8. Kazrith
My mind races with thoughts of profit and splendor for when I step foot back on Ikoth. Of course, there’s still a long way to go, but I entertain myself by imagining demons far and wide coming to my shop.
Vrask truly secured a sizable profit for me. He’s not the most trustworthy of allies to have on my side, but he’s helpful when he wants to be.
I laugh lowly, using one of my shadow blades to chop down a tree that dangles in my way. “I’ll be swimming in nodals once I sell everything I have.”
In my head, I’m keeping track of all my inventory. The precious stones, the exotic food items, the pieces of furniture with dubious history. Once I showcase these items in my store, other demons will flock to my shop in droves.
The zarryns ahead of my carriage walk slowly, but persistently. As eager as I am to return home, I sit back and enjoy the leisurely ride to the port. The xaphans there will most certainly ask for a fee due to my cargo and I can only hope it’s not something outrageous.
Then again, they’re xaphans. They’re dirty crooks, every single one of them. They will smile in our faces but sink a dagger or two into our backs at the first opportunity.
I can’t say I blame them, since I’d love to rip the eyes and wings off of each xaphan I come across.
My carriage jolts violently as we pass over a large rock in the middle of the road. My zarryns whine and shake their heads, while I heave a sigh at the abrupt movement.
But something else catches my attention.
“Stop!” I yell out to Pinni and Zinni, who go immediately still at the first crack of the reins.
Narrowing my eyes, I stare out at the clearing and wonder if my mind is playing tricks on me. While traveling with a precious carriage like this, I need to remain on high alert. Sometimes, there are thieves who linger near these roads, pouncing on unsuspecting traders and looting their goods.
It happened to me once in the past. The would-be thieves cried out for mercy as I ripped their limbs off their torso with my shadows and left them for dead. They were xaphan youths, thinking they could win big by robbing a demon’s haul.
If only they knew the nightmare that awaited them by messing with me and my profits.
“Who’s there?” I call out, hearing my voice echo across the vast, seemingly empty, clearing. “Show yourself and I may show you mercy.”
Of course, that’s a lie, but I’m trying to hasten these negotiations if I want to get on a boat back to Ikoth soon. The ports close after a certain time because the waters become unbearable near New Solas during the night.
Nothing stirs, despite my warning. However, I’m able to detect the slightest movement somewhere behind me. That’s something I cannot ignore. My pointed ears flicker, trying to detect a similar vibration in the air.
“I know I’m not crazy,” I whisper, setting down the reins and descending from my seat. “I heard something.”
If this is an ambush, I can’t wait around to see what their first move will be. That’s foolish. That’s how unsuspecting demons get their heads torn off.
Closing my eyes and tilting my chin slightly upwards, I allow my body to emanate shadows larger than my current form. They encapsulate me and give the illusion that I’m bigger than I am. They extend high over my head and widen my body. Coupled with my dark attire, I appear like a haze of darkness, ready to inflict terror on the being who wants to steal my items.
“I’ve already given you a chance to reveal yourself and you refused to heed my warning,” I say again, eyeing my cargo with a suspicious glare. “When I find you, you’ll regret sticking your nose in things where it doesn’t belong.”
There it is. A staggered breath. One that tried to hide underneath a trembling hand, perhaps. And that noise came from amongst my belongings, hidden behind the crates and drawers that I intended to bring back to Ikoth.
Something with me stirs. If they wanted to attack me, they probably would have already leaped out with a dagger in hand. But nothing is happening here. In fact, I detect a heavy uneasiness, and it’s not coming from me.
Compelled to investigate further, I step onto the back of my carriage, feeling the significant dip once I plant my feet against the planks. Something akin to heavy breathing catches my attention, and as I rummage through the items, I soon find what I’ve been looking for.
Though, this isn’t at all what I expected to see.
There, lying with both hands over her mouth, is a human woman. Her hands shake violently once she sees me and her green eyes widen significantly. She kicks her feet, trying to put some distance between herself and me, but then her head hits the wall.
For a moment, I forget that I’ve made myself appear larger and scarier than I usually am. Slumping my shoulders, I allow the shadows to return to my body, shrinking my form. Still, I tower over this human creature. I could stomp on her if I wanted to.
But I don’t want to, which perplexes me. My curiosity seeks to keep her around. After all, it’s not every day that I’ll have an audacious young human woman sneak into my carriage.
“How did you get in here?” I ask, leaning against a crate and crossing my arms over my chest. “You’re trespassing on my property.”
“I… I understand,” she says, pushing herself up into a seated position. She brushes the black hair strands away from her face, tucking them behind her ears. Sweat gleams on her forehead. “I-I didn’t mean to do this, but… I had no other choice. You have to believe me!”
My gaze flickers down to the wounds on her wrists and the reddening chain-like imprints on her ankles. Not to mention, the dark blue bruise along her neck. I hum softly, returning my eyes to her face. Her scared, hauntingly beautiful face. I suppose I’m starting to understand why some demons risk everything for the beauty of a human mate.
“Were you one of the slaves being held at the auction house? Back at the trading hub?” I press, wondering if she’ll tell me the truth or if I’ll have to coax it out of her. “If you’re honest with me, I won’t return you to that hub.”
“Please. No. I’ll do anything. I have to get away from there, as far away as possible. I’m sorry for jumping into your carriage, but I saw that it was leaving and I had no other options… I…” She places a hand over her chest, trying to calm her breathing. She makes small noises as she tries to compose herself. “I’m so sorry. Please don’t kill me. Please.”
“Stop.” I hold up a hand, trying not to grimace. “I loathe pathetic displays like this. I’m not going to kill you. Unless you’re trying to trick me and rob me of my items.”
The human woman scoffs. “I have no interest in your things. I just need to leave New Solas as quickly as possible.”
“And what’s your name?”
“Hanna.” She wets her cracked and bloodied bottom lip. “What’s yours?”
I smile slightly. I sometimes forget that pleasantries like this are important to humans. “My name is Kazrith. I’m a trader from Ikoth. I’m sure you’ve heard of my home.”
She picks at the hem of her dirtied dress. “Yes, I’ve heard that it’s the worst place to be if you’re not a demon.”
“Hah! And who told you that? One of those xaphans, huh?” I shake my head, leaning an arm upon the crate that holds all of my nimond beans. “Ikoth is a beautiful continent. It’s better than New Solas by a wide margin. And as a well-traveled trader, I mean what I say.”
Hanna swallows hard. I can see how her throat strains with the movement. “New Solas has always been my home. I’ve never traveled anywhere else before.”
“Tell me, Hanna, why have you found yourself in the midst of my collection? You’re running from something. Or someone. You used to be a slave. You’ve given me pieces to work with, but I’m still confused by your story.”
“Why would I lie to you?” she retorts, raising a brow. “I have nothing to my name. I have no money. I don’t want any trouble. I… I want to get home, but that’s not possible right now.”
“Why not? New Solas is your home, you just said so. You could climb down from this carriage and be on your way,” I reply, offering a shrug. “Why don’t you do so? I’m giving you permission.”
Hanna sniffs loudly, then hugs her arms over her body. She brings her legs to her chest and averts her gaze completely. I sigh, running a hand along my face. What am I supposed to do with a human like this?
“If you don’t start telling me the truth, I’ll have to leave you behind,” I say, hoping that my power over the situation will get her to talk. “I’m a businessman. I have a lot of things that need my attention, and if you’re unwilling to work with me, then I see no use for you.”
As I turn away, Hanna moves. “Wait.”
I perk a brow, curious to see what she does next. I’ve never been as captivated by a human before. It’s clear that she has more resolve, more determination to survive. That’s something I can admire. All species have a desire to survive. It’s what connects us down to the most integral level.
“I’ll tell you the truth. The full truth,” she says. “As long as you allow me to stay with you on your journey. That’s all I ask.”