NOT A LONG WAY FROM THE HEART

CHAPTER 8 DOES THE DEVIL EVER CRY

A breast plate to a woman's chest, he said following attentively to the stories he is telling were the children who enjoyed the company of Stalemate, the stupour man of the town, who has everything he says left for dust because nobody values him and even less his words that's who, Stalemate has been for a longtime in Dexce, but these children like him and his tales so much that they gather every Friday evening to listen to him. It's always been a tradition for them because he is the only one who could tell stories, the way he does, with so much wit and suspense and antics in it.

At the end of the tale, he shrieks and calls them “lil dragons of knightingvile” and they reply with a “aye, aye, we roll”.

No exact force to the next of Amigo, except for his growing shadow demons which are really of his own creation, as he begins to use tranquil meds to suppress the effects of hallucinating. The recent arrival of some men touring through towns from afar leading up to Dexce. Jo, the leader of this supposed group of tourists, looks rather rough-faced and eccentric due to his disposition, though the tattoos aren't a problem at all because skin markings are a thing in Dexce.

Jo, and his associates are here because of the hidden knowledge of minerals in Dexce. These minerals are so rich that if anyone knew of their existence, a war over who would harness them would erupt and lead to a bloodlust competition. Jo might seem to come off like the reckless and do-before-thinking kind of guy but the reverse is the case for this fella. In fact, the brains and the physical manpower of this venture are all Jo's, some in his clique have given him a name “DIABOLUS HOMO” meaning the “Devil man” because of his adroit acts over the years they've been on many adventures and it ends one way alone, and that's with a success stamp to his shoulder.

He already knows about Fabio and Amigo, seeing that the work they've done here is tremendously loud indeed and spoken of by many. Fabio sees his arrival as a means to an end but of course, the people of Dexce are just seeing another rich man, who's waltzing into their town with a prospect in mind. Amigo on the other hand, couldn't care less or more, after all his plans are well in tune and swiftly following his steps. A bit of complications arose as Jo took some liking to Bolita, the fine lady of the town but Fabio didn't welcome such familiarity especially since Jo had just arrived and he's instinct have been alarmed about him. As he reaches to hold Bolita more, Fabio intervenes and takes Bolita away. Bolita then acts furious for him dragging away from a conversation, she sought an apology but Fabio insisted that he did her a favour and there goes another squabble as she stomps off, pissed.

Jo is beginning to have the intuition that Fabio may become a roadblock in a very inexplicable manner to his schemes. Bolita is still annoyed at Fabio for what he did and Fabio still sees no reason he should apologise, which sets Bolita further into more stupid decisions like trying to know and relate more with the new guy, Jo. The reverend of Faith Church in town has just been blessed with a son as his wife just gave birth a day ago. It's an immense occasion as it's his first child after waiting quite a time for this miracle and the prayers have been answered with a seamless delivery. The entire town is on a happy rollercoaster of good news.

Amigo is planning on going for a short break for a while having felt that he has been in the town for quite some time. A steadfast belief foundation has been built by Fabio since his arrival, as the people are convinced that there is no need for him to prove himself to them anymore than he has done.

Jo is trying to read the playing field that he has found himself in now, and he isn't one to just sit it out, he is more of an intentional fella, he has a somewhat principle of a doer rather than a mere observer. Jo came to the realisation that Fabio may be ruining play in his plan, which is why he has decided to avoid path crossing with him and also Bolita seeing that something is going on between them. But unknown to him that Bolita has plans of her own which shoots directly opposite to his and that may just be where his problems begin. One too many time has it been told from time how damaging the female group effect on the male can tend to become , and Jo was in no shortage of know and experience in this matter.

Amigo has just left for his break, leaving instructions with his most trusted men to watch out on all that happens and be relaying information back to him daily. Bolita has been avoiding Fabio and he's noticed it and every chance he tries to talk to her, she revolts and bails on him. Fabio doesn't know she's been relating further with Jo and they've come to like each other's company from the appearance of things. Jo is skeptical about his relation with Bolita, as he intends to keep Fabio off his back and he knows there's a wary feeling hovering. He prefers to keep his reputation intact as he is egoistic of some sort. Leaving now isn't an option no matter how high the stakes go for Jo, it's never been his way. The “Dextrians” as they are called, the decision makers and elite group of the town have decided earlier in the week to give unbridled entry to anyone who here for a good cause and seems more than able to achieve those good intentions.