The next morning I was asked to go to the chief’s place. Elena was sleeping ‘guess she didn’t get that much sleep last night after all that ruckus’. I was feeling sleepy myself, the chief placed two guards outside the house we stayed in and hence I was able to relax a bit.

Right now I am at Chief’s place. In front of me there were various delicious looking food.

“Well don’t be shy, eat up. Feel free to try anything you like” The old Chief said looking at me.

I sat in the dining table along with five people. Old Chief, Chief Kaidae, Grace and Grace’s father Eric. I wasn’t told that I would be having breakfast with them. Wait, why the atmosphere feels like a counselling session.

As I was thinking the old Chief said “Don’t worry about Elena, I have send a maid to cook for her and help her in preparations”

I took two pieces of meat in my plate and started chewing one of them.

“Are you sure she is not your wife. You two seem to be close and you are very protective of her” This time Eric questioned me.

“We both have our circumstances, I promised her that I would take her to her village, her safety is my priority. I’ll be on my way after she reaches her village, but that is none of your concern” I told him with a straight face, I didn’t want them to probe further.

“Dear, your treatment seems to have put off our guest. Now he is not being friendly at all” Old Chief said looking at Chief Kaidae.

Chief Kaidae didn’t say anything she was eating her food as usual.

“Forgive my wife for her rudeness, as things have been going on lately. It’s become imperative to eye strangers with suspicion. Join me in the study after breakfast; I have a few things to discuss with you.” the old Chief said to me, once again turning his attention towards me.

We finished eating silently, the Chief’s family had some small talks but I was not interested in that and concentrated on my food. I noticed that Grace was glancing in my direction a few times.

A few minutes later, I was sitting in a chair in the study room along with the old Chief who sat in opposite direction facing me, holding a red book in his hand. The book was similar to the demonic book I had in my possession.

“I thought you are not supposed to have that book. Chief Kaidae insisted on disposing off the book in my possession all the while having one in her own house, talk about impertinence.” I said in a slightly loud tone.

“This isn’t a Demonic book; it’s an account of demonic rituals and powers from spectator’s point of view. Demonic book corrupts a soul and make the possessor thirst for its power, while this book shows the working of Demonic ceremonies from outsiders perspective without any negative effect.” The old Chief replied to my statement.

“So you are saying it’s a copy of Demonic book without its negative effects?” I asked him quizzically.

“No, this book is nothing like the real Demonic book, it just gives us broad outline and ability to recognise the Demonic powers. Ofcource through understanding of Demonic rituals and ceremonies can only be obtained through the real Demonic book.” The old Chief replied again to my question.

“Grace told me that you killed Reed and Spot at the same time in an unorthodox manner. I asked her in detail and got some idea of the way you took care of them” Said the old Chief and skid the book in his hand to my side.

I looked at the open page of the book and read its contents

8th Century Demonic practices:

Hell-Fire order was founded by Sir Francis Dashwood in the 721. He acquired Grimories of Spells and conjurations and considered it would be interesting to indulge in magical activities. He has been known to have researched demonic arts extensively. Hugh Warpole, one of his disciples wrote in his diary about witnessing one of the rites performed covertly in the Sistine Chapel

On a New Moon, a chosen penitent attending the Sistine chapel takes a small scourge from an attendant at the door. The Chapel is dimly lighted, only three candles, which are extinguished by Sir Francis, one by one. At putting out the first, the penitent takes off one part of their dress. At the next, still more and in the dark which follows the extinguishing the third candle, “lay on” their back with groans and lamentations. Dashwood then would stand above them muttering incantations and after a while, a black flame would emerge from the penitent’s body, it would engulf the whole body while the penitent screams in agony which would last for a few moments. After everything is over only the burnt corpse lay in the altar without any sign of the fire.

“So you are suggesting that I am this Sir Francis Dashwood?” I asked the old Chief.

“No don’t be silly, He was killed shortly after he fled the capital and it was millennia ago. Besides Grace mentioned that you didn’t mutter anything and it happened in a very short amount of time.” The old Chief said with a smile.

“Then what do I owe the pleasure of your research” I asked him with raised brows.

“I suspect that the powers you wield are demonic in nature. Have you been reading and practicing the rituals from the book?” The Old Chief asked in a serious tone.

“I had this ability even before the Demonic book came into my possession. Elena can testify it after all she has seen it way before when we were sailing on a merchant ship. I do not know how I came into possession of such power; neither do I care as it had saved my ass quite a few times.” I said to the old Chief not caring whether he would believe me or not.

“Sounds like an interesting story, I’ll be sure to check with her.” He said in a pleased tone.

“I would have liked you to stay and if possible make a few propositions but you are firm in your decision to leave, besides you’ve got such a beauty by your side.” after a little pause the old Chief said in a sad tone.

“Don’t be jealous. You could also have married a beauty as a Chief, what possessed you to marry chief Kaidae” I smirked at him.

“She was a beauty among beauty in her youth, not to mention the sharp senses of hers. She isn’t that bad once you get to know her” He said in an excited tone.

“Whatever, I do not plan to get to know her even if she begged me to” I told him firmly.

“Too bad, Grace will be sad to hear that. She has taken quite a liking to you and even argued with Kaidae in your favour” old Chief said expectantly.

I didn’t reply anything and soon left after thanking him for breakfast.

I entered the house where Elena and I stayed and found Elena chatting with a woman.

On seeing me the women stood up and left the house.

“They have packed our stock in baggage and prepared a few things which would help us in our journey” Elena said to me.

“It’s not safe to be here. After last night, I don’t know if I can trust anybody from this village. I know I said that we could stay in this village for a day or two but I think it would be better if we leave now” I said to Elena gauging her expression.

“Ok, I will make preparation to leave” She said without batting an eye.

I thought she would surely say something at the sudden suggestion of leaving, but to my surprise she agreed without any protest. I stated at her for a few moments.

“Is there.. Is there something wrong” Elena stammered in embarrassment.

“Hum... No.. Nothing.. It’s just that I didn’t think that would agree so quickly” I said to her honestly.

“That’s.. That’s because yesterday I stopped you earlier from harming that Reed person and because of that you had to go through trouble again. I have decided to not to doubt your judgment and cause more trouble to you” she said dejectedly.

“It’s not your fault. You just lack the experience to judge the intentions of people, I am sure you will learn it eventually” I said to cheer her up.

After a few hours we stood outside the village with our bags. The chief’s family and others came to send us off. The old Chief told me to visit the village again anytime.

“Is it alright to leave without saying anything to Grace? She seems to like you and was quite sad upon seeing you leave.” Elena asked me hesitantly.

“It’s better if she doesn't get too involved. She’s just confused the feeling of gratitude for love. I am sure she will forget about it in a few days” I replied and started walking towards the forest. Elena fastened her pace to catch up with me.

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I am back after the weekend. Today the chapter proceeds a little slow but after a few chapter the pacing will be a little bit faster. I hope you enjoy the story