The gruesome sound of Baalkaroth's jaws crushing the bones and flesh of the bandit echoed in my ears. The devil seemed to relish his meal, his eyes gleaming with a sick pleasure as he devoured the entire body.
I could almost hear him sigh contentedly, as if he were high on the taste of fresh blood. Absentmindedly, I wiped the crimson stains from my dagger onto my jacket.
"It must have been delicious," I remarked, trying to make small talk with the demon in front of me. His red eyes glowed as he turned to face me, a twisted smile appearing on his lips.
"It has been eons since I last tasted a soul sacrificed to me. You have no idea how much...," he replied, his voice dripping with malice.
"Well, you're in luck then. There are over one hundred more souls for you to feast on," I said, motioning towards the group of bandits huddled by the campfire. Baalkaroth slinked back into my shadow as I walked towards the fire, ensuring that we were both hidden in the darkness as we watched the devil revel in his feast.
Not bothering to hide , I clearly walked toward the fire, after all there was no one inside this camp that posed a danger for me, hell I think I could take them all myself, obviously if I used stealth since the start .
As I approached the bandits, I sauntered towards one of the bottles and took one for myself. Uncorking it with ease, I settled onto the ground beside the other gruff men, who watched me intently in silence.
"I don't believe we've met before. Are you a new recruit ?" An old bandit with a long, grey beard asked, eyeing me as I reached for a leg of the chicken roasting over the fire.
"Not quite. I happened to come across this fire and thought I'd join you all for a drink and a meal before getting to business." I replied casually, taking a bite of the chicken. It was bland and lacking any seasoning or salt, but it would suffice.
"That's a fine ring you have there on your finger." One of the bandits pointed out, motioning to my hand. "From which dead body did you steal it from?" he asked as he eyed it greedily
"My father must have given it to me at some point.I think at least " I responded absentmindedly, realizing they were referring to the heir ring bearing our family's emblem - a falcon with white claws being pierced by an arrow.
"It looks familiar..." The drunken bandit slurred as he leaned closer to my hand.
"As it should, considering it belongs to the lord of these lands. But enough about me, could anyone kindly point me in the direction of your boss?" I asked nonchalantly, taking another swig of alcohol while the bandits slowly rose from their seats and unsheathed their weapons.
"Trust me, you'll find me more amiable to be speaking with me instead of my companion."
"Oh really? Would you kindly show me where he is then?" One of the bandit asked as he pointed his sword at my neck
''But of course he is here with us''I retorted coolly as Baalkaroth's skeletal hand suddenly appeared and swiftly sliced off the head of the threatening bandit.
The severed head rolled to the ground as bewildered gasps filled the air. Before the rest of the bandits could even comprehend what had just happened, a long white entity materialized from my shadow.
"Leave one alive." I commanded in a monotone voice, taking another bite of chicken without a care in the world.
Baalkaroth remained silent, refusing to acknowledge my order , but I knew he would obey. After all, it was in his best interest to maintain our fragile coexistence.ù
I sat there eating and drinking as I saw Baalkaroth cutting, cleaving , smashing or outright eating each of the bandit, strangely enough not one sound came out from their open mouth.
Maybe it was one of his power, I must ask him afterward.
Time seemed to slow as the fireplace was filled with the scent of blood and the sound of meat being sliced . The last survivor cowered on the ground, pleading for mercy as he watched his kin succumb to the demon's wrath. It was then that Baalkaroth's attention finally turned to me.
With a growl of hunger, he snatched up one of the bodies and brought it under his jaws, tearing into it like a piece of meat. "Be quick with it," he spoke through mouthfuls, his eyes flicking up to meet mine. I held back a comment , at the sight of the hapless bandit now lying before me. After all it has been eons since he was fed, and I certianly was not rude enought to ruin the experience for him
"Thank you," I said with a hint of sarcasm, my gaze never leaving the chaotic scene unfolding in front of me. The graveled ground was littered with bodies - only forty remained out of the hundred that the pissing boy referred to .
"Now where is your boss?" I asked calmly, stepping closer to him. "And what about the others? Your companion mentioned nearly a hundred, but there are far less than that here."
"He's in his tent," the bandit said with a pained expression, watching as one of his comrades screamed silently in agony with their lower half inside Baalkaroth's jaws. "Please...kill me yourself."
My grip tightened on my dagger as I considered his words. "It depends," I said slowly, circling around him. "Where are the others?"
"In the stables," he whimpered, pleading with his eyes. "With the women."
I nodded, understanding the situation now. "Fine," I said coldly. "Have it your way then." With a swift motion, I plunged my dagger into his heart before rising to my feet.
"You have heard him," I said, turning to face Baalkaroth. "Have fun with the others. I will go find our main target."
"I suppose that means everyone inside will be mine," he chuckled darkly, referring to the prisoners being held captive by these bandits.
I didn't bother responding - after all, why should I bother? This was just a simple repayment of my debt to the devil, I certainly had no reason to free them and every reason not to .
"You already know the answer," I muttered, tossing the empty alcohol bottle aside as I made my way towards the tent the bandit had pointed out. The air was thick with the stench of death and blood, but I pushed it aside as I focused on my task.
''What is it that you wish to test?'' He inquired, his mouth still half full of food. I grinned mischievously at him before responding, ''My soul projection. It's imperative I get a clear idea of my main weapon, don't you think?''
With a determined stride and without waiting for and answer , I began walking ahead, leaving Baalkaroth behind as he turned and clawed at the dirt with his sharp talons, his body slithering like a serpent in pursuit of the rest of his meal .
The ground trembled under his forceful movements, and the trees seemed to shrink away from his immense presence as apparently his banquet this time shall be great