Chapter 4. Devilium. Part 3.
As the party crested a small hill, Lilith’s breath caught in her throat, at the sight unfolding before them. Devilium lay nestled within Lucifer’s empire, like some dark jewel waiting to be claimed – its towering walls gleaming ominously under the dim light of twin moons above.
The town itself was built on sturdy foundations, along the shore of a mighty river, though from their vantage point they could only glimpse glinting waters beyond protective ramparts. Smoke rose lazily from chimneys within, while distant shouts and clangs echoed faintly through cool air.
As Lilith and her companions approached the imposing gates of Devilium, a chill ran down their spines. The town loomed before them, its dark stone walls gleaming ominously.
The gates themselves were adorned with twisted ironwork, depicting scenes of torment and despair – a stark reminder that they stood on the threshold of Lucifer’s empire now. Two hulking demons guarded the entrance, their crimson eyes glinting malevolently as they appraised newcomers before them. They wore armor forged from blackened steel, etched with runes that pulsed faintly with dark power, even at this distance.
The larger of two spoke up then, voice rumbling like thunder through still air surrounding them from all sides now:
– State your business here, mortal.
Lilith stepped forward calmly, meeting gaze of demon before her head-on. He shivered under her eyes.
– We are mercenaries, here because of the work from Mercenary guild.
– Show me your mercenary tags.
Lilith and her men demonstrated him their mercenary tags, and he allowed them to pass. Town was nothing like she ever saw before.
The air hung heavy with an otherworldly stench – a mixture of brimstone and something else entirely – something unholy.
The streets were narrow and winding like serpentine paths through some infernal labyrinth, lined on either side. The demon town seemed an odd blend of human and infernal architecture. The main thoroughfare was wide enough to accommodate wagons laden with goods – a testament to thriving commerce that flowed through this border outpost.
Stalls lined either side of roadway; their wares ranging from mundane necessities like foodstuffs and clothing all way up to magical artifacts, glowing faintly with otherworldly power beneath demonic hands displaying them proudly. A sense of uneasy truce hung over marketplace, though – demons mingling alongside human merchants with wary eye ever watchful for first hint betrayal or deceit. Yet somehow…they managed to coexist within confines of Devilium’s walls, without open conflict erupting between disparate races.
Inhabitants went about daily business as if nothing untoward – children played, chasing each other midst stalls, while adults haggled prices on various wares offered there. Lilith couldn’t help but feel impressed despite herself, at how seamlessly these two cultures seemed to blend here. An oasis of relative peace, amid sea of hatred and mistrust, which raged beyond town limits still.
It took her some time and few questions, but they found local Mercenary guild. Lilith pushed open the heavy oak doors of Devilium’s mercenary guild, a wave of noise and activity washing over her as she stepped inside. The large common room was bustling with demons and humans alike – warriors from all walks of life congregating in this den of battle-hardened professionals.
The air hung thick with the scent of sweat, ale and barely restrained aggression; loud voices vying for attention amidst clinking cups and rattling dice cups, atop weathered wooden tables, scattered throughout space. Bawdy songs rang out here and there between boasts about past conquests or bitter complaints, regarding latest job gone sour.
One side of room featured long bar manned by gruff demon bartender, doling out drinks with practiced efficiency, while keeping wary eye on patrons, lest any trouble break out. A stage sat at far end, where traveling performers sometimes entertained crowds between missions. Though today it stood empty, save for few scattered chairs. Lilith made her way through throng, toward reception desk tucked into corner; demon clerk behind counter glanced up briefly, before resuming perusal of ledgers spread before him with bored expression.
– Name your business? – he grunted without looking up again – clearly accustomed to dealing to all manner of unsavory types, who passed through Devilium’s halls, seeking hire or employment as mercenaries.
Lilith stepped up to the counter, her voice firm but respectful.
– I seek information regarding a job. We accepted a job in Romanium. Were told to come here, where the mercenary army is gathering.
The demon clerk finally looked up from his ledgers, piercing yellow eyes studying her with an air of skepticism.
– Fine, – he looked through the parchments and found necessary one: – Your names.
– Lilith, Azael, Sharr, Kragor and Cian.
He wrote down their names and filled one of the forms: – I will need your signatures.
He placed a parchment in front of them and gave her a quill. Lilith nodded and after reading a form, which confirmed them accepting the quest, wrote her name on it. Others did the same. Even Kragor. He could not read well, but new the letters which spelled his name.
– Go to east gate. Outside town you will find mercenary camp. You will be placed under command of Hawks. A mercenary band, whose leader calls himself Adamus. He will be your leading officer. Follow his commands. He will also handle rewards, once you win.
– We also want to cash in a reward for bandit band of Hermonius. Does guild handles such matters?
– Yes. But I will need proof.
– Their heads will suffice?
– Yes. Do you have them with you?
– In a magic bag.
– Good. Follow me.
The demon clerk led Lilith to a small, dimly lit back room off the main hall – its air heavy with the stench of old blood and worse. Cian followed close behind. As they entered cramped space, illuminated only by flickering torch set into wall sconce, demon gestured impatiently, for Cian to place the proof upon scarred wooden table before them.
– Let’s see what you’ve brought then, – he grunted gruffly
Cian took out dozen heads and placed them on the table, close to each other. Lilith watched impassively as clerk began inspecting each grisly trophy in turn; his glowing eyes narrowing appraisingly, while lips peeled back revealing rows sharpened teeth.
– Ah, yes…Hermonius’ lot, – he muttered finally – straightening up slowly: – And I see you’ve got the traitor’s head as well. Good work.
Demon reached into pocket retrieving small pouch. He took out dozen coins and tossed wallet with remaining coins across table towards Cian, with bored nonchalance.
Lilith stepped forward claiming coin before Cian could react.
– We’ll be taking that, – she stated firmly – meeting demon clerk’s eyes without flinching. She opened pouch and after counting coins nodded.
– Thanks.
– Continue good work, – grimaced demon and turned his back to them.
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