The plan had begun. It was relatively simple in execution, but highly risky. He had to confess that a demonic army was approaching from some direction; he had to play the villain of the story.
When the dwarves came down because of a commotion Froggy himself had caused, Star began speaking quickly.
—He says he's going to confess. That there's no time —said Star.
—Confess? —replied Swar.
All the dwarves looked at one another distrustfully. Information from the enemy could not be trusted—it could be a trap. But if it wasn't a trap… then it was vital information.
Swar began wrestling with himself over what to do.
—He spoke of an army that will emerge from the depths… a large one…
—Get them out of there —ordered Swar to the other dwarves.
Froggy, just as he had done before, resisted, as if he truly were some kind of evil being. He muttered phrases none of them understood; they did not know whether they were curses or some kind of demonic tongue.
They felt a kind of disgust. Looking at him forced them to face the reality that they were standing before a demon—an especially ugly one.
—We'll consult the chief.
—Wait! There's no time. You have to let him guide us.
—That would be unreasonable —replied Swar as he walked out of the dungeon.
—Damn it… —muttered Star to himself.
Froggy, meanwhile, was being held by both arms by two dwarves.
—BUAHAHA! Little vermin, I'm going to eat you all!
He stuck out his tongue dramatically, causing one of the dwarves to strike him on reflex. Froggy returned a malicious stare.
—Idiot… You don't need to overdo it that much. They'll kill us at this rate.
—Trust me. I know what I'm doing.
He knew perfectly well how a villain behaved; he had to be exaggerated and laugh evilly. Right. That was what villains did.
Swar returned and gave the dwarves a look.
—Follow me.
Everyone began following Swar, but before leaving for the city they wrapped cloth around Froggy's arm again to cover his weapon. As before, the glow had not disappeared.
Leaving the city felt strange. The discreet glances people threw at him… that sensation that everyone was beginning to look at him—it felt oddly familiar, as if he didn't fully recognize it. The emotion rising inside him, the pounding of his heart beating fast…
All of it was familiar.
He looked at his hands, and though they were chained, he could feel it: these were hands that had once been used to win. He felt satisfied. As the dwarves guiding him shoved him forward, he felt the game was worthy of being played, worthy of a hero like him.
After all, he was the best.
—Hey, don't get distracted —said Star.
—Ah… sorry —replied Froggy.
Soon they left the city through a gate he had not seen before, but the surroundings were the same: an infernal land, like a desolate wasteland. It brought back memories. It felt as though only yesterday he had arrived in this world.
—Good. We're here —said Swar.
—Ah… tell them that… uh… the demons are over there. And they're very bad… Ah… bad, yes.
—He says a demonic army is approaching from the northern zone. They are armed and hiding in the underground tunnels. They came up from the depths of the dungeon through a path connecting the land of demons to this place. For now there are only a few scouts, including him.
All the dwarves went pale.
—You must contact the surface as soon as possible —argued Star.
—I-it must be considered first… —Swar answered halfway, interrupted before finishing.
—What other option do you have? I know you distrust me… but that demon, that vile creature, is telling the truth.
Star's words sounded firm, without the slightest doubt, as if he truly believed everything he was saying.
The dwarf chief stroked his beard and, after several seconds of thought, replied:
—Perhaps you're right.
—C-chief, I think this should be reconsidered.
—I have considered it, and I am willing to take the risk. Take a group and bring the demon so he may guide you to that army.
—But what about the prisoner? —he said, pointing at Star.
—I volunteer to go to the surface. You'll need a translator.
—No one asked for your opinion —replied Swar.
The chief looked at both of them.
—It will be done as he says. A translator will be useful to us.
—I appreciate your mercy —replied Star.
—But the demon… how will he guide us if we cannot understand him?
—Sending information to the surface is more important than a single demon.
The dwarves split into groups and began arguing among themselves, until the chief raised a hand and all fell silent.
—The reports will be sent to the surface today. The rune shipment will be moved forward, so prepare yourselves. And as for the demon, he will guide us to the enemy so we may map the area. After that, we shall decide what is to be done with him.
All nodded, but some dwarves began murmuring.
—He must be executed…
The murmurs continued.
—We should return to the city to prepare —said Star.
—Correct. Speak to the demon and give him the instructions before we leave —said Swar.
Star approached Froggy.
—They say you must lead them to the demons.
—I understand. I'll guide them straight over there. Then what?
—Um… I'll let you know when you return.
—I'll try to do the best I can.
Froggy looked at Star: the dark circles beneath his eyes, the beard of several unshaven days, and that dull look he had carried since Froggy arrived. He thought he saw pity in it.
Star and the dwarves began to leave, but before departing he murmured something, almost inaudible:
—Forgive me…
They departed.