The Inconvenience of Hiding Bodies

Smoke towers into the sky, feeling as if it might threaten to bring the entire forest down with it. At its base is a pile of ash that was previously part of a certain pair of demons.

"Is this really alright…"

One bad ember is all it would take to set off an unstoppable forest fire. Despite this, Bernard beside me doesn't seem concerned.

"Don't worry. Katherine has the flames under control."

"Did we need to burn them completely…"

"We act in secret to keep both demons and civilians unaware. Locals celebrating our presence would only serve to alert our enemies."

At this point, one would never be able to tell that demons once stood here. With the smoke as well billowing away, evidence of the clash has been successfully cleared. Only I can see traces of the monstrous energy their bodies left behind.

"Let's hope nobody finds this suspicious…"

"Who is there!?"

Not even a moment after the words left my mouth, a voice yells out from within the forest. With the sun still peeking through the canopy of leaves, human figures can be seen approaching. There are two men with their eyes locked onto us.

"This can't be good!"

I look over at the others, but none make any motion to escape. They seem to be just waiting for them to finish arriving.

"Aren't we supposed to be secretive!?"

"They are just peasants."

Leon is leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. He doesn't even look in the direction of the men, reflections of smoke still hanging in his eyes.

"We will simply silence them if they pry too deep."

"I don't think a hero is supposed to do that!"

Unfortunately, my words do not reach Leon. They don't reach any of the heroes as the men finally appear before us. One has dust all over his hardy outfit and carries a pickaxe over his shoulder. The other is covered in soil and holds up a more menacing pitchfork. Neither seem particularly happy to see us.

"What're you lot doing here!?"

"Were you the ones who caused this fire!?"

Straight to the point. My exhausted mind is forced to work overtime to find a decent excuse for our presence. Making enemies of the locals would be quite problematic after all.

"You see—"

"That is none of your concern!"

"Wha—!"

I'm the one who cries out in shock as Leon provides an aggressive response. He could not be making a worse impression, and one of the men seems to agree.

"What did you just say!"

"If you value your life, you had best leave immediately."

"Leave!? This is our forest!"

Rusted metal makes itself known as the villagers point them towards the young hero. They stop in their tracks only after Bernard steps in with a knight's insignia shining on his armour.

"We are on important business. Return to your homes at once."

Well said, excluding any kind of context. Bernard did his best to sound cordial, and received a shot of spit in return.

"Who do you think you are!?"

"You think you can just march in here and boss us around!?"

"Annoying…"

Katherine is at the end of her patience. Magic begins forming at the tip of her staff, waiting for the signal to mow the poor folks down. All it would take is a single word from Leon and we would end up with two more bodies to dispose of.

"Now hold on!"

I force myself between the villagers and Bernard before any real weapons can be drawn. Sweat is beating down my face, something I probably can't blame it on the summer weather.

"I think there must be some kind of misunderstanding here!"

"Huh? Who're you?"

Seeing me in the same rugged garb as themselves, the men instinctively lower their guard. I don't know if I should be glad or upset that we reached common ground so easily.

"You can call me Rado! My specialty is growing potatoes and making beef stew!"

I make sure that they can get a clear view of my stained tunic. They should know how impossible it is to remove the dark smudges after a while.

"We're on a bit of a journey, me and these kids here! It has been quite a long trip already and we were preparing to set up camp right here"

"In the middle of the forest? There are plenty of spots along the trail?"

"And what of the fire!?"

There really is no way to hide the two demon-sized piles of ash sitting right behind us. There aren't many reasons why there would be this much fire without nearly burning the ecosystem completely.

"You see…that is…"

I take a look back at my fellow travelers. Not sure what I had been expecting, but they offer absolutely no help. In fact, this colourful little band of heroes completely stands out. The one in purple especially is out of place in just about every setting.

"Come here for a second!"

The two men lower their weapons and allow me to get within whispering range.

"These kids are quite a bit of trouble, let me tell you. You see the girl there?"

"What is she wearing?"

"Some magic stuff. Can't say I know what it's all for."

Dramatically wiping sweat from my brow, I glance over at the pile of ash.

"I said we needed a campfire and you know what she did? She set a whole tree on fire!"

Katherine shouldn't be able to hear me. Yet for some reason, I feel a chill go down my spine as I continue my fabrications.

"A whole one!?"

"She's trying to kill us all!"

"Nearly did! Made her use that magic of hers to put it all out! You can tell that these kids haven't gone out much!"

The two men join me in looking at the party with absolute fear. I honestly can't tell if I'm even lying when my body shivers at the thought of leaving them to handle themselves.

"I would have them camp beside the road, but I fear they may get into some kind of brawl as I sleep! Best to keep them away from trouble!"

"You have my gratitude, Rado! Had you brought them to our homes, I fear the worst!"

"If you need anything, show up at our village alone and we'll help you out!"

Their compassion sweeps over me as they understand the labours fate has forced me to complete. I may be exaggerating slightly, but I can't tell these kind villagers that.

"I may need help getting supplies for the remainder of our journey. In exchange, let me know if I can be of use!"

The two men exchange glances with each other. Whatever the conclusion of their hidden conversation was, they came to the same conclusion.

"You said you were good on the farm?"

"That I am! I can spot any sprouts that aren't feeling well!"

Their eyes light up at my confidence. We've completely forgotten about the heroes still patiently waiting just behind us.

"Then, think you can help us out with something?"

* * * * *

"You are a work of wonder, Rado!"

"How did you know those plants were sick!?"

"Hahaha! Just an old skill of mine!"

We are returning to their village with an extra spring in our steps. By this time, the sun has started making its way down the horizon.

A quick stop at their fields told me everything I needed to know about their issue. With multiple months of blighted crops, they were at a loss as to the cause. Fortunately, the pained screams of the plants themselves told me exactly where the source was.

"With that patch gone, you should be all set."

"I cannot thank you enough!"

"It's like you work magic!"

"It's nothing like that—"

I'm about to show my boundless humility before a reminder pops into my head. Perhaps I may have called it nothing special before, but I know my abilities now.

"You know what, it is magic!"

"Teach me that, why don't you!?"

""Hahaha!""

As we're laughing merrily, a pair of children run over to us. One is a small girl while the other is a boy only slightly older. I can vaguely see traces of the man beside me in their faces.

"Ah, perfect timing!"

The farmer pats the shoulders of his children, a wide smile on all of their faces.

"Get this man some eggs and a pint of milk! He really helped us out over here!"

The small girl is the first to respond, waving an energetic hand in the air.

"Okay!"

"I'll help with the milk."

He shows his age as the young boy follows behind with a careful eye on his sister. Seeing them along with the rest of the peaceful village puts a pain in my heart.

"What good kids…"

"They're mine, so you'd best believe they are!"

The farmer puts a fist to his chest with pride. He must not see my lonely stare as he pats on my shoulder.

"Now you've gotta get those kids of yours in order! No more rogue flames!"

"Flames, huh…"

The events of today are still fresh in my mind, and that word only serves to bring it further into the front.