Chapter 1; My name is Priam

With every step I took, my body and mind ached. It had been a few days since I had slept anywhere that wasn’t as hard as stone. 

And this forest was endless. I’d been lost for several days now in this shit hole. The trees competed feverishly for sunlight; pulling the land below into an embrace of darkness. It was night now, but even on the morning the place was hard to manuever…

This place was so cold…I was so cold…. This world was so cold… Had it not been for this blue  coat she made me, I’m more than certain my ass would be frozen by now. We were in the midst of Autumn, so why the hell was it so cold?! And with those clouds covering the sky, rain was more than likely on its way.

Exhausted from walking, I leaned against a tree. My blonde, spiky hair had grown long thanks to not having Liliana to cut my hair. And my linen shirt and pants had took a beating from not being able to wash. My boots, initially black, were brown from all of the mud I trudged through. Overall, I was a mess…

“AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!”

Well not as much as her…

I leapt to my feet. That scream was so close! I should’ve been happy to see another face, but these black horns scaling down my ear lobes make her scream louder… 

What was she screaming about anyway? There weren’t any bandits around these parts, were there? Besides, it was probably more trouble than what she was worth? I was better off letting minding my own business. But…Liliana would be pissed if I let this woman die wouldn’t she?.

I hopped from behind tree to tree. I wasn’t able to silence the squelching of the mud, but this aggressor had to be preoccupied with that woman.  God I hope it’s not wolves, their pack tactics are deadly. 

I found my targets and rage surged through my veins. Before me stood a knight with his arms wrapped around a woman. That silver armor, that red cloak with a dove as its emblem, it was all iconic! These knights were none other than a Celestial; the tyrants who hold themselves above all but the gods themselves.

I couldn’t count how many times they gave me shit. All because of my horns and my skin. I may have had the blood of fiends within me, but I was still half human. But to them, and everyone else but ESPECIALLY them, I was no good.

The woman however was beautiful. She had on a plain dress, but her long, scarlet hair was gorgeous! This Celestial was no doubt plotting something nasty.

“Wretched girl I’m trying to help you!”

“I don’t need your help to let go of me!!!”

“Why are you out here by yourself? Why are you trying to run from me?! We’re Celestials not brigands!”

“And yet you manhandling me like a one?!”

“By Ismael woman, you have to relax. I am not here to hurt you, but you must compose yourself!”

Judging by its tears and wrinkles, she must’ve been out here for a while. Is she lost just like myself? And to further complicate things, this  Celestial might not be as troublesome as the others…

“Now I’m going to let you go... Can you promise not to run?”

“And if I don’t, are you going to lock me in a cage?!”

“I’d rather not, however you running away implies that you have something to hide. If you cooperate and tell me what’s wrong, I might be able to help you. Deal?”

“She looked in my direction. Could she see me? The celestial released her and...she didn’t run. But thanks to her, now the Celestial is looking my way…

I think everything will be alright maybe I should-

“Whoever is hiding in the shadows, you’d best reveal yourself at once!”

...I hate this girl so much

I obeyed, hands in the air as if I was surrendering. I was a half breed with a scimitar on his hip. I didn’t exactly resemble a saint. 

He rested his hand on his sword, but I didn’t sense any desire to unsheathe it. Now if I could just come up with a good story, maybe he’ll let me go and we can all forget this happened.

“A rogue? Are you one pestering this woman?!”

“I...I’m just trying to get out of this forest sir… I don’t want any trouble….”

Muttering like a little girl wouldn’t be labeled as harmless, but hopefully it would lower the tension in the air. He turned his focus onto the maiden.

“Is this true?”

“I…I didn’t even know he was back there…”

Then why did you look in my direction and smile you dumb- Ah crap he’s turned his gaze back on me…

“...I have no proof that you were trailing her, but those horns… You’re a cambion aren’t you?”

My stomach was in knots… Every time I meet one of these knights, the only thing that matters are these damned horns…!

“…And if I am?”

“…We’ve been given strict orders to round up any half breeds we-.”

“How many times do I have to keep telling you idiots that I don’t worship devils?! Nor do I get off to poisoning wells, abducting women, or doing Ismael knows what you morons come up with!”

His grip tightened around his sword. I couldn’t blame him, even I was surprised at my outburst. Only one who wasn’t unnerved was this woman….

“It is nothing personal, I am just following orders. If you come peacefully, you will not be harmed.”

“Just a moment Celestial. He’s a cambion right? Those people that descended from devils correct? The people that are prone to losing control and attacking others right?”

“Indeed.”

“So, what do you think is going to happen if you try to arrest him? Think of how I reacted when you tackled me… Just let him go, he’s just trying to get by like everyone else.”

My heart skipped a beat when she said that. Either she hasn’t seem one of us go on a rampage, or she was too nice for her own good. Though I appreciated the gesture nonteheless~!

“...We cannot afford to risk something happening. I take no pride in singling his kind out. Ismael knows that they suffer as is, however I made an oath to protect this land. It is not my duty to question orders...”

His superiors must’ve wanted us all locked in cages… Damn them, I was starting to like this guy too…

“So Half Spawn, will you come willingly?”

I held out my hands, and clapped! Vapors shot from my hands and before he knew, the entire area was enveloped in mist. 

“A spell?! You fool, what have you-”

Oh relax, my mist spell has never hurt anyone. Well, directly… But it sure as hell made sure you weren’t capturing me!

Even though I’m blinded as well, I was wise to map out an escape route the second I arrived. This spell only lasts a few seconds, but it was always more than enough to cover my retreat. Only problem is…I can only use it once a day. I’m no mage, I just have a few perks from being a freak.

I bolted. I didn’t know where to, I just kept moving. By the time my stamina began to wane, he and the mist were long gone. Had only I had some food in my belly, I could’ve ran much further. Oh well, he’s not my problem anymore. I just hope that poor woman isn’t the target of his frustration…

“So you’ve finally slowed down. Now then, where were we?”

My heart sank. Out from the bushes emerged that incessant knight! Damn, doesn’t he have anything better to do?! Like find that battalion that abandoned him?

“How in the hell did you find me?! That mist was thick…!

“I’m guessing you haven’t run from many Celestials. If you had, perhaps you would know that we are experts at stopping devils and other wicked magics they bestow upon their followers. Even if you are only half fiend, your aura can still be traced. Like your magic, we Celestials have a few abilities ourselves.”

Crap...those scrying spells are tough to evade… Their range is ridiculous, I must’ve ran for five minutes yet he could still sense me…

“And unlike yourself, we can utilize these powers more frequently. Judging by that look of disdain, I’m guessing you can only use that spell once a day?”

“No, I just didn’t want to kick your ass and feel bad about it later.”

I drew my blade and raised it above my head. With my left hand outstretched and my right foot before the other, I braced myself. 

“Believe it or not, I don’t want to fight you. Unlike the others, you seem pretty decent. But I’m not being rounded up like some animal!”

“I see, very well.”

His blade hissed upon being drawn and out came a silver broadsword shimmering thanks to the moonlight. Apparently fiends don’t like being cut with silver all that much. Hope I’m not susceptible…

The more I looked at him, the more anger I felt. Even if he acted like an outlier, he was treating me no differently than everyone else. To him, I wasn’t a person, just some mongrel looking for its victim. That woman was wise to warn him because I have half a mind to send him back to his superiors without a foot!

“...Can you not overlook your stupid orders for one night?! Trust me, it’s going to get ugly if you don’t Celestial!”

“With your attitude, I fear it’s going to get ugly regardless.”

“Oh you’d be surprised. If you lot would get to know me before you labeled me as a threat, you’d learn that I’m just like everyone else. I wake up, I scrounge for food, I mind my own business, and I hate-”

I stepped forward, twirled, and delivered a meaty roundhouse kick to his gut.

“STUPID PEOPLE!!!”

The force pushed him back, but his stance remained stalwart. 

“That kick...that sword...that stance...I’ve seen nothing like them before! Tell me your name half spawn.”

With my free hand, I taunted him to attack. I couldn’t help but grin, the heat of battle was so exhilarating! If I’m fighting for my freedom, I may as well go all out! 

These damned Celestials had taken everything from me! My home, my friends, and my peace of mind! But they weren’t about to lock me in a cage like some sort of beast! I’d rather die than be some cleric’s pet! I’ll make sure my name strikes fear into the hearts of all these damned paladins!

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“It’s Priam!”

---------

“-ey Pri-! -am? Pri-m -ake u-! Pr-am? -iam?! Priam wake up!!!’

I shot up; drenched and coughing as if I punctured a lung. I rubbed my eyes, finding not a celestial or a forest but...Thrycia?! No way! But this place was...are you telling me all of that was a dream?!

My vision adjusted...and there she stood. A woman of 5’2ft looked at me with her arms on her hips. Her orange, curly hair flowed with the wind. Her skin was as pale as snow, just like my own. We even had the same crimson eyes. With a scimitar on each hip and with a leather tunic and trousers, this is none other than Liliana.

“Jeez Priam! Armageddon could take place and you’d sleep through the whole thing!”

“Ugh...you couldn’t have just called my name…”

“I did! Several times!!!”

I rose to my feet and took in the sights. Thrycia may as well have been its own plane. We had no cobblestone roads nor did we bother with stone walls or gates. Only towers served as our defense, but Thrycian soldiers were to be feared. If anyone was to try and attack us, they’d better pray their deaths were quick.

I had a lot of pride being here. Sure, neither I or Liliana fit in, but even we could earn respect through our abilities in combat. That said, Liliana wasn’t big into the military aspects of this place and was quick to lecture me whenever I got into it with someone else, but at least we had a shot here...somewhat…”

With that in mind, why the hell is she throwing water on me for?! Oh right...she’s big unto having me up at dawn… Ugh!

“How the hell am I supposed to train if you keep sleeping through our sessions?”

“I’ve got swordplay at dawn, hand-to-hand in the arena until the afternoon, whatever opponent the Quartermaster can find me in the afternoon, and even MORE swordplay at night! Can you blame me for needing sleep?!”

“But swordplay is important, Priam! It’s not just about your skill, it’s an art! More importantly, it helps keep you from...going crazy…”

It did give me peace of mind. It wasn’t just learning to cut, it was learning to move, defend, keep a steady mind, and most importantly; slash with cuts that wouldn’t kill. This allowed me to fight in the arena without killing and also...allowed me to protect myself.

“I’m sorry Liliana… I know it’s important, Especially to us…. I’m just tired.”

“I get it, but if you falter and hurt someone else… It won’t look good for either of us.”

“You’re always talking as if we’re being hunted. I know we need to avoid Celestials like the plague, but you know Thrycian guards despise them more than us.”

“But it’s not just Celestials Shiko. We’re plane-touched. You and I aren’t mages, but we’re more sensitive to magic. Especially sin…”

If I recalled correctly, sin is the  negative energy that’s used to channel spells and the like. Many describe it as a dark, corrupting force that can turn even the saintliest of people mad with evil. Liliana speculates that all half breeds have inherited our ancestors’ sinful abilities and believes them to be the cause of...me losing control...

“Considering that we share their blood,  you’d think they’d be drawn to us. I know they thrive off of corrupting mortals.”

“You should be grateful that you haven’t. They view us mongrels as moths to a fire. While they may struggle to tempt a human, we have more reasons to align with them considering how everyone treats us. And that’s why we’re especially vulnerable.”

“Not really, just don’t sign whatever deal they come up with and you’re good. It isn’t lucrative to kill your clients after all.”

“You don’t think they know this? Any devil worth its weight in sulfur will know to study their prey. They’re vipers; waiting for the perfect moment to strike. They may pop in and out of your life, but they won’t make the proposition until they know you’ll say yes.”

“Good lord...do you think they’ll be a problem in the future or something?”

“They’re a nuisance to everyone, we just happen to be their favorites. But listen…”

She rested a hand on my shoulder. 

“If you ever run into a devil, do not engage. Come find me and I will protect you. Fighting a devil is not just about prowess, it’s a mind game. They’ll eat you up and spit you back out in Hell before you even know it. Please promise me Priam!”

I hated seeing her like this. Liliana had a temper like none other, but whenever she spoke to me like this; she always looked like something was eating away at her. Especially when devils became the topic.”

“Don’t worry about a thing! We’ll kill them together and teach em not to-”

“Pr-Priam, where did all of this blood come from?!”

I looked down and my shirt and pants had a long blot of blood running atop them. I wasn’ injured so where was this-

Suddenly my vision shifted. I found myself standing all the same, but back in the forest. Liliana was nowhere to be seen, but the place reeked of blood… 

I clutched my head. I couldn’t tell fact from fiction anymore. But something was in my other hand. What...what happened-”

“Oh no!!!”

I leapt backwards, dropping the severed head of the Celestial and gazing at the dismembered body. My bloodied scimitar laid at my feet. That wasn’t what it was supposed to be used for... Damn it all, I tried to warn him! I warned this would happen…”

My heart sank; not because I haven’t lost control in the past, but because I’ve fought so many people in the past. The main reason I’ve lost control in the past was because my life was in danger… I was pumped to fight this celestial so why?!

“Sorry Liliana…”

I was trembling. I knew burying him was the least I could do, but I didn’t want to touch it… I’m already covered in the man’s blood as is. I don’t want to bathe in it let alone be reminded of what I did. 

Regardless, finding civilization is pointless now. Who the hell is going to welcome a man covered in blood, especially one that’s part devil..

I retrieved my bloodied scimitar and wiped the blood of it. The moon’s refection radiated from the steel. This weapon was beautiful, just like Lilian, and now it tarnished with sin… She gave this to me to defend others, but all I had done was used it for my own selfish agenda….

“I knew this would happen…”

I flinched and out came that same woman from the bushes. Great, first the Celestial hunts and now this random person does the same? Am I running into gods amongst men, or my hunger weakening my magic?

I braced myself. She wasn’t a threat, though the sting of rejection hurt regardless… So what will I be called this time? Freak? Monster? Or is she going to go on a tangent about how I shouldn’t have been born?

“I told that knight to let it go, but it seemed that his code of chivalry blinded him and lead to his death. What a waste…”

“Yeah well...I didn’t want this to happen either. I offered him a chance to run but…why the hell am I explaining to you?! Get lost, this isn't a sideshow!”

“I believe I already am.”

“Well get lost somewhere else then!”

I leered at her but she wasn’t phased. I don’t get it! Why are you going to scream like you’re getting your foot chopped off when a celestial grabs you, yet have a deadpan reaction to man, no a fiend covered in another's blood?!

“At ease, I’m not here to judge., this wasn’t your fault.”

“Uhh, do you not see-”

“The man was trying to rob you of your freedom. Ismael knows what they do to your kind behind closed doors… He wasn’t concerned and his rigid code got him killed, not you.”

I bit my tongue. She was right, but also wrong… I mean, technically I wasn’t in control but…

“It doesn’t make it right… If you don’t want to wind up like him, than hurry up and get the hell out of here… One death on my conscience is more than enough…”

“...But then we’d both be worse off wouldn’t we? You’d be alone and covered in blood and I would be at risk another Celestial or Ismael knows what coming after me again. Surely we can work something out.”

So that’s why she’s being so sympathetic. Even then, why look to man covered in blood and not a Celestial? ...Unless she did something to fear Celestials.

“You’re not much better than me are you?’

“Well...my past is colorful like everyone else’s, but what matters is that I can help you as long you help me. And I didn’t judge you for what you did so why are you judging me?”

Her coy remark did not help her case. She was not someone you should turn your back too, but at the same time I didn’t have any other options. But even if I accept…

“I’m covered in blood. Even if we do find a village, what will stop from going “Eeek! This stupid devilspawn is trying to kill me” instead?”

“That wouldn’t be a bad idea, but you helped me back there. I know I might seem a bit untrustworthy, but my word is as solid as steel. That, and I hate being indebted to others.”

“Okay but still, I’m covered in blood. How the hell am I going to-”

Thunder boomed above us and the drizzle that followed hinted at the storm that was to come.

“We’ll have to work that out later. Bloodied or not, we’ll freeze out here. Help me find a village and I’ll take care of everything else. Deal?”

“Shouldn’t bury...him?”

She turned to what was left of the knight and winced.

“He cared not for your well being. I don’t see why you should care for his. He treated you like an animal so it’s only fitting that he becomes food for them.”

Her canny was intimidating! Deapite being a damsel before, she was more than capable of taking care of herself. It made me wonder why she was fleeing.

Regardless, I had little choice but to accept. Death was terrifying, especially since I had just killed someone. There was no way Ismael would accept me into his plane. And I wasn’t ready to enter Hell just yet.

“...Any ideas on where we should head?”

“I was headed west before that Celestial found me.”

“West it is.”  

As we walked, I kept an eye on her. There was  no body language or ulterior motives I could detect on her. She walked as if she was a normal person. It must be a ruse. A killer has to be efficient at blending in.

Also, she was WAY too sympathetic to my fiendish side. Could she be some sort of cutist? Was I to be her sacrifice? Or maybe-” 

“You know for a monster, you’re very skittish. If you have questions, ask. There’s no point in me hiding anything~.”

“I, uh...your name maybe?”

She chuckled heartily. This was all a game to her wasn’t it?

“Dahlia, charmed I’m sure~. And I believe you called yourself Priam?”

“Something like that.”

Her smirk faded and she hugged herself. The drizzle had evolved into a downpour and even with my coat, I was starting to shiver myself. 

“Ugh....I-I sh-should snagged a c-coat…”

“I disrobed and tossed her my coat. The rain on my exposed flesh brought immediate regret. But I’ve lived through worse. Dahlia I wasn’t so sure about…”

“Y-You’re such a gentleman...b-but...are you sure?”

“No b-but....you need it more than I do!”

“Come here, I have a better idea.”

She spread my coat and wrapped it around the both of us. She placed one arm around my waist and told me to do the same thing. I blushed, yet I clung to her. She felt so warm! With her body heat, I was amazed she was affected. Holding onto her was like sitting next to a fireplace.

But something grew apparent very quickly. Her clothes, like mine, were now smeared with blood! 

“Idiot! Now we both look like murders!”

“It’s either that or we freeze to death. Besides, you seem be to enjoying this~.”

“Th-That’s because you feel like an oven…! Were you born inside a furnace or something…?”

“Hehehe, something like that~.”

We continued moving. Even with her help however, the cold was bitter. We clung tightly to one another as the rain picked up, but it wasn’t enough. And worst all, there was still no sign of civilization. I just had to get lost in the world’s biggest heap of trees...!

She rested her head on my shoulder. I was unnerved, but like me she was just trying to stay warm. I could feel her pace beginning to slow. She must’ve been tired. If I got lost, Ismael knows how long she’s been out here.

“Hey, you holding up alright?”

“Just...a little sleepy… I get really sleepy when I’m cold…”

“Yeah well now is not the time. I need you to keep pace if we’re to find anything.”

“I know...I know...just give me a...moment…”

Suddenly her body fell against mine. She was...sleeping?! How did she find this weather soothing? Especially since it was so…

Her body began losing it’s warmth. I felt her breathing and heart rate slow as well! She wasn’t falling asleep, she was freezing!

“Hey stay with me! You can rest when we find shelter.”

“Mmm…? Can’t a woman relax for one second…?”

“Idiot! You’ll freeze to death if you pass out!”

“You worry too much…”

“Don’t make me drop you! Hey don’t close your eyes! Dahlia wake up!!!”

I poked and shook her, but no response. Her body was growing pale with every second I wasted. 

With time not on my side, I laid her atop my knee. I covered her with my coat, cradled her in my eyes, and sprinted.

I didn’t know where I was going, I just wanted to try and preserve what little heat we had. The ride for her was bumpy, which got her to stir a few times, but wasn’t enough to break her slumber.

I didn’t know why I cared so much for this stranger. For all I know, I could be leading a wolf into a pasture of sheep. I’m in no place to judge though. For all I know, she might’ve done vile acts to protect herself just as I have. Someone of her beauty would most definitely be targeted; and it would be what Liliana would want me to do…

Nngh, my vision was blurring....! Without my coat, I’m no better off than she was…!

“Who's there?!”

Praise Yeshua, a person!!!

Out came someone who had similar garb to Liliana. He had on a leather shirt and breeches with red laces complementing the dark brown. A pointed, straw hat shielded his face from the rain as did the cowl for his face. 

On his waist rested what appeared to be an ordinary sword. Strange, people normally didn’t walk around with just a sword and not a shield or a heavier weapon. Regardless, he was armed to the teeth and I was in no shape to engage. I inhaled and spoke as softly as I could.

“I’m...I’m no one. We’ve been lost for a long time...do you know where-”

He gripped the hilt.

“Why are you two covered in blood?”

His voice was composed, calm, and intimidating. He was more than eager to lob my head off and there wasn’t a good excuse for being bathed in blood.

I stepped backwards and laid her before him. The only one who was a threat was the guy carrying a scimitar, not the damsel in his arms. 

“Forget about me, just...help her…!”

“Hmm…”

He seemed satisfied, however his yellow eyes never broke their hold on me. I turned and walked. I didn’t make it far… My strength evaporated and everything went dark… Was this the cold embrace of death…? That friar spouting about the end of the world was right, death was highly overrated…