Page 43 of A Soul to Guide

He was a conundrum.

Raewyn and her people had long ago discovered that someone’s exterior meant very little, and it was their actions that should be judged. A Demon was only a monster if it caused devastation within their city.

The Delysian were proof of that – people who were once monsters but no longer were.

Sure, her people could judge them for their past transgressions, but then there would be no chance for healing and peace.

Could Merikh and his kind be the same? Could they not be monsters at all, but people who could peacefully live among them if they tried?

She was so uncertain, especially since he was hot and cold in every action he took, a complex creature she had little time to pull apart.

She needed to learn, not just for her own curiosity, but also to know if he was a danger to her people or not. It was obvious he was going to force his way into her realm alongside her, so she better have a plan if things went flip-side.

For the first time in what had to be hours, Merikh finally spoke. “We’re almost there. The town is in view.”

Even though she was completely averse to the idea, Raewyn sighed and asked, “Does that mean I must put those horrible shoes on?”

He was still carrying them for her.

“Yes, I think that would be wise.”

Merikh halted, so she did as well when her guide rope went slack. He gently pressed her shoes against her stomach. Raewyn went to undo the ties lacing them together, but he’d already done so in consideration of her.

She shoved them on without any socks, hoping she didn’t have to wear them for long. He explained the town was small and they wouldn’t be remaining there for long. Get her food and get out was the plan.

Once her shoes were tied on and she’d secured a small cloth over her eyes, he led them down their path. She also propped her hood over her hair and ears to hide them.

“That’s odd.” He hummed, slowing when they must have gotten close. “The gates are closed. The humans usually keep them open in the day for travellers.”

“Are you sure your glamour is working?”

She imagined they’d shut the gates if they saw anything like a Demon or Duskwalker’s bony skull approaching.

“Yes. It has never failed.”

Her ears shot back at the heavy banging when he bashed the bottom of his big fist against the wooden gate.

Clanking and chiming, like someone wearing metal armour, echoed from above. “Hail, travellers,” a soldier yelled.

“Why is the gate closed?” Merikh yelled back, but it was grungy, almost like a roar.

“We’re not allowing travellers to enter our grounds currently. Turn back.”

The quietest rumble vibrated from Merikh. “What do you mean, you’re not allowing travellers entry? We seek refuge within the town temporarily to resupply our rations so that we can continue our travels. No town has ever turned away weary people.”

“Well, we are. Leave, or I have been ordered to shoot.”

Her ears twitched under her hood at the sound of a knock and then creak, and she stepped behind Merikh. The soldier was aiming at them with a bow and arrow.

“You will let us in the town!” Merikh yelled as he bashed his fist against the gate. “This woman is tired. She needs rest, she needs water and food. Are you so heartless as to turn her away?”

He grabbed her from behind and pulled her forward, so she was in front of him. Then, he cupped underneath her jaw to push her face upwards towards the guard. The ends of her blindfold swayed against her cheek.

Her lips thinned with annoyance at being used in this manipulative way, but she would accept it if it meant she could resupply.

A small length of quietness impregnated the air. The guard was reconsidering, and her shoulders eased their tension.

“I’m sorry,” the guard shouted. “But I can’t disregard orders, no matter the reason. Our people have received word of a murderer currently making their way through the southland villages.”

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