The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 39.5 Behind A Dark Curtain

                                                                        A Captain's Point of View

As I walked through the hallway I could only reflect on my mistakes. Losses at every turn. A hoard of pawns. 9 good men and a fool. All in the ground with nothing to show for it. That human boy Matthew was his name... He's someone to remember for the time being. Not only did he successfully slaughter my lesser subordinates, but he was also able to slay and gain the respect of Vendal, When I examined Vendal's corpse he was cut in half. The boy is talented, he may become a monster. I am reviewing the information, as I go to see our client.

As I sat at my desk one evening 3 weeks ago a certain man entered my office escorted by Vendal. We sat spoke of pleasantries, proceeded to toast to our good fortunes and then the true reason our client came to see me. A wild plan was laid out before me, the first domino to fall was the capture of a Princess of Diablos. No easy feet in such chaotic times. The King and Queen guard their nest well. To truly capture a Princess will take a considerable plan. My team and I eventually decided that waiting in the town known as BlackStone situated next to the Royal Palace, was the best course of action. And so, like wolves we waited and watched. 

One day a report came back from one of our scouts watching the Royal Palace. A tale that said a human man and a demon woman had ridden a carriage into BlackStone. We decided to make an attempt to enact the first step of our plan. We watched as they shopped in each other's arms. We stared at them as they ate in a cafe. We waited as they went sightseeing. The time eventually came. After ordering our Necromancer to summon his hoard, I had our men kill the guards to Union Park. I mourn our country men, but their sacrifice will bring Diablos to the true height of its magnitude and power. May the gods forgive me for what I have done and for what I must do moving forward.

After finishing my review, I entered the room at the end of the hall I was walking to. I enter to see a familiar face. A warm voice greets me.

" Benett! It's good to see you are unharmed! How did your operation play out?"

" It was a failure Sir. My apologies are not enough."

His face darkened. He began to breathe deeply and slowly. After calming himself, he began to speak.

" There will be failures on our path Benett. Great men are usually marred in tragedy and failure. But you see Benett, the reason they are considered " Great" is because they never allowed their failures or personal tragedies to define them. They learned from them and became better. Arlock the conqueror's adolescence was marred in failure one after the other. He couldn't even join the Royal Diablos Army because of defects in his body. Instead of his body, he focused on his mind, which allowed him to become the greatest strategist to grace our country."

He began to ruminate on some complicated thought before continuing to speak.

" I hoped for the best Benett but fear not, the worst has not blindsided me. I have a few other plans we can enact. These plans will take time, do I have your trust Benett?"

" Always sir!"

He smiled at my response. We sat now, I began to explain the events of the day to him. He saddened as I informed him of Vendal's death.

" Will we be able to give him a proper burial Benett?"

" Yes Sir, the funeral will take place tomorrow. Along with all the other men who have lost their lives today."

 We began to discuss our next move. As I asked where I fit in to these plans, I was shocked at what I was being told.

" I wish for you to go into hiding Benett. I'm afraid after today the country will be searching for you. Vendal shared his true name. That will lead our enemies to you! Benett, as I stated at the start, I cannot possibly do this without you."

I sat and contemplated on the matter. The anger and guilt of not being able to avenge my men ate at my soul. But for the greater good, to honor their sacrifices I knew I must stay disciplined. Only when our goal was achieved would I know my men would rest easy in the next world.

" Very well Sir, I shall do as you wish."

" Thank you Benett, I hardly deserve such a good solider to follow me into this hellfire. But I refuse to lead you astray. Always remember, this is for our fellow countrymen as well as the country itself!"

" I shall take my leave and execute your orders Sir. Until we meet again."

I take my leave to go and ready my men for the funerals and then the journey. The funerals were somber affairs. Silence spoke more words than any address could. I thought back on faces that were full of life a day ago. With sadness on our faces, we began our march hoping the chill could calm the flame of rage burning in our hearts. 

.

.

.

.

As Benett readied his men and John prepared for the harsh training to arrive. A darkness swirled under the night sky. the moon as it's guide through the night. It touched animals it touched men and women. Under its influence a madness dwelled in everything it touched. Animals ripped into each other's packs. Men and women fought each other to satiate a bloodlust that arrived like a chill in the night. By the end, the darkness had made it across Gaia. It touched a certain man in an encampment of sorrowful men. It returned to the shadows of which it came. The morning sun rose to the sight of crimson stains across the world. The actions that were seen were chalked up to insanity and hate. Men were punished. Animals were hunted. All to the joy of the darkness that rested in the shadows.