The Hands Of Fate [Original]

[Naron]

Bright sunlight shone across the plains, reflected upon rocks and leaves. It was a pleasant if hot summer day, the lands were calm as gentle breezes caressed sprawling meadows. Bees buzzed around flowers, birds sang, and a lone cart rumbled across the road. The singular mule strapped to the front did his work without complaint, still young and full of energy.

A groan from the cart's back caused the driver to glance over his shoulder; his full beard faintly ran along the simple linen shirt he wore, dark eyes twinkled merrily. Felix almost laughed at his passenger's clear discomfort.

"Stop complaining back there," he quipped merrily, "we had far worse days."

The only answer he got was faint grumble, which made him roll his eyes. A petite young woman soon climbed over the sacks of produce and settled next to him in front, some strands of dark brown hair having escaped her thick braid. The colour matched Felix's, as did the simplicity of their clothes; one could tell at a glance they were related.

"Just because it can get worse doesn't mean it's good now, Uncle."

Felix chuckled and patted his niece's head. He knew it annoyed Flora when he did that and she wordlessly fended him off in a well-practiced dance. He would never embarrass her in front of strangers, but right now it was just the two of them.

"It's not even that you're wrong," he admitted once they settled down again. "I just don't see a reason to waste energy complaining. Just bear with it and cheer when it's over."

Flora just shrugged, allowing the silence to return. At least until Felix tried cheering her up a little: "But thank you for coming along. It gets boring on my own, so you're a godsend."

"You got Opus around, don't you?"

The mule snorted as if in response, prompting a faint grin from Flora and another eye roll from Felix.

"Opus can't talk, niece. As much as I'd want to hear what he thinks of us, he can't."

"He would probably complain about wanting a mare," Flora quipped back drily, causing the pair to chuckle.

Felix rubbed his niece's shoulder, grateful for her presence. "But seriously, thank you. I know it's for your apprenticeship too, but I appreciate it."

Flora tossed her hair in response, thought the playful haughtiness bled away as fast as it appeared. "It's just a week to the capital," she reasoned. "I wanted to get out and see some more anyway."

"Just don't forget that we need to sell that stuff, too."

"We better, I didn't spend so much time helping you with the harvest just to have it rot."

"Don't worry," Felix assured her without hesitation. "There's always buyers in the capital. I know the places, you get me a good price, and we should be fine. I can show you the clerical district, too."

That got his niece to shed some of her maturity, nodding intently. "Is it really true the entire district is made of churches and holy houses?"

There was the excited niece he helped raise, always curious about everything. He almost wanted to say yes, but she was a woman now and would easily tell the lie once they arrived. Thus he shook his head.

"Not really, it's the five churches, a few shrines for the other gods, and living space for the clergy. But everything is clean and beautiful there, lots of fancy statues. And Fortuna's cathedral is the largest house I've ever seen, you will love it."

"I'm looking forward to it!"

And she clearly did, even though the boredom of being on the road soon buried her excitement. Nothing of note happened over the day, quiet and eventless just as Felix liked it; he did not want trouble and thanked fate that they were spared it again. The pair chatted on occasion and toughed out the heat until it mercifully receded with the twilight.

Heaving a sigh of relief, they decided to keep going a little longer; Felix knew there were no convenient caves at this stretch of the road, but he wanted to make it to another meadow for his dutiful mule to graze.

It was not too far, though Flora pointed ahead as they neared; Felix looked too and found smoke rising. Faintly visible light by the wayside made it clear they came upon another traveller.

Slowing the cart to a stop as they approached, Felix was surprised to see a lone woman looking up from her campfire. The flickering flames drew shadows over her face even with the remaining sunlight; Felix spotted a few wrinkles before the dark blonde hair distracted him. She had a quiet beauty to herself, completely relaxed as she was.

"Hail!" he called over with a wave, taking note of the fact she wore peasant's garb just like them. "Can we join you at your fire?"

Yet something about the way she sized him up made Felix's danger sense tingle. This was not the wariness a lone woman on the road would display in front of strangers; no slight relaxation at the presence of another woman in Flora, just idle curiosity.

The woman nodded at them, her deep and firm voice carrying over the distance: "You may."

Felix ignored the gut feeling and smiled a little brighter; that the lady could look after herself did not mean she meant them harm. He got up from the seat and winced faintly as his back complained at him. Sitting there for hours got harder these days, though he did his best not to show the signs of age slowly coming for him.

Flora slid off the other side fluidly and began taking care of Opus with a vigour he was grateful for. She busied herself unlatching the harness while Felix himself secured the cart. He then climbed onto the back to grab some rations, which he then offered to the lady at the fire with a friendly smile.

"Please let me offer tonight's meal then."

She rose in response and received the package without hesitation or doubt. Standing before her made Felix realise that he had half a head on her; she was about Flora's height, though his niece may be the slightest bit taller.

"Appreciated," she answered politely. "You are quite generous, sir."

Felix laughed it off and shook his head good-naturedly. "Oh, none of that please. The name is Felix."

He then motioned to where Flora was still busy brushing the mule, who started munching on the tall grass. "This is my niece Flora, we're on our way to the capital to sell produce from my fields. Ceres was kind to me this year again, so I have no trouble sharing some."

The lady nodded with mild interest, though most of her attention was on the food. She began to prepare it at once and Felix helped along.

It was not long before an odd question made him look up: "You attribute a bountiful harvest to Ceres and not your own hard work?"

Felix's head tilted ever so faintly in confusion. "I guess so? It's true that I have to put in elbow grease myself, but it wouldn't work if Ceres didn't hold his hand over me. I haven't had a bad harvest in many summers, the last one was before Flora was born."

"And how long exactly was that?"

"Seventeen summers, at least for Flora." He paused as realisation settled in. "Has it really been that long? Time sure flies."

"So it does," the lady agreed, though there was something to her tone Felix could not identify. Silence descended between them for a time as they worked, she apparently content with the quiet and Felix uncertain how to keep a conversation going from there.

Flora saved him with her arrival, trying to act prim and proper, but too tired to do more than sit somewhat straight on a mat.

"Good evening," she greeted. "How do you do, miss?"

"Diana," she answered, just as Felix realised he did not ask her name before. "And I fare quite well, though travelling like this will never not be exhausting. I understand you and your uncle journey to sell produce?"

Now he needed a moment to actually understand what she said. Flora nodded amicably.

"We do," she confirmed while looking the older woman up and down. "The way you talk makes you sound like a noblewoman, Diana."

Felix had noticed that, but figured it was none of his business. Diana giving a non-answer of "So it appears" only made him more certain. She may be a noble who fell on hard times, or perhaps one who tried not to let her wealth show. She was surprisingly friendly with commoners if that were the case, though.

Flora let the expectant silence draw out until she was certain there would be no response. Only then did she change the subject with a mite of disappointment: "I heard there were bandit sightings along the roads recently. Are you alright on your own? Where are you going, anyway?"

"Now don't be nosy," Felix chided his niece, who puffed up to argue.

A soft huff from Diana cut off their argument before it could begin, though. "'Tis quite alright, Felix," she assured him before turning back to Flora. "I am headed for the capital to meet my granddaughter for the first time. She is but a babe."

There was more energy to her explanation, making Felix think she must have been waiting for this for a while. At the same time Flora was right about the bandits. "So we're headed the same way, I see." he led in before making his offer: "We can take you along if you want?"

It earned him an inquisitive look that made Felix feel like he had to justify himself. He nodded to the encroaching darkness beyond the fire. "It just doesn't feel right to let you go on your own when it's dangerous."

Diana considered his proposal for a moment.

"Safety in numbers," she mused out loud and nodded. "Yes, I can see your wisdom. I accept."

Flora threw him a look when Diana was not looking, but he did not react to it. She only brought it up when they went to check on Opus one last time.

"So the first pretty lady we meet immediately gets invited to join us?" she quipped sardonically. Felix rolled his eyes at her once again, then focussed. He to make sure the mule was comfortable and leashed properly.

"It's not like that," he denied. "You said it yourself with the bandits. We have enough space to take someone else."

Though he would not deny that Diana was a looker, he meant what he said. Flora was unimpressed regardless and kept needling him: "You think you will still find a wife?"

Felix shrugged at that, not rising to the bait. His brother was the only one to get a rise out of him with that one, considering he was happily married.

"If fate wills it," Felix told his uppity niece evenly, then threw her a knowing smirk. "What about you finding a husband, hm?"

Just as expected, the young woman averted her gaze. She was still uncomfortable with the subject, what with her having focussed so much on her studies growing up. No time or thought for boys, though that seemed to change now.

With their teasing done for the moment, Felix left Flora be and grabbed his lute. The women both listened to his idle tunes, having little else to do; Diana visibly perked up when he began to transition into a familiar melody. Felix was content just playing for a time, but he liked this song. Soon enough he was humming, then Flora began to sing a moment before he did. Diana joined them on the second verse.

"Stars above the skies,
Moon of Luna fair,
Greatest of the wise,
Beloved as you were.

Sol's light bring life,
Astra's stars point us home,
Husband and wife,
Guide us as we roam.

Up high, oh heavenly three,
Forever married to be,
Please hear our voices,
Support our choices

And deliver us home."

Several more verses followed. Although none of them was a trained singer, they still sang from the heart. The Ode to the Skies was one of Felix's favourites and he belted it with joy, praise to the three gods up high. For a moment he thought the stars were twinkling above and could not help but smile.

Once the final verse was sung and they settled down once more, Diana spoke up with a faint smile of her own.

"Are you adherents of the Celestial Three then?"

Felix shook his head, noting how the lady absently rubbed her wrists. They were hidden by long-sleeved gloves that vanished in the arms of her dress.

Flora shook her head as well, but she also stifled a yawn. Seeing that his niece's eyes began to droop, he explained first: "I appreciate Sol, Luna, and Astra for lighting our lives and guiding us, who doesn't? But Ceres is the one I serve most of all."

"The god of harvest, I see. Fitting for a farmer. What of you, child?"

Felix winced faintly as his niece puffed up, a little more awake now. "I am an adult, thank you very much," she groused. Which was basically the worst thing she could say to counter being called a child. Diana did not comment and Flora just shook her head, then answered the unspoken question: "But it is Aman."

For some reason, saying that made Diana's smirk grow a fraction. "An odd choice for certain," she murmured. "Why is it that you favour the deity of love?"

"I just don't think there's much of anything more important," Flora answered with a weak shrug. "Aman blesses those who find love."

"So is it that you seek love of your own?"

"Is that any of your business?"

Felix wisely kept his mouth shut for now, though Diana simply chuckled over Flora's sharp tone. She leaned back ever so faintly as she spoke, clearly at ease. "Aman, being the deity of love, should not care for the type of love, no? Why search for something you already possess, if your relationship with your uncle is any indication?"

Flora made a choked noise and Felix could not help but laugh.

"She means familial love," he corrected the younger woman before she could get things mixed up, then turned to Diana. "But it's not wrong to want romantic love too. A lot of the young men and women hope to find their destined partners, so they go pray to Aman."

The implication that Flora was one of them made her avert her gaze in embarrassment, not that either of the others was about to tease her. Diana seemed thoughtful if anything, her voice tinged with interest.

"Does a mate need to be destined to be chosen, though? And what of those who simply do not have a destined mate? Are they meant to live without something you acknowledge to be important enough to dedicate yourself to its deity over?"

Felix's brows furrowed in thought; it was a question he sometimes pondered, though never this bluntly put.

"I feel like that's hard to answer. Fortuna weaves our fates, so she must have a plan for us beyond romance alone. We can only trust that she knows best."

Diana's lips curled up in response. "Ah, fate," she said, as if it was a long-expected answer from him. "You would put your faith in the red thread?"

"Would you not?" he asked back, feeling faintly uncomfortable.

Diana merely hummed in response at first. "If I may rephrase: how dependent do you believe you are on fate?"

She made a faint motion toward Felix and Flora. "Do you follow the school of thought that our every action is dictated by Fortuna's mosaic, or rather that she gave us freedom outside of important events? Do you perhaps have a different view entirely?"

Those were hard questions in the evening; Felix rubbed his forehead in an attempt to order his thoughts. "I don't really know how to answer this," he decided. "It doesn't matter what I believe, that doesn't change how it is. So I just try to be the best person I can be."

Flora slowly nodded along before chiming in: "Maybe that's just your destiny, being a good person."

Her words earned her a soft smile. "I'd like to imagine that," Felix admitted.

Diana seemed like she wanted to say something, but decided against it upon noticing how Flora's eyes kept drooping further. "It is getting late," she declared after putting some more wood on the fire. "May I take the first watch?"

The pair agreed without hesitation and Felix volunteered for second watch, making Flora take third. She was too tired to even question it, but Felix wanted his niece to get some good sleep; she was not used to the road yet, even after several days of travel.

The two laid down and were asleep right quick; neither noticed Diana's smile grow a little bigger and more sinister.

Minutes passed with only the flickering fire and cracking wood for company. Only once she was certain they were asleep did she begin to work her hands.

An ethereal glow emanated from beneath the gloves, shining faintly even through the fabric. A number of silent motions followed, pulling and pushing something invisible to the naked eye; her gaze remained focussed on Felix all the while. After a time she squinted at Flora momentarily, arching a brow and making another motion with her pinky, as if strumming an instrument.

"You may do," she whispered once her work was done. "Only time will tell."

The glow vanished and she began her watch in earnest. Neither Felix nor Flora had any idea what happened.

The next day passed eventlessly, if one ignored Diana's continued asking the difficult questions. Felix tried to engage her in conversation, but it was mostly Flora talking. He kept an eye on the road and listened to them discussing religious canon. Diana was clearly far better educated than either of them, yet she never held it over them. If anything, she seemed happy to impart nuggets of knowledge here and there.

The day after that was when they reached the capital, just around noon. Flora made impressed noises at the sight of the walls spread around the entire city, unbreached even in a thousand years of war with the demons. There was a small queue at the gate, but they got in easy enough; Felix knew the guard captain on duty, the man was still a regular soldier when they first met and had some beers together. The tradition repeated every time they met afterward.

Not long after entering the city, Diana dismounted with an appreciative nod to them.

"It was an enjoyable journey. Thank you for taking me along, though I now need to take my leave."

Though their time together had been odd, Felix was sad to see her go. He smiled anyway. "No problem at all. Take care, Diana."

"You as well, Felix, Flora," she responded with a look that seemed almost knowing.

Flora either paid it no mind or failed to notice, she just waved. "Goodbye, and good luck with your granddaughter."

"Excuse me!"

They were distracted by a shout and turned away from Diana, to where a young man came running up with one of their bags in his arms. He carried it easily, shoulders broad and chain mail polished. He stopped in front of them, bright blue eyes full of vigour as he held out the bag. "This dropped off your cart a street away, sir."

That was a surprise. Felix looked back but could not see where one may be missing from the front. "Really?" he answered on reflex. "I didn't notice at all. Thank you very much."

He took the bag and glanced inside before handing it to Flora, who put it in an empty spot. Felix swiped a pair of apples from another bag in the meantime and handed them to the younger man.

"Here, as a thank you."

"Heh, thanks a bunch, sir." The fruits were taken off his hands and he received a big grin. "I figure I gotta do my part, being the next hero and all."

"Really now?" Felix repeated himself. "That's unexpected."

First Diana, now the next hero? No way he would lie about something like that.

The young man waved him off jovially. "It happens. The name's Laurus, you can look forward to hearing about me defeating the demon king."

Then he waved again, offered a friendly nod to Flora who rolled her eyes, and strolled away while biting into an apple. His turning away revealed the kite shield and axe strapped to his back. Felix also noted the short, black hair the younger man sported.

"Odd fellow, but nice," he mused with a glance to his niece. "You don't seem impressed, though."

Flora shrugged in response. "He was so oddly cheerful. Are all city folk like that?"

"Now what's wrong with that, niece? I'm a jolly good fellow myself."

"Still."

Felix just shook off her complaints and directed them through the streets to get everything in order; setting up shop at the market was for the day after. His cart would be well guarded in the meantime, not that anyone expected thievery in the capital of all places. Their first destination was the clerical district, which had the added benefit of distracting Flora; she went back to looking around with wide eyes as architecture changed subtly and the crowds grew thicker.

As always, Felix's first stop was the grand shrine of Ceres. He offered a thick sack of corn from his harvest as tribute to his god, followed by a number of wild berries they found along the way. Flora placed a bounty of wild flowers alongside his offering, freshly plucked in the morning.

Much the same repeated at the shrine of Aman, though this time Flora offered money instead; Felix stayed with some corn, aware that the deity of love accepted all offerings. They then paid a courtesy visit to the shrine of Acies, last of the three light gods. Neither of them was drawn to the goddess of warriors, but they still spent a minute in quiet prayer. Felix thanked the lady of battle for watching over the soldiers at war with demonkind.

Moving along, they passed by the notably smaller shrines to Sol, Luna, and Astra. Felix always loved to look at their interconnected shrines, a candle burning at the highest spot of each. All three stood at the same height, symbolising their union.

Flora tapped Felix's shoulder halfway to their final stop in the district, the cathedral of Fortuna. He followed her hand to find a familiar young man seated on a stone step. Disbelief was etched into his face and an empty gaze lay on the ground, unseeing.

"Isn't that the man from earlier?" Flora asked quietly, to which Felix nodded.

"It is. Wonder what happened to his good mood?"

Laurus talked soundlessly to himself as they approached him. Felix crouched by his side with a friendly smile, uncertain what exactly turned his mood upside down. "Hey there," he called out gently, "remember us from earlier? Did something happen?"

That got him a short look before Laurus's shoulders slumped even further. "I don't get it," he muttered. "The angel told me I'm the destined hero, but the priests here said I'm not."

Felix's brow furrowed slightly, well aware that the poor boy was devastated. "Are you sure that's what they said?"

"Said the crystal didn't react, so it's not me."

It all came out in a single breath, underlined with a faint bobbing of the head that may count as a nod. Laurus went back to staring at the ground, another attempt to talk to him was met with silence. Felix felt for the younger man, but he still let Flora pull himself away.

"I told you something was off about him," she hissed as they walked along.

"He doesn't strike me as a liar," Felix answered with a shake of his head. He then pointed over his shoulder. "Does that look like someone pretending?"

Flora looked back and he could see her wince in sympathy. "I guess you have a point, but there is nothing we can do there," she reasoned. "So let's keep going."

"Sure."

They went on and only stopped upon reaching the cathedral, where some sort of parchment was attached to the massive door. Felix turned to his niece curiously.

"What does that say?"

Flora followed his pointed finger and took a step closer to read it.

"It tells the clergy to remember the celebrations held next month. They need to prepare themselves and the district," she explained, then read the rest after a little pause. "Also says they're celebrating Princess Arcadia's half-birthday."

"I see. She was born last winter, yes."

While he only thought the words, Flora actually asked them out loud: "Is celebrating a half-birthday really necessary?"

"Shush now, her highness is the crown princess. I still remember how much your parents doted on you back then, too."

Just as expected, his niece rolled her eyes at him. "Please stop with the old stories."

Felix chuckled and led her into the cathedral, but any retort he may have had was cut off by a blinding light and overjoyed shouts. When it subsided, Felix found a priest approaching them with a tablet upon which a golden crystal rested. The old man smiled benignly while the crystal's glow grew stronger the closer he came.

"What good fortune that I still had it out," he greeted them kindly. "You have come at just the right time, oh hero."

Felix and Flora could only stare in abject confusion.

 

[Naron]

Felix stared at the old priest, who waited with a patient smile.

"Me?" he asked. "The hero?"

"Why, of course. The divine crystal does not lie."

He indicated with the tablet holding said crystal while Flora looked between it and her uncle, completely flabbergasted. Other priests began to congregate around them with great cheer. They welcomed 'the hero' despite the fact he still stood thunderstruck.

Seeing that Felix remained in place, or perhaps uncaring of it, the old priest continued: "You are a little older than the last few heroes, but it shall do. Age builds experience after all."

This was surreal and he had to clear it up before the misunderstanding got worse. "There must be a mistake, your grace," Felix hurried to say, motioning for himself. "I'm a farmer, I haven't held a weapon in my life."

That gave the clergy pause at last; looks were exchanged and quiet chatter sounded, even the elder priest frowned in thought. He carefully handed the tablet to another and ran his fingers over the gleaming, golden crystal. Then he leaned closer to examine it with his eyes.

"Hm. Please take a few steps to the left, my child," he directed. Felix complied and saw the gleam change ever so slightly. The priest then addressed Flora. "Now you step forward."

She was rooted to the floor thus far, but his words had her take three quick steps toward him. This time the glow did not change at all. The priest turned back to Felix with his patient smile back in place.

"Unusual, but certainly not unique. I can assure you there is no issue with the crystal's divination. You are, in fact, the destined hero."

Someone whispered "A hero who can't fight?" and got a withering look that had them slink away. The old priest was back to smiling immediately, the picture of a kind father as he explained to them: "These things have a habit of working out. Fate wills it and so we must adhere to her will."

Another priest chimed in right after, confused and faintly annoyed: "But shouldn't the angel have foretold it? Why did you not prepare, hero?"

His question caused a few more wary looks toward Felix, who slowly shook his head at the group.

"I never met an angel in my dreams, your grace."

The admission caused further confusion, though Felix already knew the clergy would not be deterred in the important part. If this was his destiny, then they would insist he must follow. It did not matter that he just wanted back to his fields and not battle the demon king. Felix knew it too, but fear grasped his heart regardless.

He interrupted the quiet debates with calm he did not feel, asking a question of the head priest: "If it's not too much trouble, may I take some time to think this over and make preparations?"

Thankfully, the older man agreed at once. "Of course, my child. We will prepare the customary gifts and war chest in the meantime."

Felix bowed his head deeply and snatched Flora's arm to drag his perplexed niece outside. He wanted to be far away from this place, despite knowing that he would find his way back somehow.

She stopped him just a few steps out the door and pulled him aside.

"Why did you never tell me?" Flora hissed. The hurt look she sported made his chest constrict, made him quickly shake his head.

"I didn't know. Please believe me, I didn't," he almost pleaded, willing her to understand. "There was no angel, no hint, no nothing. I don't know what's happening."

Flora shivered along with his admission. She grasped his hand tighter, hurt fading in favour of worry.

"You have to go fight demons?"

"I...."

He trailed off, unable to even think of words to speak. Felix did not want to; regardless of what fate decreed, this was madness. The fear he felt was mirrored in his niece's expression, which was when Felix realised she still looked to him for guidance. Just like she did all these years. So he swallowed all those feelings and squeezed her hand with a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. We will figure this out. Come on, let's go."

She let herself be moved, but Felix could not tell if she believed his fake confidence.

They passed by the presumed hero still sitting where he was before. Felix briefly considered pushing Laurus forward as the real hero. As wild as the fantasy was, he only needed a moment to understand it would not work. But maybe the priests would take Laurus anyway if Felix just up and left? He definitely had the fitness and looks of a young hero, reliable and strong.

The thought ended up going nowhere as they left him behind.

The rest of the day passed in a blur; Felix set up at his usual inn and got a few looks about Flora's presence, though their relation was so obvious that nobody even needed to be told she was his niece. Catching up with acquaintances in the capital took his mind off the whole hero thing, to the point he could almost forget it. He even shared a beer with Flora, the first she ever had; she held it well, though he insisted it stay at one for now.

Yet his mind kept moving. He knew he was not a hero and not made for this kind of task, but something must be done. Hence why he asked some of the soldiers on leave how fighting with the demons went; according to them, the stalemate continued. Some years the human forces advanced, others they were pushed back and the demons took some land. Neither side could really get anywhere.

His thoughts were awhirl between his own worries and the guidance of fate. Felix waited until Flora turned in before stepping outside. A walk in the cool summer night sounded just right to clear his head.

The streets were neat and tidy, if notably emptier than by day. He spotted a few urchins, maybe a few more than a few years ago? They avoided the lanterns' light and the guards on patrol. Those armoured men he knew offered short nods whenever they passed by.

His feet eventually carried him back to the clerical district; Felix could not come to a decision, which left him meaning to pray for guidance and insight. At this point, only the gods could address his questions and insecurities.

Before he even reached the cathedral however, Felix spotted Laurus. The younger man was still rooted to the same spot on the same stair. He even sat in the same position, clearly crestfallen. The sight made Felix forget his own problems for the moment as worry wormed its way into his heart. Laurus made for a sorry sight, seeming dead even while alive.

Changing track, Felix approached the young man once again, quietly calling out: "Hey there. Aren't you going to sleep somewhere?"

"Doesn't matter anymore," he muttered with a hoarse voice. "Nothing does."

His response made Felix wince. Deciding that he could not leave this be in good conscience, he gently grasped the younger man's arm.

"Laurus, right? You're coming with me."

There was no response, but also no resistance. Felix still had trouble getting the bulkier man to stand, regardless of the strength a life of fieldwork gave him. Once those listless eyes were on him, he offered the best smile he could.

"We're going to get some food and drink into you, and find you a bed to sleep. Things won't look so bad tomorrow."

"'s not like you understand," Laurus retorted without any heat. He paused to move his feet when Felix pulled him along, then sighed. "But sure. Whatever."

Although he walked along from then on, Laurus did not perk up all that much over dinner. He ate quietly and thoroughly, leaving nothing on his plate. The beer Felix ordered for him at least seemed to relax the boy, but he remained downtrodden.

"I can see you got a lot on your shoulders," Felix tried at last. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Laurus looked at him in response, then back into the mostly empty tankard. He shrugged, finished the beer, and started to talk.

"It's not a long story. The angel told me I'm the hero for almost as long as I can remember. I'd only seen seven summers when they came to me. I trained and worked hard to do my part all that time. Learned to fight, practiced magic all these hours. It was my fate, you know?"

Felix nodded, pretending not to see the tears quivering in the corners of Laurus's eyes. The younger man wiped an arm over his face and sighed again.

"Then I come here and they tell me it's not me. It was all a lie. I'm not meant to fight the demon king. I'm just, just here." He wildly motioned for the taproom, despair leaking out of his voice. "And there's nothing left."

It was obviously more than just a little issue. Felix understood Laurus's feelings, though he also thought the younger man blew things out of proportion. Unfortunately, the usual 'there is more in store for you' would not be much of a comfort. So instead he latched onto what Laurus said before.

"You can cast magic?"

Laurus wordlessly moved his fingers and muttered an incantation under his breath. A glimmering ball of light appeared between them, bobbing gently as if rocked by waves. Felix could only stare at it, the third time in his life he got to see magic up close.

"I focussed on battle spells, but I have stuff like this too. Oh and that."

A snap of Laurus's fingers cleaned the grease from their plates and hands on barely visible winds; Felix felt them scrub him clean and made an impressed noise, not that Laurus seemed to hear. "And some healing magic, but I was never that good at it."

"That's impressive," Felix said anyway. He knew everyone could learn magic, but few commoners could read spell books and fewer still could afford them. He highly doubted a country boy could have gotten access to that many spells on his own, so Laurus must have been tutored.

The other man just shrugged weakly and stared into his empty mug. As the silence grew, so did Felix's need to tell him. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but he could not keep this a secret from Laurus of all people.

Suppressing a sigh, Felix spoke up again: "Listen, something odd happened when I got to the cathedral earlier."

This got him Laurus's attention, who looked up with a flicker of curiosity and faint hope; it died when Felix continued: "That crystal you spoke about reacted to me for some reason. The priests insisted I am-" "You?"

The single word cut him off. Laurus just stared in befuddlement, though his confusion quickly turned to anger.

"You're the, what? No, you can't be! You're just a farmer or something, I saw your cart!"

"That's true, I have no-"

"Why'd it be you then and not me? It makes no sense!"

Laurus glowered and stood abruptly, surprising Felix.

"Hey, wait!"

He got no response as the younger man stomped away; the few patrons left at this hour followed his exit curiously, and Felix quickly assured them this was his own fault. In truth, it was not really anyone's fault, but he would not let them blame Laurus for something he had no control over.

Despite the turn this conversation took, he was now left wondering if he really should try to get out of it; the question plagued him all the way into bed. He had his farm, but there was nobody beside his brother waiting for him. No wife or children, nobody who really depended on him. Moreover, he was given a chance to do what few others could ever do. Felix did not feel worthy, but who was he to disagree if this was fate's will?

But most of all, he felt awful after the whole debacle with Laurus. Leaving the boy miserable like this was just not right. And with this thought came an idea, just before he fell asleep. Felix remembered it perfectly when he woke the next morning.

Sitting down for breakfast with Flora meant they had to get back to the same subject, though. She brought it up about as soon as they got their food.

"Have you decided what to do yet?"

He nodded. "Yes, I think so. I'm sorry you get dragged into this for now, but we're going to pass by the village along the way. I can at least take you back home."

Even now Felix could not admit to the choice he made, though he did not need to. Flora's eyes narrowed at him.

"What do you mean? I'm coming along."

It only took that much for him to mirror her expression.

"It's dangerous."

"Yes, and? I'm not letting you go alone, especially when it's dangerous."

"And I'm not letting you just walk into danger."

"But you're allowed to do it?"

"That's different."

"How so? Explain."

Felix grimaced. The girl was always good at getting her will and taking an argument apart; his hopes waned as she continued to dig her heels in, hence why he took a moment to gather his thoughts. He needed to explain properly.

"For one, you haven't seen as many summers as I have. Your life's only just beginning and I don't want to see it cut short. For two, you're my niece. I could never forgive myself if anything happened to you, much less look your father in the eyes again."

Flora shuffled a little awkwardly as he bared his heart for her. They rarely felt a need to say these things out loud; the fact Felix did clearly told her how serious he was.

Unfortunately, his words did not deter her.

"Maybe you're right," she agreed. "But I could never forgive myself if I let you go so far away on your own. You're my uncle and I will be damned before I let you die anywhere except in your bed, after a long life."

Her loyalty was touching, especially with how grouchy she normally acted. Felix up and hugged her tightly to express his gratitude. He could not help but whisper to her with a faint smile.

"The way this goes, you will be the death of me before anything else."

"Heh. And don't you forget it."

They separated a little less downtrodden, though Felix still did not like taking Flora into danger. At the same time, knowing she would help him through this put his mind at ease and let him focus on the immediate future. And his plan.

"Alright, there is someone we need to find before we go to church."

"Who exactly?" Flora asked as they made to leave. "A friend of yours?"

Felix winced and hoped she did not notice. "Something like that," he said, effectively dodging the question.

They all but ran into Laurus as soon as he said it, just out the door.

"Or he finds us, that works too."

Flora recognised him as well and gave an exasperated look. "Him? What for?"

Felix did not get a chance to explain because Laurus reached them, grouchy and with bags under his eyes. "I need to talk to you," he said by way of greeting; Felix did not hold it against him, the boy had been through a lot.

"Sure," he agreed and motioned to the side. "Let's go over there so we don't block the way."

Laurus started about as soon as they were away from the door, one finger pointing in accusation: "How are you the hero?"

He did not bother lowering his voice and some people clearly stopped to listen at the word 'hero'. Felix could only shrug with a pained grimace.

"I honestly have no idea. Nobody ever foretold it, there was no angel like the priests say there is. They insist it's me and I can't do anything about it. I'd let you be the hero if I could, I'm sorry."

His apology seemed to calm Laurus some more, though he still grumbled under his breath. "And what are you going to do now?" he demanded to know. "Get to church and start on the journey?"

Felix nodded. "That's the plan, but there was another thing I'd like to do first." So saying, he motioned for Laurus. "Hero or no, I can see you're pretty strong and trained with a weapon. You said you know magic, too."

"Hold on, really? Can we have that confirmed first?"

Flora's interjection caused the men to turn her way. Laurus had been listening intently and curiously, but now there was a notable pause as he looked her up and down. To Felix's relief, the younger man did not start ogling, though his expression softened somewhat.

"Of course, miss."

He then closed his eyes and muttered a few words under his breath just like before. This time however, he slowly extended his hand to offer a flower made of solid light. Flora stared at it in surprise, the small crowd they attracted oohing and aahing about the feat; Laurus even earned some applause.

"That one is more of a party trick I did for practice," he deflected modestly, "but I can't really use the elements in the middle of town. I hope that's enough?"

His words quickly wiped Flora's awe away, though nobody missed her slip. She gave a curt nod and examined the flower until it dissipated into motes of light. Felix smiled.

"Well, that's good enough for me. How do you feel about coming with us?"

Laurus's head snapped back to Felix in an instant, mouth falling open. "W-Wait, for real? You'd do that?"

"Sure," he assured the younger man with a nod. "Even if it isn't you, we must have met like we did for a reason. I'd love to have you along, Laurus."

Extending his hand, Felix gave Laurus some time to gather his bearings; he was so clearly dumbfounded, staring at the proffered limb for long seconds before clasping it with considerable strength.

"Yes, of course! Thank you so much!"

Cheers from the crowd finally made them realise they had an audience. Flora just rolled her eyes at them.

"You were loud enough for everyone to hear," she quipped.

Laurus rubbed his neck sheepishly while some people bounded forward to talk to 'the hero'. It took some time to get through their well-wishes and curious questions, all the while the word continued to spread. Flora summarised sardonically as they made their way to the cathedral: "Well, now there's no stopping it anymore."

Felix could only shrug in response, somewhat uncomfortable with all the unusual attention. Laurus also fell back into a slightly less good mood, though he kept walking at Felix's other side.

They reached the cathedral around noon, far later than intended due to the many people waylaying them for a few words with Felix. The priests already awaited them, though the head priest frowned at seeing Laurus.

Felix realised why that was just in time; he spoke up before anything else could be said: "Your grace, you have your hero. I hope there's no problem with my companions?"

The older man's attention turned back to him and he became more benign in an instant. "Of course not," he assured Felix. "Perhaps the past should remain the past in this case."

He then motioned for the group as a whole. "Please step closer, oh hero. Your companions as well. As is customary, the church of Fortuna presents to you the divine armaments and an assortment of items to ensure safe travels and a successful mission." There he paused a little awkwardly, glancing between Felix and Flora. "Due to your, ahem, profession to not be trained with any weapon, we took the liberty to confer with the lord general of the royal army on how to best equip you and yours."

As if on cue, a number of spears were presented by the younger priests and priestesses. The head priest explained all the while: "According to the experts, spears are the easiest weapon to handle for a layman. You and your companions may each choose one to carry along the journey."

Receiving nods, he then glanced back at Laurus. "Though your newest companion seems trained with the axe, if I see that right?"

Laurus sketched a bow at the man in response. "Yes, your grace."

"Very well. Collect the axes and shields from the vault."

A small group of clergymen and -women not carrying anything rushed away at that. Felix noticed them go, but he was already engrossed in the various weapons offered to them. Their respective carriers each explained their properties, seeing that every single spear was silver and imbued with some divine gift.

He stopped at a weapon with nature magic, said to be gifted by Ceres. That one was far too tempting not to take it. The ability to grow plants from a simple stab into the ground sounded useful, too. Flora quickly picked a slightly shorter spear that could emit solid magical fields to serve as shields, or push back opponents.

This continued with enchanted clothes that were as strong as steel, though Felix felt a little weird in something so smooth. The golden ring he received next fit like a glove and felt just as odd; from what they were told, these were for shoring up mental fortitude and preventing panic. They allowed even untrained fighters like them to keep a cool head in battle. Laurus also belatedly got his pick of weapons, choosing an axe that always returned to the accompanying glove and an impenetrable shield.

Every single item was beautiful and thrumming with magical might that even Felix could feel. He felt faint just thinking about their value; the three of them together could work all their lives without being able to afford even a single one of them. Now he was just given them as a matter of course.

The head priest nodded in satisfaction once they were fully equipped and changed, their regular clothes bundled up nearby. "Marvelous," he declared with a glance to another priest. "Now for the final piece and the war chest."

The younger priest respectfully presented a cloak bearing the Ouroboros, the hero's mark. A serpent devouring its own tail. "Brave hero, if I may attach this piece? It will serve as your identification to any and all to recognise your station. No dirt shall ever cling to it, and it shall warm you on your travels."

His words were so full of respect that Felix felt odd once again, but he could hardly say no here and nodded.

"Alright. Please do."

Despite his awkwardness about being treated like this by people of a higher station than him, his mind slowly began to work again. An idea began to form from the realisation that while these artefacts would be a big help, facing the demon king would still be a daunting task.

He waited until the cloak was clasped around his neck before rising. The clergy bowed in respect, making Felix feel almost official. He gave it a moment of silence like he remembered the priests do during sermons, then spoke up in turn: "Your grace, is there a spell book among the artifacts that we can borrow?"

He felt ungrateful even just saying it after already getting so much, but the head priest took it in stride. A single motion to the younger bearers of the cloth had them off on another trip to the vault.

"You can read?" Laurus whispered in awe, though his words were loud enough in the quiet for all to hear.

Felix shook his head with a fond little smile. "No, but Flora can."

His niece's eyes bulged out as she connected the dots. Felix spotted an approving look on the head priest's face, though the older man said nothing. Laurus looked back at Flora with newfound respect and a soft "Wow".

The head priest broke the silence a moment later, inclining his head at Felix. "While we wait, oh hero, I implore you to be careful along your journey. Bad omens have ailed the kingdom of late, though your emergence at this exact time speaks of good to come."

His warning worried Felix, though Laurus was faster in asking about it: "What happened, your grace? I didn't hear anything bad on the way here."

His question caused a grimace by the old man and a look thrown to the clergy surrounding them.

"It has not yet become public and should remain secret until such a time that the crown reveals it. I shall have faith in him who bears the Ouroboros that all present will keep their silence."

The head priest paused to receive quick nods from all around. All of a sudden he looked his age. "Her royal highness, crown princess Arcadia, has passed away last night for no discernible reason. There were no previous signs of illness, nor any symptoms."

Everyone all around paled. Felix felt like the ground was pulled out under him and several of the men and women had to fight back tears.

"No way," Flora whispered in disbelief. "Her highness? But she was just a babe, how could Fortuna-"

"Do not question the red thread."

The head priest's sharp rebuke had Flora shut up, though his expression softened right after. "I understand your doubts, child," he soothed her gently. "Yet we are but men, infinitely the goddess' lesser. All we can do is have faith in her gaze that reaches beyond our lives, trust that she has seen this as being for the best, however cruel it may appear in the moment."

His words provided some comfort, though Felix still felt oddly forlorn about it.

Another priestess spoke into the renewed silence: "Word of the hero's arrival should alleviate the despair many will feel at such tragedy."

She received a nod from the head priest, then the initiates returned with a number of spell books.

Though spoiled for choice, Flora quickly picked one about supportive magic. "I don't feel well with war spells," she explained to Felix with a little shiver. "Doesn't matter how helpful they'd be in a fight if I can't bring myself to use them."

He accepted her wish without complaint. And just like that, they were done. The head priest nodded in satisfaction.

"And lastly," he intoned, "as promised, a humble offering of money to cover your journey's expenses and see you to your destiny, as well as back."

Now he himself stepped forward to present a sizable pouch to Felix, who took it with thanks and a bowed head. He immediately handed it to Flora, prompting a curious look from the older man; it took a moment to realise what he wanted to know, but then Felix explained a little sheepishly: "Ah, my niece apprenticed under a merchant you see. She knows best how to handle money."

"I see, a wise choice. Trusting in one's companions and their abilities is of vital importance on the road ahead."

So saying, he closed his eyes for a moment before nodding to himself.

"And now that all was said and done, go forth, noble hero. May Acies, Ceres, and Aman bless your path woven by Fortuna."

He bowed one final time and Felix returned the gesture, feeling it was only polite. Laurus and Flora mimicked them swiftly. The clergy kept their heads bowed in silence until the three of them were out the gates.

"That was intense," Laurus murmured once they were outside again. Felix could only agree.

Then a choked noise quickly drew their attention to Flora. His niece stared into the money pouch without any colour to her face.

"What's wrong?" he asked in wonder. "I can't imagine the priests skimming on that of all things."

Flora tried to produce sound and failed miserably for a short while; it took long enough for Laurus to take a step forward and peer inside the pouch, eyes growing even wider than hers. Felix followed the younger man's example and finally got what had them so upset; this pouch was not fattened with copper or iron coins, but silver and gold! He had never even seen a golden coin before!

Taking a deep breath, Felix tried to regain his bearings. Flora finally managed just that and took a shuddering breath. Then she closed the bag and buried it in her pack instead of putting it on her belt.

"How much-?" "Not here."

She cut off Felix's question sharply. He shut his mouth while feeling stupid, of course he should not ask that now. Flora sighed heavily. Lowering her voice further despite the few people around, she explained quietly; the men leaned in on instinct.

"I need to count that first to make sure, but just from looking I think we could all live off that money for the rest of our lives."

Laurus whistled in appreciation, a sentiment Felix agreed with. He could not fathom what a hero had to pay that much money for.

"Alright then," he ventured, some cheer returning. "I guess money isn't that much of an issue anymore. Let's quickly trade most of what we brought and buy some rations for the road."

The other two agreed and off they went; Laurus ran for supplies while Flora and Felix checked with the traders. Selling his crops went much faster than expected, sometimes they even got immediate agreement to Flora's first demand. Felix only realised after the second time that it happened with peeks at the Ouroboros on his cape. They still made a decent sum off what he brought despite the hurry.

Things went so fast that they were done selling everything in the afternoon, with several hours of sunlight left. Felix looked up at the sky and pondered staying until morning, but he now had a duty to fulfil.

"As much as I'd like another night in a proper bed," he decided, "we should get going as soon as we can."

Flora made a face but agreed, Laurus just nodded. It was obvious the younger man's enthusiasm began to flag again.

They readied up and got going, though traffic slowed to a crawl wherever Opus pulled their humble cart along. Small crowds formed to see them out, shouting well wishes and cheers. Nobody seemed to care how qualified or unqualified he was, some even placed flowers along their path. The display made Felix's eyes sting, his chest filled with warmth; he still did not quite know about being the hero, but he knew everyone looked up to him now.

That was why he firmed up and stood, raising his fist to the air without a word. A cheer went up in response as they passed through the main gate.

Yet despite how much had changed, even more had stayed the same. The first few hours were calm and considerably more boring than one would expect. Dusk approached before long and the group stopped to make camp; having Laurus along helped divide tasks, too.

Felix strummed his lute at the fire while Flora counted coins. Their newly found third member frowned into the flames for a time, only stopping when Flora spoke up: "Like I thought, this is so much money I have no idea how to spend it all."

"Maybe it's for if we find someone selling other enchanted items or stuff like that?" Laurus guessed, only to receive a sour look from Flora.

"And who exactly would own these outside of the churches and the kingdom? Nobody else can afford them, so any artificer good enough to make that stuff has to trade with them."

Her rebuttal prompted Laurus to scowl back at her. "It was just a guess, lady! Geez!"

"Maybe think about it yourself next time before opening your mouth."

The younger man's expression only grew tighter. Felix already worried that he had to interfere so early in, but did not get the chance to speak up.

"If you have a problem with me, say it to my face," Laurus demanded. "Leave me alone with the passive-aggressive bullshit."

This clearly surprised Flora, whom Felix knew was not used to others being this blunt with her. He almost laughed at his niece's expression, only barely holding himself back in time to not end up in the doghouse.

Flora frowned at Laurus before turning to the fire. "Why are you even here?" she asked glumly. "With us, I mean? Why do you want to go on this journey when it isn't even yours?"

The boy seemed ready to keep arguing, so Felix intervened after all; he gave him a soft kick to the foot and shook his head when Laurus looked his way. It earned him a scowl, but Laurus did maintain his calm.

"Why are you, then? Nobody's forcing you along either."

"I asked first."

Although Flora was right, her response drew a heavy sigh from Laurus. Some of the aggression melted off him in favour of a more subdued mood.

"Fair enough, I guess. What else am I supposed to do? I was meant to be the hero. It should've been me, not him," he muttered with an absent motion for Felix, who just nodded. Laurus growled to himself. "I don't have anything else. How am I supposed to go home and tell everyone I'm not the hero? That I lied to them for the last ten years? No, I'm not going anywhere else."

Flora winced as he laid it out for them, just like Felix felt bad for the boy. Laurus smirked sardonically and motioned for her.

"Your turn."

"I'm not leaving my uncle to do this alone," Flora explained. "Family has to support each other, it's as simple as that."

She said no more and returned to staring into the flames. Laurus commenting that he could respect that choice received no answer. Flora closed her eyes for a moment before finishing: "And while I understand where you're coming from, I still don't like you."

"Right back at you."

Felix had to roll his eyes at that. "Children," he chastised both without much heat, ignoring the glares both threw him. Instead of letting them argue or draw him in, Felix began to transition his idle strumming into a proper song.

Flora sighed and dropped the subject to muse on something else: "We have to stop by at home to tell mother and father. They would be worried sick otherwise."

Laurus seemed to agree with that at least. "I'd like to see my mother too, if that's okay?" He received a nod from Felix, then looked between them. "Actually, how did you two grow up? I'm kinda curious."

"We can swap stories in a bit," Felix answered with a little smile. "For now let's sing."

He left a pause to hit the first notes and intoned: "Oh fellows and friends, I have to admit-"

Laurus joined in immediately, recognising the song about a drunkard coming clean about being broke to his drinking buddies. Flora needed another verse to catch on.

Felix's worries about being able to play his role as hero washed away for a time, just like Laurus's bad mood vanished. It was the younger man who demanded another song. They kept singing for a good long while, with only the stars and moon above for company.

 

[Naron]

The second day of their journey passed as calmly as the first. They made good progress toward home so far; six days from the capital by cart were a decent stretch of road, though they would arrive late in the day.

With only the occasional traveller coming their way on the road, Flora spent the hours reading her spell book and grudgingly taking advice from Laurus. Felix sat in the front seat, listening to their banter. He also tried to imagine himself as the hero and get used to the role, though thoughts of what his brother would say distracted him constantly.

A part of Felix worried that Rogatus might hate him for letting Flora come along; as much as she was her own woman now, she would never stop being her parents' treasure. Especially as the youngest of three and the only girl. Her father, brothers, and uncle always looked after her.

Rogatus was generally not a hothead, but just like Felix he would go to the end of the world for his family. Felix knew that since they were little, seeing that they always stayed together despite the many little fights they had. Then there was Verena, his sister-in-law; just as pigheaded as the rest of them and absolutely where Flora got her stubborn streak from. Felix felt almost physically ill at the thought of either her or his brother condemning him.

Laurus's voice tore him from those musings, loud and curious: "Hey, what's that?"

He focussed on the road once more, putting ideas on how to explain to his family aside. Felix quickly saw the log blocking the road at that point. They both stared first at it, then the hills surrounding the road. They blocked line of sight and some of them bore a few trees.

"Who blocked off the road?" Laurus wondered, peering ahead with a hand over his eyes to shield them from the sun.

Flora rose next to them, one hand on Felix's shoulder for balance.

"Bandits," she drawled with narrowed eyes. "Obviously."

The stink eye Laurus threw her went ignored while Felix found entirely new worries. This was the fastest road home, not to mention how much time it would cost to turn around. Bandits this close to the capital was not a good sign at all.

"So we fight them, right?" Laurus asked with a look to Felix, confused when he and Flora both stared back in abject confusion. "What? It's what the hero does, isn't it?"

"...right. Hero."

He forgot. And now he, a simple farmer, apparently had to fight bandits.

"I had to be careful with these things for so long that it's hard to get into my head I don't need to worry so much."

Laurus nodded slowly in response, appearing contrite. "Right, sorry about that. But you really don't need to worry. The hero's fate is to face the demon king, you'll be fine."

"And what about us?" Flora chimed in, half snarky and half curious. Laurus raised his finger, then lowered it thoughtfully while rubbing his stubble.

"I think I remember something about us being included as the hero's followers. But I'm not sure. You don't need to worry either, though." He put on a smile while saying this and thumped his chest. "I'll protect you."

Felix could tell he genuinely meant to reassure Flora, though the girl herself took it less kindly and scowled.

With no scathing response coming however, Felix began to consider the situation carefully; this was not the first time he dealt with bandits, but one never knew if they gave them a choice or planned to kill everyone and take everything. He was lucky the two times it happened before, now they had enough rations to turn around if he wanted to. Beads of sweat ran down his forehead under the sun's bright glare as he tried to think of a plan, though nothing concrete presented itself.

In the end it was Laurus who made a suggestion: "How about we leave the cart here and check it out? I can burn the log away and we can just keep going, or fight without risking the horse."

It was a decent idea, so Felix accepted the younger man's counsel; he would know more about these things when he was trained to fight.

"Sure," he agreed. "Flora, you-" "Stay in the back to support you two. Yes, I will."

She threw him a look that dared to finish ordering her to watch the cart; Felix wisely shut up. Laurus shrugged faintly, unwilling to argue the point with her. "I mean, I guess it's fine. We don't really have anything valuable on the cart right now."

"I'm more worried about Opus than the cart," Felix admitted. "He's a good mule."

Said mule snorted as if in response, having stopped after a gentle sign from Felix. Laurus nodded at the older man in understanding.

"Yeah, looks pretty healthy, too."

He hopped down from the cart and offered a hand to Flora, who grudgingly let him help her down. Felix took it a little slower, his legs no longer bending as well as they used to.

The three slowly started walking the distance to that log, weapons in hand. Flora stayed true to her words and kept herself behind the men, though she still held her spear. Every single weapon glinted in the sunlight.

Felix's anxiety spiked the closer they got until eventually, just a few metres from the log, two dozen figures sprang up around them. They wore shabby, barely mended clothes and brandished weapons with clearly malicious intent, though nobody attacked just yet. He clutched his spear more tightly, heart hammering at the sight of so many swords.

One man stepped forward, dressed a tiny bit better than the rest. His nasty smirk showed off some missing teeth. The others finished surrounding them and the apparent leader raised his sword menacingly.

"Money," he growled, "or life!"

His words had barely been spoken that Laurus shouted back, not giving Felix a chance to say anything: "Come here and get what you rightly deserve, you lowlifes!"

He slammed his axe against his shield, but the bandit leader simply laughed at the attempt to intimidate him.

"Life it is!" he bellowed. "Get them!"

The bandits descended on them in an instant. Felix held his spear tightly, having gotten some instructions from Laurus over the last days. Keep a firm grip and put sharp end in enemy.

Unfortunately, these men and women did not just run into his clumsy stabs. They stayed out of reach and began circling around. A wordless shout sounded amidst this, followed by a pained scream from an unfamiliar throat; Felix did not dare try to look, only to be distracted by noise from behind him.

Flora had a trio of bandits coming at her, falling back as she had a stiff breeze carry dirt into their faces. They snarled and tried to wipe it off as they pursued.

He realised his mistake when he heard a shout from his right, turning abruptly to find a ragged man come at him with his axe raised high. He was too close already to bring up his spear.

Panic made to grip at Felix's heart despite the ring that should stop it, when suddenly the attacker stumbled. He lost his balance so bad the weapon sailed over Felix's head and his enemy impaled himself on the silver spear.

There was a lull in the fighting now, a number of people staring at the implausible thing that just happened. Then a gasp sounded behind Felix while Flora fended off two attackers with a force field. Someone screamed incoherently as they came at Felix, only for a passing cloud to finish blocking the sun; the sudden ray of light to the eyes made them snap shut and the man fell over the corpse still stuck on Felix's spear. He slammed into the ground with a sickening crunch.

"Stop!" Someone shouted over the mayhem. "Fall back! It's the hero!"

The bandits seemed to freeze in what they were doing; Laurus swung his axe in the sudden silence and the leader barely had enough of his wits to block. The ringing of steel on steel shocked them out of their stupor and they retreated as one, leaving only three behind; the two that came for Felix and effectively killed themselves, and one that Laurus took down.

Felix stood there dumbfounded, expression mirrored by his companions. All the bandits stared at them warily.

"What's this about?" Laurus demanded. "Come back and fight!"

Felix quickly held him back from pursuing, too uncertain of what this was about. At first he feared a trap, but the bandits still only seemed to watch them. Silence reigned, underlined by the tangy scent of blood hanging in the air. Felix did not dare move away, throwing quick peeks at Flora as she rejoined them; his niece seemed completely fine, bearing not even a scratch.

Some groans and curses drew his attention back to the bandits, some of which muttered about "the hero"; their leader stepped forward again, though this time with a shaky bow.

"Please forgive us, oh hero. We didn't recognise you, else this wouldn't have happened."

Now even Laurus lowered his weapon in confusion, trying to comprehend. Felix did not understand any better.

"I'm sorry, but I don't get it."

There was some more muttering, though the leader pretended not to hear it and motioned for Felix by way of explanation. "Well, you're the hero, so there's no way our lot'll do you in. Shoulda checked more carefully, but we're hard pressed on money and a lotta other stuff. Can't be picky."

Felix slowly nodded his understanding, the idea now becoming clearer; fate intervened on his behalf, so these people never had a chance no matter how many they were. He even felt a tingle of sympathy for them, considering the sorry state they were in.

"This may be the oddest waylaying I've ever heard of," Flora muttered, prompting the bandit leader to shrug.

"It happens, lass. Now you lot, get the road clear so the hero can move on!"

There were some complaints, but eight strong men started jogging over to the log. The rest milled around awkwardly, trying and failing to look unconcerned. Felix glanced between them and his group, feeling just as odd.

"I guess that's that then," he decided.

Laurus turned to him in confusion. "How do you mean? We have to finish them before they can attack other travellers!"

Some of the bandits bristled, but a harsh look from the boss had them quiet. Felix tried to find a good answer for Laurus, but was uncertain he had one; he understood his companion's desire, but fate only intervened to protect them. It was unlikely to stop the bandits from running. More than that, he felt this was not his place to do even as the hero.

"The hero's duty is to face the demon king, isn't it? These folks are the guards' and soldiers' duty to take care of, but they ran into us instead. I don't think they're fated to die here today."

"But that isn't right! They kill, pillage, and plunder their way through the kingdom instead of doing anything else with their lives!"

"Hey now, that's unfair!"

Felix and Laurus both turned back to the bandit leader, one curious and one angry; the other man raised his hands defensively and began to explain.

"Listen, it ain't as easy as you make it sound. Most of us used to be farmers or soldiers. Look at Albus over there!" he said while pointing to a man with only one arm, who waved awkwardly. "Got thrown out the army after that injury and doesn't know any other work. Or Julius and Marcia." He pointed to a man and woman who interrupted their quiet conversation to turn their way. "Got their farm burned down by some natural fire and didn't have the money to keep it going."

He made a sweeping motion for the rest of them, who all seemed downtrodden now. "It's not like we chose this, y'know? We all know we're fated to be bandits, else this shit wouldn't have happened to us. So what're we supposed to do 'bout it?"

Laurus worked his mouth silently, having no more of an answer to that question than Felix. The leader heaved a sigh and tried for a nicer smile that did not come out right. "Listen, I'm sorry this happened the way it did. We're just trying to get by the only way we got left. So how about we get outta your way and you just forget you ever saw us?"

Now Felix just felt plain unhappy with the situation; he wanted to do something to help them, but what could he do if they were meant to be bandits? A simple farmer could not help here.

He watched the log be pulled aside while lost in thought before turning back to the leader with curiosity. "What about you? How did you come into this?"

The other man shrugged, not at all hesitant to share his story: "Used to be a merc, but my old team swindled me outta my money and left me behind in the middle of nowhere. Useless assholes."

He spat out and nodded to the people around them. "Would be dead if they hadn't found me. Can't get any closer to fate than us, I reckon."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Felix's words were waved off and a more spirited grin thrown his way. "No use cryin' over spilt milk. Good to know our hero's a good man, though."

He nodded along with a little smile of his own and offered his hand, which was shaken a moment later. Now that they at least got along. he realised these people may be able to help him.

"Did any of your people fight with the demons before? Any advice?"

The leader's brow scrunched in thought before he motioned Albus forward; the one-armed soldier seemed eager to help and began explaining immediately: "It's not that different from fighting normal folks, sir hero. They just look a mite odd, like some got horns or hooves or claws. I saw one guy with gleaming eyes. And they got women in their army! I got no idea how to deal with that, first time I saw it."

"How odd," Flora agreed. "Maybe demon women are just made for fighting?"

Felix nodded to that as well as Albus. "I get how that would trip you up, yes."

Laurus chimed in next, clearly too curious to not to join despite his distrust: "Uh, quick question: doesn't the kingdom's army take women as well?"

"Aye, sir. But last I know the ladies do stuff like supplies or scouting. Never seen one on the front lines."

His boss snorted at that. "My old group had a few strong women in it," he told them. "The way they told it, the army doesn't let them take fighting positions. 'Don't wanna encourage young maidens to throw their lives away' or some horseshit."

This caused some exasperation all around. Flora in particular huffed. "And yet these same maidens can be trained enough to become mercenaries if they want it enough," she quipped, earning a nod from the leader.

"Just so, lass. Where there's a will, there's a way. And the womenfolk is mighty determined." He chuckled, but had the decency to shrink back a little from the look Flora thew him. "Heh, sorry about that."

"Not like he's wrong," Felix added, unimpressed by his niece's expression. "Didn't you just force your way into the group?"

That gave her pause and she stopped posturing. "...fair enough."

"It's done, boss!"

The call drew everyone's attention back to the road, now free of obstructions. The leader nodded at his people. "Good, good," he said before turning to Felix. "Again, sorry 'bout that. And good luck facing the demon king."

"Thank you. I hope things turn out better for you all."

Some mumbled thanks followed the three as they slowly turned back toward their cart. Opus was waiting patiently for them, not at all disturbed by the violence that transpired earlier.

They only made it a few steps before someone called out to them: "Excuse me? Miss?"

Glancing to the side, Felix found one of the men who engaged him before. He looked little older than Laurus and appeared more than a little sheepish as he approached Flora. She turned back warily, only to stare in surprise when the young man offered her a flower. Felix could tell it had been plucked at the roadside not too long ago, but said nothing.

"Just, er, you know. For good luck."

His words kept Flora quiet a moment longer, looking between the man and the offered flower. Then she turned around and walked away without a word. The young man slumped, receiving consoling shoulder claps from his compatriots; Felix winced in sympathy as well. A part of him wanted to be more protective of Flora, but she was old enough to look after herself.

Then again, he probably would have said something if she accepted the gift.

It took a bit of walking before Laurus spoke up quietly, out of hearing distance from the other group: "Did he really expect she'd take it?"

Felix could only shrug in response. "Love is such an odd thing," he answered. "It makes you do stupid things."

"Are you speaking from experience there?"

"Not really. More like seeing my brother make an ass of himself several times trying to woo the lady who'd end up becoming his wife. Verena wasn't all that impressed with him at first, either."

It was funny to watch from the sidelines, if nothing else. Though Felix dearly hoped he would never do something like this himself.

"I guess?" Laurus commented thoughtfully. "I've never been really in love or anything, so I can't tell."

"Even though you act the gentleman to Flora?"

"Ehh."

Laurus quickly realised how that may sound; he elaborated before Felix could do more than raise an eyebrow: "I don't mean to say she isn't lovely, that's just not how I feel about her. My ma made sure I was nice to girls, so it became a habit. It just doesn't sit right with me otherwise. Though Flora's trying hard to make me mad."

The last part was muttered under his breath, making Felix chuckle good-naturedly. "Don't take it personally," he advised. "Flora has always been like that."

"I don't, but sometimes it's hard not to."

"Yeah, I get that."

The woman in question had already given Opus some pets and climbed onto the cart on her own. Laurus and Felix each followed her example, then they got moving again.

It still felt odd to have something of an honour guard of bandits giving them tentative waves as they passed by. Felix wondered if there was anything else they could have done, but in the end he could only offer a quiet prayer to Fortuna and wish for improvement in their lives.

 

[Naron]

After that harrowing and subsequently odd encounter with the bandits, their journey remained calm for the next four days. Beyond heavy rain on the fourth. It thankfully only started pouring once they were in an area Felix knew well, so he had enough time to get them into a nearby cave.

Laurus and Flora kneeled with their hands clasped, offering thanks to Fortuna for having them near a safe place. Felix just looked out into the rain, still pondering his situation; seven days passed since he became the hero and he wondered if he should feel different. He was still himself, though the many magical artefacts were a confidence booster.

He found no real answer this time, either.

"So, what's your village like?" Laurus ended up asking after a while. "Anything interesting there?"

The question pulled Felix from his thoughts, though he did not quite know what to tell the younger man.

"I guess we have the new townhouse, it was just built last year. Otherwise, there isn't anything important about it. The farmsteads and fields are pretty large, even if some of them got abandoned lately. Bad harvests and a few deaths, the usual."

"How many?"

Flora joined the conversation there: "Five, I think. But four of them were already getting on in years, nothing happened to them. The fifth was Julius, right?"

Felix nodded back, heaving a sigh at the reminder. "Right. Poor boy ran off to play in the woods in spring, got mauled by a horned bear."

Laurus grimaced as well, head bent slightly. "May the gods have mercy on his soul."

The other two agreed wordlessly and remained in silence.

Once their moment of remembrance had passed, Laurus picked the conversation back up: "So there are horned bears in the area? This close to the capital?"

"Not exactly," Felix answered with a shake of the head. "As best as we could figure out, that one came from further north and tried to mark a new territory. The worst we usually see is water walking goats."

He paused there to dig an old memory back up. "I saw a phoenix once, too. But I was just a boy at the time."

He had their undivided attention with that, especially Laurus seemed excited. "A phoenix, really? I heard they're rare and friendly."

"Yeah, most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I'm still sad it didn't leave a feather or something, a little keepsake would've been nice."

"You're strangely melancholic today," Flora quipped. "Is it the rain?"

She was right and she knew it; rain always put a bit of a damper on Felix's mood, regardless of how necessary it was for the crops. He settled down on a rock to watch and the other two sat by his side while he answered his niece: "A little bit. I'm still thinking about the whole hero thing. Should I feel any different from before?"

"No idea. Laurus?"

A glance to him received only a shrug. "Still a little miffed it's him and not me, but I don't know how it's supposed to feel like. Doesn't really seem like something you can explain in words."

He had a point there, or rather several. Felix deflated a little, once again feeling bad for having put the boy through this, even if he could not have done anything about it.

"I guess not. And I'm sorry. If I could make you the hero, I would."

"Yeah, I think you said that before. It's fine."

The edge to his tone said the opposite, but Felix understood why he kept stewing on this. So he kept going instead of dwelling on the subject: "Either way, I don't feel much like a hero. Maybe it comes once we leave the roads I know so well?"

There was no response from either of them, not that he expected one.

Then, out of nowhere, something wet mussed up his hair. Felix leaned forward to escape with a surprised chuckle.

"Come on Opus, that's not funny!"

His words failed to deter the mule, who kept getting up close and personal. Flora grinned and pet his head while Laurus ran a hand over his flank, all of them taking some comfort and warmth from his presence.

Once his hair was not in any more immediate danger, Felix shook his head with a fond smile. "Some days I really feel like he understands us."

"Does it really change anything if he does?" Laurus asked. "Not like he can talk."

"True that. It really doesn't matter, eh, buddy?"

Opus snorted warm air into his face and laid down nearby while they waited out the rain.

Soon enough it was Laurus who leaned back with a sigh, prompting Felix to talk to him: "Something on your mind, too?"

"Kinda," he admitted absently. "I'm just worried about my village. It's further away, halfway between the capital and the border. I'd like to go there along the way, let my ma know I'm safe."

"Sure, just point it out on the map and we can drop by."

"Thanks," Laurus said with a weak smile, though it dropped right after that one word. "But I'm a little worried what everyone will say. I'm not the hero after all."

There was a soft growl to his comment, but no anger came Felix's way. The older man rubbed his beard in thought at the new problem, but he had a decent idea of Laurus by now. "I think you're an honest man and that everything will turn out fine. Don't worry about it too much."

"If all else fails, Uncle can say something."

Felix turned to Flora with a faintly arched brow at that. "Say what?"

"How should I know," she quipped back with a shrug. "You're the hero."

Then she played innocent while Felix glowered at her in mock offence.

Their banter was interrupted by Laurus, who had taken a deeper breath before speaking up: "I guess. I miss my ma, too. Haven't been gone from home for that long before."

"I get that. My first time travelling to the capital with my old man was like that, too. How do you feel, Flora?"

"Fine, I think?"

She closed her eyes for a moment before nodding. "I look forward to seeing Mother and Father again, but I don't think I'm homesick."

"Huh. I guess you're made for travelling."

His quip drew a curious look from her. "You don't seem that bothered either."

While she was right and Laurus seemed to agree with her, Felix could only make a vague motion and explain. "Yes and no, really. I'm twice your age. And I've been traveling since before you were born. It gets easier the more you do it, experience and all that. Not that you seem to need it for this one."

"If it's okay to ask," Laurus interjected curiously, "why is it you two travelling together to sell produce?"

He had turned to Flora despite the way her eyes narrowed for a moment. Yet for once there was no sour quip, she simply went and explained: "I'm an apprentice merchant. Uncle offered to take me along so I can get some experience selling wares, and for travelling I guess."

"A merchant?" Laurus repeated with some surprise, though he smiled a little brighter. "That's pretty nice, the merchants I know make good money whenever they come by."

"In part, yes. The money is good, but the risks are greater too. If prices for whatever wares you bring are low in the next place you visit, you can end up losing a lot of money too."

This got her an understanding noise from Laurus. "I guess everyone has their own worries," he mused.

Felix decided then that this was enough real talk. "But that isn't the amazing part about my darling niece," he chimed in while throwing an arm over the annoyed girl's shoulder. "No, Flora can read!"

Laurus stared dumbly at them before brightening up with enthusiasm. "Right, I almost forgot! That's amazing!"

Flora's weakly pawing at Felix's shoulder in embarrassment only made it funnier. He chuckled and let go after another moment, his daily quota of teasing the niece complete. Once she was free and composed once more, Flora decided to quip back at Laurus: "You really didn't notice after I had my nose in that spell book for most of the last week?"

"I mean, it's a spell book. Maybe it can teach you magic even if you don't know how to read?"

Laurus shrugged a little awkwardly as he said it. Flora made to argue, but her brow scrunched in thought before a single word came out. "That's a weak reason," she decided, "but I let it count this once."

"Will wonders ever cease?" Felix teased, completely ignoring his niece's glower. Then he pointed outside with a smile. "Speaking of, the rain's letting up. Let's get Opus strapped back in and home. Maybe two hours or so until we're there."

Flora leaned outside to watch the brightened sky critically.

"Looks like we'll have a decent chunk of sunlight left today."

"We will," Felix agreed. "Come on Opus, up you go."

He animated the mule, who seemed willing enough to keep pulling their cart. Their journey resumed just like that and everyone looked forward to their arrival. Felix was glad to be back, despite the upcoming talks looming over him.

It took a bit over an hour before the first farmsteads came into a view. Soon after a gaggle of youths broke through the nearby bushes and called out with bright smiles.

"Hey there! Mr. Felix, Flora! Welcome back!"

Felix called back to them with a wave of his own: "Glad to be back. Are you lot making trouble again?"

"Nope, just exploring! You want us to run ahead and tell everyone you're back?"

"That'd be pretty nice, thank you!"

"No problem!"

And just like that, the lot of them ran off after the boy he talked to; Felix's own group kept going at the same pace as before, though similar encounters repeated along the way. Farmers greeted him with waves and smiles, the children beamed.

Laurus curiously leaned over to Flora after the fourth time it happened, a question on his lips: "Is he the mayor or something?"

"How did you get that idea?" she asked back in confusion, to which he motioned toward the cheerful townsfolk in response.

"There's got to be a reason everyone looks so happy you're back, right?"

Flora's first response was a little huff and the snap of her spell book being closed. "Uncle is just the sort of neighbour everybody likes," she explained. "He lets the children pluck some fruits and helps out around the village if someone needs it. My father says he has been mediating a lot, too. So no, not the mayor."

Of course Felix heard every word in front. It felt nice to be appreciated, though he could not help but banter a little more: "The way you talk about it makes old man Regulus sound incompetent."

"He isn't, but he definitely feels his age lately."

"That's fair, but his head's still there," Felix agreed, even if it felt unkind to speak of the man that way. He then turned to Laurus to explain: "Old man Regulus has been mayor for fifty summers. No one can still remember a time when he wasn't."

The younger man's expression became one of understanding. "Oh, I see. Ma told me our last mayor was like that too, but she passed away before I was born."

"Pity, that."

"Speaking of him," Flora interjected, "there he is."

Laurus followed her pointed finger to a figure Felix had already spotted; a man bent by age stood at the road just in front of the first building to their small village. His silver hair started to thin and he clutched a walking stick, his grandson supporting him. The younger man waved at the sight of them, much like the few others milling around.

Regulus himself smiled, though he waited for the cart to stop in front of him before he spoke: "Ah, Felix and Flora. Welcome back, you two. Who is the young man with you?"

Felix motioned with an easy smile of his own. "This is Laurus, he is travelling with us at the moment."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir."

His greeting earned a soft chuckle. "Oh, none of that, my boy. Just Regulus is fine, everyone calls me that."

The old man then lost all his levity, a focussed gaze resting on the three of them. "Now Felix, would you care to explain why you wear the Ouroboros?"

This dampened the cheerful mood as people began to really notice their neighbours' odd state of dress for the first time. Felix felt a little awkward under their surprised looks, though he knew this had been coming. He ran a hand through his beard and began: "Well, that's a bit of an odd story. It turns out that I'm the next hero, so I can't really stay around yet."

Regulus looked up at him, the thoughts behind his wrinkled face an enigma. Others whispered with each other and smaller children gaped at him in awe, making Felix struggle to suppress a sigh. "Can we talk about this later?" he tried. "I need to talk to my brother first of all."

Thankfully, this snapped Regulus out of whatever he thought and earned Felix a nod. "Of course, of course. Off you go, and please tell Rogatus to come by more often."

"I will let him know."

His lips twitched up a little despite it all. Felix maneuvered them through the village and onto another road to his and his brother's fields; they were basically next-door neighbours.

"Everyone will know by nightfall," Flora said after a while. Felix nodded, more to himself than her.

"That's why I want to get home before the gossip does. Your parents should hear it from us."

He could tell even without seeing her that his niece began to get worried now. She had done well keeping herself distracted, but the tension slowly grew. He felt similarly, though he could spend some time watching his own farm pass by; his crops had blossomed earlier and were already mostly harvested, so one could tell immediately when the neighbouring one appeared. Then again, this was quite intentional: his brother and he tried to alternate harvest so they could help each other out.

Flora's brothers were the first to spot them and waved from the fields. Neither came over because they were at work. She waved back with a smile, but Felix already looked ahead to the farmstead and the distant figure visible just outside of it. It took a minute longer to recognise Verena, but her blonde hair made it easy; everyone on his side of the family had brown tresses. Flora, also brunet, recognised her just as fast.

"And there is Mother."

Verena finished taking off the laundry just as their cart pulled up. She quickly put the basket aside to greet them with a smile: "There you two are. But with company and new clothes? Did something happen?"

She glanced to Laurus, who waved a little shily, then back to Felix.

He did not really have the chance to explain yet. The rumble of footsteps announced Rogatus, even before he came out the door. His brother was with them in moments, almost pulling his daughter from the cart in his exuberance.

"Finally," he called, "it feels like you've neen gone a whole season! How's the journey?"

"Just fine, Father," she answered and let him help her down. "We made it just fine."

"But we didn't expect you back this soon," Verena said. "Did you sell everything?"

Felix nodded, though the reminder made him feel odd, like he scammed the folks who bought his produce this time. They may have offered those good prices on their own, but that did not change his feelings.

"We did, but something came up."

And then there was his family, where he felt the children should not be involved yet. "And I need to talk to you both."

Rogatus looked back from where he was excitedly shaking Laurus's hand with new curiosity. "Sure. How about you go talk to your brothers, Flora? They're out in the fields."

"I saw them earlier," she quipped, already walking away.

Felix then turned to Laurus. "And could you take care of Opus?"

"Sure, leave it to me."

"Thank you."

Now bereft of youths, the brothers and Verena went inside to talk.

"He seems like an earnest young man," his sister-in-law mused idly. "Could it be our Flora found her match?"

The thought had Felix snort in amusement and he shook his head. "I don't see those two getting along anytime soon."

Rogatus laughed at that. "Ha, our Flora isn't an easy girl to please! So what's his deal? And what's with the getup? Did you rob a noble or something?"

Felix quickly shook his head again, although the question made him think back to that encounter with the bandits. He shook it off and hoped his brother's good cheer would keep through this.

"Nothing like that. It's honestly a lot more baffling."

He then told them the whole story of getting to the capital, meeting Laurus, and suddenly being declared the hero. He also made sure to mention how devastated Laurus was and that he could not just leave the boy there.

"So yeah, here I am," he ended with a motion to himself. "The next hero."

Both of them had listened intently from start to finish, surprised and awed. Once Felix fell silent, Rogatus up and embraced his little brother. "You of all people," he crowed, "who would've thought!"

Verena joined in with a little chuckle of her own: "Congratulations."

Felix managed to accept their reaction with some grace, though his worry still remained; he could tell Verena noticed, but she waited until the brothers separated and settled down again before asking.

"So what's on your mind?"

He had to sigh in response, finally able to show what he kept mostly quiet from Laurus and Flora. "I'm not sure I can do it," Felix admitted. "You know I was never trained to fight, I don't know magic or any lore. I'm just a farmer and now I've got to face the demon king."

Wariness replaced their initial exuberance at that. Rogatus nodded. "That's a good point, but Fortuna must have some kind of plan for you, right?"

"I hope so. Might as well be that I'm fated to lose."

And that was his real worry here, that his defeat was already decided and he could only march toward it like a lamb to the slaughter. The thought made him shiver despite the warm day, though he would do as fate decreed.

Verena rubbed his shoulder soothingly. "Ceres has always smiled on you, Felix," she encouraged. "I want to believe that even if you're going to be in danger, He will continue to protect you. Even from a terrible fate such as this."

Rogatus frowned at that, shaking his head. "Yeah, no. I don't feel like the gods are gonna fight each other over one of us, no matter the favour."

This earned him an unamused look from his wife, though Felix appreciated both of them equally; her attempt to reassure him and his being honest with his thoughts. He preferred the hard truth over a gentle lie.

Feeling that it was time to change the subject, he brought up the other difficult part: "There is something else. Flora insists on coming with me."

A moment passed in silence, then Rogatus heaved the sigh Felix did not allow himself; Verena nodded in sad understanding, having guessed the problem: "And knowing her, she won't take no for an answer."

The men grinned at her mirthlessly. "What do you expect," Rogatus quipped back, "she's our daughter. Stubborn as a mule, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

While Felix agreed, he could not help but speak his own thoughts: "This once I'd like her to be different, that would make it easier to stop her from walking into what might be certain death."

"Now don't be like that," his brother shot back genially. "What happened to that sunny mood of yours?"

"I need to face the facts and they don't look good. I'm not going to run from my fate, whatever it is. But I don't want to drag Flora into something bad."

His words brought a smile onto Verena's face and she gave his shoulder a soft pat. "I appreciate that. I couldn't bear losing my daughter like this."

Rogatus nodded, though his brows were furrowed. "Point still stands, we don't know you're headed for something bad and Flora won't budge anyway. What do you wanna do, tie her down in her room until you're far away?"

He had a point there, not that Felix liked it overly much. The sudden lull in conversation gave them the opportunity to glance outside; Flora was busy impressing her brothers with some glittering magical lights. He could tell the moment the other two noticed, going by Verena's surprised gasp.

"That... is new. Where did she learn that, Felix?"

He shrugged faintly. "The church gave us some enchanted items, so I asked for a spell book for her. She's been reading it front to back since we left the capital, spent every free minute practising."

He noticed how uncomfortable his sister-in-law had become now. "She really is serious about this, isn't she?" Verena asked as if to convince herself. Felix had no comfort to offer and held his silence.

"Felix," Rogatus said, his usual bluster around family gone. Both looked to him and saw a serious look directed at his little brother. "I know you want to protect her. I want to do it too. But Flora is of age, it isn't our choice. It's hers."

"You can't be serious!" Verena shouted, startling Felix. Though Rogatus met his wife's gaze without hesitation.

"I am. As much as I want to tell her she can't, she'd ever forgive us if we keep her and something happens to Felix. Besides, like I said, positive thinking. We don't know that he's headed for a bad fate. And he's going to keep her safe as best as he can, you know that."

"I know, but still...."

Seeing his wife distraught, Rogatus took her hand and shooed Felix outside with the other. "Go talk to the boys or something, we need to talk this out one-on-one."

"Sure."

He did as told, touched by his brother's trust yet also worried.

His nephews soon greeted him with cheer and they got to work in the field. His dirt-repelling clothes made the ordeal a lot nicer than normal, though. The boys needed some reassuring to get over their wariness when Laurus joined in, though he helped the whole thing along with a neat display of water magic; he had them won over the moment they realised they did not need to go and refill their buckets by hand.

Flora took to helping out as well; this gave her older brothers time to ask more questions about Laurus's magic with almost childlike curiosity. At some point she and Felix were watering plants next to each other on their own.

"Are you really sure you want to come on this journey?" Felix tried again. "This is the last good chance to back out."

He got no response at first, but then Flora nodded lightly.

"I thought about it the last few days. It's kind of scary. But yes. I'm not going to leave you and the other airhead alone, just because I'm a little scared."

Glancing to his niece again, Felix found determination written all over her face. And as if on cue, Laurus ran past in pursuit of a rabbit, the brothers hot on his heels. Felix chuckled at the sight of them before smiling at his niece.

"I still appreciate it a lot."

He knew full well that she would insist more if he said he expected to die. So he just left it at that until Rogatus and Verena joined them sometime later. While his sister-in-law seemed resigned, his brother was firm. He handed Felix a little pouch.

"It's not much, but every coin should help you on the road."

That lifted his confusion and Felix quickly shook his head while handing the pouch back. "I appreciate it, but there's no need. The priests gave us enough to make do."

This may be the greatest lie he ever told, if just by way of an understatement.

Rogatus frowned at him, then looked to his daughter. "Is he telling the truth?"

"Oh come on!"

Verena and Flora giggled, but Flora quickly confirmed his words with a simple "Yes".

Then she looked around to make sure nobody saw them.

"In fact," Flora added while searching for the comparably massive coin pouch in her pack; she left the sentence unfinished until after handing each of her parents several silver coins, which made their eyes bug out. "Here. Keep those somewhere safe for bad times."

Verena closely peered at the coins she had been given before handing them to Rogatus, who let them all vanish into his pocket. His grin was plastered on, clearly trying to hide his shock with cheer.

"Heh. Looks like being the hero pays pretty well," he teased to play over it.

Flora rolled her eyes at her father, though Felix was unsure if she missed his state or played along. "Travel expenses, room and board, equipment, treatment, it does not do for the hero to be in bad shape on arrival. I feel like they also try to spread money around via the hero."

Seeing that the last part drew interested if confused looks, Flora took to explaining her thoughts: "Most heroes would probably go and live in luxury along the way. That guy certainly would," she quipped with a nod to Laurus, who victoriously carried the unharmed rabbit raised above his head. "So I think this is the church's way of getting some more money among the people."

"Doesn't that mean we should spend it?" Felix asked of his niece, who tossed her hair smugly.

"They already send a farmer to fight the demon king. They don't get to decide what we do with the money they give us."

Rogatus laughed uproariously in response to his daughter's declaration. Even Felix had to crack a smile, though Verena could only shake her head at Flora's antics. Suffice it to say, the girl's demand to accompany Felix was accepted with little fuss after that; on the other hand, her brothers tried to convince them to come as well. They received a firm no and pouted about it for a while.

The rest of the village came by in the evening with food and drink for an impromptu celebration; both for Felix being the hero and as a going-away party. He had to turn down more gifts of money for the road with assurances that he had enough.

He also carefully left several gold coins with old Regulus, the sight of which nearly gave the elder a stroke.

"For the village," Felix simply told him. The older man nodded with teary eyes.

As song and dance stretched into the night, Laurus joined Felix at the bonfire. Their mugs clacked together before Laurus spoke: "I'm starting to understand why you're the hero and not me."

Even though it seemed like progress, Felix had to suppress a sigh; he doubted this would stop being an issue anytime soon.

"But you still have trouble accepting it."

The younger man laughed, cheeks a little flushed from the alcohol. "I guess so, yeah. I still think it should've been me, but I guess you aren't so bad. You got, uh, something about you that makes people like you. Dunno how to call it."

He shrugged in response. "I'm just being a decent person."

"Still. You help out wherever, you don't rub anything in peoples' faces, and you even listen to me run my mouth without getting mad. That can't be easy."

"It's true I never had much of a temper. Maybe working the farm day in and day out helped me be more patient. But I appreciate you saying it either way," he answered, then paused to study his companion. "Aren't you like that, too?"

Laurus made a dismissive motion before emptying his mug. "Nah. I try to be, but its harder recently. Hard to not be angry when things don't go your way."

"I think even trying makes you a better person than most," Felix told him. "You keep on going despite the setbacks and do your best not to lose your cheer. That's an admirable trait."

"Heh. Appreciate it. Like I said, you're a good guy. Now I kinda feel like dancing, are any of the ladies free?"

"You mean beside Flora?"

His niece was sitting at a table talking to her master, the middle-aged merchant listening intently to whatever she was saying. Laurus just snorted in response to make his opinion clear.

"Fair enough," Felix answered with a grin and pointed out some of the girls he knew did not see anyone. Laurus went off to talk to them and was twirling a giggling young woman around soon after.

Felix just shook his head good-naturedly and took another drag. Maybe being the hero was not so bad?

 

[Naron]

A full week passed quietly after they left Felix's and Flora's village. They made good time, although the roads quickly became unfamiliar. Felix spent a lot of time checking map and compass. Once they actually had a tree fall right into their path to close off one side of a forked road; re-checking the map revealed that to have been the wrong way.

Laurus incinerated the wood with fire magic to keep the road open and they thanked the gods for guiding them.

At times they met other travellers going the opposite direction; some even shared the fire and supplies with them. Flora made sure to buy some more from any merchants they met.

They mostly talked to each other over this week, learning about how the other side grew up; Laurus sometimes worked as a farmhand too, but he was always more of an errand boy. Sometimes he also acted as something akin to a squire for the more seasoned soldiers in his town. He told them about it in more detail that particular day.

"Everyone said I don't need to help out, what with me being the next hero and all. But I didn't want that. I put my training first and learned a lot, but I tried my best to pull my weight too."

"That's impressive," Felix praised. "A lot of kids would love the chance to just goof off."

Laurus shrugged in response. "Never been one to just sit around. I-"

He was cut off by a familiar howling. All three of them stiffened as seven wolves broke over a nearby hill and dashed toward them; fog followed them like a trail and ice crystals poked out from their fur.

"Frost Wolves!" Felix shouted in alarm.

Opus made scared noises while Laurus already leapt from the cart; Flora climbed to the front while Felix got down as well.

He tapped his spear to the ground and snapped it forward, making a couple of thick vines shoot from the ground. They lashed out at the approaching pack, which dispersed to dodge; one wolf clawed the vines, which swiftly stiffened and cracked before splintering.

Laurus reared back and threw a lance of fire that impaled another wolf, quite literally melting parts of the beast. Its yelp was cut off by the near-instant death. Yet the rest kept coming.

Felix tried to grow more plants, but the first wolf in reach clawed the cactus before it was fully grown. The next one leapt over its pack mate to tear him limb from limb... except it misjudged the distance and impaled itself on a half-raised spear.

A strong wind rushed past and carried the other wolf backward while Felix tried his best to dislodge the first. Even just being close to one sapped the warmth from his body.

Laurus was surrounded by several more and busy just fending them off; his shield did well keeping them off while they tried to nip at his heels and the gaps in his enchanted clothes. One managed to get in his back, but Laurus could dodge most of it; only a single claw nicked his foot in passing.

By that time Felix finally got his kill off the spear and rushed forward to help, though his attempt to stab a wolf was still clumsy. The tip barely penetrated its thick hide, but it was enough to make the wolf yelp and take distance.

The beast took in the situation before letting out a howl. The rest of the pack disengaged and fled in response, leaving behind two dead.

Felix's spear dropped from the slick blood on it, fingers numb with the cold that travelled up its length. He tried to calm his shaky hands, still not much of a fighter. Then he noticed Laurus materialise flame over his palms, almost blue in the face. His shivers were clearly not from nerves.

The sight snapped Felix out of his own fugue state and he called to Flora: "Get some blankets, he got hit!"

This time she did as asked without any backtalk. They quickly bundled up their friend to no protest, then put the cart off the road and started a fire. Flora arranged wood and starters, Laurus quickly set it ablaze.

Felix took a moment to warm his hands as well. His niece used the cleaning jinx Laurus taught her earlier to remove bloodstains. "This may be the most useful spell I heard about so far," she mused as each crimson stain simply vanished.

Laurus agreed with clattering teeth: "I-It's g-g-great, i-isn't i-it?"

Flora only rolled her eyes in response, but said nothing and let Felix bind the younger man's wound. This was still necessary, even if just until he could put in the focus to heal himself.

Then Felix glanced to the two wolf corpses, one intact and one burned. A tap of his spear to the ground created vines that pulled both away from the road. All the while he hoped for the clouds to drift away and make this mild day a little warmer with proper sunlight. This time they sadly did not agree with his wishes.

Looking at the bodies again, he could not help but study the intact one.

"Is it just me, or does that one look thin?"

Laurus was too busy being cold, but Flora took a look of her own before squinting at the cooked wolf.

"I think I see it too. That would explain why they attacked a small group like ours."

"Yeah. If I were a wolf and had the choice between a few humans and whatever, let's say a Mastodon, I wouldn't pick the humans unless I'm too hungry to wait for anything else."

Flora arched a brow at him then. "Does it really matter why they came at us?"

"You brought it up," Felix shot back.

"You started it."

"Fair enough, I guess."

Looking back at the wolf, he could not help but feel a little sympathetic. "It's just kind of sad."

"Only you would say that after they just tried to make you their lunch."

She was clearly exasperated with him and Felix felt a little uncomfortable because she was right. But at the same time, he could not stop himself from shooting back: "Everyone needs to eat."

"They aren't the only ones who have to go hungry either," Flora answered him with a shrug. Felix had to agree, though he also knew his niece was spared any bad harvest thus far; he and Rogatus did not have any bad years since she was born.

The two stared at the body a little longer, then Felix stood despite his desire to keep sitting at the fire. "Let's at least take what we can get from them," he said and animated the vines to pull both carcasses closer. Then he pulled out a few knives. "I try getting the crystals out, you get the pelt?"

"Fine with me."

"H-Hold up! I can help!"

"Not with those shaking hands you can't."

Laurus glowered at Flora, but Felix took her side on that one: "She's right. You focus on warming up, we can deal with this."

He huffed in response and spent the next few minutes pouting at the fire. Neither of the other two paid him any mind and got to work; Flora slowly skinned the beast that easily reached up to her belly in life, Felix took his time working around the crystals to get them out intact.

"Any idea what those go for?" he asked in-between while placing one on a piece of cloth to keep them clean. Flora hummed in thought.

"I need to check what alchemists pay, but whole and clear crystals should be worth at least some silver per piece."

Felix whistled at that and went even slower with the next to make sure it was intact. Flora nodded along, though she did not actually look at him. "Yes. That's why some people take the risk to become adventurers or monster hunters. It pays well if you want to stake your life on it."

Neither of them needed to say it, but they both had the highest respect of whoever wanted to fight these things for a living. At the same time, Felix could tell after even this single occurrence that such a job was not for him.

They finished their work without issue and pushed what was left of the frost wolves further from the road, then rested by the fire for another hour. Laurus stopped shivering by then and they could keep going. No less than four intact ice wolf crystals were now bundled up in a decently cut pelt by Flora's side.

Much to his personal relief, no more violence happened the next few days. It was nice and boring until one day Laurus perked up as their road merged into another one. He pointed forward happily.

"I know that mountain over there!" the younger man called out, indicating a distant hill. "We're almost home!"

Another check with the map told them that they made good time, though it was still only halfway to the border; they would need another two weeks to get there, then the better part of a month for the demon kingdom's capital. Running the time through his head, Felix felt a little weird.

"It will be almost winter by the time we get back," he mused while tapping the road with his finger. "And that's if we don't get held up somewhere."

He never thought he would ever go on a journey this long, especially not so easily. At the same time, he tried not to think about whether he would come back at all.

Flora may have noticed his momentary grimace, though her answer gave him something else to focus on either way: "Well, Mother and Father are looking after your fields in the meantime. It should be fine."

She did not quite manage to hold back her excitement, which easily surpassed his dread. Felix only huffed and shook his head at her, putting the matter aside for now.

They kept on travelling and reached Laurus's village the next day, around noon. It was similar to their own home, though people seemed more excited than happy to see Laurus back. Some ran ahead to call about his return, a small crowd already formed by the time they arrived.

Unlike Felix's village however, the local priesthood was present as well. They smiled for about as long as it took to spot the Ouroboros, not on Laurus but on Felix.

"What is the meaning of this?" one of them asked at once. His stern look made Laurus's enthusiasm die a swift death. The man appeared about Felix's age and sported a moustache instead of a full beard, brows furrowed. "Why is it that another returns bearing the Ouroboros instead of yourself, Laurus?"

His words gave the crowd pause as well.

"Maybe a deception to hide the real hero?" someone tried hesitantly, only for another voice to follow right after: "Look how shameful he looks! It's not him!"

The moment he heard the word 'charlatan' from somewhere, Felix knew he needed to do something. So he stood, a loud "Oi!" silencing the crowd. Standing on his cart, he could see them all. He had no time to think this through, so he just started talking: "I've barely known Laurus for a month, but I can already tell he's no liar. You all should know that too!"

While some seemed to agree, the same priest as earlier shook his head. "And yet it is you who bears the hero's mark instead of him, sir," he responded warily.

Felix nodded severely, he could only be honest and hope for the best. "I was just as surprised when it happened," he told them. "The tales always speak of an angel coming to prepare the hero, but I've never met them." He left a short pause to point at Laurus under surprised mutters. "And he certainly met someone, else he wouldn't know so much magic."

Only in saying it did Felix realise he had an important point there; now he saw a way out of this situation and pounced on it: "I won't pretend to know what the gods want with me or him. But I think the boy was tricked into believing he is the hero by someone else. It's not his fault to believe whoever invaded his dreams. Any of us would've."

There was some contemplative muttering while Felix tried not to let his discomfort show. He only dared to cast a glance back at his companions; Laurus seemed shocked and pale while Flora's expression was tight, basically unreadable beyond a quirked brow.

Then the priest stepped forward with a contrite expression, head bowed. "You are correct, oh hero," he declared before turning to Felix's companion. "I have to apologise to you, young Laurus. Emotion blinded me to reality."

The younger man quickly hopped from the cart with a faint smile. "It's okay, I know how it looks, father. Thank you for believing in me."

"Always," the priest assured him.

Others came forward to apologise as well and Felix heaved a relieved sigh.

He only had the moment of rest before the clergy dragged him into conversation; people wanted to know who he was, how he and Laurus met, and so on. Introductions were made and even the mayor made an appearance.

In a moment where the focus switched to Flora for a minute, Laurus sidled up next to Felix. "Do you really think I was tricked?" he asked quietly. "Were those ten years really a lie?"

Of course he would ask sooner or later. Felix sighed softly and shrugged. "I don't know, but it's the best explanation I found so far."

His words made Laurus slump a little.

"The Angel was always so kind to me, and patient," he said sadly, heaved a sigh, and kept musing out loud: "But it's true I didn't hear from them since a day or two before I reached the capital. Maybe they knew the ruse was up soon."

Felix clasped his shoulder and decided to distract him with a little humour. "Look at it this way," he tried conspiratorially, "the girls seem to have some sympathy for you. Or a little more," he added upon spotting some throwing Laurus coy smiles. "Could it be you are the bane of fathers everywhere?"

He did not get a laugh, but at least a good-natured scoff. "Please, my ma taught me better. It's just easier to be friends with girls."

"Ah, I'm not so sure they feel the same."

Laurus shrugged, seemingly more at ease with this subject than the last one. "I never really thought about it before. Being the hero was what I had in mind the most."

"How about you go say hello while I save Flora?"

"Sure, good luck."

They went their separate ways for a few minutes; Felix felt his niece needed the help as she was fielding questions by a number of people, including some young men who seemed interested in her personally. And going by the light frown already visible on her face, she was close to losing her cool. Felix interjected to prevent issues and took Flora away to see Opus situated; a friend of Laurus's family owned the stables and easily agreed to look after the mule.

Once that was taken care of, Laurus directed them to a particular house and knocked a few times. Then he waited for some reason.

The door opened moments later to reveal a modestly dressed woman, somewhat older than Felix; she still looked beautiful, no less so than any woman ten years younger. Laurus obviously got the black hair from her, but she also shared the same dimples that spoke of frequent smiles.

It only took her one look at Laurus to sweep forward and hug him tightly.

"My boy! Welcome home! I already heard you got back, but felt everyone would mob you enough. Come in, lunch is almost ready. Your friends as well."

She favoured Felix and Flora with a kind smile, though her gaze stopped momentarily on Felix's cloak. Laurus did not notice, nodding with more vigour than before.

"Yes, ma. This here is Felix and his niece Flora."

"A pleasure, both of you," she greeted them as they entered. "I'm Laetitia, Laurus's mother."

Felix shook her hand with a smile of his own. "I can tell you're very proud of him, madam."

"Oh, I am. What mother would not be proud of her boy growing into such a fine young man?"

She coyly slapped Laurus's broad bicep, which made her son shy away in embarrassment. Felix watched with a little grin, though it was short-lived; after shaking hands with Flora as well, Laetitia motioned for his cape.

"But why is it that you wear that and not he?"

The mood dropped a little with her question. Felix glanced to Laurus for direction, who shuffled awkwardly before readying himself and speaking up: "Ma, I've got to tell you something."

This time it was him to retell the story, though he stayed with the facts. Laetitia took it with some shock, mostly for her poor baby boy being tricked; by the end she held his hand tightly, tears brimming in her eyes. Once Laurus finished his recounting, she favoured Felix with a smile.

"It's awful to hear this, but I'm so glad my boy found such a good friend in you, Felix. Thank you for helping him."

Her open gratitude embarrassed him more than he expected. Felix quickly waved it off. "Oh, it's nothing. He's more than pulling his weight. You raised him well."

Now it was for the younger man to get embarrassed while his mother cooed in agreement. "Yes, he turned into a good and strong man, just like his father."

"Is he around?" Flora asked curiously, though the way mother and son turned somewhat sullen already answered her question before Laetitia even spoke.

"We lost him many winters ago. He went out with the guards to kill a crimson boar that came to live nearby, but never returned. From what they told me, my dear husband was the one to strike the killing blow. He died a hero."

Laurus's gaze rested on the floor throughout the short retelling. Flora winced faintly.

"I'm sorry for bringing it up," she muttered.

Laetitia shook her head, though. "Don't be," she reassured the younger woman. "I like to talk about him from time to time, it keeps his memory alive in my heart."

"You'd do that for so long? I can't imagine that, except for my parents and Uncle Felix."

"That just shows you were never truly in love," Laetitia teased gently. "It's as wonderful as it is awful, but I won't have it any other way."

Flora, being still young, did not quite understand. "How do you mean?"

Felix interjected here, feeling he got what Laetitia meant: "Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Right?"

She nodded and continued almost sagely: "We're all shaped by our experiences, every single one. I wouldn't be the me I am today without them. But more than that, I wouldn't have Laurus by my side."

Seeing that she seemed fine talking about it, Felix decided to indulge his curiosity as well: "Were you fated?"

He received another nod and dropped the subject there, seeing that lunch was about ready. Laetitia bustled around and filled bowls of a hearty stew with generous amounts of meat and vegetables. There was little conversation over the meal, though he and Flora both thanked her for the hospitality and complimented her cooking.

After that, Laetitia dragged Laurus off to do the dishes and left their guests to sit alone for a time. It felt a little awkward to be in someone else's house without them present, though Felix bore with it. He turned to Flora instead, curious about her behaviour.

"Is there any reason you're so docile?"

Her response was succinct: "I'm not going to make a fuss in front of his mother of all people."

"That's surprisingly mature of you."

The way she swatted at him and glowered made Felix chuckle; another jab well landed.

When Laetitia returned with her son in tow, she was carrying a small bag; Felix knew where this was going even before he heard the metal clinking inside. Laetitia offered it as his brother had before, but he shook his head.

"There is no need, please keep it. The priests gave us more than we know how to spend."

He gently closed her hands around the bag and pushed it back to her. Laetitia seemed as if she wanted to insist, but Laurus spoke up and distracted her: "Right, that. Can we, uh, leave some of the money here?" He then turned to his mother. "You won't have to work anymore, y'know?"

Taken aback, the woman raised both hands defensively. "Oh, I couldn't dare to take the hero's money for myself!"

Felix let the two argue and threw a glance to Flora, who immediately went digging into her pack. Laetitia was cut off mid-sentence when the younger woman stacked ten silver coins in front of her.

"Oh my!"

Felix used the surprised silence to explain: "Like I said, they gave us more than we know what to do with. I left some with my brother and his wife, too."

"Wait, really? I didn't even notice!"

"Then pay attention," Flora quipped toward Laurus, who threw her a sour look that she ignored. Laetitia giggled, though she was still almost breathless over their generosity.

As she gently took up the coins, Flora apparently became curious as well: "What work do you do?"

Laetitia hesitated at that, brow ticking up a notch. She glanced from Flora to the money and back, then to her mortified son.

"You didn't tell them, did you?" she asked of Laurus, who wordlessly shook his head. Much to the confusion of both visitors. Laetitia chuckled warmly and threw Flora a wink.

"Because if you did know, that would have been the most subtle request I ever got. Though I guess it would also be a mark of pride to be desired by a woman so much younger."

Seeing Flora still confused, Laetitia did say it outright: "I'm a prostitute."

It only took the moment of understanding for Flora to flush crimson, quickly shaking her head and waving her arms while spluttering. "N-No, no! I didn't mean it like that, I swear!"

Laetitia laughed, bright like a bell. "I know you didn't, but it's still funny."

Laurus, also embarrassed, muttered a quiet "No it isn't".

Now Felix also understood why he wanted his mother to not have to work anymore, though he admittedly expected a seamstress or something like that. Laetitia for her part chuckled some more before calming down with a pleased sigh.

"Oh, I think I needed that. Please don't worry, Flora. I'm just poking fun at you," she reassured the younger woman.

Then she faced the group as a whole more than any one of them, more serious now. "But I still want to help however I can. I wouldn't be much good coming with you, but I learned a lot of useful things over the years. Knowledge that might help you."

Though still flushed, Flora was clearly intrigued by her words. "You can read?"

Laetitia shook her head with a mischievous grin. "I can't, but the clergy can."

"When did you have the time to talk to- oh."

Laurus fell quiet as realisation settled; the other two understood just as well while Laetitia simply nodded. "Yes. Whenever one of the priests or priestesses came to me, I asked them to tell me stories about the hero afterward. It was the best I could think of to help."

Laurus looked down with a wild mix of expressions on his face; Felix thought he was touched by his mother's desire to help. Then, remembering that he was the leader, Felix nodded to Laetitita. "Please tell us everything," he asked of her.

She smiled in return and put a finger to her chin as she considered. "Well, there is a number of stories. I heard most of them enough times to remember them well, so how about...."

From there she seamlessly transitioned into tales of past heroes, people from all walks of life chosen by Fortuna to battle the demon king; their names were remembered to this day. The three learned stories of divine artefacts used in past battles, some of those they carried among them. Everyone hung on Laetitia's lips, the woman clearly a great storyteller.

The first time she took a break was when candles cast long shadows over her, making her look more like an oracle than a peasant woman. Laetitia sipped water to soothe her hoarse throat, though she seemed troubled.

"There is one more," she explained warily. "I didn't think of telling it before today, but hearing how Laurus got tricked made me remember it. I was only told this story once and asked to never repeat it."

Flora and Laurus leaned forward with renewed interest, though Felix felt a sense of foreboding.

Laetitia began without further ado: "This is the opposite of a tale because it was forgotten by all but the church. Some generations ago, a chosen hero betrayed Fortuna."

The gasps from both youths were almost echoed by Felix. Laetitia nodded gravely.

"Yes," she said. "Nobody knows how it happened or why, the records were purged and the hero's name has been cast away to be forgotten. Even the priests never learn more ,so that such a betrayal will never repeat. Today we don't even know how one could betray the goddess, but it must have been a grave sin to be punished like this."

She fell silent and let her words sink in. Felix shuddered at the mere thought of someone betraying the goddess of fate. For just a moment he tried to imagine how one would go about that, but he quickly suppressed his curiosity; that question was better left well alone.

"Is there anything else known about this heretic?" he asked instead, carefully weighing each word. Laetitia shook her head, though.

"If there is, I wasn't told. Please be careful along the way, a trick like with Laurus may be how it all began back then."

"We will, Ma. Promise."

She smiled at her son, though the shadows made it look rather sinister to Felix. He tried not to think of the tale after, but it did not leave his mind until he fell asleep that night.

They stayed another day to calm down before heading out in the border's direction. Farewells were short and cheerful, though Laetitia's composure was for show; only Felix could tell, so he offered her a faint nod and a smile to ease her worries.

The final story told that night was slowly forgotten as the days passed, just as the faith and the gods decreed.

 

[Naron]

The road to the border became more perilous over the course of another two weeks; more than once they were attacked by monsters. Yet no matter how powerful the beast, some circumstance always saw Felix's group come out unscathed beyond some scrapes and bruises. Even a dragon circled overhead once, though a second one drew it away in a mating display. Felix offered a long prayer to Fortuna that day.

They almost took a wrong path once more, but realised the error on their own before another tree could fall onto the road. Villages along their route received them warmly, too; there were a lot of celebrations in their honour if they stayed the night.

Then, a month after the journey began, they finally reached the frontier.

It was immediately apparent as they came down a slope and got a good look at the desolation; war spells ravaged the area for generations, ethereal blue structures rising into the sky from ambient mana. They were constantly in flux, fragile and fickle, rising from a desert of ash where no plants grew anymore.

Felix felt more than a little intimidated at the sight. His companions had no words for it either. They all stared for long minutes while Opus pulled them forward, a strong sense of desolation weighing down their spirits. It was almost as if the gloom became a physical force.

"I don't like it here," Flora murmured, voice painfully loud in the absence of life's general buzz of noise.

"Same," Laurus agreed.

"That makes three of us," Felix added with a little shiver. "I heard the no-man's land is haunted, too. Ghost lights and restless spirits, I kinda get it now."

This definitely looked like a place where the dead would rise once more in their misery.

They still went down the slope as if it went on forever, the proper cobblestone roads near the capital long since replaced with packed dirt.

"I heard the border used to be a mountain range, but the war ground it down."

Laurus's voice was tinged with wariness as he said it. Neither Felix nor Flora had anything to add, both perfectly willing to believe it. They all heard about the place before, yet no description did it justice. Now Felix finally understood why the soldiers he talked to did not like describing it.

All that stood out against the ash was a small township, to which the road led directly. Felix's eyes were glued to it as he debated just passing through and leaving as fast as possible. The need for speed reminded him of something else though, a spell Flora talked about.

"Hey, can you cast that travel spell yet?"

He did not see his niece's reaction, but imagined that she frowned ever so faintly. "Worth a try," she finally decided. "I think I got it by now."

A few words were murmured and the winds around them became animated. Felix felt the gale flow around their cart, lifting it up ever so slightly. Opus snorted and shook his head, then his slow trot became notably faster.

"I still don't think this is what the spell's for," Laurus commented, which Felix knew earned him an eye roll from Flora.

"It's supposed to slow your fall so it becomes safe, but this is the same principle."

The mule kept going as she spoke, now far faster than before with the burden mostly removed from his shoulders. Felix smiled and turned around to ruffle Flora's hair, which earned him an indignant squawk. Laurus just shook his head slowly.

"But using it to make the cart and us on it weigh little to nothing, that doesn't feel like just a clever trick, you know? There's probably another spell that does it too."

"Well, I have this spell and it works."

"Alright, fair enough. Just saying."

"Yes, you said."

"Children."

He knew neither of them liked being called that, but it did its job interrupting their banter before things got heated. Felix turned back to directing Opus and they reached the village in half an hour. The cheers started before they even arrived at the gates, guards beaming at the sight of them.

"Come on through, sir hero!" one of them called out and waved them forward. "Glad to have you!"

If there was one thing Felix had to admit he liked about the role, it had to be that they got in and out of places so much faster than normal; no checks or tolls, nothing. He thanked the guards while passing through and finally got a better look at the place.

The village itself could barely be called that. A set of palisades surrounded it, guarded by fully armed soldiers. Now that he was inside, he saw that most buildings were barracks with some shops strewn in-between. A decently-sized marketplace housed various traders and merchants, but most people Felix saw were warriors. Only a handful of civilians made themselves known, just enough to keep the village going. The rest were here for war.

Things proceeded the same way they did along the way; the garrison commander came out to greet Felix personally, held a rousing speech about driving back the demons now that the hero was there, and then held a small feast in his honour. This one was indeed small, seeing how the soldiers could not waste too much food.

Felix felt exceptionally weird this time, still not comfortable with anyone bringing up his facing the demon king as some great feat of battle. He did not quite understand either, so he turned to the commander at his right while they ate.

"You put a lot of faith in me there. Beating the demon king won't really do anything about their army, right?"

The other man nodded with a little grin. "Sure won't, but the way I got told is that the demon armies retreat when the king bites it. We get a decade or two of peace before they come back. This campaign's been going for four years now, so I'm pretty happy it'll be over soon."

That explained a few things and brought up a lot more questions. Laurus leaned over from Felix's other side to ask one of them: "So aren't you going to attack them when they're weak? End the war for good?"

"Standing orders are not to pursue," the commander answered easily. "Something else always comes up in the aftermath. A flood somewhere, a bad harvest that stretches supplies too far, the like. It's so common that we figure fate doesn't want us to wage a war of retribution, so we accept her wish and make the most of the time we get."

Felix's brow furrowed at the thought and he briefly wondered why Fortuna would want for this. It must be her kindness to demand one side do not inflict atrocities on the other, even if they were demons.

"What happens if the demon king ends up winning?" he asked next, prompting the commander to frown. Then the other man chuckled and clapped his shoulder jovially.

"Don't worry about it, our heroes win most of the time. The few times they don't, we do the retreating instead and get the area back later."

Flora kept suspiciously quiet, though her brows were knitted together in thought. She ate more measured than most, too. Their gazes met and he offered her a faint nod, understanding what she did not want to say out loud; he still worried.

Then he got back to enjoying the food and engaged the commander about less dark subjects; he happily indulged Felix on the joys and woes of being a soldier. It turned out that the kingdom paid its soldiers well for their service, although the obvious downside was that they had to put their lives on the line. Felix could still not imagine ever risking his own constantly, even if the pay was good; it was little different from the monster hunters.

The festivities ended as the sky began to turn orange; people packed up and a number of unhappy soldiers on penal duty started cleaning. Felix sent Flora off to trade for what supplies they needed, with Laurus coming along to help. Flora accepted his presence grudgingly, but Felix could tell the boy was starting to grow on her after a month of travelling together.

For his part, Felix went to talk to the villagers some more. He wanted to know more about previous heroes. Unfortunately, the first man he asked who did not seem busy was barely older than Laurus; he only had a shrug to offer.

"Can't really help you there, sir. Was still a babe the last time a hero came through."

"Do they all come through here?" Felix asked, hoping to at least learn something. The man shrugged again.

"I don't rightly know, but I think so? 's not like there's any other village. Or road. I guess some heroes may have some fancy flying way or ride a dragon or somethin'? Do you got some o' that?"

"Afraid not," he said, then chuckled faintly. "Though it sounds like an amazing way to travel."

The younger man nodded sagely before snapping his fingers in realisation. "Actually, ya can ask old Nona, she's been here forever. Probably your best bet if you wanna know about other heroes."

"I see, thank you kindly. Where does she live?"

"Oh, she's the apothecary. No way you'll miss her."

That was at least something. Felix thanked the man again and said goodbye before moving on; it really only took a few minutes to find the place too, clearly aged but well-kept and neat.

Walking inside of the pharmacy, the pleasant scent of herbs immediately filled Felix's nose. A little sweet and fragrant, almost like the wildflowers at home. An old crone watched him from what was more pillows than chair, her hair pure white and her back bent somewhat; even the deep wrinkles all over her face could not hide the attentive look in her eyes, though.

"Now what do we have here? Another hero, eh?"

She grinned, revealing several missing teeth. Felix immediately respected her, both for her old age and the fact she was not at all ruffled by his presence.

"Are you Nona?"

"That I am, sweetie. Come in, come in. What will it be?"

Felix approached with a curious look at the wares on display; the prices were clearly labelled, but he knew too little about herbs to tell what most of them or the powders did.

"Well, I was curious about the heroes before me and someone said you could help."

Nona's expression changed somewhat at that; for a moment he thought he saw disappointment, but then she started cackling. "Oh my, so not a customer at all. Sit down over there, dear, you came to the right place."

Now he felt a little bad, realising the old lady must not get many customers.

"My niece should be by later to buy some things," he quickly backpedalled; Flora may not consider needing medicine or the like, but she would probably find something useful here.

Nona nodded slowly as she made to stand, so Felix quickly helped her up and steadied her. The old lady favoured him with something closer to a smile than a grin. "Such a sweet boy you are. You really came to the right place, you know? There aren't many even half my age here, most move away for nicer places."

"But you didn't?"

He slowly guided her to a little table near the magical fire burning merrily in a little pot. Nona then shooed him to sit and set up a kettle, a snap of her fingers filling it with water as she answered his question: "My family had this shop for a while, I didn't leave it behind then and won't do it now. I've said it for fourty summers, the day I leave is the day they carry me out of here."

"That's admirable," Felix said, carefully stamping down on the temptation to point out the dangers of the front line. She must know that well enough.

Nona huffed in response, though. "Admirable, ha! Stubborn is what everyone calls me, dear."

"That too," he agreed with a little grin, "but pulling through on it is what impresses me. I think you'll like Flora, that's my niece."

"Heh, I look forward to seeing her then."

The elder settled in a chair opposite of him and the quiet enveloped them for a little while. Only the faint crackle of flame could be heard.

"Out of curiosity, is it just you here?"

Nona tilted her head at that. "Most times, yeah. Some of my grandchildren come by to stock up the herbs and help me clean, but it's still just me."

Glancing at the neat and tidy shop once more, Felix could not help but feel inadequate; he tried to keep his house tidy, but this was something else. Looking back to Nona, he found her watching him with a cheshire smirk.

"You just thought how this old crone can keep the place so tidy on her own, didn't ya?"

She was spot-on. Felix had to stop himself from denying it like a little boy and nodded. "Kind of, yes."

Nona's grin remained in place while she made a few gestures; glittering lines of light followed her finger's pointing. "There's heroes, some scholars, and battle mages coming through here. I picked up a bit of magic here and there over time."

"...that explains a lot and I feel stupid now."

She cackled again. "It's normal to overlook the obvious, dear."

He accepted her reassurance silently and let Nona pull the kettle off to add tea leaves; once she was done and let it sit to steep, the elder studied Felix once more with interest.

"To think I meet another hero before I meet my maker, who would've thought? I've seen four others pass by before you, dear. The first when I was but a lass, had not even seen twenty summers."

Felix leaned in curiously while Nona showed a melancholic smile. "They're always different," she explained, "the first I saw was a noblewoman through and through, went straight down the road without a care for the army in her way. The second was a knight who rode into battle with the soldiers, the third an enchantress who rather snuck through no-man's land. And the last before you a bard who rode a mighty griffin he tamed along the way. It's curious how different the heroes are."

He soaked up every word she spoke, though he was not quite sure what to make of this knowledge. "And they all made it through? Even that noblewoman?"

Nona shrugged in response. "The demons fell back each time, so they must've won. But only the knight and the bard came through here again to celebrate their victory. The enchantress died along the way and... hm." She made a pause and rubbed her forehead, "I can't quite remember what happened with that noble, it's been so long ago. But I still remember how mesmerised little me was when she rode in on a beautiful horse. All on her own too, not like all the others who came with allies and friends."

"There are heroes who go it alone?"

"Oh, some do. Here you go, dear."

She poured the tea and Felix took a cautious sip to not burn his mouth. "Thank you. I like the taste, it's tart but not too bitter."

"Just as it should be," she agreed sagely. Felix could not help but smile back and took another sip.

"Any chance you remember that noblewoman's name?"

Nona hem'd and hah'd as she tried to remember, but ultimately shook her head. "I'm sorry, dear. I remember that it was a short name, but not what." She then grinned mirthlessly. "But you won't find her either way, she was already middle-aged when I was barely a woman. Even magic can't keep you hale and healthy for that long."

"I guess."

Felix did not quite mean it that way, though he could see how it came across as such. "I was more curious if others heard about her. I'm not alone, but if she went on her own and won...."

He did not know how to finish the sentence and trailed off, receiving a sage nod in response.

"So you're worried about your fate?" she asked, taking his hand after a hesitant nod. "Don't be, dear. Fortuna will watch over you till the end."

"Yeah, I guess she will."

They remained like this for a moment. Felix wanted to ask more, but felt he should not put decisions he had to make on her. On the other hand, she was far older and wiser than him; not asking for her wisdom may cost him later. Which was why he ended up asking after all: "Do you have any advice on how we should get past the front lines?"

Nona squinted at him then, tapping her chin in thought. It was difficult to even guess at what went on behind those sharp eyes of hers.

"I heard you came by cart?" she asked, to which he nodded. "Then you either need to leave it behind or take the road. No-man's land is mostly dirt and turns to mud whenever it rains."

Felix winced at the thought of leaving Opus behind. He did not want to risk the mule's life in demon lands either, but his presence was comforting. A shred of normalcy in all this weirdness.

But at the same time... "Right at the demon army?"

"Nothing to it," Nona answered with an idle shrug, sipping from her own tea. "You need to get through somehow. Unless you can make like a bird and fly over them, you only have the one way."

The mention of flying sparked an idea, reminding him of Flora's magic. "So if I had a spell that makes our cart and the people on it weigh nothing, we could go through no-man's land?"

She hummed thoughtfully but kept quiet while refilling Felix's cup. The silence lasted a while as she mulled over his idea, though Nona nodded in the end. "It can work, but you will be in trouble if it rains. Whatever pulls your cart can still sink into the mud."

"So it's a risk either way."

"Aye. But I reckon you'll be fine either way, too. You're the hero after all."

He nodded, though still conflicted; the reminder of Fortuna's blessing was a bit of a consolation. In light of that, he also realised that between fighting the demon army and sinking into mud, the army was actually the lesser threat.

"I have to talk it over with the others," he led in slowly. "But so far I think we will take the road."

"Oh? Care to share why?"

He put down his cup, feeling slightly self-conscious under her honest curiosity. "The thing is, I like my mule. And if we make it through either way, I feel the demons are less likely to hurt him than the mud."

Nona looked at him for a moment... and began to cackle. She kept on laughing so long that Felix got a little worried, as if he just told her the best joke in the world.

She thankfully calmed down eventually, sipping tea again before looking at him more fondly. "Ah, you heroes really are all different. Were you anyone else, I'd call you right mad for going right at the demon lines for a mule."

He had to huff at that. "Yeah, me too. It sounds insane, but you're right that fate protects us. So maybe it will work for him, too."

"Then I wish you good luck with that. More tea, dear?"

Felix considered for a moment; the evening was getting on, but he liked Nona's company and wanted to hear more of what she had to say. So he nodded in the end. "Yes, please. Could you tell me more about the past heroes?"

The elder was clearly delighted and regaled him about the various personalities coming through for a good hour longer. Felix listened with great interest, even though he could use little of what he learned; all the others were trained to fight and used vastly different equipment.

He also made good on his promise to send Flora over to buy medicine and tea leaves; his niece's mood had improved some as well when she returned, which just proved his gut right on them getting along.

He then sat both her and Laurus down to discuss the 'plan' of going straight at the front lines. That one took a bit of explanation, though neither of them disagreed in the end.

Night had fallen by the time they were done and the trio decided to turn in early. The beds were uncomfortable, but Felix did not complain; the innkeeper was clearly doing their best. And they were not responsible for a night cut short either.

Sometime before dawn, whistles and shouts from outside woke Felix. He sat up groggily and looked out the window, where colourful lights shone. It took his sleep-addled mind a few moments to recognise that every single one was a spell, but then he was wide awake.

He and Laurus rushed to the window to see what was going on; stomping and shouts were audible outside, as well as screams. Neither could see past the palisades where they were, but the lockstep of soldiers marching out the gates could not be mistaken for anything else. He could see more of them milling in the streets, preparing to rush out.

The door behind them swung open and Flora joined them at the window in just her nightgown; she unconsciously held onto Felix's arm and he placed a hand over hers for comfort.

They could only watch and listen to the shouts of an attack and the sounds of battle in the distance. Horses neighed as their riders mounted, cavalry following the infantry that they would soon overtake. Battlemages were rushed by, the air around them glittering with sparks of arcane power. Loud bangs sounded in the distance, the rumble of thunder and a cacophony of screams.

Lightning came down, fire flared high, and the clashing of steel could be heard all the way to here.

Felix shuddered violently. He knew about the war, but having it this close gave him goosebumps even though they could not even see anything. He wanted to be gone as soon as possible and never hear anything like this ever again.

Laurus made to speak, but he had no words to say. Felix just put his free hand on the younger man's shoulder.

They watched like this until the break of dawn, when weary men returned carrying their wounded. The dead, Felix knew, were left in the fields to be collected later. Laurus was the first to turn away from the mauled, cut, or charred bodies that somehow still lived.

The young man made two steps before realising something. "I'm helping with the healing!" he shouted over his shoulder before quickly throwing on his clothes and running outside.

That left only Felix and Flora to look at each other; they both thought the same thing, that they wanted nothing to do with this.

"We leave today, right?"

Felix nodded at his niece, decision already made. "Yeah. Right after breakfast. Do you want a hug?"

Flora slammed into his chest before the question was fully asked. So Felix held her, needing the comfort just as much as she did.

 

[Naron]

Morning was dreary despite the bright sunlight. Death hung over the town like a blanket, though only Felix and his group seemed to see it; business appeared as usual for some unfathomable reason.

"I guess they're used to this," Felix muttered to his companions.

Laurus did not respond despite having heard, he had been quiet since his return from the barracks. His eyes were sunken, the boy himself pale over both a lack of sleep and the awful wounds he witnessed.

Flora noticed his state as well, similarly subdued. "Can we get going?" she asked meekly.

In truth, Felix felt no better than them. He tried not to let it show for their sake. As the oldest, he felt responsible for keeping morale up as best as he could. Not that it amounted to much right now. He simply agreed with his niece and led them to the stables.

Laurus did speak up while they prepared Opus and the cart, contemplative more than anything: "The faster we finish our quest, the faster this nightmare ends."

"But it will come back in ten years or so," Flora argued softly. "Maybe twenty if these people are lucky."

He turned to her, though there was no heat in either of them. "So what? That's still better than having to fight all this time."

"I agree."

The two got back to work soon after and Felix kept quiet; he was lost in thought, wondering if there was a way to end this for good. Doubts met him at every juncture, but perhaps there was something the hero could do that no other could? Then again, why did nobody else do so before him? And if they did try, then they obviously failed.

His mood was not the best when the cart got rolling, though he mustered a smile and a wave for old Nona. She returned the gesture with a cloth handkerchief and others picked up on it; word quickly spread that the hero was moving out. The gates opened without a fuss from anyone and the guards on duty saluted them. Laurus in particular received shouts of thanks and gratitude from some of the soldiers, which clearly lifted his spirits some.

There was hope clinging to these people despite their lot in live. Felix realised then that he could at least nurture that spark and drew his spear. A swift stab to the ground made his intent bloom in the form of countless flowers spreading across the area. It did not feel like much, but the crowd seeing them off managed to get excited about the display.

"Something to lift their mood?" Flora asked once the gates closed behind them. Felix nodded, his eyes on the road.

"I felt they could need it. Us, too."

The growth of plants continued out the gate, only to stop as if struck a few metres ahead. Even a divine artefact like this spear could not overcome the hostile magic residue that poisoned this land for generations. He hoped it was not as symbolic of his fate as it first appeared.

Heaving a sigh, Felix averted his gaze from the corpses soon lying by the wayside. Humans and demons in various states of damage, some even seemed fine on a cursory look. It was the first time he ever got to see a demon, though the sight was not pleasant. Flies swarmed around them and the sickly sweet smell of carrion assaulted his nose. Many of the dead had their teeth clenched in anger, or fear forever etched into their expressions.

Felix spotted horns and hooves on some, but also some torn wings. Then his examination ended abruptly when he found a lone tail on the ground, its owner nowhere to be found.

He shivered, trying not to look at the awful sight any longer; Laurus and Flora were in a similar state, even Opus was nervous.

Then Felix heard something and became attentive; a noise ever so faintly louder than the buzz of swarming flies. He listened until he heard it repeat, then he bid Opus to stop to make certain. Another soft groan followed, this time audible enough to make his eyes widen.

"There's someone still alive out there!" Flora called before he could, having heard it too.

Laurus jumped to his feet and off the cart without further prompting. "Where to?"

"Over there somewhere!" Felix directed, pointing at something close to being a pile of bodies.

They quickly got to work, even though he felt sick having to drag the stiff and cold corpses around. Only the urgency kept his nausea at bay. Flora checked pulses while he and Laurus separated the bodies for her.

Another groan gave the girl pause, her gaze slowly turning from the dead man before her to the demon soldier next to him. Flora hesitated before crouch-walking over and turning the body, which elicited a faint hiss. The men stood behind her in indecision.

The demon bore nasty bruises on his face and trails of blood running from the corners of his mouth. His armour was broken in places and, Felix realised belatedly, one leg bent at an awful angle.

"...what do we do?" Flora asked slowly, looking to Felix for guidance. He had none to give, mind racing a mile a minute. This man was their enemy, yet he just lay there right now. He could not defend himself anymore, so whoever found him first got to decide on his life.

With no response coming from Felix, Laurus drew his axe. "I'll do it," he muttered.

"...wait."

Felix's voice was quiet, but his demand was heard. Laurus stopped, wariness replaced with confusion. "What. Do you want to question him or something?"

He shook his head in response, heart feeling heavy at the sorry sight. "It just doesn't feel right to do this when he's at our mercy."

Both his companions were surprised, but Laurus far more so than Flora.

"What do you mean, 'doesn't feel right'?" he asked heatedly, pointing at the downed soldier. "This guy's a demon, our enemy!"

"I know!" Felix growled back, getting annoyed himself even while his gaze was still on the demon. He seemed human at first glance, though a goat's horn poked through his dark hair. His body was almost unnaturally thin, too.

"Seriously, cut it out!" Laurus demanded. "By the light, our fate is to kill the demon king!"

"I know!" Felix repeated, waving wildly at the demon before them. "But our fate isn't to kill him!"

"How do you know?! His army wouldn't have left him here if it wasn't!"

"And we wouldn't have found him if it were, our army would've!"

"Stop shouting already!" Flora shrieked. "Now isn't the time!"

She had a hand on each of their chests, glaring back and forth between them. Then she turned to Laurus, a thumb pointing at Felix.

"He's the hero, so what he says goes."

Laurus ground out a defiant "Fine" at that and stomped back to the cart, leaving them behind to stand with the unconscious demon. Though Felix appreciated her stepping up for him, he was just as unsure how to proceed as she; their only healer just left and would definitely not help this man.

After a moment of indecision, Felix heaved a sigh and stepped forward. "Come on, help me make a splint for his leg; then we take him with us."

"Not like we're going anywhere but demon lines," Flora muttered, though she turned around. "Give me a minute, we should have some wood in the cart."

They did, in fact, have that wood. Felix was no good at these things, but they managed to secure the broken leg between the two of them. He did not know what else needed to be done, so he just hoped this was enough until a healer could look at the man. Flora cast magic again to help carry him without jostling his leg; they got nothing beyond the occasional groan in response.

Laurus sat in the cart and glowered at them as they worked. He kept his silence about as long as it took them to put the injured soldier down basically by his side, but no longer.

"You realise this man will come back to kill more humans if you help him?"

His pointed question made Felix uncomfortable, but at this point he refused to go back on his choice. Leaving the man behind or killing him was just not right.

"Then maybe that's his fate," he simply said and climbed in front. He received no response and Flora took to watching over the demon.

Heavy silence hung over them as they followed the partly dissolved or broken road across no-man's land. Ghost lights glittered off the road even by day, but there was nothing else to see beyond the wasteland. The ground began sloping upward ever so slowly, though they still made good progress because Flora's magic helped reduce the strain on Opus.

Then palisades came into view across the horizon. Felix was first to see them and immediately felt intimidated; this set was made of darker wood and cast menacing shadows, with spikes attached along the battlements in regular intervals. He barely spotted distant figures patrolling the walls, too far away to make out any details.

The demon army came into view next, so many soldiers they did not fit into this fort. Tents were arrayed around the place in neat rows, with even more people bustling around like ants.

This was as far as he got before a bell rang loudly. Felix could almost feel the atmosphere change and become menacing; he could see how the crowd turned frantic.

Next a magically enhanced voice called out to the soldiers, echoing over the wasteland with such force that even they could hear it fine: "Make ready but stand down, the human hero is nigh! Do not attack unless provoked, and never with lethal intent!"

While it was a relief they would not have to fight just yet, that last part confused Felix. A look to Flora and Laurus showed them just as nonplussed about the order not to kill. Then his niece clicked her tongue in displeasure.

"They know fate won't let you die here, so that might get around Fortuna's blessing."

Her reasoning made a disturbing amount of sense and brought back Felix's worries, yet nothing happened on the approach beyond the feeling of a thousand stares boring into them. He only belatedly realised that the demons must know full well what his presence meant; they clearly did not like it.

But there was nothing to it, his only way forward was... well, forward.

No battle lines were formed, though he could start to see that the soldiers were ready to fight at a moment's notice as they closed in. Moreover, the road led directly up to the fort's gate; they either had to go around through the sand, or risk asking for passage.

A faint groan cut through the tension and reminded him of their passenger. In fact, it grew louder before cutting off into a question.

"W-What happened? Where....?"

He still had to direct Opus, so it was left to Flora to answer; he could only listen to her attempt to sound soothing: "Please don't strain yourself, sir. We found you with the dead and your leg is broken."

"Ugh, feels more on fire," the man joked lamely, then huffed. "Bless the lady of fate for you finding me, whoever you are. Everything's blurry."

Then another groan came, followed by the rustling of Flora's clothes. Felix had to admit he was glad the soldier could not recognise them as humans; they even spoke the same language for some reason, though that thought made him wonder why. Could it be that the gods spread the gift of speech to all equally?

His thoughts halted when he spotted a group of riders leave the demon encampment; four on horseback, led by one more who rode a mighty griffin easily twice the size of those horses. The sight gave Felix the creeps, but he stayed the course; with no other way to go, all he could do was trust in fate to see him through.

Flora quietly asked some questions of their now conscious demon, mainly how he felt and where it hurt; from how he told it, a war hammer got his leg before he took some nasty hits to the face.

"Just, just checking," he gasped more than asked after, "but you aren't an angel sent by Mors? We aren't going down the river?"

Flora made a sound Felix could not quite put, but he had to grin over the comparison; this might even be the first time she would not get angry about being called an angel.

"Well, no. But I don't know what river you're talking about, sir."

"Huh. The river of death? You know, where everyone rides down after?"

A soft "Oh" was her only response, followed by a huff from their passenger.

"Hah, next you'll tell me you don't know who Mors is."

Sheepish silence followed the joke, filled by Felix; he actually knew the answer to this one, if only because he used to ask a lot of questions about his own god: "The deity of death, sibling of Ceres."

"Right," the demon agreed, still jovial. "You're odd folks, but I'm not gonna complain when you're helping me."

Felix did not dare look to Laurus after that, his gaze firmly on the riders approaching them despite how they made his stomach roil. A sharp hiss sounded behind and cloth rustled, then Flora spoke quietly but insistently: "You should rest."

There was no response beyond a soft grunt, so Felix was alone with his anxiety. Even Opus got nervous at the sight of a griffin coming his way, though not taut as a bowstring like his owner. He still kept going toward them at Felix's lead. The riders were clearly visible by now, each of them with inhuman traits though none with hooves. The one riding the griffin had leathery wings folded on his... no, her back. That was another small shock to see, even if he heard about it before.

They slowed down first and Opus followed until they came to stand about ten metres from each other. The woman of the group called out with clear command in her voice: "The commander relays his greetings to the hero, we are here to escort you."

A confused sound came from behind him while Felix fought down his fear. He managed to call back without stuttering if nothing else. "I appreciate your kindness, ma'am. Where are you taking us exactly?"

He knew that declining them would end badly, but he needed to know at least this much first. And this all assumed she told the truth.

He could tell that the woman's slitted eyes narrowed, but she did respond after a moment: "The commander requests an audience before you are admitted to our lands, sir hero."

A soft "What hero?" could be heard behind, followed by shuffling. "Who are you people?"

It was not loud enough to carry, but Felix still winced. Then he realised now would be a good time to bring that up.

"That's fine with me. But, uh, we picked up a wounded soldier along the way. Could you take him off us for treatment?"

He thought it was a reasonable request, but the lady knight snarled at him.

"You are shown courtesy and respect, yet demand more? Why should we care for the humans who do their best to kill us day by day?"

Her indignation made Felix feel very small, but he quickly realised the misunderstanding and leapt onto the small pause she left: "He's one of yours. Ma'am."

Just like that the anger was gone, replaced with naked shock. She made a harsh motion and an equally confused rider trotted closer on his horse to look into the cart.

"Definitely one of ours, ma'am," he judged after a moment. Then he squinted and snapped his fingers. "Hey, I've seen that guy before!"

"It matters little," the griffin rider said before turning to another demon. "Mage, do you know healing spells?"

"No, ma'am. But I can send word back to prepare a cot."

"Do that. As for you-" she started while turning back to Felix, then faltered in obvious confusion. "I do not understand."

What Felix wanted to say was 'I wish I did', but he wisely kept that in. Instead he tried for a little smile. "I'm just not the sort that can leave an injured man to die," he said. It was the truth, but he never expected this to go for demons too.

The man on his cart just sighed, loud enough to be heard. "Can someone tell me what's going on, my vision is still too blurry to see anything."

"Did you get hit in the head?" the other soldier asked.

"Yes, but this is 'cause my glasses are gone."

A moment of hesitation and exasperation followed all around; the lady knight apparently decided to just ignore the last part.

"The people who picked you off the field are humans, soldier. They were kind enough to deliver you this far anyway."

Felix could almost feel how Laurus ground his teeth even without looking back. The leading rider turned her griffin around in the meantime. He may just imagine it, but she seemed less tense than before.

"Regardless, the commander expects you. Please follow my lead."

The other soldiers formed up in something resembling an arrowhead, with his cart in the centre. With their path now perfectly clear, Felix chanced a glance back; Flora was just plain dumbfounded by the situation while Laurus scowled up a storm, but neither said anything.

In fact, it was the demon on their cart who broke the uneasy silence: "I guess now I've really seen everything. That explains how you guys didn't know Mors."

Flora just nodded at first, though her curiosity won out over the wariness of the soldiers riding in easy hearing range. "No, our people don't worship the gods of darkness. Can you tell me more about them?"

"Huh, alright? How far is it to the fort?"

"Less than five minutes," another soldier told him from the side.

"Thanks, I'll keep it brief."

Felix was tempted to look back instead of just listening; it promised to be more interesting than watching a griffin's tail swing back and forth while hoping the majestic beast did not lose gas in his direction. But alas, he had to keep an eye on the path and directing Opus.

"So we have three gods in the pantheon of darkness. Mors sits at the head because all life answers to death. Mors always wants us to be respectful of the dead."

"Didn't seem all that respectful with the piles of corpses back there," Laurus quipped, more sour and clearly trying to be contrarian.

It was the lady knight who answered in a clipped tone and without turning around: "They will be collected and receive proper rites once we have seen to the living."

There was no further backtalk from Laurus, much to Felix's relief. Their passenger picked back up again a moment later.

"Yeah, that. Then we have Facio, god of genesis. Lotta artisans swear by him and he asks that people put all they have into their works. And Aevum of course, the goddess of time. Mostly she's just... there, from what I've seen. She wants people to not upset the natural order and comes down hard on anyone who tries to travel through time."

"That's possible?" Flora asked with clear curiosity, though her question only earned a huff.

"Maybe? But if it is, Aevum will kill you before you actually pull it off."

"You forgot Fortuna," another soldier chimed in, prompting an agreeing noise. Flora answered first this time, though.

"Oh, I know Fortuna. Do your people follow her, too?"

"Yeah," that same soldier agreed. "Weird, that."

The leading knight spoke up again, though in an almost pleasant tone this time: "It really is not that weird. Mors is sibling of the light's harvest god Ceres, Facio is brother to the light's warrior goddess Acies, and Aevum is sister to the light's deity of love, Aman. Fortuna of fate presides above both pantheons, yet is part of neither. The only gods beyond her purview are the three celestials."

Felix nodded his understanding, even if she could not see it. "Sol, Luna, and Astra, correct?"

"Indeed. They take little interest in the conflict between our races, content to spend eternity in each other's embrace as lovers. Now enough of this. Open the gate!"

They had arrived and her shout was immediately followed by action; the heavy wooden gate was raised, protective magical sigils flickering along its surface. Felix spent the wait letting this new information swirl through his head, though the inside of a demon fort soon demanded some of his attention.

There was admittedly not much to see in the courtyard they entered, only a few stables and some soldiers doing chores. An elderly man in white robes approached them about as soon as they entered, his two assistants climbing onto the cart to carry the wounded soldier off. He waved weakly in just about the right direction.

Next the stablehands arrived while their escort dismounted. Two handlers took the lady knight's griffin, though she took a moment to stroke its beak. Then she glanced back to Felix's group and waved another handler over.

"Feed the mule as well and give it some care."

The order was acknowledged while the three humans climbed off their cart. Flora kept the weightless spell going while the men carefully pushed it off to the side, where it did not bother anyone.

"I'm going to keep an eye on Opus," Laurus declared without preamble, still in a bad mood. Felix did not challenge him on it though, he was not quite sure the demons could be trusted either.

Once he had stomped off, Flora nudged Felix and all but whispered into his ear: "I'm going to keep an eye on Laurus. Make sure he doesn't pick a fight. Will you be fine without me?"

He had to roll his eyes at her, only barely restraining himself from mussing up Flora's hair. "I'm a grown man, niece. I can handle myself."

She offered a little snort but let his words stand, then moved to follow their disgruntled companion to the stables. Felix instead turned back to the lady knight, who waited patiently; she now wore her helmet under her arm, revealing crimson hair and a band of scales running over her forehead. Almost like a glittering headband.

"Right this way, sir hero."

"Of course," Felix agreed, though he hesitated upon realising he forgot something. "I never asked your name, ma'am."

The way she arched her brow made him worry for a moment, but she did answer: "Dame Claudia Saturnina Eques, second daughter of House Eques whom has ruled the northern steppes for three generations. Please refer to me as Dame Eques."

A noblewoman. He was following a noble lady, a demon no less, who treated him like an equal. Felix wondered if his day could get any more weird, though he already suspected the answer was yes.

 

[Naron]

The sense of wrongness continued to follow Felix and grew even more pronounced once he was seated across a finely dressed demon man. This one bore no outward marks of race beside his ashen skin. Dame Eques stood at attention by their side after having made her report in person. Now the commander himself, who did not give his name, studied Felix with a smattering of curiosity and wariness.

"I would love to say it is a pleasure, sir hero," he finally began. "But we both know your intentions in coming to our lands are anything but pure. Our peoples are at war."

Felix nodded sadly, having no real response beyond that. The demon commander steepled his fingers as he thought.

"Yet you force on me a conundrum. My plan for the hero was to deliver them to his majesty in chains."

The brazen admission had Felix look up sharply, but there was no indicator of impending violence; the man wore an almost blank look while Dame Eques shifted minutely. She did not speak up, giving her superior the chance to elaborate: "Unfortunately, your being courteous and considerate of us does not allow me to go with the original plan. I am not going to spit in a kind soul's face, not even a human. Perhaps that is what you planned from the start, but you do not seem the type."

He was not entirely sure if he was just insulted, but figured it was at most unintentional. He also felt he should say something here.

"I didn't plan anything like this, sir. I could never live with myself if I ended up leaving someone to die when I could've helped."

"Hm. You have quite the resilience if you can claim this truthfully, even in enemy lands," the commander answered, then allowed his lips to twitch up. "Which makes you both a fool and a better person than most."

Felix also tried for a little smile, nodding slowly. "I still can't tell if you approve or not."

"As a person, I approve. As commander of this fort and a soldier, I do not."

Now the other man smirked openly and the heavy mood began to disperse, though it did not last for long.

"Standing orders for our forces are to not engage the human hero with lethal force. I doubt you need the warning, considering your conduct thus far, but this does not put you beyond our laws. Misbehave in these lands and you will end up going to the capital in chains."

This almost sounded like they would not be put in chains otherwise, which surprised him despite what was said before. He could not help but ask just to make sure: "So we're free to go on our own?"

The commander nodded in response. "Yes, you are. Records from many of my predecessors speak of various types of heroes; some fight, some sneak past the border, a select few come to us directly like you did. But they all eventually make their way to our ruler."

There he paused to size Felix up, words coming slower and more measured. "And yet no matter how unassuming they are, in nine out of ten cases they leave victorious."

He let the comment hang in the air like a heavy blade. Felix felt he should respond, but had no answer to give. Once it became clear the hero would not speak, the commander actually asked his question.

"Do you know why that is?"

Felix could only shake his head. "I don't know, sir. Wouldn't it be Fortuna's will?"

A soft harrumph was the first response he got, alongside a frown from the commander. Dame Eques chimed in then, voice curt as it had been before: "Questions like these veer close to heresy, sir."

She did not even change her posture, looming over the two seated men like the dragon she resembled so much. Where Felix was intimidated however, the commander did not seem perturbed.

"And yet I must ask them, Dame Eques. Why is it that we fight this war for a thousand years without ever being defeated, even though our mighty kings and queens are bested by bumpkins and younglings?"

She made to respond but stopped herself short, clearly thrown for a loop by the question. Felix thought he understood where the commander was coming from and, surprisingly, he had an answer. "I heard something about that a few days ago. From what the soldiers told me, something else keeps coming up whenever the demon armies retreat."

The commander inclined his head at him, carrying on as if his response were expected: "And this is what I do not understand. If our rulers are fated to fall to heroes like you so often, why is it that demonkind is not fated to lose this war?"

"We really should not question the chief goddess' wisdom, sir," Dame Eques chimed in again, though clearly hesitant. Even Felix could hear the doubt in her voice, so there was no way the commander missed it.

"Yet you wonder just like I do, now that you see what I saw. Perhaps it is my mortal limits making me unable to understand Fortuna's wisdom. I will never dare to pretend I can follow or foresee where the red thread may lead. Perhaps it is a path to peace so long forgotten, perhaps total victory of one sort or another. But none of my prayers for clarity were ever answered."

And suddenly Felix got what he meant but never said: this man wanted to know what purpose he sent his soldiers into death for. This man who carried the burden of their lives only wished for answers that nobody could or would give.

A moment of silence followed. Felix wanted to offer some wisdom or comfort, but had none to give. This became far too regular an occurrence for his liking.

In the end, he changed the subject.

"I don't know your laws, sir. Is there a way to make sure my group doesn't break them on accident?"

He had the commander's attention back at once His gaze wandered to Dame Eques before finding its way back to Felix, though.

"If you do not mind supervision," he began with a pause long enough for Felix to shake his head no, "I can have Dame Eques select someone suitable from her corps to guide you."

"Oh, that would be pretty helpful. Thank you kindly, sir."

Only after agreeing did he realise this might not go over well with Laurus; he was already unhappy with them not fighting the demons, so having one along for the journey may spark more fires they did not need. He was not even sure Flora would be happy. But he could hardly backtrack now, not when the demon commander already made the offer and he agreed to it.

"Dame Eques?"

The redhead nodded, expression as severe as it ever was. "I request to escort the hero myself, sir."

"Is that so?" he answered with a thoughtful hum, both of them completely ignoring the surprised Felix for the moment. "It hurts to see a capable warrior such as you go on what is a mere errand, but I also trust you to be on your best behaviour. Very well, requisition what you need to make the journey. Will your mount behave without you?"

The lady knight allowed herself a little smirk even while she inclined her head. "He is well trained and has a mild temper for a griffin. He will understand once I explain to him."

"Good, see it done by tomorrow morning," the commander ordered, then turned back to Felix. "We will make some space for you and yours to spend the night, sir hero."

He just nodded and thanked the man again, mind already rushing ahead to the dread of having to explain any of this to his companions.

It ended up not as bad as he expected, with Flora being more curious than anything; Laurus was not enthused at all, but took it without exploding.

Moreover, he learned that the stablehands gave Opus more than just a good brushing and feed; they also thoroughly cleaned out his hooves and trimmed them properly. It was about time for a good trimming, so Felix was glad for that.

"He's more handsome than he ever was," Flora joked as they checked on their kind-of fourth companion.

"She says about a mule," Felix shot back mischievously. "Do I need to be worried?"

She just rolled her eyes and batted his chest without comment.

Even just the bit of horsing around helped take his mind off the task ahead and gave him some peace. Then again, this came hand in hand with the same feeling of wrongness he had earlier; because a night spent at a demon fort felt oddly normal. There was no great differences to the cots back at the border village they left just this morning. Only the people looked different.

The soldiers kept their distance, too; although some glared at the humans in their midst, most seemed curious in some form. Nobody dared approach them though, especially once they were joined by Dame Eques. She had exchanged her armour for a lighter chain mail and tunic, bearing a stylised scale on its back. Felix may have stared a bit too long, trying to figure out how they fitted these clothes around the bases of her wings. They made her look bigger than she was, regardless of what she wore.

He somehow managed to get through introductions without someone being insulted, but suspected that this minor victory was caused by Laurus saying nothing and just glowering. At least Dame Eques did not seem offended by his hostility?

When it was time to leave, the commander himself came to see them off. He even went as far as shaking hands with Felix.

"I must say you were not what I expected, though I hope you understand that I do not wish you luck or success," he said in an even voice. Felix nodded.

"Of course I understand. I kinda can't wish you either of those, too."

The commander allowed himself a wry smirk before making a motion to open the gate. He quickly left after that and let them go.

This was how Felix entered the demon realms; with a noblewoman as his guide and the group divided in opinions. He still hoped that Laurus would come around somewhat, but so far he seemed content to just stay by his lonesome. Then again, the awkward silence lasted a while even without his efforts. They had nothing to do but the one road to follow. At least Flora's magic made the trek easier on Opus.

Some time passed before his niece spoke up hesitantly: "Erm, do you take questions, ma'am?"

"Ask," Dame Eques answered. "It is I who decides whether to answer."

Her tone was clipped but not unkind, she sounded mostly distracted. Either way, her agreement was all Flora needed to keep going: "Well, I don't want to be insensitive, I just got curious. Demons have all sorts of traits like your scales and wings, right? Where do they come from?"

The question came unexpected, but it worried him. Felix was glad nobody noticed him wince when he understood its meaning. Flora at least tried not to ask straight up, but then Laurus ruined it: "Isn't it that they got that way by laying with all sorts of beasts?"

The silence that followed turned frosty, though mainly on Flora's end. Felix could not tell if Laurus was chastised, but he said no more.

"Is that what they teach in your lands?" Dame Eques asked, more curious than offended by the sound of her voice. The soft snort that followed was another indicator, even before she went to actually answer the question.

"In truth, I do not know for certain. Most of it is stories and legends. Us demons live and die by our choices, our power matters most of all. We had to wrest control of our kingdom from the beasts who once claimed dominion, proving our might. Some of them acknowledged us and, in doing so, granted us traits or powers of theirs. There are a few tales of people... laying with them," she admitted, the little pause left clearly full of distaste. "But I doubt you do not have anything like this."

"That's true," Felix chimed in from the front, mainly to stop this before it could turn into an argument. He chanced a glance back and was surprised to see Laurus looking actually chastised instead of upset. Dame Eques's expression was curt, though she did not snap at him or attack. She simply turned back to Flora, ignoring Laurus for now.

"Dragonkin such as myself are said to have done a deed impressive enough to earn the respect of a mighty dragon. The tale I was told includes an ancestor besting a juvenile dragon in single combat with his bare hands."

Flora made an awed noise while Felix pretended to watch the road; in reality, he was listening just as intently when their new companion began to recount the tale in full. She was a good storyteller, though Felix also thought she liked to hear herself talk. She almost indulgently answered Flora's follow-up questions about her family, its size, their duties, and so on.

After a time, Felix could not help but chime in with a question of his own: "I was wondering, is there any meaning to how different those traits are?"

"Yes," Dame Eques answered, not unkindly. "A demon's power is proportional to their bestial traits. Why do you ask, how is it that humans tell the powerful apart?"

He did not really have an answer to that. Neither of the other two seemed capable of jumping in, either. What was more, Dame Eques seemed actually curious, hence why he tried to scrounge up a response anyway.

"Well, it isn't that easy for us. Most of the time I guess it's money?"

The attempt at least got Flora to help him: "Yes, you can tell from someone's clothes and the quality of their equipment how wealthy they are. And if they have money, then they can afford better things."

Looking back again, he saw Dame Eques glance between them with a minute frown.

"Not only is this silly, it is circular logic," she declared. "If you have money, then you can buy better gear, which will then earn you more money because you had money to buy the gear. How does one begin to get money if they have none?"

The silence that followed was mighty awkward. Working the fields and such did not make a lot of income, he knew that best.

A quiet mutter sounded from Laurus, barely loud enough to be heard: "Not everyone needs to be strong. Fortuna willing, you're born into a wealthy or even noble family."

The demon among them scoffed in response. "Barbaric, but oh well. How does one become nobility in your kingdom then? Outside of being born into it, of course."

"The king or queen gives you a title if you earn it," Laurus answered, almost despondent. Another long pause followed, slowly driving home that Dame Eques expected a list and not just a singular way; the silence lasted long enough to make Laurus crack.

"How does it work here, then?"

"Once power is proven, nobility is earned. A noble line continues only for as long as it can maintain its strength and fulfil its duties."

"And what if you're born weak?" Flora asked back, only to be answered by silence. Now it was for her to be unimpressed. "Isn't it the same as being born poor for us? Except you can earn money a lot easier than you can get stronger if you aren't naturally strong."

Dame Eques hummed in thought. Another quick glance back showed her scowling at nothing.

"Perhaps you have a point," she admitted. "I was always strong and trained well since childhood. One who is born weak does not have the same opportunities, do they?"

She clearly did not expect an answer. Felix did not give one either, quietly wondering whether this conundrum could be solved at all. He was not smart enough to do so, but he did have more questions and felt this subject ran its course. Hence why he broke it up again.

"Living in your country sounds pretty brutal. Do demons fight each other often?"

He could tell she shrugged even without seeing it. "On occasion, but not seriously outside of the tournaments. Those who wish to rise in station can prove their worth in one of the many arenas."

The links of her chain mail clicked against each other as she leaned back, voice growing softer. "It is a shame I only had time for a single circuit. Fighting for glory is much better than fighting war."

Felix nodded slowly in response, though his agreement was less total this time. It suddenly felt a little awkward to talk to someone without looking at them, despite the years of practice he had with doing so.

"I'm not much of a fighter myself, but you sound like you enjoy it. Why not go back?"

"Perhaps in a few years. Maybe I find myself a mate if one can impress me."

"Aman willing," Flora murmured on reflex.

"What was that?" was the sharp response, clearly startling his niece.

"O-Oh, sorry. Force of habit."

"She's wishing you good luck finding someone," Felix mediated, guessing that this particular phrase was not common in demon lands.

"I see. Thank you kindly."

Going by how Dame Eques's tone turned friendly again, he was right.

Their journey from there continued mostly in silence as each followed their own thoughts; Flora went back to combing through her spell book and practising, Laurus just seemed generally unwilling to talk with a demon around, and Felix in front felt too awkward to talk with his back turned. Maybe it was because of having a stranger around, who was more likely to take offence if he did?

Either way, Dame Eques followed their example and consulted a map she took along.

This was how their days passed for the most part, although idle conversations took place from time to time; small anecdotes of childhood and home shared over meals, or introductions to the local wildlife as the wasteland vanished behind them.

It took several days before the first village came in sight, just in time to replenish their dwindling supplies.

"I mean, we could scavenge?" Laurus suggested once it was brought up. He had a point even, though Dame Eques disagreed.

"While true, it is easier and faster to trade. That is, assuming you have coin?"

"We do," Felix said.

"Do we?" Flora shot back, after which all eyes went her way. "Do they take our money here?"

Now her looking worried made sense. Felix really should have thought about that before. At least he was not the only one, seeing how Dame Eques blinked once, twice, and rubbed her scaled forehead.

"My apologies for not considering this. May I see what currency humans use?" she asked almost demurely, only to be surprised when Flora showed her.

"Huh. It is the same, even the percentage of precious metal to steel," she added after tapping each coin a few times with glowing fingers. She then handed them back with care. "Although even just the one golden coin is worth quite a lot here. Is it simple to get by in your kingdom?"

Flora slowly shook her head, carefully hiding how swollen that coin pouch was. "No, no. The church gave this to us for the hero's journey."

There was no audible response and they moved along toward the demon village.

Reaching it was eerie in a sense. Dame Eques's word brought them through the gates despite the guards' suspicious looks. There were children playing in the fields and people following all sorts of trades; the places and actions were painfully familiar, yet the people so different. Felix spotted all sorts of traits, some pronounced and others barely there. Some demons almost looked like humans, even.

Many of the children exclaimed curiously upon seeing them, some even ran along with their cart. The adults were far more wary, recognising humans for what they were. Even Dame Eques by their side could not alleviate that, especially with the Ouroboros on full display on Felix's cape.

The reactions were unpleasant, but not unexpected; Felix suppressed a sigh and aimed for the stables, which were once again no different from home. It took some talking to the owner before they agreed to keep Opus and the cart for a night. After that, they went to the market, shepherded by Dame Eques; she insisted on staying together so she could keep an eye on them, though neither Flora nor Laurus liked that. They only stayed quiet because Felix agreed with the demoness.

Reactions at the market were much the same, but money made the world go round; the merchants warmed up somewhat when they realised that Flora knew what she was doing. There was even some jovial haggling over various local foodstuffs.

With nothing outstanding happening, the locals began to relax as the day went on. For Felix it felt remarkably similar to their stays in most villages on the border's other side, minus the wariness. They even found rooms at the local inn, one for the men and one for the women.

Felix was a little worried about leaving Flora alone with a powerful demon, but decided to trust Dame Eques to not suddenly turn on them. It was odd how just a few days of being around her made him lose so much of his wariness. Demons and humans should be able to get along just fine, so he wondered why they were at war.

He also briefly asked himself again why they spoke the same language, but sleep erased the question. He forgot it by the time he woke the next morning.

 

[Naron]

The next two weeks found them in a repeating pattern with each village they visited.

First there was wariness as they came in, people watching them with caution and some even with resignation; it did not matter the size, even the one larger city they entered was the same. Then the people his group interacted with directly began to relax, which spread over the day or two of each stay.

They could trade for supplies well enough, though Flora complained that she had to buy for more money than she liked; haggling with people who did not trust you on principle was hard.

Felix tried his best to be polite, steering clear of the few odd laws or norms Dame Eques pointed out; apparently, fistfights and magic contests were common to settle arguments in these lands. They saw plenty of them, some almost feral in their ferocity and others close to sophisticated.

There was even one adventurous demoness who flirted with him, much to Flora's amusement; this quickly turned to mortification when the lady's son followed his mother's example and flirted with Flora.

That little bit of excitement aside however, it really was just like before; even Laurus slowly started thawing, though his demeanour was still somewhat frosty and quiet.

Felix stopped reminiscing when he saw the next village appear over a hill. He had to suppress a sigh at that.

"Alright, here we go again."

Yet contrary to everyone's expectations, the guards just waved them through without much more than a look. Stranger still, there was only a minimum of people pointing and whispering at their entry. Dame Eques seemed just as confused as the rest of them. Their befuddled silence held until Opus was put in the stables without any trouble, but then Felix had to voice his feelings.

"Maybe being away from the border makes people relax more? I thought there was less suspicion this week."

"Maybe they trust that Dame Eques keeps us in line?" Flora suggested, earning a nod from the lady knight.

"I imagine that is the case."

A middle-aged man passing by chimed in jovially: "Part of it's that, ma'am. But we've just got a human visitor yesterday, that probably takes the edge off."

Much like the rest of the group, she immediately turned to him with interest and suspicion of her own.

"Another human? This far into the kingdom?"

Her sharp question clearly confused the man, who tilted his head to the side. "Yeah? I mean, she musta come through somehow, right? We figured that the guards would've stopped anyone nasty long before they get here."

He had a point, although Felix's curiosity was roused at once; he never heard of any humans travelling to demon lands. This did not sound like a diplomat or something like that, either. Unfortunately, he could not do much of anything before Dame Eques kept on talking with renewed calm.

"That is true, but I have not heard of another visitor. Which way did this person go?"

"Still in town, actually," he answered with a motion to the local inn. "Said something of taking a break to enjoy the scenery."

Felix glanced back to the impressive mountain rising in the distance, as well as the beautiful meadows spreading out as far as the eye could see. The kingdom started to look much healthier as they left the border behind, so he could definitely understand the sentiment. But where was a human going in these lands?

"I see," Dame Eques said. "My thanks."

"Not for that, ma'am."

He waved and walked away, after which Dame Eques started taking quick steps toward the inn. Felix scrambled to catch up with her and the others followed.

"How would another human get here?" Laurus asked. "Nobody mentioned them in any of the other places."

"Must have snuck past the border somehow," Flora answered thoughtfully.

"I guess? It sounds like madness."

The two kept discussing the matter quietly behind Felix while Dame Eques walked ahead; she visibly had to restrain herself from tearing open the door. A moment passed before she opened it normally and stalked inside.

The buzz of overlapping conversations quickly faded, especially so when Felix's group entered after her. Looking around, they could see that, predictably, most patrons were demons. But there was one rather prominent figure who was not, perched alone at a table with softly steaming tea in a dainty cup. Felix knew it was her the moment he saw her face because he recognised it.

"Diana?"

"Wait, what?" Flora spluttered, taken off-guard.

"Who?" Laurus asked.

Dame Eques turned back to them with an almost demanding look, but the sudden silence was broken by Diana herself.

"It has been a while. Felix, was it? I see you are hero now," she noted without much surprise, her inscrutable gaze trailing away from him. "And your niece Flora as well."

She did not even acknowledge Dame Eques, though Laurus earned her attention. "And who else has joined you along your journey?"

The last conversations had fallen silent as she spoke. Reactions to her words were immediate as all attention turned to Felix, who felt more than a little sheepish while introducing his companion: "This is Laurus. He joined up with us early on and has been a great help."

He was tempted to explain a bit about his deal with supposedly being the hero, but felt that should not be brought up among demons. Laurus himself seemed a little mollified if nothing else. Next Felix motioned for the clearly agitated knight standing between him and Diana. "And this is Dame Eques, she guides us to the capital. And I think she has some questions for you?"

"An understatement," the woman herself drawled. Her eyes were narrowed, although she seemed more annoyed than angry.

For her part, Diana sized up the demon without any worry. "Greetings, then, to both of you. I am known as Diana. Please sit with me if you can spare the time."

She motioned for her otherwise empty table. A wave to the innkeeper had him come over with a pitcher of ice water. The group shuffled forward a little awkwardly, or at least Felix and Flora did; Laurus seemed more intrigued than anything while Dame Eques stalked more than she walked. After sitting and folding her crimson wings primly, the dragonkin crossed her arms in clear displeasure.

"Would you care to explain how you made it this far into the kingdom without being stopped? Or how you even entered without being spotted at the border?"

The taste of ash lingered on her breath and almost palpable danger emanated from her just then. The room held its breath, but Diana was not impressed. She took a sip of tea before answering idly: "There are many paths across a border, my dear. I was always fond of walking on my own trail, rather than what another left for me to follow."

A little grin emerged as she spoke, half hidden by her cup; Diana's amusement seemed to annoy Dame Eques more, but she pre-empted further questioning: "Though rest assured that I was questioned several times to ensure I am not a spy, brazen as it would be for one to walk in broad daylight. I am but a traveller, journeying to broaden my horizons."

"What of your granddaughter?" Felix could not help but ask. His question took the wind out of Dame Eques's sails somewhat, at least enough to allow the interruption.

Diana took another sip before answering him, as if in thought: "A healthy and beautiful babe. I will see her again once this journey of mine is over."

"So uh, how do you know each other?" Laurus wanted to know next. He nodded to Diana. "You talk like a noblewoman."

His observation earned him a smattering of curiosity while Felix answered the question: "Flora and I met her on our way to the, err, to our capital."

"And while I was trained as the daughter of a noble house," Diana added, "I am not beholden to that house anymore. Our paths split long ago."

"Yet you were trained and that intrigues me," Dame Eques said, leaning forward into Diana's personal space. They were almost nose to nose, blonde hair contrasting with crimson as neither gave an inch. "I hear that human nobles retain their status by money alone. So I wonder if you are a weakling like that makes it sound."

Some excited and intrigued whispers started around the room while Felix began to worry. He neither needed nor wanted to see those two fight.

Somehow, Diana was perfectly calm under the imposing demon woman's attention. She gently placed her cup down with a final sounding click.

"There are certainly cretins that know nothing beyond the allure of gold. I will admit that demonkind's focus on personal power is not even close to humankind's, which draws on bloodlines and ancestry most of all. Tell me, Dame Eques, do you believe this culture to be the best it could conceivably be?"

The demoness's eyes narrowed at that and she grabbed Diana by the collar of her dress. "We're not debating whose culture is better," she hissed. "I want-" crack

Diana's gloved hand had risen to Dame Eques's wrist as she spoke. Her bones broke audibly with but a single squeeze, though the lady knight did not even flinch. Diana stared at her without any change in expression, just curiosity.

"Do you believe that my being stronger than you makes me better?" she asked. "Am I lesser for the lack of such a quality?"

She let go and muttered an incantation that was followed by gentle, green light; it wound around the broken wrist and set it within seconds. Diana remained silent while Dame Eques rubbed her restored hand, the room thick with anticipation. People were clearly impressed with Diana, and so was Felix.

"Power is not everything, no," Dame Eques finally said. "But without power, there is no people."

She had made a good point there, Felix understood that too. Everyone needed at least some power to protect themselves and their loved ones, be it from nature or people. He nodded unconsciously while Dame Eques settled back down, her attention still on Diana.

"What is your opinion on this matter?"

The older woman inclined her head and answered without hesitation: "Power, to me, is only as great as the person wielding it. These lands may be ruled by scum if only that scum holds enough might, such as the Succubus Queen three hundred years ago. Or her spoiled son, the Incubus Prince."

The humans at the table had no idea what she meant, though Dame Eques made a face. "How do you even know our history?" she asked, only to receive a smile with little warmth in it.

"I am well-travelled and well-read, child. History is one of my particular passions, for we can always learn from the mistakes and successes of ages past."

Her words sounded wise, but Felix felt he missed too much context to really appreciate them. A glance to his companions told him they must feel the same, especially when Flora piped up curiously: "Who were these people?"

"The particulars do not matter to this conversation, child. What does is the fact demonkind would rather forget these particular rulers, which points toward the fallibility of their system of governance."

That did not answer anything, though Diana did not seem inclined to explain. Dame Eques for her part let out a demeaning huff.

"Of course a human would say that and pick out the one bad apple."

Diana turned back to her with that same amused grin Felix remembered her having the last time they met. She appeared like a cat ready to pounce.

"And when have I claimed that the human system is any better? Ultimately, the kingdoms are both ruled by those who can satisfy their peoples' demands in a ruler. Be it power or lineage, wealth or skill, there is always a measuring tool for the sovereign's aptitude."

She left a pause for everyone to digest her words; sacrilegious as they may be when put into terms like these, Felix could once again see the wisdom.

Then Diana's smirk widened further and she daintily took another sip of tea. "But I wonder about your own opinion, Dame Eques. If you could improve something, anything about the current system, what would you pick?"

The dragonkin opened her mouth as if to respond, then closed it without a word. Diana watched with some odd mixture between amusement and expectation. The entire standoff confused Felix, though. He glanced to Laurus and Flora, who had as little idea as him at first. Then Laurus's eyes lit up in understanding.

"This is a trap, isn't it?" he asked, earning a curious glance from Diana that brought him some confidence. "No matter what she says, it's a complaint against the king she has, right?"

Dame Eques nodded with grit teeth. Diana simply smirked while understanding followed around them. Neither spoke, which gave Flora a chance to interject thoughtfully: "It's easy to talk about making or wanting things better, but actually doing so is different."

Diana nodded once more, though her gaze remained on the demoness of their group. Felix half expected Dame Eques to take the out Flora just offered, but she did not.

"Training."

"Oh?"

Diana's prompting clearly made the younger woman fight with herself over whether she should keep talking. But in the end she did: "If I could change anything, I would make it so everyone can get the same training growing up. The same opportunities to get strong."

"How curious."

Diana said no more than that. Curious whispers went around as people started discussing among themselves. Dame Eques was not distracted by the noise, though; she almost growled back at her: "Was that what you wanted to hear?"

"I was not expecting any particular answer," Diana answered serenely. "The one I received tells me much about you as a person."

Her saying this made Felix wonder what she may get out of this, though he could guess some things; Dame Eques clearly cared for her people and wanted them to improve collectively. But he felt like there was more and could not even guess at what it was. At the same time, he realised that Diana often asked questions like these. Was she constantly taking their measure?

"How about yourself?" he found himself asking. "What would you change if you could?"

When her gaze settled on him, for just a moment, Felix could see something haunting in those eyes of hers. A shudder ran down his back, but the sensation was gone as fast as it appeared.

Diana's words came measured yet never hesitant: "I dream of a world where people are not so driven by circumstance and have more freedom to act as they wish."

"That... doesn't sound so bad either. But I guess it's hard to even start on that?"

Diana inclined her head, unaffected by Dame Eques staring at her.

"If one were uncharitable," the demoness said slowly, "they could also interpret this as a refusal of Fortuna's guidance."

Her words had everyone except Diana twitch in shock or surprise, though the woman herself merely shook her head.

"Far be it from me to criticise the chief goddess or the mosaic she weaves our lives into. Has the red thread of fate not guided our races for over a thousand years?"

Somehow Felix knew, just knew, that there was something important left unsaid. Yet he could for the life of him not tell what it was. Dame Eques clearly missed it, seeing how mollified she appeared as she leaned back in her chair and took a drink.

"You should be more careful saying things like that, even if you don't mean them that way," Flora cautioned in a quiet voice. "We shouldn't question providence."

The other patrons nodded along with his niece, but Diana did not. Her attention turned to Flora.

"And why is that?"

The question took not just Flora aback, it did the same with Felix and a number of others. Nobody could quite articulate it, but they all knew things like these were just not done.

In the end it was Laurus who responded: "Well, the gods obviously know better, don't they? They lived far longer and know a lot more than any human. Or demon," he added as an afterthought after recalling who sat all around them.

"Do you believe this greater knowledge makes them infallible, then?"

"Well, yeah?"

Her questions clearly made people uncomfortable at this point, but Felix had to think back to what he saw. The dead on the battlefield, the monsters and bandits, even Princess Arcadia's death. He had an idea where she was going with this, finally saw the trap that long since snapped shut. But Diana did not reveal it for some reason, she simply smirked and sipped her tea.

"Then this is all that needs to be said."

Felix did not dare dig further; they may well start a mob if this conversation went on much longer. Nobody seemed angry just yet, but those around them were clearly upset by Diana's pointed question.

Be it because the subject was closed to her or she understood the risk as well, Diana turned back to him next. "Tell me of your journey, Felix. How have you fared since we parted?"

He immediately took the out and talked a bit about their journey from the capital to here. The controversial parts like Laurus supposedly being meant to be the hero were left out. As he talked however, Felix slowly got an idea as he remembered the feat of magic Diana displayed earlier.

"How about you join us the rest of the way?" he asked her then, only for Diana's lips to quirk into a knowing smirk. The expression had him feel like a little boy getting chastised.

"That would be nice," Flora agreed, leaping onto his idea, "we can definitely use the help."

Others caught on with that much and threw them wary looks; Dame Eques growled but did not refute the point, although her reaction made Flora realise what she just implied. The younger woman ducked her head, at least until Diana shook hers.

"I think not. As amusing as it may be, I have other matters to attend."

Her immediate dismissal caused more surprise, especially among Felix's group. Laurus seemed particularly upset.

"W-What do you mean?" he demanded. "There's no greater honour than being in the hero's party!"

Yet just as before, his indignation did not faze her.

"While you are entitled to your opinion, I am neither required nor inclined to share it."

This was probably the most long-winded way Felix ever heard someone say they disagreed.

Laurus grumbled to himself and Diana turned back to Felix. "While you have my best wishes, this is all I can offer at this time."

"You believe his majesty weak, that those three are enough to best him?" Dame Eques asked quietly, glaring at Diana who met her gaze evenly. But there was no response, at least not from the older woman.

"Didn't you just take offence that we try to get more people to fight him?"

Flora's quip caused some snorts among their unwitting audience, though she wilted under Dame Eques's withering look. Felix worried about violence for a moment, but Diana took her attention back with ease.

"What I believe has no influence on the fact your king's fate has already been written. Whether I join the hero or not does not change the outcome. All the power in the world is meaningless if the red thread declares it to be."

There was something heavy to her words, an almost palpable sense of certainty. Dame Eques's anger drained away in favour of dread, but she did not get to answer before Diana stood. Her expression was curt now.

"But then the goal of all life is death. For some it arrives sooner, for others later, yet none can reject the clarion call forever. Being human or demon, I believe, means to make the best of what time we are granted by the forces beyond our control."

She paused there and turned back to the disgruntled group arranged around that table. A few coins were placed down in the silence, her gaze on Felix.

"Or perhaps there is another way?"

He knew what she meant to say, but he could not conceive of a way to challenge or change fate. The mere thought was blasphemy!

And yet at the same time he felt like she asked him a question.

That was when Felix realised that while fate was set, he did not know the outcome yet. Which meant he might as well try something else and see if it worked.

Diana was gone by the time he reached that conclusion, though nobody else spoke. Dame Eques was deeply conflicted and pale, Laurus frowned, and Flora seemed plain confused. Felix himself had much to think about, too.

He already expected that Diana left town before they could see her again, so they returned to their own preparations. Only now everyone was deep in thought about one thing or another. The final confrontation loomed above them now like a malevolent spectre.

That evening he took out his lute, realising it had been a while since he played. The last time was before the border, in fact.

It was no great song, but the patrons at the inn listened with interest anyway. Then some villagers brought their own instruments and sang hymns of their own gods, or just a few ditties about bygone warriors and legends.

If nothing else, the music helped take his mind off the upcoming confrontation for the evening.

 

[Naron]

Felix spent a lot of time thinking after their encounter with Diana. Tension grew among the entire group with each passing day while he wracked his brain for a solution; something, anything to do different.

He ran out of time two weeks later. The demon capital loomed in the distance, but an hour away.

Dame Eques motioned with forced calm, expression tight. "We will shortly arrive in Tenebrus," she announced, clearly wanting to say more but finding no words to phrase it well. Felix felt the same way, really; this was where fate would unfold, either he or the reigning monarch was to die today.

If nothing else, the fact she did not outright say she hoped he got killed was comforting. They got along well enough, maybe even became friends along the way. But he would never demand she choose him over her king.

"It looks a lot meaner than our capital," Flora finally commented, more to break the silence than anything else. "The large towers, I mean."

Glancing back to the distant city as it began to grow over the horizon, Felix found himself nodding. "Maybe it's because they used darker stone to build it, too? I'm pretty sure ours looks lighter."

"Curious. The outer walls are built from obsidian to withstand just about any assault, even if a rampaging dragon rammed into them."

"Does that happen often?" Laurus asked hesitantly, to which she shook her head. The two of them managed to make peace with each other's presence, just like Felix thought they would. Sharing the campfire and every meal for a month did the same thing for Laurus and Flora.

"It hasn't happened in my lifetime," Dame Eques explained. There was an odd tone to her words, something thoughtful that shone through on occasion since meeting Diana. "But there are tales of such events. The main reason this was built is the war; should humans ever invade our lands, we will not fall easily."

Flora sighed at the reminder. "I'm starting to think nobody is winning this war. Everyone just loses."

"That still doesn't mean the demons aren't our enemies," Laurus said quietly.

"Neither are the humans our friends," Dame Eques answered without any heat.

"But it would be nice if we could be friends one day," Felix added, well aware of the surprised looks he got from both. Flora just smiled, making him wonder if this opinion ran in the family.

The dark towers grew higher and higher, winged beasts patrolling the skies. A squadron of them raced by overhead before circling back and swooping down. Dame Eques spread her wings by way of identification and raised one hand in greeting; the squadron leader waved back while passing by. They did not make another pass, returning to the capital ahead of them.

"So what's the plan?" Laurus asked with a bit of worry. "Will they let us in or....?"

"They will. Nothing good comes of trying to stop the human hero."

Dame Eques said variations of this several times, but today it just reminded Felix of the red thread; right now it felt more like a noose tightening around his neck. His idea had to work.

Taking a deep breath, he turned his head. "Take the reins, Flora. I need to make some preparations."

She did it with a modicum of bewilderment, which soon turned to worry as she looked to what he was doing after trading places with him. Felix settled down by their packs and reached inside to prepare for the plan he hatched over the last few days. He knew it may be inevitable, but he did not know whatever fate was written; perhaps he even had some leeway in the outcome if only he asked for it.

While Felix went through the packs, he prayed silently to Fortuna for good tidings and a bloodless resolution. He did not want to kill a man he never met, regardless of human or demon. There was no response, but when was there ever? The gods did not acknowledge mortals directly. Then again, Fortuna was said to speak with her heroes, or at least to send an angel in her stead.

A foreign emotion flashed through him in just that moment, already gone by the time he realised its presence; wariness and worry, so weak he could barely feel them.

Felix looked around with attentive eyes, but nothing presented itself. The cart rolled smoothly on cobblestone and nobody seemed to have seen anything. So Felix shrugged it off. He finally found the small package from the border village and pulled it out; Flora bought it only because he asked her to, but it was better than nothing.

After taking another deep breath, Felix looked back up at the gates looming just ahead. He almost choked on air upon spying no less than a dozen guards in pitch black armour. Rubies glittered on their helmets and even Dame Eques seemed surprised by the sight of them.

"The royal guard?"

Her confused question made Laurus tense up and Flora try to look smaller in front. Felix was worried too, but the guards did not attack or bar their way. A shout came from up high and the gate rose up on iron chains, a mighty thing as thick as a person.

The royal guard slammed their ceremonial staves into the ground as one. Then they stood guard, still as statues.

The city's inside had Felix staring in awe; where it was all dark and black on the outside, now he spotted silver and gold. The buildings were brighter and almost shone in the sunlight, as if Sol meant to turn them to gemstones.

But what was more, there were people lining the main street right behind a line of guards marking their path. He felt small under the many awed and worried looks. It only got worse when he realised how many of the demons looked scared, especially the younger ones and children. They all knew why he was here and what may well happen within the hour.

He hated it.

The thought came with sudden clarity: Felix hated that his mere presence scared these people. They did not know him and yet fate had decreed what he was to them. He did not know if his plan would work, but he wanted to put these people at ease. No matter how stupid it might look.

So he grabbed his lute without conscious thought and began to strum. At first his song was drowned out by the buzz of a hundred conversations, but people gradually grew quiet as they realised he was playing.

Although Felix was not a trained minstrel, he had done this since he was a boy. Only the sound was too quiet on its own in a place this large.

Just as he realised this, the sound began to carry further than it should. A wide-eyed look went to Dame Eques, who weaved her magic with a determined expression; he knew what she thought in that moment, that he better make whatever he planned amazing.

He nodded gratefully at her before climbing back into the front seat next to Flora, from where he began to sing. Felix's words carried just like the music, and although he felt silly while on display like this, he kept on going. The crowd stared bewildered, but they listened.

His first song was about Facio, dark god of the arts; one he learned along the way. People clearly recognised it too. Then he went into an ode to Ceres, light god of harvest. From there to Aman, the light deity of love. Aevum was next, the dark goddess of time.

Felix sang to the crowd as their cart rumbled along, hoping against hope they understood why no word was given to Acies of warriors, Mors of death, or Fortuna of fate. He desperately pleaded his feelings to reach, for them to understand he did not want such an outcome.

Then it happened: Felix forgot the text halfway through the song for Aevum.

He stumbled, the mistake clearly audible to all... but Dame Eques joined in with a strong voice before anyone even reacted to it. Others did too, first one by one and then in droves. Soon only the royal guard stood silent, their expressions hidden by dark helmets.

Felix felt his anxiety melt away as the city sang with him. Once the final note was but a lingering echo in everyone's ear, he left a short pause; people waited for what happened with bated breath, their fear gone and replaced with curiosity as well as some uncertainty.

The next song Felix led into was one they might not know, but he felt must be included. The Ode to the Skies, serenading the celestial three; Sol, Luna, and Astra. He put all his heart in every word and the crowd answered after the first stanza; even Laurus and Flora sang along.

Throughout it all the royal castle approached steadily. Felix tried his best not to get distracted by the magnificent sight and even managed, at least until he spotted a figure standing atop one of the balconies. For just a moment he imagined meeting their gaze even at this distance, yet he kept on belting out the song with hope in his heart.

When the final tunes faded away and the crowd fell silent once more, fear had been replaced by that same hope.

Then Flora's breath hitched and she pointed shakily. Everyone saw and turned as one to behold three figures sitting on one of the rooftops, their forms translucent and wispy like ghosts; nothing could hide the orange gleam of sunlight in the man's eyes, nor the cold white of moon- and starlight respectively for the women.

They appeared human in shape, yet were clearly other despite nobody being able to tell their features. Although they all kicked their legs, hands intertwined, not one of the onlookers would ever think them childish.

Sol's left eye gleamed brighter for nary a moment, a smile and a wink for Felix in particular. Luna blew him a kiss while Astra simply waved. Then they were gone, as suddenly as they appeared.

Excited chatter exploded across town, but Felix sat there frozen. Never once had any of the light gods acknowledged him, only for the three of the skies up high to descend today of all days. It must mean something, but he did not dare speculate. If anything, Felix was thankful that they allowed him to witness their presence.

Flora shared a vulnerable look with him, her hands clenched tightly around the reins; neither of them ever expected to so much as glimpse a deity, much less three at once.

Then Felix himself realised that flowers blossomed across all of Tenebrus. They poked out of stone and wood like they were most fertile soil. Was that Ceres's doing, or merely the magic of the moment?

He did not know and there was no more time to think. They reached the castle.

A guard in even more ornate armour opened the gates for their cart and they left the crowd behind. A separate courtyard opened before Felix's eyes, empty save for a handful of guards in the same armour as the first. Anxiety welled up once more despite his hope, knowing that he was about to meet a king without any idea how to act.

Dame Eques dismounted with him, a hand placed on his shoulder.

"I will see to your belongings and the mule. Whatever it is you plan on doing, I wish you good luck."

He managed a shaky smile that she returned more calmly. Then Felix picked up the package with a quiet "Thank you", barely not adding 'for everything'. He would not die today, so saying it would just give the doubt another foothold in his heart.

Felix began to walk after centering himself, Flora and Laurus at his flanks. Weapons were stored but everyone was tense. Neither knew what to expect from here on out, yet they walked forward. Felix led the way, his cape fluttering in a sudden breeze.

The doors to the castle were opened before them to grant entry into an opulent hall. Little of its splendour registered with Felix, however; his gaze was drawn to the tall figure staring down at him from atop the staircase.

His ivory horns were large and curved behind his head like a crown. Fine, crimson robes lined a lithe body while almost equally red eyes sent a piercing look at them.

The demon king sized them up in utter silence, a palpable sense of pressure weighing them down. Flora jumped in surprise when the doors slammed shut behind them, Felix flinched as well. Then at last the menacing figure spoke.

"I welcome you at last to my castle, hero of the humans. I am Valerius Magnus Patris, and my line has held the demon king's throne for four generations."

It was immediately and absolutely clear that Felix stood before the greatest demon of the time. How could anyone have ever thought to face him? How would any hero survive when this was the extent of demonic power?

Felix wanted to run, or to just freeze in place and hope the dangerous man decided to go away. But he did neither despite his screaming instincts; he knew what he must do.

And so he slowly, hesitantly took a knee.

The aura of power flickered as if in surprise, then dropped away entirely when Flora followed her uncle's lead and pulled Laurus along. Felix was the first to rise again, grateful that at least some of the tension was gone. He wanted to shake in his boots, but his voice was firm; he could not afford to mess this up.

"It's a great honour to stand before your majesty today," he began, figuring respect could never be wrong. Then he slowly raised the package still in his hands. "A custom in our kingdom is to offer a gift when entering another's home. It may not be much, but I want to give this to you. A set of tea leaves from our lands."

He sounded like an idiot to himself. Laurus oozed confusion and the king himself seemed just as baffled, though his demeanour was soon replaced by wariness.

"Poison, then?"

He had not even thought about that. Felix quickly shook his head "No, your majesty. I so swear on Ceres that this is no trick!"

The king sized him up for another moment, then he took a step down the stairs. His goat-like hooves clacked loud on the heavy stone. Felix almost took a step back on instinct.

"I have little faith in the word of a human," the demon king began, his gaze never leaving Felix's, "but what word I received of your actions to this day did not eradicate it wholesale."

So saying, he waved for another demon in robes to approach. A guard took the package off of Felix and the wizard murmured incantations, squinting at the lightly glowing package as he made various gestures.

Then the man nodded. "No poisons, your majesty."

The king's brow ticked up a notch, but he accepted the result with grace. Another few steps down the stairs had his long, pitch black hair swish around his elegant figure.

"Very well, you have my attention. Why would you make nice with a man you are fated to battle, hero?"

Felix took a deep breath, knowing that this was it. He actually had to say it now.

"Because I don't want to fight you."

Twin gasps from his left and right told Felix that his companions were the most surprised out of everyone. Meanwhile, the demon king huffed in something akin to amusement; he came to a stop at the foot of the stairs, still easily a head taller than Felix.

"Explain."

Felix nodded faintly, then made a sweeping motion for the world beyond this room. He was intimately aware of the dozen gazes stuck to him and him alone.

"I had a lot of time to think, your majesty. It's true that our meeting here is fated, but we don't know what the result's supposed to be. Or if the chief goddess even wants for something particular. I asked myself, why would she make a simple farmer the hero? And without telling him before the day he has to make the journey, too?"

His admission caused another arched brow. Felix tried not to wince and kept going: "The only answer that makes sense to me is that I have or do something that someone else doesn't."

He left a short pause to breathe and sort his thoughts while the demon king mulled over his words. Felix did not dare look back to Laurus and Flora, both of them thankfully quiet. He knew he had to reveal a lot of his private thoughts here, but nothing could be gained without offering some trust first.

"I've seen the demon kingdom and am just... confused why we can't have peace," he continued, intriguing the king. "Your people and mine are so similar in many ways, even if some things are different too. But that's beside the point, really. I'm not the sort of person who can kill a stranger just like this, much less a king. And that's another thing that bothers me, really: everywhere we went, people were afraid of me. Even after they understood none of us would hurt them. They weren't scared for themselves, but for you. Not a single person I talked to spoke badly of your majesty, either. So I believe you can not be a bad ruler or a bad king... and that makes me not much of a hero, even if I somehow defeat you."

The king stood thoughtful, one hand now on his chin. Nobody else spoke, the world itself seemed to hold its breath while the ruler of demonkind contemplated.

Eventually, Valerius Magnus Patris nodded his agreement.

"Just like I would be little of a king to mindlessly strike down a simple farmer."

The tension finally released, yet just as Felix wanted to relax he felt something immaterial strain against him. For just a moment he felt like he swam in something viscous that drew tighter. Felix shuddered, much like the man before him. The demon king shook it off just as well, though.

Felix dared take a step toward him. "If nothing else, I would like to speak with you before anything else happens. I want to know who I am meant to fight here."

He was sized up once more as if the king were looking for falsehood, but in the end he nodded once more.

"Very well. Follow me."

When he turned around and presented his back to them, Felix felt the sudden urge to run his spear through him. He stopped himself from so much as twitching, far too wary of causing offence to do anything like what that intrusive thought just demanded. He followed as calmly as he could, only to realise a few steps later that he was alone.

Looking back, Flora and Laurus were still where they knelt before and looked conflicted.

"Come on, you two."

Flora startled a little, but she rose just like Laurus and caught up with him. The king waited for them before resuming his walk, all three following at a slight distance. None of the guards moved, but there was something menacing about their presence.

"What are you doing?!" Laurus hissed angrily after nudging his side. Felix could only shrug, having no idea what he was doing but finding that it worked so far. The gesture clearly did not mollify Laurus, though.

They were led into a drawing room as large as Felix's house and made to sit on a comfortable couch. Introductions came first for Flora and Laurus; the king took her being Felix's niece with a nod and was distinctly unimpressed by Laurus's remaining hostility.

"You will speak to me as an equal during this conversation," he demanded. "I have enough courtiers trying to worm their way into my good graces, I do not need more."

The message was understood and Felix started out with what interested him the most; he heard bits and pieces about how the demon kingdom was ruled, but he was curious what it looked like from the top.

According to the king himself, direct approaches were preferred over 'subtle nonsense'. Which meant in practice that he walked the streets at least an hour a day to hear what his people had to say. He demanded clarity and brevity in the reports he got as well. Overall, the man liked to cut down on chains of command as much as possible; the less people to stir the pot, the better.

Then they talked a bit about the human kingdom, or at least what Felix knew about it; Flora chipped in on occasion while Laurus kept his silence somewhat despondently. He clearly did not see any of this as good, but at least he did not complain.

It was when they talked about family that the human group was surprised.

"B-But that can't be right," Flora sputtered. "Then you would have just a few summers on me!"

Felix was just as confounded and even Laurus stopped brooding over this. The king was unfazed, though. "Yet I have seen but twenty summers," he answered calmly, "else my daughter may be receiving you in my stead."

"You just married and already have a daughter?" he could not help but ask, prompting a chuckle from the king. He was more at ease now than before.

"She is but an infant, but yes. I have loved Camellia for far longer than she has been my wife. We would have found each other even if we were not fated."

His words hung in the air while Felix wondered what to ask now. More questions about the queen may be taken the wrong way, though he also did not want to change the subject too abruptly.

Flora took the issue off him with a hesitant question of her own. "Say, aren't you worried about what your fate is in this?" she asked, then elaborated when she the king's attention. "I mean, everyone thought you would be the one dead when Uncle came by."

This earned her a thoughtful noise, though the man ended up shrugging. "Fate is fate to me. Any of us may be foretold to die tomorrow, not just me or you. Although I think Felix was right about not knowing what Fortuna has in store for us. We can only accept it."

Just then the door slammed open and a servant stumbled in, face red and panting even as he took a knee. The man stuttered badly at first, then stopped himself. Before the surprised king could even say anything, his servant took a deep breath and spoke.

"My king, your daughter passed away."

 

[Naron]

The silence was suffocating.

All eyes lay on the servant, the demon king still as if struck by lightning three times over. His mouth moved, but no words came out.

Eventually, he took off at a run and left the others behind.

They sat there dumbfounded, looking to each other for understanding. Neither had any to give, though something cold ran down Felix's spine; it was a sense of premonition and wrongness.

"H-How did this happen?" he asked the room. "It wasn't us, was it?"

The servant slowly shook his head, apparently having taken the question as being meant for him. "I don't know, sir hero. I came as soon as I heard to inform his majesty."

"I see. Thank you."

It was a cold comfort right now, but he felt a morbid sense of curiosity egging him on. Why did this happen now of all times? An ill omen? Punishment for their refusal to fight? That last thought gave him pause, seeing how it would be his fault then. But why would the punishment hit the king but not Felix?

"B-But she was just a baby," Flora blubbered, close to tears. "How could this happen?"

Once again no one had an answer. Felix stood, drawn by this foreboding feeling and curiosity that may just kill the cat today. He could not put his finger on what exactly, but something felt wrong.

"Can you show us the way there? I would like to learn more about this."

The servant hesitated, looking over his shoulder as if someone invisible might give him a clue what to do. He received no answer, but thankfully nodded after all.

"A-Alright. This way please."

They were quickly led through the quiet castle. Guards patrolled with heavy steps while maids and butlers whispered with each other. It was from their conversations that Felix learned there were no symptoms. No sickness, nothing. Young Princess Vita simply died for no apparent reason, even though she was a healthy babe.

He did not like the accusing looks coming his way, but bore them stoically. They were not wrong, even he suspected foul play; divine will being asserted just as he arrived was obviously suspicious.

Soon enough the sound of sobs became audible as they neared another section of the castle. The servant motioned them forward.

"The nursery is this way. If I may leave?"

"Of course. Thank you, again."

The man bowed and all but vanished down another corridor, leaving three humans to look at each other awkwardly. Flora remained pale while Laurus's previous grimace was replaced by plain befuddlement.

It was also Laurus who crept forward to the halfway open door and peeked inside. He recoiled a moment later as if struck, then turned away with a guilty look. Felix understood his feelings the moment he did the same; the king was there, holding a woman only slightly shorter than himself in his arms. Four hands clung to his robe like someone lost at sea to a piece of driftwood, her sobs now more audible.

Just peeking inside felt like an awful intrusion, making a show of their grief. It only reinforced Felix's resolve not to fight; not a man who could grieve so earnestly, and especially not a man who just lost his daughter.

Laurus stood awkwardly at the side, hands in his pockets. Flora did not even come to see, she just had a hand on his arm in search of comfort.

They were strangers to these lands, but they still sympathised with the devastated couple. Felix more so than the other two, having known a few people who lost their children. The faces were different, but the feelings were the same.

He shuddered at the prospect of what was yet to come. The future seemed more uncertain than ever before. He felt dirty just listening to the queen's sobs, or the king's faint words that tried and failed to console her. This was wrong, plain and simple. Why would Fortuna allow this?

Yet at the same time, he still had this niggling feeling that something did not fit.

Then Laurus muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone. The piece Felix forgot and that made everything click into place.

"It's just like with Princess Arcadia."

Hearing these words brought Felix back months to that day in the cathedral, to the way the news overtook his group on the way to the border. His mind froze on just a singular thought: one infant princess dying without warning was a tragedy. But two, and so soon after each other?

A manic sense of energy flooded him as various dreadful scenarios opened in his mind. He knew what he must do, regardless how awful a thing it was. All he could do was hope he was right in this.

Moving forward, each step felt like a lifetime. He did not want to interrupt yet knew he must. Felix gently rapped his knuckle against the door and peered inside, only to be pinned in place by the demon king's wrathful gaze. His wife glanced up with puffy eyes.

"You?" the man growled. "Do you not have the decency to give us peace?"

Felix winced in shame, but took a step into the nursery anyway.

"I wish I could, your majesty. I want to ask you to have her, her body examined in every way you can."

A low growl loosened from the king's throat and renewed pressure almost sent Felix to his knees. Valerius made to stand when a pair of hands clasped his shoulder. His queen spoke into the pause, voice a hoarse whisper that Felix could still hear clearly. A single word that was all he had hoped for.

"Why?"

He quickly bowed toward her and began to explain before the irate father tore him apart.

"I didn't realise at first, but this, all this," he motioned for the room, "this exact same thing happened with our princess around the time I started this journey. I just can't believe it's a coincidence."

The king's anger abated, only to reemerge right after. It was not directed at anyone in the room, though Felix still felt it.

As he seethed silently, Camellia, the queen slowly stood and wiped her face with a handkerchief. Her gaze was less sharp than his, though still pointed.

"You say this was not natural?"

"Yes, your majesty. I just don't know what it actually was."

They were interrupted by the king's voice, a shout that somehow reverberated across the entire castle. He called a name and ordered them to the nursery, creating a tense silence after as everyone waited.

The wizard from earlier arrived within minutes, clearly out of breath. His eyes only grew bigger when his liege ordered the body of Princess Vita examined by any and all means. "Curses, poisons, whatever other esoteric means you can think of," Valerius declared. "Confer with the other learned mages on staff, I want every arcane field covered."

The wizard bustled away without a word, then the king turned back to Felix. His words were calm but his voice sharp, sending shiver's down Felix's spine: "And I hope for your sake that something comes of this. If I let them open my daughter's remains for nothing-"

"I will accept whatever you do to me then," Felix cut him off. The swift response took the wind out of his sails and earned a simple nod.

In the silence, the queen stepped next to her husband to study Felix with interest. "Are you that certain?" she inquired, to which he hesitated.

In the end he decided to be truthful: "I learned to trust my gut on things like these by now. This is a risk I'm willing to take."

"Not to mention that being wrong is less awful than being right, in the end," Flora added while sidling up to him. "If it really was a natural death, that means only we get hurt after. But if someone planned this and gets away with it because Uncle said nothing?"

She left the question hanging in the air. The royal couple seemed to agree, although neither outright said it.

After that, they all stood a little awkwardly, uncertain how to act in this situation. Seeing even king and queen at a loss somehow made them feel more human to Felix, just people like him and Flora in the end. But it still felt wrong to be in the nursery of all places.

"Where is the other one?" the king finally asked.

Flora motioned behind herself in response. "Outside the door."

She received a faint nod and everyone ended up settling down in quiet introspection. Valerius and Camellia held hands to spend comfort to each other. Felix kept feeling weirdly out of place, his time spent watching Flora study some stuffed toys. Laurus never came inside, either too ashamed or too awkward about the situation.

He was not sure how long his thoughts went in meaningless circles trying to figure this out, but they did until the court wizard returned. He was once again panting heavily. All eyes were on him the moment he entered, even Laurus peered inside curiously. The wizard's expression was somewhere between perplexed and horrified.

Valerius prompted him properly once his breathing evened out: "Are you done already?"

"Yes, my king. I had the usual diagnostics done first, to no results. No spells revealed anything. Except, well. Every tissue sample we took turned to dust in minutes."

Felix did not understand beyond that something odd was going on. Valerius apparently felt the same, going by his next question: "And what does this mean?"

The wizard grimaced in response. "Our bodies don't decompose that fast, your majesty," he began to explain. "I never would have thought about it if we didn't suspect something going on, so I took a much closer look."

He left a pause as if afraid of saying it. Then, ever so softly, he told them what he found: "That body is not Princess Vita, your majesty. It's a highly sophisticated homunculus, made to resemble her and die in short order. Someone stole her highness."

The deduction stood in a suddenly quiet room. One could hear a pin drop in the silence. Felix felt like someone pulled out the plush rug from under him; he was right after all, there was a plot afoot.

Then he realised the demon king shook with unbridled rage. Yet where his power could be felt before, there was nothing of it now. He did not shout, his voice was quiet, but there was murder in his eyes.

"Spread the word far and wide that someone kidnapped Vita. I want to know who did it, how they entered and left, what collaborators they may have had, and where they went. We will erase them from the face of this world."

He did not even wait for the wizard's acknowledgement before turning to Felix. Though his tightly controlled anger remained, he seemed almost grateful now. "You were right," he admitted. "I apologise for distrusting you."

Felix only shook his head. "It's okay, you had every right to."

The other man heaved a soft sigh that carried smoke from his mouth before moving on: "Do you have any further insight? Anything on possible perpetrators?"

At first Felix shook his head again, but then an errant thought gave him pause.

"A dead princess who is really an homunculus," he began slowly, eyes on the still present court wizard. "Those things aren't easy to make, right?"

The wizard nodded immediately. "It takes a great deal of alchemical knowledge to make one," he confirmed. "Especially one that can fool a caring mother."

Felix absorbed this new knowledge and kept on musing aloud while his thoughts moved toward the horrible conclusion.

"So it needs to be someone or a group with lots of knowledge, people who can read. And they must've been around each capital at the same time I was."

Flora took a sharp breath, understanding where Felix was going with this.

Felix looked Valerius in the eyes, dreading the words he had to say: "There is one person this fits perfectly. A human woman called Diana. She arrived in the capital the same day we did, then the next day Princess Arcadia was dead. Then we met her again a few weeks ago on the way here. She knows a lot of things I never even heard about and is incredibly smart."

"But she didn't strike me as a villain," Flora murmured, to which he could only nod sadly.

"Me neither."

"Right now this is merely a suspicion, if a well reasoned one," Camellia chimed in, voice firm and both right hands on her husband's arm. She turned to the court wizard next: "Add to the order that any human in our lands is to be detained for questioning on the matter. I am certain the hero will be willing to offer a description of who we are looking for."

Felix nodded immediately, which earned him a brittle smile from the queen. She gave him a little nod as well. "And if nothing else, thank you for giving us this hope that our daughter is fine. None of us would have noticed without you."

"It was nothing, your majesty," Felix answered bashfully. "Anyone would have done it."

She slowly shook her head in response. The king snorted in disagreement at the same time.

"Any human for any human, any demon for any demon, yes," he said. "But a human for a demon or vice versa? You are definitely unusual."

Felix shuffled a little awkwardly, but could not quite deny their words; maybe they were right after all, though he never saw himself as someone special.

The king used the short pause to separate from his wife and took a few steps toward the door. "Please be our guests for the time being," he told Felix in passing. "You and yours may occupy rooms in the castle while I get back my daughter."

The sentiment and the generosity surprised Felix, though he could not accept it. Not out of modesty, but because he wanted something else.

"Actually, do you mind if I come along?" he asked, prompting the demon king to throw him a questioning look. "I have to know if it was actually Diana. And if she was, I want to know why she did it. She never seemed the type to steal a child."

"She did edge pretty close to heresy a number of times," Flora threw in 'helpfully'. "We don't actually know much about her."

She was right and Felix realised that too, but the feeling he had of Diana was still different.

Either way, the king nodded slowly. "Very well," he decreed. "As long as you don't slow me down."

"Not to worry," Felix assured him. Then he turned to Flora. "And you can-" "-come with you."

His niece was unimpressed by the attempt to keep her here, arms crossed and one brow raised imperiously.

"Come with me," Felix repeated dutifully, knowing a losing battle when he saw one. The queen giggled faintly and even the king grinned, though their mirth faded quickly.

"You need me anyway unless you want to keep Opus here, too."

"Would that be the young man outside?" the queen asked with a smattering of curiosity, but Flora shook her head in response.

"No, that's Laurus. Opus is our mule."

"And someone needs to tell Dame Eques what happened, too," Felix added, only just remembering that she was waiting for them.

It was the queen who offered him an understanding nod. "There will be enough time to do so," she said. "You will of course all join us for lunch."

"But dear, we need to catch up with the kidnappers!" Valerius claimed, flabbergasted. His wife was about as unimpressed with him as Flora was with Felix before.

"We do not even know in which direction they went, darling. As much as I want to start running myself, we need to wait for news first. Take a moment to breathe and calm down."

A disgruntled "Yes, dear" was the only response, which elicited another smile from the queen. Felix felt some sympathy for the king then.

That was when Laurus slowly opened the door to peek inside.

"Can I come too?"

He seemed uncertain at the moment, but Felix welcomed him without hesitation.

The queen then insisted on leading them elsewhere to rest after this little ordeal. She ended up talking with Flora along the way while the men formed their own little group.

"Your wife is pretty firm when she wants to be, your highness," Felix eventually broke the brooding silence between them. His comment drew a little smile out of the younger man, though a frown followed right after.

"First off, you will drop the formalities. Simply Valerius is fine," he declared. The fond smile returned once Felix nodded. "And yes, Camellia is strong in will and body. I wouldn't have her any other way. But your niece is much the same," he added with a glance toward the two women.

They were close in age, now that Felix thought about it. He huffed at that and the commentary in fond exasperation. "Yes, Flora is a minx. It may give her some issues finding a husband, though. It's, uh, less well liked at home."

"Pity. Why would any man want a shy flower who does not push back?"

Felix winced. That was not quite what he meant, though the king had a point. He needed to think a moment for how to get his point across. "More like, she is a bit pig-headed."

"A bit," Laurus quipped. Felix did not respond, still busy trying to find a good way to phrase this.

"It's hard to put properly. But what I meant is that she can be hard to deal with, especially if the other side is just as stubborn."

He threw a look at Laurus, who averted his gaze sheepishly. Then he turned back to Valerius. "And I wouldn't say that a shy or reserved lady is bad."

"A fair point," the younger man agreed with a nod before glancing back to his wife. "But I can still not imagine falling as I have for anyone not a spitfire like Camellia is."

Just then Camellia belched out a gust of flame in laughter over something Flora said. The human men stared in surprise while Valerius smirked.

"Just perfect, isn't she?"

Felix decided to just... not say anything about this. He thankfully did not have to either, seeing that they returned to the parlour Valerius had them in earlier. Food came soon after, and good food at that; although it was not exactly what Felix always imagined rich people food to be like.

He polished off his plate without issue, though he noticed Laurus hesitating and frowning at his for a while. The royal couple noticed as well but kept quiet for now. Only Flora seemed content and oblivious, at least until Valerius spoke up after lunch.

"I do not like this subtle dancing around the subject. Speak up already, man. What problem do you have with us exactly?"

Laurus winced in response, almost drawing into himself in a fashion completely unlike his previous aggression. The silence drew out long enough that Felix was about to interject when his companion managed to speak up after all.

"It's... not you exactly. Or maybe it is, I guess? I just don't think humans and demons are meant to get along. We wouldn't be at war for so long if we were. But it's hard to keep that in mind after everything today. After... you know."

He vaguely waved to elsewhere; Felix needed a moment to understand that he meant Princess Vita. Valerius's brows were creased and Flora heaved a heavy sigh, although she said nothing, just like her uncle.

Surprisingly, it was Camellia who addressed Laurus.

"You have a point, I will not deny that. Valerius's ancestors fell to your heroes for generations, grandmother, father, uncle, and aunt all. The bad blood runs deep. Yet here comes a man who manages to surprise us so."

She nodded to Felix, who felt a little flattered; he did not even consider it from this angle.

Valerius nodded along with his wife. "I had extensive plans to deal with most heroes," he admitted. "Now I am just plain confused what will happen next."

"Yeah. I can't really imagine us fighting after this."

"Even though it's fated?" Laurus shot back sharply, his previous indecision forgotten. Felix shrugged and tried not to show the worry he felt at the prospect.

"Fortuna hasn't struck me down yet, has she? Maybe this right here really is what she wanted at the end?"

"But why now and not hundreds of years ago?"

"Now you're questioning the goddess," Flora chimed in, her nonchalant comment earning a glower from Laurus.

And just like Felix feared, the two of them ended up arguing the particulars of this for half an hour. Valerius and Camellia just listened with some wry amusement, perhaps they even misunderstood the squabbling as flirting; Felix knew better, he could tell there was no romantic interest on either side.

Eventually, a servant snuck into the room and whispered into the king's ear. Valerius nodded at the woman, gave a quiet response, and stood.

"Enough. We found a trail of this Diana, it is time."

Flora and Laurus stopped at once as some tension returned to the room. From one moment to the next, Valerius looked ready to murder someone.

Felix got up as well, determined to find the truth.

"Yes, let's go."

 

[Naron]

Felix double-checked the mule's harness, well aware of Dame Eques's dumbfounded look following him. Opus received a pat on the head for comfort while he waited for his temporary companion to find her voice.

In the end, she let out an explosive sigh and rubbed her temples.

"Though I hoped that you would find a way to do this without any deaths, I did not expect this."

"It's not like I planned for most of this to happen," Felix answered sheepishly. "I'm glad nobody had to die, but the rest is...."

He trailed off there, not quite finding the words to describe his feelings. Dame Eques succinctly did it in his stead: "A disaster."

"Yes, that. Valerius is still really mad."

He glanced to where the king oversaw a carriage being prepared in person, only for a hiss to sound behind him. Then a firm hand clamped over his mouth, the instinctive attempt to fight against her hold rebuffed with ease.

"What fool are you to speak his majesty's name?" she hissed into his ear.

Felix relaxed a little and just stood there, unable to respond because she covered his mouth. The incensed demoness seemed to realise that too, seeing that she let go a moment later.

Once free, Felix told her: "He asked me to."

"...Oh."

But that was clearly not what she expected and it took the wind from her sails. She inclined her head. "My apologies, then. I should have guessed after having known you for a time now."

"It still feels weird to call a king by name," Felix admitted quietly after waving off her apology. "I doubt it will ever stop feeling weird, to be honest."

"I'm still in shock that we're not dead," Flora added from the side as she joined them. Opus received more headpats, snorting in content.

"Yeah, that too. How's Laurus?"

"Still staring holes in the air."

She pointed over her shoulder to where the young man stood lost in thought. It was worrisome to Felix, who preferred him being problematic. They never really butted heads since entering demon lands, even when tension was highest. Both were aware they could not show disunity like that in front of potential enemies.

Now Laurus was just quiet, which felt alien coming from him. Then again, maybe things would change now, what with them and Valerius being tentative allies.

"You should fetch him," Dame Eques said. "His majesty's carriage is about ready."

She hesitated and glanced back to Opus. "I still have trouble believing that you would reject the chance to ride with him in favour of a dingy cart. No offence intended."

While Felix already trooped off to get Laurus, he could hear Flora's response just fine: "Leaving Opus behind now just doesn't feel right. Besides, it would be a little cramped in there with four people."

He left the women to talk and approached Laurus with a clap to the shoulder.

"You ready to go?"

The younger man startled, but quickly relaxed when he recognised Felix. Then he gave a nod. "Yeah. Sorry about that."

"It's fine. Do you want to talk about it?"

Laurus shrugged faintly as they began to walk back. "It's hard to explain, I just keep feeling like this is all wrong and don't know why."

Felix could empathise with that, at least to an extent. He got similar feelings on occasion, so perhaps Laurus just had them worse than him.

"You're still being nicer than before," he commented instead.

The younger man sighed in response and threw him a sour look. "It would be much easier if we just did the usual thing instead of whatever this is. But like I said, it's hard to do more than say it after everything that happened earlier."

Felix nodded back at him and forewent any other response, seeing that they were back with the women. They clasped each other's hands with smiles on their faces.

"Best of luck to you, Claudia."

"And to you, Flora."

Dame Eques then turned to them, her severe expression nowhere to be found. Scaled wings unfurled slightly from her back before folding up again. "As I just told Flora, it is time for me to take my leave."

"Really?" Felix asked, not quite able to hide his surprise. "Already?"

"Of course. I was tasked to see you safely to the capital, now duty calls me back to the border," she explained, though she put on a little smile for him now. "No matter how much I would like to see this through, my part ends here unless his majesty gave a direct order. And I should mention that I will be very cross with whoever of you tries to bring this up with him."

The look she gave Felix as she said it made quite clear that she did not want them to force the issue, so he simply nodded.

"Alright. It was only a few weeks, but I'm glad you were along for the ride. It was an honour meeting you, Dame Eques."

"Just Claudia, please. I can hardly demand courtesy when his majesty saw fit to allow otherwise."

The quip was delivered with something like mirth. Felix nodded once more before clasping her hand. Then she turned to Laurus, who seemed more interested in the ground right now.

"And while I can not say it was a pleasure, I do respect your ability to put your dislike of me aside for the most part."

He looked up with some surprise, though Felix could not tell if he recognised the olive branch on offer. Regardless of whether he noticed, he took it: "Thanks. And thanks for guiding us here, miss."

The response was a little lackluster, but it seemed good enough for Claudia to offer her hand a third and final time. Laurus took it, only to be surprised by the firm squeeze that he soon returned with equal strength.

Claudia stepped back afterward and sketched a bow. "It is about time," she declared. "I shall remain until your party has left, then set out myself."

The carriage was ready now, two horned horses attached to the front; their fur was pitch black and their eyes like burning coals, each beast easily a head taller than Opus. They dragged their feet with unspent energy while the demon king approached Felix's group with a dark look.

"Are you ready?" he asked of them, only to receive nods. Then he glanced to their cart. "And you really think you can keep up?"

Felix looked back to the intimidating demon horses, then to Flora. His niece nodded without hesitation, so he turned back to Valerius with certainty. He would trust in her.

"We can."

"Alright. Follow me closely, then. We still have several hours of sunlight."

He shouted something and climbed the carriage. Felix once again took the front seat of his cart in the meantime. They set out in short order and it quickly became an odd experience, what with their completely different methods of travel.

What was more, right outside the castle gates were people waiting to see their king off. He could tell the confusion their joint departure caused, though many also cheered for them. That more than anything brought Felix to smile and wave. Flora weaved her spells in the meantime, having gotten better over time and with practice. Opus since got used to trotting along as if he had no weight attached, making him able to keep up with the carriage just fine.

Then a streak of crimson sailed overhead, barely seen in the corner of his eye. Felix looked up and found Claudia climbing into the sky, her wings gleaming in the sunlight. Although she did not look back, Felix waved anyway because it felt right.

There were shouts of "Good luck!" and well wishes, people demanding that Princess Vita be brought back. It felt invigorating how everyone stood on their side here, nothing like how it was mere hours ago.

The group quickly left town and picked up the pace somewhat. Felix had no trouble keeping his eyes on the imposing carriage they followed, though he could not help but grin about the travellers who stared at their procession in passing. The king stopped for nobody. He only glanced outside on occasion to make sure Felix and his group were still there.

An odd sense of anticipation began to grow among them.

This anticipation continued to grow when they reached the village nearest to the capital. This was where Diana was last seen as per the reports.

Everyone stopped what they were doing when Valerius's carriage rolled up. Guards quickly moved to cordon it off from the cheerful crowd. Then a number of people pointed to Felix disembarking next to the demon king, which caused confusion as well.

Valerius himself did not care for it, though. He stood tall and his voice carried over the small crowd: "My daughter, Princess Vita, has been stolen by a deviant. The main suspect has passed through this village not long ago, a human woman with pale golden hair."

Wide-eyed looks went around, the previous cheer replaced by worry. A middle-aged man stepped forward and took a knee, probably the mayor.

"Forgive us, your majesty," he pleaded. "The woman you speak of left a short while ago, no more than four hours. We had not known her true nature, or that of the bundle she carried."

Valerius growled once he heard that, the tips of his horns gleaming faintly. This was an almost damning confirmation of Diana's guilt. Yet before Felix could try to interject on the poor man's behalf, Valerius calmed down on his own.

"You could not have known. Tell me which way she went."

The man started stuttering and it quickly became clear he did not know. Felix worried for him a moment, only to be distracted by another voice chirping "I saw 'er!" from elsewhere.

It was a little boy, waving at them despite his parents' attempts to keep him quiet. Heads turned when Valerius strode past the mortified mayor, though he knelt before the boy. They were not even on eye level, his hands on the child's shoulders.

"Please tell me where she went, young man," he asked, more gentle than anyone would expect of him in his state.

The boy nodded and showed a smile with missing teeth, then pointed toward one particular road going east. "That way, sir."

Felix could not see Valerius's expression, but the boy seemed happy. His parents were just plain shocked to be this close to their king as he rose. Valerius easily towered over them as he rummaged in his pockets. Their eyes bugged out when he handed the child a silver coin.

"Thank you for your help. Grow strong, little one."

An enthusiastic "I will" was all he waited for. After giving the flabbergasted parents a nod of acknowledgement, Valerius marched back to his carriage.

"We shall move onward at once."

Hearing this, Laurus nudged Felix and Flora. "Wait, it's almost night. Can we do that?"

He had half a mind to shrug in response to the quiet question, his niece equally lost. But Laurus was right and nobody else would dare say that to the king's face. So Felix reluctantly interposed himself between Valerius and the carriage, clearly to the other man's displeasure.

"What?"

"Should we really do this," Felix answered him quietly, "follow someone dangerous at night?"

He could tell the younger man barely restrained himself from exploding. That intense pressure was back to underline his hissed words: "You want to tell me to wait when that woman has my daughter and is out on the road on foot? If we go now, then we can catch her before dawn breaks."

The vitriol carried an undertone of 'are you stupid' that took Felix aback, though Flora thankfully swooped in.

"Except the horses will tire eventually."

She weathered Valerius's stare with just the tiniest twitch and continued trying to convince him.

"I understand that you want her back, but what do we do if there's a fight and everyone is tired?" Flora asked, which gave Valerius pause. "Not to mention that she could get away in the wilderness after dark if we startle her. And... as horrible as it may sound, if she hasn't hurt the princess yet, then I doubt she will hurt her tonight."

Her words were delivered with a wince, the girl clearly aware how bad it sounded. Her argument left Valerius in an unhappy yet thoughtful mood. The crowd could not hear much of their hushed discussion, although it had grown further by the time they separated.

Much to their surprise, Valerius ended up agreeing.

"Very well. We will head out with the first light of dawn."

That was better than either of them expected. Not to mention that the townsfolk were certainly surprised to house their sovereign for the night; they did so with great excitement, though. Valerius remained brooding throughout dinner and the time after, but forced a few smiles that even approached friendly when necessary.

"What's her plan, anyway?" Laurus asked as they sat in front of the local inn's fireplace.

His question gave everyone pause. Felix looked to Flora, who looked back just as lost. They then both turned to Valerius, who puffed out a cloud of smoke in response.

"What does it matter?"

Laurus frowned at his hands at that, explaining his reasoning slowly. "It's just, why steal two princesses out of all babies? It doesn't make sense."

"The only way it makes sense is if she needs those exact two babies," Flora said after a thoughtful hum and a sip of ale. "But the stories never make it sound like those dark rituals need a specific child."

Valerius inclined his head in response, curiosity piqued now. "I would need to ask the wizard guild, blood rituals were never of interest to me."

"It can't be ransom or something either," Felix added. "She wouldn't have made those homun-somethings to pretend the princesses died then."

"Homunculus," Valerius corrected absently. He said no more, lost in thought for a while.

Unfortunately, neither Felix nor his companions could come up with any ideas that made sense; it was Valerius who put their failure into words: "We are missing pieces of this puzzle. Perhaps I may let her live long enough to explain if she hands over my daughter swiftly and unharmed."

His words sent a shudder down Felix's spine, but he did not dare argue. He knew how protective parents could be. Moreover, a single glance at Flora was all the reminder he needed for his own dedication to keeping his niece safe. He tried hard not to think of why she was here in such a dangerous place despite that dedication; the voice asking that question sounded eerily like Diana, probably because he knew this was something she would ask.

Thus Felix kept quiet and emptied his mug, then stood to turn in for the night. Everyone else did the same because nobody doubted that they would ride out at first light.

They also expected Valerius to be up before everyone else. Even then, having the demon king stomp into his room to wake him at the crack of dawn was new. Felix quickly got up and woke Flora himself to spare her the experience.

They were out of town before the hour was up, a number of farmers waving excitedly as they passed by their fields.

They made good time to the next village, which was within a day's reach. In fact, they arrived an hour after noon to the place in turmoil. Felix soon found out why.

Just outside the gate, they spotted a cordon of guards surrounding a lone person. Felix could spot her blonde hair from far away and knew already, but he wondered why neither side did anything. A mob of people milled around behind the guards, various improvised weapons at the ready; scythes, pitchforks, even just hefty wooden sticks. They grabbed anything and everything that made for a weapon.

Everyone parted when Valerius's carriage approached. This also revealed Diana standing there with a bundle in her arms. The serenity in her expression alienated Felix more than ever, as if she was not worried at all.

Valerius all but flew from his carriage, ivory horns gleaming white with power. His hooves left burning footprints as he lumbered forward, nobody dared stand in his way. It felt as if mountains would jump aside if only he demanded it.

"Your wickedness ends here, human," he drawled while Felix hurried after him with spear in hand. The standoff was broken, but still nobody else dared approach Diana. Still she seemed unconcerned, regarding the king with a faint smirk that ticked him off more than any other response could have.

Her voice carried easily in the tense silence, almost gentle where the words were anything but: "There is much wickedness in this world. Why would it be mine to end today?"

The crowd grew agitated in response and Valerius growled.

"You made the grave mistake of taking my daughter."

Felix wanted to interject that they did not actually know it yet, but the bundle in Diana's arms and her not denying the accusation were really all the proof they still needed. He was right all along.

"But... why?" he asked of her, earning a look from Diana. Her smirk grew a fraction.

"Why indeed," she mused idly, making a show of looking around before turning her attention back to Valerius.

"Alas, not yet."

The demon king made to lunge, only to stumble over a rock and fall forward. He barely caught himself on his hands. The crowd surged forward with him, but several people in front hesitated, which slowed them down.

Diana muttered something, her words lost under the angry shouts and cries. Then she rose into the air as if seated on something invisible. From one moment to the next she took up great speed and flew away with the princess in her arms. Felix watched her become a speck in the distance with wide eyes.

Could she do that this whole time? How far could she go like this?

In lieu of an answer to his baffled thoughts, Valerius leapt to his feet and roared.

"After her!"

The guards quickly formed orderly lines in response and followed his lead, but they were clearly too slow. Valerius realised it too. The energy from his horns overflowed then, surrounding them all. The world moved by in a blur as Felix ran along with them, faster than he ever was even on horseback.

Soldiers roared in pursuit of the distant figure and even began to catch up; Valerius led, streamers of magical might pouring from his horns that invigorated them all.

Suddenly, Diana slowed down some and glanced back. Felix could feel the smug radiating from her even this far away, just before she zipped away again. The distance they closed, she regained in moments.

The hunt across the road continued, passing through another two villages before Valerius began to tire. Felix saw it first, the beads of sweat and stuttering in the stream of magic. Letting an entire group move at these speeds and this far would even drive a king to his limits.

He strained himself to catch up the few steps and shouted over his thundering heart: "Leave the guards back, this is too much for you!"

A wild look pierced him, but somehow Valerius still had enough sense in him to listen. Realising that Felix was right, he shouted over his shoulder: "Return to your posts and await news of us!"

There was no real response or acknowledgement, yet nobody refused the order. The soldiers stopped and were barely visible in the distance mere seconds later.

Felix could not look back for fear of stopping, he just kept running by the demon king's side.

And then Diana was there, right on the empty road in front of them. They almost overshot her, but Valerius realised in time and cut off his power. He was panting as they came to stand before her and Felix felt the run as well. Not nearly as much as he should have, though. He could finally think again.

She held the princess still, not doing anything while the four slowly caught their breath. Her grin was fully visible, more than a little feral now.

"Now we shall speak," she declared.

Valerius growled in response, somehow powering through his tired state.

"There is nothing to say. Return my daughter right now and your death shall be swift."

This only made Diana shift Princess Vita in her arms. The baby made noises and started fussing while she cradled her with gloved hands. Felix almost breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the princess seemed fine.

"I notice that you have yet to attack me, your majesty. I am also well aware of the fact any strike powerful enough to threaten me will instantly slay her. So why would I hand you the one thing that prolongs my life?"

Another growl was the only answer to Diana's questioning. Valerius clearly wanted to tear Diana to shreds, but could not. Felix had to act despite how scared he was to interject, well aware it was his only chance to get answers.

"Please tell me why you did it, Diana. I never took you for a bad person."

His words sounded painfully loud to his own ears, yet he somehow managed not to flinch back when those cold eyes turned to him. Diana mulled over something for a moment, then some of the danger in her expression vanished.

"In truth," she began conversationally, "I wondered if you could put it together after the trail of crumbs I left for you. I am both pleased and disappointed with the results."

Felix could only stare at her.

"That makes no sense."

Diana did not elaborate. And while Valerius still fumed in impotent rage, Laurus stepped forward to point an accusing finger.

"T-That earlier, when he stumbled before attacking you, that was fate at work, wasn't it?"

The question made Felix shudder because he knew exactly which moment Laurus meant. He completely missed it until just now. Flora gasped in shock at this impossibility and even Valerius took his eyes off Diana, if just to growl at Laurus.

"You dare to say that my child being taken from me was fated?!"

Laurus winced, but nodded solemnly right after. "It was the same thing as every other time someone tried to come at us and got stopped by fate," he explained, voice laden with emotion. "You wouldn't stumble over a rock in that exact moment otherwise."

The demon's brows twitched and his horns flickered in anger, but he did not hurt Laurus.

"I don't want to believe it," Flora muttered. "Why would Fortuna allow something like this?"

"Why indeed."

All eyes snapped back to Diana, who was still where she stood for some reason; she had neither fled nor attacked. Right now she raked her gaze over the lot of them, cheshire smile back in place.

"You may just as well ask why it is that the hero and demon king forsook their fated roles and banded together? One must die by the other's hand after all."

There was a weight to her words that gave Felix the creeps. His spear slowly turned toward Valerius as if led by another's hand, just like the other man began turning his way. The moment they realised, they both shook off whatever this was and turned back to face Diana.

"We don't know what the chief goddess planned for us and neither do you," Felix called back with confidence he did not feel. "Besides, this, all this," he added, motioning for Diana and the baby with his spear, "it's just not right, regardless of anything else."

Flora just nodded along with his words, but Laurus also had something to add: "And it's not like the other thing can't still happen if it's really fated. Just after this here is done, no hard feelings... right?"

Laurus glanced to Valerius a little awkwardly, who sized up Diana once more. The king nodded.

"Quite. I hardly care what happens to me as long as Vita is safe."

Diana's smile had receded more with each answer she received. In the end she seemed sullen, heaving a soft sigh.

"Perhaps I expected too much," she said, more to herself than them. A faint gleam shone through the gloves she wore and the group lunged as one, but Valerius in front passed straight through empty air where Diana just was. Laurus and Felix collided right behind him, with Flora barely catching herself in time.

"What the, where did she go?" Valerius shouted, frantically turning around himself to catch a trace, a scent, anything really. When he found nothing, he roared at the heavens and stomped his foot so hard the ground fractured.

Felix had to fight for his balance, confounded.

"What happened just now?" he asked the air. Things were almost cordial even with the tension so high, but then Diana just up and left as if she suddenly lost all interest.

He looked to his companions, who were just as confused as him. They tried to figure out what happened for a little while, but no explanation presented itself. None of them could pick up any sort of trail, nothing physical like footprints and no magic that could have let Diana vanish like she did.

Valerius sharply wiped his eyes to hide the tears threatening to spill out, though Felix did not think him lesser for it. Flora ambled around nearby, torn between keeping her distance and trying to comfort him. She eventually put a hand on his shoulder, and was not shaken off.

Felix himself still looked around as if a clue would materialise sooner or later. He could not afford to lose hope, but he knew they needed a plan.

"What do we do now?"

His question received no answers.

He made another turn around the area before realising that Laurus muttered to himself. What confused him there was the lack of magic happening; no spell the younger man showed took that long to cast before.

"Laurus?"

He did not acknowledge him, whispering almost frantically now.

"Hey, what's going on?"

He closed in and shook his shoulder, only to startle Laurus. The younger man had a wild look in his eyes and grasped Felix in turn.

"It's the angel," he all but shouted, "they're back and speak to me!"

That drew the other two to them and threw Felix for a loop; he completely forgot his previous suspicions, not to mention that they were grasping at straws anyway.

"What do they say?"

Laurus grimaced in response and tried his best to explain: "A lot of half-sentences, stuff that doesn't make sense. They're so faint I can barely hear them, kind of... weak. And some of it isn't words and more feelings or something. Like they're teaching me something again."

He closed his eyes, head tilting slightly, before looking back to Felix. "And they say that's how she left."

Valerius was the first to respond, if just with a painfully hopeful "How?". Laurus seemed to have forgotten his issues with the man, though his pained wince made it clear he had trouble with the answer.

"I can't explain, don't know half the words. She used some sort of gate. Or... made one? It's right here."

He stepped over to the spot Diana vanished from earlier and reached out one hand. It was engulfed by gleaming lights a moment later. Felix felt something draw taut around him in the same moment; there was nothing there, yet the feeling persisted. The air shuddered and shook, but no sound followed.

Then, almost gently, Laurus pulled open a golden vortex. Spirals of light swirled outward and dispersed into nothing. He was fully focussed, strain audible in his voice: "Here. Come on, I can't hold it for long!"

Felix did not even stop to think, he saw Valerius move and followed right after. Flora was right behind them as they ran straight into the light. It seemed to go on forever once they entered.

Along the gleam, he could faintly hear seven voices speak as one, high and low pitches in accord to create a harmonic dissonance. It grew weaker even through the few words he heard.

"Please, Laurus. Everyone. Help... the mistress."

The voice faded away with that request. For just a moment there was nothing but Felix and the light. When this moment ended, they all stood somewhere else entirely.

 

[Naron]

"Where are we?" Flora asked the question on everyone's mind.

It was a good question, really. The light faded as fast as it enveloped them, but now they stood in a clearing within a vast woodland. There was nothing exactly wrong about the place and yet it made Felix's hackles rise.

Animals, mushrooms, some flowers, it was all there under the massive, ancient trees that rose high into the sky. Even faint rays of sunlight broke through the thick canopy in some spots, giving hope to the saplings that nearly hugged their parents' barks in some places. But there was also a light fog permeating the entire area; it grew so thick in the distance that they could not see past a hundred paces without the forest itself blocking their view.

It felt unlike anywhere he had ever been.

Felix's eyes slowly focussed on a faintly worn path, only now realising it was there. It led to the one human-made structure in this untamed wilds: a wooden cabin at the clearing's edge. Everyone else stared at it in silent contemplation, wondering if this was their destination after everything.

Ultimately, Valerius grunted and took a heavy step forward. His hooves left a deep imprint in the soft soil and Felix grabbed his arm on instinct, somehow aware of the king's intentions.

"Wait," he pleaded, his voice muted as if the fog itself tried to devour the noise. "We need to figure out what's going on first. Just rushing in hasn't worked before, so let's try something else."

He knew that Valerius would snap back about his daughter and he understood his feelings, which was exactly why he said it. But to his surprise, the other man merely growled. He did not argue, inclining his head with clear distaste.

"Alright. What do you think we should do?"

Felix motioned for the cabin in response, their only clue for now. "Let's take a look around. Maybe there's a window or something."

Valerius seemed amenable to that, so they began to walk. The fog kept swallowing all noise in short order, which had Flora and Laurus stick close to them. Felix, too, felt like distance may see them vanish.

Just then it struck Felix that everyone else was close in age and he was by far the oldest of them all. Despite Valerius's maturity, he was still a young man and suitably hotheaded, just like Laurus and Flora. That realisation made Felix himself feel an even greater sense of responsibility for them all; he had to make sure they saw this through.

They cautiously snuck around the front-facing door, taking notice of its sturdy wood. Moss and a few herbs grew in several cracks across the outer wall, though there was also a garden out back. The place was sizable enough for several people to live in comfortably.

Despite the calm, he felt like a thousand eyes watched them from every direction. The hairs on his neck stood straight in anticipation of an attack.

His wariness only grew as nothing continued to happen.

The first window they found showed them Diana. She was seated at a nicely crafted table in a surprisingly well furnished living space. A human skeleton hanging in the corner drew Felix's attention for a moment as he studied the room, but he did not linger long.

They quickly moved on before Diana could spot them, too engrossed in her steaming cup of tea to notice yet. Or at least he hoped so, she may just not give away that she saw them.

The next window they reached offered view of a nursery. Everyone stopped to stare for a moment.

There lay Princess Vita, sleeping peacefully. But there was another baby in the adjacent crib. Where the demon princess bore a dark fuzz reminiscent of her father's black mane and a singular, stubby horn on her forehead, the other showed no demonic traits and had blonde hair.

"Is that Princess Arcadia?" Felix could not help but ask. It was the only possibility he could think of.

Laurus nodded faintly. "It must be, unless she stole more children for some reason. But what is this?"

His quiet words were just as muted as the others' were earlier, so Diana hopefully did not hear them.

Valerius seemed to have calmed at the sight of his daughter being unharmed too, sounding more thoughtful now. "It really does not make much sense, does it? This here," he said, motioning for the nursery, "implies she means to care for them. But why steal two children if she could carry her own? And if something prevented that, why two princesses?"

Nobody had an answer to his questions, they were just as stumped as before.

A moment passed in silence, then the demon king slowly reached out for the window. His fingers twitched and stopped before even reaching the windowsill, a frown marring his features. Then he uttered a faint huff.

"Of course."

Shaking his head, Valerius made to stand and motioned for everyone else to follow.

"Shouldn't we go in here?" Laurus whispered urgently with a motion for the window. "Just get in, get the kids, and leave?"

"I bet there's something in the way," Flora suspected. "Some protection. Right?"

Valerius nodded to Flora as they began walking around the other side to avoid Diana. "Yes," he confirmed. "The outside of this cottage is heavily warded. Trying to climb in through the windows or attacking the walls only invites a horrible death."

Perhaps this was why the windows were so invitingly wide, Felix thought. He decided not to say it, no longer knowing what to think of Diana. His attention soon returned to Valerius's tall form; he may be calmer now, but his simmering anger remained audible in his voice and visible in his gait.

The demon king marched with purpose to the front door and delivered three heavy knocks. Flora made a noise of protest, but visibly bit back down on whatever she meant to say as it was already too late. Felix had cold dread pooling in his gut and really wanted to be anywhere else; facing her again somehow felt more daunting than facing Valerius.

Seconds passed and tension grew, the silence only disturbed by the muted noise of forest animals and insects. Then a faint creak as the door opened without warning.

Diana's brow was raised ever so faintly, expression curious. Her customary, knowing smirk returned as soon as she saw who stood at her door. She had exchanged her peasant's dress for a simple yet elegant dark robe, her blonde hair and fair skin almost shining against the cloth.

"What a surprise to see the four of you once more," she greeted, once again perfectly at ease. If anything, Valerius grinding his teeth seemed to amuse her.

It took him notable effort to speak calmly: "May we impose on your hospitality, miss?"

For some reason that question pleased her, but Felix could not tell why. Her smile became a fraction less smug as she inclined her head.

"Why, of course. Please come in and make yourselves at home."

She stepped back and held the door for them as they filed in one by one. Shoes were taken off, then Felix's feet sunk into a plush carpet the likes of which he only saw in Valerius's castle before. He barely had time to enjoy the unfamiliar sensation before they were led into the same living space they saw Diana in earlier.

Felix and Flora took a seat at the table while Laurus leaned against the wall nearby. Valerius for his part strolled over to examine the skeleton in the corner. Diana busied herself with pouring tea for everyone; the cups for Laurus and Valerius floated over and remained still in the air with a gentle gesture.

"First of all," Diana began afterward, her look calculating, "I will have you tell me how you found the Forgotten Woods. Not just anyone can enter these parts."

Felix hesitated here and glanced to Laurus, who took it as a cue to explain quietly: "The angel told me how to. My angel. They helped me open it, too."

"I see. Of course."

Diana's grin widened somewhat and Felix's curiosity spiked once more. So many unexplainable things happened of late, he really just wanted answers.

"Do you know what happened there? Laurus can't really explain it."

He did not expect her to indulge his question and was surprised once more when Diana answered.

"I can make an educated guess," she mused out loud. "My assumption is that this angel was wounded earlier, but regained enough of their strength to recognise the strings of fate and act accordingly. They must have died sending you here in their current state. The feat can not be repeated."

While she added the last part like some important observation, Felix and Flora sat up straight in alarm. Laurus scowled.

"That's nonsense," he barked. "Angels can't be killed."

"Says who?" Diana asked in-between idle sips of tea. "The angels?"

"Yes? Why would they lie about it?"

Diana just chuckled in dark mirth, causing Valerius to explain in her stead: "A ploy to project invincibility. Everyone can and will die, lest they incur the wrath of Mors."

He never looked away from that skeleton, studying it with keen interest. Or at least he did until Diana turned her next question on him.

"But then what about Mors themself? Can the deity of death die?"

Valerius's ineffectually tried nailing her to her chair with his gaze alone. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Then the demon's eyes widened as the contradiction in her question registered. Felix needed a moment longer to connect the dots.

"If they can die," he said slowly, "then the gods are not absolute. But if they can not die, then they oppose their own nature."

Both of those answers were heresy, yet there was no third.

Diana favoured him with a little smile bereft of the usual smugness. She let the silence linger and refilled her tea.

Valerius had turned away again. He angrily stared at that skeleton, clearly unwilling to interact more with Diana beyond listening for now. Felix decided to backtrack a bit, he did not want to think about what he just realised.

"You said the angel was wounded. Do you know how or why?"

This time she responded easily: "Once again I can but guess. The angels of fate are quite sensitive to its current; I imagine this one received a powerful backlash when the thread it attached to was shifted."

The answer itself was not clear, but it was something. It was definitely enough for Laurus, who leaned forward intently.

"What do you mean? They're my angel, so does that mean my fate shifted?" he all but demanded. Diana proceeded to sip her tea enigmatically, which he did not appreciate. "Why don't you answer? Tell me!"

There was no response once more, though Felix felt the lack of one said enough. He did not get to offer his opinion because Flora changed track, a little agitated like Laurus but mostly frustrated.

"Why do you keep talking so cryptically, anyway? Would it kill you to say something straight-up for once?"

Her caustic words drew a soft chuckle from Diana, followed by a click as she set the cup down.

"Nothing is learned if all answers are simply given, child. Knowledge, you obtain through asking those who know better, but understanding follows only if you make the journey yourself. I, too, had to realise the truth on my own."

She paused there to favour Flora with a look one could call fond if they were generous.

"And at this point I am curious if you can do it as well."

Felix knew immediately that she meant all of them and not just his niece. A heavy silence followed as both of them wracked their brains for the answer to all these questions; the changing of fate, the angel, his own becoming the hero, Diana and her mysterious powers.

Then Valerius spoke, his voice like thunder in the quiet: "This skeleton is crying."

All eyes turned back to him and the indeed crying skeleton; tears pooled in its empty eye sockets before rolling down pristine ivory. The sight gave Felix enough of a start to look closer, from where he realised for the first time that the skeleton hung suspended by magic, perfectly aligned but still. A metal band was attached to the spine where the throat would be. Morever, its hands were gone. In fact, there was a jar holding a pair of hands in some sort of translucent solution. It collected dust in the shelf behind the skeleton.

But this was just new questions and some worry about necromancy, though Diana simply inclined her head at the demon king.

"She often does. Her punishment has yet to end."

That idle comment was what brought him on the right track. Felix suddenly recalled the story Laurus's mother once told them, about the heretic who was purged. The skeleton made everything make sense now; Diana's power, her knowledge of history, it all fit.

"You are Fortuna," Felix said, head bowed and reverence in each word. Several sharp intakes of breath followed, but Diana just gave a little smirk. No matter how ridiculous it sounded however, he was certain.

Pointing to the skeleton, Felix continued his reasoning: "And this is the heretic who once betrayed you."

Valerius looked back at it with narrowed eyes in response, the other youths quiet in awed shock. Diana softly laughed to herself, which told Felix that he was right. Thus he ventured further.

"So it was you who made me the hero back then. But why? That's what I don't understand."

A moment's pause followed, which Flora used to chime in tonelessly: "But if she is F-Fortuna, t-then why did she steal the children?"

It was a good question and gave Felix pause; she was right, why would the goddess of fate do something like this?

"You shouldn't question divinity," Laurus answered as if he heard his thoughts. The younger man was obviously brimming with questions of his own, barely held back.

A soft rattle distracted them momentarily; the skeleton had begun to tremble in its frame, tears growing larger. Despite what he now knew, Felix felt for the poor soul.

"Is this really necessary?" he asked of Diana. "She must have been here for a while, can't you forgive her?"

Laurus scoffed at that. "Whatever she did, she seems to have had it coming."

Flora nodded along with that and Felix was disgusted with his niece for supporting such a thing, regardless of who it was about. At least Valerius only quietly sized up the skeleton instead of speaking out.

Diana herself rose with casual grace, her robe's hem swishing around her ankles. She approached the skeleton under everyone's eyes; it shook harder the closer she got.

Then Diana took off the metal band around its throat.

The effect was immediate.

Everyone watched in horrified wonder as the body began to restore itself. Flesh regrew, veins and viscera gliding through it to pump blood from a heart freshly restored within her ribcage. The display was quick and sickening as each layer of the woman's body reformed atop the last.

Diana watched with idle amusement, everyone else either ill or horrified. Her prisoner was restored within the span of a minute, naked as the day she was born. Long strands of black hair fell down her back and sides, eyes gleaming red and skin completely unblemished. She was the most beautiful woman Felix ever saw, even after he realised her arms ran out in stumps.

The lady herself shivered and shook, whimpering as she tried to turn her face away from Diana. The other woman studied her a moment before reapplying the metal band. It resized to fit snugly around her restored throat.

"Please, don't you have enough?" she begged in a voice that would be beautiful, were it not choked by tears and fear. "I learned my lesson, Diana. Please, please let me die."

There was no hope in her pleas and yet she begged. Felix felt for her. Diana clearly did not.

"So you do wish to go the way of Ignis and Sopor, hm?"

The woman flinched as if struck, though no one else recognised those names.

"Who are they?" Flora asked for all of them. "Her old companions or something?"

"In a sense, yes."

Diana turned away from the woman and ambled back to the table. She picked up a carving knife and whetstone along the way, the mere sight of which caused her prisoner to wail and continue to beg.

"Lady Fortuna?" Felix asked hesitantly once the noise died down.

Diana did not react to the name. However, a hiccup drew his attention back to the dark-haired woman still hung up.

"Y-Yes?"

It could not be.

Felix's eyes almost bulged out of their sockets and a horrified sound came from Laurus by the wall. Flora and Valerius were pale as ghosts. All of them understood their assumption was wrong in that very moment.

Diana paid their realisation no mind, sharpening her knife with secure motions and filling the silence. In fact, she began answering Flora's previous question as if nothing happened.

"Ignis, god of fire, used to be a member of the light pantheon. Sopor, goddess of sleep, was of the dark pantheon. Ignis was betrayed by their contemporaries for trying to end the gods' little game, then Sopor had to follow her brother for objecting to his death. All ratified and overseen by Fortuna of fate, the chief goddess."

Her words were like a gentle breeze hiding the bite of early winter's cold. Felix shivered, frozen in indecision.

The sharpened knife was placed down gently, but even this faint click echoed like rolling thunder.

Felix could not, did not want to say the unthinkable; even if all signs pointed to the truth, he rather believed in some elaborate hoax. Yet no matter how hard he tried not to think, this horrible thought kept returning.

The woman in front of him was the heretic without a name. The woman she imprisoned was the goddess of fate.

Laurus moved first, drawing his axe with a murderous glare. Yet he only managed a single step toward Diana before a loud "Don't!" stopped him short. Laurus flinched just like his companions, for there was divine fervour behind that single word.

Fortuna sank back in her hold, skin glistening with sweat after that exertion.

"Please don't, Laurus," she begged softly. "You can not fight her, no, you must not fight her."

The young man was taken aback by her plea and lowered his weapon. Felix stared at the goddess as well, unable to comprehend why she would defend her captor. The woman in question sipped her tea and made a face because it was only lukewarm.

"And who allowed you to address our guests, my dear?"

A panicked noise escaped Fortuna, who shrunk back as best she could in her confines. Diana paid her no more mind though, instead walking over to the window. She upended the half-empty kettle, rinsed it out, and filled it with water again.

"You dare to speak to a goddess as your lesser?" Valerius asked of her then, respectful and controlled yet brimming with anger.

Diana glanced to him with an outright sadistic smirk.

"I made her my lesser, king of demons."

She continued to fiddle with the tea, collecting cups and cleaning them, all while waiting for someone to be dumb enough to attack her. Felix was too caught up in his realisations to even consider it, though; he finally understood why she could speak blasphemy so casually. What were words compared to a sin like this?

"But... why?" Flora asked, the most important question on everyone's mind. Why in the world would anyone wish harm upon the chief goddess?

Diana carefully dropped tea leaves into the kettle as it began to boil ever so swiftly, then sat back without a care for Laurus still clutching his axe nearby.

"You are a smart girl, Flora. Disregard your preconceived notions and ask yourself what it was you saw and heard along the way. A life of indoctrination is hard to break of course, so I will tell you the answer this once if you wish?"

Flora nodded slowly, a motion that Felix followed. He felt like the pieces fit together, yet at the same time none of it seemed to make sense with what he knew.

Fortuna sobbed quietly now, which drew Diana's attention. The heretic threw her a considering look and that smirk grew a fraction. "Actually, how about you tell them. Why is it that I attacked you, Fortuna?"

The goddess shuddered helplessly, head bowed down. She did not meet anyone's gaze and spoke tonelessly.

"I'm sorry. All of you, I am so, so sorry."

"Please don't apologise to us, my lady," Laurus immediately moved to reassure her. "You did nothing wrong, it's her who makes you say this."

Fortuna could only shake her head in response, tears brimming in her puffy eyes.

"N-No, hic, it's me. My idea, my fault. I never should've...."

She continued her half-delirious babbling a little while before abruptly turning to Diana.

"Please, I meant it! I understand what I did wrong. Why won't you let me make it right at least, let me atone for my sins?"

"You had a thousand years to come to this realisation, dear goddess," Diana responded while daintily sipping her tea, unmoved by the pleas and tears. "Now someone else will right what you and yours made wrong, all while meting out punishment to the rest of both pantheons."

Felix did not know how to address this or what to do in this situation; it was so far beyond what he expected that he could not even freeze up. His mind raced his heart as he clung to what felt like nothing in the hopes to achieve something, cause her to rethink or at least hesitate.

"What of the celestial gods? You, you even sang with us that night, didn't you?"

Diana's brow twitched at the reminder, the only sign of surprise or perhaps annoyance she had ever shown. But then she inclined her head without a fuss.

"I hold no ill will toward Luna, Sol, and Astra. They did the sensible thing when Fortuna proposed her great game to the gods, which is to remove themselves as best they could and stay among themselves. May their union remain prosperous for sweet eternity."

The praise flowed over her lips almost lyrically, all while Fortuna hung her head.

"What is this 'great game' she speaks about?" Valerius asked, having slowly regained more of his composure.

The goddess cast a worried look to Diana and only dared speak upon receiving a nod. Even then her words were halting and audibly pained: "I, I suggested to the others to play a game of nations. It was to, to pass the time, to amuse ourselves. Four to each side with me overseeing, and then we tell whatever stories we want over time. Brave heroes and dashing rogues, joy and anguish, life and love and death."

New tears trickled down her cheeks at this point. Fortuna could not even bear to look them in the eyes, all four too astonished by what they heard to interrupt.

"We t-turned your lives into a game to be played because we were bored."

Felix stared. There was a smidgen of anger and hurt, of betrayal, but mostly he was numb upon hearing these words from Fortuna's own mouth. His head slowly turned to Diana, who showed no surprise at all.

"Then the reason the war just keeps going and going," Flora prompted, almost scared of hearing the answer. Fortuna nodded sadly.

"We made it keep going, no matter if the demon lord or the hero won."

"How simple a matter when you can weave the fates of all those lesser beings with your very hands, no?"

Diana's rhetorical question made Fortuna flinch, though the goddess did not respond. Felix's eyes were drawn back to the stumps of Fortuna's arms in the ensuing silence, then the container holding a pair of hands. He motioned toward them faintly.

"Is that why you took them off?" he asked, but received no response. So Felix tried again: "Please tell us what made you do as you did. You already said the reasons, but not your feelings about it."

Diana sized him up then. She could not miss his burning curiosity or the swirl of emotions in his heart.

"Avia Stygia Patris," she said, causing Valerius's head to snap up. "Demon Queen and my fated opponent to face. As you well surmised, I too was once a hero of fate. I slew Queen Avia as I was told even while I wondered about the purpose of such a cause. Alas, philosophy is of little use when you do not have the freedom to make a choice. I wished to spare the queen in her final moment, but my hand moved to land the killing blow on its own."

Her voice was calm as she recounted her tale, never once looking away away from Felix. He listened with rapt attention.

"That was when I realised why my life had felt almost scripted at times. Why it was that the 'blessing' of fate galled me so. And so I made use of my wide breadth of knowledge and exploited an opportunity; a chosen champion of a deity can interact with them in the moment of their role's completion. I know not why, though I presume it is a consequence of threading divine power through a mortal being to make them champion."

As they all began to understand how she did it, Diana took a sip of tea while watching him most of all. She only continued when no questions came: "As the hero of fate, the minutes after slaying Queen Avia brought my being close to Fortuna's and let me affect her. So I did the unthinkable in a fit of anger, unexpected by all, and struck her. Even I was surprised when it worked, of course. But I did not hesitate afterward."

Her words remained composed, to the point it was hard to even imagine Diana get angry. Her serenity was temperance earned by experience and time. She loosened her gloves and slowly pulled them off, revealing skin that was distinctly not the same colour as hers; there were clear scars running around her wrists.

While he felt faint at the sight, Diana smirked and confirmed what he already suspected.

"I took her hands and grafted them upon myself, stealing a spark of divine power in the process. Enough of it to grasp the neutered goddess and abscond with her before the rest of the pantheon realised what had happened. She has been here ever since while her mosaic continues on its own, while I wield her power and obtain more knowledge, carefully hidden from the gods' eyes."

She visibly enjoyed the gobsmacked silence. The sound of her refilling her tea felt impossibly loud to Felix's ears while he tried to comprehend her tale. Believing it was another matter entirely. Yet living proof sat before him.

"You readily reveal a weakness to those who would harm you?" Valerius asked with clear suspicion, "after admitting to committing a cardinal sin?"

He still stood near Fortuna and bore Diana's scrutinising gaze stoically. Felix could tell his anger faded completely, to be replaced by plain confusion and wariness.

"Tis not a cardinal sin, king of demons. The gods would have to admit that they are not inviolable for it to be, which they never will before mortals that they see as their property and playthings. Moreover, I am protected by fate just as Fortuna would be. Only one person in this room could gain the opportunity to harm me, but he will not. Your life is the price of a mere fledgling chance."

Felix knew she talked about him and felt sick again, but this time he knew beyond a shadow of doubt he was powerless. Valerius bore it better, simply nodding slowly.

"And why is it that being bound by fate galls you so? Should we not be glad that a higher power guides our actions?"

Fortuna started sniffling again, which only reminded Felix that it was all just a game to the gods.

Diana sipped her tea before responding: "It galls me because I was never allowed a meaningful choice of my own."

"Yet you continue to weave fate in Fortuna's stead."

His accusation prompted a soft chuckle. Diana put her gloves back on with a smile.

"I do no such thing," she denied. "The red thread was weaved decades into the future and continues to guide every being on this continent by Fortuna's original design. It has done so for sixty years and will last about another twenty. But then again, I am not willing to just let it dissolve and give the gods free rein of the aftermath."

She stood in a single, fluid motion. Her teacup floated along as she walked toward a door leading to another room. Felix only got up once she was already through, even then he only followed hesitantly. The others moved after him, though Laurus tried to reach for Fortuna. She frantically shook her head.

"P-Please don't," she begged. "She will just k-kill you and hurt me more."

Felix could not bear to watch further and looked into the nursery instead. Diana stood before the two cribs with an expression approaching tender.

"If there is a sin I will readily admit to," she said with a soft motion to the sleeping babies, "it is them. The children are innocent of any crime, yet I took them from their rightful places in the world and force this duty on them. No matter how I reason or how well the plan works, this will remain the one sin I regret."

She gently ran a hand over Princess Arcadia's head as she spoke. No motion was made to stop Valerius from doing the same with Vita.

"Then why?" he asked of her, to which he received a faint smile.

"An end to this long war. A story's conclusion brought forth by two princesses thought lost, one of each realm raised as sisters. They will finally bring peace at the end of our long enslavement by the gods. More to the point, their emergence will also serve as a distraction for those same gods. An opportunity for me to slay their priesthoods wholesale and desecrate their altars in a ritual so painstakingly prepared. The light and dark gods will be sealed within their heaven once I am done, imprisoned forevermore."

Her blasphemy was delivered in sombre words, filled with conviction. Felix could tell from the sudden tension in the air that this was not just an explanation; it was a promise.

Valerius listened intently, though he paled with the rest of them. Yet he seemed introspective at the same time, eyes slowly narrowing.

"You won't let me take her home, will you?" he accused Diana while taking a protective step between her and Vita.

"I wish I could, but her disappearance and the hubbub you made already caused enough questions. The gods will forget about the situation after a while, but she will be a constant reminder if she returns. Obscurity is my one true shield from their retaliation."

This time she seemed almost apologetic, but it took Felix a moment longer to realise the implication. It made him quake in his boots to understand they would die here, killed to keep the secret. That was why Diana was so forward with everything.

Every fibre of his being urged him to flee, but there was nothing he could do. They were stuck here.

With both babies still asleep, they retreated to the main room and everyone sat down. Laurus and Flora both looked drained, his niece shivering from all the awful revelations. Felix himself felt little better, but the bitter tea helped a little. Warmth trailed down his throat and pooled in his belly, a momentary distraction from everything.

"I have to admit to a white lie earlier," Diana admitted to restart the conversation. "It is true that I left fate's flow alone for the most part. With one exception."

She nodded to Felix, who understood without any more words.

"So it really was Laurus?"

"Indeed."

"W-What?!"

The younger man jumped up and slammed both hands on the table, making Felix and Flora flinch. "You, you took my fate from me? For what?!"

Just as every other time, Diana was unmoved by his aggression.

"In truth, curiosity. I wondered if there were others who would see the world as I saw if given the same clues. Meeting you," she explained while addressing Felix, "gave me the impression of a good man. One who would dare to question the contrivancies of fate's design despite his piety."

Her words were so matter-of-fact that he felt only a mite sheepish about what may be praise. Diana did not stop there either.

"Have you not asked yourself before why suffering and hardship 'have to be this way as fate decrees' before? Is this not why you sought to speak with the demon king instead of vanquishing him?"

Much to his own surprise, Felix realised that she was right. He had asked himself that question several times. The bandits, the young men fallen too soon, the constant war, hero and demon king. It was an ever-repeating tale of misery that he did not understand the reason for.

"And you'd ruin someone else's fate just for your stupid curiosity?" Laurus barked. "How's that any better?!"

Diana scoffed at the young man and continued to ignore him in favour of Felix, much to Laurus's displeasure.

"I abhor that so many wallow in whatever misfortune they find themselves in, simply because it 'must be fate'. Any and all atrocities can be waved away by claiming that it was fate's design, that it had to be this way," she growled, showing agitation for the first time since they met. "Nobody is responsible for their actions because none have a choice that matters. You can decide what you eat in the morning, but you can not decide against eating entirely."

Felix began to understand the forming argument. He may even agree with it, but there were clearly nuances he just missed at the moment.

Flora seemed less happy about it. She spoke up faintly, clearly still scared of Diana: "But you have a choice... and you do this. You torture lady Fortuna and you clearly like scaring her."

She motioned to the bound goddess and earned a nod from Diana, who was obviously not at all ashamed of it.

"If that's what people do if given a choice, isn't it better to just have fate?"

Diana looked at her for a long moment, expression softening somewhat. Felix thought it looked like pity, but he could not fathom why. Diana glanced to Laurus then and closed her eyes in thought.

"How peculiar it is," she mused. "Only those who could have had something better will ever complain. Were that boy's fate that of a lowly beggar, he would kiss my feet for letting him meet and travel with the hero."

Laurus bristled at that, but a sharp motion from Diana kept him quiet. She was still looking at Flora, just like she looked at Felix earlier.

"You are correct. I will not claim that being free of fate makes us free of atrocity or tragedy. But those responsible can no longer hide behind predetermination to justify their actions, they are theirs to bear just as well as the consequences. I have that choice, you do not as of right now. Do you wish to know your fate, Flora, daughter of Rogatus and Verena?"

The question alone took everyone's breath away. Felix should have realised that Diana could read a person's fate sooner.

Fortuna hiccuped into the the awed silence, then began to cry anew while babbling a soft stream of apologies.

Diana waited for Flora to offer a shaky nod and raised both hands. A soft glow escaped her gloves yet again.

"You are fated to be taken as a nobleman's mistress against your will before five summer's have passed," she began. Felix's eyes widened, his throat drying out as the revelation registered. Diana waited for them to understand before she continued.

"You will bear three children before your lord is slain by bandits, after which you will become destitute. You will break yourself trying to raise all three, without even the means to see your family ever again. Then you will die before they are even fully grown."

Each new part was like hammer blows to Felix's chest. He wanted to speak, ask her to stop, but words failed him. Diana was not so merciful anyway.

"And your oldest is fated to be hero, the last that Fortuna designated."

All eyes went to the broken goddess, then back to Diana. Her pitying look finally made sense, no matter how much he did not want it to.

"You do not have a choice," Diana closed.

All Felix could do was grasp Flora's hand while she started to cry silently.

 

[Naron]

Silence engulfed the four of them, sat outside now.

Felix shakily asked for time to think after this last revelation, but he really only held Flora's hand to spend comfort. Her eyes were empty as she stared at nothing. The poor girl was doomed and there was nothing he or anyone else could do... except Diana.

"She could be lying, you know?" Laurus said then, as if he heard Felix's thought.

Valerius answered in his stead, finally calm where Felix was now distraught: "But she was not. That woman has no need to withhold the truth at this point, she can end us whenever she wants."

"Even still, Fortuna must have had a better reason than just... some game. It's nonsense and I bet Diana made her believe that to justify herself."

The demon king snorted. He could tell as well as Felix that Laurus sounded a little desperate. Not that Felix did not understand the feeling, he would love to just not believe any of it. But he started asking questions and now it could not be stopped.

"An army parts before a single man on a cart because they know they can never hurt him," he interrupted with soft words, not looking at anyone. "People celebrate in the streets when a hero comes by, even though the war never ends. A kingdom in fear for their king because fate is always the same. I...."

He trailed off there. He did not like or want it, each word felt like ash in his mouth. But what had been seen could not be unseen. He could not bring himself to wish back the bliss of ignorance.

Valerius nodded his understanding, at least.

"Her point is entirely valid. You did not have a choice in becoming the hero, and I did not have a choice in facing you. Even if we both decided to meet as we did, the importance is on us each choosing it."

"But not knowing what's coming is scary," he argued back, uncertain which side he was even on. "Anything can happen then, if there is no fate."

Laurus said something to agree, but was ignored by both. Valerius snorted.

"Now you take fate's side, after all of this? Does she mean so little to you?"

The word were like a physical blow. Felix froze for just a moment before fully looking at Valerius in plain shock. The demon king glowered at Felix.

"Were it me," he added, "I would fight even the gods for the wellbeing of my kin. Some hero you are."

The silence hung between them, tension rose as an uncharacteristic anger began to burn in Felix's chest. He glared back and stood, his niece's hand slipping from his.

"At least I take time to think instead of jumping in like a death-seeker! How often did we have to save your sorry ass because you couldn't even think clearly anymore, huh?!"

Valerius stood as well, towering over him yet somehow not the least bit intimidating, even when he pulled Felix up by his collar.

"Do you want to find out, hero?"

"Stop."

And just like that Diana appeared next to them, a gleaming hand on each of their shoulders. Something he did not even realised was there loosened around his mind with her touch. Felix blinked, suddenly able to think clearly again. Valerius stared back just as confused and slowly set him back down.

"Apologies. I do not know what came over me."

"No, me too. I was out of line."

His apology given, he looked to Diana for an explanation. This time she gave it without hesitation: "Fate still has a hold on the both of you. The slow unravelling of the net Fortuna weaved meant that you had some wiggle room, but the red thread will always seek to return to the original conclusion."

Felix shuddered. Now he finally knew that his fate was to fight the demon king.

"Thank you, Diana."

"Not for that," she waved him off, then motioned for Flora. "How is she?"

The younger woman managed a faint glower, apparently back with them. "As well as I can be after all of this," she spat, though Diana was unaffected.

"Awful, then. Take your time, Flora."

She lowered her head in response, muttering softly: "I think I hate fate. Why me?"

Her words were quiet, but not quiet enough not to be heard. Laurus piped up again, and with more than a little anger.

"Wha-?! How can you say that! Renouncing Fortuna just because some heretic witch tells you her lies! Were you ever faithful to begin with? Fate is what keeps us on the right path!"

Flora flinched, but did not argue. Then Felix was there and grasped Laurus's shoulder tightly.

"That's enough out of you, boy."

His voice was harsher than he wanted, but he did not care. And this time it was his own. Felix could finally see what Diana meant earlier. Laurus, who should have been a lauded hero with a good fate ahead, approved of the red thread. Flora, who was meant to live a horrible life and die young, disapproved. Those in favour of a circumstance were only those who benefited from it.

Laurus bristled and slapped his hand away.

"I get it now," he said, no more heat in his voice. There was just disappointment. "It's not just Diana, you're all heretics."

Power visibly coalesced around him as he did something, then turned to Diana with a hand on his axe. A pale corona surrounded him, nowhere near the blinding white it was last time.

"I'm leaving now to tell the world about you and your blasphemy. Either let me go or strike me down!"

His challenge made at least Felix pale as he imagined what may happen, but Diana stood unperturbed. Unlike what everyone expected, she simply inclined her head.

"Very well. Farewell, hero-who-never-was."

Then the fog pulled back as if from respect as that same bright vortex from earlier opened. Laurus snorted and walked inside, only for the portal to snap shut.

Felix watched the whole thing in incomprehension, stared at the spot his former companion just was. Only upon looking back to Diana did he realise what happened; her smirk and then Valerius's blank face said it all.

"You... didn't let him leave, did you?"

"Of course not," Diana answered with a little huff, amused by his question.

Another muted glow sprang up for a moment, depositing Laurus's equipment in an orderly fashion. The man himself was nowhere to be seen.

"I simply let him dissolve in the Between," Diana explained. "Perhaps he even existed long enough to realise his impending doom."

Nobody answered her for a while. Felix could only look solemnly at what remained of Laurus; he was angry earlier, but he did not want the boy dead.

It was Flora who broke the silence, voice still too soft and fragile: "Why did you choose Uncle, Diana? It could have been anyone, there must be more to it."

Diana took it as an invitation and settled opposite of Flora on the ground with a faint smile. The men watched and listened, neither quite ready to interject. Perhaps they were both just as curious, too.

"It was a whim, plain and simple. After so long with just a wailing goddess for company, I too crave someone else to speak with. The two of you were pleasant company and compassionate enough to see this sorry state of affairs for what it is, so I decided to do as I did. There was no great plan or design, child."

Felix nodded. He did not even need to look at the foggy forest and the lonely cottage to understand; humans were not meant to be alone.

"So all this only took place because the rebel against fate sought a friend," Valerius said, almost laughing. "The irony."

Diana's lips quirked up the faintest bit in response.

"In the end I am but human, no matter my extended lifespan and power over fate. Although there is also a practical concern," she added idly, which immediately brought all attention back to her. "After all, many an endeavour is easier with allies by one's side."

Were Laurus still there, or alive really, he probably would comment how she finally revealed her actual plan of making them partake in this heresy. To become accomplices in her plan to cast away the gods. Except, Felix realised, she did not rebel against all the gods, only the pantheons of light and darkness.

Taking a deep breath, he sat back down next to Flora. Valerius joined them as well. The fog crept closer as if to investigate them, though it never touched anyone.

He wished things could be different, that Fortuna did not have to suffer and Laurus did not have to die. But in his heart of hearts, Felix knew there was one thing more important than all of that.

"I'll work with you," he said, surprising everyone present to some extent. His gaze lay straight on Diana.

"If, and only if, you change Flora's fate to something better."

Flora gasped in surprise, but Felix was resolute about this. Diana's serenity returned, though she did not answer his demand just yet. Rather, she probed once again: "You are aware that you speak heresy by any current human and demonic faith?"

Felix knew.

"If you're just manipulating me, then you did a great job. My family is more important to me than any gods and any faith."

Valerius offered him an appreciative nod while Diana chuckled. "I can not deny a certain amount of manipulation," she admitted, "but the answer you reached is your own. I did not make you give it."

Next she turned to Flora, both hands offered freely. "Do you wish for me to cut you loose, child?"

The younger woman only needed a moment to decide, taking them shakily.

"Y-Yeah. Please... wait, cut me loose?"

Nothing yet happened beyond a faint glow from beneath Diana's gloves. She smiled at Flora as she explained: "Engineering a new fate and fitting it into the mosaic Fortuna weaved is a waste of time when I will ultimately unravel it all. Rather than that, I will slice the thread commanding you like a puppet and set you free."

The new revelation surprised Felix again, who did not expect that to be on the table. Flora herself was dumbfounded, her nod more a reflex than anything else. Then she wet her lips and answered hesitantly.

"Is there, ah, a chance you'd do the same for Uncle and Valerius?"

Diana glanced to the men with a smirk closer to her usual ones. The gleam intensified around Flora.

"I would have done so anyway. Those who stand against fate, be it through acceptance or outright rebellion, should not be bound by it."

A number of ethereal, faintly gleaming threads loosened from Flora as she spoke. They were as beautiful as what they stood for was horrible. Barely visible they appeared to his eyes, yet Diana sliced through them one by one with her index finger in perfect precision. Each cut strand vanished into nothing.

"It is done," she announced a minute later. "Now Felix."

The process repeated with him and then Valerius. It felt different once the strings were cut, but Felix could not quite put his finger on how. As if he could move more freely.

Valerius rubbed his wrists with a thoughtful frown. "A question," he said. "Theoretically, does being free of fate mean your protection no longer applies?"

Diana just smirked at him in response and spread her arms wide as if daring him to try. The man himself just snorted.

"That is answer enough."

"Or a great lie," Flora quipped, already more chipper and sly.

Felix was relieved to see her getting back to her normal self. He impulsively hugged her tight and she wrapped her arms around him in turn. They just held each other for a moment, ignoring their surroundings. This was so much bigger than them, bigger than the hero thing, bigger than the kingdoms or the war. But they had each other, so he could believe that everything would be alright.

Their moment was interrupted by Valerius speaking with Diana.

"There is still the matter of my daughter to consider. I refuse to leave her behind."

"A noble stance, if bothersome. I considered such a matter and am willing to offer a compromise."

That was intriguing enough for Felix and Flora to look their way, though they did not let go yet. Diana offered the demon king a silver ring, simple in appearance but pulsing with still settling power.

"This ring will allow you and only you to open a portal to the Forgotten Woods from anywhere. It is charged with fate's power, but will become plain steel and seal itself whenever a divine gaze rests on you. Bring no one but your wife to see little Vita and I shall allow it. The children will benefit from having others around."

Valerius studied the ring a moment longer before accepting it. "I hate that I even need to compromise on my daughter," he muttered while putting it on, "but I know when I am beaten. Expect us regularly."

Though Felix was glad for him, he could not help but rib the younger man a little.

"Didn't you talk about fighting even the gods earlier?"

The demon king snorted derisively at that. "The situation changed. I lose more by fighting than I do by playing along."

His piece said to Felix, he turned back to Diana. "You walked a masterful tightrope for things to turn out as they did. Almost as if it were foretold."

She cracked a little smirk in response, hands folded. No gleam of divine power was in sight, though that might not mean anything. Felix wondered as well, which may be why Diana actually answered.

"If it was foretold, then not by me or by fate. As incredible as it may seem, the culmination of our choices is what led us to this very moment. You may take it as a first taste of freedom."

"But you said none of us had a choice before?" Flora chimed in curiously, to which Diana nodded.

"A fair point. My messing with Felix's fate gave him a bit of leeway as the hero, hence why he could find a way to avoid a lethal encounter. Had it been the originally decided hero, this would not have happened."

The reminder of Laurus stung a little, but she had a point. Although Diana appeared just as thoughtful, so she may not be entirely sure herself. Felix could only sigh about it all, though; this was a turbulent day and it was not even half over.

Flora spoke up once more while he was lost in thought: "You said we're working with you now, right? What are we actually doing? Fight? Gather information? Money?"

Diana arched a brow at her for this one. Her words conveyed her amusement well enough.

"You already played your part to perfection, Flora. My plans were made to be completed by me alone. Your being freed of fate will only exacerbate them," she explained, then elaborated upon seeing their confusion: "You may imagine fate as a net of interconnected strings. Each individual string is simple and easily cut, but the whole becomes a sturdy contraption that even fate's full might can not destroy."

She left a short pause for all of them to create a mental image of her words.

"However, the net as a whole begins to unravel ever faster the more strings you cut. They no longer support those around them, which will weaken the moment they should intersect with yours but do not. Merely in existing and making choices of your own will you continue to weaken Fortuna's creation."

It was enlightening and made sense, but the lack of a concrete task still felt a little underwhelming after everything. Felix could not help but frown a little at that.

"So we just... go home?" he asked, just to make sure he got it right. Diana turned to him fully in response.

"Is there something else you wish to contribute?"

He had to shrug at that. "I don't know, it just doesn't feel right for some reason."

Even as he said it, Felix spotted Valerius from the corner of his eye. That reminded him of the ring and of the princesses, which gave Felix an idea: "What about Princess Arcadia? She doesn't really have anyone, does she?"

When Diana's brow arched in question, he motioned for Valerius by way of explanation. "Princess Vita has her father and mother coming to see her. I'm not going to say they will ignore Arcadia, but it won't be the same. So how about I do that? And Flora too, if she wants."

His niece agreed immediately, causing Diana to mull over the proposal for a moment. Then she turned her hand palm up and had blinding light coalesce into a second ring.

"Very well. I will make good use of your collective expertise in child-rearing. I will admit that this part of the plan was the most daunting to me."

Her admission amused Felix for its irony; Diana, rebel against fate and blasphemer of the highest order, afraid of raising children. He barely managed not to laugh when the silver ring was presented to him.

"You will know how to use it when you wish to," Diana explained as the ring resized itself to fit Felix's finger. "As they are lesser aspects of fate, you always return to the spot you left from. I can not speed up your journey by depositing you back in human lands, though. You need to maintain plausible deniability, but fate's protection is still in place even if you are now removed from it. The journey should not give you any trouble."

"How does that work?" Flora asked before he could, just as confused.

"I do not have a clue, it simply does. Perhaps this is a side effect of cutting a champion's fate. It will unravel before long, but you can enjoy this safety until at least the next summer."

Felix nodded at that. He would not even pretend to understand and just took her word for it. These were uncharted lands for all of them.

Once he realised there were no more pressing questions to be asked, he offered his hand. "So this is goodbye?"

"For now," Diana said while taking it firmly. "I will send you back to where this chase began. Speak no clear lie of how our encounter went, simply say that Princess Vita is lost and justice delivered. People will make their own version of the story from that."

She next shook with Valerius, who voiced his agreement. Flora did the same once it was her turn. Looking at his niece now, Felix could tell there was new fire burning in her eyes.

Perhaps he should be worried about being an enemy of the gods now, but he was just relieved that he somehow kept her safe. Everything else could wait, perhaps it would never even be a problem.

They gathered up Laurus's discarded equipment before Diana opened another portal for them. The gleaming light blinded Felix when he stepped through, and for one timeless instant he worried that this was a setup. That he would die now.

Then he reemerged in the afternoon sun at the village they left Opus and Valerius's carriage. Their arrival attracted surprised cries in a matter of seconds; nobody in the area could have missed it.

As the crowd formed anew with focus on their king, Felix took a deep breath.

His duty was done, he was hero no more. Now he only needed to get himself and Flora back home.