How to Avoid Death on a Daily Basis

Chapter 124: Way Of The Beast

Chapter 124: Way Of The Beast

Cheng didnt seem all that convinced by Jennys sudden surge of enthusiasm for finding him a bride. In fact, he seemed a little suspicious of her motives. Cant say I blamed him.

Yes, well, I suppose there is room for interpretation. It doesnt necessarily have to be a Visitor or a virgin, technically, but I would still prefer it that way.

Jenny was still standing, leaning over the table. As longs as its the right person, the details of who she is or where she comes from shouldnt matter, should it? If shes the right girl, shes the right girl.

I grabbed the back of Jennys shirt and pulled her back into her seat.

Ignore her, I told Cheng. You know what girls are like whenever you mention a wedding. Its like catnip to them. Drives them nutty.

All three girls turned to glare at me (Noreen was already glaring at me, so she didnt count). 

I still have a bunch of questions I want to ask, so lets leave your nuptials to one side for a moment. Okay?

This was aimed at the others as much as Cheng, but Cheng was the only one to nod in agreement.

Good. Can you tell me how old you are, Cheng?

Im fifteen. It was strange hearing that number come out of such a monstrous and unteenage-like mouth. Thats puberty for you.

And your mother, where did she come from? I mean, back in our world.

A place called Hong Kong. Do you know it?

Yes, I said. Ive never been there, but its a very famous place.

She always claimed she had been brought here by something called the Y2K bug. Some kind of disease, I believe.

That would mean she left Earth in 2000. 

And she raised you?

Yes, until I was five. Then

Yes, okay. I didnt want to go into how she died, not with everyone primed to go off at the slightest provocation.

May I ask a question? said Dudley. Flossie had climbed out of his lap and he had been nibbling on what looked like a cob of corn, only bright orange.

Yes, said Cheng. What would you like to know.

Did you care for your mother, even though she was human?

I did, said Cheng. She loved me in whatever form I took, it made no difference to her. She taught me to treat people equally no matter who or what they were, and not to judge by appearances. My father felt she was in danger of making me soft, which is why he killed her.

A chill went around the table.

He killed her? asked Claire.

Yes, he ate her. Cheng continued eating as though hed just mentioned a new restaurant that had opened down the street.

I almost got away with it. So close. 

Dont freak out, I said. Remember if you judge them because they have a different culture to ours, youre just being racist.

It was a long shot, I admit, but the last thing I needed was for everyone to start throwing a fit because of the death of a woman we never met.

Nobody said anything for what felt like a long time. His statement was so absurd, and delivered in such a casual manner, that I dont think it fully registered with them.

Ah, said Flossie. Werent you a bit upset?

Oh, yes. Of course. At the time, I was inconsolable. But where he came from, it wasnt considered a terrible thing. By right, he should have eaten her as soon as she gave birth to me, but he allowed her to nurse me and see me grow. For that, I am grateful.

Did that make it better? Slightly?

And if we bring you a bride, asked Jenny, will you eat her?

No. Cheng looked genuinely offended by the question. I would never eat my wife.

Im not sure how you go about killing an eight foot demon, but apparently you could hurt his feelings quite easily.

The atmosphere around the table slipped into something more apprehensive. Which was odd. Youd think having dinner with a demon would max out your senses, but theres always room for a little more dread, I guess.

Can you tell me about the Temple Under the Mountain? I asked him, hoping to keep things on track. How does it work?

I dont actually know the mechanics, or who built it, but I can tell you it requires the sacrifice of  a Visitor to function.

Could it send us back to our world?

Everyone became much more focused when I asked this question.

Possibly, although I am unaware of anyone who has tried. I know it allows travel to any place in this world, and the one underneath it.

Where your father came from?

Yes. It was my mother and her friends who summoned him. They were trying to fulfill the prophecy, or at least their understanding of it.

Did they sacrifice one of their own to activate it? I asked.

They sacrificed someone, whether it was one of their party or not I do not know. My mother didnt like to talk about it. In any case, there were rather more sacrifices once my father appeared. My mother was the only survivor.

The mood around the table had turned somber. Human sacrifices didnt make for great dinner conversation.

It didnt bother me if people went around killing each other. Pretty much what I would expect. I pressed on. What about the spires? Do they work on the same principles as the Temple?

Yes, said Cheng. Thats how I knew they were active. Gargantua reported a white light that fell from the sky onto the fort. One moment there were thousands of men across the bridge, the next there were none.

Which would explain where the soldiers had disappeared to, but made little sense otherwise. Why would they attack their own soldiers?

They didnt attack them. They were priming the weapon for firing. The men were fuel.

But they werent Visitors, said Maurice.

Visitors are the richest source of energy, but if you use enough normal humans it can do the same job. Its not very efficient though.

And whats their target? I asked.

I do not know. It could be anywhere. The only place I know it wont be is Fengarad.

I was starting to understand why the lizardmen had been sent across the bridge. So thats why you sent an army there?

Yes. They cant use the weapon so close to their own people, and if they use it on a target over here, we will attack. It is a stalemate, for now. My hope is that you will be the one to change that. If the prophecy is fulfilled, perhaps we can avert this disaster.

And youll show me the prophecy? The full version?

Yes. We can go see it right now.

No. Id rather wait until tomorrow. Id like to discuss some things with you in your other form, if you dont mind.

As you wish. I would also like to see the Dragonrider in action, if that is acceptable.

Flossie smiled, but her eyes didnt look too happy. Whether that was in regard to spending time with Cheng or the dragons, I wasnt sure.

We continued eating, but the others didnt have much of an appetite. They were probably dwelling on the whole summon a demon, get forcibly impregnated, raise a child in captivity, get eaten thing. 

I think they were blowing it out of proportion. Yes, it was a dark and unpleasant story, but if you decide to summon a demon, what do you expect? And there are plenty of people who have had to endure worse things. Some people have to live in Leeds.

The rest of the meal was a quiet affair. There were a couple of questions about this side of the border and its inhabitants, but nothing worth mentioning. The others nibbled on their food, while Cheng and I demolished the rest. Admittedly, he did most of the demolishing, but I wasnt going to wake up hungry in the middle of the night because people had been cruel to each other. If I allowed that sort of thing to affect my appetite, Id starve to death.

If you have more questions, I shall be happy to answer them tomorrow, said Cheng as he rose from his throne. He seemed a little bemused by how the mood had gone from terrified to mildly depressed. Welcome to my world. At least he didnt have to travel around with the miserable fuckers.

Cheng left and Noreen led us back to our rooms. 

Should we really find him a wife? asked Claire. I dont think shell be safe.

She wont be safe wherever she is in this world. Its just an arranged marriage, they happen all the time. Its not like were going to kidnap anyone. If two people agree to get married, then its no business of yours, is it?

Colin, how can you act so blas. Demons eat people!

That was the old generation. You cant blame him for what his father did. Hes much more progressive, demon-wise.

Claire didnt look satisfied by my answer.

Just wait until tomorrow, I said. I think youll feel better about the whole thing once you meet him in his other form.

I doubt it, said Claire. I already know how I feel about this whole bride thing. Not good.

No, Claire, you dont know. If I tell you to wait and see, then you can only know after youve waited and seen. Just because you have a bad feeling doesnt mean those feelings are justified. Making a decision based on what you think will probably happen, when youve hardly been right about anything in your life, is idiotic. Have a little patience.

She tightened her mouth but didnt say anything. 

When I returned to my room with Jenny, she gave me a doubtful look. 

Dont tell me you have a bad feeling, too.

Not about the bride thing. Im more worried about the spires. If theyre willing to kill thousands of their own men, they must be planning something pretty awful.

Yes. I think youre right. More reason for us to get as far away as possible before things kick off. If Flossie really is the Dragonrider, that would help. Well be able to travel freely, at last.

Dont you think we should do something about the spires?

No. It was exactly this kind of thinking I wanted to nip in the bud. They killed thousands of their own people just to power their Death Star, what do you think theyll do to us? Were like extra-longlasting batteries to them.

I took off my clothes and got under the furs.

Somebody has to stop them. Jenny slid in next to me.

Yes. But not me. And not you.

You cant tell me what to do.

I rolled on top of her and grabbed her wrists. Yes, I can. Youre the one who said I have this divine ability to get people to obey me. Well, the only person I want to obey me is you.

She struggled to free her wrists, but not very hard. And what do you command, Oh Master? It was said sarcastically, but it was still nice to hear her say it.

I want you to stay with me and not go running off, no matter how important it seems. Promise me.

She struggled a bit more.

Say it! I pinned her down harder.

Fine. I promise, okay?

Not that promises were worth much, but it would do for now.

She shifted her body under mine. You know, we cant have sex, right? They can smell it.

Yes, I said, not moving.

Are you going to stay on top of me all night?

Yes, I said, and lowered my head to rest on her shoulder, her wrists still held in my hands. It wasnt particularly comfortable, but at least this way I could keep my eye on her.