The Demon Priest

Chapter 7: Black Knight Background

 Lance and the rest of the group decided to let Rhythe get some rest and recover a bit before interrogating him. He was clearly shaken and in no condition to be answering any questions. So, they let him go home and decided to go back to the Bent Horn for some rest. The half- elf decided to sleep on the floor, declining Valia's invitation to simply share the bed. She still made him wary, but now for different reasons.

The next day, Lance awoke to the sound of a the vampire snoring loudly. For such a small girl she sure was loud. Yawning, the boy got up off the floor and stretched his tired body. Readying his gear, he slipped on a black leather gauntlet that he had picked up from one of the bandits. The fact that Valia had noticed his symbol meant that others could, and it may end badly if people knew he had made a pact with a demon. So he decided that covering it would be the best option, even if the glove wasn't exactly a perfect fit. He walked over to Valia and nudged her softly. "Wake up, we need to go check on Rhythe."

 The girl rolled over, mumbling, "I can only awake when I'm kissed."

 "Please." Lance rolled his eyes. "Technically speaking you don't even have to sleep, that's one of the reasons we brought you along. You just enjoy it."

 Valia remained silent and the boy sighed. He kissed his fingers and planted them on her forehead. "That's the most you'll get from me. Now come on we need to move."

 Outside, the two strolled through the city, making their way to Rhythe's home. Noticing the bright sun, Lance couldn't help but glance at Valia. "Are you sure you will be okay out here in the sunlight?" He asked. "You won't burst into flames will you?"

 Valia let out a laugh. "No, no. Vampires don't actually have any sort of weakness from the sun, aside from it being a bit irritating. That's just something that humans made up so they would feel safer walking around in the day as opposed to the night."

 "Hmm. I see. That's certainly interesting to note in case I ever need to fight a vampire. I shouldn't try to stall until the sun comes up."

 Valia nodded, and not long after they had arrived in front of Rhythe's house, which was a bit odd looking. In contrast to the large metal or stone buildings that made up the city, his house was a simple two story wooden manor with flowers planted around the front. There were no signs of anything mechanical around the house; it all looked like a simple abode that one could simply relax in.

 Without knocking Lance opened the door and walked in, Valia trailing behind him. He didn't want to waste anymore time, not when Iris was in danger. Rhythe could be heard coming down the stairs and when he reached the end, sighed in relief when he saw the boy. Lance noticed this and said, "Were you expecting someone else?"

 "No," The man shook his head. "I'm just glad it was you and not someone else."

 "You mean someone from the Black Knights?" Rhythe nodded. "Let's talk about that, shall we?"

 They all took a seat while their host went into the kitchen to gather some refreshments. Lance gripped the arm of the couch him and Valia sat on. He appreciated the man trying to make them calm, but it was just wasting more time he could be using to search for his friend. Valia took notice of the boy and slid closer.

 "You know Lance," She began. "If you're bored, I can always think of a few ways to pass the time." The vampire winked at him before giggling.

 "Erm, no thank you, I'll have to decline your offer for now. I'd rather just sit here with my thoughts." Lance shuddered. He wasn't oblivious, he knew she was infatuated with both him and Azazel, and technically speaking she was older than him, and perhaps the demon as well, but it just felt too... weird. She still had the appearance of a thirteen year old girl, and Lance saw her as only a friend, maybe a sister if they grew close enough.