I Am Death

Chapter 4: Free The Devil

I reach the borders

I reach the borders at dawn. The soldiers are slack just like the last time I was here. Just like the last time, it is the cusp of dawn when I enter. Just like last time, I sneak in with no evidence left behind. Unlike last time, I have no tolerance left for the demons that live in the high towers and castles that are the same height as their greed surrounded by moats that are the same depth as their nobleness.

I take off the mask, the chest-plate and the gauntlets that are the markings of my origin and the harbinger of this cruel darkness that lives inside me. I put them in the cloth bag I brought with a few of my belongings. These things are not needed in a conversation with a friend.

I reach Smith's house and knock on the door. It's a cobblestone cottage that is the typical abode of humble farmers these days, it exists in the centre of Smith's wheat field. I hear footsteps approaching the door that according to the creaking of the wooden floor clearly belong to someone far heavier than Smith himself. I try to put on a friendly smile for I know it must be Mrs. Smith approaching the door. As the door is opened I see that I was right. Mrs. Smith is a plump woman with the kind smile of a mother and eyes that tell me that she wants to take me in, feed me and treat me like her son.

She cheerfully greets me, "Oh hello, Damian. I wasn't expecting you for at least another week!"

"Oh, your marvelous cooking drew me through the hills and forests and back to you, ma'am." I reply with a low voice to keep up my friendly facade.

I must have chosen the right words to say because she tells me, "Now, now, Damian, don't you lie to me. Come in and have some breakfast. My husband will be here soon."

"Thank you, Mrs. Smith"

I enter the house and look around the quaint place.

It is a place I wouldn't mind living in had it been in the hills that I so love. It is just the way we like our home, my love.

There is a hearth to the east wall on my left that must make the room cozy during these harsh winters. There are doors leading to the pantry on my right and doors leading to a bedroom in the front. The whole place is built with bricks, stone and straw. There is also another door leading to another room must be a servants quarters. I know that there must be no one living there for Smith refuses to employ anyone to be his servant.

There is an area for cooking right next to the hearth and a table with four chairs in front of it.

"Sit down, Damian. I'm getting your porridge for you in a few minutes." Mrs. Smith calls from the cooking area that barely passes for a kitchen.

I put down my bag near the door and brush off the few specks of dirt that have been collected on my clothes. I then make my way towards the table.

After some time Mrs. Smith serves me a bowl of porridge that can only be described as brilliant. Just as I finish my porridge, Smith walks in. He is weary and tired. He looks at me and is shocked for a moment. He composes himself and walks over to greet me.

"Hello, Damian, back so soon?"

"Yes, I have some... Unfinished business in the kingdom."

"Well, you can stay here with us as long as you like."

"Oh no, I don't want to be a pest." I reply.

"You a pest? Bah, you can consider this as your home!" he exclaims.

He then sees that Mrs. Smith isn't paying attention and whispers "What happened?"

"I just need some information, I do not want to endanger you, sir." I whisper back.

"Nonsense, wait till noon when my wife goes to the market. We shall discuss this. For now, you should stay here."

"Alright, sir. I'll be here." I then speak out loud in a much natural voice "I would be glad to help you on your field sir."

"Thank you, Damian, that would be of great help" he replies.

"Oh no, don't you trouble poor Damian! He has traveled far and he must be tired, leave him and tend to your work, Peter." Mrs. Smith scolds Smith.

"Oh no, it would be a pleasure to help Mr. Smith, besides I'd rather not be a lazy ass" I say with an amiable smile on my face. I'm thankful for Mrs. Smith's trusting nature as she does not notice what lurks in my eyes for all to see. "Alright, but you must rest afterwards, Damian. I'll be going to get some eggs now and catch up with Mrs. Cartwright." with that she licks up a worn basket and leaves the house."

"Now, tell me, son. What happened?" asks Smith.

I reply quietly "Duncan took Evelyn"

"Oh Lord, that poor girl! He is a vile devil that man. And to think he has the support of the Church!" he exclaims

"The Church is but a tree laced with snakes." I reply.

"You must stay here, Damian. I'll help you as much as I can but do not be brash."

I do not reply.

***********

Night has fallen. I lay on the bed in the servant's quarters. It is uncomfortable but it is the best Smith could do and I am grateful towards him.

My thoughts run wild in my head. It pains me to think of you. I feel as my heart has been ripped from my breast. It feels like the ribs that cage it have been shattered. I am the son of a killer. I am part of a cruel, merciless and evil lineage. The darkness is in me, I accept that. However, I have kept it at bay for so long -- rather, you have kept it at bay for so long that without you it feels like the darkness is breaking out.

I make up my mind. I get up from the bed. I put on the wolf mask, the chest plate and the gauntlets. I put my three throwing knives into their scabbards that are kept secure around my waist with a leather belt. I also pick up my cloth bag. As I sheath the short sword, a gladius, I notice my father's initials on the hilt and realize:
I am the devil they will fear.