The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [129]
With eyes wide and a slight tremble in her voice she asks, “Is it true that a demon came and Serenna had to fight it off or it would have eaten your soul?”
“What?” he cries incredulously.
“You didn’t tell me that part,” Miko says.
“That’s because it never happened.” Turning to the girl he asks, “Just where did you hear that story?”
“Everyone is talking about it,” she says. “They say you made a pact with the demon and that it was coming to collect!”
“That’s absurd!” he replies. Then he notices how every eye in the inn is directed his way. From their expressions, it is clear they had heard the same thing.
Standing up, James turns toward the crowd and raises his voice saying, “Despite the rumors you may have heard, there was no demon and I have never made a pact with one.”
“But I heard the story from Serenna herself,” one lady says from the crowd. “She’s been telling it all morning.”
“Oh, we’ll just see about that!” Grabbing his things he says, “Miko, we’re leaving.” Heading out to the stable to collect their horses and mule, curious onlookers follow and watch as they make ready to ride. It’s with great relief when he is able to mount and leave the courtyard. A few people attempt to follow but he kicks the side of his horse and quickly leaves them behind.
Drawing near the marketplace, they find it jambed pact with people. Moving forward slowly, they force their way through, eliciting much disgruntled mumblings from those displaced. The marketplace isn’t much better as a mass of people fill the entire market area, all facing toward Serenna’s tent. Carefully maneuvering through the mass of people, James leads the way forward. Standing on a wagon in front of her tent, she speaks to the crowd, the white streak in her hair a stark contrast in amongst the black.
“…its scaly foot had him pinned to the floor, a seven foot sword dripping with fire was raised and ready to cleave him from head to toe. ‘Your soul is mine’ the fiend cried.” The crowd collectively caught their breath, several women actually fainted dead away. “Not knowing what else to do, I cried ‘Fiend be gone’ and threw my crystal ball.” Pausing for effect she dramatically reenacts the throwing of the ball. “When the ball struck, it cried in pain. Why, I don’t know. The crystal shattered, spraying shards in all directions.” Using her hands to direct their gaze to her face, she continues. “Many of the shards struck me, causing great pain.” Members of her audience let out with an ‘ahhh’.
“The shattering of the crystal in some way caused the demon to return to its realm,” a cheer rises from the crowd. “The poor man, who had come to me for help, lay there, whimpering with fear.” Her voice softens, “‘Mama, is that you?’ the poor man cried as I came close. Not knowing what else to say I replied, ‘Yes, it is dear’.”
Looking around, James can see the people around the marketplace are in rapt attention to every word Serenna is telling them. Some of the women are openly sobbing with tears streaking their face. Even a few of the men are visibly moved.
“I held him there, blood still welling from my wounds, pain throbbing in my face and arms, yet still I held him. He slowly came to his senses and at first did not know where he was, ‘Where am I?’ he asked. ‘You’re safe, that is all that’s important now,’ I assured him. He suddenly jumped up, fear again in his eyes and ran out of my tent. I called for him to return, so that I might help him, but he did not heed me.”
The audience begins to applaud and James would have been moved by the story too, if he didn’t know it was just a bunch of lies. Feeling slightly offended, he continues toward her.
Attention drawn to the presence of a rider approaching, she recognizes him. “There he is!” she cries pointing toward him. The crowd as one turns their attention upon him, the marks on his face and hands visible. They are a match to the ones she herself bears.
“It is him,” utters many whispered voices throughout the crowd.
“I am glad you are now safe,” Serenna says, loud enough for the crowd