Chapter 2

When I was finally alone in the barn with a demon on a cart I didn't feel so sure about things anymore. I have never seen one before. I've read about some in stories, but they were usually evil creatures that killed whatever they could get their hands...er...claws on. Hey, so that's why Mr Hunt... No, don't even go there, Annabelle! This is no time for jokes!

I fetched a bucket with water and our medicine kit and then cautiously walked closer to the cart. The demon still wasn't moving. With a cloth I gently wiped away the worse of the mud and then saw there was a bad wound on its stomach. It would have to get stitched up...

Eventually I managed to stitch the wound close after cleaning the area properly. After a brief examination I found that there were no other wounds. It was clear that the demon was attacked by something and badly injured. That must be why it fell into the quicksand...

"Why...are you helping me?" a voice suddenly asked.

I got such a fright that I almost fell off the cart. Pitch black eyes were looking at me now. I couldn't help but shiver a bit.

"You would have died if I didn't."

It didn't say anything more and closed its eyes again. I breathed out in relief and climbed off the cart. At least it can talk and didn't just attack me. Perhaps because it is too tired? Somehow I doubted it. Why would it ask me questions if it wanted to kill me anyway? I fetched some blankets and put it down near the cart with an old shirt and pants of father's if it wanted to get out of its muddy clothes. It could get very cold here at night.

I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. The next morning I got up early to check on the demon. He was no longer lying on top of the wagon, but on some hay which he must have taken from one of the stables. I was relieved that he seemed to be better. He opened his eyes when I entered the stable.

"Good morning," I said, but he kept silent.

"I am going to make bacon and eggs with some toast. Do you eat those?"

Again silence.

"Okay, I'll come back just now."

Later I returned with the food and put it on a box.

"Just leave what you don't want. I have to go to work today. I will be home in the afternoon and will bring some fresh bread. The medicine kit is over there. You'll need to clean the wound twice a day. I can help you later if you wish. Okay then..."

It felt strange to be the only one talking. At least he is looking at me when I talk. I left father a note saying that he should not go into the barn before I come home, that it was a surprise. I was sure it would be a surprise to him, but not the kind he would be thinking. I couldn't think of anything else to say to prevent him from stumbling upon the demon. How was I going to explain what happened? So far it hasn't growled at me or anything. It just stares at me when I talk. I am sure it understands me since it spoke to me in perfect English the day before.

I had to push all my worries aside and focussed on my work at the bakery. Maggie's messenger came by during the morning and I sent her a note to say that everything was fine. It was a very busy day and before I knew it was time to go home. As usual I was given fresh bread to take home. Father always loved fresh bread. When I got home I was disappointed to see that there were no new tracks in the mud leading to up to our house, meaning father has not yet returned. I was greeted by a wall of flowers at the front door. Buckets and buckets of flowers stood there in different colours and shapes. Although they were beautiful I knew who they were from.

I sighed and after starting a pot of stew I carried all the flowers to the compost heap and tossed them onto it. The buckets were no doubt the Flower shop's. I would have to return it sometime. When the stew was ready I cut some bread, smeared some of our home-made butter on and took both my and the demon's meals to the barn. The demon looked a bit surprised to see me, but still said nothing. I noticed the plate from this morning was empty. I walked right up to him and handed him his plate which he hesitantly took. It had long fingernails, making its hands look like claws. Perhaps it was trying not to scare me?

I then sat down on the floor not very far from him and after saying a short prayer started eating. I noticed that he cleaned himself up. That must be why the ground was wet around the pipe we usually used to water the vegetable garden... I tried not to stare. He was wearing father's pants, but no shirt. I had no idea demons were so...muscular. Not even Erik looked like that and he was always hunting or doing other physical activities when he wasn't wooing women.

I then thought of my father. Why would he be taking so long? Surely he should have been home by now, even with the rain last night. What if something happened to him?

"Did the guy upset you that much?" the demon suddenly asked. I was pulled out of my thoughts and looked at him in surprise. Good, at least he was busy eating his food too. He was waiting for a reply from me.

"Um...no...you saw the flowers right? Erik is just pursuing me because I don't like him... I am worried about my father."

I told him how my father had left the day before and still hasn't returned. After which we both continued to eat our meals in silence.

"Your father could have been taken," he finally said.

"Taken? By whom?"

"The dark court."

"The fairy court?"

"No...exactly what I said, the dark court. The court of demons."

"Why?"

"Because he was in their path."

"That's...terrible! I have to go there then!" I said and stood up.

"Don't be stupid, you wouldn't last a day if they got their hands on you."

"What...what do you mean?"

"A fair woman like you would be used until she can no longer amuse them and then left to die."

All the blood left my face and I covered my mouth in shock.

"Is that how demons are?" I asked.

"Yes."

I looked at the demon in front of me. He didn't seem so fierce? Would he do that too? Then again, he was still recovering from his injury...but then why is he telling me all this? After standing there for a while in silence I finally spoke up.

"I have no choice but to go after him. If it costs me my life, then so be it."

"Do not value your own life so little!" the demon said, sounding angry.

"Then what would you do if someone you cared about was in danger? Would you just sit back and do nothing?" I replied in the same tone.

The demon looked a little surprised. He probably hoped I would cower in fear and agree to whatever he told me. Like that was going to happen!

"I owe you a demon's favour since you saved my life. Allow me to heal first and I will bring your father back."

"Really? You would do that?"

I had no idea what a demon's favour was or how it worked, but I knew I'd have to settle with this since I didn't know where the demon court was anyway. This demon was my only link between me and my father...

I took our empty plates away and washed the dishes. That night I didn't sleep well at all. Early the next morning I woke up and went to the barn, but the demon was not there. I felt disappointed. He must have felt better and left. He is a demon after all, why would he feel that he had to keep his so-called 'favour'? I should have known better and kept an eye on him and followed him! Tears were rolling down my face. I was feeling very bitter and angry. What was I supposed to do now? I climbed up a ladder to the top floor of the barn and exited through a window onto the roof, my favourite spot when I usually wanted to be alone. Perhaps if I sing a bit it would help me feel better? I started singing a song, but the usually cheerful song came out miserable and lonely. I then just sat in silence and sobbed.