Daemon

Chapter 2

By: Dark-Elk

"Lady Anya, this is foolishness! We should have known better than to trust this mageslayer!" a nearby archmage spat out as he lowered his arms. "I've not spent this much energy in ages, and certainly not to follow the feverish dreams of a mageslayer as infamous as Mordecai! I will not dedicate myself, nor my students and servants, to this pursuit any longer. The council will hear of this, Anya, and I should be surprised if you aren't severely reprimanded!"

Anya turned to the elder mage, a dark storm of anger rolling across her face, making the archmage draw back slightly. "What possible benefit could Mordecai gain from this, if it proves to be a lie?"

"Mageslayers are not to be trusted," retorted another mage who had stopped to join the two. "They are vile, twisted magi who have no compunctions against killing their brethren, such as us. I should think it obvious that he has ulterior motives. Doranbrad is home to one of the last great schools of magic on this continent. Perhaps he seeks to further diminish our numbers."

Anya shook her head and began walking again. "I won't believe that. Mordecai has sacrificed much to walk the path he does now, and he has always been an honorable man. If he says there are demons and corrupt mages loose in Doranbrad, I have no choice but to believe him," she said as she closed her eyes, reaching out to begin her search again. "Besides, mageslayers only kill corrupt mages. None of you should have anything to worry about if he's telling the truth or if he's lying either way."

"I'm removing my men from this foolish chase, Anya. Continue if you wish, but the council's punishment will be heavy in this matter," the archmage called after her before turning around and storming back towards the massive castle, the other mages following closely behind.

Anya allowed herself a small smile as she continued to channel the detecting spell and whispered softly "Took them long enough to leave."

=-|-=

"Mordecai! Mordecai!" a man swathed in a black cloak yelled out. He was moving quickly down the street, and as he neared Mordecai, he lowered the cowl of his cloak.

Mordecai turned from the side alley he had been looking down, meeting Edgar's frenetic gaze. "Yes, what is it?"

Edgar pointed up to the city walls as he strode closer. "I was up there resting for a few moments, and I spotted an army of demons," he said bluntly.

Mordecai cursed quietly before asking him, "Did you get an estimate of their numbers?"

"The distance was too great to get an accurate number, and they were near the horizon. From what I saw, I would suppose perhaps a few hundred."

"Were they moving?" Mordecai asked.

"All I saw was a camp. They didn't seem to be moving at all," Edgar said.

"Not now they aren't. Demons like the darkest part of the night best," Mordecai said thoughtfully as he looked up at the stars for a few moments. He closed his eyes, letting the cool evening breeze caress his skin as he pondered his course.

Finally, Mordecai opened his eyes and called out to the small number of militia soldiers that were searching the shops and houses around him. "We've got more pressing problems now than a few demons loose in the city. Form up! And you," he pointed to a nearby soldier, "Go find Arthur, and tell him to meet with us in the square."

He turned back to Edgar. "We've got a few hours before they attack. Find the governor again, and have him mobilize every man who can swing a sword, every mage this city has."

"Right, Mordecai. But after this," Edgar called over his shoulder as he started off at his fast pace again, "we're finding you another messenger."

=-+-=

"Sir Arthur, could you come here a moment? I think we may have found something," called a soldier to the paladin.

Arthur turned from the stack of barrels he had been inspecting. "Are you sure? If I'd known how much time you lot were going to cost me, I'd have told Mordecai to send you off with Anya or have you guard the governor. Anything to keep you out of my hair!"

"Sorry sir, but there's some deep gashes on this wall here. It looks like something climbed it," the soldier said, gesturing to the wall behind him. "Something with big claws."

"Could be a demon, I suppose," Arthur allowed as he crossed the empty street. Apparently word of the possible demon outbreak had spread quickly, though none of the soldiers would admit to breaking the word. It was probably for the best though, because the search was moving along faster than it would have if a bunch of peasants and merchants were lining the alleyways.

Arthur stopped in front of the wall, his eyes scanning the rough brickwork, easily picking out the parallel grooves the soldier had noticed, even in the darkness. He ran a gauntleted hand over them slowly before drawing back with a soft hiss.

"What's wrong, sir?" asked the soldier worriedly.

"Good work, lad. This is the work of a demon. I can feel the dark energies inscribed on the stone," Arthur said worriedly. "I was hoping Mordecai was wrong, but I guess this proves it."

"Is there anyway to tell how long ago these marks were made?" asked the soldier curiously.

"If there is, it's beyond my ken. Perhaps Mordecai could manage such a feat, but I don't believe it matters anyway. Bringing him here would just waste more time on the hunt. We know the demon climbed up, so send a man to go get the dwarves to put one of their flying machines in the air."

"By your word, sir. I'll go myself," the soldier said before snapping a quick salute and jogging down the street.

Arthur shook his head ruefully. "Good lad, but a pain in my rear," he said. He returned his gaze to the deep gashes, studying them thoughtfully for a few moments.

"Sir Arthur! Sir Arthur!" a voice yelled down the street, followed by the sounds of metal boots pounding on cobblestones.

Arthur sighed in vexation, praying to the Light that the soldier hadn't somehow returned already. As he turned to face the caller, he was pleased to discover it wasn't the soldier he had just managed to rid himself of. "Yes, what is it?"

"It's a message from Mordecai, sir. He says there's a demon army on the far outskirts of the countryside, just within sight of Doranbrad. He wants you to gather your men and return to the square," said the breathless messenger.

"Just lovely, that is! You go tell Mordecai that I'll be there soon, but first," Arthur said before he chuckled, "go down to the dwarves, and find the man I just sent to see them. They don't need to have their flying machines in the air just yet."

"Yes, sir. I'll pass the message onto him."

"Take a short break, lad. You sound like death itself," Arthur said, clapping the young man on his back. "Here, drink something. I've got a flask of ale sitting on that crate over there that you're welcome to."

Gratitude brightened the messenger's eyes, and he walked quickly over to the bottle and descended upon it ravenously, as though he hadn't tasted something so wonderful in ages. Finally he set the bottle down as it neared empty and wiped his mouth off with his arm. "Thank you, sir, I needed that."

"Don't mention it, lad. Now, get!" Arthur said with a short laugh. "But take your time finding that soldier of mine. I'm not too eager to see him back just yet."

The messenger nodded sharply before darting off in the direction he had come from.

=-|-=

"You cannot possibly expect me to further alarm my people by ordering a full call to arms! Such a thing hasn't been done in living memory. Now, be off with you. I was in the middle of very important matters, and this disruption is unwelcome," the governor said before opening the door to his chambers and stepping partially into the doorway.

"I think you're making a large mistake, governor. I saw the demon army with my own eyes, and if Mordecai says they're going to attack shortly, I believe him completely," Edgar responded.

"That's all well and good, lad, but I don't think that all the women here in Doranbrad will appreciate losing their husbands and elder sons for the evening to chase this phantom army," the governor said with a frown. "I know Senna wouldn't be," he said as he gestured into his chambers.

"So that's what's so important to you? Sleeping with your wife? You'd rather choose to be in there with her rather than disproving myself and Mordecai. You're going to let this army get in close enough to the city that it'll be too late to stop them!" Edgar accused hotly.

"Come now, Edgar! Look, if you can show me some proof of this foolish belief," the governor started, but was quickly interrupted by Edgar.

"Of course I can! Let me in, and let's go to your window. It faces where I saw the army," Edgar said as he stepped past the governor. The room was dimly lit, candles flickering from various tables and dressers. Lying covered on the bed was whom Edgar assumed was Senna. "Evening, m'am," he said as he crossed the room. He threw open the curtains, revealing the starlight sky.

"Where is this army?" the governor asked from Edgar's side.

"It's right over there. See where the lights are? Those are their bonfires. Mordecai says they'll attack tonight," Edgar said softly.

"I don't know about any demons, but that's definitely an army," the governor admitted.

"Suppose that it is a demon army, sir. It would be prudent to call up every man who can swing a sword, just to be on the safe side, wouldn't it? All the old tales point to demons being powerful beasts, and who you have given us won't be enough to stop them," Edgar stated as he closed the curtains.

"Still, though." the governor trailed off uncertainly, his eyes showing the amount of thought he was putting into Edgar's proposal.

"Are you a gambling man?" Edgar asked abruptly.

"I've been known to play cards from time to time. Why do you ask now? Surely we've more pressing matters to attend than games of chance!"

"If you rouse the men, and Mordecai is proven wrong about this army, I'll provide my services to you for a time."

"And if you're right?" the governor asked curiously.

"Then you'll have a good chance to stop this army and save your city," Edgar replied with a slight shrug.

"It would appear I will benefit either way. Very well, I'll give you the men," the governor said with a sharp nod. He strode over to the desk, clearing it of papers with a sweep of his arm. He picked up a piece of parchment and a quill, quickly jotted a few sentences onto it, and then handed it to Edgar. "This is a full conscription order. Take this to the commander of the militia, and he'll see that you get your men. Now, go! I've kept Senna waiting too long already, I think."

"Thank you, governor. You won't regret this." Edgar said as he walked out of the room and closed the heavy door behind him.

"Courier service again, blast it," Edgar hissed before smiling slightly and dashing down the hall.