Savage Betrayal

by Anni Antoni

  No one was grinning now. This was it. I would take as many with me as possible before I fell.

  Looking around, I decided the place I’d picked for my last stand would do well, all considered. Large rocks strewn about to either side of the outcrop made a crude passageway through to where I stood. Only about five or six demons could attack me at one time, so I could hold them off for a while, picking them off one by one.

  “Come on demons,” I taunted them. “Taste my blades if you dare.”

  With guttural yells, the first wave ran at me. I parried and slashed with my swords avoiding blows meant to be lethal.

  Ah! A sword cut my arm -- my first wound.

  No matter, I would sustain more wounds before the day ended. I had to keep going.

  Slashing, parrying, lunging, blocking attacks from demons, grateful I could fight two handed, I knew Pelle would have been proud of me. My heart constricted at the thought of him.

  Then blind rage fueled my actions, obliterating thought. The speed of my attacks increased.

  As each demon, fell the small beings carted them off. If they weren’t dead, their agonized screams lasted several minutes.

  Wave after wave of demons ran at me. And I kept felling them. If not for the small creatures carting off the fallen demons, the dead would have overwhelmed me, mountains of them. I had no idea how many I killed.

  My arms grew heavy and my responses slowed as I battled on, but there was no surrender. Blood flowed down my arms and torso from innumerable cuts.

  Deep sword wounds to my chest and abdomen slowed me further, but I kept on. My rage kept the pain at bay. My heavy legs felt stiff, and I stumbled, but righted myself and fought on.

  Demons kept coming, endlessly, fresh to the battle, New ones replacing those I killed. Was there no end to them? Never mind, this was my intended mission. I would make my mark today.

  Blood ran into my eyes from a head wound somewhere. I blinked. No time to wipe my face.

  Through a haze of red, I watched more demons fall to my swords, which flew, slashed and stabbed, cutting into the wall of demons, the small creatures tirelessly carting the fallen away. Demon and creature shrieks and screams filled the air.

  Blood loss weakened me and my arms grew even heavier – it took enormous effort to lift them to wield my swords. I stood fast, legs stiff, like two tree trunks.

  I stumbled again. A small being ran in and pushed me hard while I was off balance and I fell heavily on my back. They danced around me laughing and shrieking at this new development.

  While I was down, a demon ran at me with swords raised for the kill, his eyes flashing red, but I impaled him with a sword before he could touch me. He dropped his weapons and fell, gasping, and bleeding on top of me.

  A sea of the small creatures rushed in and flowed around and over us, grabbing my arms, their fingers vice like, nails biting into my flesh, their grip like steel. Waves of them had me pinned down. They clutched and clawed at my legs.

  The demon on top of me was carted away, not yet dead, screaming in fear, and the small creatures covered me, clawing, pulling, ripping at my clothes. As much as I struggled I was unable to free myself. Their strength, even though they were small, was frightening.

  My boots slid off, and a creature shrieked in triumph as if it had seized something priceless. Snarls, growls and shrieks of pain followed as though they were fighting among themselves over their prize.

  The more I struggled the more of them pinned me down. So many crawled over me I could hardly breathe.

  Innumerable small hands ripped my swords away and held me immobile, fingernails digging deeper, pulling my arms and legs with incredible strength. With horror, I realized why the large demons had been screaming.

  These little creatures were going to tear me apart limb from limb. I prayed my ending would be quick.

  As I closed my eyes, resigned to my fate, a loud voice boomed, “Stop.”

  Chapter 31.

  In Chains

  The creatures obeyed the loud voice instantly. All actions ceased, although I was still pinned down, unable to move. The creatures I could see turned expectantly towards the voice.

  “I want him alive. Put him in chains and bring him to the palace.” The booming voice added.

  A reprieve? Why couldn’t I have died fighting?

  Chains were dragged in and draped over me, wound around me. I was lifted up and carried forward by the countless chattering creatures.

  Unable to see clearly because of blood flowing into my eyes, weak, disoriented and dispirited, I allowed the creatures to carry me behind the demon soldiers without a struggle.

  Through long, dark corridors twisting and turning and through strange doors we travelled. Eventually the corridors opened into a massive drab room, almost devoid of furniture.

  I was dumped like a bag of rubbish on the floor, in front of a large being, like the demons I had fought. Better dressed than the others, he had a long red cloak over a bare chest, shabby black boots and loose pants made of a black, silky material.

  My eyes travelled upwards. Hands on hips, he stood over me. Long blonde hair hung in strings around his striking face. Baring his teeth, he sneered.

  “So, you’re from the human world and came here seeking demons, I hear. My servant informed me. I trust you found enough for your liking? Tell me, why do you seek us?” He bent over me.

  I couldn't think of a suitable answer, I just lay there, exhausted. He prodded me with his foot.

  “I'm curious. What brings a human into our world, seeking demons?” he asked again.

  I thought it prudent to answer. “I felt like killing demons.”

  He threw back his head and laughed as though it was the funniest thing he'd heard in ages. Staggering around, holding his sides, he continued to laugh.

  “Well, you found some to kill, and you did it with style -- truly entertaining. I can’t say I’ve ever seen such a display.” He laughed again. “Have you killed enough yet?” He wiped tears from his eyes with the back of his hand.

  “Give me a chance and I’ll kill more. If I hadn't stumbled, I would have kept going,” I said, glaring at him.

  “Yes, I believe you,” he said, stroking his chin. “Now look here, I like your spirit, but I can't have you running around here killing my soldiers. I need them. What am I to do with you? You’ve got a rare talent for fighting, and I respect that.” He shook his head and walked around me, still stroking his chin.

  My eyes followed him as he walked, his long red cape swishing behind.

  “Maybe we can turn you loose in the next kingdom,” he said, moving closer and peering into my face. “I'd like you to kill some of their demons. Now that would be fun.” His face split into a savage grin as he straightened up and continued walking.

  “There’s another demon kingdom?” I asked.

  “Yes, three others, you've come to Zedok. We’re always waging war with each other. I guess we like killing each other too,” he said, and laughed.

  I tried to sit up, but the chains made movement difficult.

  “If I have some of those chains taken off, will you try to kill me?”

  “No. I want to learn more from you. After that I might, if my arms were free, and I had my weapons.” Lying didn’t come naturally.

  He laughed again and shook his head. Then he peered at me more closely, with narrowed eyes.

  “You’re not entirely human, are you? Look, your cuts are already healing.” Pointing at my recovering wounds, he continued. “You must be one of those hybrids I’ve heard of, part demon, part human with the strength and skills of demons. Why not stay in the human world? It’s much nicer out there. We'd all live there, if it was possible.”

  I didn't contradict him. He could think I was a hybrid if he wanted.

  “There’s no demons to kill there,” I said.

  He laughed again and slapped his thighs.

  “True, true… Ah, you’re a treat. What’s your name?” He sighed, wiping tears of la
ughter from his eyes again.

  “Call Me Joe,” I said, for some reason not wanting him to know my real name.

  “As you probably guessed, I’m the King. King Lutoz, of Zedok to be exact.”

  He snapped his fingers and two armed demons ran to his side.

  “Unshackle Joe, but leave a chain around his waist and fasten it to that column over there. Make sure the lock is secure. If he escapes, I’ll give him a sword and let him fight you.”

  The slack-jawed demon soldiers’ eyes darted in fear. Obviously, they had seen me fight. They picked me up off the floor and carried me to the column that King Lutoz had mentioned. Taking no chances, they shackled me to the column first, then unraveled the heavy chains that had been wound around my body.

  What a relief! With those chains removed I felt so much lighter. I stretched my arms, and looked down at them, examining my wounds, which were healing well.

  Some had almost disappeared. The wounds to my chest and abdomen were also closing over and healing well.

  I stood. My legs that had been so heavy and tired, now felt fine. I kicked one leg out followed by the other. The two demons fell back in fright, and I laughed.

  “You’re safe for now. I’ve killed enough demons for today.”

  The King slapped his thighs and laughed too. “Joe, I like your sense of humor,” he called from across the room.

  He walked over and sat cross-legged on the floor in front of me.

  “Sit down, I’ve got a proposition to put to you,” he said rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

  Puzzled, I sat and leaned forward, my elbows on my knees propping my chin up. What could the Demon King propose that would interest me, I wondered.

  Chapter 32.

  Getting to Know the Demon King

  We sat facing each other on the grimy floor of the palace, me securely fastened at the end of a chain, the King carefully out of reach.

  Several armed guards lined the walls, peering at me. It pleased me. They obviously feared what I would do if let loose.

  I was filthy, covered in dried blood, my own and demon blood. Blood matted my hair.

  My torn tunic hung in tatters, still damp with blood. My leggings and boots were gone. A bath and a change of clothes was what I craved more than anything.

  The King looked me up and down, eyes narrowed, stroking his chin. At last he spoke. “Attend well to my words, Joe. You can be useful here.”

  The oppressive, grey atmosphere hung heavily, closing in on us, but the acrid smell bothered me less, even though it was strong in the palace.

  “I’m listening,” I said, curious about what he wanted.

  “You are a mighty warrior, a fine example to my soldiers. Would you like to train them? Not that you have a choice.” He grinned. “I’m the King here and I command you.”

  I shook my head to clear it. Had I heard right? Surely not. Training demon soldiers now? The irony of the situation shook me, and I burst into spontaneous laughter.

  A clear vision of Pelle’s smiling face, entered my head, and I had the strong feeling he was watching over me, trying to keep me safe, as always. A painful cramp seized my heart at the thought of him, and I stopped laughing, with a strangled sob.

  Biting down on my lip, I blinked back tears, and fought to keep an impassive face in front of the King.

  “You’re insane!” King leaned forward as close as he dared, examining my reactions. “A human weakness you can do without.” He laughed again. “No matter, it will make you even more unpredictable and fearsome. What say you? Will you train my soldiers willingly?”

  Still fighting to regain my composure, I frowned. “What if I refuse?”

  “I’ll have you thrown to the imps. That’s the usual punishment for disobedience, not that it happens very often – disobedience, that is. We throw demons and the occasional human to the imps all the time.” King Lutoz scratched his head, looking confused, as if not knowing what to expect from me.

  “Those little creatures that had me before? You’d throw me to them?”

  “That’s right.” The king grinned. “They feed on fear. The more terrified you are, the quicker the end comes. The end is never quick enough though.” His grin broadened.

  I’d travelled to the Underworld in search of death. And he was threatening me with death if I refused to do his bidding?

  The delicious irony grasped me anew, and a loud belly laugh ripped from my depths. Fresh laughter shook me as the King looked on, his puzzled frown deepening.

  “No Joe, no! That’s not the way you’re supposed to respond to my threat. You’re supposed to grovel in fear.” Both hands flew to his head, and he raked his fingers through his stringy blond locks. “You really are insane, demented.” He gave an uncertain giggle.

  “Probably.” I agreed, as a fresh bout of laughter burst forth. And in truth, I believe I was touched by madness, at the time. “Even so, I will train your soldiers.”

  A happy grin broke across the King’s face. “Good! You’re too amusing to waste on the imps, and I like the idea of having you around the place.”

  I took a deep breath as my laughter subsided, and grinned. “You want me to train them to kill other demons? Only demons?”

  “Imps too, if necessary; they’re largely expendable. Those imps that are our children will soon learn to keep their distance. Oh yes! We’ll wage war on the next kingdom!” An evil grin spread across his face and he slapped his palms on the floor. “You like that Joe?” he leaned in towards me, raising his eyebrows.

  “Right now, I’ve got nothing better to do,” I replied.

  “Good. I’m glad that’s settled. Start tomorrow. I’ll have to leave you chained for a while though. You’re too unpredictable to let loose.” He got up to leave. He had only walked a few steps when he paused and turned. “Shall I send a female to keep you company? No loss if you have a sudden urge to kill her.”

  The thought sickened me. Rachel’s beautiful face unexpectedly swam before me at the mention of a female, and I shook my head violently. I wouldn’t sully her memory by thinking of her in such a place.

  “No! I don’t want a female,” I almost shouted. Breathing in deeply to regain my composure, I suddenly noticed the stench arising from my body. “But I would like a bath if possible.”

  The King walked back to where I was sitting. He stood over me, frowning, hands on hips. “A bath? What’s that?”

  “A large tub of water to sit in and clean this blood off,” I explained.

  The King spat on the floor. “What? We’ll have none of your decadent human customs here. You’ll wear the blood you spilled as a badge of honor, like any respectable demon. Get used to it.” He shot a look of disgust at me, turned and marched out, his red cape sweeping the grimy floor behind him.

  I placed my hands behind me on the floor and leaned back. Training demon soldiers made perfect sense. I’d be instrumental in killing more demons than I could ever manage on my own.

  In my way, I’d be doing what I was created for – improving the lives of humans. In my case, by making sure there were fewer demons. My new life would be a fitting penance for my failure as a Guardian.

  Feeling and smelling like a filthy, tethered animal, I looked across at the uneasy guards assigned to watch me, and growled. They looked away, anywhere but at me. One visibly paled, another leaned against the wall as though his legs had weakened.

  They feared me. Good! Closing my eyes, I planned their training.

  Chapter 33.

  Marron’s News

  Joe sat up stretched, and looked to the east. The sky was lighter now. He was right, it had been a long night.

  The presence in his head was still there. He could feel it paying rapt attention to him. Oh, you’re still with me then? He chuckled.

  Well now you know my story, I need more gas for my bike. It's time I left you.

  The presence in his head grew agitated. What? Joe responded. As I said, you know my story. That's all there is to tell. I lived in the Unde
rworld for centuries before coming here.

  The presence in his head responded with a sense of frustration and urgency.

  Joe chuckled again. I suppose you want to know how I got out of the Underworld. All right, I'll tell you that. Then I must get gas for my bike and I'll have to leave you. Is that a bargain?

  A sense of relief flooded through him as the person in his head settled down. An air of expectancy followed.

  It was all Marron’s doing really. He was instrumental in getting me out of there.

  **********

  It wasn't long before I earned my freedom in the court of King Lutoz. I trained his soldiers without mishap and refrained from killing any. The soldiers improved rapidly and soon became feared throughout the Underworld.

  The King relaxed and became even more friendly towards me. As strange as it may seem, I liked the Demon King.

  Yes, he was evil, but he pretended to be nothing else, unlike some of the humans I had encountered. The two-faced lies and deception of some humans were far worse, in my mind.

  I even managed to get new clothes and boots. I soon found human servants were useful in the Underworld. Such servants brought in things from the outside, human world -- things we didn't have or things we couldn’t make, which was almost everything.

  The Underworld was too chaotic, and thieves took everything of value. Thieves even stole from other thieves. Constant fighting, arguments and bickering took place.

  Soon I had plenty of servants, more than enough. Demons enticed humans into the Underworld through their already bonded servants, with promises and trickery. Once humans gave even a drop of blood, they became blood servants for life with no escape from the compulsion to serve their demon master.

  Of course, I didn't have that power. However, if someone else killed the master of a human servant, that servant then became his servant. So, when we went to war, and I killed demons, I inherited many human servants.