Revenge Of The Demon E-Book

Sally A. Laughlin

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

A vengeful Master Demon has returned to Mystovia with a skull he stole from the Land Between. Magnifying his powers, the magical skull enables him to control the deadly dragons of the sea, and the war-hungry dragons of the forest.

Ordering them to wage war against the peaceful but powerful mountain dragons, the demon plans to take over Mystovia while plotting his revenge against those that killed his mate.

Kess and Mac are unwittingly pulled into a deadly plan devised by the Master Demon. Deception and danger await them, as they try to rid Mystovia of the demon's invading forces. Their only hope to defeat the enemy may come from an unexpected and surprising source. But is it already too late?

Leseprobe

REVENGE OF THE DEMON

WARRIORS OF THE MYSTIC MOONS BOOK 3

S.A. LAUGHLIN

CONTENTS

Books by S. A. Laughlin

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Dear Reader

Next in the Series

Copyright (C) 2021 S.A. Laughlin

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2021 by Next Chapter

Published 2021 by Next Chapter

Edited by Sandra Laughlin

Cover art by CoverMint

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author’s permission.

BOOKS BY S. A. LAUGHLIN

Science Fantasy Series

Book 1: Mystic Moon Warriors

Book 2: Uncharted Land Between

Book 3: Revenge of the Demon

Book 4: Sands of Dragon Fire

Romance/Adventure

Hidden Between the Lines

Historical Novel

Fly Toward Death

My lovely daughters and granddaughter

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to one of my readers (who has become a dear friend), Ronald Dyer, Retired USAF Master Sergeant, Security Police/Forces and First Sergeant for giving me the great suggestions about the Rukkhas. FYI Mr. Dyer is a fantastic up and coming Fantasy writer.

CHAPTERONE

A strong wind reached the crescent-shaped sails of the flying ship causing it to move further away from the portal to Mystovia. Etheria brushed a tear away. “I cannot see her anymore. They have entered the portal to Mystovia. I miss Kess so much already. To have found my daughter after all these years.” She shook her head slowly, “And to lose her again.”

“No. You haven’t lost her,” Jhondar patted her shoulder. “We shall see them soon. This has been a difficult time for all of us,” his voice faltered for a moment. “Mac, my son. Mac,” his voice softened.

“Stop it you two,” Saaz snapped. “You have not lost them. You will join them in Mystovia as quickly as you can. I mean, look at you two. You are covered in what did they call it?”

“Silvery stuff,” Etheria gave a short laugh.

“Yes, that was what they called it.” Saaz moved to the side of the ship and looked down at the passing landscape below. “There has to be a way to get there quickly. The Zetch will become extremely powerful by possessing the Skull of Semetter.”

“Yes,” Jhondar replied. “Enough power that he may destroy all of Mystovia.”

Etheria sighed. “We have to wait two weeks before the ectoplasm wears off.”

“Maybe the Plexias can help you with your…,” Saaz was interrupted by a shout from one of the crew.

“Look there!” A warrior yelled and pointed to a massive swarm of huge insect-like creatures flying directly toward them. “Rukkhars!”

Jhondar grabbed his shield and sword that were on deck and ordered the sails furled. “They are coming in fast.”

Etheria and Saaz pulled arrows from their sheaf and waited until the dangerous creatures got close enough to hit.

The Rukkhars wings were beating so fast they could barely be seen against their plump, dark purple and yellow bodies

“Their stingers are readied for fighting,” Etheria observed. “There so many this time.”

Jhondar signaled for the warriors to be ready to fight.

“Wait,” Etheria yelled. “It was something one of the teens mentioned. In their world to keep insects away, they would use smoke.” She thought for a moment, “Yes. The ship’s machines create a very foul and thick smoke.”

“We usually vent them out through the bottom vents. We can try to open the top vents,” Jhondar shouted. “If it doesn’t work the smoke may work anyway to our advantage, because the Rukkhars will have to fly in low to try and find us.”

“I hope it works,” Saaz’s grimaced at the foul-smelling, smoke that quickly filled the deck.

They watched in stunned silence as the swarm of Rukkhars suddenly veered away from their ship and headed back toward the mountains.

“I don’t know if the smoke or the smell,” Etheria laughed and choked.

“Or, something else,” Jhondar said stoically.

* * *

Kess stood quietly near the open portal to Mystovia. Her heart was heavy, and her brown eyes filled with tears at having to leave her mother after just finding her in the Land Between. She waved one last time as her mother’s flying ship pulled away and headed back to their domed city of Kelador. “Well, I only hope the next two weeks go quickly,” Kess spoke solemnly.

“It will, cousin,” Mac said looking down at Kess. “But I’d like to go back to the Land Between and get to know more about what happens in there when technology mixes with magic. And to check up on our friends.”

“Yes, they were so excited to stay. They loved the Land Between.” Kess nodded slightly.

“And, add the fact they were each given their own apartments” Mac smiled.

Kess’s smiled faded. “But I am afraid they don’t know all the dangers that our roaming around in there.”

“They will be advised of any dangers,” Mac said trying to reassure Kess.

“Yes, Jhondar said we are not to worry about them. And as for Brody, he is still trying to accept all of the weird and strange things that had happened.” Doc chuckled.

“Okay, change of subject: What is taking them so long?” Mac asked staring hard at the open portal in front of him.

“Mac they are checking things out to make sure it is safe for us to enter Mystovia,” Kess reached over and touched his forearm. “Kybil and Sirel are seasoned warriors, and they have Maaleah one of the most powerful Sabbot witches with them. Not to mention Rakmor who is a clever and knowledgeable Sorcerer.”

“Mac is right,” Doc shook his head and crossed his arms. “They have been gone a long time.”

“You not worry.I stayed back because I am a powerful dragon.” Drago sent a telepathic message for everyone to hear. “I stay and protect my friends until we go through the portal.” His long, spiked, red tail switched about but did not touch anyone.

“Dat’s right,” Yaneth agreed. The Dwarger patted the hilt of his sword with his hand. “We stayed back wid da little dragon. We tought dis be a good idea.” He wiped his large bulbous nose with the cuff of his sleeve. The yellow feather on his Peter Pan hat began to move from the wind filtering into the tunnel. His deep-set lavender eyes focused on Nordaal standing next to him, “Right?”

“Yep, we tought dis be a good idea,” Nordaal replied happily. He looked at his friend Yaneth for a moment then broke into a huge grin showing his large, unevenly spaced teeth.

Mac stopped and looked at the two Dwarger for a minute. He shrugged slightly. “I have to ask. Does everyone resemble you two where you come from?” His frame towered over the shorter Dwargers. “Just curious cause you two look so much alike.”

“Nope, da females, dey looks different,” Nordaal said.

“Good come back,” Doc’s dark-brown face broke into a grin.

Mac laughed and then his attention turned back to the portal that his friends had gone through. He narrowed his blue-gray eyes and leaned forward, straining to see any movement. “Why can’t we see clearly through the opening?”

After a couple more unnerving moments, Kybil appeared in front of the portal door and motioned for everyone to come through.

Kess was the first one through the portal and was immediately greeted by the cold biting winds. “Are we sure this is Mystovia?” She asked brushing her light-brown hair from her eyes.

Kybil smiled, “Yes. I am positive.” The hood to his cape blew down as the cold wind whipped his shoulder-length blond hair around his face.

Doc stepped through the portal joining Kess. “Say this is really cold. How long were we gone? What happened to Summer? Where are we?” Doc worked feverishly to try and pull his cape from being blown around by the fierce winds.

“We are back in Mystovia,” Maaleah’s dark-blue face lit up as she sighed with relief.

Drago and Mac were the next ones through the portal.

“Well, we’re all here safe and sound,” Mac looked around him at the frozen terrain, as the sleet and cold wind beat at his face. “Whoa, did we cross over into Siberia?”

Nordaal and Yaneth came through last. They took a deep breath of air and broke into huge grins as they looked around them. “We be back,” Yaneth said happily.

The closing of the portal made a loud shushing sound before it snapped shut. They turned around just as the portal between the Land Between and Mystovia disappeared completely.

Kess grabbed the hood of her cape to keep it from blowing off. “Say, what’s up with this weather?”

“Yeah, no wonder we couldn’t see too clearly through the portal,” Mac hollered against the wind.

“Unfortunately, this is what the weather should be,” Kybil stood somberly next to Kess. “We have to go that way.” He pointed beyond the giant trees surrounding them. “I can just make out the faint outline of the mountains.”

“I can’t see my hands in front of my face, let alone the faint outline of a mountain,” Doc grumbled.

“Well, you can’t miss these trees; that’s for sure,” Mac said looking at the massive trees all around them.

“I’ll say. Those are the biggest, fattest trees I have ever seen,” Doc exclaimed. His short, thin frame struggled to walk against the high winds.

Kybil saw the difficulty Doc was having against the ferocious wind and nodded toward Nordaal and Yaneth. “Would you two, please help Doc?”

Without missing a step, the two muscular Dwargers took Doc’s arms and began to walk with Doc safely between them. “We hold on ta ya little doctor,” Yaneth’s arm tightened around Doc’s thin arm.

“I’m getting squished with every step,” Doc mumbled.

Kybil linked his arm with Kess to keep her from being blown away as well, while Rakmor linked his arm with Maaleah. Each step was becoming more laborious as they traveled through the forest.

“I know somebody knows where we’re going, but how much longer?” Doc’s teeth chattered uncontrollably.

“We have quite a way to go. You can see the peak of the mountain where Castle Remat sits from here,” Rakmor’s hand came out from his cape and pointed toward the barely visible mountain range.

“I can’t see anything. I think my eyeballs are frozen.” Doc quipped as the two Dwargers guided him through the biting winds.

“Say, Rakmor. Can’t you just plop us in the castle with some of your magic?” Kess asked.

“No. I don’t have any of that potion left,” he shrugged.

“Darn it,” Kess’s head whipped around as she looked at the surrounding terrain. “Say, we’re not in Evoos territory, are we? I’d rather not run into those hairy, cannibalistic creatures.”

“No. We are closer to the Xelrils Mountains,” Kybil said.

“That help ya any, Kess?” Mac laughed and smiled down at her. “Being that you’re so familiar with all of Mystovia,” he said sarcastically.

“You have no fear of being lost,” Sirel said matter of fact. “We are all familiar with this territory,” she stated, easily keeping in step with Mac’s long stride.

“Okay. Fair enough,” Kess said. She peered around Kybil to speak with Rakmor walking next to him. “Why didn’t the portal open near the Evoos this time?”

“I was wondering the same thing,” Rakmor said and shrugged.

The two Dwargers left Doc alone as they moved to stand next to Kybil. “Yep, dat be da way ta go.” Yaneth pointed to the mountain range.

“Yep,” Nordaal repeated, “Dat be da way ta go.”

Kess smiled at the two Dwargers, who were half-ogre and half-dwarf. The only way she could tell them apart when she first met them was the feather on top of their Peter Pan-type hats; Yaneth’s was yellow and Nordaal’s was red.

“Not that I’m complaining or anything,” Doc grabbed the edge of his cape and tried to yank it closed. “However, if I don’t get warm soon, my face is going to be blue instead of dark brown.” He looked at the little red dragon next to him. “Say, Drago, you wouldn’t happen to be able to control that fire-breathing of yours and get a fire going, could ya?”

“I could try,” Drago’s telepathic thoughts were sent to everyone.

Maaleah’s brow furrowed slightly. “Wait, Drago. Even if you started a regular fire the winds and rain would dampen it for sure. And it may even let those we do not want to find us, find us.”

Rakmor broke into a big smile as he pointed toward a group of trees. “Look! I believe we are in luck. It is a Dak tree. Hurry.”

“That tree? Which tree?” Kess wiped the sleet out of her eyes.

“Yep,” Nordaal.

“Yep, what?” She asked the Dwarger walking behind her.

“Dak be right dere,” Nordaal pointed to a huge tree off to their right.

“Everyone, quick to the Dak tree,” Kybil grabbed Kess’s arm and raced toward the tree.

“Now, I know how you feel, Nordaal,” Kess said being ushered toward a group of trees. “That tree? There are a whole bunch of them ahead.” She was grateful that Kybil was leading her to the tree in question.

Rakmor held Maaleah’s elbow as they followed behind. “Maaleah, do you have the Dak stones with you?”

“Are you serious? A Sabbot witch without a Dak stone is like an Evoos without hair.” She replied stopping in front of a large tree. “This Dak will do nicely.”

Rakmor called out to everyone in front of him, “We’re stopping here for a while to warm up.”

“What are we going to do - cuddle?” Kess asked looking at the open space with no shelter.

“Even this or that huge tree can’t stop the wind from finding us,” Mac stated confused.

Maaleah stopped in front of the massive tree. Quickly, she reached inside her cape and pulled out a pouch. Carefully, she dropped three little stones into the palm of her hand. After a few incantations, a thin golden line began to form on the tree. Swiftly, lines raced over the trunk of the tree to form the outline of a large door. A loud groan could be heard, as the door began to open at the base of the tree. Inside the entrance was a small platform, and a set of steps leading downward.

“I’ll light the pathway down,” Rakmor said brandishing a small stone in his hand. He said a few words and then blew on the stone. Rays of light filtered out lighting the small lanterns lining the walls of the passageway. Rakmor motioned for everyone to follow Maaleah. “I will come last because the doorway must be erased of all magic.”

Wooden steps had been carved out that only one person at a time could traverse. The short steps twisted and turned down inside of the tree.

“No like steps,” Drago mumbled to no one in particular.

Mac was surprised that the steps ended abruptly into a large, enclosed space. A soft, golden glow lit up the room.

“Wow!” Kess marveled at the girth of the room. It was large with wooden benches carved out of the tree roots. There were chair-like fixtures next to a roughly hewn table off to the side of a small fireplace. “Well, I’m certainly glad it was this tree.”

“Nope.” Nordaal shook his head and smiled. “Dis not dis. Dis be Dak.”

“Huh?” Kess blinked several times as she stared at the Dwarger’s toothy grin. “Are you getting this, Mac?”

“Nope,” he shrugged. “They lost me with this and that a long time ago.” He stood with his hands on his hips. “But hey, this is some hideout.”

“How’s about getting a fire started.” Doc’s teeth chattered, as he looked longingly at the little fireplace. “And I don’t give a puppy’s puddle if it’s this tree or that tree.”

Kybil laughed as he pushed one side of his cape away, “It is spelled D-A-K. It is a Dak tree.”

“Ohh,” said Mac and Kess simultaneously as they nodded in understanding.

“Maaleah,” Rakmor eased toward her. “How about starting a warm fire?”

“Wait!” Mac looked anxiously toward Rakmor, “Won’t the tree catch fire?”

“No.” Maaleah’s blue face broke into a wide grin. She walked over to the open hearth and threw in a few crystals that immediately erupted into a glowing, warm fire.

“Won’t the smoke or magic send a signal to whoever might be out there? You know demons and such.” Kess moved closer to the fire, holding her hands out to catch its warmth.

“They would have to have extremely strong magic to find us down here.” Rakmor sat on one of the cutout chairs, “besides, I put a spell blocker on this place.” He folded his arms across his chest and smiled, looking pleased with himself.

“I know you are a great sorcerer, but can’t they see and smell the smoke from the fireplace?” Mac sat down next to Sirel on one of the benches.

“Well, they could have, except this is the Fire of Night,” Maaleah said.

“Remember the cave?” Doc looked at Mac. “You know, where we met the Wereshadows.”

Mac nodded. “Yeah, now I remember.”

Maaleah squatted down next to the blazing fire. “No smoke, no smell, but lots of warmth. Having a Sabbot Witch traveling with you is a smart thing. Not to mention having a great sorcerer like Rakmor,” she smiled smugly. The light from the fire cast shadows around the room, almost making Maaleah’s deep-blue skin appear black.

“Magic,” Kess and Mac said at the same time.

“Did you two speak the same thing at the same when you were partners as police officers, too,” Doc asked. “Yep,” they said. “Geesh,” Doc rolled his eyes, shook his head, and chuckled. The room quickly became warm and comfortable for the frozen group. They sat there quietly soaking up the heat.

Sirel broke the silence. “I wonder why we weren’t greeted by other warriors to escort us.” Sirel leaned around Mac to address Rakmor. “The sorcerers and the others would have sensed our coming through and sent us help, in case we would have need.”

“Oh, no!” Maaleah spoke solemnly. “I sense trouble heading our way.”

“Yes, I feel something, too,” Rakmor got up and walked to the fire.

“I dun’t feel someding,” Nordaal looked quizzically at Maaleah.

Rakmor pushed his hands nearer to the heat of the fire. Deep in thought, he turned to Maaleah. “I am going to need your help.” He walked back to the small table and stood in front of her. “Spell of View?”

“Yes. Do you have it?” Maaleah asked.

He nodded.

“Okay, you use the spell to see what is out there, and I will use a spell to make sure they do not sense your magic.”

Mac listened to Maaleah and Rakmor and shook his head. “Do you understand them, Kess?” Mac whispered to her.

“Are you kidding me? Even with our mind-meld with the sorcerers, I’m as lost as a pigeon in a chicken coop,” she whispered back.

“We have to time this perfectly.” Rakmor pulled a pouch from under his cape and poured the silvery contents on the table. He closed his eyes and began the incantation.

Maaleah pulled out two glistening stones. She muttered a few words and squeezed the stones tightly in her hands before dropping them in the middle of the silvery sand on the table.

Slowly, a misty glow began to form on the table. It began to weave a kaleidoscope of colors until they blended to form images from above. “Well, it looks like the wind and sleet have let up,” Kybil said. He studied the images forming on the table. “And that may be the trouble you are sensing. It looks like there are people headed our way.”

“Who are they? Friend or foe?” Mac asked leaning closer to the blurry vision on the table.

“I can barely make out their forms,” Sirel stared intently at the images.

“Let’s go out and see,” Mac said.

“No, we must stay here and wait to see if they are human or demons. It could be a trap.” Sirel stated.

“Not just another pretty face, eh!” Mac glanced over at her. He thought the word pretty was such a gross understatement for this Ankhourian warrior. He never tired of looking at her beautiful face, her golden hair and blue eyes, and her lithe, well-proportioned body. It still amazed him that she was almost as tall as his six-foot-four frame.

Everyone at the table watched in fascination as the scene unfolded in front of them. Demons were chasing a small group of humans. The fleeing humans were headed straight toward them. The small group inside the tree watched helplessly as the demons closed in.

“Anybody want to join the party outside?” Mac moved toward the steps of the Dak tree.

Rakmor called out to him. “Mac! Wait! I see horses.”

“Horses?” Mac questioned ambling back to the table.

“Yes. Horses that would have come up behind us,” Kess pointed to another vision coming into view on the tabletop.

“Well,” Mac asked restlessly. “Are they the good guys or the bad guys?”

“Ah,” Rakmor smiled. “Those on horseback are the good guys. Wait until they pass us, then we can join them. And, before you ask me …”

“Yep, go it.” Mac snapped his fingers toward Rakmor. “Don’t want to be trampled.”

“Yes,” Rakmor smile.

CHAPTERTWO

The woods came alive with Indian and Ankhourian warriors on horseback. They came in at a fast pace, swords drawn, and the sound of war cries filled the frigid air. They did not slow down as they raced past the small group of humans being chased and charged into the demon horde.

“Okay,” Kybil said. “Let’s go.”

The door to the Dak tree opened automatically. “No steps!” Drago said as he flew up the steps and out the door.

Mac and Sirel were right behind him as they raced outside. Mac was not surprised to see that everyone had followed him to join in the fracas. His amulet was bright and hot against his skin.

“Doc! Maaleah!” Kybil turned and shouted at them. “Get back inside!” They started to protest when he yelled again, “Now!”

Reluctantly, Doc, and Maaleah turned and headed back down the tree stairs. The door groaned as it shut.

Swords held high and blood-curdling screams pouring from their lips, Mac and the others charged toward the attacking demons. Quickly, they reached the warriors on horseback who were already in heavy combat.

The demons were grotesque creatures of various sizes and shapes. Most of them had large fangs that dripped white foam, and their long, bony arms ended in sharp claws that almost touched the ground. Their foul smell of decay and rotting flesh permeated the air.

Several demons advanced toward Kess: the hilt of their swords alive with writhing snakeheads. Drago saw the demons charge toward Kess and immediately sent out a burst of fire that destroyed them on contact. He spotted a group headed for Mac: They met with the same fate. Drago flew into the air and created a fiery path that engulfed all demons in its wake. Several times he dove down letting his claws and teeth tear at the demons.

Kess’s sword the ‘Protector’ worked feverishly to dispatch the advancing demons. Her sword never missed its mark bringing down those that came too close. A demon charged at Kess. She turned to see another demon coming at her from behind. In one swift movement, she jumped out of their path, as the two startled demons impaled each other.

Kybil stepped over a fallen demon to place himself nearer to Kess. His sword stopped a blow aimed at her and with lightning speed, took out an arrow from the quiver on his back and impaled a demon advancing on his flank.

The fighting was too close for Rakmor to use his magic. He took up a position on the other side of Kess, dispatching demons with a long sword in one hand and a smaller sword in his other hand.

Sirel and Mac fought side-by-side hacking their way through the throng of demons. As they fought, they managed to keep a protective eye on each other, moving to strike down a demon not seen by the other.

An Ankhourian warrior’s arrow killed a demon who had managed to sneak up behind Mac and Sirel. Just then, another demon jumped up behind the warrior on horseback. In one swift movement, she clasped her sword in both hands thrust it up and over her head impaling the demon seated behind her. It howled and fell lifelessly to the ground.

Yaneth and Nordaal cut through the demon horde like angry bulls, leaving a path of slain demons.

Suddenly, the demons, even though they greatly outnumbered the opposing fighters, began to retreat into the sparse trees of the forest.

Stunned, yet, relieved by the quick retreat, they watched until the demons were no longer visible. However, Mac’s amulet continued to glow brightly.

“Why hasn’t your talisman or my sword stopped glowing?” Kess asked confused.

“It may be that some of the demons are still alive,” Rakmor shrugged. “So, be careful everyone.”

“We’ll check the perimeters for any surprise attacks,” A Captain of the Ankhourian warriors said. She signaled to the other warriors on horseback to ride out and check for demons.

A fast check to make sure everyone was okay in their group brought a sigh of relief to Mac. “All accounted for on our side,” he said.

A small group of humans came from around the trees and joined Mac and the others.

“You came as quite a surprise, and just in time.” A tall, lanky male gasped. He bent over the hilt of his sword trying to regain his breath and eyed the little dragon warily.

“Is everyone all right?” Sirel’s golden hair whipped about her face.

After catching his breath, the male stood up straight, sighed, and spoke calmly. “Thanks to all of you we are all well. I am called Olo. We are woodsmen and were in search of game. We have been forced to travel in large numbers to hunt because of the increased attacks of the demons. Unfortunately, we were attacked by the demons at the base of Wolf Mountain and have been fighting them ever since. Many of our friends were slaughtered.”

“That is a long way from here,” Sirel said. Mac watched her as she stood back and studied Olo’s men.

Mac picked up on their uneasiness. “It’s okay for now. Your men can relax. They won’t be back for a while.” Mac thought they were a mismatched group of men. Most of them were much shorter than Olo and kept looking around anxiously.

“You must be very tired and hungry. Would you like some food and warmth from a fire?” Kess addressed the men standing around fidgeting nervously with their swords. “It has been well protected from demons.”

“No,” Olo spoke quickly. “We have to get back to our families. We have been gone for a couple of days. I am sure they are worried. But thank you for the offer. I didn’t catch your names.”

“Oh, sorry, I am called Kess and this is Mac,” she gestured toward Mac and continued with the names of the others in her group.

“If you like we can travel together,” Rakmor wiped off the black blood from his sword on the cloak of a dead demon. “We are headed toward Castle Remat.”

“We are not going that far,” Olo said.

“Where are you headed?” Mac asked, wiping his bloodied sword on a cloak of another dead demon.

“Our homes are near Port Zanadur,” Olo responded, nodding in its direction.

“That is in the opposite direction we are headed,” Rakmor shook his head, looked to the others in his party, and continued. “But we can go with you as an escort if you like.”

Everyone in Rakmor’s group nodded in affirmation. “Nordaal. Yaneth,” Rakmor motioned to the two Dwargers,” please get Doc and Maaleah. We are ready to move out.”

“Yep,” Yaneth said as Nordaal followed him to the Dak tree.

“There are more in your party?” Olo inquired.

“Yes,” Kess said. “As you can see, we can protect you quite well from the demons. There is a lot of powerful magic in this group. In fact, you haven’t even met our friend, Maaleah, a very powerful Sabbot witch.”

“And let us not forget about Drago. He is an Arega dragon. He may be small, right now, but he is extremely dangerous. He helped us dispatch a powerful master demon. I believe it was called a Zetche.” Mac interjected.

Olo, let out an involuntary gasp. “A Zetche?” It took him a moment to regain his composure. “They have not been in Mystovia for many years.” He looked at Drago and smiled, “This little dragon killed a Zetche? That is very impressive. How could such a little dragon kill such a powerful demon?”

“Well, let’s just say that this Zetche tried to possess Drago from the inside, and everything got reversed. Anyway, with him and the Ankhourian and Indian warriors, whom you just saw in action, you will be quite safe.” Mac said.

“We didn’t even use our talismans. If the fighting had continued we could have destroyed those demons instantly.” Kess looked at Mac’s amulet and her sword. “Strange, why are they still glowing?”

“Strange? Why is it glowing?” Mac asked rubbing his chin.

“Even stranger. I keep waiting for Bilbo or Frodo to show up and claim the sword,” Kess shook her head and sighed.

“Who?” Mac turned to look at Kess.

“They’re characters in a . . . never mind I’ll explain later,” she laughed.

“Yes, they are both still glowing,” Rakmor said ignoring the conversation between Kess and Mac. “Olo, I think you and your men had better get away from here. I don’t think all the demons are quite dead.”

Olo quickly looked around at the demons on the ground. “That is a possibility.” He took one last look at the bodies of the demons and shrugged. “The other demons left in quite a hurry. They must have figured out they would need reinforcements to attack such a powerful group.”

“I sure hope they don’t return with reinforcements,” Kess said. “But if they do it may prove to be too dangerous for you and your men to travel without support.”

“Again, we offer our assistance,” Kybil replied sincerely.

“You may need all of your protective powers for you and your friends on your journey. Besides, we have learned a few tricks to keep from being detected by demons or anyone.” Olo’s hand went up and the others in his group sheathed their swords and gave a slight bow. “We must leave immediately before they return. Thank you again, and we shall never forget what you have done. We shall be ready to repay it.”

Olo and his men turned and hurried through the woods toward Port Zanadur.

“Well,” Kess watched in amazement as the men disappeared at a fast clip. “At that pace, they’ll get there before Doc, and Maaleah gets here.”

“It’s still cold. Brrr,” Doc rubbed his hands together as he walked toward Mac.

“Wait!” Maaleah hushed everyone. “Ah-ha!”

“Wait? Ah-ha?” Doc shook his head. “For crying-out-loud woman, what are you ah-ha-ing about.”

“Look,” Kess moved to stand next to Kybil. “It’s the Ankhourian and Tahotay warriors returning.”

“Oh, boy,” Doc reached behind and rub his backside. “This is gonna hurt.” He watched with interest as the other warriors rode their horses among the dead demons. “What are they doing?” Doc asked.

“We are checking to make sure the demons have been dispatched and will not get up in a surprise attack behind us.” The Captain halted her horse in front of them.

“Whew, they are all dead now,” Kess said looking at her sword and the talisman around Mac’s neck. “Your amulet and my sword aren’t glowing or whatever they do.”

“We saw humans being chased by the demons.” The Captain’s red-orange hair was tightly braided and held by a coronet. “We came as quickly as we could. I hope there are no injuries.” She raised her clenched, right fist and snapped it quickly against her chest in an Ankhourian warrior salute to Kybil.

“We are all fine.” Kybil returned her salute. “It is good to see you Captain Glynna. How did your warriors fare?”

“We only had a few minor injuries. And it is good to see you again as well Prince Kybil.” Then, Captain Glynna spotted Sirel and dismounted from her horse greeting Sirel with a grin and a hug. “Sister, it is good to see you again.”

“And you as well,” Sirel said warmly.

Kess sighed and smiled. “Glad you came to help rescue them.”

“Them? We were traveling to meet up with you.” Glynna said. “We thought it was all of you being chased. Who were they?”

“Don’t know, except they were woodsmen and humans,” Kybil said.

“Humans? Other than you?” Glynna queried.

“Yes, they were the ones the demons were chasing, and you rushed in to help,” Kybil stepped back to make more room for the rest of the warriors to join the group.

“They must have just blended with the group.” Captain Glynna’s deep green eyes scanned the bodies of the slain demons. “I certainly hope we did not dispatch one of them by mistake.”

“They are hunters, not fighters. Maybe they stayed away from the fighting,” Kess said.

“That would be a good assessment,” Kybil stated.

Mac paused and looked at the dead demons strewn on the ground. “I don’t see any human forms. Well, it appears you all did well.”

“Did well? That is an understatement,” Kess eyed the weary warriors. “You all look exhausted, and in need of some food and drink.”

“It is a great distance we had to cover to try to meet you at this opening,” Glynna said. “We were waiting in an area along the Evoos border of Mystovia when the Imperial Sorceress Cedwynna sent a message that they sensed the portal had opened up near here.” Glynna shivered slightly.

“Mercy,” Maaleah gestured toward the Dak tree. “You are freezing and . . .” Her sentence was cut short by the sound of horses racing toward them.

“The scouts have returned.” Glynna pointed toward the approaching riders.

Four riders rode in fast, each from a different direction. An Indian rider reached them first and dismounted his horse quickly. “They are advancing, hundreds, maybe thousands, of them from the North,” he reported. The three other scouts confirmed the same thing from their assigned direction. Masses of demons were heading for them from all four sides.

“So, I take it; we're surrounded,” Kess said.

“Yes, they are converging now, as we speak,” an Ankhourian rider said as she slid off her horse.

“Even all your magic could not stop them,” another Indian rider spoke out.

“Did you happen to pass some hunters on your way here?” Kess looked at the faces of each rider.

“There must have been ten men headed that way,” Mac pointed to his left.

“I saw no signs of anyone,” an Elven warrior said. “That’s the way I came.”

“Maybe they switched directions. Did any of you see human hunters?” Kess asked the other riders.

They all shook their heads and said they had not seen anyone.

“That man, Olo, said they had become very good at hiding from the demons. Let’s hope they are clever enough to avoid them.” Mac rubbed his chin absent-mindedly.

Maaleah and Rakmor exchanged a knowing look of concern and turned toward Kybil, who was watching them.

Kybil nodded, “We will have to take our chances down in the Dak trees.”

“Umm,” Doc reached over and quickly grabbed Maaleah’s arm. “There are about fifty warriors, and us. How in blue blazes do you think we are all going to fit in that little space? And, what about the horses? There’s no space for them in that little room, let alone all these warriors.”

“No, there is not.” She replied stoically.

“So, the horses are supposed to stay out here to freeze or be killed. And, I may not be great in battle strategy, but wouldn’t that be a dead giveaway in letting the demons know where we are?” He shook his head in confusion.

“You are worried about the horses. That is a good trait. You know you are really very sweet,” Maaleah laughed as she pulled a pouch from her cape pocket and looked over at Rakmor. “We have to do something so we can get out of harm’s way up here. Unfortunately, there is much to be afraid of down there.”

“Huh?” Doc said startled by her comment. “Down where?”

Maaleah did not hear Doc’s question as she visually began to scan the area. She smiled and pointed to a huge open area between the trees. “That will be perfect.” She paused for a moment in deep thought. “Don’t you find it rather strange that this is one of the potions Etheria kept for so many years in the Land Between and thought to give it to us before we left?”

“She may have sensed something. I mean she was very insistent that we take this potion and a couple of other ones.” Rakmor pushed his cape to the back so it would not encumber his next movements. “Maaleah and I have some work to do,” Rakmor pulled out another pouch from his cape. “There will be sufficient room for all of us to enter.” No one heard him mutter, “I only hope we can escape the deadly creatures down there.”

CHAPTERTHREE

“Bring your horses and stand behind Rakmor and me,” Maaleah ordered.

Everyone moved away from the small clearing, as Maaleah and Rakmor began to work their magic.

A hazy mist appeared in front of them hovering for a moment and then shot through the trees disappearing into the forest.

“Okay, that’s done.” Maaleah’s shoulders heaved as she moved to the large open space and began to spread sparkling sand onto the ground in front of them.

After she was done Rakmor threw several small, glowing stones up in the air. The stones landed with an exceptionally loud thud on the ground in the middle of the sparkling sand. Immediately lights exploded all around the area, sizzling and popping until they finally stopped.

Suddenly, the earth began to shake under their feet, and a loud groaning sound seemed to come from all around them.

At first, a small crack appeared in the solid earth in front of them. It began rapidly to expand as the ground began to shift and lift at the same time.

One final great heave and the earth opened and began to roll itself up like a rug on either side of the opening. Massive roots moved and undulated like giant snakes. They intertwined until they formed a network that braced the sides of the opening. After everything stopped moving, a large earth-ramp appeared leading down, deep underground, with just barely enough room for a horse to walk under.

“Lead the horses down first and you will find some water for them.” Maaleah pointed to the path leading underground. “The entrances to the Dak trees are all interconnected. You will find an open area large enough for your horses.”

“Well, I’ll be,” Doc walked down the wide ramp into a vast arena-type opening.

“Will the demons find us down here?” Kess ducked under a large hanging root.

“No, they will not.” Kybil stepped aside as a rider led his horse to drink from one of the small pools of water sprinkled throughout the underground refuge.

“Wow,” Kess could not believe her eyes at the sight of the huge cavern. Enormous roots of all sizes twisted down into the earth creating support columns throughout the entire expanse.

“This is something you would have to see to believe,” Mac strolled next to Sirel as they entered the underground shelter.