The Demon's Deal

Chapter Three

Chapter three

*

"So... Did it work?" Ivy asked warily.

Seamus shrugged, looking around the clearing where they had appeared. "Well," he replied. "It's a forest at least." He turned around and faced Rux. "I remember Kiltermon having a church with a bell tower. That should be visible from above the tree line. Think you could go and check?"

Rux gave him a rare smile and nodded before floating up into the air. After they had found those boots of his in those ancient ruins in the Badlands, the half-elf had taken to its flying capabilities very quickly.

As Rux vanished through the leaves above, a small flare of red light shone on the area around them. Seamus quickly pulled his sword and spun around. When he saw the red eagle fly up from Ashes' shoulder, he relaxed and sheathed the weapon.

Ashes looked at him with an arched eyebrow. "Relax, big guy. I just sent my eagle to have a look as well. We'll know more soon enough." Seamus glanced away, embarrassed at letting his anxiety get the better of him.

A few moments passed before Rux came back down, accompanied by a streak of red light that landed on the wizard's shoulder. It took the form of the ethereal eagle, which stared intently at its owner. Seamus looked at Rux expectantly.

The half-elf gave him a slight nod. "I could see a bell tower to the north of here, maybe three hours walking."

"Eagle confirms that story," Ashes chimed in. "There's a village there in a large clearing in the woods."

Seamus glanced at the position of the sun and then set off northwards, the others following behind.

* * *

As the hours passed, his heart pounded faster and faster. He had not been this nervous in a long while. A soft hand touched his upper arm. Ivy looked at him, concern visible in her bright green eyes.

"We got here fast, Seamus," she said softly. "I am sure she is alright."

Seamus did not reply. He thought about how long it had been since he had seen his mother. Would she be happy to see me? Or would she be angry because I've been gone for so long and never even sent a simple letter?

As his mind was thinking about every possible scenario, Exadus broke the silence. "I think we're here."

Seamus took the lead as they pushed out of the rough terrain of the woods and onto a dirt road. A couple of hundred yards to their left stood several stone structures. A long, sturdy wooden palisade surrounded the buildings and the road led to an open gate. Two guards flanked it, and a pair of watchtowers stood at each side of the road in front of the wooden walls.

As they approached the guards at the gate, Seamus noticed them gripping their halberds a little tighter. He could not blame them. A group of armed strangers arriving out of the forests usually warranted a bit more scrutiny. He lifted his hand in greeting as he walked past the pair and into the town. Thankfully, they made no move to stop or question them. He could not afford to waste any time explaining their presence.

Past the gate, Seamus found himself standing at the edge of a large market square. There were stalls selling grain, different kinds of meat, and all sorts of vegetables and fruits. People were walking around, haggling, gossiping, complaining about the weather, complaining in general. Simple townsfolk doing everyday things.

Seamus remembered Kiltermon, though he spent little time in the village proper. His mother raised him in a small clearing about an hour's walking to the north, as she worried his orcish features might cause the townspeople to shun him. That was also the reason why he left, all those years ago: so she could have a normal life.