It was just past noon, and Solymr and the king's four children had gone to the market. The large oval marketplace was filled with people who sold wares at their stands, laughing, shouting and friendly talk being exchanged between them.
Chavenfort was known for it's pretty atmosphere and welcoming citizens.
Solymr stood out quite a lot among the humans and elves. His dark ashy skin, long ears, small horns and tiny fangs to match. In addition, being tall, and towering most human men by 20 centimeters. He was not very muscly, even though demons had a tendency to built themselves more easily than man. The years as a scholar had left him slim built.
He sometimes regret not signing up for fighting class back in Hella, especially now that he takes care of the king's children in the daytime. Luckily, the streets have lots of guards to keep the city safe. The children never pass the borders anyway.
''Now, children, I would like if you could try bargaining with some of the shopkeepers! As royals, you should know the importance of negotiation and normal barter.'' He told the four minors, all listening except the youngest, Martin.
He handed the three oldest a few silvers to start their lesson with. ''Don't spend it on something worthless, and keep in mind, the salesmen and women here might try to trick you!''
Before the children went on to their tasks, the dark skinned demon heard screaming in the distance, quickly turning in the direction of the commotion. People startet to garther around the corner.
A few people ran past Solymr and the kids, looking terrified. Several guards ran towards the source, one guard ran towards Solymr, saying ''Some monster is near the market, I will take the children to safety!'' Solymr nodded. He told the kids that it would all be alright, and that they had nothing to fear. His curiousity grew, he had to see what was the cause of the turmoil. He walked in between the masses of people, turned a corner of a building and was met with a disturbing sight.
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The guards all pointed their spears towards a creature, who was now down on his knees. A demon?!
He was pale, and completely splattered in blood, making a vivid contrast. However, his left arm was missing from the elbow and up. It looked like it had been torn off instead of cut. A strap of cloth had been tied around the arm to stop the bleeling.
In the pale demon's right hand was his missing arm. I did not look good. It had begun break down. It had gone completely grey and darkened. Solymr's heart sank by the view. He looked at the other demon's face and saw someone who was about to pass out. The dark skinned demon felt his heart race, he knew he couldn't let the guards take him, they would just throw him in a cell.
''Don't hurt him!'' Solymr shouted as he ran past the citizens and pushing a guard away. He bent down to the large figure, who was panting from exhaustion. Drops of sweat covered him, giving him a sickly look. Solymr could smell the wound. It reaked with the smell of old blood and decaying flesh. Solymr imagined it wouldn't have been long before parasites would have infested the arm.
Solymr placed a hand on one shoulder of the other demon, ''We are going to get you to the castle, the doctors will help you! Don't worry!'' he said with slight panick in his voice.
The pale demon started to sway from one site to the other, while mumbling, ''Don't..Touch me.''
Black and white spots emerged in his vision, before turning to utter darkness. He now felt nothing.