The Demon Priest

Chapter 10: Contract of the Duel

 Lance walked through the dense forest, trying to break through the thick branches which blocked him with almost every step he took. Finally, he came to a clearing, and after making sure no one else had followed he sighed and said, "You can come out now."

 In a flash, Azazel appeared in front of the boy, grinning and stretching his pale arms.

 "It's good to be able to move around. I hate being kept inside of that blade for too long." The demon said, gesturing towards Betrayal.

 "Yes well, I am sorry that you can't be out in public in front of everyone. I know they already don't like me so I don't think introducing a demon is going to help my standing at all."

 "Ha, you're probably right. I suppose I'll just have to suck it up for now. Though, speaking of which, how long do we plan on staying here? As peaceful as it is, and now that we've found your mother I know it will be hard, we have to leave at some point."

 Lance furrowed his eyebrows. "I have't been giving it much thought. I mean, I know we can't stay forever, but..." Lance started to pace around the grove. "First off, we need to find Valia. She couldn't, or rather wouldn't, have gone far, so we need to try and find her. Then we need food for the road, and also find out which way to go. Then..." Lance's face hardened.

 "Then what?" Azazel asked, confused as to why the boy stopped so abruptly.

 "I- sorry, we- need to get some training in."

 "What, why? You're the best fighter I know, and I've certainly picked up a thing or two from you, as evidence from my fight with my brother."

 "That's just it." Lance muttered, and the demon raised an eyebrow. "Look, I will admit that I'm an excellent fighter, but if you remember in our fight with Raziel and Dravin, we only barely won, and that was only because we fused. I can't rely on that in every fight. We both need to get stronger if we have any chance of beating your father."

 Nodding, Azazel said, "You're right. Dravin was only their professor, and we still need to fight their leader and Abraxas." The demon then made a thumbs up. "Alright, let's get stronger."

 "I wish it were so simple, but I admire your enthusiasm." Lance smiled softly.

 Suddenly, a shrill scream pierced through the air.

 Lance and Azazel looked at each other, nodded, then ran off in the direction of the town, with the demon going back into Betrayal. What could that shout have been about?

 Breaking through the edge of the forest, the boy noticed a group of elves crowded around in a circle near the wall of a house. He tried to get through and see what they were all looking out, but no one would budge.

 The half- elf sighed, then stepped back a few feet. Taking a breath, he ran forwards and jumped over the citizens. As he landed, the boy saw what they were staring at. Standing there, backed against a wall, was Valia. She had her fangs bared and dagger drawn. In front of her was an elf with short brown hair, dressed in leather armor dyed a deep red. He pointed his saber at Valia, earning him a dirty look from the vampire.

 "You monster." The elf called out. "How dare you disgrace our town with your presence. Fiends like you have no right to try and be a part of civilization, not when you suck our blood and kill our families." He began walking forwards. "No, you should be swept from the world like the filth that you are." Suddenly the elf ran forwards, blade held high, ready to kill Valia.

 He would have too, if Lance hadn't blocked it with his own sword. Angling his weapon, he let the elf's saber fall to the ground.

 "Oh, thank goodness you were here, Lance." Valia gratefully said. "I was trying to find you when this young man suddenly attacked me. These elves aren't very good hosts." Lance couldn't help but grin at the comment, but it quickly passed as the elf recovered.