The Web of Iron

Chapter Fourteen: The City of Iron

William's head hurt. It hurt a lot. He was also cold. Colder than he had been even in Khasmir. As he gradually pulled himself up, he found himself within what appeared to be a small hut. Sitting cross-legged near the far wall was the demoness, her tail whipping. Her bright blue eyes flared as he stood. His sword was still at his side, and his shield was slung over his back.

"Oh, you're awake," said the demoness. "I must say I like the new armor. It makes you look almost credible."

"Where am I?" asked William, inching his hand for his sword.

"In one of the villages that didn't quite manage to hold out or flee," said the demoness. "Don't worry; all the bodies are gone; the raishans are quite good at cleaning up after themselves. All of the valuables are gone too. The worshippers of Fortenex have been stripping the villages the raishans attack.

"Rather clever."

He grabbed his sword and surged forward to strike down the heartless-

Her tail lashed out, and he was thrown against the wall hard. As he tried to rise again, her tail slapped him backward, whipping him several times. His armor kept it from hurting him, but the weight behind her strikes was insurmountable.

"Ah, yes," said the demoness in a bored tone. "You only survived our last encounter because I was toying with you, right?"

"No, you weren't," said William, his scar burning.

"Believe what you will," said the demoness, looking around. "We won't be staying long here. I just thought we might stop and admire the scenery while I reveal the whole plan to you."

Not this again. William had had enough of her posturing in Seathorius. "Why would you reveal your plans for me?"

"Because they aren't my plans," said the demoness with a yawn. "Anyway, I'm mostly doing it for my entertainment. That is the purpose of the universe, after all.

"Now, how to begin? Ah yes. This little invasion is not my doing but the doing of a satyr named Karasush. A warlock of some power and a good name among the worshippers of Fortenex. He sent his will far afield. And he used it to summon the raishans to this place. His goal was to cause untold havoc, hoping he might step into the wreckage and build an empire."

William decided to humor him. "How?" he asked. "How could anyone be powerful enough to summon meteors?"

"He had help." said the demoness. "Several higher powers assisted him. In any case, we are here and going to him."

"Why would you help him?" asked William. That was a stupid question. She'd do anything to appease her vanity.

"Oh, he's helping me," said the demoness. "Some time ago, he realized my brilliance and inherent superiority. Thus he offered me the opportunity to lay hands upon a weapon of unfathomable power. It is known only as the Axe of Fortenex."