Chapter 16 - Rock Me Amadeus

“Euryale, is that you?”

Verna!?!

Why? Why is she here?

It took Euryale a moment to realize that she knew the person who strode out of the carriage. Not just knew a little. She’d known Laverna for years. Worked with her in the Demon King’s forces.

Verna was one of the few who didn’t look down on Euryale because she was unused to combat. Who recognized her for her abilities behind the scenes helping to manage what was often an unwieldy beast of an organization where greater demons were far more interested in their next conquest than actually dealing with their responsibilities.

And here was Verna. Turning to stone.

Euryale tried to stop the light pouring forth from her eyes. But it was too late.

As she had planned, she was putting every ounce of power she had into her ability. She was out of practice and it had taken the old driver several moments to succumb, but by the time she had turned her sight on Verna the full weight of her gaze struck the demon.

Before the woman’s words had even really registered in Euryale’s mind Verna had been completely petrified.

A tremendous wave of guilt assaulted her but before it could truly take root another feeling struck at her core.

Fear.

Euryale had just murdered the sister of the Demon King. No apology, no explanation could ever hope to excuse the act.

And so Euryale did the only thing that came to mind.

She screamed.

A shriek from the very depths of her soul roared out of her lips and the force of the sound slammed into the petrified pair. The dwarf and the demon, along with their horse, shattered into pieces and crumbled to the ground.

Euryale fell to her knees which sunk into the mud and began to sob.

She tried to focus on her feelings of loss. To feel bad that she had done this to a colleague. Maybe even something of a friend.

But instead all she could think about was the fear.

She would be caught. Of course she would.

She could have buried a petrified human accountant. Pretended they had never arrived in town. But Verna?!

The number of people in the city who could kill a greater demon could be counted on one hand. And Euryale was one of those fingers.

They would never stop looking. Never stop chasing.

Never stop…seeking retribution.

“What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?…”

She stayed on her knees, head held in her hands as she muttered again and again the same line.

“If anyone finds out…I’ll be killed…”

Her body shook, racked by sobs. It was getting hard to breathe.

“Oh, I’m sure it’s not that bad. With a little help that is.”

The calm, almost casual, voice from directly behind her surprised her and her head shot up. She spun in place, her knees scrapping the mud into a swirl around her.

“M…Mr…Mr. Witt?!?” Her voice could barely make words as she saw the face of the last person she expected in that moment.

“Come now Euryale, you know I’m always happy to help a friend. More or less.” He flashed a beaming smile like he was having a normal conversation in the guild hall.

“Why are you even here!?”

He squatted down so he was eye level with her, though he was clearly being careful not to kneel in the mud like her.

He placed a hand on her right shoulder as he looked her in the eye.

“I’m here because you asked me to be. Remember?”

Her mind spun, trying to figure out what he meant. It was clear she couldn’t fathom what he meant.

“You wanted an adventurer. And I suggested a retired adventurer who might be a little rusty but would help you out.” He used his free hand to point at his own face. “Sure, I’m a little early. But shouldn’t you be thanking me for coming to help you?”

“Th..thank you? You’re not supposed to be here!” She started to shake her head like a child.

“Because of the whole murder thing?” He casually pointed back and forth between the two crumbled stone bodies.

“You saw?!”

“I did.” He nodded. “But, why should it bother me? I assume it’s some pre-existing beef between big important demons like yourself.” He flashed another smile.

She stared at him, her only movements her blinks.

“But I get the impression something didn’t go as planned. I mean, you’re kneeling in the mud crying about how you’re going to die. It’s a terrible way to find a friend.”

She gulped. “A friend?…”

“Aren’t we? And don’t worry Euryale. Friends help friends.”

“Help? What? How? Why?” Her words tumbled out as quickly as the questions arose in her mind.

“Well, you may have noticed that I don’t exactly have a problem interacting with you demons. My guild hall even got attacked because of that association, didn’t it.”

She nodded along.

“So, let’s just say we’re in this together for the moment. I’ll help you get through…whatever this mess is,” he gestured around them, “and you’ll be able to help me out of a jam when I need it. Won’t you?”

“You would help me?”

He gave her a wry smile. “Doesn’t that sound preferable than having you turn me to stone too? I know I think so!”

“Oh Mr Witt…I couldn’t.” She shook her head.

“I knew you had a soft spot for me Euryale.”

“Oh, um, I mean…I meant…I can’t do that again right away.”

“Phew!” He pantomimed being relieved. “I’m sure I’d make a lovely statue, but I would lose so much of my charm without being able to move!” He winked at her and didn’t look the least bit threatened by her despite what she had just done.

“What am I going to do Mr. Witt?!” She ignored his banter, too focused on her own problems. “I thought this visitor was a human accountant on their way to review the castle’s finances. Not Verna!”

“Is that a problem?”

“She’s the Demon King’s sister!”

He made a face. “That does seem like a pickle, doesn’t it?”

“How are you so calm?” She stared at him bewildered.

“Let’s just say I have a knack for helping people out of a jam. First, let me ask you, is anyone else coming?”

Already pale, she blanched further. “Taia! Taia was supposed to organize a patrol or something to receive the envoy! She’ll be here soon!”

Panic clearly crept into Euryale’s voice.

“Then we’ll have to work quickly. There will be a big investigation, I’m sure. If she’s as important as you say.” He pointed at the shattered demon.

Euryale nodded frantically.

“So we’ll start by getting you out of here while I do a little clean up.”

“Clean up?”

“Well, can’t leave two busted statues, plus that horse, just lying around, can we? Especially since I assume that’s a pretty unique trick you pulled?”

“Oh dear, yes! Only me. Well, there two others. But they’re nowhere near here.”

He put his hand to his chin in thought. “Then I’ll just have to get creative and deal with these statues. Run along and I’ll meet up with you in a day or two.”

“A day or two...” Too bewildered by the rapid conversation she stayed kneeling in the mud.

“Come, come.” He grabbed her hands and pulled her up. “We’ll have a good long chat another time. Off with you!”

He swatted her backside like he would a horse. Too confused to do anything, including object to the slap, she followed his instructions and she began to stumble towards the city.

“Do stick to the woods Eury dear. No sense bumping into Taia’s patrol on the way.”

She nodded obediently and slowly began to pick up speed, eventually running into the forest. Tears still streaked her face.

As soon as Euryale was out of sight a short, blue haired elf materialized next to the guild master.

“Think she bought it dad?”

Witt sighed.

“Look, I told you not to call me that when I’m playing Witt!” He hung his head low in exasperation.