A few days later, any information about the monster was valued. But the information about the arm was kept under wraps, so was the blood magic. Back home, practicing with only a single arm. Scythe was off balance. Sitting down in a huff, "God damn it." Scythe spat

"You lost an arm, it's been just a few days," Astela said, sitting next to Scythe.

"It's not just that, my sword isn't like normal." Scythe said.

"Let me take a look." Astela offered, "I know a thing or two about blades."

"Sure," Scythe handed the blade over. Astela's hand dropped some from the sheer weight. "The hell... we have been training we something this heavy?" Astela asked, "You are holding back, aren't you?"

Scythe looked away, "Yeah. I've been."

Astela gave Scythe a look, "Next time, don't hold back so much."

Astela studied the blade for a time, "Seems like a small crack, running up the length of the blade. You should get that fixed." Astela spoke, "Before it breaks."

"Yeah." Scythe stood up. "Another round?"

"Sure." Astela jumped up.

Round after round, until both were exhausted. By then it was midday. "We should call it here." Scythe said,

"I can't do much more."

"Same, you keep up well." Astela complemented, "Let's get food."

  Both walked to the main door, but were both stopped from entering, "Why?" Astela asked

"You both are filthy, go clean up before you come in." the maid answered, "There is a large gathering tonight, and we just finished cleaning."

"Okay, okay, we'll go clean up." Astela said, "come on, no point in arguing."

"Thank you for understanding." the maid spoke

  Walking to the well, Astela pulled up a bucket for both of them. "You know the strangest thing in these last few days was, you suddenly disappearing with a dragon, then you came back just as the battle ended. So who are the two demi's watching me like a hawk all the time?"

"Those are my mom's." Scythe dumped the bucket on himself, "Brr, that's cold."

"You're not a demi." Astela said, "So how are they your parents?"

"I'm adopted, I don't know my real parents." Scythe answered.

"So you've been adopted into two families," Astela raised an eyebrow, "but back to strange things, the demon, or whatever it was, killed a lot of soldiers. Personally I'm worried if it comes back and attacks us."

"So what did it do?" Scythe asked, his own memory was fuzzy from the event.

"Well we think, don't tell anyone this," Astela looked deep into Scythe's eyes.

"I won't"

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"Good, but as I was saying, we think it's a blood demon. One more powerful than any I've ever heard of. There was evidence of blood magic, and a small child said the demon spared him after killing several mages." Astela spoke, "I think the demon they tried to summon rejected the contract and started killing them and damn near countless soldiers."

"That doesn't sound good."

"Exactly." Astela said, "Whatever it is, I have to find a solution to counter it."

"I hope it goes well." Scythe said.

  After finishing cleaning up, the two went inside. Preparing for the gathering.

Later that night, there were hundreds of nobles in the castle, heads of merchant guilds, even Escal and Claire. Everyone partied for a small-time until Zander walked in and silence fell, "I would like to take a moment of silence for all of our fallen brothers and sisters," Zander raised his glass, and after the moment passed he continued, "We united against a common foe. I thank you all. Everyone supporting the weakest member. Except for three lords within my domain, bring them forth."

  Three nobles pushed by guards entered the room. "Some of you are wondering why three of your friends are cuffed in chains." Zander paused, "during the battle these three, did not help at all during it. As a punishment they are no longer nobles, their land and titles stripped and will be kicked onto the streets."

"What are their crimes!?" a noble yelled

"They sought to open the east gate, letting the enemy in." Zander was serious, "I was planning on execution, but death is a better fate than being poor. So in making their punishment worse, any noble who seeks to help these traitors will meet the same fate."

Silence fell, not even whispers. "Now kick them out, and let's continue the party," Zander ordered

  Scythe sat near the wall, eating a small plate of food. Sol walked up, in a very simple, but still beautiful dress, "Being the king, can also mean being a villain to a few." Sol commented.

"I wasn't expecting that." Scythe finished his food.

"I don't think anyone would," Sol said.

"Is Luna here?" Scythe asked

"No, she is sitting outside in the moonlight. She likes it." Sol had a smile.

  Zander walked up to the two, starting to talk, "Sorry about that, I should have given you some sort of warning."

"It's fine. Just a little surprise." Scythe said

"I don't believe we had a chance to meet, I'm King Zander Eluician." Zander introduced himself, "And you are?"

"My name is Sol, I don't have any fancy title like yourself." Sol bowed slightly.

"Sol? Did your parents name you after the twin goddesses?" Zander asked

"I don't know about that," Sol answered, "this is the first time in a long while since I've been in a court."

"If you were in a court before, why don't I recognize you?"

"I've lived in the mountains with my love, for the last while." Sol chose her words carefully

"Where is he? or she?" Zander asked

"She doesn't like being in courts," Sol answered, "she prefers the land and its creatures."

"Understandable, Scythe, when you have a moment can we talk?"

"If you two need to talk, I'll be taking my leave," Sol said as she left

Zander watched her leave, "I think she would look great in armor."

"I've never seen her in any." Scythe answered

"She walks as if she is, like her... Sorry, but it's about your arm."

"What about it?"

"The road to the Scarvo city is a long one, at least two weeks on horseback to the west."

"I thought that was dragon territory?" Scythe asked

"It is, but dragons and Scarvo, have long been allies, they don't interfere with each other." Zander informed, "the Scarvo are powerful, they could probably take over the world, but they don't."

"why?"

"They don't care about us, or the surface world. They prefer their magitech and sciences, they might not make your arm, because many humans have asked for weapons." Zander spoke, "that's why I I wanted you to take a look through the materials we have here in the castle. Take what you need."

"Thank you, I can't pay you back enough for everything you have given me." Scythe said.

"You don't need to worry about that, you are my son." Zander wrapped an arm around Scythe, "I want to see you safe. Any price is worth that."

"Thanks. Hey, I heard some rumors about a demon, did you know anything?" Scythe asked.

"I do know somethings, but this isn't the place to talk about it." Zander quieted down, "I do know that it was blood magic. That's all I will say until we get some quiet."

"Okay."

"So enjoy the party," Zander spoke aloud

"Yeah."

  Scythe stayed near the walls, watching the people dance to the flow of the music. Eventually as the night went on, the nobles left. The once filled hall, now empty except for maids cleaning up. Zander walked to Scythe, "Come, let us talk about that demon."