FARHAYVEN: VENGEANCE by S. K. Ng Read Free Book Online Page B

the unfortunate mother and child, though he was not able to express them in words.
     
         Slowly, Ray extended his hand towards the aged woman. She stared at his hand blankly for several seconds before finally taking it and with Ray’s help, stood up. Tears began to flow from her eyes as she picked her daughter up. Then the both of them started weeping. Both Ray and Spirit stood there, in the dark wooden house that was partially illuminated by the pale light of the full moon; looking helplessly on and not being able to help the two unfortunate souls who were weeping profusely before them.
     
         Two mornings later, the town hall was once again abuzz with chatter, matched in intensity only by the heat and the stuffiness of the place.  Mayor Conell called for order. The crowd quietened down slowly.
         “Ladies and gentlemen of Greentown, I’m pleased to announce that we’re free from the threat of demon attacks for the time being. The demon that has slaughtered so many of us is now dead. The Elementhar whom we’ve hired to perform the task will offer you proof of this,” said Mayor Conell.
         “Proof _ I offer of this to you that the demon has been killed,” said Ray as he pulled the severed head of the demon from a canvas sack and held it up so that the townsfolk could see it clearly.
     
         The crowd burst into a mixture of relief and curiosity. They felt relief because the threat to their lives was over. They felt curious because most of them had not seen a demon before.  The mayor called for order yet again. After the crowd had settled down, he explained the unfortunate fate that had befallen the family of Eastcrop Village two nights before.
         “See !?   We told all of you that action needed to be taken. How could any of you have even considered Councilman Sellon’s suggestion of not doing anything !?   Even that 13 year-old boy had more sense in him than our so-called distinguished councilman. We’re both disgusted with the fact that such a cowardly and self-centred man is serving on the town council. He must be removed ! ” exclaimed the two men who had advocated for action during the earlier town meeting as they stood up in unison and spoke as one.
     
         The crowd broke into another uproar. They started chanting ‘Remove him !   Remove him ! Remove him ! ’ Mayor Conell called for the crowd to calm down yet again. He then turned to Councilman Sellon and informed him that he was terminated from the town council. ‘Ex-councilman’ Sellon stormed out of the town hall in both shame and anger. Mayor Conell thanked both Ray and Spirit for their service and handed Ray a pouch containing 100 gold coins. With this deed done, the town meeting was adjourned.
     
         A few hours later, Ray and Spirit went to the market place. There, Ray negotiated with a trader for some jewels. He had managed to purchase a ruby for 60 gold coins, which was a bargain. The standard price for such an item was 75. He felt very happy. He then produced a metal pendant from a pouch on his waist and showed it to the trader. The pendant had the design of what appeared to be a silver sword set vertically inside a black circle, which in turn, was set inside a larger, golden circle.
     
         The trader gave a sudden shudder and his face turned pale as he realised what the symbol meant. But before Ray could ask him anything, the trader told Ray that he knew what the pendant symbolised but did not know anything else beyond that. He stared Ray straight in the eyes, giving Ray no reason to doubt his words. Ray nodded his head in slight disappointment and bade the trader farewell. Meanwhile, Spirit gave Ray a straight look while licking his nose with his tongue. Ray understood all too well what that meant. He felt that way too. They were both hungry and it was time for lunch. Ray and Spirit made their way through the crowd towards the food stall of their choice and relieved their