introduction. My name is Fefantor, and you are?”
“My name is—”
“Don’t say your name.” Molech interrupted.
“Come now thief, why be so rude?” Fefantor replied.
“If he doesn’t know our names, then how can he find us after we escape?”
Fefantor laughed. “Escape? You are going to serve me until your body rots away.”
“Old man, you are going to die.” Molech said and pulled out his dagger.
Torhan did the same.
“Didn’t you search them?” Fefantor barked at his men.
“We did sir.” The one on his left answered.
“I’d advise you both to lay down your weapons.”
“Come get them.” Molech challenged.
Fefantor snapped his fingers three times and suddenly the daggers flew from their grasps. Their metal cuffs around their hands and feet began pulling them backward until they were pinned against the wall and unable to move.
“Do you like that? I call it magnetism.” Fefantor said in a gleeful voice.
Molech and Torhan tried pulling away from the wall, but their invisible restraints held them in place. Fefantor watched them struggle with delight until they conceded.
“I’m going to start over, and every time you don’t answer my questions my men will administer some cleansing. What are your names?”
“Don’t tell him.” Molech said in defiance.
“That’s the wrong answer fool.” Fefantor nodded to one of his followers, and he walked over and whacked Molech in the stomach with his staff until his ribs cracked, causing the thief to cringe in pain. Fefantor then looked at Torhan directly. “Do you want the same cleansing or will you answer?”
Torhan didn’t respond.
Fefantor nodded to the other guard and as he approached. Torhan’s scabbard glowed in response, catching Fefantor’s attention. Fefantor held up his hand, and his servant stopped.
“That’s the toy my men told me about. I want to know how it works.” Fefantor demanded.
Torhan remained silent.
“Have it your way.” Fefantor said and nodded to his man.
The guard sternly hit him several times on his side until he heard bones crack, and then stopped.
“We can do this all day long if you like. I’ve dissected the human body many times and believe it or not, there are two hundred and six bones that we can break. I can also mend them, and we can break them all over again. I’m going to let you ponder this fo
r a few minutes.” Fefantor stated and walked out of the room along with his men.
“Do not give him your real name. I’ve dealt with his kind before, and he’ll find you again.” Molech said after the door was closed and began twisting his right hand back and forth.
“Hopefully Katara will return with help.” Torhan said and then paused to watch the thief trying to free his hand from the metal ring. “What are you doing?”
Molech didn’t answer and continued twisting, pulling, and pushing his hand back and forth until something snapped, and he was able to free it from the cuff. “Dislocated joints are the least of my worries.” The thief said and snapped his wrist back into place. “See, good as new.”
“Nice trick.”
“Trick nothing, it was painful.” Molech did the same thing with his other hand, and as he was about to start on his legs, the door opened.
Fefantor applauded the thief by clapping his hands. “Very good. I can use a man of your skills.”
“I’ll never work for you, old man.”
“You will, after I teach you obedience.”
Two of Fefantor’s men walked over and beat on him until he lost consciousness.
“Take him below, chain him up, and begin the process.” Fefantor commanded.
His men removed the metal cuffs from Molech’s legs and dragged him out of the room.
Now alone, Fefantor stood in front of Torhan. “Your friend is either stupid or very brave; I'm guessing a little of both. Now for you, are you going to corporate?”
Torhan nodded.
“Good. Now what’s your name?”
“My name is Danter.” Torhan said, using the name on the note he recovered from the cave of ants.
“Now was that so hard? Who is your friend?”
“His name is Molech.” Torhan didn’t care what happened to the thief, so that’s why he used his real name.
Fefantor smiled. “We’re making progress. Why did you come here?”
“Friends of mine were being threatened, and if I didn’t steal his amulet back they would have been killed.”
“By who?” Fefantor was clearly aggravated.
“Will you let me go if I tell you?”
“We can do this one of two ways. You can tell me everything I want to know, and I might consider your request, or I will extract the information one painful second at a time.”
A Demon's Quest the Beginning of the End the Trilogy Box Set Page 80
