《I've Been Promised to a Demon》 Prologue: A lost war and uncertainty
It was a day like any other, with the sun rising at its peak and blue skies stretching for the whole horizon. Even with the beautiful blue sky overhead, the land below was not so. The scares of battle left the landscape barren and desolate. For miles, upturn earth is strewn about with bodies clad in metal for miles. Scarlet water flowers from every shining corpse of scrap. One would wonder what sort of nightmarish landscape was painted here from some ghastly war. Amongst the black flock of death that scattered around the bodies, people could be seen taking what was left behind by the dead. These pillagers went from body to body to take all they could. For the dead could no longer defend their dignity. The living with their sad spoils and the dead to be burnt across the ground, no person left there happy. Only a few miles away from this land of death and smoldering, the towering walls erected around a small city to protect it. The inter-houses are separated with many different tile roofs that rise two to three stories high. The roads are paved with cobblestone to show this small provincial city''s wealth further. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Although the war was only yesterday, the city, with a populace of 420,000, is still just as busy as any other day. The city may be whole, but the streets were filled with the wailing in the morning of the dead. Many families would stay indoors, but the workers continued with their day. Even though the sacrifice of many soldiers'' lives saved the city, the day was not won; the war was lost. No, ownership is not unto the city''s people but for the new Deity that they fought the day before. What made the stale air of the town filled sweet as honey? It was knowing that the Deity would be looking for a new spouse. A chance to rise in power, class, and authority for any citizen. The chosen spouse was to be appointed within ten days after the battle. This is the day that the divine Deity would cement their personality, rain, and govern over the city. The citizens were now thinking of the uncertainty of their futures. No person knew who or what would govern them. They wondered if the current leaders and their families from this day would still hold power or be abolished. Only uncertainty would continue to fill the air of this town. A walk in the woods Part:1 The silvery moonlight lit the forest floor of this dark realm in the depths of the forest. The chirping of the nocturnal insects flooded the forest, giving cover for that night prowler that stalks the floor. An orange glow did cast light in the silver and dark world. The figure holding the flame on the back of its hand was the image of a young man of the city. His light brown hair was stained black and orange by the glow of the faint contrasts of darkness from the night and firelight. His garments were clumsily made from light leather. It was clearly made by no renowned person but of an amateur. So, too, were his leather shoes the same as rags of the leather, created merely to protect his feet from the uncertain things that lay underneath the leaves. A young man named Devin Leaf was looking for rare plants that would grow on the night of the birth of a divine being. Even if tigers still prowled the night, these rare herbs could be used to make miracle medicines with many benefits to either health or beauty. The herb he is forging for this night is called Moon¡¯s Tear, which would bloom on the first night after the battle of dominance in the crevice of an old tree hollow in the inter-forest. This blue plant with gray petals would give off a faint red luminescent glow in the moonlight as white nectar drips from the petals. Its rarity with the right buyer would ensure the finder one hundred platinum coins. The bounty is more enormous than most merchant ships make every two fiscal years. Although many held such knowledge, almost none would be overwhelmed by Greed and reckless abandonment on this particular night. For many, scavengers and predictors would be as common as weeds. Well, vultures influx of death with a blanket the sky. It was a terrifying sight for anything that holds even the 1 ounce of respect for their life and well-being would not go near the forest after the war. Not to mention, no man or woman would not know how or when the new divine being would act. They were uncertain about the new being¡¯s nature that would be established. Many people wonder if it is for their benefit or destruction. The norm is to give grievances for the bed and rest that day. Though a couple of fools did still exist, every human did exist. Devin Leaf, in his impoverished state, only dreams of wealth and adventure are his only desires. Hearing the many stories from merchants and travelers and the whisperings of the city''s underbelly are his current means of education. One such tale of these rarities he heard once behind the stables of an old inn: he goes dumpster diving. The fable compelled him to act this night to find the Moon¡¯s Tear to acquire a merchant¡¯s fortune. As Devin continued in his nightly stroll, screams and grunts could be heard no closer than 50 steps away. In a sudden stupor, he put out the fire on his hands and waited for its eyes; his eyes readjust to the silver moonlight. As soon as the scent of copper filled his nostril, he knew that blood was spilled, and soon he would be surrounded by many beasts if he didn¡¯t run away from there. In all reality, instead of slowly creeping away, he chose to run. Not only did he attract the attention of many eyes in the forest, but even some shadows also started to follow his own. He continues to run for several minutes before buckling under his weight, gasping for air as panic continues to rush through his mind. As his composure and breath without incident, he continues to wander through the forest under the moonlight. He wanders in between the trees and rocks, ignorantly passing by many herbs and magical plants worth a king¡¯s ransom until he finds a pair of red glowing lights in between the hollow of an old, weathered oak tree. Devin became excited after noticing the glow; he took out a hand shovel, a small pot, and a small metal flask to catch the plant''s white milk from the leaves. After storing away the flask in his rucksack, Devin carefully looks around, holding a glowing potted plant in his hands. He carefully starts to walk back towards town. His actions could make anyone see his lack of education since the plant is not covered and draws the attention of many gazes of the forest¡¯s wildlife. Miraculously, many predators of the night are weary during this night of magic overflow within the forest. One would think that Devin would have common sense and leave the same way he came by backtracking to town, but he has now become lost. He comes to a clearing with a small rock formation centered as a natural landmark. Devin leaves the trees, arriving at the rock formation in the clearing. He walks towards it while checking his surroundings, only to see a human figure looking at him. Devin starts to panic as he wonders if this figure would want to rob him. He gets down. Devin conceals the plant''s red light in a crevice. This human silhouette is getting closer, revealing a feminine figure. As she was coming into focus, a pair of dark green eyes met his own eyes. Devin¡¯s quickened heart flutters like a bird in flight. He desires to run as fast as possible in the opposite direction of this woman. Sadly, his desire was stolen from him as his consciousness went dark. Part:2 Off in a battle-scarred land surrounded by bloodied corpses stood a lone figure. She stood in a daze, trying to remember what had happened. Giving up on the prospect of remembering, she desires to leave this place of death and desolation to go on into the far-off forest. She has long green hair that shines as bird feathers, reaching to her waist, and torn garments dyed black from the dirty blood covering her body. This woman, which would bring nightmares to any man who would have seen her, continues to walk until she finally comes to a river. She continues to walk upstream until she comes to a shallow bank where the current has calmed down. In the slow-moving water, she washed her body and clothes. She cleansed her body, and so too; she tried to clear her thoughts and understand who she was and what happened in that field of death. Only the thought of being a victor and a desire for a name came to mind. Her mind searches her feelings of who she is and why she remains. She can only remember the sight of many men charging at her with weapons of war and the view of them turning into lumps of flesh. Shaking her head, putting aside those unpleasant memories, she continued to scrub the blood off her clothes with the rocks, and then she proceeded to clean her clothes. After leaving the river, fully clothed, she only walks a short distance away to lay on a solemn log to sunbathe beneath the shining light and contemplate how she should remember or think of a new name for herself. Her body seems to contain secrets and more abilities than she knows. Not knowing how to access her potential, she continues to sunbathe on the felled log. Now, she is contemplating on her instincts, hoping to gain insights into who she is. The noon sun soon fell into dusk. Bird songs slowly start to die down as insects begin to sing. The feminine figure stirred from her slumber and rolled off the log. The moss and the decaying leaves leave a soft feeling underfoot, which brings the small shock of pins and needles to the touch. The new sensation only stops her new thoughts from wandering briefly as she turns to the emerging starry sky. She felt a desire to walk into the dense brush and trees as if some force was pulling her there. The surrounding wildlife was all too silent as each footstep of breaking leaves echoed in the night. This green-haired figure walks until she comes to a clearing with many large rocks protruding from the ground like a small mountain. She climbs this rock formation until she sits in the center. The call of her instincts desires for her to wait here. The darkness of night now is blanketing the land. The only light comes from the celestial bodies that dance in the sky. Continuing her pondering on who she is or what she is, a name came to her: Moonwillow. She felt pleased with her name and now starts to consider what her identity will be. After some time passes, a faint glimmer of red light weaves between the trees until the light reaches the clearing. When the red light figure of a human male appears, Moonwillow is filled with anger and anxiety at the sight of another human who must have come to take her life. Hostility covers her countenance as their eyes meet. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The man didn¡¯t notice and continued walking closer to the rock that Mooonwillow sat on. The man got nearer as he climbed the rough surface. Their eyes meet again, and the man hid on the edge of the rock from Moonwillow¡¯s view. She continues to advance while looking toward the man. She can only feel her hostility growing as she advances. Just as Moonwillow feels the desire to slay the man, he collapses on the ground, leaving Moonwillow stunned by the ghastly sight. Part:3 Devin opened his eyes while cradling his aching head. Looking around, he sees that the mysterious girl who made his instincts scream is now illuminated with crimson. For she held the plant and seemed captivated by the flower. She now has a more profound interest in this flower than taking his life as the feeling of bloodlust has dissipated. The green-haired girl noticed Devin¡¯s gaze and stared back. Devin opens his mouth to ask for his fortune back, but his instincts advise against him. Devin had his mouth open for a moment like a cow before closing it again in thought. The green-haired girl loses interest only to gaze at the flower. Devin decided that he would rather lose a flower to a beautiful girl than lose his life. Devin said, ¡°If you like that flower so much, it¡¯s yours.¡± The green-haired girl seemed to be in deep thought before she finally replied saying, ¡°I shall take your offering, man. For it is the first beautiful thing that I have seen since my birth.¡± Devin was a little confused, wondering what she meant since she didn¡¯t seem to be a sheltered rich girl. He pondered on how she could not have seen anything more beautiful than this flower. Devin lived in the slums, so he thought many of the trivial things that the other citizens took for granted as wonders and works of high-class art. How could only a single flower be so beautiful? While hesitating, Devin said, ¡°If you like flowers like that, I believe that I saw some more in the forest from the south of here. I don¡¯t think it is safe right now, but I could accompany you come morning if you like.¡± Devin tried to be sincere while giving himself value to this terrifying woman. It is better to align yourself with someone strong when you can do nothing against them, either biding your time or something else. ¡°What. Do you plan to stay up on this rock all night,¡± said the green-haired girl with an inquisitive look. ¡°Look, I was stalked back in the forest not long ago, and I can only light my hands with fire,¡± said Kevin as flames bloomed in his palm before smoldering into smoke. ¡°I can see you strong since our eyes met, but that doesn¡¯t make it smart to walk around in this forest alone.¡± The girl with the green hair tilted her head and asked, ¡°If that is true, why are you here tonight?¡± Devin quickly retorted, stating, ¡°True, I might be like a piece of delectable floating meat in the forest to its residents tonight, but tonight was my only opportunity.¡± ¡°For what," said the green-haired girl. "To find a rare flower and sell it for a large sum of gold and leave the life of a slum dweller behind me,¡± said Kevin. ¡°That''s just stupid. Then why give me something so precious? I see no value in it,¡± said the girl with the green hair. ¡°To tell you the truth, you intimidated me, but your beautiful smile was enchanting. I thought if your smile could linger just from possessing that flower, then I could look for another opportunity later,¡± said Devin. The girl looks at Devin in disbelief that something so corny could be said. As she thought more about it the more, she smiled lightly with a slight blush on her cheeks until the girl with the green hair laughed. ¡°I am sorry for my offensive behavior. I just thought that it was comical to give away a vast fortune for such a simple reason.¡± The girl continued smiling even more. ¡°You are the first good man I have met. I like you. You have given me many new and exciting things for me.¡± Devin smiled back and answered, ¡°If I can make a beautiful woman like you happy and brighten my day, Rubbing the back of his head, he stated, ¡°Sorry, Miss, I have not asked for your name yet. Mine is Devin, Devin Leaf. My disrespectful nickname in the slums back home is Flint. Cuz I only show my power of fire with sparks to not attract unwanted attention.¡± Devin smiles as he holds out his naked right hand. The girl with green hair firmly grabs his hand, saying, ¡°Likewise, my new name is Moonwillow. I am willing to accept all of the tomfooleries if you promise never to betray me.¡± ¡°Well, Miss Moonwillow, I am happy to hear your words. Receiving a woman¡¯s favor is wonderful. Though, I must point out that what you just said could be mistaken for a marriage proposal.¡± Devin scratches the back of his head, barely Keeping eye contact. Moonwillow seems to be in deep thought about what Devin just said. Minutes passed before she replied, ¡±What you say is filled with truth, and it is that I require a spouse before I gain my complete authority. ¡± Devin starts to feel an unpleasantness just from what he heard. What he thought would be some playful word banter that he once heard from the upper-class citizens to court young maidens. Who knew the deep waters he was treading? Moonwillow declares, ¡±As my instincts say, that you, Devin, would be an acceptable spouse for me. I shall take this flower as your dowry and accept your marriage proposal.¡± She starts to have a warm smile spread on her lips. Moonwillow''s eyes widen, and her green hair gently falls across her face. Devin¡¯s mind slows as his eyes cloud. After a few seconds in a dopey-faced daze, Devin finally snapped back to his senses, wondering what to do about this troublesome strong woman. He could not think of anything good to come from actually going along with her suggestion, but even worse were the prospects of denying her. It was worse than being between a wolf and a tiger. Devin says, "I am deeply honored to receive or give a proposal to such a great and noble beauty such as yourself, but shouldn''t we know each other better before exchanging vows?" Moonwillow''s face slowly started to turn from joy into a stern and slightly disappointed one. She looked from her flower to Devin and back again as she began to talk to him while staring into the red glow, saying, "What is there to know? Love can come later. I have survived this long following my instincts. Would you not listen to your instincts of yourself if you, too, were a god?" Devin felt hot sweat flow down his back as he started to understand how dangerous this mistake would be if he further did anything to anger her. Devin speaks shakily, saying, "Is not the god or demon supposed to choose their spouse in three days?" Moonwillow continues to gaze at her flower with a slightly softer gaze and is now running her dainty fingers through the flower peddles. She says, "It is by my will to choose my spouse or accept the dowery of another. I feel that you are still my best prospect. Will you deny me a second time?" Devin started to stutter, saying, "I did not deny you. I just thought it was a little fast for my first woman. I have not had any prospects for love before. No good woman lived in the slums I called home. If there was one, they somehow found work and a man soon after exiting the slums." "Excuses are useless before your heart and me. I have asked you, but is this your answer," questioned Moonwillow, raising an eyebrow. "I am sorry. I don''t know what prospects will lay in store for us, but I will follow you, accept the proposal I unknowingly made, and stay true to your feelings as long as there is breath in me!" A courageous and fascinating smile spread across Moonwillow''s face. She firmly grabbed onto the flower as it started to wilt. The potted flower fell from her grasp as her hair began to shine with a red glow, and her hair turned into a pleasing sliver. It was as if she had taken on some of the characteristics of the potted flower. Devin was a little bit of a loss over the plant drying into mulch all the while. This diety only became even more of a mysterious beauty. He could not understand anything. Devin just decided to accept being in a daze once more while waiting for her to speak. Moonwillow slowly gets her composure back and feels a little embarrassed, seeing the look on his face. Devin¡¯s gaze seemed to penetrate her, but she didn¡¯t feel uncomfortable from his eyes. She was even wondering if she should just have him hold her in an embrace. She broke what was most likely a spell brought on by having her soul form a covenant and vow with Devin. Getting back her composure, Mooonwillow reached out and tenderly caressed the side of Devin¡¯s left facial cheek until her hand slivered to the back of his head to bring him closer and seal their vows with a kiss. The red light from Moonwillow¡¯s hair wraps around the two for a brief moment until it fades, leaving only the twinkling of the starlight. Moonwillow releases her moistened embrace and separates herself from him. Devin, for once, looks like a little woodland creature before a predator in shock, but instead of being white as a bone, he is as red as a hot iron from a fire. His red-faced embarrassment spread from his ears to his toes. Slowly losing his sanity and raising his hands about to come at Moonwillow once more, a new red-hot feeling came across his right cheek on his face. Moonwillow raised her left hand as she said, ¡° I will not let you stay charmed from our vows! You are now my husband, and as such, you need a certain amount of composure for now.¡± Moonwillow lowers her hand after seeing the light''s clarity return to his eyes. She continues to say, ¡°Now that we are as one in purpose, I shall explain what covenants we made to each other.¡± Devin keeps quiet while lightly rubbing the red palm imprint on his face. Devin now focuses on preparing for what his new wife will say. He starts to focus on her ruby lips once again before shaking his head and trying to pay attention. Moonwillow slowly continues her speech, ¡°First, we are now bound to one another by our souls for all eternity. Even after death, our souls will find each other again. Second, you now have the same life span as I do, which is anywhere from 500 to 3,000 years in the flesh. Third, we promise to love, nurture, support, accompany, and care for one another as long as we exist. It is not as bad as it would sound for a commitment. Fourth, you will be my aid, along with being my spouse. These are the bare minimum conditions that you, Devin, my husband, are now bound to along with me, Moonwillow. Oh, and one more thing. As I am sure you can guess, I am to be your only spouse. Got it!" For a moment, Moonwillow''s eyes seemed to shine with a dangerous light. Devin could only shake his head up and down, agreeing with what his new wife stated. She seems to be satisfied and continues her speech, "As I have fulfilled my right and have a new spouse, I shall return into the spiritual world as my role and authority in this mortal plain has become cemented. I will return in three days." With only leaving those words behind, Moonwillow seemed to glow as bright as the sun until her countenance changed to white before what looked as if the Heavens opened up, and she climbed light into them. Before the heavens closed, she turned back and blew Devin a kiss. As the heavens closed, so too did the darkness of night come rushing back like the tide. All was black; all was quiet as Devin was left to sit on the rock in the darkness and think about what just happened. The sun soon started to rise, and its warmth filled the land. Devin could only think of how he needed to get back to town. Thus, he left his broken pot and walked back into the woods till he got back to the town gates. Sunsetting of Fires
Part 1: Devin walked up to the guard gate and showed a form of identification to those stationed at the entrance. He flashed the excepted iron coin that works as identification for the slum dwellers. As he was walking through the gates, a guard came out from the side entrance and asked, ¡°Hay, come here for an inspection.¡± His unfocused eyes gaze into the crowd while his hands lazily guide Devin inside for questioning. Devin didn¡¯t feel it would be all that eventful as he had nothing on his person. The guard sat Devin at a table and started the quick interview. The guard had a friendly smile on his face and a warm appearance for someone of his position and considered all of the morning and grief from the deity war. It just screamed suspicious to Devin from his personal experiences. The guard said, ¡°Hello, sir. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. The mayor has asked me to detain any citizen that comes back during these troubled times and see what activities were being done or brought back at this precious time.¡± Devin was just speechless at this scheme the guards would set up in the mayor''s name. If the mayor were in charge of this exploitation, it would be even worse. Devin doesn¡¯t know how to take in this information. He is just relieved that he has nothing for them to take from him. Devin can only quickly remember the sweet smile of his new wife and wonders what she is doing in heaven. Devin replied to the guard that he had nothing of value to him. Further, he stated, ¡°I did find a fortune out in the forest but had to abandon it for the sake of my life. Riches come and go, but I only have one life. Why waste it on the beasts of the woods, right?¡± The guard gave a suspicious look to Devin after mentioning the unnecessary and essential information. The guard was able to tell that Devin was not lying and that he had nothing of value, but the friendly guard still asked for another companion to come in and guide Devin back to the city entrance. While Devin was walking further away from the gate, the friendly guard said to his companion, ¡°I hate it when the rats don¡¯t bring back any goods.¡± The subordinate agreed, ¡°I mean if the city''s trash can¡¯t bring back goods, they should die while picking herbs and freeing up the streets. I don¡¯t want to go out and hire another one in the name of the major to pick up more dead bodies in the streets. We should have had them sent to the front lines as fodder to save just another soldier¡¯s life during that tragedy.¡± The friendly guard just nodded and continued to commit, ¡°I have already brought this kind of suggestion to the mayor. I suggested rounding up the lot and selling them as cheap labor at the mines.¡± The friendly soldier just smiled with clouded eyes, watching the figures outside the side window. Devin was blissfully unaware of this new development as he walked to his home hovel. The home that he put his health in was a hollowing out of the foundation of the many devastated buildings of the south district. He would always have to move some boxes and broken tiles to slide into the entrance of his home. Throughout the years, he dug down and made a proper two rooms. The lighting was the tricky part for him. Devin went to former war sites and snuck some pieces of the soldier''s armor to have it polished and reflect light underground. Devin would only find some misfortune when the rains came without prior preparation and would be as soaked as a rat in a storm drain. Once the night passed, Devin would use his flames to keep his room light or clean himself. But, instead, Devin found himself searching for and sneaking buckets of water into his home, the most troublesome task as privacy is a problem in the slums. Not only would the local loan sharks go looking to make trouble with an able young man, but the street brats would make finding his home a game. Devin worked hard for a little bit of peace and quiet in his home. He was once again caught in a daydream about his final moments with Ms. Moonwillow, but the reality of her power would still leave Devin swimming in his cold sweat. What he went through could only be thought of as a miracle. Since he didn¡¯t get any sleep that night, he decided to get some sleep, even if it was unproductive. He wanted to have his wits about him if more trouble tried to look for him so soon. So he rolled up some of his dirty, ragged clothes and some of the armor on his straw bed and used it to sleep. Devin had a peaceful dream of Moonwillow as they went around town, exploring the hidden gems that the many common people overlook in their busy lives. But, as his sweet dreams continued to grow more precious in his world of dreams, the world outside became more rotten and colorless. He woke with a start from the screams of people and the smell of fresh blood copper flowing into the crevice entrance of the room. He wrapped himself in his sheets and pressed himself into the hay out of instinct to hide. Then, as his mind became clearer and the high-pitched screams of children ravaged his ears, Devin leaped out of his bedding and ran to his hideaway entrance. He was looking through the cracks; he could see the city guards dragging the slum dwellers out of the alleyways and out of their ruined homes. He couldn¡¯t understand what they could be doing to their citizens like this. It couldn¡¯t be the children being taken to foster homes or being sold into slavery. No, it would be more likely to be forcibly sold to mines by criminals and lose their little lives in the mines trying to reach a small, hard place for too big of the adult workers or, even worse, to be as canaries for sacrifice to find poisonous gas. But that didn¡¯t explain what was happening with every residential resident being taken from their homes as stubborn old goats and put into chains. The mayor couldn¡¯t have thought of something like this since he had always been a ruler who was well-liked and fair to his people. Could someone be acting behind his back to put these people into work camps, or could it be as simple as purging what the guards called human filth? Devin thought to himself that there had to be a reason for the madness. Even as Devin¡¯s heart continued to be cut apart by the pained expressions of the horror of families being ripped apart, he steeled himself to save himself and get to the bottom of this act of oppression. When that coast was clear, he moved the boxes and crawled out of his hole. Devin continued to look around, only to stop in his tracks as the primal instinct to run overcame him. He smelled fire. Faint black smoke arose from the old homes, quickly engulfed in flames as matchboxes. Like a smoked rat, Devin ran out of the abandoned alleyways only to be pushed out by explosions of air and wooden shrapnel that exploded from house doors, throwing him into the cobbled street of the middle district. Devin was hurt and barely moving. His back felt burning, and he was being stabbed repeatedly. A warm liquid could feel flowing down his back as his head continued to pound. Devin felt the stabbing on his chest as broken glass from the flask dug into his chest. He only wished to be able to scream out in pain, but only a silent, breathless pain was expressed in his desperate eyes. While thinking that the angel of death would soon come for him, the wound on his chest ceased to hurt, and his body''s pain was being swept away like a dream. Devin¡¯s mind was clouded for a moment, and he didn¡¯t know what was going on. Then, a sudden hot flash raced on his body as pressure was compressing his body as sparks ran around his flesh. In an instant, flames raced along his arms as an explosion left his body, scorching the pavement around him black. Devin felt all his strength leave him as he crawled away from the pursuing inferno. He only had enough strength to reach the next alleyway before seeing a hand reaching out of the darkness and all going black before fainting. Part 2: Crowds of people gather around the outskirts of the slums with eyes filled with pity, fear, resolve, disgust, enjoyment, and awe as the inferno consumes all insight. Not until it was too late did the knights, power users, and everyday citizens take action to stop the spread of this sea of flames threatening the safety of the rest of the city. Many of those who either watch the flames or put out the fire seem apathetic in their hearts. But, on the other hand, some smile at seeing the filth of the city cleansed by fire. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Figures continue to run out of the fires, being ignored as stray dogs are left to die on the side of the road. Unharmed survivors were hired to cart away the dead bodies and throw them back into the flames. Cremation services save grave space for those who lead a glorious death. The flames continued to rise, and smoke blanketed the sky. A cart filled with scorched bodies passes by another victim on the edge of the flames that reach out to add it to the cart. A hand grabbed onto the ankle of the cart worker. He pulled back his leg from the iron grip only to pull the corpse. A grown escapes its lips. Fearing that a corpse had come to life again, he backed away, ready to run. ¡°Help,¡± said the figure struggling to get up. The cart driver smiled and quickly returned to the side of the struggling man with newfound strength and confidence. He lifted the injured man¡¯s face with his foot to better look at the victims'' faces. He seemed healthy enough, only groggy as simply a homeless drunk pride on the ground. The cart worker turns the suffering man over with a kick. A sadistic glee runs across his face. He continued to think before he said, ¡°What can you give me? As I see it, you are nearly dead and not worth the trouble to be bothered with and should only be more kindling for the fire.¡± Horse breaths escape his mouth. His body is struggling to move forward, only to collapse, ¡°Please, have some compassion; I was just married yesterday and will meet my wife in just three more nights,¡± he said. The cartman mumbles to himself before shaking his head. He walks over to his cart before reaching out and pulling out a burned cloth. He knees down, tying it over the injured man''s eyes, restraining his limbs. The injured man is confused at the cart driver''s actions; confusion can only be felt as he is lifted and turned over into the cart. The injured man continues with his struggle, but he might as well be a child. While in the cart, he could feel more human figures around him. He panicked even more, thinking that there may be other survivors that would be sold in the slave market. Despair started to creep into his heart before thinking that he would be able to bide his time before his escape. He thought he might even be able to save some of those with him. The cart driver said, ¡°I don¡¯t see any merit for you to suffer. I will do my job.¡± After a long while, the cart stops before a blazing building with a soldier and clergyman standing side by side. The cart driver said, ¡°I have brought all of those I could find on the south side of the middle district.¡± The soldier stared at him before saying, ¡°Do you expect to get paid for an unfinished job? Drag those corpses out of the cart and throw them into the building to be cremated with the others while the father offers a prayer for their forsaken souls.¡± The soldier pats his sword and points his chin toward the burning inferno. The cart driver starts to take the corpses out, but the soldier stops him, points to one of the moving bodies, and says, ¡°What are you trying to pull by putting a live one with all the stiffs?¡± The cart driver tightens his grip around the corpse he is about to throw into the flames before letting it go. Still looking at the flames, he said, ¡° He is nearly dead, and his only hope is a delusion that his new wife will return in three days.¡± The soldier looks over at the struggling individual with a bit of pity, only to have his words betray him. ¡°He looks lively to me. He might fetch a couple of silver at the slaver''s market,¡± said the soldier. He kicks the body, causing it to stop moving. The priest steps forward and says, ¡°I may be able to get this young one¡¯s origins if he was married today and have him returned. Since it was a three-day reunion wedding, we may even be rewarded for returning him to his spouse¡¯s house.¡± The guard bends down and checks his pockets to find the coin indicating the slum dwellers'' identification. So he said, ¡°No, he¡¯s a genuine slum rat. I say we take him to auction. Preacher, send them to the auction if you find anything significant, and maybe we can get a gold piece for the trouble.¡± The priest looked around in deep thought only to nod his head, saying, ¡°Sure, I don¡¯t see why not. I will get in contact with you tomorrow morning. Give me three coppers for the trouble, and I can get it after we finish here.¡± ¡°Sounds good to me. Hey! Cart driver drops the corpse and takes this one, the caged wagon, for me.¡± The driver did as he was told and left the lower half of the corpse lying in the doorway, dragging the poor soul to the wagon. The guard put restraints on him and kicked the wagon driver. ¡°What you want something, finish your job, and then receive payment. Don¡¯t leave your job half done.¡± The cart driver, muttering under his breath, walks back to the cart filled with death and continues his labor. His sickening work continues throughout the night. Part 3: Devin is slowly waking up from his stupor. His head is throbbing as his ears ring. He reaches for his head, only to be stopped by metal restraints. The room is barely made of old brick. Shadows dance around from the flickering torches¡ªthe room breaths in a constant ebbing and flowing tide. The light at the doorway breaks as muffled voices echo out. Devin is mulling over what happened last night. ¡°If I ever get my hands on those,¡± he said before opening the wooden door. Two men stand in the doorway, smiling at the prospect. The guard on the left says, ¡°Looks like the product is awake.¡± Devin thought that the one on the right must be the one in charge of his fine robes and equipment that he held. So he said, ¡°I will assume its worth before the auction, but I will not be held responsible for your back-end dealing.¡± Devin said, ¡°Sir, I have been brought here against my will, without a charge, and will be considered an illegal slave.¡± The man in the fine robes lifted his eyebrow slightly before turning towards the guard and said, ¡°Since the product is awake, we can now begin the tests.¡± The guard mumbles to himself as he puts a six bronze in the man¡¯s outreach hand. Then, he smiles and puts away the coins in his breast pocket. The well-dressed man takes out a white stone and places it on Devin¡¯s chest. A ringing bell chime echoes out as it touches his skin. The well-dressed man smiles as he removes the white stone and takes a crystal ball from his coat pocket. He holds it before Devin as a slight red glow emits. The smile on the well-dressed man rises; his cheeks become rosy while a depraved sparkle is gleaming in his eyes. Devin wants to continue to plead his case, but the deprivation etching itself on the well-dressed man''s face only makes his skin crawl, causing his stomach to knot as drool escapes the man¡¯s lips. ¡°Haha,¡± breathed the well-dressed man. He whips the drool from his mouth as he regains his composure and again expresses his disinterest. ¡°You found a magic stone here. It would be prudent to find a buyer now than putting him up for auction,¡± he advises the soldier. ¡°If he is really a three-day mirage couple with an upper aristocrat, wouldn¡¯t it be better to find them and return him for a good profit then?¡± Questions the soldier. ¡°Would you rather have pebbles in your pocket or a dragon¡¯s hoard on the road? My buyers will make any possible problems disappear with this product.¡± The soldier was thinking hard while glancing back at Devin in chains before he agreed to meet with the clients. How can this happen to me now, only knowing what real hope is? Devin¡¯s throat dries, and nausea grows until he starts to dry, heaving from his empty stomach. The darkness that fills the room seems to gain life, creeping closer as the world loses its color. The men before him forms seem to twist as they turn their backs and walk away. The door closed, and the world went quiet. Time felt as if it was frozen, and no light was left in the room. He looked around the darkness with hollow eyes before he noticed a light and color coming from his hands¡ªa little flame flickers and dances no different from candlelight. He watches the flame swaying as his muscles loosen and his breath deepens. Devin¡¯s mind is quiet as the room is dark, but the calming light gives peace, and the fear is gone. He thinks about what will happen to him next, but a single thought of Moonwillow flashes across his mind, illuminating it as the sun. ¡°Couldn¡¯t I escape from here by burning down this place and every vile person inside?¡± He remembers a sea of flames, coughing while gasping for air before shaking his head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to feel like a fish out of water again. Maybe I can melt the shackles, the door, and anyone that gets in my way to keep the spread down,¡± said Devin, muttering to himself. I don¡¯t know if any of them have families, but they should have thought of that before treating life like commodities. Maybe they will know when I put my self-worth above them while escaping in their final moments. Devin lifted the slack from his chains, binding his arms and imagining a white flame burning it until a silver pool on the floor, but the reality was different. A large orange flame dances above each palm, holding a chain, but not much happens. Don¡¯t tell me that it will take hours, if not impossible, for me to meet these restraints. But I know I have made hotter flames than this in the past. Think: what could I be doing wrong? Is it my mental image? My mental state? My breath? Devin closes his eyes and focuses on his deep breath. He feels the muscles of his palms strain as strength starts to leave him. Sweat starts to ball down his brow, and he gasps for breath as if chased by a beast. His body felt aflame, and currents continued to spasm across Devin. Finally, he let out a breathless scream. Devin broke. The flames on his palms went out, and the air around Devin¡¯s body moved as liquid as all the metal in the room glowed from orange to white as it pooled on the floor. Devin¡¯s skin glowed red as a hot poker pulled from coals. Smoke was filling the room as the stone started to glow. Outside the room, the guards turn to look at each other before one reaches for the door to open it. With a click of the handle, the door rushes open. A charging bull of roaring flames nocks the guards against the wall. Their seared flesh and clothes smolder. The backdraft pulls Devin towards the door, breaking the restraints. His head is spinning only with a desire to breathe as he clutches his burning throat. He crawls through the doorway between the desperate gasps for air and his blurring vision wells with tears. He gets to his knees and pats down the guard''s smoldering bodies for the keys. Trembling hands remove the restraints. Tears well up in Devin¡¯s eyes and fall while he continues to check the guards'' bodies. Finding nothing, he lifts his still-shaking body and looks down the hall at the exit.