Imps Deal

12

The next morning Imp awoke and tidied up his appearance. He already missed being able to stretch his wings. He wanted to fly and climb trees. But Lenda woke him early and told him the paladins wanted him to run a few errands for them that morning. Which made him forget any complaints he might’ve had. With his bag securely on his back he scampered into the inn's dining hall enthusiastically.  

“Ah, there you are.” Mattheus greeted him as soon as he was spotted. Beside him at the table were sirs Handriel and Rencaus. 

“Good morning Sir!” Imp grinned excitedly up at him. “Miss Lenda said you’d like me to run an errand. What is it, Sir?” He asked. 

“That’s the spirit! I need you to go to the local apothecary and fetch some herbs for me. I’ll give you the coin you’ll need for it so be sure to bring me the change when you’re done?”

“Um?” Imp tilted his head. 

“What’s the matter, boy?” 

“What’s change?” 

“Oh? Have you never used currency before?” 

Imp shook his head. “We didn’t need it back home. We could just hunt or find the stuff we wanted.” 

“Your parents never taught you about it?” 

“Huh, no I heard about it. But father never mentioned change before.” 

“I see, come here then.” 

Imp approached the table and when offered took a seat next to Mattheus. After bringing out a few coins and explaining their worth. He sent Imp on his way, but before that Rencaus stopped him. 

“Boy, we heard you’re new here, but you won’t want to take that sack with you. It’ll only get in your way.” 

“O-oh! Um.” Imp suddenly got very bashful. He couldn’t just leave it, he knew the family would be eaten in a heartbeat. 

“Why don’t you leave it with us. We’ll keep an eye on it for you.” Mattheus assured, but still Imp hesitated. 

“I promise, I’ll keep it with me personally.” The older man reassured. 

“Really?” Imp peered up at him with his big brown eyes. 

“Really, whatever’s in there must be precious to you if you’re really struggling to leave it behind. I’m asking you for a favor, so I’ll do a favor for you in return.”

Hugging his bag tightly he could feel the warmth of the family's souls slightly. 

“Ok but you can’t let it out of your sight for a second.” 

“I promise.” Mattheus smiled down at him and Imp managed to smile back. Handing his bag over to Mattheus, Imp received the coins he’d need for his errand. 

“And be careful with it, my family’s in there!” Imp gave Mattheus one final reminder before running out of the inn. 

The three men paused before Mattheus slowly opened Imp’s bag and brought out the vessels containing the souls. Romeo and Lenda had likewise been sent off to assist other paladins, and only the stable hand remained. Though they were not liable to leave the company of the animals in their care any time soon. 

“He’s keeping them in jars and broken pots? They must’ve just died, they’ll expire any day now.” Rencaus wagered. 

“No.” Mattheus said with a tone causing his younger counterparts to straighten their backs. They waited for an explanation to follow, but instead deeper and deeper creases formed between his brow. He slowly lifted the broken earthen vessel with a shard of glass affixed to it. He lightly brushed his fingers against the glass, peering at the soul within. Taking out its stopper the soul gently rose out of it.  

“Can you tell me your name?” Mattheus asked, placing the jar down and cupping the soul carefully with the other. A low hum filled the air, and Mattheus’ eyes rolled back. Rencaus held him up as the old man's body went semi limp. Handriel went on guard and got up to shutter the doors and windows. 

~~~

A small boy with reddish brown hair greeted Mattheus with a wave. His face was the same as Imp’s but he was paler and had green eyes. 

“And who might you be?” Mattheus asked, kneeling down. 

But the boy shook his head and pointed toward a way behind him. The landscape was as dreary as the one the caravan had been traveling along. Despite it being spring there was little evidence that life was flourishing here though. A hazy miasma kept the paladins eyes from properly focusing on anything. Without waiting for Mattheus the boy scampered away, down a path through the lackluster foliage and gloom. 

Mattheus, getting up, followed. They entered a clearing and a humble cabin in the woods revealed itself. It wasn’t idyllic but looked sturdy and with a small stack puffing out smoke, Mattheus bet it was warm compared to the chill in the air. 

Entering after the boy's invitation, Mattheus stepped through the doorway to see another child. A girl a bit older than the boy, with dirty blonde hair and a darker olive complexion. She met Mattheus’ gaze for just a moment, offering him a nod before returning to her work skinning some sort of creature he did not recognize. 

The boys mouth moved but Mattheus couldn't hear his call. Instead the sound of heavy boots across the wood floor followed. A tall and strapping man came into view soon after. Mattheus could see where the imp had gotten his inspiration for his disguise. He could have been a carbon copy of the man before him. 

“Hello.” The man offered a greeting, his voice echoed as if he were speaking from across the room. 

“Hello, I am Mattheus Cera, I am a state paladin for the Rainlens empire.” 

The man offered no response. 

“May I ask your name?” 

“I am Manuel, this is my daughter Revira, and my son Tollin.” His distance voice replied.

“Do you know how you came to be here?” 

“The Imp.” 

“Yes, can you tell me about him?”

The man paused, and through a signal Mattheus didn’t sense both children quickly left the room. 

“That boy is good.” Manuel finally spoke after a moment. His voice quieter than before.  

“I beg your pardon? You mean the demon?” Mattheus strained his ears.

“Yes. He is a demon,” Manuel looked down, his continence somber and slow. “But he is good.” 

“Lad, that creature is not some-” 

“I raised him for a bit.” Manuel interrupted before Mattheus could continue. Manuel met the paladin's eyes. “Please, don’t hurt the boy. He has a good heart.”

Despite his voice sounding even farther away, his words rang in Mattheus' ears. His vision faded away and went dark.

~~~

When he came to, Mattheus didn't share his revalations and he made it clear he wouldn't. Only a short amount of time had passed and the imp had yet to return from his task. Peering at the bag he'd ensured the family had been safetly return to, the veteran paladin fell into contemplation.