Second Circle

Chapter Six: The Lovers

The Emperor and Natalie flew ahead. They made a magnificent pair as their majestic charcoal wings beat in tandem. Natalie held a golden spear in both out-stretched hands. She drew a triangle in the air, opening a jump gate in the sky.  

John had heard of these gates but this was the first time he had seen one. It glowed black as it grew large enough for the three of them to easily pass through.

They arrived to battle. Molly’s bow shot bolt after bolt while the scout agents were engaged in close combat with the Shade hoard. They were out numbered. It was a trap. The Emperor flew straight into the Shade army. A round shield and heavy battle armour materialising as he swung his first blow into the front rank.

John crashed to the ground, unprepared for the weight of the armour which had generated out of thin air to wrap around him. He staggered quickly to his feet as two large Shades bore down on his position swinging scythes. He held his katana before him unsure of how to counter. Remembering the Emperor’s advice he focused on the sword. A blinding black light radiated out from the blade and John swung as hard as he could towards his attackers. The scream they released was deafening as their skin ripped from their bodies and a torrent of red rained down leaving only the blood soaked scythes lying shattered on the ground.

The Emperor’s great war hammer was smashing through dozens of Shades with every crushing blow. Natalie, not far behind, ensured that any stray Shades who dodged her husband’s hammer could not slip past and attack from the rear. They made a devastating team.

John joined them, his katana finding its target with every swing while Molly’s crossbow took out enemies before they had a chance to get within his range.

The sky behind them tore apart as a massive jump gate opened and an army of bloodthirsty agents screamed out of the darkness. The remaining Shades turned and fled.

‘After them,’ cried the Emperor. ‘Kill them all’.