Nezzar

Part One: When They Slept

Algodon vanished before Marduk's spear could hit its mark. Appearing behind the snarling demon, he grabbed a fist full of his hair, pulled and hurled him through the wall to their right.

As Marduk shot over silent homes and sleeping streets, Algodon appeared at an abandoned farm at the edge of the city. Just in time, Marduk came hurtling over.

Twisting his neck from side to side, Algodon prepared for Marduk's landing. Every inch of his being was primed to send the demon to the abyss.

When Marduk crashed, rolled over and sunk in and out of the earth, his imps trailed him, their bodies tucked into their skulls as they spun in the direction their master went.

Summoning one of his swords, Algodon shot forward and slashed with a wide arch. A lethal line of light followed the burning blade. Marduk shifted by a foot, narrowly escaping a clean slash across the neck. Hissing, he sprung to a safe distance, palm cradling his neck as his eyes widened with panic.

Yes, be terrified. There is nowhere to run. Algodon spun his blade leisurely. Even though Babylon was not Algodon's assignment, he was certain the Holy One would not mind him cleaving Marduk from the land of mortals. He had received no instruction directing him otherwise. And the demon was a far cry from his strongest form even though he had succeeded in taking an eye from the boy. Getting two healthy eyes and retrieving his banked worship from the ziggurat may make him an aggravating distraction in the future.

Holding his sword before his face, Algodon shot after Marduk once more. The demon stumbled away, ridiculous long hair tangling around his feet and hampering his mobility. An imp shot forward at the same moment Algodon struck, sacrificing itself by blocking the blow meant for Marduk. Fire engulfed its remains, turning it to ash before it vanished with the wind.

Marduk darted several feet away. "Now you fight me in my own principality?" An oily black spike pushed out of each palm. Holding both weapons before his face, he hunched, glaring eyes honed in on Algodon's every movement. His guard was up, and he had grown much more alert than he had been at his makeshift temple. The smell of the place had been foul and the evil the demon had done to that child... The muscles at Algodon's jaw ticked.

"Those four boys of yours," Marduk's face contorted with a sneer; the lines of his face grew sharper, more lupine as he swept his tongue across his lips, "I shall have them. After all, I love children."

Algodon did not respond, instead, his eyes danced over Marduk. His imps were no longer tucked inside their skulls, now they darted about on tiny batty wings. Some were perched on his shoulders, fused like parasites while several others held on to his ankles and calves as they peeked at Algodon with frightened bulbous black eyes.

"I will slay them," Marduk ranted, his voice taking a shrill note. "I will use Abaddon's mortal king to end them all. I will show you—."

Algodon slashed his blade in Marduk's direction. The cut, a white crescent shape, rushed at the demon. He parried the attack. But Algodon sent another and another and another. As Marduk parried madly, deflecting attack after attack, Algodon drew closer with measured steps. His slashing glowing sword vibrated in his grip. But the demon did not relent at his fervent defence.

It mattered little. Algodon was very patient tonight. The girl Marduk killed was not his responsibility; he could have simply taken the boy from Marduk's custody but getting rid of Marduk was a better solution to the problem.

Finally, one of Algodon's cuts slid past Marduk's defence. As it sped ahead, its sharp crescent edge aimed at his exposed neck, Algodon sensed a sudden presence behind him.