Chapter 07 Deimos

We made it to Deimos in three days. The port town was vast, its boundaries stretching as far as my eye could see. It settled next to the crystal clear water where boats lounged around the docks.

“So this is Deimos,” I said as we observed the town on top of a cliff. “It seems lively.”

“A very popular town,” Corvus explained. “We used to come here when we were little. You remember that, Midnight?”

“Yeah, my father brought us here ages ago.” Midnight’s eyes narrowed. “I can’t explain it, but the energy is different than the last time we’ve been here.”

“What do you mean?” Spica asked.

The prince crossed his arms. “Like a sense of despair is filled throughout the town. I used to be excited to go to Deimos, but now I feel depressed.”

I focused hard. The gloomy gray sky, with its heavy clouds, blocked all of the sun’s rays from reaching the town. “He’s right. You don’t notice it at first, but there’s something sinister going on.”

Spica frowned at the thought. “So what’s the plan?”

“We should explore the town and gather as much information as possible. Also, a good time to stock up on food and supplies.” Midnight glanced at Orion. “Stay here with the horses and watch our belongings.”

Orion nodded. “Yes, prince.”

Midnight gave Orion his sword. “Leave your weapons here. Orion will hide it for us. Amari put a cloak over your hair.”

I raised my eyebrow, giving Orion my staff. “Why?”

“Your hair will draw attention and we don’t need that. We have to stay as low key.”

“Gorgeous as it is, Midnight is right,” Corvus explained. “You’ll definitely attract attention from the wrong crowd.”

I pouted, putting my hair into a low ponytail. “Fine.”

“Let’s go, shall we?” Corvus headed down the cliff. “I’m dying to know what’s going on in this town.”

We entered the town with no issues. No one even acknowledged us as we passed through. The town was a blend of old and new, where modernity met antiquity. I loved the diversity where humans and creatures blended together in a vibrant tapestry. However, the citizens appeared serious and low-spirited.

Spica looked around. “I’m surprised there weren’t any Hellions guarding the entrance.”

“Probably don't expect anyone to attack them.” Midnight scowled. “They really think they’re unstoppable.”

I focused my attention on the people. “Is it me or does everyone’s eyes seem lifeless?”

“You’re right and I don’t like it one bit. The Hellions are doing something evil here.” Midnight stopped in the middle of the street. “Me and Corvus will go this way. We’ll meet back at the cliff by noon. Spica, keep an eye on Amari and protect her at all costs. If you draw any attention, leave immediately.”

Spica nodded. “Yes, prince.”

Corvus had a teasing look in his eyes. “If it’s too much of a hassle, we can always trade, Spica. I wouldn’t mind spending time alone with Amari.”

“Bite me, Corvus. I can handle it. The prince wouldn’t have chosen me if he didn’t trust my skills.”

“I do. Now stop playing around Corvus and come on.” Midnight headed east. “Let’s see what these bastards have done.”

“Alright.” Corvus winked and waved goodbye. “See ya, ladies.”

“Spica,” I spoke after they walked away. “Is there any place where I can take a bath? The river is okay, but I need hot water.”

Spica chuckled. “Yes, they should have a communal bath somewhere. Do you also need fresh clothes?”

Relief crossed my face. “Just a shirt and pants.”

“Okay, we’ll get that too.”

As we strolled down into a dark alley, ladies stood together by buildings with red lights shining through their lofty windows. All were dressed in beautiful and promiscuous gowns, their faces powdered and their hair artfully arranged. The scent of rose perfume permeated the air. Some looked young enough to be Star’s age.

“Hey ladies,” a woman spoke. “Want to keep us company?”

“Hey there.” Another woman winked at Spica. “I know you’re a woman, but I can still show you a great time.”

“No thanks,” Spica answered.

I gazed around while the women watched us go. “A lot of prostitution going on here.”

“Yes, it wasn’t like this before,” Spica explained. “Deimos was strictly a port town that traded amongst other nations. The king always checked in to make sure there wasn't any corruption and greed from the assigned leaders.”

“How come the other nations didn’t help when you guys were under attack? In my world, some nations have allies.”

“The Sol Nation was our close ally. But after the king’s death, their contact and trade abruptly ended. I’m not into politics but my guess is that they didn’t want another major war.”

The market area buzzed with ceaseless activity. Vendors shout for our attention, offering us slices of juicy melons or sizzling hunks of roasted meats. We quickly bought our snacks and clothing, leaving the area at once.

“They don’t look happy here,” I said to Spica as people walked past us looking down on the ground or avoiding eye contact. “They look miserable.”

“Must be the Hellions,” Spica explained. “They ruined a lot of people’s lives, including mine.”

“Your family?”

“Yes, my brother. He was killed defending our village. Seen it with my own eyes.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be. He died of honor.” Her face softened. “He was a wonderful brother. Taught me everything I needed to know about archery. I wanted to take his place after his death. At first, they didn’t take me seriously, so I worked my butt off to make it to second-in-command. The others weren’t too happy. But as long as I could fight and hold my own, Midnight didn’t care. That’s why I’m honored to serve, obey, and protect him on this journey. His goal is our goal.”

In the heart of the town, we found a communal bath. It was nice and clean when we entered. The women’s side was even better. The large bath was decorated with a natural cavern lit by wood lights. The floor was tilted and marbled deep with water. Ornate fountains kept the water moving, and the air was hot and thick with steam. Surprisingly it wasn’t a lot of people. Just us and two other girls around our age.

We quietly washed ourselves, enjoying the hot water. But I couldn’t help but listen to the girls’ conversations.

“Did you hear? The Hellions took Abigail last night.”

“What?” I can hear the shock in the girl’s tone. “She’s only sixteen.”

“Does it matter? Once I saw them take a seven-year-old to the brothel. It sucks to be a woman here, especially a human. I have to run away.”

“Shh, don’t say that too loudly. One of their spies might be here.” The girls glanced at us nervously.

“Don’t worry,” I assured. “We mean you no harm.”

“Yes,” Spica stated. “We’re on your side.”

“You must be travelers. You should leave right away,” the girl urged.

The other girl shot us a warning look. “The Hellions will try to take you, especially you with the gray hair. Sometimes they come in here and snatch the females when they’re alone.”

Spica and I glanced at each other before shaking our heads.

“We should go now.” The girl got out and wrapped a towel around her body. “Our parents will be sick with worry.”

“Yes.” The other girl stood and looked at us one more time. “May you get out of here safely.”

There goes my relaxation. I sighed, releasing tension from my shoulders. “I feel sick to my stomach.”

“Disgusting scums.” Spica rose, water dripping from her skin. “We should go and tell Midnight what we heard.”

“Right.”

We got dressed quickly and left. The sun was finally out, shining its strong rays upon us. As we headed back to the entrance, a large crowd blocked our path.

Confusion appeared on my face. “What’s going on?”

“I can smell them.” Spica hissed, eyes burning with fury. “I’ll never forget their filthy smell. It’s the Hellions.”

There was something sinister about their energy. They were nothing like the rogue soldiers when I first came here. Five different types of creatures wore heavy armor that was decorated with polished silver and royal purple. Three surrounded a black carriage while the other two stared coldly at a local man.

“Let’s stay in the back,” Spica stated. “We can watch from here.”

“Please, sir. Have mercy. I didn’t know there was an increase in taxes.” The man bowed, body trembling. He took out gold coins from his pockets. “This is all that I have.”

The man that I assume was the leader extended his glove hand out. “Give me all that you have. And hurry, peasant. My father doesn’t want me to be late.”

I squinted my eyes. All I could see was the venomous, twisted face in front of us. “Why isn’t he getting out of the carriage?”

“Because the leaders of the Hellions can’t stand the sun,” Spica explained. “They’ll burn to death. The soldiers outside are their minions.”

The man got up and cautiously dropped his coins onto the leader’s hand. “I hope this is enough for your father, sir.”

The leader merely glanced at the money and sneered. “Tch, you think I want this crap?!” He flung the loose change to the ground. “Your life is worth more than that! Do you take me as a beggar?!”

“N-no sir, I don’t.”

“Then why the hell do you think it’s okay to give me some worthless change?! Get him!” The leader ordered his soldiers.

The two soldiers cracked their knuckles, bursting into nasty laughter. “Heheheh.” As one punched his face, a tooth flew out of the man’s mouth.

We watched in horror as they pulverized him. His agonizing screams dreaded my ears so bad, that my eyes began to water. Before I could step forward, Spica grabbed my wrist.

“I know it hurts but we need to be discreet,” Spica explained. “We can go if it’s too much for you.”

I shook my head, my body shaking like a leaf. “No, I’m fine.” I began to pray under my breath for strength. I hated feeling helpless.

They finally stopped when the man became quiet. His swollen face covered with red and shiny wounds. His arms blotched with bruises.

“Hmph,” the leader stated. “That’ll teach him. Let’s get the hell out of here. The sun is starting to irritate me.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Get out of the way you low-life peasants!”

The crowd took a step back, their faces masked with fright. No one even bothered to check the man’s body.

“Father!” A young boy with dark scruffy hair screamed. I could feel his shock and dismay. He ran and touched his father’s face. “Father, wake up. Please, wake up!”

My heart sank even deeper in the depths of the ocean. “Oh no. He had a son.”

“At least he’s still alive. Amari, let’s go.” Spica’s voice turned hard. “I don’t want to see any more of this.”

The boy glared at the leader, tears rolling down his freckled face. “You killed my father.”

“He deserved it,” the leader answered nonchalantly. “He should have paid his taxes like a good citizen. Now be a good boy and run along.”

The Hellions turned away, laughing at their evil deeds. Before they could disappear, the boy grabbed a rock and threw it, hitting the back of the soldier’s head.

The crowd gasped and immediately dispersed, knowing full well the consequence of the boy’s action.

The soldier gave the boy a death glare and took out his sword. “I’ll get you, you brat.”

The boy’s eyes widened. Before he could dash away, the other soldier grabbed him.

I scowled. “That’s it.” I maneuvered through the remaining crowd. “I had enough.”

“Amari, no.” Spica cursed under her breath and followed behind me.

The soldier raised his sword and smiled evilly while the boy squirmed. “I’ll start by cutting your arm, brat. The one you had the balls to throw at me.”

“Make sure you take that arm with you,” the leader said. “It’s lunchtime and my pets are hungry.”

“Heheheheh, anything for you boss.”

I raised my hand, feeling the power course through me and fired. The soldier howled, dropping his sword. He clutched his wounded hand while it sizzled and popped.

The other soldier let go of the little boy, taking his sword out. “You little b-AHHHH!” Spica threw a small knife at the soldier's eye. “AHHH!” As he kneeled, she swiftly slit his throat. His head jerked back and he went down.

“Thank you, Spica.” I grabbed the boy’s wrist. “Let’s go.”

“Wait!” The boy cried. “I can’t leave my father!”

I bit my lip, silencing myself. It was rude and insensitive for me to tell this hurt boy to leave without his beloved father.

The soldiers froze, watching their ally agonizing in pain.

“Don’t just stand there!” The leader roared. “Kill them bitches and that snot-nosed brat!”

Spica snatched the knife from the dead soldier’s eye and grabbed his sword. She stood in front of me and the boy while the soldiers came forward with their weapons. “If only I had my bow. This fight would’ve been over.”

“If only I had my staff. I would’ve been a better help,” I stated. We were outnumbered and needed to think fast.

“Midnight is going to kill me.” Spica shook her head. “Just stand behind me, Amari. I’ll protect you no matter what. Even if it cost me my life.”