The Hand That Mocked Them

"Every part of a demon has its own use," Kivvien said, "There is no part that isn't poisonous, some types even secreting the stuff. The focus of my study has been using them to create a sort of antidote, the way one might use the venom of a snake to make the antivenom."

"What is the nature of these poisons? How quickly do they kill?"

"It depends. Contact with a demons skin, should they be the sort that secretes the stuff, will kill a person of my general size in a matter of days, a week at the longest. To ingest any part of a demon raw will kill anyone, regardless of size, in minutes, though there is some evidence that boiling a demons flesh in salted water can neutralize the poison, though it often dissolves the flesh entirely as well."

"Fascinating." He looked back at the notes. "And have you discovered an antidote to any of these just yet?"

"A treatment and a deterrent," Kivvien said proudly.

"Well done!" Hieronymus nodded approvingly. "You're quite accomplished, then; that must have been quite a feat!"

"I have spent many years on it," he said, "I was raised to do as much."

"May I ask where you were schooled?"

"I was chosen as a child to study under the royal scholars. I have resided in the palace itself for many years."

Hieronymus's head shot up, discretion forgotten. "You're a royal scholar?!" This opened up so many more opportunities than he'd hoped for. This was the best of the best. Perhaps he could even vouch for Master Laurean and restore him to Talos University.

"An esteemed one as well, which is why this entire scenario is rather humiliating," he said, giving the little creature a resentful look.

Hieronymus deflated under his gaze. "I'm very honored to be traveling with you, sir," he said, bowing his head. "I feel I ought to apologize for how I spoke to you before; it was well out of line. I'm very sorry for my impudence; I'd never have treated my master in that way and I should never have treated you that way either."

Kivvien found himself even more irritated by the groveling. "Go back to reading, creature."

"Certainly, certainly." He dipped back under the tarp obediently, heart pounding. A royal scholar! He was in the cart of a royal scholar!

Kivvien dipped his head and returned his attention to the road ahead.