Chapter 24
Saga got up and immediately fell back down. He shook his head and shakily got to his feet. Vrust looked up at him.
"I only have aboutfour percent of my energy right now," Saga explained.
"Can you fight?" asked Vrust.
"Yeah, just give me a weapon. How about an axe?" requested Saga. Vrust created a double-blade axe and gave it to Saga. Then the two of them joined the others at the door, where they were preparing to leave.
Exiting Maria's territory, our heroes noticed the message carved into the ground and the line leading away. Although there were gaps, it was easy enough to follow. Whether it was a clue from their friend or a trap, it was their best lead at the moment. They decided to follow it for a time and tread cautiously. After a few minutes a screeching sound was heard. Most of the group stooped and stood alert and ready for battle, but Saga spoke up. The weight of the axe was a bit much for him at the moment, and he had allowed it to drag.
"It won't happen again," he muttered. He put the weight of the weapon on his shoulder and tried to keep up with the others. Vrust offered to make a smaller axe, but Saga's expression quashed that idea.
Meanwhile, Muerto was telling his minions where they were to be when next they attacked. At his side was Ygrene. Around them were dozens of horrible creatures that seemed as if they had been torn from the very nightmares of mortals and empowered by Hell's fire. None of them could compare to their leader, however.
As Muerto turned away from the others for a moment to think, he noticed a strange mark on the ground. Inspecting it more closely, he saw that it was a line that extended back the way he had come.
"You fool!" he shouted at Ygrene. He pushed the possessed dragon away from the center of the collection of demons and away from the position of authority. The other demons began to strike at him, knowing that he had lost their leader's respect. However, Muerto sent them a cold stare and they backed off. The big demon strode up to the dragon. "You idiot! They could have easily followed that back to us! Can't you control the bodies you take over!"
"But I…his will is quite strong, master, I…" weakly protested the demon in Ygrene.
"If they attack us now, my plan will be worthless!" hissed Muerto.
"Then…you're screwed," said a voice. Muerto and the other demons looked up and saw our heroes. Before they could react, Saga sprang forward and cleaved the head of a minotaur-like demon. At the same time, some metal spikes flew through another two demons, several heavy objects flew into a group of demons, a blast of energy stuck one, and green saws cut one in half. There were still many left, but a great blow had been stuck.
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