The Fortified City Hilt is the sixth episode of The Fire Demon and the first episode of the second volume of The Fire Demon manga series. It is the longest episode of the manga.
Synopsis[]
In Hilt, the Fire tribe is celebrating their victory over Kashue's forces. Nardia recalls the Wind tribe's betrayal and how that caused her tribe to live in fear in the desert all this time.[1] She believes her father would've been happy with her accomplishments so far. Then, realizing the tribe would want to hear some of her father's words, she raises a toast and tells her men their dearest wish is almost upon them.[2] Later, in the castle, Nardia's mind wanders off to memories of her father. She sees several women chained together and asks her father who these women are. Her father places his hands on her shoulder and tells her they are sacrifices for Phalaris, the god of darkness. Nardia recalls her father was willing to do anything to destroy the Wind tribe, even sacrificing people on a daily basis. When her father died she was more relieved than sad and wasn't surprised about that.[3] Nardia wonders what Azumo is up to.
Elsewhere in Hilt Azumo is making preparations for Ifrit. He recalls his youth. Because he was physically weak he was told by many that he was good for nothing, except Nardia. He decided to devote his time to studying, acquiring strength through knowledge. One day Azumo made advances to Nardia, but she rejected him and he noticed a gaze if despise in her eyes as she looked at him. Azumo completes his preparations for Ifrit, saying he has a great sacrifice in store for him.[4] He then visits Parn, who is still held captive in his room, and proposes to make a deal with him.[5]
Outside, Marsh causes some trouble for Deedlit, Pseudo and Deni by accidentally tipping over a trash can. Guards rush to the scene. Pseudo easily kills one of them, while Deedlit uses her magic on the other guard to learn where Parn is being held captive.[6]
Azumo tells Parn he is the intended sacrifice for Ifrit. However, Azumo wants Nardia to be sacrificed instead. He tells Parn that if Parn, at his execution ceremony, will tell everyone that he received an offer from Nardia that she will sacrifice all her people to end the war and ensure her safety, he will make sure Parn is freed and Nardia gets sacrificed in his stead.[7] Parn refuses and calls out to Azumo for (ab)using Ifrit like this. An angry Azumo tells Parn he is the chosen one. Parn wonders if Azumo was instigated by "that woman", and suddenly realizes Karla is behind all of this too. Azumo decides to kill Parn on the spot, but at that time Deedlit, Pseudo, Deni and Marsh barge in, and Azumo flees.[8] Nardia quickly learns of Parn's escape.
Parn and his group return to Blade, safe and sound, much to the relief of Kashue. Considering what he has learned about Azumo and the civil war and realizing they have no means to oppose Ifrit, Parn decides to head to Alania, where his friend Slayn resides and may be of help.[9] At dinner, he proposes his idea to Kashue. Parn explains that since the War of Heroes two years ago there have been many civil wars on Lodoss and Parn believes Karla is behind all of them. He also doubts a human could free Ifrit and believes Karla may have been the one to free him.[10] Parn believes Leylia may have some memories from Karla that may be of help from the time she was possessed by her. Kashue proposes Parn travels by sea and offers the "Sea Hawk", Flaim's only ship. Its captain is Amarock.[11]
The night before the group departures Pseudo has memories of the death of his father. Deni asks why he continues to tag along with Parn. Pseudo says its because it pays well, but Deni suspects Pseudo may have come to like Parn and warns him it's not the time to make friends.[12] The next morning the group departs to Alania. The chapter ends with the groups arrival at Alania.[13]
Characters appearing[]
In order of appearance.
References[]
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 6.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 8.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 11.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 15.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 20.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 26.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 30.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 33.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 49.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 54.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 62.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 67.
- ↑ The Fire Demon volume 2, page 76.