“Hmm?” Samira spent a few seconds thinking, her and Flavna’s studying gaze eting for a mont. “What a fun but bizarre, utterly nonsensical theory.”
“Isn’t that the next logical conclusion?” Flavna asked.
“Because it would conveniently absolve you of all responsibility?” Samira laughed. “Even if we did consider such a possibility, it would go against all we know about the demons. How could such predators restrain themselves from feeding on humans? How would they even survive without regular feed for all these years? And if they could sohow manage such feats, why would they surface at that mont only to be tily slaughtered by your capable soldiers?”
“That is why the investigation is still ongoing,” Flavna returned to her default statent.
“Because your theory makes too little sense if the demons acted on their own?” Samira asked with a smile.
“Perhaps you know sothing that could save a lot of guesswork and ti-consuming interrogation?”
“If only!” Samira shook her head. “I would like nothing more than to end this demon threat. But it seems we’re both engaging in guesswork.”
“You’re about as helpful as your sister,” Flavna said.
“Don’t expect to get much out of her concerning this matter,” Samira said. “She’s hardly anything more than a troublemaker.”
“I am surprised that you still haven’t demanded her imdiate release.”
“Keep her,” Samira said. “It will do her good to cool off a bit after running unchecked for so long. A week or two in a place like this should be just about right. I’ll co back for her then.”
“The Sixth Princess didn’t seem to share your idea of staying in her cell,” Gash pointed out. “Once we inevitably let her go she will not be too fond of us.”
“Who cares?” Samira asked. “My little sister may be a princess, but she has about as much authority as lody. Unless you’re scared of eting her in a dark alley, her opinion on this is irrelevant. Feel free to question her there and back again, as long as you eventually release her in one piece. However, do not even think of telling anyone that you’re holding captive a mber of the royal family! And if anyone does find out, she’s just resting here, in your good company.”
“Understood, we’ll keep her out of your hair for the ti being,” Gash said.
“Tell more about those festivities you’ve planned,” Samira changed the subject.
“Nothing to tell,” Flavna said. “A minor event to give the people another reason to drink themselves into a stupor and forget what happened. Gash is in charge of that.”
“And what about the man whose victory you’re celebrating?” Samira asked.
“What about him?” Flavna asked.
“I would like to et him!” Samira exclaid as if what she said should have been obvious. “The man that felled an Abomination! There aren’t many left who faced an abomination and lived to tell the tale.”
“He’s resting right now,” Flavna said. “Perhaps we could arrange a talk for you during the celebration?”
“’Resting’?” Samira smiled. “Like my little sister? No wonder so call you ‘The Jailer’, hehe.”
“Actually, with this sudden demon appearance, we were hoping for your help,” Gash intervened.
“Anything to keep this city safe!” Samira answered.
“The High Priest, Lucarad, has infamously had many dealings with demons and those that managed to survive the deadly encounters,” Gash explained. “Could we arrange a eting with him? After what happened in the mines, his insight could prove invaluable.”
“Oh, I’d gladly help you out, if the old pervert was that easy to reason with,” Samira said. “Last I heard, he locked himself with all of his priests for another one of his orgies. Or were they called ‘Rituals’? If it is anything like any of his last ‘Rituals’, don’t expect to see him erge from his lair for at least a week. But rest assured, I will deliver your ssage that you request urgent consultation on this demon matter.”
“If you ntion that we have survivors of an encounter with an Abomination, his interest will be greatly increased,” Gash pointed out.
“I will make sure to ntion it,” Samira said with a smile before looking at the bright exit from the corridor. “Oh look—you’ve already led out of your little playground!”
“Next ti co to directly,” Flavna said. “I already lost too many good n and won in these few days. This city can’t afford to add more to the list of casualties at the whims of princesses.”
“I do again apologize for my loss of temper,” Samira made a little bow. “I hope it did not sour our relationship. Until next ti!”
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