Shadow Bands

XXXV. Waxing

A storm cloud spewed purple lightning as it swirled around the city's epicenter. It became more visible as the night went on. The moon spread its bluish-silver light onto the surfaces of the earth. Lyra, Kaelen, and Helen formed a team of the bravest knights to go into battle, hoping what Kaelen had said would be false. If such a devil exists, then this city is doomed, and all its neighbors will follow.

Despite their bravery, fear still haunted them. They knew what they signed up for, but to be sent out so soon out of the academy, they didn't expect it.

The three led the troops down the street, heading towards the towering commerce building. They held torches against the night, letting their dancing flames guide them through the eerie streets of Windermere.

Heat had ravaged through their armor, making them sweat. Their march had become dreadful the further they went.

"Holtres is near," said Kaelen.

"Is that what's causing this heat?" Lyra asked, scanning the skyline.

As they approached, they could see the magical circle that formed on top of the commerce building. Sparks flew as lightning struck the base of the structure. Another roar thundered through the city, almost deafening to the small battalion.

"We must hurry if we are to stop this monstrosity from resurrecting," said Kaelen.

"If someone is resurrecting it, then someone killed it?" asked Lyra.

"Death isn't something a devil is familiar with," Kaelen replied. He looked at her. His expression was grim. "It's more like reborn. Devils don't die, unfortunately."

"That's a sick design of this world," said Helen.

"It truly is." Lyra agreed. "Even more so this Barron who is summoning them."

The knights crested the hill, bearing witness to the horror of the forming devil in an orangish glow. Every cell of its being was being constructed like a puzzle being put together. Demons blocked their path from going forward.

"It doesn't seem like they want us to pass," said Helen, readying her spear.

"More sacrifices," said a crude voice. A large demon shoved its way through. Its armor wasn't crude, as if it stripped the armor off a dead knight. Not much of its features showed. It held a war hammer, using its other end as a walking stick. "Bring them to the pit. Try not to eat too much."

Lyra brought out her swords, hearing them hiss as she drew them. Her eyes scanned her foes. A Screeching Terror appeared from behind the building and hovered over the demons. It let out a high-pitched screech, signaling the demons to attack. Kaelen rushed forward with a lunge, his twin blades cleaving through the first demon that approached him.

Helen followed close, impaling demons swiftly with her spear. Lyra was unaware of her versatility with her fighting style. Her movements were like water, sweeping demons off their feet and impaling them, a complete contrast to Kaelen's fighting style, which was brutish.

This was Lyra's moment to put her training to the test. With a swift deflection, she prevented an axe from cleaving through her shoulder. The metals clanged sharply in her ears. The demon snarled at her, baring its yellow fangs. She planted her foot in its gut, pushing the demon back. Its eyes narrowed at her and lunged forward. With a simple side step, she avoided the attack, swinging her own as its blade landed in the cobble.

Her sword struck its flesh. The demon howled into the night sky. Lyra brought Oath Breaker to its neck and beheaded it. She felt as if she was getting used to battle, taking down demon after demon. Though she doesn't have the physical prowess of Kaelen, or the swiftness of Helen, she was developing her own style, even if it was sloppy.