The Demon Rolmar by A. Griffin

unlike most. It is a little like Earth in that it has varied terrain—mountains, deserts, plains, and forests. But my people may be the most technologically advanced race in the universe—or so our sources have led us to believe. We are mainly a scholarly group intent on bettering ourselves. On Pentar there are no wars now, but we used to have wars many eons ago, before we evolved. Now we cannot tolerate warring peoples at all and have sworn to annihilate belligerent nations. Over the millennia, we Pentarians have watched as many civilizations annihilated each other because of the barbaric nature of their kind. I watched as many a friend died in the Great Pentarian Wars. The pain still resonates within me, and I have vowed to put an end to aggression in its various forms, including war.”
    Hailey grew thoughtful for a minute. “Don’t you think that you could introduce peaceful ideas and technologies to these civilizations?” she asked.
    “We tried that in the past, but most nations do not have the capability to adapt. Not every nation has the potential to change.”
    “Isn’t it hypocritical to profess a hatred for aggression but then to use aggression to eliminate less-advanced societies?” Hailey said.
    “We are aware of this. It may not be the most diplomatic way to solve things, but I assure you it’s the quickest and neatest way. As you must already know, your governments are far from eliminating wars. Your rulers have wasted your planet’s resources and continue to pollute your atmosphere, land, and oceans.”
    The boy said, “So this is why you wish to destroy Earth?”
    “In short, yes. I will destroy this planet before you destroy yourselves.”
    “But there is the green movement…the environmentalists,” Hailey offered.
    “Yes, I am aware of that. I think your movement came a little too late. And there is still the matter of unrelenting aggression and pursuit of war by many of your nations.
    Haley stood. “But not all nations are that way,” she said.
    “Enough talk for now. You shouldn’t worry about such things. You will be saved. By the way, where did you learn to talk like that? You’re just a little girl.”
    “I think we’re becoming more intelligent,” Hailey said.
    Itakir was right about emotions rubbing off on me, but perhaps it works both ways. Maybe some of my intelligence is being transferred to these children .
    “Can we go back to Earth for a little while?” Hailey asked.
    “Why would you want to do that?” Rolmar replied.
    “To say good-bye.”

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    C HAPTER 19
    A dam and his crew stood in front of Linda’s home in the mid-day sun.
    “You could have warned us about the teleportation spell,” John complained.
    “Yeah, it sure wasn’t a picnic,” Zelia said, looking a little dazed.
    “Sorry, but I guess I never noticed those effects,” Itakir said. “Perhaps the spell isn’t meant for mortals.”
    “Now he tells us,” John said, starting to turn red.
    Adam turned to Itakir. “How exactly were you planning to approach this?”
    “I hadn’t thought that far ahead,” Itakir answered.
    John threw his arms up. “That’s great. Just great,” he said.
    “Why don’t we stop standing here and just ring the doorbell,” Zelia said.
    Itakir looked at Zelia, “Well, you’re very direct.”
    “Someone has to be, otherwise we’ll be standing here all day,” Zelia replied.
    Adam turned to Zelia. “It’s not that simple. What exactly are you going to say? Hi, the world’s ending. We think you can help.”
    “Let me try. I think I know what to say,” Zelia said, sounding very confident. “You guys fall back for now, though. And Itakir, make yourself invisible for the time being.”
    Zelia walked onto the porch. “Here goes nothing,” she said. She knocked tentatively on the door. Linda came to the door after a few moments.
    “Yes, can I help you dear?” Linda asked.
    “Yes, you can actually. I believe we have something in common— or rather someone.