(no subject)
Well... I finished the prologue for my book. I still cant think of a title for it. Imma post the prologue now so you may all laugh at my horrible writing. Any constructive critism is greatly appreciated. I want to know if this story sounds like somehing people would actually read and enjoy. So without further adue is the prologue for the novel titled (Insert Title Here)
“There he is!” a lookout screamed from atop a tower. Looking down scanning the soldiers below him he spotted a man clad in armour more impressive than the others. “The wolf demon is here!” he said to him as he pointed away from the village toward a figure standing upon a hill. The figure stood in silence staring at his claw-like fingers while the wind rhythmically tugged at his long coat. “What do we do, captain?” the watchman said, turning his head back to look at the impressively armoured man of obvious importance. “Archers, ready your bows and the rest of you prepare for battle! We mustn’t let him enter the village!” the captain thundered for all to hear. Looking through the crowd consisting of two score, he spots a young boy drawing a small sword. “McNeese! Go warn Draziv of the demon attack!” he ordered the boy. “Yes, Captain.” The boy said, holding his fist over his heart and bowing. The captain watched nervously as the boy ran past the villagers' houses that seemingly consisted of large mushrooms and towards a great tree in the center of the village. As the boy disappeared into a knothole at the base of the tree the captain quickly looked toward at the watchman, which in turn was gazing back at him. “What is he doing now?” the captain asked, sweat glistening over his brow. “He is just standing there. Do you suppose he is afraid?” the watchman said looking at the captain for an answer only to find him staring at the ground, unsure of himself. Looking back towards the hill, the watchman grew as pale as the moon itself. Struggling to find words he blurts out “He is gone!” Frantically scanning the landscape surrounding the village he spotted the figure closing in on the village with incredible speed. “Captain! He’s attacking!” declared the watchman in a voice that echoed in the forest cutting off the village away from the rest of the world. As the words flowed past the captain’s ears a bead of sweat dropped from his brow and splashed on the ground bringing him out of a daze. He turned to the men with bows standing on a wall made from logs cut from the forest in a feeble attempt to shield the village. “Archers!” he ordered, “Bring him down!” The archers readied their bows and fired a volley of arrows into the air. With a whiz the arrows flew towards their ever-nearing target like a swarm of bees. The figure, still running closing in on the village, suddenly leaped into the air. As he soared higher, his figure became shaded by the moon glistening behind him just as the arrows whistled beneath his feet and plunged deep into the earth behind him. Gracefully landing on the ground without a sound the demon continued his dash towards the village. The Captain looked at the wolf-like figure in disbelief. Looking behind him and forcing a look of confidence on his face he said, “The rest of you. Draw your swords! The time of victory is near!” The archers fitted more arrows into their bows, pulled the string back and released another rain of death towards the figure, which was nearly at the wall. The demon gazed at the swarm as they neared him and suddenly he stopped running. Looking at the arrows still nearing him he smiled, showing his canines, which looked much like that of a dog. Again he leaped and lunged himself in the thicket of the arrows. Bringing his claws up he pushed the arrows aside as if they were nothing more than twigs. Making contact with the ground the wolf demon ran even faster, almost at his desired destination. The watchman watched in amazement, suddenly realizing the Demon was at the wall he turned to the captain. “Captain! He has reached the w…” he sputtered. Turning back towards the field with haste only to find the luminous figure standing before him. The watchman stood in silence, looking upon the demon with fear. A breeze of wind blew past the demon, blowing his black coloured hair, which covered the demon’s dark eyes. A crescent moon adorned his forehead. His clothes were as dark as the night sky. His long coat dancing in the wind, giving hint to the garments he wore underneath. Two swords hung at either end of his waist. At his side were his claws that looked much like that of normal hands but with nails one inch long. Peaking out from behind the coat seemed to be a grey-coloured tail, much like a wolf. As the demon looked down he smelled the watchman’s fear. The captain, archers and the other men stood frozen as the wolf effortlessly sliced the watchman’s throat open with his claws. As the watchman stood there bleeding and clasping his throat the demon pushed him over the side of the tower. The watchman fell like a rock sinking in a pond, hitting the ground with a loud thud then lying motionless. The men were quickly snapped from their state of fear and the archers fumbled to ready one last desperate arrow. The Demon cut his eyes at the men with bows. Without warning he seemed to vanish. Reappearing next to the archers, he ran past them with speed so great only a blur was seen. All 2 score of the men screamed as the demon ran past. When he reached the other end he stopped with his back towards them. Blood spewed forth from the necks and chests of the men as their screams dulled, the men falling one by one like dominos and all was still. Blood spread across the ground like a beach at high tide. Suddenly the Demon turned his attention to the Captain just as the captain released an arrow from a bow he found near by on the ground. Cutting through the cold night air, the arrow found the chest of the demon. Without flinching the demon felt his chest for the arrow. Without a sound he grasped the shaft of the arrow and pulled it out, dropping it to the ground. Blood flowed from his wound as he put his already bloody palm over it. The demon slowly walked toward the captain who was fumbling another arrow into his bow. The wolf smiled and tasted his own blood; his wound ceased its rain of warm sticky life force. All was quiet except the captain’s heavy breathing and the sound of his bow stretching as he pulled the arrow back for another shot. The demon lunged at the man head first with his arms outstretched towards the captain. He hit him with great force knocking him to the ground. The arrow was released on impact, flying straight up and disappearing in the starry night sky. The demon’s claws grew hair and the claws became paw-like, his chin growing outward. His entire form shifted until he inherited the form of an ominous wolf. His pelt was black as coal. His eyes and teeth were blood red gleamed in the dim moonlight. Without warning he lunged at the captain’s throat. The captain screamed, but was quickly silenced until a dull gargling sound was heard. The wolf shifted back to his original human body and stood by the half dead captain, now covered in his own blood. The captain became quiet, looking at the stars that littered the sky like the hot ashes in a fire. The arrow he released into the sky came searing from the heavens as the captain’s eyes widened. With one last gargle of blood the captain was impaled through his forehead. As the rest of the men watched as their own Captain was nailed to the ground, they became disoriented and scattered in all directions. Some of the men dropped their weapons where they stood while others charged at the demon, swords drawn in one last valiant effort to save their village. The demon smirked and began sprinting towards the men. Using his claws, the demon defended himself against the soldiers’ swords. Grabbing them and snapping them like they were sticks, he used the broken blades on their own wielders. Screams echoed throughout the village as the demon hunted them down, killing them all by tearing out their throats. The village fell silent, its protectors scattered across the wet, red, ground while the demon stood in the middle of the carnage. He savoured the blood that stained his claws. When he was satisfied with his treat he arched his shoulders and let forth a howl that pierced the village. The sound echoed in every corner surrounding the village, reaching the ears of the villagers hiding behind locked doors in their mushroom shaped houses. The demon looked around one last time, taking notice to the beautiful art he created around him until he caught sight of the towering tree in the center of the village. As he walked towards the tree’s opening, his elongated ears perked up as he listened with dog-like perception of muffled voices emanating from the small huts scattered about the village. He smirked as he heard prayers for their protector to come to their aid. The demon suddenly laughed menacingly as he slowly walked closer to his destination at the center of the village. “Villagers of Leafle!” the demon spoke for all to hear, holding his arms out in on either side with his palms faced up. “ Do you see what your Master has done? Do you see what he has caused? Your families are dead. They all gave their lives so that Draziv may live. This is the price to pay for his cowardice and acquisitive ways!” The demon’s words paused as he turned his back to the tree, still waking towards it. “All this”, he said as he motioned towards the bodies strewn at his feet, “was caused by the one, YOU believe, is here to protect you.” Throwing his hands up in inquiry he asked “And where is this protector now? He is hidden away in his study while you, all of you, are left out here to suffer,” he said, turning his attention back on the center on the village. “Do not worry! I will free you all from his recreant rule!” the demon said as he disappeared inside the light at the base of the tree. He found himself in a room filled with light from candles and a fireplace in the far corner. Long tables with half empty ale mugs decorated the tabletops. The room was empty and quiet as the demon entered. The demon walked to one side towards a set of stairs leading up, the sound of his step echoed throughout the desolately empty room. The demon reached the stairs and started to climb slowly, watching his feet pull him up the stairs with each step as he diligently listened to echoing steps moving much quicker than his own. He climbed a little further and was met by an older man harboring chain mail that glimmered in the well light hall, his sword drawn. A look of discomfort ceased the man’s face as his eyes met with the demon’s piercing gaze. Confidently the man held his sword up, and taking a deep breath. “What do you want, demon?” the valiant soldier said. “The star” the demon answered back. “I shalt let you take it. Your life ends here!” the knight said, lifting his sword behind his head. The demon, without warning, thrust his open claw into the man’s chest, plunging it deeper, ignoring the spurts of blood on his face. The warrior watched in amazement as the demon pulled out what seemed to be a still beating heart. The dismayed man collapsed to the ground, looking agately at the heart, pumping blood profusely from the severed arteries dangling from it. The demon continued his leisurely climb up the stairs, dropping the organ in his path. Blood erupted from the heart, silencing its songful beat as he tread over it. The demon reached the end of his journey up the stairs leading into a dim room. Books lined the walls, some of which littered the tables and the floor around it. A chair sat in the middle, holding an old man, his beard long and grey with age. A purple cloak concealed his aged body. He sat rubbing his thumb over a Silver pendant on his chest. His other hand held a staff made from some sort of spiraled root. The young boy sent to warn Draziv of the demon stood beside him. His hair was black, coloured with dirt and sand. His face was adorned with dirt as well. He wore a chest plate and leggings made of steel and decorated with gold. Light from a near by fireplace reflected off of it. The boy stood by his master’s side, his sword drawn, blade tip stuck in the floor. The demon anxiously walked to the doorway granting him entrance. As he prepared to step through the doorway snake-like vines tore the floorboards, growing quickly the vines shut off entrance to the room. The demon stepped back in awe as his way in was stripped from his eyes. Without hesitation he reached at either side of his waist. Drawing two swords that resonated with demonic power, he touched the vines with the blades. Instantly the vines shriveled, their green colour diminished into a black, dead colour as they retreated into the floor whence they sprang. The doorway was open again, revealing the wizard once more. The demon quickly stepped in the room and stopped as his greedy eyes fixated on the pendant around the old wizard’s neck. “At last you have come”, the wizard said. “Enough talk, old fool” the demon snapped, “You know what I have come for. Give me the star and I shall make your death quick,” he demanded holding his hand out in expectance. “Tell me Elvinhanzer, why do you wish to possess the star?” the age worn mage asked with curiosity. “I know the power of the star,” Elvinhanzer began. “It contains the souls and powers belonging to countless demons and men. With every victory it becomes stronger. Its power has become legendary,” the demon explained. “Why do you wish to attain such power?” Draziv asked as he struggled to stand. Elvinhanzer watched in discern as he further explained, “I wish to use the star to cleanse my wretched body of all weakness, expelling it from within me, leaving me with nothing but purity and enlightenment.” The wizard leaned on his staff and looked Elvinhanzer in the eye. “ Don’t be a fool. You can’t control the star,” he snapped at the demon. “You will be destroyed. You as you now stand will be no more.” “ I will be reborn!” Elvinhanzer argued. “I will not allow the amulet to fall into the grasp of someone like you, DEVIL!” Draziv yelled. The demon bolted at the old man, his swords raised. As he swung them down, a sword that seemed to appear out of nowhere stopped them abruptly. Elvinhanzer looked up to find the young boy grasping the hilt of the sword that fended off his attack, his face determined and his eyes fixated on the demon’s. Elvinhanzer let his sword up as the boy swung over his head and down for another attack. With ethereal quickness, Elvinhanzer deterred the oncoming sword with his own and swinging the other he shattered the boy’s weapon, splintered pieces of metal clogging the air. The force of the blow threw the boy back, his head crashing into the table behind him. As he lay unconscious the demon shifted his awareness back to Draziv, who began chanting. “Asarius shanto Ignus kienlator vees’d”, Draziv uttered holding out his fingertips towards the demon. Fire sprayed forth from his fingers towards the resourceful demon. With a swipe of his swords, Elvinhanzer cut through the fire effortlessly. Draziv’s expression of shock was replaced with fear as Elvinhanzer dropped his swords to grab the old wizard. Picking him up, the demon carried him to a nearby window and without hesitating he tossed him out. The wizard fell, stopping abruptly inches from the ground, barely avoiding collision with the blood stained dirt. As he stumbled to his feet with the help of his staff, he pointed his gnarled stick at the demon who began walking towards him. Waving his staff, the ground began to quake under Elvinhanzer’s feet. The ground moaned with agony as it slowly began to crumble apart. Elvinhanzer sprang forth, rushing the old man in a last effort to slay him. The ground disappeared beneath the desperate demon’s feet. As he fell, the demon snagged the amulet draped across the mage’s neck. The amulet’s silver chain snapped and it fell deep within the earth, still clasped arrantly in the demon’s bloody claws. Elvinhanzer fell into the dark and seemingly bottomless pit that Draziv created. With another motion of the staff, the wizard closed the dark gorge with a sigh of relief. He reached for the amulet in comfort to find that it was no longer there. He looked frantically about his feet, only to find the remains of the amulet’s silver chain. As he stooped to pick up the shards he felt another rumble in the ground. Standing up straight with beeline quickness, the wizard watch the ground with a serious expression. The ground seemed to explode causing the dirt to rain from the sky with a sound familiar to hail. Looking at the dirt fall, Draziv caught sight of the demon gracefully tap the ground before him, the pendant still clasped in his arm. Elvinhanzer looked round to get his bearings and bolted toward the village exit, content with his reward. With terrific speed he disappeared into the forest separating the village from the rest of the world. Coming to a round clearing in the trees, the demon slowed to a stop to examine his spoils. Rubbing his finger along the curve of the star a voice echoed from behind him. “You can not escape, Demon!” Turning around, Elvinhanzer saw the Wizard once more, almost glowing with a new determination. “You should have taken the chance I gave you,” Elvinhanzer said. “You was lucky I decided to let you live, but now… you have changed your own luck,” he said in a lecturing voice. “I will stop you if it takes all the power of nature!” the wizard snapped as he readied himself for the final battle. The demon raised his claws in compliance as the wizard reached out in either direction. Without a word the ground began to shake again, the trees began to shake. The demon saw his opportunity and lunged forward to strike the old man. Without warning large thorned vines lurched from the growth around the trees, ripping into the demon’s arms and legs. As the demon struggled to free himself from his entanglement, Draziv stood in trance. More vines leaped from the trees to hold back the demon. The ground sprouted a vine like bush that grew around the demon’s legs and up his back. As Draziv pulled from his meditation he looked upon the demon who was whimpering with pain of the thorns, cutting deeper into his flesh as he pulled to free himself.” You are a fool, demon”, Draziv said. “These vines carry a poison called asgarnatha. Every time you move, the thorns pump more of this poison into your tainted blood stream.” Elvinhanzer calmed quickly, taking care not to work against his bindings. “These vines can’t hold me forever wizard. And you can not kill me.” The entity said, writhing with pain.” I know”, Draziv replied. “But I can entomb you here.” The Wizard smiled with delight. “You see, this poison will continue to fill your blood, which will transport it throughout your organs and thus nearly stop all functions in your body, save the heart.” Draziv paused for a breath, then continued to explain,” The vines will continue pumping more poison in your body and your heart will serve as a distributor.” Laughing the wizard said,” Ironic that the organ used to give you life is now stealing it from you!” With a wave of the wizard’s hand the vines tightened their sinister grip over the demon, outstretching his arms and legs. The demon took a breath as he began to say something, his vision blurring. In no time the pain became a dull numbness and his body grew cold. He could barely make out the old figure gloating before him as his body hardened and ceased movement. “You will still have your consciousness demon. So you may see how you have failed,” Draziv said, prying the star from Elvinhanzer’s cold bloody claws. “The amulet is too much for you,” he said, disappearing into the thicket of the trees.
“There he is!” a lookout screamed from atop a tower. Looking down scanning the soldiers below him he spotted a man clad in armour more impressive than the others. “The wolf demon is here!” he said to him as he pointed away from the village toward a figure standing upon a hill. The figure stood in silence staring at his claw-like fingers while the wind rhythmically tugged at his long coat. “What do we do, captain?” the watchman said, turning his head back to look at the impressively armoured man of obvious importance. “Archers, ready your bows and the rest of you prepare for battle! We mustn’t let him enter the village!” the captain thundered for all to hear. Looking through the crowd consisting of two score, he spots a young boy drawing a small sword. “McNeese! Go warn Draziv of the demon attack!” he ordered the boy. “Yes, Captain.” The boy said, holding his fist over his heart and bowing. The captain watched nervously as the boy ran past the villagers' houses that seemingly consisted of large mushrooms and towards a great tree in the center of the village. As the boy disappeared into a knothole at the base of the tree the captain quickly looked toward at the watchman, which in turn was gazing back at him. “What is he doing now?” the captain asked, sweat glistening over his brow. “He is just standing there. Do you suppose he is afraid?” the watchman said looking at the captain for an answer only to find him staring at the ground, unsure of himself. Looking back towards the hill, the watchman grew as pale as the moon itself. Struggling to find words he blurts out “He is gone!” Frantically scanning the landscape surrounding the village he spotted the figure closing in on the village with incredible speed. “Captain! He’s attacking!” declared the watchman in a voice that echoed in the forest cutting off the village away from the rest of the world. As the words flowed past the captain’s ears a bead of sweat dropped from his brow and splashed on the ground bringing him out of a daze. He turned to the men with bows standing on a wall made from logs cut from the forest in a feeble attempt to shield the village. “Archers!” he ordered, “Bring him down!” The archers readied their bows and fired a volley of arrows into the air. With a whiz the arrows flew towards their ever-nearing target like a swarm of bees. The figure, still running closing in on the village, suddenly leaped into the air. As he soared higher, his figure became shaded by the moon glistening behind him just as the arrows whistled beneath his feet and plunged deep into the earth behind him. Gracefully landing on the ground without a sound the demon continued his dash towards the village. The Captain looked at the wolf-like figure in disbelief. Looking behind him and forcing a look of confidence on his face he said, “The rest of you. Draw your swords! The time of victory is near!” The archers fitted more arrows into their bows, pulled the string back and released another rain of death towards the figure, which was nearly at the wall. The demon gazed at the swarm as they neared him and suddenly he stopped running. Looking at the arrows still nearing him he smiled, showing his canines, which looked much like that of a dog. Again he leaped and lunged himself in the thicket of the arrows. Bringing his claws up he pushed the arrows aside as if they were nothing more than twigs. Making contact with the ground the wolf demon ran even faster, almost at his desired destination. The watchman watched in amazement, suddenly realizing the Demon was at the wall he turned to the captain. “Captain! He has reached the w…” he sputtered. Turning back towards the field with haste only to find the luminous figure standing before him. The watchman stood in silence, looking upon the demon with fear. A breeze of wind blew past the demon, blowing his black coloured hair, which covered the demon’s dark eyes. A crescent moon adorned his forehead. His clothes were as dark as the night sky. His long coat dancing in the wind, giving hint to the garments he wore underneath. Two swords hung at either end of his waist. At his side were his claws that looked much like that of normal hands but with nails one inch long. Peaking out from behind the coat seemed to be a grey-coloured tail, much like a wolf. As the demon looked down he smelled the watchman’s fear. The captain, archers and the other men stood frozen as the wolf effortlessly sliced the watchman’s throat open with his claws. As the watchman stood there bleeding and clasping his throat the demon pushed him over the side of the tower. The watchman fell like a rock sinking in a pond, hitting the ground with a loud thud then lying motionless. The men were quickly snapped from their state of fear and the archers fumbled to ready one last desperate arrow. The Demon cut his eyes at the men with bows. Without warning he seemed to vanish. Reappearing next to the archers, he ran past them with speed so great only a blur was seen. All 2 score of the men screamed as the demon ran past. When he reached the other end he stopped with his back towards them. Blood spewed forth from the necks and chests of the men as their screams dulled, the men falling one by one like dominos and all was still. Blood spread across the ground like a beach at high tide. Suddenly the Demon turned his attention to the Captain just as the captain released an arrow from a bow he found near by on the ground. Cutting through the cold night air, the arrow found the chest of the demon. Without flinching the demon felt his chest for the arrow. Without a sound he grasped the shaft of the arrow and pulled it out, dropping it to the ground. Blood flowed from his wound as he put his already bloody palm over it. The demon slowly walked toward the captain who was fumbling another arrow into his bow. The wolf smiled and tasted his own blood; his wound ceased its rain of warm sticky life force. All was quiet except the captain’s heavy breathing and the sound of his bow stretching as he pulled the arrow back for another shot. The demon lunged at the man head first with his arms outstretched towards the captain. He hit him with great force knocking him to the ground. The arrow was released on impact, flying straight up and disappearing in the starry night sky. The demon’s claws grew hair and the claws became paw-like, his chin growing outward. His entire form shifted until he inherited the form of an ominous wolf. His pelt was black as coal. His eyes and teeth were blood red gleamed in the dim moonlight. Without warning he lunged at the captain’s throat. The captain screamed, but was quickly silenced until a dull gargling sound was heard. The wolf shifted back to his original human body and stood by the half dead captain, now covered in his own blood. The captain became quiet, looking at the stars that littered the sky like the hot ashes in a fire. The arrow he released into the sky came searing from the heavens as the captain’s eyes widened. With one last gargle of blood the captain was impaled through his forehead. As the rest of the men watched as their own Captain was nailed to the ground, they became disoriented and scattered in all directions. Some of the men dropped their weapons where they stood while others charged at the demon, swords drawn in one last valiant effort to save their village. The demon smirked and began sprinting towards the men. Using his claws, the demon defended himself against the soldiers’ swords. Grabbing them and snapping them like they were sticks, he used the broken blades on their own wielders. Screams echoed throughout the village as the demon hunted them down, killing them all by tearing out their throats. The village fell silent, its protectors scattered across the wet, red, ground while the demon stood in the middle of the carnage. He savoured the blood that stained his claws. When he was satisfied with his treat he arched his shoulders and let forth a howl that pierced the village. The sound echoed in every corner surrounding the village, reaching the ears of the villagers hiding behind locked doors in their mushroom shaped houses. The demon looked around one last time, taking notice to the beautiful art he created around him until he caught sight of the towering tree in the center of the village. As he walked towards the tree’s opening, his elongated ears perked up as he listened with dog-like perception of muffled voices emanating from the small huts scattered about the village. He smirked as he heard prayers for their protector to come to their aid. The demon suddenly laughed menacingly as he slowly walked closer to his destination at the center of the village. “Villagers of Leafle!” the demon spoke for all to hear, holding his arms out in on either side with his palms faced up. “ Do you see what your Master has done? Do you see what he has caused? Your families are dead. They all gave their lives so that Draziv may live. This is the price to pay for his cowardice and acquisitive ways!” The demon’s words paused as he turned his back to the tree, still waking towards it. “All this”, he said as he motioned towards the bodies strewn at his feet, “was caused by the one, YOU believe, is here to protect you.” Throwing his hands up in inquiry he asked “And where is this protector now? He is hidden away in his study while you, all of you, are left out here to suffer,” he said, turning his attention back on the center on the village. “Do not worry! I will free you all from his recreant rule!” the demon said as he disappeared inside the light at the base of the tree. He found himself in a room filled with light from candles and a fireplace in the far corner. Long tables with half empty ale mugs decorated the tabletops. The room was empty and quiet as the demon entered. The demon walked to one side towards a set of stairs leading up, the sound of his step echoed throughout the desolately empty room. The demon reached the stairs and started to climb slowly, watching his feet pull him up the stairs with each step as he diligently listened to echoing steps moving much quicker than his own. He climbed a little further and was met by an older man harboring chain mail that glimmered in the well light hall, his sword drawn. A look of discomfort ceased the man’s face as his eyes met with the demon’s piercing gaze. Confidently the man held his sword up, and taking a deep breath. “What do you want, demon?” the valiant soldier said. “The star” the demon answered back. “I shalt let you take it. Your life ends here!” the knight said, lifting his sword behind his head. The demon, without warning, thrust his open claw into the man’s chest, plunging it deeper, ignoring the spurts of blood on his face. The warrior watched in amazement as the demon pulled out what seemed to be a still beating heart. The dismayed man collapsed to the ground, looking agately at the heart, pumping blood profusely from the severed arteries dangling from it. The demon continued his leisurely climb up the stairs, dropping the organ in his path. Blood erupted from the heart, silencing its songful beat as he tread over it. The demon reached the end of his journey up the stairs leading into a dim room. Books lined the walls, some of which littered the tables and the floor around it. A chair sat in the middle, holding an old man, his beard long and grey with age. A purple cloak concealed his aged body. He sat rubbing his thumb over a Silver pendant on his chest. His other hand held a staff made from some sort of spiraled root. The young boy sent to warn Draziv of the demon stood beside him. His hair was black, coloured with dirt and sand. His face was adorned with dirt as well. He wore a chest plate and leggings made of steel and decorated with gold. Light from a near by fireplace reflected off of it. The boy stood by his master’s side, his sword drawn, blade tip stuck in the floor. The demon anxiously walked to the doorway granting him entrance. As he prepared to step through the doorway snake-like vines tore the floorboards, growing quickly the vines shut off entrance to the room. The demon stepped back in awe as his way in was stripped from his eyes. Without hesitation he reached at either side of his waist. Drawing two swords that resonated with demonic power, he touched the vines with the blades. Instantly the vines shriveled, their green colour diminished into a black, dead colour as they retreated into the floor whence they sprang. The doorway was open again, revealing the wizard once more. The demon quickly stepped in the room and stopped as his greedy eyes fixated on the pendant around the old wizard’s neck. “At last you have come”, the wizard said. “Enough talk, old fool” the demon snapped, “You know what I have come for. Give me the star and I shall make your death quick,” he demanded holding his hand out in expectance. “Tell me Elvinhanzer, why do you wish to possess the star?” the age worn mage asked with curiosity. “I know the power of the star,” Elvinhanzer began. “It contains the souls and powers belonging to countless demons and men. With every victory it becomes stronger. Its power has become legendary,” the demon explained. “Why do you wish to attain such power?” Draziv asked as he struggled to stand. Elvinhanzer watched in discern as he further explained, “I wish to use the star to cleanse my wretched body of all weakness, expelling it from within me, leaving me with nothing but purity and enlightenment.” The wizard leaned on his staff and looked Elvinhanzer in the eye. “ Don’t be a fool. You can’t control the star,” he snapped at the demon. “You will be destroyed. You as you now stand will be no more.” “ I will be reborn!” Elvinhanzer argued. “I will not allow the amulet to fall into the grasp of someone like you, DEVIL!” Draziv yelled. The demon bolted at the old man, his swords raised. As he swung them down, a sword that seemed to appear out of nowhere stopped them abruptly. Elvinhanzer looked up to find the young boy grasping the hilt of the sword that fended off his attack, his face determined and his eyes fixated on the demon’s. Elvinhanzer let his sword up as the boy swung over his head and down for another attack. With ethereal quickness, Elvinhanzer deterred the oncoming sword with his own and swinging the other he shattered the boy’s weapon, splintered pieces of metal clogging the air. The force of the blow threw the boy back, his head crashing into the table behind him. As he lay unconscious the demon shifted his awareness back to Draziv, who began chanting. “Asarius shanto Ignus kienlator vees’d”, Draziv uttered holding out his fingertips towards the demon. Fire sprayed forth from his fingers towards the resourceful demon. With a swipe of his swords, Elvinhanzer cut through the fire effortlessly. Draziv’s expression of shock was replaced with fear as Elvinhanzer dropped his swords to grab the old wizard. Picking him up, the demon carried him to a nearby window and without hesitating he tossed him out. The wizard fell, stopping abruptly inches from the ground, barely avoiding collision with the blood stained dirt. As he stumbled to his feet with the help of his staff, he pointed his gnarled stick at the demon who began walking towards him. Waving his staff, the ground began to quake under Elvinhanzer’s feet. The ground moaned with agony as it slowly began to crumble apart. Elvinhanzer sprang forth, rushing the old man in a last effort to slay him. The ground disappeared beneath the desperate demon’s feet. As he fell, the demon snagged the amulet draped across the mage’s neck. The amulet’s silver chain snapped and it fell deep within the earth, still clasped arrantly in the demon’s bloody claws. Elvinhanzer fell into the dark and seemingly bottomless pit that Draziv created. With another motion of the staff, the wizard closed the dark gorge with a sigh of relief. He reached for the amulet in comfort to find that it was no longer there. He looked frantically about his feet, only to find the remains of the amulet’s silver chain. As he stooped to pick up the shards he felt another rumble in the ground. Standing up straight with beeline quickness, the wizard watch the ground with a serious expression. The ground seemed to explode causing the dirt to rain from the sky with a sound familiar to hail. Looking at the dirt fall, Draziv caught sight of the demon gracefully tap the ground before him, the pendant still clasped in his arm. Elvinhanzer looked round to get his bearings and bolted toward the village exit, content with his reward. With terrific speed he disappeared into the forest separating the village from the rest of the world. Coming to a round clearing in the trees, the demon slowed to a stop to examine his spoils. Rubbing his finger along the curve of the star a voice echoed from behind him. “You can not escape, Demon!” Turning around, Elvinhanzer saw the Wizard once more, almost glowing with a new determination. “You should have taken the chance I gave you,” Elvinhanzer said. “You was lucky I decided to let you live, but now… you have changed your own luck,” he said in a lecturing voice. “I will stop you if it takes all the power of nature!” the wizard snapped as he readied himself for the final battle. The demon raised his claws in compliance as the wizard reached out in either direction. Without a word the ground began to shake again, the trees began to shake. The demon saw his opportunity and lunged forward to strike the old man. Without warning large thorned vines lurched from the growth around the trees, ripping into the demon’s arms and legs. As the demon struggled to free himself from his entanglement, Draziv stood in trance. More vines leaped from the trees to hold back the demon. The ground sprouted a vine like bush that grew around the demon’s legs and up his back. As Draziv pulled from his meditation he looked upon the demon who was whimpering with pain of the thorns, cutting deeper into his flesh as he pulled to free himself.” You are a fool, demon”, Draziv said. “These vines carry a poison called asgarnatha. Every time you move, the thorns pump more of this poison into your tainted blood stream.” Elvinhanzer calmed quickly, taking care not to work against his bindings. “These vines can’t hold me forever wizard. And you can not kill me.” The entity said, writhing with pain.” I know”, Draziv replied. “But I can entomb you here.” The Wizard smiled with delight. “You see, this poison will continue to fill your blood, which will transport it throughout your organs and thus nearly stop all functions in your body, save the heart.” Draziv paused for a breath, then continued to explain,” The vines will continue pumping more poison in your body and your heart will serve as a distributor.” Laughing the wizard said,” Ironic that the organ used to give you life is now stealing it from you!” With a wave of the wizard’s hand the vines tightened their sinister grip over the demon, outstretching his arms and legs. The demon took a breath as he began to say something, his vision blurring. In no time the pain became a dull numbness and his body grew cold. He could barely make out the old figure gloating before him as his body hardened and ceased movement. “You will still have your consciousness demon. So you may see how you have failed,” Draziv said, prying the star from Elvinhanzer’s cold bloody claws. “The amulet is too much for you,” he said, disappearing into the thicket of the trees.