Page 71 of The Dark Lord Awakens
“That’s exactly why I’m distributing them. This place needs a revolution in how it’s run.” I picked up one of the books, which appeared to be about modern sanitation systems, complete with diagrams of plumbing and water treatment facilities. “Besides, it’s not like I’m handing out nuclear launch codes. It’s just basic infrastructure stuff that should have existed here centuries ago.”
Azrael didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t argue further. We continued to the courtyard, where Mr. Snuggles was waiting in his full-sized form. The dragon lowered his head as we approached, his good eye examining my new attire with what seemed like approval.
“At least someone appreciates fashion evolution,” I muttered, patting his massive snout before climbing onto his back.
Azrael mounted behind me, maintaining a slightly greater distance than usual. I could still feel his gaze on me, particularly when I stretched to adjust my position. The flight to the camp was brief but gave me time to reflect on the meeting. The challenges were enormous—a depleted agricultural system, nonexistent infrastructure, mysterious forest threats, and potentially rebellious nobles. But for the first time, I felt like I had a plan, or at least the beginnings of one.
17
Lucien/Beau
The Ashen Fields came into view, the neat rows of tents now expanded to accommodate the forest refugees. New structures had been erected overnight—larger communal tents, improved medical facilities, and the bathing stations that would be inaugurated today. From above, it looked like a well-organized small city rather than an emergency camp.
As Mr. Snuggles descended, I could see a crowd gathering near the central area. Unlike yesterday, they weren’t huddled in fearful groups but seemed to be organized for some kind of ceremony. Banners had been hung—crudely made but colorful—and what looked like a small stage had been constructed.
“What’s going on?” I asked Azrael. “I don’t remember approving a festival.”
“I believe the citizens have prepared a… celebration, my lord,” he replied, sounding as confused as I felt. “To mark the opening of the bathing facilities.”
“A celebration? For showers?”
“Clean water is apparently worthy of significant recognition in a realm where such luxuries have been reserved for the elite.”
That put things in perspective. We landed at the edge of the camp, and I slid from Mr. Snuggles’ back. The moment myfeet touched the ground, a cheer went up from the gathered crowd. Not the fearful prostration of my first visit, but genuine enthusiasm.
One lead demon hurried toward us, his paperlike skin flushed with what might have been excitement. “My lord! We did not expect you so early. The ceremony is not quite ready.”
“Ceremony? For bathing facilities?”
“Indeed, my lord. The citizens insisted. They wish to honor the ‘Void Provider’ with a proper dedication.”
Healer 47 fluttered up, her wings vibrating with barely contained excitement. “My lord, you must see what the nutritional supplements have accomplished! The most critical patients are not merely stabilized—they are thriving!”
She led us toward the medical tents, where rows of patients who had been at death’s door yesterday were now sitting up, consuming food, some even walking with assistance. The transformation was astonishing—gaunt faces filling out, dull eyes regaining focus, wasted limbs beginning to show definition.
“This is… remarkable,” I said, genuinely impressed. “How is this possible?”
“The void supplements contain elements unknown in our realm,” Healer 47 explained, her antennae quivering. “They not only provide nutrition but seem to accelerate natural healing and restore magical essence. I have documented a seventy-three percent increase in recovery rates and zero mortality!”
“Zero mortality? You mean no one has died since the camp opened?”
“Not one soul, my lord! In a population of this size, with so many critical cases, it defies all medical precedent!”
I made a mental note to examine those supplements more closely. If regular human multivitamins were having this effect on demons, there was clearly some interdimensional enhancement happening during delivery.
Our tour continued through the camp, where preparations for the bathing ceremony were in full swing. Citizens had decorated the area around the shower facilities with improvised banners made from colored packaging materials, and what appeared to be a small choir of imp demons was practicing some kind of hymn.
A commotion near the camp perimeter caught my attention. A group of elegantly dressed demons—obviously nobles from their elaborate clothing and haughty bearing—was approaching, flanked by what appeared to be private guards. Their expressions ranged from disdainful curiosity to poorly concealed envy. At their head was Lord Superiore.
“Let me guess—he’s here to complain about the peasants getting clean water?”
“Most likely, my lord. House Superiore has traditionally controlled water rights in the western district. The introduction of free bathing facilities represents a direct challenge to their… business interests.”
Business interests. Nice euphemism for extortion, I thought.
Lord Superiore spotted me and changed direction, his entourage following like a flock of overdressed vultures. The camp guards tensed, hands moving to weapons, but I gestured for them to stand down. Better to deal with this directly.
As the noble approached, his eyes widened slightly at my appearance, taking in the modern-fantasy fusion clothing with barely disguised shock. He recovered quickly, executing a bow that was technically correct but somehow managed to convey contempt.
