485: Guesswork

485: Guesswork

“Hmm?” Samira spent a few seconds thinking, her and Flavna’s studying gaze meeting for a moment. “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 somehow manage such feats, why would they surface at that moment only to be timely slaughtered by your capable soldiers?”

“That is why the investigation is still ongoing,” Flavna returned to her default statement.

“Because your theory makes too little sense if the demons acted on their own?” Samira asked with a smile.

“Perhaps you know something that could save me a lot of guesswork and time-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 immediate 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 come back for her then.”

“The Sixth Princess didn’t seem to share your idea of staying in her cell,” Gamesh 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 Melody. Unless you’re scared of meeting 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 member 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 time being,” Gamesh said.

“Tell me 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. Gamesh 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 meet him!” Samira exclaimed 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 some call you ‘The Jailer’, hehe.”

“Actually, with this sudden demon appearance, we were hoping for your help,” Gamesh 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,” Gamesh explained. “Could we arrange a meeting 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 emerge from his lair for at least a week. But rest assured, I will deliver your message that you request urgent consultation on this demon matter.”

“If you mention that we have survivors of an encounter with an Abomination, his interest will be greatly increased,” Gamesh pointed out.

“I will make sure to mention it,” Samira said with a smile before looking at the bright exit from the corridor. “Oh look—you’ve already led me out of your little playground!”

“Next time come to me directly,” Flavna said. “I already lost too many good men and women 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 time!”