33. Warriors

After Mazanlold noticed Caoilainn could not hear him, he sat down again, got comfortable and waited. He was trained in a kind of meditation, he was able to spend large amounts of time in silence, not only of the external world but also of his inner world. He did not know how long he spent relaxing, when the Duke entered on his cell. Instead of his fancy clothes, he wore a leather armor and was carrying Mazanlold's morning star. The Duke said:
- "You know, just like you, I'm also a fighter, a warrior" - Mazanlold didn't pay him any mind, he just remained attentive for threats. - "I know how a warrior has a hard time earning respect and honor and risking his life for questionable causes" - Mazanlold still didn't budge. The Duke got annoyed but didn't show it - "I imagine, would someone like you wish for a chance to achieve honor and glory?" - finally Mazanlold turned to him and said:
- "I doubt you can propose me anything worth it, fiend." - Mazanlold was dry, however the Duke smiled and opened his arms saying:
- "But this is the Demon Duke Donisemon you are talking to! Why don't you just listen and then you think about it?" - he put the morning star by Mazanlold's side saying - "here, a sign of my trust" - Mazanlold waited and took his weapon. After a quick look he consented with his head.

Donisemon was satisfied. He walked around a bit, like he was setting up his show before continuing:
- "So, Mazanlold, you see, I am a very well informed Duke, and I know quite a few things about your dreams. I know you dream not only about being a good warrior, but also about receiving recognition, honor and respect. You believe warriors must be honored for their efforts" - he bowed - "and I completely agree, people own much of their peaceful lives to warriors and should be grateful."
- "You are damn right, warriors deserve their part!" - now Mazanlold was listening.
- "Also, I know some other things" - Donisemon hided his smile - "I know about your father and grandfather's sad fates" - Mazanlold looked at him with angry eyes - "and I am sorry about this. You see" - he spread his arms - "us demons are chaotic, but not unfair. It is humans who are unfair, ungrateful, unforgiving. I am truly sorry, that their fates were so unfair" - he bowed.
- "So, you say you are sorry" - replied Mazanlold - "what's your proposal, then?"
- "You see Mazanlold, this is the fate of human relationships:" - again he spread his arms - "disrespect, distrust, dishonor, betrayal and a deep unfairness." - he smiled - "what I propose you is freedom, freedom from this dirty pitiful unfairness of humans." - Donisemon gave Mazanlold some time to think. Mazanlold got up and walked a bit.
- "Okay, I need to admit you have some way with words." - Mazanlold replied - "however, I'm not dumb. What exactly are you proposing?" - Donisemon smiled and answered:
- "It is simple. I propose that you serve a good master. A master that will give you purpose, and command respect. Everyone will have to honor you, you will fight, live with glory and also live a rich and honorable retirement." - the Duke couldn't contain his smile - "of course, that master would be me." - Mazanlold breathed deeply as the Duke continued - "what do you say?"
- "I just wanna make sure I understand" - Mazanlold replied - "you are proposing that I become your servant, because you will offer me all a warrior could ever want in a way that is fair of who I am." - The Duke kept smiling, sat down and said:
- "Exactly this." - Mazanlold took his time.

- "I won't accept it" - Mazanlold said and at the same time, The Duke lost his smile - "you are a demon and I won't fall for that. You are cunning, specialized at lying. Your kind destroyed my father and his father before him. Even if you end up destroying me or if I fail on life, I prefer" - he paused - "to die without a sliver of respect than to sell myself and lose my integrity." - he got up - "No! Get out of my face, you demon!" - with that, the Donisemon stood up with a sour face. He said:
- "Okay, I won't force you." - the Duke bowed - "All I can say is, you will be sorry for that." - he spread his arms - "but my conscience is clean, I did my part" - the Duke turned away from him to leave the cell. However, in a flash, he turned around to attack Mazanlold with a knife, on his thigh. Mazanlold quickly reacted and defended himself with his morning star. They went into defensive stances. Mazanlold said:
- "You have proved you are a liar. A true warrior wouldn't do a dishonorable attack on an opponent with his back turned." - Mazanlold went for a swing - "come and fight me like a man!" - but as he attacked, the Duke disappeared with a curtain of gray smoke.

Mazanlold's heartbeat was fast, but the cell was empty and dead silent. As he took a breath and relaxed, the door to his cell opened up by itself.