The black shadow sliced through the night air over the dense forests of Verania. Gracefully flapping her delicate wings, the girl silently glided above the treetops, occasionally glancing at a small map in her hands.
"Aah, finally freed from mother's leash... Now I can live as I please," she thought as she flew for almost half a day. It was time to take a break somewhere. "But now I have to decide what to do next. I have some money with me, but it won't last long."
Grrrr.
"Haaa... I could really use something to eat. Where is the nearest town?" According to the map, there were quite a few orcs and goblins in these woods, so landing here was not advisable. However, ahead should be a safe town with decent guards. "Mother always made us dress more conservatively when we found ourselves in human cities, but unfortunately, I didn't bring any other clothes with me. Well, I hope it won't be a problem."
Except for the border post with Nordrune, there was only one somewhat significant settlement in this forest. Tall walls protected it from local monsters, but the guard was mainly composed of local militia and temple guards, unlikely to withstand an organized attack.
"Hmm, going through the gates is too problematic. I'll fly over." With her black wings, the girl soared over the fortress wall and landed on one of the side streets.
"Hmm, the city isn't that big," she observed. Aside from the main road, there were only about a dozen streets in the town, and all the major shops and establishments were close to the road. "Now, I just need to find a decent eatery. I don't really feel like staying here."
She strolled along the main street, looking at the signs. It was early morning, so there weren't many passersby, but those who saw her gasped and scattered, making way for the unusual sight – a dragon among them!
"Oh, 'Shot Piglet', that's just what I need!" she noticed a sign for a small café near the caravan stop. The closer to the caravan stops, the better the establishments usually were. Judging by the sign, this one was just to her taste. It was quite hot outside, and the owners had even set up a few tables for guests outside. "I might as well take one of them," she thought. "Now, let's see how much I have in my finances."
In her purse, there rested the last hundred Veranian coins. It was not much, and she shouldn't spend it all at once. "But still... Where is everyone?" she grumbled after sitting at a table for twenty minutes without anyone bothering to take her order. In decent establishments, they would have fired such waiters long ago. "Hey, owner!"
Inside the establishment, there was only the innkeeper and a couple of girls dressed as waitresses.
"What's the matter? Can't you see a customer has come? Give me something to eat!" She couldn't believe the audacity. Apparently, they had no intention of serving her. She picked a couple of items from the menu and returned to her seat.
Grrrrrr
"Hahahaha," she sighed sadly, glancing at her purse. "Usually, I'd eat three times more, but I must remember to economize."
I clenched my fist confidently, and just at that moment, the waitress brought my chicken dish.
"Thanks a lot," I said, not waiting for her to place the tray down. I snatched the plate from her hands and started eating. The girl flinched and ran back inside the establishment, clearly frightened. "Hmph, she's probably never seen how dragons eat."
"Hum-dum-dum," I hummed a peaceful tune as I savored my meal, waiting for the second course. It was a pity I decided to economize on the third dish because the food here was surprisingly good.
The peaceful town, however, was strangely deserted. Dawn had long passed, and people should have been going to work by now. The place where I stopped seemed to be popular, yet there were no customers even in the morning.
"Hmm, maybe they have some kind of celebration, and everyone is there..." Various ideas about what was happening started crossing my mind. "I'll have to ask the owner later, but first, let's finish the food."
As I finished my first dish, I heard heavy bootsteps behind me. Boots like that were usually worn by guards or knights.
"We have come here to cleanse this place from demonic corruption in the name of the Holy Church!" The bootsteps turned into a long and pompous speech by their commander.
"Heh, my mother used to tell me that demon-hunting has become quite a popular activity among humans nowadays. Though I can't imagine how even a well-trained group of warriors can handle a moderately strong demon," I thought. With the chicken dish vanquished, I had a clear view to watch the spectacle unfolding while waiting for the second course.
I turned around and saw a group of ten soldiers in white-silver armor with gilded crosses, led by a man in a crimson robe, probably a local priest or an inquisitor.
"A thousand years ago, demons nearly destroyed our world, and even now, they continue to crawl out of their lairs to intimidate people, steal our souls, and subjugate us to their will! But as long as the Church stands guard for the common folk, you have nothing to fear," the squad faced the other side of the street, and I could clearly hear every word he said.
I don't know what these people are thinking, but during my travels with my mother, I encountered a demon only once, and it was on a distant island in the south, where a portal to their world was located. She couldn't leave the island, though she wasn't really that bad.
"Demon! Surrender, or we will force you to stand trial before the Holy Inquisition!" The priest was calling upon some internal demons with all his fervor.
I looked around attentively, but there were only empty streets. Some locals occasionally peeked out of their windows but didn't dare to come out. Behind me, the tavern owner and two maids were hiding behind the counter.
"I wonder where this demon is?" I continued observing the group of temple knights while slowly gnawing on the last chicken bone.
"You! How dare you ignore me?!?!" The priest was fuming with anger, shaking his staff menacingly in my direction.
After looking around again, I didn't find any signs of demons, and I didn't sense any special magic in this place. Where did he even find them?...
...
...
"Wait a moment..."
"Are you addressing me by any chance?" I waved my hand hesitantly towards the figure that was blending with the robe.
For some reason, my gesture made the knights step back slightly. They seemed quite inexperienced and probably had never aimed their weapons at anything bigger than a wolf.
"Of course, I'm talking to you! Devil's spawn! Don't pretend!" The inquisitor trembled with rage, waving his stick threateningly at me.
"What's going on here?" I calmly stood up and walked towards the group of soldiers.
It seemed like they didn't know how to react and just stood in the middle of the road, about ten meters away from me. With each step I took, I saw the scared soldiers shrink in their armor.
"Ah, so you finally decided to surrender. Wise choice. We will hold a fair trial for you and determine the measure of your guilt," said the inquisitor. As I approached, his confidence turned to fear.
"What? I've heard about your 'trials'. By what right do you intend to judge me?" I strongly disliked the idea of being burned at the stake, although the flames would hardly harm me.
"Y-you will be judged for using forbidden magic, and if your guilt is proven, you will be executed!" A malicious grin briefly flashed on the inquisitor's face.
"What nonsense!" I started to demonstrate my fingers' flexibility. "Firstly, why are you so negatively disposed towards demons? They are not all that wicked, at least not all of them... well, there are a couple of kind ones. Secondly, I don't remember using any magic here, and you were going to judge me precisely for that, weren't you? And thirdly, I don't even know how to use demonic magic."
My arguments were quite logical, but the man didn't seem willing to give up.
"Don't play dumb! You are clearly a demoness and couldn't have come here with good intentions. So, we will arrest you before you can harm the town!"
Gradually, the townspeople started coming out onto the streets and forming a wide circle around us. Apparently, the fact that the brave guards "captured" me instilled confidence in them.
"Stop-stop-stop! Why do you even think I'm a demon?"
"And who else could you be?" The inquisitor was bursting with a sense of his own greatness. "These horns, animal-like eyes, and this provocative attire!"
"Hey! What's wrong with my clothes? All dragons dress like this! And look here!" I opened my mouth wide, causing a few young girls in the crowd to faint. "I have all fangs like a dragon, while demons have human-like teeth! And my horns are not shaped like theirs!"
"Hmph, if you're a dragon, then transform into your true form, and then the suspicions will be dispelled."
Doubtful murmurs arose in the crowd. It seemed that some people began to question whether I was a demon. Gathering my strength, I attempted to transform, but the only result was a low growl.
"Ouch, I'm afraid I'm too hungry to change shape right now."
"See! You won't deceive me with your tricks. People, this monster came here to lead you into darkness. We must stop it before it's too late!"
"Hey! I just came here to have a meal! And I have money, I haven't done anything wrong!"
"You hear that? She came here to feast on you! And, as we know, demons devour innocent souls!"
This idiot is starting to annoy me.
"What nonsense! I prefer meat over souls," I said, though perhaps I shouldn't have.
"You heard her! She will devour your flesh and the flesh of your children. We can't let her go!"
"Hey! Don't exaggerate. I'm not going to eat anyone here," although the locals seemed to lean towards the inquisitor, I no longer felt safe. "You can look for demons in your own heads, I'll leave if I'm such a bother."
I prepared to spread my wings, but the priest had no intention of letting me go that easily.
"You're not going anywhere, demon! Do you think I'll release you just like that?" The inquisitor took out a strange magical crystal from his pocket. "This artifact was given to me by the bishop; it can subdue any demon, and I will make you face the sacred judgment!"
"Oh, come on," I snorted. Well, at least let him try. I smirked.
Mumbling some words, the priest squeezed the crystal. It faintly glowed, and a spherical magical field emanated from it, hardly noticeable to ordinary people. However, a chill ran down my spine; indeed, if I were a demon, this thing could have caused me terrible suffering. But for me, it only gave a slight headache.
"And now, monster, submit to my will," the man was oozing with confidence. Well, I could play along a bit.
"Yes, sir," I humbly raised my hands and slowly approached the "master."
"See, people, the holy church can protect you from any monster!" The inquisitor continued to boast as I slowly approached him.
"And now, demon, you will answer for your... Thud!" With a light flick of my hand, the arrogant inquisitor flew to the opposite end of the street.
"I told you, I'm not a demon; this thing doesn't affect me!" I nonchalantly scratched my scaly paw, with which I just sent this idiot flying. "And now, I'm leaving. I don't want to linger in this unpleasant little town anymore."
I turned around and spread my wings, but the inquisitor was relentless.
"Don't let her escape! She will surely destroy the city if we release her!" Following his command, the still uncertain guards surrounded me. They had swords and spears, which played into my favor. If there were no archers among them, I could fly away without harming anyone.
"Forget about all of you," I spread my wings and took flight. However, before I could ascend too high, stones started flying at me. The locals, believing the dumb inquisitor's words, began to throw rocks to bring me down to the ground. "Oh, damn!"
One stone hit my wing, causing me to lose balance and crash down. I would have to walk from now on.
I rushed to the city's exit, but the local guards had already closed the gates.
"And still, you won't catch me," I spread my wings again and tried to leap over the wall when I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder.
A spear from one of the guards had pierced me just under the collarbone. Surprisingly accurate throw for such cowards.
I had no choice but to hide in the alleys of the city. The crowd continued to pursue me, and I sneaked into a small shed in the shadow of an old inn, hoping they would get tired and stop the search.
The temple guards kept searching until nightfall, but they didn't dare to continue hunting for the "demon" in the dark. I found refuge in a shed with hay and attempted to inspect the wound.
The spear hadn't gone too deep, but I wouldn't be able to flap my wings. I had two options: either try to force my way out of the city or wait for the wound to heal.
With my regeneration, it would take about two days, although I could... I touched the ruby on my necklace.
"No, I left home to stop relying on my mom. I can get out of this situation on my own." Grrrr "But I haven't had enough to eat in the morning. Now I understand why mom always disguised herself when we went to unfamiliar towns. These people are completely insane!" I curled up into a ball on the stack of hay, trying to sleep despite the throbbing pain in my shoulder.
Tock-tock-tock
I woke up from the gentle shaking of my "bed." I was covered with a white sheet, but I felt that I was on a moving surface.
"What the hell?" I glided smoothly to the edge of the wagon. It seemed someone was taking me along the main street toward the southern gates. "What are you doing?"
"I just want to help," I heard a quiet female voice; she clearly didn't want us to be heard.
"Are you planning to turn me in for a reward?" I couldn't trust anyone in this situation.
"No, I just want to get you out of the city. Lie still for a few minutes; I have to deceive the guards somehow."
The carriage stopped, and I heard the rough voices of the guards.
"Are you leaving us already?"
"Yes, I bought everything I wanted. You surprisingly have a rich selection of goods from the north."
"Yes, we always offer our loyal customers a wide variety."
"By the way, it was so noisy here yesterday."
"Yes, indeed. A demon was discovered in the city, but it managed to escape."
"That's scary! I hope it won't attack me on my way home."
"Don't worry; it wouldn't get far. We continue the search. I'm sure it's still in the city, but I wouldn't advise stopping on the road at night."
"Thank you for the warning," the woman was about to leave, but the guards detained her.
"Just to be sure, can we check your wagon?" Two guards walked around the carriage and pointed their spears at her.
"Oh, I'm not against it, but I have various chemicals for medicines, and many of them are poisonous. It would be very bad if you break them," she spoke calmly and convincingly.
"Hmm, well, okay, we'll take your word for it, but don't lose your vigilance."
"Thank you for the advice."
An hour passed before I decided to peek outside the wagon. I pushed aside the blanket and saw several tightly closed jars in the back. The reins were held by a graceful woman, aged around thirty to thirty-five, dressed in a simple dress and a white bonnet.
"Well, why did you decide to help me?" I still doubted the woman's motives.
"Well, you see, I travel a lot, and I've encountered dragons before. Granted, they were only red dragons in the south, and I saw a white one once in the north, but a black one is a first for me."
"Hmm, so you don't believe that I'm a demon?" I gave her a skeptical look.
"No, no, I still consider myself educated enough not to believe in such tales. Demons, although they have physical embodiment unlike other spirits, cannot stay away from the portal to the demon world for too long, or they'll die from mana exhaustion. Besides, dragons differ slightly from demons, but simple villagers hardly know those distinctions."
"Hmm, and who are you exactly, since you seem to know so much?"
"Me? I'm just a wandering herbalist. I live in a small village in eastern Verania, but I often go on journeys to other countries for rare medicines and new knowledge. I've always been drawn to traveling, but unfortunately, I didn't possess any particular talents to enter the Academy or join a guild."
"Hmm," I relaxed a bit and sat down next to the woman.
"I know you're upset with those people, but most of them haven't traveled beyond the nearest village. For them, dragons are mythical huge monsters from fairy tales, while demons are a real threat, something the church frightens them with every day."
"Hmph, idiots! It's essential to see beyond their noses. And that... that idiot infuriated me completely!"
"Ah, you mean the inquisitor? Unfortunately, in recent years, they've been approaching their duties with special zeal, resulting in many innocent people dying. But, alas, as long as they have the full support of the king, they get away with it."
"That's why I don't like people," correctly said, just a stupid herd! How can they blindly believe those murderers?!
"Am I included in that dislike?" The woman sadly lowered her eyes.
"Huh? Oh, no, you're not like them, at least smarter than this whole crowd combined."
"Hehe, thank you," she seemed to have fooled me, "how's your wound?"
Hmm? Suddenly, I realized I didn't feel that nagging pain in my shoulder. A small bandage had been applied to the wound, stopping the bleeding. When I removed the fabric, the cut was barely visible.
"Well, I thought it would take a few more days to heal."
"Well, I don't call myself a healer for nothing. I even know how to speed up the regeneration of dragons."
"That certainly deserves praise."
"By the way, do you need a ride somewhere? I doubt you travel alone at such a young age."
Alone... yes, I wouldn't be in this situation if I were with mom...
"No, no one is waiting for me. I'm traveling on my own!" I leaned back.
"So, a little chick that flew out of the nest, huh?" The woman smiled gently.
"Hey! I'm already grown up! And I can do whatever I want!"
"Yes, yes! And what are your plans, Madam Adult Dragoness?"
"Uh," I realized I had no plans yet... and I don't have money for long journeys.
"If you have nowhere to go, you can travel with me for a while," the woman smiled and looked into the distance with a hint of sadness, "I'm heading south now, then along the coast back to my village. Surely you'll find a place you'd like to stay at somewhere along the way."
"Hmm..." for now, it might be a good option, "but keep in mind, I have very little money."
"That's not a problem; in any city, there will be sick people in need of help. I usually stay with them. I take only what they give me as a token of gratitude. Accommodation, food, and money only come from those who can afford to pay for the treatment."
"Hmph, quite an idealistic approach," I hmphed in agreement.
"Hey! I don't want to hear that from a girl who ran away from home without any idea of the world around her!"
"Who are you calling a girl?! I'm at least three times older than you!!" What does she think about dragons anyway!
"But by dragon standards, you're still a child, right?" The woman grinned.
"Ugh," I frowned and turned away.
"Alright, alright, let's travel together then. My name is Serniya," the woman patted my head, and I felt the warmth that I once experienced when I was with mom, at least until she started looking for suitors for me, "and won't you tell me your name?"
"Ragni," I mumbled almost inaudibly.
"What?"
"My name is!" I stood tall, puffed up my chest, and said proudly, "Ragnalia, daughter of Ignis!"
The horse got startled and threw me off. I had never had such an unsuccessful introduction.
"Pleased to meet you. And this is my gift, with this, people won't be afraid of you," Serniya smiled and handed me a white doctor's coat.