Demoni Vankil - Letter Nine
Shiro tells me he has an alternative, but the cost would be great. Greater than what we have already given? I don’t know.
Demoni Vankil is the historical and award-winning work of Höbin Luckyfeller, and the precursor to Chronicles of a Hero.
An ancient puzzle box.
Fourteen letters.
A Council of Whispers.
…and a clerk.
Discover the 700 year old secret millions died to protect.
Paid subscribers can access the entire archive of this series from the beginning, along with other stories and every article I’ve ever written. If you aren’t a paid subscriber, you can access the archive for free with a 7-day trial OR earn a paid membership by joining the referral program!
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LETTER Nine
My Beloved Ethany,
709 days I have been gone and I cannot see the light at the end of this path. A growing fear within me whispers that I have made a grave error in judgement.
Have I pursued the wrong path? Is failure my destination after all this distance?
The draw of the runes is overwhelming. I couldn't imagine they would need so much life from a single source to function properly.
We cannot ask Hammel for another sacrifice, as it has weakened his life force. Despite the willingness of each Kutollum miner to give themselves to this cause, our camp is now a community of old men, and we've achieved nothing. It is not enough.
Shiro tells me he has an alternative, but the cost would be great. Greater than what we have already given? I don’t know.
Have I failed after all this time?
I could use your wisdom now. You always have the right words when I'm feeling lost. I miss resting my head upon your soft breast. Listening as the beat of your heart pumps warm vitality throughout your body. Twirling your fingers in my hair, whispering your encouraging, soothing words and ideas.
I dwell upon the memories of our picnics by the stream — the girls playing on the grass — giggling as they chase butterflies. Life has new meaning for me. I didn't realize how precious it was until this war consumed much of it.
Maybe I have missed something? Surely there must be an answer. A means to rewrite the intent in the rune or reshape the magic flow…
I will write again soon, my beloved. Do you still pray for me?
All my love,
Eamon
I didn't make the connection at first. Shiro is a Gypsy. That means he’s an Iskäri—just not blue like the major colony. I may be wrong, but I don’t think so. I should have noticed this sooner—because I live among the Gypsies.
Here in the Black Market, the Gypsies rule.
Some rules can be predicted but are not significant. It is the penalty for disobedience that is interesting. Breaking the rules can lead to a fine, prison time, or banishment for lighter races like Human, Gnome, Iskäri, Gypsy, Kutollum, or Evolu.
If, however, you’re a Vallen—they pay the penalty with life. …and it’s a horrible sight to behold.
The Gypsies figured out how to drain life from others. Can’t say I know much about it, other than having watched it first hand, once. The Gypsies are pretty public about punishment—making sure they make a powerful impression upon anyone looking to cause trouble.
The victim ends up a dry husk…or dust. The life force's destination was always a mystery to me.
What are Eamon and Shiro doing? and to whom are they doing it?
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Paid subscribers can access the entire archive of this series from the beginning, along with other stories and every article I’ve ever written. If you aren’t a paid subscriber, you can access the archive for free with a 7-day trial OR earn a paid membership by joining the referral program!