by R C Knight
Chapter Six
Earth
The anticipation for a fight had Zane’s entire body humming with excitement. They were making good time and had decided to stop half a mile from their destination to double check their gear and relax. He bounced on the balls of his feet as he looked around at his small group. Keira and Mikayla were both wearing worn t-shirts with jeans, their leather jackets were the only protection they had. Both of them had a bag slung over their shoulders, one full of explosives and the other full of medical supplies. Liam and Riley were both wearing t-shirts with leather vests and leather bracers along their forearms. Jackson had managed to put together a leather vest with some metal plates riveted across his chest. Bishop was standing next to Zane, his weapons hanging casually from his leather vest.
“You ready for this?” Bishop asked slyly as he checked his weapons.
“When haven’t I been?” he replied with a smirk. Bishop pulled Zane to the side and looked at him, his lips drawn tight.
“You know I get a little worried before each ambush. Especially with Mikayla here.” Bishop glanced over at Mikayla and gave her a reassuring smile. “This is only her third time being out in the field with us. I guess…” he hesitated a little, “I guess I’m just used to her staying back at our aid station. Far away from the danger.” He looked up at Zane, fear flickered across his hazel eyes.
Zane squeezed Bishop’s shoulder reassuringly. “Look man, I trust in your plans. We haven’t had any big surprises in the last year. Liam’s recon has always been reliable. And, we are amazing at improvising.”
“Ah yes. Your incessant need to improvise and show off,” Bishop chuckled. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were secretly half demon. Most of us would have died a long time ago if it wasn’t for your speed and strength. But if you start sprouting horns,” Bishop pointed at Zane with a serious expression, “I’m going to have to take you out!”
If only I was so lucky Zane thought as he slapped Bishop on the shoulder. “If I was half demon you wouldn’t be able to kill me.” He laughed as his expression turned serious. “Let’s double check everyone’s gear.” They rejoined the group and Bishop started making his rounds.
Zane had very few rules for his group, but the most important one was maintenance of their gear. His father had started training him when he was six and had allowed him to start fighting when he was fourteen. Throughout his years, he had seen good men killed over something as simple as forgetting their back-up dagger or not tightening their armor. Bishop walked around the group, checking everyone’s weapons and their leather armor. I wish we had real armor again, he thought as he tightened the straps on his leather vest. Bishop finished checking everyone in the group and stood before him. He checked the straps on Bishop’s vest and pulled on his weapons.
“Everything looks good,” he said. “Let’s get moving.” Zane circled his hand in the air and pointed into the woods. Liam took the lead and the rest of the group fell in behind him. Their small resistance had been together for four years now. Between Liam’s recon and Bishop’s strategies they hadn’t had anyone die in over a year.
Bishop watched Zane as they made their way through the woods. The scar running down his left cheek, across his jaw and onto his neck made him shudder. He could only imagine the horrors Zane had seen throughout his short life. He knew that Zane had led several large-scale battles. Bishop had been with him during the last one, which had ended in a slaughter of their men. Zane had never been the same since then. Bishop could see the pain, fear, and regret in his eyes every day since that battle. Which was why they only traveled in small groups now. They didn’t want to risk a full-scale war with the demons. But Bishop knew these small skirmishes weren’t doing anything. We need to attack them on their own turf, he thought as he looked around at their group. That’s the only way we’ll ever be able to get rid of them. Bishop looked over at Zane. Hopefully he’ll be willing to take the risk.
Liam threw his hand up in the air and made a fist. Everyone in the group stopped and stood their quietly. Liam came to the back by Zane and Bishop. “We’re here,” he whispered. Zane nodded and they made their way back to the front of the group. He could see the road from the edge of the wood line. Across the way was a hill with a crumbling tower that had once overlooked the road. Zane waved Keira and Mikayla over.
“There’s the tower.” He pointed across the road. “Bishop and Liam will take Mikayla over there and make sure she knows what to do. Keira, you and I will go place the explosives.” Everyone nodded, Keira repositioned her bag on her shoulder while Bishop and Liam made their way over to the tower with Mikayla. Zane looked back at Riley and Jackson, “You two wait here. Let us know if you see anything.” He grabbed Keira’s hand and led her to a curve in the road. She gently placed her bag on the ground and started pulling out her supplies. She worked quickly, with an expertise that came from years of experience. Once she was done, she nodded at Zane and they walked to the other end of the road. She placed the second explosive and looked up at him, wiping the sweat from her brow.
“Well that was easy.” She smiled; a look of excitement filled her eyes. “This should be fun.” Zane nodded in approval and couldn’t help but smile.
“As long as everything goes as planned,” he responded. Keira took one last look at her handiwork then they made their way to the tower. Liam was standing outside, leaning against a tree. He nodded at Zane as they made their way to the crumbling doorway. Inside Bishop was holding Mikayla tightly to his chest.
“Everything is going to be fine,” he whispered as he ran his hand through her hair and down her back. “Keira will be here with you and she’ll make sure nothing happens. And you know me, I’m too stubborn to die.” He smiled as Mikayla let out a soft chuckle. “Besides, Zane’s so fast I probably won’t even get a chance to fight any of the demons.” Bishop gently pulled Mikayla from his chest. He wiped the tears from her face. “It’s going to be okay.” He stared into her eyes affectionately. “I love you.” She threw her arms around his neck as they kissed.
“I love you too,” she responded, a sad smile on her face. Bishop looked over at Zane and nodded.
“I’ve got to go now,” he said as he stepped away from her.
Keira walked up to Mikayla and started to talk to her softly. Bishop joined Zane at the doorway. “Keira,” Zane said. “Take good care of her.” He nodded at the women then they turned and left the tower. Liam joined them as they walked down the hill and back to the wood line.
“This is why I stay single.” Liam commented with a smile. “No way would I allow my woman to fight with me.”
“Oh please,” Zane chuckled. “You’re single because no woman in her right mind would date your ugly ass.” Bishop laughed as he smacked Liam on the shoulder.
“Yea! They take one look at you and run away.” Bishop chuckled as Liam smiled.
“Hey!” he retorted quickly. “I am the only one here who’s got game with the ladies. You.” Liam pointed at Bishop. “Are in a serious relationship. And I swear Zane is a celibate. Honestly! Who in their right mind would turn down Keira?” Bishop laughed even harder as Zane shot a glare at Liam. “While I, on the other hand, am free to have all the ladies I want.”
“Only when you pay them,” Zane responded with a laugh. “Or they’re too drunk to care who takes them home.”
“At least I get to go home with them.” Liam winked as he made a humping motion. “If you know what I mean.” He smiled as Zane and Bishop continued to laugh.
Jackson and Riley were waiting for them just inside the wood line. “Everything’s been quiet since you left.” Jackson said as he nodded his head in greeting.
“Good,” Zane responded with a smile. “Now, we wait.” They watched the road from the wood line. The only sounds were those that came from the animals in the woods. A soft breeze went through the trees, carrying with it the smell of brimstone and death. “They’re getting close.” Zane whispered to the group. “Be ready f
or anything.” He pulled out his sword, gripping it with both of his hands. The faint glow made his face look softer, almost angelic except for the rough scar on his face. Bishop pulled out his sword and his dagger, bouncing on his feet with anticipation. Riley and Liam unsheathed their daggers, their faces full of determination. Jackson picked up his battered shield from the ground and pulled out his sword.
The men waited with anticipation as the smell of brimstone grew stronger. They watched as demons began to come around the curve in the road. Two demons led the way, they were small, with horns that were only a couple of inches long. It was clear these two were low on the totem pole of power. Each of them carried a black sword and wore tattered t-shirts and jeans. Behind them were three groups of two large demons, each of them carrying a long silver chest. These demons weren’t armed and only wore a tattered, black loin cloth. Following the demons carrying the boxes was a group of three Lieutenants. They stood at least ten feet tall, their horns were about two feet long and fairly wide. Each one carried a two-handed sword and continuously scanned the area, looking for threats.
“Those are some big motherfuckers,” Zane murmured under his breath. He looked over at Liam. “Is this all we’re expecting?”
“Yea,” Liam replied softly.
“Good.” Zane looked over his men. “Remember, we don’t move until Keira sets off the explosives.” They nodded in understanding and pulled their bandanas over their faces. They watched with anticipation as the demons proceeded down the road. The smell of brimstone was so strong now that they had to cover their mouths to stifle the sound of their coughing. The demons continued down the road, passing by the group of men without a single glance. Zane braced himself as they passed the crumbling tower.
The sound of the explosion filled the air, rocks and dirt flew everywhere. The second explosion followed closely, causing Zane’s ears to start ringing. The demons closed in on each other, the large demons set the chests down as they created a circle around them.
Zane looked at his men and nodded. They ran out from the wood line and engaged with the demons. His face lit up with a manic smile as he ran at the three Lieutenants. His body thrummed with energy as he ran. He saw one of the small demons break off from the group and run up the hill. An arrow pierced the demon’s chest and exploded; a black wisp floated into the air. Zane smiled as he nodded towards the tower in appreciation. Keira was an excellent shot and would make sure none of the demons escaped.
Bishop and Jackson were heading towards the group of demons that had carried the chests. While Riley and Liam were making their way around to sneak up from behind. This was perfect, Zane thought as he made it to the road and charged into the Lieutenants. He swung his sword at the legs of the demon in front of him. The demon toppled to the ground as black blood spurted from his thighs. He grabbed onto the stubs that were once his legs and frantically tried to stop the bleeding. The other two Lieutenants circled Zane, their faces full of excitement. They charged at him in unison, their swords held high. Zane smirked as he dodged their attack, rolled to the side, and swung his sword across the back of one of the demons. The demon roared in pain as he turned towards Zane. Both the Lieutenants were in front of him now, confusion marred their faces.
“You are fast, human.” The Lieutenant on the left commented. “But your speed will not save you.” The demon lurched forward, swinging his sword wildly. Zane stepped to the side, easily dodging the attack with inhuman speed. He looked at the demons and laughed.
“This is going to be fun.” Zane looked between the demons, enjoying the stunned look on their faces. A black wisp floated in the air between the demons, the Lieutenant that had lost his legs had bled out. One of the Lieutenants lunged towards him, he easily side stepped the demon’s blade. He thrust his sword through the demon and lifted him from the ground. Then he plunged his sword into the dirt with the demon skewered on it. Zane held onto the hilt of his sword and did a backflip, using the hilt as his pivot point. He kicked the other Lieutenant in the chin, causing his head to snap backwards. He ripped his sword through the skewered demon on the ground and up through the other demon. Splitting both demons in half. He smiled as he watched the two halves of the demon’s body fell to the ground. The bodies disappeared into black wisps, leaving puddles of black blood on the ground.
~~~~
Bishop had always thought of himself as a good fighter. Like most children, he had started training to fight at a young age. After all, everyone needed to be prepared to fight for their life. Zane’s laughter filled the battlefield. Bishop glanced over and felt a pang of jealousy, he would never be able to fight like that. Zane had a certain finesse when he fought, almost as if he had been born to fight. Everything came naturally to him. That guy was a gift from God. Even if he doesn’t believe in that kind of stuff, Bishop thought as he watched Zane cut the demon in half.
“Well, there goes the last of them,” he shouted over at Jackson, Riley, and Liam. Bishop pulled down his bandana and looked around them, black blood was everywhere. The seven demons they had fought had been easy to take down. Bishop made his way over to the three chests. “Let’s see what they brought us.” He opened the chests, a smile spread across his face. “Zane!” he shouted happily. “You’ve got to see this!”
Zane sheathed his weapon and ran over to Bishop. He smiled as he looked over the chests. “Well, well,” he replied. “Looks like the devil has decided that we deserve some new toys.” Zane pulled two daggers out of one of the chests. They still had a soft glow from the holy light they had been enchanted with. “These will definitely come in handy.” He looked over at the other chests, one was filled with pieces of armor and the other was filled with gold and various precious stones. He looked around at the group then glanced over at the tower. “Keira!” he shouted. “You and Mikayla stay there while we move these chests!”
“Alright,” Keira responded.
“Partner up and grab a chest.” Zane yelled at the others as he closed the lid and picked up the chest he was standing next to. They took the chests fifty feet into the wood line and set them down. “Alright, Bishop and I will go get the girls. You guys wait here.”
Zane and Bishop turned around and jogged back towards the tower. Keira was standing guard in the doorway as they approached. She lowered her bow and sighed with relief. “I’m glad that went smoothly,” she said with a small smile. Mikayla ran out of the tower and jumped into Bishop’s arms.
“Are you okay?” she asked as she looked him over. Bishop just nodded and smiled as he pulled Mikayla into his chest and hugged her.
“Let’s go. There’s no need for us to hang around here.”
Zane nodded in approval as Mikayla went back into the tower and grabbed her bag. They walked down the hill towards the demolished road. Suddenly, the ground began to quake, and loud pops filled the air. “Get down!” Zane yelled as he pulled Keira down to the ground. Bishop and Mikayla quickly followed.
Drums sounded in the distance and the earth continued to quake. “Shit!” Zane shouted as a thick fog began to rise from the ground. “Get back to the tower!” he yelled at Keira and Mikayla. “Bishop you’re with me!” He pulled out his sword and started running back down the hill as Keira and Mikayla raced back to the tower. Bishop pulled out his sword and dagger as he looked over at Zane, fear etched across his face.
“How did this happen?” he shouted. Demons began to claw their way out of the dirt. They were small and scrawny, clearly sent as a distraction while the main force made their way over.
“Someone must’ve tipped them off.” Zane responded as he ran towards the demons. He began to hack at them before they could attack. The ground continued to shake as more demons appeared and pulled themselves out of the ground. Bishop and Zane continued to attack them as they arrived, but there were too many of them. A large group of small demons quickly surrounded them.
“Jackson! Liam! Riley!” Zane yelled at the wood line. “Get your asses out here!” The demons pulled out their swo
rds and lunged at Bishop and Zane. “Keira!” he yelled towards the tower. “Start shooting!” Arrows began to rain down around them, finding their home in the chests of the demons. Their explosions sprayed black blood everywhere, making the ground slick.
Zane and Bishop put their backs against each other. Circling around, cutting down any demon that tried to jump at them. The sound of the drums grew louder as the earth shook violently. Zane lost his footing and tumbled forward, falling into the group of demons. He spun around with his sword, killing as many of them as he could. Bishop ran forward, fury shining in his eyes as he hacked his way through the demons towards Zane.
Jackson, Liam, and Riley came running from the wood line. Their faces were filled with confusion as they took in the scene before them. They quickly unsheathed their weapons and joined the fray. “Took you fuckers long enough!” Zane yelled with relief. The group worked together with expertise as they took out the last of the small demon horde.
Bishop panted with exhaustion as he looked around them. “We need to get out of here.” he yelled at Zane. An eerie silence filled the battlefield as the drumming abruptly stopped. “Fuck!” Bishop looked at his men. Zane gave a slight nod, knowing exactly what was going through Bishop’s mind. “Find some cover!” Bishop yelled at their group. He ran over to a pile of rocks and fell onto his stomach. The rest of the group followed him and flattened themselves as close to the ground as they could.