For the next two days we crossed the mountain ranges. Our food stock was over and I hunted down two deer, A few small kids refused to eat it. They started crying when I started to peal the skin of the deer. Elena and Grace both did a great job parenting the kids and made them eat it, telling them that the deer-san gave their meet to provide nourishment and without it they would not able to meet their parents again. I studied the demonic book a little when I was alone and found out that the men who kidnapped the kids were trying to summon a demon called Baal by sacrificing the kids. Demons cannot take physical form in this world, the only way for a demon to exist is by taking possession of a body as a vessel. In turn the demon will merge with the vessel’s soul giving the body immense power. Then the demon will sustains itself by consuming others soul whenever it becomes hungry. The soul is converted into energy which the demon consumes, such consumed soul ceases to exist and can never be reborn into this world. I burned one of the books because it was exact replica of the other, after all it’s a burden to carry two books which are exactly the same.

Today being the third day, I was leading the group as usual when I heard some sound in a distance. I motioned everybody to stay and went to inspect the sound. What I saw was a group of men cutting down the plants as they made their way through the mountain. I didn’t know if they were enemies or not, so I didn’t approach them and observed them from a distance. There were six men and one old woman among them. I tried to get closer when suddenly the old women’s voice rang out in alarm

“Who is there, show yourself or we will have to attack” The old women said in a loud voice.

I was surprised that the old women could sense me even when I was well hidden. I contemplated fighting them, but I was outnumbered not to mention that I had Elena and the kids to protect. I cannot afford to offend these men.

“Please do not attack, I am coming out. I mean no harm” I said hurriedly making myself out of the bushes.

“Who are you and why were you following us?” The old women said looking at me. The men took an offensive stance on seeing me coming out of the bushes.

“I am just a traveler. I was passing through the mountains, when I heard some noise and came to inspect. I didn’t mean to spy, it’s just that seeing you all carrying weapons I was unsure whether I stumbled upon a bandit group?” I said while walking forward.

“How rude, branding us as a group of bandit’s. Spot check him, he looks suspicious” One of the men holding a worn out spear said to his comrade.

The man named Spot came towards me. I again contemplated whether to resist but gave up on the idea because I didn’t know their capabilities and engaging with multiple enemies without proper equipment is unwise.

I let spot check my pockets and bag. Just as I predicted he took out the demon book from my bag and exclaimed “He has a demonic book!” and immediately pushed me on the ground.

Before I could do anything two other men came and suppressed me to the ground with force.

The old women came in front of me and said “Where are the children. Tell us and we will make your death less painful”

I was about to struggle and prepare to fight these men but when I heard the old women, I calmed down and replied “The children are safe, I saved them. There are a little further away if you walk back towards where I came.”

The old women eyed me suspiciously, nonetheless ordered two of the man to go look for them. She then turned towards me and said “You better prepare yourself If you had lied” in a threatening manner.

I was not happy with the way I was being treated. I saved their kids, kept them safe; provided them food and this is how I was being repaid. If they were not related to the kids, I would have killed them all without batting an eye. The thing I hate the most is being mistreated. I will show kindness to the people who deserve it but will take action against those who are aggressive towards me.

I calmed myself and stayed in the same position. After a few moments, Grace came running towards us.

“Granny, Thank goodness we found you....” She stopped in middle of the sentence when she noticed that I was forced on the ground by the villagers.

“Granny, Cleon is a good person. He saved us and was leading us to the village. Please let him go” She said hurriedly.

I was released after being vouched for innocence. Everybody else came out shortly. Elena introduced herself and told them the entire thing that happened in the mountains.

After hearing Elena, the old women looked at Grace as if to confirm what was said to her. Grace nodded several times in response.

The old women looked at me and said “I apologies for the troubles we have caused and I am very grateful that you save our children”

I didn’t reply and looked away in another direction. I was still pissed off at the way I was treated. Sure I may have looked suspicious when I had the demon book and they had the reason to treat me like that. Still something inside me didn’t agree to it.

On seeing my response, Grace seemed to be depressed; she looked at the ground in shame.

“How dare you show disrespect towards chief kaidae” One of the man said in anger.

“Give the book back” I said in response.

“The existence of demonic book is blasphemy. It brings death and destruction wherever it goes. We must destroy it immediately” old kaidae said in a stern voice.

“I found it, its upto me to keep it or destroy it. You have provoked me enough. I will not ask for it again.” I said in a threatening tone.

“Ok, then let me ask you. What do you plan on to do with it?” Old kaidae asked ignoring the anger in my voice.

“It’s none of your business what I do with it. Nonetheless I’ll tell you, I plan to study it to become knowledgeable so as to be wary of such things” I said to her irritated.

“Chief kaidae, don’t get fooled by his words, anyone who gains demonic knowledge will eventually thirst for the ill power. We should destroy it this instance” the man who was aggressive towards me earlier said.

“There is only so much patience a I can.....” before I could finish my words Elena said hurriedly “Please give him the book. Cleon is a good person; he will never harm the innocent. He saved all of us, please think of it as a repayment for his kindness” looks like Elena knows me well enough to sense when I am about to do something in anger.

“Very well, Reed give him the book for now” said old kaidae.

The man named Reed threw the book at my feet. I glared at him before picking up the book.

We were led out of mountains and to the village. The parents of the kids came running and hugged their children with tears. At the corner I saw two parents break down in tears after hearing that their children was killed in the cave.

I was told that they had arranged a guest house for me. I saw that Elena was being led by Reed somewhere else. I went towards her ignoring the Spot who was supposed to accompany me to the guest house.

“Where are you going?” I asked her.

“They have prepared a room for me in one of the cottages; Mr. Reed is accompanying me there.” She responded to my question.

“Come with me, I have my things in the bags you are carrying. We will stay in the same place” I said to her grabbing her hand. I felt somewhat uneasy to let Elena out of my sight.

“Unmarried men and women do not spend night together in our village. It our rule” Reed said butting in again. It seems he would not stop bothering me unless I teach him a lesson.

“You can take that rule and get lost. I would gladly leave this village if I had to, once you fill us with stock of food which I spent feeding the kids. I am not letting her go out of my sight. We have been together for many days, she can judge my character herself.” I said in a displeased tone.

“No wonder she stinks, she looks like an innocent girl though. Looks can be deceiving” Reed said in a low tone eying Elena.

I could not take it anymore. I was enraged and my eyes started to cloud again. I grabbed his collar and lifted him up. A red light started to appear all over his body when Elena grabbed my arm and fearfully said “Please don’t do it. Please calm your anger.”

I let go of the man and he fell on his butt. “Next time, I will make sure that there will be nothing left of you but cinders” I said to him with a vicious expression, Grabbing Elena and picking up our baggage I distanced myself from the confused man.

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Here an extra long chapter for today. I am not feeling well hence there MAY not be a chapter tomorrow. If I don't post the chapter tomorrow I'll make up for it on Sunday. It all depends on how I feel.