29 This unfilial daughter seeks your forgiveness (1/2)

There was a single mountain range within the walls of the northern dukedom where the demons lived in small villages. It was roughly three hours away from the main city of Arcadia when travelling in a southerly direction.

The demonkin were the least integrated of the dark races in the dukedom and fiercely maintained their independence. Apart from a yearly tax and the recruitment of able- bodied soldiers every spring, they were allowed to govern themselves as they saw fit.

Elise's father was the first Blackwolf to earn their respect by defeating their champion in battle and claiming the title of 'Xephyrs' or ruler.

Elise had visited the tribes only rarely during her childhood and the demon race had not left a lasting impression on her. But in her desperation, she sought out the strength of numbers the tribes possessed to command a new army to march on the capitol.

Her father would have called her a stupid girl, but Elise ignored the voice of reason in her head telling her this was a bad idea.

Elise's steed was a purebred stallion called Frostmore bred from the small kingdom of Lukiena in the western side of the continent. The horse was exceptionally swift with powerful hindlegs that could kick with the force capable of shattering a human spine.

When she rode on top of the animal, there was an image invoked of the goddess of war within the eyes of onlookers.

The black mountaintops jutted out in the distance and Elise nudged her steed gently to pick up the pace. The first village came in sight and a wave of nostalgia swept over her as she saw the sight of the simple huts and plain dirt road.

The demons believed in the test of nature and survival of the fittest, so any homes were abodes with the bare minimum of necessities for comfort. Some of the more extreme demons would even sleep naked in the wilderness to mimic the lives of their ancestors.

It was this level of training and harshness in their daily lives that made the demon race such fierce warriors.

A small bell rung out from the middle of the village as Elise approached the entrance, and a few demons curiously poked their heads out of their huts to see who this visitor was. The children of the tribe were less cautious and directly ran towards the horse.

Elise pulled on the reins gently and Frostmore lowered his gallop to a trot as she entered the village. She was immediately surrounded by adorable demon children who looked with shinning eyes at the beautiful big sister who paid them a visit.

Elise always had a soft spot for kids and reached in her bag to take out a few snacks she had stored for the journey and started to distribute them. A chorus of cheers erupted and the lucky kids who received then hurriedly ate the food before it was snatched by another child.

”Duchess Blackwolf?” a solemn voice spoke from afar and Elise glanced at the figure walking towards her.

It was an older demon whose body had clearly seen the ravages of time, her back was stooped low with age and scares of battle were scattered around her body. Despite the frail looking exterior, her eyes shone with unfathomable strength and Elise dared not take her lightly.

”The new duchess humbly greets the demon chieftain,” Elise gave a short nod to the demon before her.

The elderly demon reached out with her gnarled hands and gently stroked Elise's cheeks with a loving expression on her face.

”My deepest condolences over the death of your father, he was a strong man….”