Everyone sat in stunned silence, each grappling with the weight of the story they had just heard. Doubts churned in their minds, uncertainty clouding their thoughts.
Nick, unable to keep his confusion in check, broke the silence. "What you're saying... is it really true?"
The old man nodded, his expression grave. "Yes, it is."
Jace, ever the pragmatist, furrowed his brow. "If the story is true, then humanity is evil, and the demons were the victims."
The old man shook his head, his voice calm but firm. "I don't think it's that simple. A single man's actions can't define the whole of humanity."
Auxen with a serious face, added "I agree with this old man. The things humans did were in self-defense, to protect themselves from the demon race."
The old man leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as if searching for the right words. "In this world, everyone has two sides. Think of a mother deer, who runs away to save her life when a lion attacks. Is she a coward? Or the lion, who hunts for his family, knowing they will starve otherwise? Is the lion evil?"
Jace absorbed the comparison, the weight of it settling over him. "So, how are we supposed to choose the right side?"
The old man smiled faintly, as if he'd been expecting the question. "You choose the side with the least evil and the most noble cause."
Nick looked at the old man, his expression shifting from doubt to understanding. "Thanks, old man. You helped us see the true evil."
The old man chuckled softly, nodding his approval. "The world isn't black and white, young ones."
Just then, the carriage jolted to a stop, interrupting the moment. The door creaked open, and a young elven girl, about their age, stepped inside. She had long black hair, reminiscent of the smoothness of Indian silk, and striking blue eyes that seemed to hold a mysterious depth. She was armed, a sword strapped to her waist, and she carried herself with the poise of someone accustomed to battle.
"My name is Evelyn," she said, her voice cool yet polite. "May I join you to the next village?"
The old man looked at her, assessing her briefly before nodding. "Yeah, you can."
Lyra stepped inside, her presence immediately commanding attention. She sat across from the group, her eyes briefly scanning each of them before resting on Jace.
Jace, ever the inquisitive one, tilted his head. "Hey, are you a warrior?"
Lyra's gaze flickered momentarily to him, and then she answered with a calm, almost detached tone. "I only speak to humans when necessary."
Jace raised an eyebrow, intrigued but not pushing further. "Hmm, okay."
The old man stares at them and leaves a small chuckle.
The silence returned, this time thicker, as the carriage rumbled forward. Whatever awaited them in the next village, they all knew the journey was about to become far more complicated.
To be continued...