Dao 3 Chapter 20

“I hope you realize just how precious this is.” Samantha rolled the fruit in her hand as Dar pulled out another.

“For you and for Hearthway, I’ll do what we need to survive.” Dar offered her the second fruit just as Amber caught up to their circle. “Amber, Sam and her husband are going to need help cultivating their first dao. Think you can do it?”

“Of course, Milord.” Amber bowed to him before turning to the older lady. “If you are ready, we can start right away.”

Samantha shook her head. “We’d better do it before my nerves get the best of me. Jeffry is still in our hut; let’s head there.”

Dar watched them go with a smile on his face. “Now, is there anything I missed?”

“Russ has been heading out every morning at dawn and bringing back half a dozen bison. We are running out of room. But beyond that, people are taking a well-deserved break from the fields and many are producing and trading finer wares like brushes and combs. Things they can make in their warm homes.” Bart complained with a smile.

“Oh, what a terrible problem to have.” Dar chuckled. As far as he was concerned, it sounded like a massive success. “Let’s make sure we are getting those hides cleaned up and the bones set aside. When I saw Dane three days ago, his ship looked brimming and ready to set sail.” Dar had added in the lost day since he’d returned.

“Oh. Did he manage to find any livestock?” Sasha asked, and Dar felt Neko grow still beside him.

“Plenty.” Dar smiled; he was going to enjoy watching her see how many goats arrived. Her wallet may not like the shipping fees, but the cost overall would likely still surprise her.

Sasha narrowed her eyes at Dar, seeing his smirk. She sensed something was amiss, but she didn’t push further.

As if their conversation summoned him, Mika came running up into the village, breathing hard. “Trader is coming up from Bellhaven.”

“Think that’s him?” Sasha asked.

“We haven’t seen anyone else on the river lately. It seems the rumors of devils have been keeping others at port.” Dar stood with Neko’s help. “Come on. Let’s go see your merchant friend and your goats.”

He paused and looked back at the group. “I think we are going to need a few extra hands, if you can round up some people and ropes.”

The cat girl shrank away from Sasha, using Dar as a barrier. “They were cheap.”

“How cheap?” Sasha asked, squinting at Neko.

“Free.” Dar said, chuckling. “Just shipping costs, we were told.”

That brought Sasha up short. “Free? How…”

“Neko is the best.” Neko peered around Dar proudly, then darted back behind him.

Dar rolled his eyes at her antics, but filled Sasha in. “Some less than scrupulous types tried to cause Neko trouble. They learned their lesson and made amends using goats.”

Sasha blinked several times, unable to respond.

“I know. But they deserved it for attacking Neko.” Dar chuckled. He didn’t enjoy taking from people, but some have it coming.

“Well, let’s see how many goats we have to deal with.” Sasha pulled her hair back, ready to work. “I have no idea where we are going to keep them, though. Goats like to climb fencing, and we don’t even have the materials to make a solid fence.”

“I thought we could just keep them inside the wall once we have it finished.” Dar scratched the back of his head.

Sasha sighed. “Like some backwater farming village? I thought Hearthway was better than that.” She crossed her arms.

“Just for the winter. We’ll figure out something come spring.” Dar did his best to give her a charming smile.

She sighed even harder. “It’ll have to do.”

As they walked the Bell River, Dane’s boat came into view as it pulled up along the bank. The men on the boat were in a flurry of activity as an undercurrent of goats ran around the surface of the boat.

Dane looked up from ordering around his men, shocked to see Dar approaching. “Dar! We managed to get most of them up the river. Lost a few, but who could tell with all of these?” He smiled like a merchant about to get paid, though there was a flicker of confusion at seeing Dar there.

“Dar.” Sasha’s voice was low and dangerous. “You said a lot, but that’s more than a lot.”

“Neko’s the best!” Sounded from Dar’s right before Sasha’s sharp gaze made the cat girl hide behind Dar again. “Neko’s the best?”

Sasha rubbed her temple. “Why did you think we needed so many goats?”

Dar decided to defend the cat girl. “It was my idea. I told her about milk and cheese. And I can’t say I wouldn’t love some of those to be a staple in everyone’s diet.”

“Fine.” Sasha shook her head, muttering. “Goat milk for everyone.”

Dar shrugged. Adding some dairy would be good for everyone.

Dane’s men threw down a long, wide board. They didn’t even have to try to herd them before the goats started spilling out onto the bank.

Thankfully, Bart and half the village turned up, ready to help unload. A group of them ran along the sides of the mass of goats, shouting and waving their hands, trying to drive them toward the village.

If nothing else, Dar figured the warmth put off by the homes would keep them close. And the southern woods were barren enough to act as a barrier. Assuming they didn’t go for a swim in the Bell River, they’d likely stay close enough. And they could afford to lose a few.

Dane came down the gangplank not long after the goats, rubbing his hands and looking at Sasha. “We also have a dozen hens and a rooster, as you asked.”

“And silk.” Neko piped up, trying to save herself.

“And silk, among other goods you offered to buy.” Dane agreed.

Sasha pulled her purse out of the folds of her dress. “Fine. Let’s talk coinage. We also have a few dozen bison hides and their bones we can trade.” She tapped the side of her purse. “Maybe even a few hundred pounds of salted meat if you could handle it.”

“Meat and furs?” Dane gave a grin that only merchants had when they smelled money. “With the coming winter, I’d be very interested in those.”

Dar left the two of them to handle the bargaining. Instead, he frowned, looking at the deck of the boat.

Ignoring everything else, he walked up the gangplank to a man with what looked like a freshly injured shoulder. “Did you encounter trouble on the river?” Dar wanted to know if the river had a monster problem.

“No, Sir. This was a devil problem in Bellhaven.” The sailor answered, wincing as he tried to stand.

“Ah, you fought the devils at the gate.” Dar realized.

But the sailor shook his head. “No, it's from the devils yesterday.” He hesitated to say more, looking towards Dane for permission.

“Dar, what are you doing?” The man caught Dane’s attention.

“Asking after this wounded man. He says that there was another devil attack yesterday?” That would have been the day after Dar absorbed the Mo.

Dane looked nervous as well. “I thought you knew, since you were already back in your village.”

“Spit it out.” Dar felt his stomach sink.

“Flying devils attacked Bellhaven. They swooped in and started ripping people off the street and carrying them away. After the first attack, we boarded and headed out. I heard that another attack had happened when we met people fleeing on the delta.”

“Flying?” Dar wanted clarification. “What did they look like?”

“Big bugs.” The wounded sailor answered his question before Dane. “Like massive bugs. They were so fast. One second the thing was landing on the other side of the dock, the next it had its claws in my shoulder and tried to fly away with me.”

“It’s okay. We killed it.” Dane told the man, trying to offer some level of comfort. “Someone got lucky and knocked it out of the sky with a bolo. Everyone picked up something and crushed it there on the docks.” Dane shook his head. “I think Bellhaven has become too dangerous even for me.”

Dar looked out over the sky, almost expecting to see a swarm like in his nightmare, but there was nothing but blue skies. “I understand. Let’s get everything unloaded as quickly as we can so you can be on your way.”

“That would be good. I feel like I can’t put enough distance between Bellhaven and I right now.” Dane turned back to Sasha. “You have a deal. Just help us get this all unloaded.” The reminder of the danger was enough to make the merchant expedite his haggling.

With the deal made, Sasha was more than happy to help. Dar smiled. That meant she completely fleeced the merchant. Bellhaven must have been terrifying.

Dar grabbed one of the villagers heading back, realizing it was one of Glump’s dao companions. “Come back and bring a full pot from the hearth? Let’s feed these merchants and help them on their way.”

“Yes.” She nodded. There was an eagerness in her step as she hurried away.

Dar regretted he couldn’t do it himself, but he imagined that if he tried to lift and carry a pot over, Sasha would beat him silly for risking aggravating his injuries.

“What now, Dar?” Neko asked, still supporting him.

“We need to talk as a family, because things just went from bad to worse.” The fact that the insect devils were already attacking Bellhaven was wrong. It should have taken them more time to clear out the rest of the trolls and gremlins.

“Back to the cave?” She asked.

He looked around. Everybody had things well in hand unloading Dane’s boat. He would just get in the way if he hung around.

“Back to the cave.” Dar agreed, bending down to kiss Neko’s forehead.

But the girl threw her head back and instead claimed his lips with her own.

He almost pulled back, but by that point, Neko was well and truly one of his women. She had a piece of his heart, and he’d kill any who tried to take her from him. It was stupid that he kept treating her like something else.

“Come on, before we put on too much of a show.” Dar stroked Neko’s cheek and tugged for her to keep walking.

The cat girl was nearly vibrating with excitement as she pulled him along. “I’m okay with a show.”

“Of course you are.” Dar chuckled. “But I would rather not put one on. Besides, we need to talk with the family, so try to contain yourself for now.”

As they walked, the goats were being herded back to the village, where people were more than happy to accept them, giving them handfuls of grass and attention. Meanwhile, the goats were starting to headbutt each other and establish their own rule.

There were so many goats around that Dar and Neko couldn’t walk in a straight line through the village. But the bounce in Neko’s step as she walked and her chant of “milk” every time her eyes landed on a goat made it almost worth the ridiculous number of them.

He hoped Neko knew only the females gave milk.

And if they were ever short on meat, they would be set.

Dar spotted Marcie walking by and waved her down.

“Milord?” She hurried up to his side.

“Do me a favor and gather up the family. I think we need to have a talk.” Dar replied..

“Right away.” She bowed and then darted away, finding Amber almost immediately. The two set off to collect the rest of the family.

Neko pulled on him to head back to the cave, and he let her lead him back into the darkness where his shadow dao stretched out, probing around him. With it and his dao of granite, the cave came alive with details he couldn’t normally see. Nearly everything was within his reach, and he’d never felt safer.

But that strange feeling was cut off as soon as they entered his well lit home, and he didn’t have the same reach with his shadow.

“Dar.” Tami stood up from the couch and winced, a hand shooting up to her head.

“Tami.” He greeted her. Neko pouted before bringing him over to the sitting area and helping him into a large chair. “What do you remember?”

Tami settled back on the couch, holding her head in her hand. “I remember the mother fucking beetle that slammed me into the ground. Memory is fine.”

“Yeah, well after that, the devil queen got loose. She dropped that big birthing section of her body and came swinging for us.” Dar explained.

Tami looked shocked. “How did you survive?”

“I escaped. How else?” Dar shook his head. “No way I could take that whole hive myself. I took you and ran. But there’s more news.”

Neko crawled up on Dar’s armrest and leaned on him, making small purring noises as she settled down.

“When my family gathers here, I’ll discuss it. But Tami, I think Bellhaven is in some serious trouble.”

Cherry came skipping in next before perching herself on his other armrest, eliciting an eye roll from Tami.

“Darn. If I had come just a moment earlier, I could have had an arm rest perch. What do you say, Pussy Cat? Want to trade?” Blair sauntered in.

“No.” Neko pressed herself harder into Dar’s side.

Blair gave a heavy, drawn-out sigh. “Figures.”

“I haven’t forgotten about my promise.” Dar reminded her. “Though if you want to spend time with me like this, you can take it. Otherwise, I’d ask you to let me heal up before we spend some time together.”

Blair licked her lips. “I’m not afraid to do all the work.”

“We have a guest.” Dar pointed at Tami. “But noted.” He winked.

The salt spirit’s face turned bright red, not at the mention of Tami, but his wink.

“You are playing with fire.” Mika said as she walked in. “Don’t promise her anything you aren’t willing to back up.”

“I’m not that bad.” Blair tried to bat Mika away as the wave spirit grabbed her friend and pulled her to a spot further away from Dar. “But I’m more than ready.”

“You are always ready.” Mika rolled her eyes. “Dar, what is this about?”

“News from Bellhaven.” He answered. “Sasha and the maids should be here soon.”

As if on cue, the well-dressed demon strut in with the two maids in tow behind her. “We are here, love. Go ahead. I heard most of it when you were talking to Dane.”

Dar laced his fingers together and made eye contact with everyone in the room. “Devils have started to raid Bellhaven. Insect types with flight have been breaching the walls and raiding the city for… food.”

“You mean humans?” Mika asked.

“Yeah…” Dar hated the sound of it. “They are raiding the city, taking people out of the streets. It seems that our plan went to shit Tami.”

The deer demon sat shocked at the news, staring into nothingness. But when he said her name, her eyes moved and locked on his. “We need to go back. Now.” She got up like she was going to pack immediately.

“Can’t.” Dar shook his head. “Dane just headed north, and I doubt there’s going to be another boat headed south anytime soon.”

His trip through the shadows had been dangerous. It wasn’t something he would attempt again unless his life was in danger. He’d nearly lost himself, and he needed to learn better control before risking it again.

“I can run.” She stood again and wobbled on her feet.

Even if they had a way down to Bellhaven, he wasn’t sure what good they would do against the queen as they were.

Sasha’s silk ribbons shot out of her dress and caught Tami, helping her settle back down. “It doesn’t seem like you can stand, much less run. Dane will carry the news to Kindrake. Maybe this is something we let them and your family handle.”

“I don’t get it. There were signs of the insects fighting the trolls all over the hills. Why are they already attacking Bellhaven?”

Dar could only guess. “What if the queen is that hungry? She’s been eating that Mo near constantly for weeks or even months.”

“You think it's about food?” Tami looked up, surprised.

“I do. Those insects were feeding themselves through the winter cold, but now the queen is active and needs to replace her food source. If she wants to continue to grow that hive as quickly as she was, that is going to require a vast amount of food.”

What Dar didn’t want to say was that Bellhaven might as well have been a livestock pen for the powerful devil.

“What are we going to do then?” Tami asked.

Dar looked around the room. Cherry was the only one who could potentially stand a chance against the grand demon, but he couldn’t send her in against not only it, but the whole hive.

They needed more strength.

Dar’s first instinct was to hunker down and grow his own dao, and he’d do that, but there was another opportunity sitting right here. “Blair. I think I have a way to help you finish your grand dao.”

Her dao path was on minerals and crystals. It wasn’t exactly earth, but given how her lesser and greater dao had reacted after Dar had absorbed the most recent Mo, he realized it was at least under the umbrella of earth.

The salt spirit cocked her eyebrow. “Help how?”

“We can discuss in more detail after. Just know I have a way.” His eyes drifted over to Tami. While she’d seen the tree, she didn’t know its ability to help everyone along their dao path.

And that was the kind of information that could get Dar in trouble if she relayed it back to her father. He was slowly growing past the need for concern, but he’d rather not tempt fate.

“We need to prepare for when the devils are done with Bellhaven.”

“Done with Bellhaven?” Tami nearly shouted. “What does that mean?”

This was the part Dar was going to hate the most. “That means we plan for Bellhaven to fall to the devils.”

Tami shook her head in disbelief, and the girls around Dar all looked solemn at the thought. “We need to do something.” She shouted accusingly, as if it was his responsibility to save the city.

“There’s nothing we can do in our current state. Think about it Tami, if those beetles came to Bellhaven in force along with a troop of those flying mantises, what could we do? At most, we could isolate and kill some, but what then? Next time there would be more.” Dar’s voice was rising as he spoke.

Leaving Bellhaven to its fate didn’t sit well with him either. He hated that he couldn’t step forward and crush an army under his heel.

But that wasn’t reality in this situation. He was one man, and while strong, he couldn’t take on an army yet. They needed to prepare.

Tami was stunned into silence as she tried to process the information.

Sasha played mediator. “It sounds like we all need time to think, and most importantly, we all need to grow stronger. It sounds like you and Blair need to spend some quality time together.”

Neko’s claws sank into his shoulder at the mention of that, and he realized she was getting jealous at the thought that Blair might step in before her.

“Yes, Blair. Let’s talk. Neko, can you help me to the bedroom?” The cat girl grabbed him a little too tightly as she helped him to his feet.