Chapter 22 (1/2)

Screams echoed through Niffle as people rushed into their homes or fell to their knees and clasped their hands. The sun was shining overhead, but shadows blotted out the city as dragons flew above it. Tafel was eating lunch with her father and mother when a sentry burst in while he shook and shouted, “Milord! They’re back!”

Zollstock frowned. “Already? It’s only been two days,” he said.

“Vur’s back?” Tafel asked, “can I go see him?”

“Absolutely not! He kidnapped you and held you hostage last time,” her mother said as her knife clanked against her plate, “if it weren’t for your father’s negotiation, who knows what would’ve happened to you.”

Tafel pouted. “But all dad did was flir-,”

“Ahem. Ahem.” Zollstock let out a cough, interrupting her. “I think it’d be fine if Tafel came along,” he said, “building a nice reputation with the dragons can be a good foundation for a future leader.

Tafel beamed at him. “Thanks dad, you’re the best,” she said and skipped to his side.

Little devil, Zollstock thought.

“Oh? Is that so?” Mina asked, “I guess it’s best if I come along too then. You wouldn’t mind, right?”

“A-ah, of course not,” Zollstock said, “but it’s best if we hurry. Shouldn’t keep a dragon waiting.”

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“Hi, Tafel,” Vur said as he waved his hand.

Tafel waved back. “Good afternoon, Vur. You’re back so soon” she said. She looked around. “Is auntie not here?” she asked.

“No, she sleeps when the sun is out,” he said. Zollstock looked crestfallen.

“But I brought Snuffles. Snuffles, come here and say hi.” Vur waved at Snuffles who was sniffing a guard’s polearm. Snuffles ran over and oinked.

“This is Snuffles,” Vur said as he lifted him up, “mama says he’s my son.”

“He’s so cute,” Tafel said and rubbed his head. Snuffles oinked and wiggled his tail.

“Scan,” Mina said as she looked at Snuffles. Her face paled and her mouth fell open.

“What’s wrong, dear?” Zollstock asked.

“The boar’s level 87,” she whispered.

Zollstock stiffened.

“Tafel, honey. Come here for a second,” he said with a strange smile on his face.

“What is it, dad?”

“That boar’s very dangerous. You should stay awa-“

“Oink.” Snuffles appeared behind Tafel and sniffed her foot. Zollstock jumped back and pulled Tafel towards him.

“Oink?” Snuffles tilted his head and continued to walk towards the family of demons.

“I think they’re scared of you, Snuffles,” Grimmy said and let out a laugh.

Snuffles let out a whimper and his eyes glistened as tears began to form while he looked at the family. Tafel felt a tug on her heart and she broke out of her father’s grasp to hug Snuffles. “It’s okay, Snuffles. I’m not scared of you,” she said as she rocked him. Mina stumbled and grabbed her husband for support.

“I think I need to lie down,” she said and stumbled away. Zollstock looked at his wife’s back and then looked at Tafel. Zollstock opened his mouth to speak.

“C’mon, let’s go to the library,” Vur said. He grabbed Tafel’s hand and pulled her along. “You have to show me the good books,” he said. Tafel turned to look at her father and noticed he wasn’t saying anything.

“Okay,” she said and smiled.

“I know the stories say dragons kidnap princesses, Vur,” Prika said, “but we don’t actually do that.”

Grimmy grinned as he looked at the two children. “We actually prefer to eat them,” he said and licked his lips.

“Eep!” Tafel squeaked and hid behind Vur.

“He’s just kidding,” Vur said, “we don’t eat humans. We just burn or crush them.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better,” Tafel said and sniffed.

Vur frowned. “I won’t let anyone burn you,” Vur said.

“Promise?”

“Of course. Dragons don’t lie,” Vur said as he stuck his chest out. The two headed off towards the library with Snuffles in tow.

“The elf isn’t here to chaperone this time?” Zollstock said as he turned towards Grimmy.

Grimmy snorted. “I don’t think Vur would destroy your city if Tafel is close to him,” he said, “you don’t have to worry about that.”

Zollstock started to sweat. I was more concerned for him, he thought, but said, “I see. What level is Vur anyway?”

Grimmy shrugged his shoulders which caused the ground to shake. “We don’t keep track of levels,” he said, “but he’s probably stronger than all your SSS ranked adventurers.”