Chapter 5

Part 1

With a blanket of tension smothering them, Abagail and Timaios silently rode in a horse drawn carriage. Each bump in the road caused Abagail to wince, her head still throbbing after facing off with the formerly living Clayton. Peering back in the cart, she watched her husband, Kris, being tended to by a young medic. The young woman wiped sweat away, kept his head elevated with a pillow, and all while maintaining composure along the rocky path; Abagail was thoroughly impressed!

“I apologize for the ride being so rough.” The medic, a lanky, messy brown haired man with round glasses, and a layered green cloak sat opposite her and Timaios. His appearance stood at odds with what she pictured as a brave adventurer of the Pauldris Woodlands, yet he was the first to move in and aid Kris when they were discovered. “Whenever monsters exit the woodlands, they often traverse the roads, looking for prey.” He smiled. “It is the duty of the knights’ to fend off such creatures, so they often apprehend the beasts on this road.”

“Must be tough. We really appreciate you helping us.” Timaios held onto Abagail, burying his face in her side, as if to hide from the medic.

“Don’t worry, young man. I don’t bite.” Offering a warm smile, again, the young demon boy hid his face, squeezing deeper behind Abagail in her seat. His hood was failing to conceal the flowing, blood colored red locks running down his head, though it managed to adequately cover his horn. “He doesn’t seem fond of me.” The man awkwardly chuckled, seemingly none the wiser to Timaios’s demonic origin.

“Well…Tim…tends to be shy around strangers.” The nickname caught Timaios off guard, eliciting a smile from him. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe I got your name.”

“Oh? I could’ve sworn I mentioned it before, then again, you were rather distressed. My name is Hogarth Roode, I’m a field medic for the Zéme knights. Once we reach Zéme, we’ll head to my workplace and have you two looked at. Worry not!”

“Workplace…? Wouldn’t a hospital be a better choice?”

“From my limited time inspecting the wound on the man’s leg, it would appear he was attacked by a tree root spider. In recent days, they’ve grown more active, attacking our men, thus I’ve been working personally on remedies.”

“I guess I’ll leave it in your hands.”

“As I said, worry not! Now, I must ask, those men that were surrounding you…”

“Bandits!” Abagail interjected, her stomach churning. She wasn’t the best liar, so having to keep Timaios safe and hidden, all while suffering from a splitting headache, was overwhelming. “They surrounded us and demanded money. With Kris down, I had no choice but to defend myself.”

“I see. Kris is your husband, correct?”

“Yes. I’m Abagail by the way…and this is Tim.” Again, Timaios’s eyes lit up upon hearing the nickname. (Did he buy that?)

“It’s a pleasure to make your proper acquaintance. Am I to assume he is Kris Pewter, making you Abagail Pewter…two of the heroes that slayed Demon Lord Uzziel?!”

“Oh…y-yes.” The enthusiasm brimming from Hogarth rose an uncharacteristic blush on Abagail’s cheeks.

“I apologize if I’m over stepping bounds! I just have read many stories of your heroism alongside Sir Gerald. You’re also quite the celebrity in Zème.” That twisted up a pit in Abagail’s gut. “Oh, excellent! I can see the city from here! We will be there soon, worry not!”

Part 2

With creaky wooden wheels bouncing on the cobblestones of the city roads, the carriage rolled into Zème. Fascinated by the other horse drawn wagons passing through the sky-reaching stone city gates, Timaios’s ruby eyes sparkled. Abagail felt somewhat nostalgic seeing those stone buildings pass by. Many other stagecoaches pulled in alongside the troupe as peddlers began unloading equipment and goods for the next day. With small shops and houses lining the streets, it felt surprisingly homey to Abagail; except for the imposing castle, the centermost point of the city. The highest tower that reached for the heavens and overlooked the whole of the city, and its surrounding lands, was adorned with the Zème flag flowing in the wind; emblazed with a wolf bearing a saber in its mouth.

“Are those the knight barracks?” Abagail pointed out a long two-story hall. Outside, men, most likely knights, as they were all armed with swords, drank and made marry around the entrance. “Bigger and more lively than I recall.”

“Yes, it is.” Hogarth spoke with relief, yet it turned into exasperation quickly. “With those men outside, it won’t take long for…”

“Men!” An angry and commanding voice called the drunk knights to attention! Down from the second floor, a young snow white-haired woman leapt, landing right in front of the men gracefully, with her ponytail billowing in the wind! “Disgraceful! Showing your asses like this in the captain’s absence! I’m of every mind to make all of you clean the stables for the next month!”

“Louise, please.” Leaving the carriage, Hogarth ran over to the young woman.

“Do not stop me, Hogarth!” Still upset, the young woman fumed when she turned back to the still lounging knights. “Have none of you any shame? You’re knights of Zème!”

“It’s been a long day, Louise! Can’t we just enjoy the evening with a few drinks?” One knight, on his third mug, said through slurred delivery.

“I tend to agree, but I do not have time to argue. Could I ask you to spare some men and have them help me move this patient into my workplace?”

“Fine. All but three of you, back inside!” Louise sternly pointed the drunken knights into the barracks, however three men stayed behind as Hogarth requested. “I assume this has to do with your trip into the forest. I was wondering why you’d returned so early. Is everything alright?”

“As you may be able to tell, we came across some people in need.” From where she stood, Louise could see the other medic tending to a man laid in the back of the carriage. The chilly air of the night continued to blow, making transport more of an urgency.

“The man in the back, yes? Men, take him to Hogarth’s laboratory.”

“It’s not a laboratory! Do not call it that, the connotations are ominous.” The medic’s frustrations were laughed off by Louise with a simple chuckle, further upsetting Hogarth.

The men acknowledged Louise’s orders, moving to the back of the cart, and grabbed the ends of the stretcher, hoisting Kris up. They made their way back around front, followed by the female medic, but when Abagail tried to join them, Hogarth blocked her path. “You need your rest.”

“But…!” Good sense overtook her emotions; Abagail had forgotten the several injuries she had sustained. Head still ringing, multiple cuts and bruises on her back, and possibly broken bones, with the woman’s adrenaline slowing, the pain was creeping back in.

“I promise, we’ll make sure he’s comfortable and safe.” A reassurance that fell slightly on deaf ears, however. Abagail yearned to be beside her husband more than anything at that time!

“Hogarth.” Louise walked up. “Who might this be?”

“Ah, this is Abagail Pewter, and her son, Tim, on the stretcher is Kris. Do me a favor and walk her and her son up to one of the empty rooms we have.” With a long stretch and a sly wink, the medic walked off, preparing to work.

“…” Louise looked Abagail up and down, then turned about face. “F-Follow me.” She stammered for a second, then led Abagail and Timaios into the barracks. Discarded weapons, armor and some clothing sat in the corner of the front room. Louise groaned audibly, but then quickly hid her face, flushed with embarrassment. “Please…ignore this.” The snow white-haired knight woman brought Abagail and Timaios up to the empty second floor room, as requested. “This area will be yours.” It was a rather large room, two beds, a bathroom, nightstand, and dresser, all especially pristine.

Abagail walked Timaios in and sat the young boy on a bed. “Thank you…Louise, was it?” She spoke with the young knight woman who blushed, casting her gaze downward.

“Yes, ma’am!”

“I’m very, tired, but if anything happens with my husband, please let me know immediately.” Just before Abagail could close the door she was stopped!

“Um…! Your name is Abagail Pewter…but your name used to be Abagail Highwater, right?”

“…Yes, it was. What about it?”

“I…I’m a huge fan of yours, ma’am! Your feats during the war, the battle with the Demon Lord, they’re spoken about in such high regard.”

(Another fan? That explains her change in demeanor. Hogarth did say I was a celebrity of sorts.) Even the thought was discomforting. Abagail yearned to return to her quiet life more and more by the second. “Thank you, but…”

“Ah, yes! You’re tired! I’m so sorry!” Louise bowed her head, the white hair atop her head bobbing rapidly, though her azure blue eyes remained packed with excitement. The young woman ran off covering her blushing face!

“*Sigh*…” Tension followed that exasperated sigh. Briefly, Abagail smiled, feeling a bit of pride in her accomplishments from the great battle, but wished it wasn’t being thrown into her face.

“Miss Abagail…are you-” A knock came from the door. Abagail stopped just short of sitting on the bed and got up to check who it was. Opening the door, there stood Louise, flustered with hands full of medical supplies.

“I-I asked Hogarth if I could - I mean, should bring you some medical supplies for your cuts and bruises…so here.” Girlishly, Louise handed Abagail the box of bandages and medicine. Then much like before, dashed off!

“…That girl is weird.” Abagail returned to sitting on the bed. She eyed the closed door, expecting to hear another knock from Louise. After a minute, she gave up on her regular wariness, beginning to apply treatment for the injuries sustained from the battle earlier. Timaios sat, clutching the stuffed two-headed wolf as he watched Abagail. “…You did good…helping Kris back there.” The young boy smiled, covering his face with the plush out of embarrassment. It was obvious, even to Timaios, Abagail was having difficulty applying ointment to her back. From the battle with Clayton, she’d gotten a black eye, and bruises all over, so he ran up, offering his assistance.

“I can help!”

“Don’t!” She surprised Timaios! “I…can handle it myself. Go to bed.” Frightened, the young boy scurried underneath the covers. Abagail got up, feeling a bit guilty for the outburst. To clear her mind, she sat on the windowsill, looking off into the night sky. With a deep breath, she took in the scenery, still filled with worrying thoughts about their situation. “Kris…please be okay.”

Part 3

Combing through the murky fog clouding his mind, and forcing open his heavy eyelids, Kris finally awoke to the blinding rays of the sun breaking through a window. An unusual room, several beakers, flasks, and sharp instruments sat alongside the walls. On an operating table, with most of his clothes stripped away, Kris noted a woman cleaning the spider wound on his leg. When she took notice of Kris having regained consciousness, she smiled. “Excuse me…where am I?” He asked calmly.

“You’re in the Zème Knights’ barracks. Now that you’re awake Mr. Pewter, the captain and lead medic would like to have a word with you.”

“Lead medic? Captain?” The woman walked away, leaving Kris slightly confused. (So, we ended up in Zème after all. I wanted to avoid coming through here as much as possible, but I guess it’s too late now.)

Two men walked through the doorway. One, lanky and pale, with his thin shoulders evident even under his layered green cloak. He was tall with unkempt brown hair, but his round glasses and soft features removed any threatening aura. “Hello, Kris Pewter.”

“Hello.” That couldn’t be said for the other man. Broad shoulders beneath a regal black jacket, adorned with several brooches and medals, gray hair in a perfect crew cut, even the man’s wrinkles felt neatly arranged! “Um…am I right to assume you’re the lead medic and knight captain?”

“That is correct, Kris. I am Hogarth Roode, a field medic and the lead medic for all of the Zème knights. The man to my left…” Hogarth politely gestured, having the older man cut those fierce gray eyes toward the medic, then back across to Kris with clear frustration.

“Neville Dob, captain of the Zème knights.” He answered, straight forward and without an ounce of hesitation.

(These two…) Kris assessed the men. The man upfront, Hogarth, was a total non-combatant. He was thin, but appeared sturdy. Everything from his cumbersome cloak, brown loafers, and thin black trousers gave Kris pause in believing the man was a field medic. Neville Dob, however, stood in his royal black coat, and pants, but with a pair of hiking boots hidden beneath. Kris could taste the tension in the air, and it all radiated from captain Neville. Like standing before a hunting beast, he would pounce on any weakness or in that case, inconsistency. (Dob…I feel like I recognize that name. Have I met him before? Should I be on guard?) Proceeding with caution, Kris weaned his way into the conversation. “What happened? I was attacked by a monster and…next thing I know, I’m here.”

“Ah, worry not! Your wife, Abagail and son, Tim, are down in the mess hall.” With a smile, Hogarth dissuaded one fear.

“Oh. That’s good.” Kris laid back down and breathed a sigh of relief. (He said ‘son’. That must mean he’s seen Timaios. Do they know about him being the Demon Lord’s son? No way. I’ll continue with the idea that they don't. The old man, he’s kept an eye on me from the second he stepped into the room.)

“The men in the woods.” Neville spoke up. “Who were they?”

“...Th-”

“One-eyed Clayton! A demon hunter we had chased off when he was causing issues in the city, Captain!” Enthusiasm still bubbling over, the hero loving medic interjected! He was met with scornful, gray eyes yet again!

“Yeah…Clayton and his men were busy trying to mug us…I think. I was half out when they showed up. It was a good thing Abagail was there.”

“If I may, Kris Pewter.” The old knight approached the side of the operating table. “I just have a few questions. The most prevalent being, why did two world renown heroes decide to travel through the Pauldris Woodlands instead of walking the path to Zème?

“Well…” Kris thought. (I can’t tell him we’re headed to Fausthood. It being the Demon continent’s capital is way too suspicious.) He resolved, and continued. “Azzar…we’re planning to visit my old homestead.”

“Azzar? To my knowledge, that city was totally wiped out.”

“Well, Azzar is a troop, if anything.”

“I see, but that doesn’t answer my question.”

“Captain, is something wrong?” The tension between the two was building to such a degree, Hogarth began to feel as if he were wading through a predator laden swamp.

“I simply question as to why they’d do something so dangerous, and with a child in tow no less.” Unblinking, Neville’s gaze remained locked onto Kris.

“Understandable. But to tell you the truth, it was because of a friend of mine… a demon. They wished to meet us in the Pauldris Woodlands, then travel together to the Beldris continent, then to Azzar. It was…. to visit my parents’ graves…”

“A demon, you say. Why not come through Zème directly? We are the capital city of Pauldris, after all. Not anti-demon either.”

“To be honest…” Kris hid a smirk. “It was because of One-eyed Clayton, or at least that’s what they said. Word had gotten around that some demon hunters were patrolling the area. My friend held out hope that, by simply dipping into the forest and dipping out on the other side of Zème, we could avoid a run in with demon hunters.” Though it was only a second, Kris had latched onto what Hogarth had mentioned. Clayton being spoken of with such disdain gave him a thread to latch onto!

“Where is this demon person now? I hope you weren’t on a strict schedule.”

“Well, with me laid up the way I am now, it’s not like I can exactly rush. Our meeting time was last night, and they understood that if I didn’t show up, they should make their way back to Azzar without us.”

Though he felt Hogarth was properly deceived, the knight captain remained silent, pondering with his thumb and index finger planted beneath his chin. “We didn’t find anyone else in the forest, if that makes you worry less.”

“Thank you, Hogarth. It does. I’m worried about Abagail and my son though. I’d like to see them, if possible.” Hearing his name spoken by a hero caused the shabby medic to beam.

“I shall inform Abagail, you relax. Hogarth, I believe having mister Pewter taken to a more…welcoming room would be best. Your laboratory is, after all, a bit dower.” Finally, those gray eyes eased, breaking the laser focus on Kris.

“Understood captain…also it’s not a laboratory! It’s an operating room, a workplace even! I’ll have him taken to the regular medical hall.” Horgarth said to Dob as he walked off.

“Right. Kris Pewter, to think I’d finally meet you in this situation.” A chuckle, odd coming from the man who’d been frowning consistently since the conversation began. “You’ve done well for yourself…the hero who married one of my star pupils.”

It was then that Kris remembered! (Neville Dob! He trained Abagail…and Gerald! This guy…he’s one of the greatest living swordsmen! Now I remember…I really hope he bought all of that.)

Part 4

“More!” Mesmerized with a nearly toppling mountain of plates piled up on the table, a group of young knights in training watched two women down more food than they believed possible! “One more for her too!” Two plates were brought out from the kitchen and quickly snatched away from the mess hall waiter! Abagail and Louise devoured food so fast, even Timaios, sitting at the same table was awestruck. “Ahh…good. I’m off to train! Come on Tim…uh, Tim!”

“O-Okay!” The young boy put down his utensils and grabbed his caretaker’s hand as she sped off, pulling the boy along as if he were a doll.

One soon-to-be knight cautiously walked up to Louise, face still buried in mashed potatoes. “Uh…Vice Captain?”

“Blgghh!” Louise vomited and collapsed back onto wood the floor! “H-how does she…keep all that down…?”

Timaios and some knights on the training ground were captivated by Abagail’s graceful and fluid movements. The warrior woman glided about, with wooden sword in hand as if she were dancing, despite the practice weapon being weighed down with several heavy stones. “I’ve really…gotten rusty.” Irksome as it was, only Abagail understood how much of her edge had dulled. (I’m so disappointed in myself. Has all this time not fighting for my life made me soft?) Sullen, the proud warrior stared off into space, failing to notice the man approaching.

With a hand placed on Abagail’s shoulder, instinctively, she unleashed a nearly decapitating attack! With only an inch of clearance, the weighted sword was stopped a hair from Neville Dod’s neck! “It has been some time, Abagail Highwater.”

“S-Sorry! I wasn’t…paying attention…wait, captain?!” Her face lit up with joy!

“It would appear you still have that bad habit of spacing out.” Neville opened his arms for a hug, to which Abagail warmly embraced the man. “It has been some time, Highwater.”

“3 years, I think!” Though Abagail was elated at seeing a familiar face, the other knights standing around were more shocked than anything. Never once did any of the men believe that Neville Dob’s wrinkly face could muster a smile. A killer glare was shot to all the onlookers, having them scurry away as if mice before a lion! The knight woman missed the murderous scowl as she backed away and walked over to the bench Timaios sat upon. “I had no idea you were still here. I thought you would’ve retired by now.”

“Me? These slackers couldn’t defend a molehill if I were not around to instruct them!” The knight captain took a seat on the benches alongside Timaios. The boy quickly fled, ducking behind using his caretaker as a barrier. Abagail reluctantly accepted the demon child clinging to her side. “Just now, as I was watching you, it was clear something is wrong.”

“…” The urge to open up to her former captain, Abagail stifled it. (I can’t tell him that being around this boy - around Timaios is bothering me. Just thinking about Uzziel makes my stomach scars burn. Then again, I guess that’s not all that’s bothering me…) After a deep sigh, she did speak. “It’s just…I’ve gotten dull.”

“Dull? Does this have to do with the men you and…your husband subdued?”

“So you know about that…” Deeply concerned with how much of their situation was known, Abagail, with that pit welling in her stomach, further stifled herself. “In the forest, we encountered a massive spider, and some bandits. We were barely able to survive. I’m starting to think that, maybe, all the safe living I’ve done since the war has made me go soft.”

“…Many years back, a rowdy young country girl who grew up on the battlefield barged into the Zème Knight Training Academy.” Neville began.

“Uh…ok, where is this going?”

“She was the best her small village had. Beat boys her own age, and men larger than her, until…do you remember what happened?”

“I came to the Zème Knight Training Academy…beat about 4 or 5 of your trainees and…”

“Lost to Gerald.”

“Geh! That was 15 years ago!”

“You were so serious that even after you were defeated and thrown out, you came back the next day, and the next, continuing on until we heard you out. You wanted to train and become a knight. At the time, it was unheard of for a woman to be a knight, but you refused to accept anything less.”

“Dredging up the past just to embarrass me?”

“No, to motivate you. Your determination is what changed, not just my mind, but the minds of many in Zème. Look around.” Doing just that, Abagail noticed the wellkept trees and flowers surrounding the dirt field, all marked off by a clean, perfectly trimmed lawn. Years ago, the former knight walked those exact grounds, yet the building, equipment, and facilities had all been upgraded!

“Good to see that my and Gerald’s names helped in getting the knights more funding.”

“That…isn’t what I meant.” Neville lamented the fact that Abagail had missed the point.

“Well, whatever you meant, I feel like I’m betraying everything I worked for all those years ago. I’ve gotten complacent.”

“You’re only as sharp as your blade. Once you’re healed up, maybe a little training session with me will make you feel better.”

“Speaking of healing, I should go and check on Kris.”

“Right…he’s woken up, but I’d like-”

“Seriously?! You should’ve told me sooner! Where is he?!” The fire in Abagail’s eyes, and her sudden excitement shocked the old knight!

“Your husband should be up in the medical bay by no-” Before the final word could escape his lips, Abagail grabbed Timaios up in her arms, to the boy’s surprise, and sprinted off! The conversation was left unfinished, and Neville, a tad blue.

Kris laid in bed, head still pounding as the toxins passed through his system. Stomping boots running up the staircase outside the medical hall didn’t help with the headache, though the racket did signal to Kris the imminent arrival of his beloved wife. “Nurse…” The bedridden archer called out to a young nurse who neared the door. “It’s probably better you don’t get too close. I think that door is about to fly open in…” Just then Abagail burst in through the door!

“Kris!” She yelled, only to get shushed by the staff.

“Hey, babe.” Kris casually waved, sitting up under the bedsheets. “Oh, Timaios!” The young demon boy escaped Abagail’s grasp and ran past the nurses, leaping on Kris’s bed to hug him!

“Kris!!” He jumped so hard and fast the hood covering his blood red hair and horn nearly flew off!

“Hold on, Timaios…” Kris yanked the cowl down, barely concealing the excitable boy. Timaios began to cry silently, overjoyed that his caretaker was safe. “Don’t worry, I’m fine. Hey, how’s that plush I gave you? Came up with a name for the other head?”

“Ah! Here look! I made sure to protect them!” The boy pulled up the stuffed two-headed wolf. He smiled from ear to ear as the plush remained unscathed. “Uh…I’m still waiting to hear them tell me the other name…” A blush so noticeable on the boy's porcelain white skin bloomed, Kris momentarily worried for Timaios’s health.

“Kris…” Abagail moved in, kissing her husband deeply as Timaios tilted his head quizzically at the gesture. “Thank goodness you’re alright.” She winced in pain a bit.

“I’m fine, but are you?”

“Slightly banged up, more sore than anything.”

“Don’t let her fool you.” A nurse commented. “Miss Pewter has bruised most of her ribs, dislocated a shoulder, and suffered a slight concussion.”

“Well…that shoulder was dislocated a long time ago.” She said with a half-smile.

“Why aren’t you laying down? If you’re so beat up, you shouldn’t be pushing yourself.” Kris tried to stand but found his own legs numb. “Great…we don’t exactly look like heroes right now, do we?”

Abagail leaned in and whispered to her husband. “Kris, what’s the plan? There’s no way we can keep the boy hidden for long.”

“I know. I’m in no shape to move right now, but in about a day or so, I should at least be able to walk.” Timaios felt neglected, being left out of the conversation, so the boy got up and walked to the window looking out across Zème. Many people walked the streets, buying items, chatting, and playing. Timaios felt envious, desiring to take part in lively hubbub.

“You can’t seriously be thinking of continuing this little adventure? Look at us, we’re in horrible shape!”

“But what do we do about Timaios?”

“I’m not sure, maybe…an orphanage?”

“I don’t…like that.”

“It’s like I said before, this place isn’t anti-”

“Can we go down there?” Timaios requested, surprising both Abagail and Kris as he pointed to the street below.

“What? No. Do you…do you not realize what’s going on?” Frustrated by the innocence requested, the exasperated woman grabbed the boy up by the back of his cloak. “we’re discussing something right now, so be quiet and-”

“Actually Abagail, maybe you two should.” Abagail was perplexed at her husband’s suggestion. “You don’t need to say anything. Yes, we need to stay safe, but if Timaios starts getting restless, it’ll make things harder; and like I said before, I’m not going anywhere today at the very least. Just take him around town, please. You can think things over while you do it too.” Kris smiled at his wife, playing on her feeling of never being able to deny a request from the eyes of the man she loved so much.

“Ugh! Fine!” Timaios’s face lit up as the young boy began jumping up and down on the bed with joy!

“Enough!” The nurse hollered! “Heroes or not, this is a room meant for sick and ailing patients! If you want to jump around, get all cozy, or hold secret meetings, do so elsewhere!”

Part 5

“This is far from what I wanted to do today.” Abagail trudged down the main street of Zème holding Timaios’s hand. The young boy’s face shined with wonderment at all the stores and people. (To make matters worse…there’s this one…) She referred to, in annoyance, the bright eyed and cheery child at her side. (And this one.) Then referring to the blushing, white-haired young knight, Louise tagging along. (Why on earth did captain Neville make her come with us?)

“Um…!” Timaios spoke up. “Over there! Can I go play?” The boy pointed to a playground with many colorful and elaborate structures.

Abagail looked into the star-filled eyes of Timaios and grumbled a relenting. “Fine.” The second they set foot in the park, the child of the demon lord, who no more than a day beforehand was being hunted, began to play like a normal child.

Abagail sat on the bench alongside Louise, finally speaking up for the first time since the outing began. “Miss Abagail, can I get you anything? Would you like something to eat? No, wait! You ate earlier. Uh…how about something to drink? No, you probably already did that too! Uh…” Flustered, the knight woman fussed with her hair, eliciting a chuckle from Abagail.

“Louise, you’re the vice-captain, right?”

“Yes, I am!”

“To think, a woman as vice-captain. Captain Neville once tried to make a case for me to be promoted, but all the higher ups were hesitant.”

“It was because they’d never had a female knight before. You were the first in the whole history of Zème. Your accolades in the war…I feel you don’t understand how much they’ve affected the entire world.”

“Not to sound conceited, but I doubt that I don’t know how much we changed the world.”

“Not the heroes, you! Stories of Abagail Highwater, Zème’s first female knight that fought in numerous battles against the demon scourge, saving countless lives, and defeating the Demon Lord spread across the world! You gave so many girls, myself included, a role model; something to aspire to being other than a princess or housewife.”

“Oh, come on, you're making me blush!” Abagail said, modestly shielding her red cheeks. Close by, a young woman’s voice could be heard shouting in protest! It caught the attention of both women, who simultaneously stood up and looked for the source. The cry echoed from a nearby alleyway. Abagail checked to make sure Timaios was safe and ran alongside Louise toward the backstreet.

There sat a fallen angel woman, her clothes tattered and being harassed by two unsavory looking men. “Come on, you should just come with us.” One said, standing overtop of the downed woman.

“No…please.” Before another advance could be made onto the fallen angel, Louise stepped in, grabbing the man’s forearm with a vice-like grasp!

“Ow ow ow!” Popping joints resounded in tune with the man’s shrieks.

“Her saying ‘no’ was a clear declaration of not wanting to engage with you further. Unless you want to be arrested by the Zème Knights, be on your way.” The frigid glare Louise shot froze even Abagail in place. The men, fearful of what could come next, scurried away!

“T-Thank you so much!” The fallen angel bowed her head in reverence of the white-haired vice-captain.

“Now then…on to you.” Louise’s expression, still as cold as ice, spoke down to the demon. “If you wish not to be bothered by such vulgar men, then not looking as you do should be your priority. Your lips, hair, skin and wings should remain hidden.”

“Am I to hide…my entire body? This is who I am!”

“…Then maybe you shouldn’t be walking the streets so nonchalantly. It’s your own fault if someone comes up to you again. Keep that in mind.” Louise left the fallen angel, a near silent weep following from the disheartened woman. “I’m sorry you had to see that, Ms. Abagail. Demons are…difficult to deal with. I’ve learned you cannot give them easy treatment, just because they’re less capable of living without their king.”

“…Wasn’t all of that a…bit harsh though?” The bluntness of her contemporary’s attitude toward demons inspired sympathy even in Abagail.

“Maybe…but they’ve placed themselves in this situation. It’s no one’s fault but their own. You should go ahead back to your son. I may have to file a report on this.”

Abagail left, feeling she understood what kind of person Louise was. The cold eyes of the vice-captain were saved only for wrongdoers…and demons. She rushed back to Timaios’s side in the park, conflicted in her heart. The young boy stood with his back to his caretaker as she ran up, noticing that he was speaking with someone. Whoever the person was, they were obscured by the children’s play building. Abagail immediately got on guard, and more so when she noticed the familiar face of the one demon hunter who’d escaped the battle with Clayton!

End of Chapter 5