Page 60 of Fated to the Demon Lord

Bargoth nodded. “Your mother founded this village and runs it with the other matriarchs. As you see, in Derand, most everyone is welcome. Half-breeds, full-bloods, and humans. Those who come here must abide by the rules of common respect, and slavery is strictly banned.”

“Are you saying this is a kind of utopia?” Vaelor asked.

“Every town has its problems, and we are not above that,” Mother said. “We are only a place where everyone strives to limit their natural prejudices.”

“But we must keep it hidden. Outside of towns such as these, warlords run Misophae. They’d never let a community like this rest in peace,” Bargoth said.

As we moved through town, two familiar figures caught our eye. Erlinen and Feron were among the many selling goods. Erlinen’s stand overflowed with delicious food.

“Feron? Erlinen? What are you both doing here?” Vaelor asked.

“My lord? My lord!” Erlinen raced around the stand, her arms open before remembering her place and backing off and bowing. “Forgive me for my lack of propriety, sir.”

“Do not worry about it. I said you were free of my service and I meant it,” Vaelor said. “How did you come to be here?”

“It was all Feron. He has family here. Got me set up with a booth right away.” She looked up at Vaelor, concern in her gaze. “When you didn’t show up for your meeting with Feron, he became worried and searched the area. He is the one who alerted the leaders of the town to the fact that slavers had taken you.”

Vaelor turned to Feron, clapping him on the shoulder. “Thank you, friend.”

Feron grunted in answer.

“What meeting? Wait…” I said as I put it together. “You’ve been seeing Feron when you go out scouting. And you’ve been having him deliver messages between you and your brother.”

“I didn’t have a chance to meet him. I returned to check on you beforehand and found the slavers attacking,” Vaelor explained.

“Feron and I approached the town leaders and pleaded for their help after your capture, though they did not believe there was a way they might assist a spirit.” She threw a narrow-eyed glare at Mother and snapped her beak. “Once we revealed Denara’s name, they became more than willing to go.”

Ignoring Erlinen’s not-so-subtle ire, Mother responded, “We’d heard that the human town where you and your brother lived came under attack some months ago, and we feared the worst. Bargoth had been building repute with the slavers over time and remained alert, searching for you and your brother. We’d about given up hope when Erlinen brought her news.”

“And you were willing to leave Vaelor behind after they reached out to you?” I joined Erlinen in her spiteful glare.

Mother frowned. “Spirits are immune to the promises made to enter this town. They are a liability. We rarely allow them here.”

Erlinen snorted in anger.

“But when you insisted I return for him, and I saw the finger controlled him. I decided to make an exception,” Bargoth said.

“Denara did that, sir?” Erlinen asked Vaelor. “She convinced him to save you?”

“Don’t look too surprised,” I muttered.

“I would have been in dire straits without Denara.” Vaelor regarded me warmly, and for a moment, my anger and pain disappeared.

“Do you have a place to stay, sir?” Erlinen asked.

“We have lodging for tonight. We are staying with Bargoth and Denara’s mother.” He gestured toward Mother and Bargoth.

“Her mother?” Erlinen appeared even more surprised.

“Yes,” Vaelor said.

“What about your… body situation?”

Vaelor frowned. “There is still time for that. I must go, but I will attempt to find you again before I leave.” He gave Feron a meaningful glance.

“Good day to you, sir,” Erlinen said.

We moved along, continuing our way through town. I watched Vaelor as he walked, no longer suspicious or stalking but thoughtful. “You were different back there. Friendlier,” I said. “To tell you the truth, I had no idea that was within your capabilities.”