TWENTY-FIVE
Since we could no longer stay at Grethen’s house, the Orc offered us a place to stay with his family. He introduced himself as Bahmel and was over one hundred years old. He was a chatty creature, and often sparked up the conversation among us. We didn’t seem to mind since our thoughts were turned to something else anyhow. Bahmel, led us to his house that was right behind the marketplace. His cabin was about the same size as Grethen’s had been, but where Grethen’s had been plain with not a hint of life, Bahmel’s was the exact opposite. A colorful red curtain hung in the windows as colorful flowers covered the front lawn. There was a small brown wooden fence around his house that had small shrunken skulls at the top.
“Here’s home sweet home.” Bahmel sang. He opened the fence door and held it open for us to come through. Entering the yard, Bahmel walked over to his front door and opened it. The smells of stew and something sweet wafted in the air. “Gain I’m home.”
A female Orc came around the corner holding a sharp knife. We all tensed expecting trouble.
“Not to be alarmed demon bloods, she’s harmless.” Bahmel walked over to his wife and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Gain, we will be having company for tonight.”
“Ah, well come in, I was just preparing dinner and some tarts.”
We entered into the comfortable home and looked around. The living room had more pieces than Grethen’s living room, and even a nice lit fireplace. In the corner two small size Orcs played with some clay figures that were covered in different color paints.
“Does anybody else find this whole scene strange?” Dyos whispered to us. “It seems so, mortal.”
I had to agree with Dyos on that. I’d been around mortals long enough and even stalled some time by watching them interact and go about their daily routine. This scene in front of me was so similar to that. It wasn’t a bad thing— it was just weird to see such a thing in the world of Pearu.
“I take it you demon bloods would like to sit and have your meeting.” Bahmel said.
“If you have somewhere we can converse with each other for a little while, a small room would be fine.” I said.
“We sure do, follow me.”
Bahmel led us down the hall as his wife stared at us with a smile on her face. There was a room on the left side of the hall that Bahmel led us too. Opening the door, we realized that it was the small Orcs room. There were wooden beds on opposites sides of the room, in the middle of the room was a small table that was covered in books, parchment, and coloring pens. Bahmel walked over and lit a lantern to brighten up the room a bit more. He also closed the curtains to the window so no one could happen to glance in.
“Will this do?”
“It’ll be fine.” I said.
Dyos and Grethen placed their bags down as we stood in the room waiting for Bahmel to depart. After a couple of seconds, it seemed he was not leaving.
“Bahmel, do you mind giving us a minute?” Grethen asked.
“Oh, but of course. Before I leave though, I would like you guys to know. If it’s a battle you’re preparing for, you can count me in.”
We looked at each other and back at Bahmel.
“Why would you want to join a battle?” Dyos asked. “If it’s a battle you want, the King will have one in a couple of days.”
Bahmel waved his hand. “The King is a jester. I’ve never liked him. He had good ideas to bring forth some policy in this world, but he’s feeble. That is one thing I liked about Eris, she ruled with a strong iron fist. The King would have been better off being a researcher or one of those Courant members he loves so dearly. I want to join a battle that will actually bring change.”
“What do you mean by change?”
“I know you Hell Demons aren’t use to a real family. I could tell it by the way you reacted when you entered my home. We seem like mortals don’t we?” We shifted around as Bahmel continued. “That’s because we like mortals.”
“What?” Dyos said. “What do you mean like?”
“You two might not understand, but Grethen and I have been around far longer than you have. We were around when it was okay to enter the mortal world. I don’t know how it was for Grethen, but being in the mortal world meant more to me than being there to cause chaos. I loved the way they showcased their emotions and the way they thought. They adored their families, and actually spent time with their children. When have you ever known a blood relation in Pearu to actually spend time with their children? We don’t. We have our spawns and allow them to fend for themselves. I’m not sorry and I won’t apologize for the way I feel. I know I’m not the only one that feels this way as well. There are others in Arwid that feel this way, even our Prince relates to us, which is why he doesn’t run off to the City as much. The King would smell it on him.”
“Do not worry Bahmel, we will not look down on you.” I said. Dyos shot me a look as to say “speak for yourself”.
“What are you asking of us Bahmel?” Grethen said folding his arms. “Why not go to your Prince and tell him you want change?”
“Hey I said the Prince could relate to us but I didn’t say he was suicidal. He knows not to go up against the King with information like this. But you Hell Demons aren’t like that. I could sense it from the moment you came to my booth this morning. I could hear the love you had for your comrade that had fallen sick. No one in Pearu comes to get potions for others unless they are going to sell them. I knew you three were different. You three look set on a mission, and I can tell that you were willing to risk your life for whatever it is you’re planning. When you came back here, you confirmed it. It is then that I decided I would join you. If you could bring changes to Pearu, I would follow you into purgatory’s gate myself.”
I didn’t have a clue on what to say and it seemed that the others didn’t either. Giving us a bow of his head, Bahmel left out the room closing the door behind him. We stood there in silence for a few moments until Grethen spoke.
“We’re on the right course.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Samr spoke to me about you. She said you would bring change, and with it you will obtain followers.”
Dyos laughed. “Of course my friend will have followers, he has me with him. The question is, will any of these followers be females?”
Grethen laughed as I shook my head. Leave it to Dyos to lighten up the atmosphere.
I sat down on one of the beds. “We need to figure out how we’re going to do this. We have two battles we have to worry about while trying to remain hidden from my father’s guards.”
“You’re looking at this wrong Aristaeus.” Grethen said. “You should take Bahmel up on his offer. We won’t be able to handle a battle alone with just the three of us. We can dispatch a few soldiers, but knowing Eris, she’s going to have a couple of Giants. It’s one of her favorite cards to pull, and you know like I know, the Giants take a while to put down.”
“So what am I supposed to do, head in the marketplace and ask who wants to join me in a battle against the King and the dethroned queen? I won’t ask them to risk their lives for me.”
“This is far bigger than you Aristaeus. This world is at stake. We can’t count on the King’s mindset any longer, and there is no way we will let Eris take the throne. It only leaves you. You have to be the one to convince the creatures of Pearu to join you. Bahmel’s right about the citizens of Arwid. They despise both the King and Eris. If you give them a reason to join you, they will.”
I nodded as I took in what Grethen was saying. It seemed he believe that I could lead our people into salvation. But did he believe because Samar said it, or did he truly gain enough from watching me that made him believe.
The door opened to the room as Gain shuffled in the room.
“I’m sorry to interrupt you but I have prepared supper.”
Dyos was the first one to jump up, followed by Grethen. I st
ayed behind a minute. Closing my eyes, I thought about Kiowa and whether the potion had worked on her. She’d been in the window which meant she had enough strength to stand. I convinced myself that after all of this was over— I would have the chance to see her again. I then thought of the God that had been here. I wanted to speak with Astraea about this, but I didn’t want to put her in danger. If there was a God helping Eris, than he would be listening to see if anything about him would be mentioned. He would definitely be watching Astraea and Zeus. They’d been in Pearu more than enough times lately.
Dyos stuck his head through the door. “Are you coming? I don’t want to be left at the table alone with these creatures.”
“I’m coming.”
I got up and followed Dyos into the kitchen where the Orcs and Grethen were seated at the table. I grabbed the seat beside Dyos as we sat down. The table was covered with more food than I ever seen. The only time the palace had several dishes on the table was when we were having guests over. The Orcs table had two different types of meat, some side vegetables, and some of that unicorn bread that Dyos seemed to want.
As Gain passed me a bowl of carrots, Dyos leaned over to whisper in my ear. “What is it with Arwid barters always serving nymph and seaweed tea?”
I laughed. “You’re one to talk. Your mother is always serving eel.”
“That is because eel is good and is a prime meat. This is ridiculous.”
“They have guppy, you like that right?”
Dyos shook his head as if I didn’t get it. He was right, I didn’t get it. Food was food.
We finished dinner and surprisingly it was very delicious. The Orcs turned out to be great houseguests as they talked with us about their time in the City and the things that they missed in the world of Pearu. I believed that Bahmel had told his wife what we discussed, because every now and then she would shoot me looks out the corner of her eye. I said nothing to this hoping no one else would pick it up, but of course Dyos did. However, he said nothing on the situation either.
Gain retreated down the hall with her children as we settled down in the living room. I had been right about my father not calling it a night. The sky was still as light as it was this morning when I’d gotten up. The whole thing irritated me. I know he wanted me in his custody, but he could have at least showed some consideration to Kiowa in her state or at least for the citizens.
“So, have you made a decision on whether I could join you on your journey?”
“What about your wife Bahmel?” I asked. “Wouldn’t she be worried that you’re leaving her behind?”
“Gain understands that in order to bring change, there will have to be certain sacrifices.”
“Well welcome aboard Bahmel.” Grethen said shaking the Orcs hand. We filled Bahmel on everything making sure to keep Samr out of it. He remained quiet throughout it all only mumbling sounds of agreement here and there. I even told him who I was. He seemed to be shock to see the King’s son in his home. He seemed even more shock that the King had banned me from Pearu just because I would not fight with him in the battle against the Gods.
“What is the King thinking? Does he realize the Gods have power that we cannot even imagine? I hate bowing down to them just as much as he does, but I know not to go up against one of them.”
I opened my mouth to reply to him when a knock sounded at the door. We all tensed as I grabbed my demos.
“Where you expecting company?” I asked Bahmel.
Bahmel shook his head. “No. But since it’s still light out, maybe it’s someone from the market.”
Bahmel got up to get the door as we moved out of view of it. Bahmel gave us another glance before pulling open the door. ‘Who are you?”
“I come to speak with Aristaeus.”
At the sound of the voice, I moved from my spot behind the wall. I came into the hall and stared at the creature in the doorway.
“Os’ mar.”
Os’ mar smiled as I made my way towards him. I grabbed my old friend into a hug more than happy to see him. Pulling back, I took a good look at him. He looked no different than when I’d saw him last in Belham. I turned to Bahmel. “This is a friend of mine, may he come in.”
“Of course”
Bahmel stepped to the side to allow Os’ mar to enter. Os’ mar thanked the Orc as he entered. Dyos and Grethen came from their hiding spots and gave Os’ mar curious glances.
“Where have you been? Did the Gods release you?” I asked him.
“I was never captured Aristaeus. They only took me in because there was nowhere else I could go. Belham was destroyed and there was no way the King was going to allow me to enter Pearu without trying to kill me.”
“So you had to stay with the Gods?” Dyos asked.
“It wasn’t all bad. They allowed me to work. Their world is very beautiful. I wish I could talk more about it, but they put a gag on me. It’s understandable. They don’t want any enemies getting any bright ideas.”
“What kind of work did they have you doing?”
“When I first got there, they wanted me to help them locate the souls that were stolen. They were on my radar for a while, but then like lights being turned off, they disappeared from sight. It was strange too, I was almost sure I’d pinpoint the location.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t a coincidence that they suddenly blinked out.” I said exchanging glances with others. “Well I’m happy you’re okay my friend. I was worried about you.”
“No need to worry. I am fine. I’m better than fine actually.”
I introduced Os’ mar to the others as they gathered around him welcoming him to our troop. Gain came out the back room to check on us. At the sight of the new comrade, she rushed to the kitchen to retrieve leftovers. Os’ mar happily took the left overs, making sure to compliment Gain on her cooking.
I stood in the corner staring at the scene as Dyos made his way over to me.
“Well at least some good came out of it. The Gods release your friend.”
“I’m not so sure about that”
Dyos stared at me confused. “What do you mean?”
“That is not Os’ mar.”
Dyos stared at me and turned to stare at Os’ mar. I had been so happy to see my old friend that I’d forgotten what I’d secretly learned about him. I stared at the creature pretending to be Os’ mar. He glanced over at me and smiled as I gave a fake smile of mine. The night Astraea came to see me, flashed in my mind. Astraea was getting ready to head back home. Dyos being the good friend had given us some privacy. It was then that I asked her about Os’ mar. Closing my eyes, her words rang in my ear.
“Aristaeus, Os’ mar is dead.”
Opening my eyes, I studied the creature. I would find out what happen to Os’ mar, and find out who exactly, this creature was.
TWENTY-SIX