Chapter 14 : So I Rescued Those Suffering Souls

I tell them everything about my encounter with Nyelora that night. Melune starts crying. Ferminaka tries to comfort her. Vaelya says in a low voice, "That's why all races despise humans." 

I say to Melune, "Let's go, Melune. I'll take you to your sister." Melune stops crying. She says, "Thank you, your majesty. I am very grateful for your kindness, your majesty. May I make a request to you?" "Sure." I reply. Melune says, "When I was sold to Prince Corlious, I lost every bit of hope to ever see my sister again. But your majesty, you came here and gave your word to return me home. I don't think any human would ever do that. If it is possible, Your Majesty, I want to see your coronation before I return home. Then I can tell everyone with pride that I have seen the kindest king's coronation with my own eyes." "Alright, Melune, I'll take you home after the coronation." I say with a smile.

Vaelya says, "I want to accompany you on the journey, Hero Agni." "Of course, Princess Vaelya. That will be my pleasure." Ferminaka asks, "May I say something, your majesty?" "Sure, Ferminaka." I reply. Ferminaka says, "You could have ignored the promise to a mermaid, your majesty. But you didn't. I can understand you are different from other kings, your majesty. Witnessing your kindness, I think you want this information." I ask, "What is it, Ferminaka?" Ferminaka says, "There are many slaves locked in the slave chamber. Prince Corlious bough..." I interrupt her, saying, "Let's go there now." Ferminaka says, "But the keys to the..." "Won't be needing those," says Vaelya.

Melune, Vaelya, and I follow Ferminaka to the slave chamber. The slave chamber is in the underground room of the palace. We arrive at the slave chamber. Ferminaka brought two solar crystal lamps with her. I take one. My blood starts boiling to witness what is in the room.

There are almost 20 prison cells in that room. Each cell contains more than 4 persons. All are females from different races, including humans, elves, catkin, wolfkin, and more. I can't stop shaking. If one kingdom can do this, then... Ferminaka says, "Prince Corlious uses them for his plea...." "SHUT UP!" I shout without thinking. Ferminaka becomes scared. She immediately kneels and says, "Sorry, Your Majesty." I say, "I didn't mean to shout. Sorry, Ferminaka." "Don't apologize, your majesty. I am nothing but your servant, your majesty."

I clench my fists. My flame ignites. I destroy every cell's gate with my punches. Those women are still handcuffed to the wall. And every woman except humans have white collars on their necks. I've seen these kinds of collars in Vaekara village. Holy Knights used these magic enchanted collars on Drakaris's necks, which keep sucking their energy and strength all the time. 

I say, "Ferminaka, bring those keys of their handcuffs. If I use my strength, they will be hurt. And also bring enough fresh clothes for every one of them. Take Melune with you. Go now." "As you wish, your majesty." Ferminaka says. Ferminaka and Melune leave. 

Vaelya comes to me and says, "Hero Agni, I know what you are feeling. But please control yourself. There are more. You have to becalm if you want to rescue all of them." I sigh and say, "Yes, Princess Vaelya. Thank you." 

I burn every collar on their necks. Everyone is shivering when I go near them. I wipe my tears and say, "Princess, they are scared of me, for I am a human. Because they are in this situation because of humans. So talk to them and reassure them as a Demon Princess." Vaelya says, "Alright, Hero...." She paused. Ferminaka and Melune enter into the room with cloths and keys.

Ferminaka gives me the keys and says, "Here are the keys, your majesty." I take the keys and say, "Can I trust you, Ferminaka?" Ferminaka kneels and says, "Of course, your majesty. I gave my loyalty to you when Mr. Lukemir told me about your thoughts on the dead soldiers. You are the kindest soul I know, your majesty. Even if someone tortured me to death, I will never betray you, your majesty." I smile and say, "Raise your head, Ferminaka. I am very glad to have your service."

I tell Ferminaka and Melune everything about who I am and what my goal is. Ferminaka looks at Vaelya with wide eyes. I say, "Trust me, Ferminaka, demons are not as evil as they are described by the Sanctus Dominion." Ferminaka looks at me and says, "I trust you, your majesty. I am just surprised, that's all." I say, "Alright, Ferminaka. I want to become a king for a goal. My plan is to rescue all non-human individuals imprisoned or tortured by humans and send them to their home. If they don't have any, then send them to the Demon Realm." Ferminaka says, "I understand now, your majesty. I'll support you any way I can." I say, "Thank you, Ferminaka." 

I turn to Vaelya and say, "Talk to them, Princess Vaelya." Vaelya removes two rings from her fingers. Her horns appear. Vaelya loudly says, "Listen! I am Vaelya, the sister of demon king Varthion Vel Azar. This human here is named Agni. Demon King Varthion summoned him from another world to be the hero of the demons. But Hero Agni decided to save all races because he believes every race is equal, since they all are created by God himself. Hero Agni claimed the throne of Alnovir as the first step to rescue all suffering individuals. Now that we've found you. All except humans and elves will be handed to the Demon King. He will make sure that you all go home. And if you don't have any home, there will be a place for you to live in the demon realm. And for humans and elves, we will create a team that will make sure you arrive at your home safely. I know you all have been through a lot. But please hold onto your hole for a while." 

I give the keys to Melune and say, "Melune, please remove their handcuffs. I can't go near them; they are not well dressed." Melune says, "As you wish, your majesty." I say, "Ferminaka, please give them clothes after the handcuffs are removed." Ferminaka says, "As you wish, your majesty." 

Ferminaka and Melune start doing it according to the order. They will change clothes, so I turn to the wall. I say, "Princess Vaelya."

- "Yes, Hero Agni."

- "Can you create a portal here?"

- "Of course. Brother gave me a ring for that purpose. He wouldn't let me leave the demon realm without it. He told me to use that ring when I sense any danger." 

- "He is your brother after all. Please create a portal gate here."

- "Sure, Hero Agni."

Vaelya opens a portal gate on the wall. I say, "Now go to the demon realm and return with your high...." I couldn't complete my sentence. Varthion is already coming out from the portal. I smile.

Varthion says, "Sister, are you alright?" Vaelya says, "Yes, your highness. Hero Agni told me to open the portal." Varthion looks at me and says, "So your first phase of the plan is successful?" "Yes, Your Highness." Varthion becomes happy and says, "Congratulations, King of Alnovir." I bow before him and say, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Now I need your help." Varthion says, "Of course, Hero Agni. Tell me what you need." 

I tell Varthion everything. He says, "Hero Agni, races except Human, Elf, and Dwarf are my responsibility. So, I am not helping you by doing what you tell me to do. I am only doing my duty. You are the one who is helping me, Hero Agni." I smile.

Ferminaka says, "Your Majesty, we are done." I turn around. Ferminaka and Melune are standing with those women from prison cells. All have dressed properly now. I say, "Thank you, Ferminaka and Melune." I say louder, "Everyone, you are present in front of the Demon King. Show your respect." Everyone kneel. 

Varthion says, "Raise your heads, everyone. Hero Agni rescues you all only for each of you to live. I know a hero is not for any particular race. A hero is for everyone. But I feel proud to tell you all that he is the summoned hero of demons. I, Varthion Vel Azar, promise you on my name that I will make sure you get there safely. And if you don't have a home, I'll give you shelter and food in the demon realm. Anyone is welcome to stay in the demon realm. And you will be treated with respect. But my first priority is to treat your wounds first. We have healers in the demon realm. After you recover your health, you are free to choose whether you want to return home or stay in the demon realm. But at the moment, I can't accept humans and elves in the demon realm. As you know, our races have trust issues for now. I hope in the future, all races can live in harmony like they did long ago." I really hope that. 

A catkin woman comes to me and bows. She says, "Thank you, Hero. I will never forget your kindness." I lower my head and say with tears in my eyes, "I am sorry for being so late." Other women come to me one by one and thank me for saving them from years of suffering. But neither can I accept their thanks nor can I look into their eyes. I can't just be happy for saving them now when they were suffering for a long time. 

After 158 women went into the portal, Varthion comes to me and says, "Take care of my sister, Hero Agni." "I will, your highness." I reply with a tearful voice. Varthion smiles and goes into the portal. The portal vanishes.

I, Vaelya, Ferminaka, Melune, 5 female elves, and 12 female humans remain in the room. 

Vaelya places her hand on my shoulder and says, "I know what you are thinking, Hero Agni. But think this way: you reduce the time of their suffering. Their sufferings ended tonight. They can live from now on because of you, Hero Agni." Her words touch something inside me.

I kneel down on the floor and start crying like a baby. I don't know why.