The late morning two days later we arrived at the Demon's Capital. As we got closer to the city so did the traffic become more pronounced. Dozens of carriages like ours coming and going from the city in all directions and we soon realised why. Unlike Citlia which had close to one hundred years of history the Demon's Capital was newly built and in our eyes, still being built. There was no wall but a sprawling of buildings halfway constructed and more being planned the further the city went. We had heard about it before in Citlia but seeing it in front of our eyes was a wonder. The Capital was the Demon Lord's grand plan to unite the Demon tribes and construction began when he first came into power three years ago. The fact that they had come so far since then was a testimony to his power and also the threat that he could be.
No one interrupted us as we moved towards the centre of the city. The streets were wide and planned for traffic, people of all races walked around hurriedly as they went about their business. The construction came to a slow halt becoming smaller projects closer to the heart of the city but it was clear improvements were being made every day. If anything the place had my respect, the demons were really trying to build a life for themselves here.
Ronalt poked his head from the window to talk to me, "Rain find somewhere near the outskirts of the eastern district for us to stay. Spare no expense."
"Will do," I nodded back and urged Pina through the regulated streets. That's when it came into view. On a slight hill looking over the city, a mansion like castle that although dominating in appearance seemed to blend into the city. It was clear to all of us who lived there... the only question, how did we get inside and even more important, how did we get out?
We neared the Eastern district. A solid tall and powerful wall could be seen in the distance like a line cutting through the trees. It was quite a ways from the city but clearly made to be a defensive line from humans like us. If we had tried to enter from the east, I had to wonder how hard it would have been. The construction here was mellowed out compared to the west where we had come from and the people calmer. It wasn't hard to find an inn to stay the next few nights. As Ronalt told me, I chose a higher class establishment and we were welcomed warmly, Pina even getting a private stall. The building was newly made and from what I had learnt, well designed. The floors, walls and decorations were cleaned to perfection. It was much better than even the inns we had stayed in the Kingdom. We settled our belongings and returned to the foyer.
A portly demon with a shiny coat of fur gestured towards us, "Welcome to the Homestead Inn. I am Monet Arva the owner of this establishment. I hope you will enjoy your stay with us."
Ronalt faced him, his single horn well-polished, "And I the same good sir."
The demon looked a bit surprised as he stared at us but quickly fixed his attitude. We were used to Ronalt talking for us but it seemed his single horn would usually put him in a position lower than us. "If there is anything you'd like to know about the Capital please do not be afraid to ask my employees."
"We've come in hopes to catch a sight of the Lord and pay our respects, do you know how we might do that?" Lara asked quite upfront.
"Oh, I see," Monet looked down in thought rubbing his hairy chin. "The Lord does a speech every few weeks in the city centre if you'd like to see him. To speak with him personally, you could make a request but it would take weeks for any reply and it is likely to fail."
"That's not a problem," Lara smiled sweetly. "I'm sure we'll find a way."
Monet returned the smile, taken away by her natural charm, "I really do wish you the best. Perhaps you could try apply to be part of his private guard or staff. They are always looking for capable members."
Ronalt answered, "We'll look into it. For now perhaps we shall rest privately."
"Of course," Monet bowed and retreated.
After he left we found ourselves a corner table in the inns common room and sat down. For extra privacy Ardent waved his hand and a barrier shimmered around us, blocking sound.
"We made it," Lara breathed out in a relief and tension.
"Yep," Marley grinned. "We're almost done."
"No," Ronalt shook his head, "this is the true beginning. We have time and plenty of money. Assimilate yourselves with the city and uncover what information you can but do not over extend yourselves. When the time is ripe we will meet the Demon Lord."
"And when we do, what are we doing?" Taylor asked in an offhand manner. "I mean are we talking or stabbing?"
"Talking," Lara faced her sternly. "He may not like humans but he might listen to reason."
"And if that doesn't work?" Taylor eyed her with same intent. "Because I don't see it going well. If we catch him by surprise however, we might stand a chance to get in and out."
"And then we'll just give the demons another reason to hate us!" Lara replied annoyed.
"Sure, but I'd rather be alive than dead. I have things I'd still like to do," her eyes flicked to me.
"That's enough both of you," Ronalt cut them off. "As I said before, we'll take our time. At least from what I could see, the Capital is not in a state of war. Though their forces may be concentrated in the border forest we can still proceed without risk. Understand?"
Earnest smiled, "So enjoy the city and wait is what you're saying?"
Ronalt sighed, "As long as you are vigilant."
"Always am," Earnest tapped his sword.
"Rain I'll leave our care in your hands. The rest of us will find what we can about the Demon Lord. Even the most insignificant detail may be the deciding factor in our success. Now that we've come this far, I don't want any of us dying here." So began our days in the Demon's Capital.
*
I walked the streets alone with a bag beneath my arm. As expected of the Capital they had a plethora of reagents that I had never used before. After talking with a fellow scaleskin apothecary and trading recipes I headed over to the market to buy some ingredients. It was evening now and the Capital was still lively. It showed no sign of dying down especially with their construction. In fact the workers energies seemed to have flared as large stones and other materials were being set up. The liveliness was different to Citlia but good in its own way.
"Hey are you finished?" Lara asked me suddenly popping around the corner.
"Sorry to make you wait," I replied and handed her a warm bag. "It's a sweet potato, or at least I think so. Tastes the same."
She accepted happily, "Thank you kindly." Her hands peeled back the paper eagerly and she chomped down unreservedly. Although she had been friendly when I first met her, right now she had completely lowered her guard and was being open with me. "It really is like a sweet potato. Where's yours?"
I handed her one of the grocery bags so I could eat my own. It was a nostalgic taste and texture. Together we started to walk back to our inn. It was a fair distance without a carriage as we were in the western district but neither of us minded.
Lara smiled, "It's been awhile since we've been shopping together."
"It's been longer for me," I replied.
"Oh right...," she looked downwards. "What was that like?"
"It was nice," I smiled, the memories of Axel clear in my mind. "It was hectic but I love the people of Axel like family. They'd really freak if they knew the truth about who I am."
She laughed, "Maybe when this is over I can meet them again."
"I'd like that." I looked around absentmindedly.
"What's up?" Lara asked.
"No it's just at this point Taylor usually appears near me. She has a knack for finding me."
"Oh she won't be coming out tonight," Lara said a little too naturally.
"What did you do?" I eyed her.
She turned her eyes away, "I just asked her to let me be alone with you for today. It's been awhile okay."
I sighed, "And when you asked her, I bet you told her. She can't refuse an order from you."
"I know," Lara cried guiltily. "But I really just wanted today. Shopping like we used to.... She can do what she's wants with you tomorrow." I was beginning to remember when it came down to it, although Lara was an exceptionally nice person, if she wanted something, she could be surprisingly adamant.
"Apologise when we get back," I patted her head. It was nice to go shopping again so I couldn't complain entirely.
We continued down the main street. The sight of demons was something we had become used to over the past few weeks, though I had already accepted it quite quickly. Still, when a women with the lower body of a snake passed by, we couldn't help but stop and stare. The sun set fully and the street began to light up from the crystals hung from the sides of the buildings around us. That's when I felt it, the shift in mana and the cold burn through my spine.
"Lara careful," I stopped and placed my hand in front of her protectively. My eyes darting around trying to reason out the sensation. The demons in the street around us however weren't catching on and were acting naturally.
"I should be protecting you," Lara pushed my hand away. "I'm more than capable now."
"Right... force of habit I guess," I edged behind her and waited.
The first one came surprising me. A shadowed body with bright yellow eyes that seemed to sway. It was bigger than the ones I was used to but I had no doubts what it was, a denizen of night. How? How on earth did it get inside here with so many people around? A few demons reacted but not in surprise, its presence was natural to them. Lara stepped forward, her hand on the hilt of her sword.
"Wait...," I held her back. The rattle of chains came next. As the denizen lumbered down the road chains dangled from a harness across its chest, and behind it, a cart filled high with stone blocks. I couldn't believe my eyes. Then the sight multiplied, denizens popped up all around us. Their sizes varied but one thing was the same, they were taking the demons' orders as if it was normal. The construction which should have slowed down at night instead sped up as the new, tireless and limitless workers began to takeover.
"First night here?" a tall demon asked smugly as he looked down. "I was the same when I first saw it."
"How?" I asked still unable to believe it.
"That would be because of our Lord. He's a master at magic. As long as we have him the humans stand no chance."
"That they don't...." I took Lara's hand. "Let's go back." This was bad. This was very bad.