The kingdom of ataraxia is enormous and spacious. The forest which we just passed was humble, shadowy and flourishing. Its canopy was competed for, by oak, cottonwood and yew. And of course the occasional beam of light that made its way through the canopy allowed for a hodgepodge of sprouts to rule the soft rich soil below. Different sound especially those of insects and critters brightened up the forest and almost completely muffled the croaks of frogs in the nearby pond.
However the forest after the barrier, though still in Ataraxia land is different. The forest was gigantic, gloomy and blooming. Its canopy was overshadowed by hawthorn, chestnut and oak. Ample openings let enough dancing beam of light through, for disorderly saplings to use the sloping and slant ground below. Curving branches weaved from most trees and a potpourri of flowers which claimed quiet corners brightened up the otherwise colorless backdrop.
A variety of animal sounds predominantly those of larger animals and creatures I dare not imagine resonated through the air and were out of sync with the raging river currents clashing against boulders.
We saw some patrol guards a while back just after we crossed the barrier I imagine how they do it, considering how creepy everything is looking.
Celeste why did you ask about the demon king earlier?
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Don't say his name out loud.
What!? You have got to be joking, not long ago you spoke his name without problem why are you hushing me?
Not long ago said celeste, we happen to be safe inside the confines of our barrier now we are out in the open do you want to jinx this mission?
You can't be serious I told her.
I'm telling you ionia the demon of ataraxia is not someone or better still, something you can take lightly. His news and rumor is everywhere. People say his name in hushed whispers. It is even believed that the reason why ataraxia has not been attacked for some time now is because of him. The remaining kingdoms all fear what he can do due to what he has already done. He is brutal and merciless even invisible. He attacks without warning and leave blood and death behind him. Don't tell me you haven't heard of him or the stories?
While I was still living with my family my dad do mention him but I never did pay attention to the stories. Honestly I never did actually believe the stories. I mean if this "demon" as he is being called is this terrible why is the king and counsel of elders doing nothing about him. And illaesa mentioned earlier that he's not prone to random attack. He only attacks when provoked. I don't see any issue with that.
You really need to start paying attention to the things around you ionia. The only reason the king and elders are doing nothing is because the king has the demon under his control. That is how formidable our king is. Ataraxia is a beautiful kingdom rich and flourishing add a badass king and a terrifying monster which kingdom will dare attack us?
I don't know celeste I still feel that there is something else at work here I just can't place it.
What I think my friend is that you need to get out of your head and concentrate more on things going on around you. Are you even aware that Clarissa is going out with your brother adryll?
What!
Oh boy you really don't know?
I don't, well I think they are perfect for each other. It is no business of mine whatever it is that's going on with them.
I don't want to sound like a busy body or anything but your family is really strange and no offense but why don't you have any abilities? Your family happens to be the strongest when it comes to thelsia and my mom told me that your mom was an excellent potion maker and spell caster that she was one of the very few people magic don't work against but that she later became insane.
You are sounding like a busy body I said with a smile.
I'm sorry if my question offends you in any way.
No need for the apology. My dad impregnated my mom's friend while they were married and got married to that friend. Two years later my mom gave birth to me. My family I don't even think I can call them that is not like other families. As for my mom being insane she was never insane. Broken yes insane no. it was all planned by my fathers wife to make my mom look insane. Unfortunately it worked.
Looking around me I realized it was almost dark we've been walking for hours with no food, rest or water.
Clarissa, I called.
What is it?
It's almost dark and we haven't rested or eaten. Is the place we are goin to still far ahead?
At my words I could hear murmuring around me.
And who are you to question me, I was put in charge of this group and you are to do as I say.
I'm not challenging or questioning your leadership, I just need to know what's going on, It is my right. You don't expect me to walk with you endlessly do you?
Hahahahahaha for someone without powers you do have a mouth on you.
But Clarissa ionia is right we've been walking for hours without rest, food or water. We need to know the plan said celeste.
Shut up celeste bellowed Clarissa.
Listen up everyone we are almost at the place Frances told me to activate the crystal. Once we get there and the crystal is activated we will camp there for the night and head back home tomorrow.
Why all the drama then I asked. You should have just said so when I asked and save us all this drama.
What did you say you freak huh? Do you think I would not fight you just because you are a fallenvale? Do you think any of us care if you live or die. Let me tell you something your brother has told me everything about you. You are nothing and it will be best if you shut your mouth for the remainder of this trip.
I watched as Clarissa walked in front of me after her verbal abuse and I couldn't help but be amused. Her insult means nothing to me I've heard worse.
Don't mind her said celeste.
She is the least of my worries celeste trust me.
It was completely dark with the only light coming from torches we made along the way when Clarissa said we've arrived.
Placing the crystal on the ground Clarissa beckoned on rhea and two boys from the group to form a circle around the crystal and together while holding hands they said the spell "Clarienum caninius" immediately a bolt of electric energy was created and a light jade glow appeared spreading around the forest.
We made camp and sat down to eat.
Is it not strange that we've encountered no beast or creatures apart from the occasional sound of insects and little animals? no wait, we heard some noises earlier on but we've been walking all day yet we've not seen any animal that could make such noise and after some time the noise stopped questioned celeste.
That's because the demon got to them said rhea the girl Clarissa called earlier.
What do you mean asked one of the boys.
You all know my dad is among the counsel he told me yesterday that the demon would take care of any danger we might face on our journey today.
By take care, you mean kill right? Asked another girl whose name I don't even know.
Kill them not kill them does it matter? Asked Clarissa. The most important thing is that the demon is our tool for we to make use of. We all are safe and the crystal has been put in place mission accomplished.
Ionia do you think the demon is looking at us right now asked celeste shaking lightly.
Hush it with your crazy ideas already, we are safe I told her.
I thought I told you to shut up for the remainder of the trip said Clarissa walking towards me.
I'm talking to my friend that's not a crime.
You disobeyed my order.
Your order is ridiculous I replied.
You daughter of a mad woman you dare talk back at me?
What did you call me?
Is it not true? Was your mother not mad?
Before she could say anything else I slapped her so hard on her face that she fell down.
You hit me! shrieked clarissa while touching her face that is already swelling up.
You bitch! I will show you what true power is said clarissa already gathering energy from the earth.
Wait! yelled rhea you can't do this clarissa you will be punished, this filth is not worth it. You know it is against the law to use magic against someone without magic.
You expect me to leave her be?
No, I thought Frances told you to pick a purple flower why not send her to go look for it instead. Is that not fair everyone asked rhea.
I could hear everyone giving their consent.
You all must be joking said celeste. You want her to walk this forest alone in this darkness looking for a flower? Someone with no abilities whatsoever to defend herself with, in this cold?
No one said anything, looking at them I too want to be alone.
It's okay celeste, I will be fine.
But, began celeste wanting to argue. There is no but I said already walking away with a torch