Chapter 5

• -5-
• Boldic’s POV
• For a whole Lunation, I travelled the bustling streets of the first sector. Of all the zones to visit, Sector One is my preferred. The zone of the weavers, skilled in the art of healing and much more. Unlike other sectors, the weavers did not cut down the trees and remove boulders out of their way to build their homes and roads. The weavers worked with the land. Some of the houses were built with the support of trees, as they grew over millions of years, and they had cultivated the land. The travellers would snicker as they called them tree houses. If trees were sturdy enough, bridges would go from one tree to the next, making travelling simpler. To all of this rich atmosphere, the people added colour to the lush green terrain for decorations. Bright warm colours of red, yellow, and blue were their preferred choice, though that did not stop for settled softer tones to be added.
• The wonderful smell of the herbs they use lingers in the air for miles. Along with that is the smell of the bakeries, known for their delicious treats. Every turn I made, the people had smiles on their faces, minus the few sour dwellers. Travellers of different species were welcomed here. Though I do believe they enjoyed the gold the visitor spent, regardless, they always made everyone welcome here at the first sector.
• Merchants would stop me, showing off the items they had for sale. I paid for a few trinkets here and there. However, for me, I wanted one thing and one thing alone … information that would lead me to Redrey’s whereabouts.
• I would describe Redrey as “a woman with striking silver hair with the colour eyes of dark emerald green!” Something I suppose would allow her to stand out in the crowd. Yet, every merchant shrugged, followed with a “sorry sir … I don’t know any woman that meets that discription.”
• I would bid the merchant farewell and continue with my search. Finding a tavern at the end of the solar day. There, I would pull out my map, X'ing out the areas I had been to. Plotting for the next solar day's search.
• I knew this search was going to take time. The land spans as wide as the Capital. However, here, the population is larger than most. Unlike the other sectors, they don't adhere to the customs of the different sectors. They have their own ways of dealing with things. In truth, my brothers and I don't care. As long as at the end of the season we are paid our royalties, we leave them alone.
• I glanced around this tavern; ladies of the night came out of their rooms. Dressed in their finest, they were trying to impress the patrons and guests in this establishment. A lengthy doll strolled my way, trying her luck. The issue with my breed is that when we start a hunt, we become focused. Some might say too focused. My mind was stuck on the silver-haired beauty. I knew that I would not rise to the occasion until I found her.
• I groaned! Everywhere I go, I am surrounded by an array of women exhibiting beauty. Dressed in silk that could be easily removed during the act of intimacy, with trinkets of gems adorned on their neck, wrists, belly and ankles. This was used to accentuate their bodies. While long, black, silky locks that shimmered in the moonlight swayed back and forth, with each pop of their hip. Hypnotizing those who found desire in their being. In truth, each one is unique in shape and size. Dazzling in their own right. Each promising me that they were worth the gold I would pay for their services, to quote unquote, make me forget about my worries.
• Tempting as it was, I wanted Redrey only she would do. Each time I would decline, but I would offer gold if they could tell me where my silver-haired beauty was hiding. Yet none held the key to my search!
• The time of my resting would come to an end, and I would prepare to hit the streets. Every merchant I crossed by would grab their daughter, who was looking for a prospect in life. I had lost count of how many proposals I had been given. I do admit, some were almost tempting to take back to the capital to add to our harem. If not for bedding purposes, for entertainment in the art of dance and theatre. I would stop myself from taking up the offer. The vision of my Redrey came to my mind. I was redirected to what I truly wanted.
• I would leave a disappointed maiden behind, still in her search for a husband who would take care of her and the family she would birth into our world.
• Changing up the location of my search, fortune had smiled down on me. Nearing the end of the solar day, I found an elderly man sitting on the edge of the river fishing. As I approached, I described Redrey, even going as far as mentioning her by name. He did not know Redrey by name, and considering how vast Sector One is, it would be unrealistic to think anyone could know everyone who lived here. However, the old man spoke of a woman whose family resided on the west block. It was only one family of the kind. Their trademark was their hair, which was said to be the colour of the moonlight. I was intrigued by the man's tale. I did not disturb him as he continued to speak, calling this family rare beauties with the temper of a Wichianmat.
• I inwardly chuckled. What little I knew about Redrey was that she was soft and kind, the opposite of a feral Wichianmat. I could never see my Redrey being so ill-mannered.
• In exchange for the elderly man's service of information, I handed him a few gold nuggets. A modest amount for such a piece of valuable information. The elderly man's eyes twinkled with greed. "For a few more pieces of gold, I can take you to the matriarchy of the family. That old woman will know who you seek!"
• I was eager to find my Redrey, but I was even more sure that I could do it without a guide, who surely would slow my pace down. I was no fool to this type of business, but knowing the location the elderly man spoke of, I said, "You've given me exactly the information I needed." There was no need to be rude. I ended the business transaction on a pleasant note. Finding Redrey would now be a straightforward task.
• As I wove my way through the bustling alleyways, I navigated around people who were chatting and laughing. The gate to the West Block was just a short distance ahead. I stood at the opening, expecting to see a few females with silver hair. I could almost hear the elderly man's laughter in my mind. I nearly turned back to find him and give him the gold he wanted to give directions to the old woman he spoke of.
• Unlike the other blocks, this region was modest in appearance, unlike the hustling and bustling of the different parts I had visited.
• Internally, I groaned, seeing every single woman wearing hair scarves, colourful silk covering their bodies. The older females had painted their faces in a style of their preference.
• Oh, how beautiful they were, but this only made my search ten times harder.
• Hunters, both male and female, glared daggers at me as I strolled closer. Sharpening their knives on a wet rock, daring me to insult them so they could attack.
• Disappointing them, I smirked with a pleasant nod. If they only knew my true identity, they would have thought twice about their ugly glare. But I was not in the mood to fight ... I wanted to locate Redrey and take her with me.
• As I shifted my feet deeper into the West block, the chatter of women and children drifted into my ears. The sounds of laughter and playful banter created a warm environment. Something my brother and my wives like to do at the end of the solar day. Enjoying families at their leisure. Young fathers chased the young children while mothers shared stories with those who listened.
• The further I travelled, the more I berated myself for not heeding the old man's plea. At the time, I figured I could move faster, believing I could find Redrey quickly in the mix of black hair. I realized now that paying him would have been much simpler than the sudden stop of happy voices.
• A middle-aged woman had gained the attention of someone I could only assume was her daughter. Tapping her on the shoulder, she was quick to get the family inside the dwelling as I strolled by the group.
• It wasn't like I had covered my face. My distinct features were clear. They knew I was a demon of some sort. What rank? Well, it wasn't as if they were going to stop me and ask. Mothers scooped up the wee ones while older siblings grabbed hold of their younger siblings, who had no idea what was going on. Fathers held the door open until family members made it in safely. Then they were quick to close the door with a thud.
• While I continued to walk forward, searching for any hint of silver hair. I now face new obstacles in my path.
• I couldn't blame them for their fear. The moment news spread that a demon was roaming the streets, panic set in. The people scattered like leaves in a solar storm. They fled in all directions. The roads were now eerily empty, with distant echoes of slamming doors.
• I snickered to myself while nosy children would peek out the windows. Some even dared to crack open the doors, trying to get a good look at me. 'If they only knew!' A voice bounced around the muddled thoughts in my head. Followed with a low chuckle.
• Turning the corner and strolling down the way, more hunters sat on their steps, sharpening their blades. A means to warn me that if I did anything, they were prepared to attack. I approached a citizen; their eyes widened with terror. Again, I was not looking for a fight; I just wanted answers. Hesitantly, I approached the man, making sure there was plenty of distance between us. I asked my questions as I had done before. I could tell this male was holding back.
• My insides told me I was in the right area, but I wasn't going to get what I wanted that easily.
• I turned my head slightly to see a lady darting into the safety of their home as if I were the very creature they feared. 'Regardless of rank, to them ... You are the most feared being in the Kingdom!' My mind scolded me as if I were a nitwit.
• The male was pleasant enough as he stuttered, "Sorry sir, I can't help you!"
• I had to appreciate the man's stance. He was scared of me, rightfully so, yet he had the nerve not to piss himself. Standing up to me in a way. Not many lower beings would do this. They would sell out their own mother if it meant they didn't have to deal with a demon like me.
• The corners of my lips turned up in a subtle smile as I strolled down the path. With each step, I could sense a unique energy building as I persisted forward. I could easily distinguish between weavers and those who were a part of this community, most likely bound by blood or through marriage.
• As I approached the end of the street, a group stood ready in the middle of the road. Three elderly women, their wrinkled faces told me they were nearing the end of their seasons. Giving the needed protection nearby, eight men gathered. "State your business demon!" One of the elderly women shouted.
• I kept a reasonable distance between my body and theirs. I didn’t want to create a scene. Judging by their stance, they didn't want any trouble either. They wanted to make sure the people were safe and nothing more.
• I can respect that; after all, I have no ill will toward them. I admired their ways.
• "I do not wish to cause a disruption of your humble lives!" I had taken the time to explain my situation, "I only seek what is rightfully mine. One of my wives has vanished." I gave out Redrey's description as I had done many times over the solar days. "Her name is Redrey!" The weight of her absence pressed heavily on my chest. "All I am asking is for cooperation. If my wife is here hand her over and we will leave."
• One of the elderly ladies stepped forward with a smile on her face. “Unless your wife is an old woman,” she quipped dismissively, “I highly doubt there’s any female who fits your description.” The area had fallen silent for a moment.
• “Her name is Redrey,” I stated firmly again. However, the reaction I received was far from what I had hoped for. The elderly lady bobbed her head up and down as she, too, said the name. Letting me know that the person I spoke to was not there.
• I could tell that the old woman was truthful. It was the way she spoke and how she held herself with elegance and grace. I frowned with defeat, but was not yet deterred. "Have you heard a word from any other sector of such a woman?"
• The elderly woman dared to take a step towards me. With her cane firmly pressed into the ground. "If your wife is anywhere she would be in hiding. Such coloured hair is sought after by trafficers. Merchants would spin tales of such a find. The last silver-haired child to be born was five seasons ago. Parents protect those who have such coloured hair as if their lives depended on it!"
• I realized then that my quest for Redrey here had been halted. The weavers, protectors of their secrets, would certainly not permit me to pursue my mission any further. Stating my business, they would not interfere with a demon and their possessions. They know the consequences of doing so.
• With a measured bow of my head, the elderly woman mimicked my actions. My business here in the first sector had come to a close. Deep within. 'Redrey isn't here!' The voice in my head told me. I was sure and firm in my belief that Redrey belonged to this bloodline, but my intuition told me she was not here but else where.