Deepening Dark

  In hindsight, Daegal realized that those weren’t the wisest words to say in that situation, and yet he found that he hardly cared even as they sought to bind him in chains again. His mind was still focused on that moment, of seeing another being like himself, and his emotions were very conflicted on that. It was quite clear that, whoever they were, they had killed the soldiers guarding the prison, and possibly more. Daegal had not seen what had happened down in the cells themselves, but he imagined it was likely a similar scene to the body he discovered when he arrived.

  Daegal had been led away by the royal guards and chained to a post in front of the castle. They would have thrown him in one of the prison cells, but apparently it was a mess down there and they didn’t want to disturb the scene. The pole he was tied to could probably be broken if he put in the effort, but he didn’t find it necessary at the time, despite all the guards now being under the impression that he was a killer

  His mind was in so much turmoil, but he did recognize the severity of the situation and endeavored to focus on getting through it before worrying about another being like himself out there. Getting out of his own head, he turned toward the captain of the guard, Edmund.

  “Sir, I... w-well, I’m sorry for my lack of information earlier. I was surprised by what I saw, but I can do my best to explain now.”

  “Well, isn’t that nice. Perhaps you could start with explaining why there are half a dozen dead soldiers and prisoners that looked like they were mauled by a bear? Now, I’m not an expert on the subject of ursine habitats, but I don’t believe they wander through cities. Care to explain that?” The sarcasm was positively dripping on his voice as it was clear exactly what the man thought.

  Before Daegal could form his respons, a new voice cut into the conversation.

  “What’s all this, then?”

  Reynard had entered the scene, accompanied by a few dozen guards who spread out across the courtyard to secure the area for their lord. Edmund bowed to his king.

  “My lord, we came upon a scene most grisly in the prison. The guards and prisoners were all slaughtered to the last, and it looked like they were ripped apart with claw and fang. We caught the beast here at the scene, standing over the body of one of my men and unable to explain themselves.”

  “Is that so,” Reynard simply said as his eyes wandered up and down Daegal’s body.

  “We were just about to begin the interrogation to get to the truth of the situation. I am confident that-”

  He was interrupted when Reynard let out a sigh. “Release him, captain.”

  Edmund blinked in surprise. “My lord?”

  “Daegal is innocent in this matter.”

  “I... What makes you say that your majesty?”

  “You said they were torn apart with claw and fang, and yet there is not a drop of blood on Daegal. Not only that, but one of the soldiers who came to my defense was talking about how they were stopped by Daegal in the halls near the apothecary’s room at the time of the alarm. So, unless he can not only move from one location to another in an instant but also clean himself of the gore from a slaughter in that same breath, then he is innocent. Kindly release our guest.”

  Edmund looked a bit flustered after being told so definitively that he was wrong. His mouth opened and closed once before he ended up bowing his head and doing as his king instructed. Daegal was freed from the pole he was tied to as the chains fell from his body. That was a relief, and he was quick to express his gratitude.

  “T-Thank you, sir,” he awkwardly said to the king who dismissed the thanks with a hand wave.

  “Think nothing of it, in fact, I feel as if I should be the one apologizing for placing you in such a compromising situation. It seems the captain was a little hasty in his judgment and failed to identify any evidence, a fault I am sure he will correct in the future.” He gave Edmund a telling look which caused the man to lower his head, sufficiently admonished.

  Reynard continued, this time speaking directly to Edmund. “How bad is the damage exactly? Ricard was down there, correct? Is he also dead?”

  “Unfortunately, yes, my lord. Lord Ricard was found with his chest torn open and his heart missing.”

  “Grisly indeed, and unfortunate as well. We had yet to interrogate the man on his involvement in the abductions. A part of me feels that this is not a coincidence.” Reynard considered for a moment. “Daegal, you arrived before the soldiers, did you not? Did you see anything my soldiers may have missed?”

  This was what he was meaning to tell them to begin with. “Yes, there was... well, another person like me.”

  That surprised everyone who was present. “There is another like you out there?” Reynard asked.

  “I-I guess so.”

  “And you did not know this?”

  “No, I thought... I thought I was alone.”

  Reynard let out a sigh combined with a grumble as he rubbed his chin. “This revelation is concerning. While normally I would be willing to give them the benefit of the doubt due to your previous actions, I’m afraid murder means that I must take a firm stance. I hope that you can understand this.”

  Daegal could understand, but it didn’t make it easy. The first being like himself he had ever met, and they were made an enemy of humans as he was trying to ally with them. He wanted to learn about them, discover who and what he truly was, and yet the single most important event to obtaining that information comes upon a trail of thorns. Daegal had no idea if they were the only two of his kind in the world, but he knew that the humans wouldn’t sit by after several of their own were killed so brutally. He was wrestling between staying friendly with humanity and chasing after the grand question of his existence.

  “I can see that these events have troubled you.” Reynard’s voice snapped Daegal out of his thoughts. “I do not hold it against you for wanting to know more about your kind, especially considering that you thought you were unique in your existence before this night. However, we are a society of law and order, and those who defy that order cannot be a part of it. I’m sure that you have much to think about, but please, do not consider rash actions at this time. We may discuss a course of action later, but for now this situation needs to be dealt with. This is going to be another long night.”

  With a weary look in his eyes, he began to rule over this tragedy, giving commands about what to do with evidence, bodies, and the cleanup. Daegal was left on his own, mind once again descending into deep contemplation. At some point he began to wander aimlessly, not really paying attention to where he was going and just following his instincts. He was eventually snapped out of it by a familiar voice.

  “Daegal?”

  He looked up to find that he had wandered back to Fiora’s room. The young woman in question was standing in the halls, evidently having been awoken by the commotion outside as she was still in her night dress.

  “Oh... hello, Fiora.”

  “What’s wrong? What’s happening out there?”

  “There was an attack. Everybody in the prison was killed.”

  She seemed caught off guard by that information being dropped on her in such a manner. “W-Wait, what?! How did... who could have possibly done that?”

  “It was someone l-like me.”

  She tilted her head, not quite understanding at first. “Someone like... wait, you mean that there’s another person that looks like you out there?” Her eyes widened with a kind of amazement in them.

  Daegal nodded his head in a listless manner. “Yes, and they killed all those people, even those who did nothing wrong.”

  “Oh, right.” The reminder about how this came to be known sobered her initial reaction. “What are you thinking right now?”

  He let out a sigh. “I don’t know. It feels like I'm stuck between two lives; the one I'm trying to make for myself, and the one that holds the truth of my past. I thought that I was alone, that there was no place where I could truly belong, but now...”

  Daegal trailed off, his line of thought scattering into a plethora of what-ifs. Fiora reached out to him, placing a hand on his forearm and giving him a comforting smile.

  “You’re not alone, Daegal. So long as I’m around, you’ll always have a place where you belong.”

  That made him feel better, and he offered a small smile in return. “Thank you, Fiora.” Daegal did notice something. “Where’s Emil?”

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  She let out a short huff. “Dad went off to find out what was happening and told me to stay here. Honestly, the only reason I listened this time is because I thought that you would make your way back here after hearing that alarm. I guess I was right, in a way.” A soft sigh escaped her. “So, what do you want to do about this being like you? If you must choose, I say do what will leave you with the fewest regrets.”

  It was sound advice for this situation; however, he did not yet know what would leave him with the fewest regrets. He needed time to think, and more than that, he also had obligations that he was remembering just then.

  “I need to think, and I still have to look after the kid.”

  “Oh, that’s right. Is he okay? How long have you been gone from the apothecary’s room?”

  “I gave the boy some food before I left, so he should be alright for a little longer still. Even so, I’m going back to him, just in case.”

  “That sounds like a good idea. I’ll be here, naturally. Dad would throw a fit if I wandered off at this point.”

  Daegal had let out a wispy chuckle as that did sound like something Emil would do. He wished Fiora a good night, again, and returned to the boy whom he was responsible for. Despite the commotion the boy had not moved an inch from the last time Daegal saw him. That wasn’t so surprising given that it was predicted that the child would be bedridden for weeks if he did manage to pull through. Taking his seat next to the bedside, Daegal resumed his vigil, though his mind still wandered to the events of this night, reliving them over and over again as he burned the image of that being into his memory.

  He had so many questions he wanted to ask, and the answers felt so close now that he could almost reach it. That feeling was agonizing, and what was worse is that it made his connections that he had formed with Fiora and everyone else feel akin to chains that were holding him back from obtaining the answers he sought. He didn’t like that; he didn’t want to feel that way. Fiora was one of the best things to happen to him, despite all the trials and tribulations that came with being her friend.

  It quickly became frustrating for him to the point where he let out a low growl. This noise did disturb the kid who took a deeper than normal breath, which immediately made Daegal deflate. His own indecision was causing alarm to the child, and that in turn made him feel like an ass. He shuffled closer and gently pushed his little finger under the boy’s hand. The boy weakly griped his finger again, and that made Daegal smile.

  With a sigh he decided that it could wait until tomorrow. He would give the situation time to settle and then make a decision after that. Perhaps an answer would present itself in that time.

  The night was long, seemingly longer than it had any right to be. Time always bent and twisted itself when one desires the opposite. Taking care of the kid at least provided Daegal with a distraction every now and then as he had to focus on making sure he was measuring everything correctly. When dawn finally came it crawled up across the horizon, calling the world to wake for the day. Daegal, though, would prefer sleep after a full night of his vigil.

  Mathew returned shortly after dawn. The apothecary checked on the boy, making sure that he was not suffering from any further maladies and that Daegal had done a good job. There was nothing to complain about unless Mathew wanted to nitpick, which seemed tedious to the old man and unnecessary. Daegal was given passing grades for his work and then dismissed for the day.

  Tired after being awake for nearly a full day-night cycle, he wandered back to his room and collapsed onto his bed, much to the frame’s protest as it creaked and popped in a few places. He couldn’t muster the energy to care about any potential damage as he fell asleep quickly, exhausted after such a trying day. Daegal accepted sleep’s pull eagerly, getting as much rest as he could. Unfortunately for him, the world couldn’t leave him alone for long.

  A sharp series of knocks at the door woke him with a start and a low growl of frustration. His eyes felt heavy, and looking outside the window, the sun had risen into the sky, though it did not appear to be noon yet. It was likely he only out for a few hours, and he felt it as he rolled lazily out of bed.

  “I swear, if this isn’t important...” Daegal grumbled to himself as he meandered toward the door.

  Upon opening the door, he saw a solider who straightened his spine a little. “Greeting, s-sir Daegal. My lord, King Reynard, requests your presence to discuss matters of your introduction to the public. If you would p-please come with me.”

  Daegal closed his eyes and took a very deep breathe as he came to terms with his situation. It took considerable effort just to open the lids again, and he was tempted to keep two eyes closed just to rest them. That seemed too limiting, and a pain to keep up while preventing himself from falling into a half-sleeping state. Resisting the desire to yawn, he told the soldier to lead the way, and he followed the man to the office where he met with Reynard the other day.

  The king was always interested in Daegal and took his presence to be a wonderful distraction from the daily toil that was his duties. Placing aside the almost endless stack of papers that he worked with, he gave Daegal a welcoming smile and greeting.

  “Good morning, Daegal. Forgive me for disturbing you when you were undoubtedly resting, but we must discuss your reveal to the population, and my schedule isn’t as free as I would desire it to be. I believe it would be best to introduce you as soon as possible, and considering all the recent happenings, perhaps tomorrow evening would be a prompt time.”

  That seemed very sudden to Daegal, but he didn’t have any alternative and likely couldn’t come up with one regardless. Reynard continued.

  “We will introduce you and build up your image as a savior, protector, someone who finds the lost and endangered to bring them to salvation. These are all accolades that you can claim comfortably and truthfully as many can attest to. I expect much uncertainty from the populace, but my endorsement should gradually turn their opinion of you. After the introduction, you may be free to wander the streets. Familiarity with your presence shall also put the people at ease. I feel that the lady Fiora will also be a boon to your efforts in that regard.”

  It sounded like a solid plan, and he had no reason to refute it. “Very well. I-Is that all?”

  “For the most part. I would, however, like you to visit with the tailor to have your measurements taken and little something for you to wear created. It would help you to appear more... civilized while wearing something. Rest assured it will not be obstructive to your form in any way.”

  “Okay... I guess.”

  Reynard nodded in a satisfied way. “Very good. I’ll have an escort take you to the fitting room. I hope the experience will be enjoyable for you.”

  That signaled the end of the conversation as Reynard got back to work and Daegal was led to another part of the castle that he had never been in before. He ducked into a room and was met with walls of cloth, drawers of needles or thread, and a man dressed fancily and sported a neat mustache. It reminded him a lot of Eira’s house, though with much greater variety inside.

  Suddenly the man with the mustache was in front of Daegal. The approach coupled with the series of quick, scanning movements surprised Daegal. This man was not afraid of him in the least, which led to an awkward moment with the man gripped the end of Daegal’s tail, making him jump and pull away.

  “Oh, terribly sorry, that seems to have been a bit too forward of me,” the man said with a slightly apologetic tone. “I just couldn’t help but be fascinated with your form. Ahh, the things I could create had I the time. Alas, I must obey my lord’s request and be satisfied with a simple accessory for you to wear tomorrow. Please, come in, come in. I must get your measurements.”

  Daegal simply stood wherever the eccentric man wished as his every inch was measured, sometimes more than once. The whole time the man droned on and on about how unique Daegal’s form was and how he could create a masterpiece of attire and a bunch of other things that bordered on incomprehensible. It was particularly offputting when the rambling devolved into fervent mutterings, lending to an overall impression of insanity.

  It came as a relief when the man finished taking his measurements and allowed Daegal to leave. With a sigh, he meandered through the halls, thinking about everything that was going to happen soon. Being introduced to the city, and more than that, the whole kingdom in time. He had never been particularly... comfortable around humans, and that was a mutual feeling for most of them as well. Being introduced to all those people would inevitably mean that he would have to interact with them. He had already done more talking in the last few months than he had for years.

  He still had to find out where that other being like himself went, and why they had attacked. Daegal had hoped that an easier solution to his predicament would have presented itself but given the timeframe he had to work with now, drastic measures would have to be taken. Setting his mind firmly on a course of action, he moved with intent now, heading toward the increasingly familiar hallway.

  Once Daegal arrived, he knocked on Fiora and Emil’s door, waiting only a moment before it opened. Emil answered it, but Daegal saw Fiora deeper inside.

  “Daegal, what can we do for you?” Emil greeted him.

  “Hello, Emil, I was actually hoping to ask one of you a favor.”

  Fiora perked up at that. “What kind of favor?” she asked from deeper inside.

  “Come in,” Emil urged as he stepped aside.

  Daegal accepted the invitation and ducked into the room, twisting his body slightly to get it through the doorway. Once everyone was comfortably inside, and the door was closed, Daegal could make his request.

  “I was hoping that one of you might watch the boy tonight.”

  Emil cocked his head slightly. “The boy? The one you rescued?”

  “Yes. I need one of you to take my place, just for one night.”

  Fiora looked at him skeptically. “Why?”

  “I... I want to track and find that being that looks like me.”

  That got their attention as they both became much more alert. “What!?” Fiora exclaimed. “Daegal, I know I told you to do what would leave you with the fewest regrets, but whoever is out there killed people. It's clear that they're dangerous, and they might not be like you.”

  Daegal sighed, already having thought of that situation. “I know it might be a risk, but this could be the one chance I have to find out who I am. I don’t want to give that up so easily, even if it means taking a few chances.”

  “What if... what if you don’t like the answer you get?” Fiora’s face looked concerned, not just for him, but for the prospect that he might not come back.

  Daegal didn’t know how he would react to whatever knowledge he gained from meeting with this other being. Silence reigned for a few seconds, but a response came from the most unlikely source in this conversation.

  “You should go, Daegal,” Emil said with confidence.

  Fiora snapped up and looked at him with shock. “Dad!?”

  Emil was unmoved by his daughter’s exclamation. “Daegal deserves to know where he comes from. Whether the answer is good or bad, we have no right to deny it to him. If this is what he feels like he needs to do, then so be it. I will volunteer to watch the child for you.”

  Fiora was shocked at her father, but she couldn’t find it in her to argue his point. Deep down, she knew that Daegal would, and should, seek answers to his origin, but it didn’t stop her from worrying. With a deep sigh, she relented.

  “Okay. Just... Daegal, please, be careful. They might not be what you hope they are.”

  Daegal’s gaze dropped to the floor for a moment. “I know.”

  “When do you plan on leaving exactly?” Emil asked.

  “Once night falls, I’ll sneak out. I doubt Reynard will simply let me walk out the gate.”

  “Hmm, in that case, be sure to take extra precautions. The last thing we need at this time is to create a panic in the city just before your introduction.”

  “I know, I’ll stick to the shadows. I am pretty good at avoiding humans, after all.”

  “Don’t let hubris get the better of you, Daegal. Take every precaution you can,” Emil warned him.

  Daegal nodded in agreement. Fiora said nothing as she was lost in her own thoughts and concerns. She knew Daegal had to do this, and while that worried her to no end, she wasn’t going to hold him back. For his part, Daegal was grateful that they both understood and were willing to help. Tonight, he was going to get answers, at long last.