The elf wasn’t her idea. He was some child elf that heard about Lurcher. Upon learning about the hiring of security, he applied. The school’s administrators approved. He was eager to make a name for himself defending human school children or some other foolish plan.
Martina didn’t anticipate many problems from him. He had yet to notice the three demons standing in the room.
Neither had two of the mage-knights for that matter. One had only just earned her pin. Fresh out of the guild. She only graduated from Brakket itself two years ago. Those two did not fill Martina with much confidence.
The oldest mage-knight had noticed Zagan at least. He kept shooting wary glances in the demon’s direction. It was highly likely that he had worked with or perhaps against demons in the past. Either that or he simply felt the power that Zagan was only barely containing.
Neither of the two demons were Martina’s first choice in that department. They were, however, agreeable in temperament and both had the ability to fully disguise themselves as a human.
One, a morail, was an expert in stealth. While not exceptionally strong on his own, he didn’t need to be in order to walk around slitting everyone’s throat. If he did not wish to be found, Martina would be relying on Zagan to bypass his abilities.
The other was normally an unshaped mess of toxic tentacles capable of crushing a car. The mass of limbs compressed itself into a brightly smiling female form and had used its natural camouflaging ability to appear human. A mildly sweaty human, but most of that would be covered by the thick cloaks both demons wore.
“Brakket Academy,” Martina said, “has had a troublesome last year. This year is shaping up to be no different. You all signed up to protect this school and the children attending. If any of you thought this would be a cushy job with easy money, you can get out right now.”
None of the security force moved. Good.
“I thought I would mention some goings on, in case you were unaware. One last chance to back out.
“Last year, necromancers set hordes of zombies loose to indiscriminately kill townspeople and students. They then proceeded to kidnap and experiment on one of our students. One necromancer was killed by the aforementioned kidnapped student. The Elysium Order showed up and scared the remainder off.
“It gets worse. This year, we have evidence that a pair of demons, a carnivean and a jezebeth if that means anything to you, assaulted two of our instructors. While they were both killed, the original summoner is both at large and unknown.
“If that doesn’t sound like things you can handle, please leave and let us fill your slot with someone who can.”
Martina fell silent and waited. Once again, no one moved.
“Good. These two,” Martina said, gesturing towards the two black-cloaked demons, “are our specialists. If there is anything you feel you cannot handle, call one of them immediately. Especially in any matters you believe might be demonic in nature. They are listed in your cellphones as Daru and Lucy.”
The morail harrumphed. He had expressed displeasure towards his nickname. Daroth simply wasn’t suitable. While not exclusive to demons, the ending on his name was too common for Martina to be comfortable using it.
Giggles, or perhaps gurgles, erupted from the axopodia. They cut off quickly enough as Zagan casually turned to look at her.
Martina suppressed a frown.
It couldn’t be helped. She had never been around people before in any capacity. If it wasn’t for Zagan, she might never have been summoned. Ever. Her eagerness to interact with humans was a major redeeming factor. It was curiosity in a new environment and not the ‘how many ways can I murder them’ kind of curiosity that most demons possessed.
Clearing her throat, Martina continued her speech. “Several of the staff at Brakket have histories in combat and may be called upon in emergencies. The combat capable staff have been entered into your phones with an asterisk before their names.”
Martina gestured towards the oldest mage-knight. “Gregory Lavero will be your primary coordinator. He draws up all schedules and partnerships. If you have an issue or need to change anything, speak to him.
“Any questions?”
The youngest mage-knight, Eleanore Lorre, lifted one of her hands into the air.
Martina had to try hard to avoid rolling her eyes. They weren’t in school anymore.
“You said demons, right?” Her voice came out with a slight tremble. Nervousness at demons or perhaps nervousness at her first job. Both were understandable.
“That is correct,” Martina said.
Eleanore flinched back slightly.
