Chapter 8: The First Strike
The night air was thick, cold, and heavy, pressing down on Crestwood with an unnatural silence. The village seemed to hold its breath, as if anticipating the oncoming clash. Kieran and Eldric stood at the northern edge, their eyes fixed on the darkened woods. The watchfires around the perimeter cast faint circles of light, but beyond them, shadows pooled, swallowing every trace of detail.
Around them, the villagers whispered quiet words of encouragement to each other, gripping weapons with white-knuckled hands. Liora moved among them, her hands glowing faintly as she activated protective charms and whispered wards, leaving each person with a token of magic for strength and protection.
Eldric stepped forward, his voice low and steady. "Stay sharp. Demons rarely charge head-on. They'll test our defenses, look for weaknesses. Keep your eyes open and your mind clear."
Kieran scanned the horizon, heart pounding as he braced himself. Every leaf rustle, every distant bird cry seemed to echo in the charged silence. His grip tightened on his blade, the cool metal grounding him, reminding him of everything they'd prepared for. As he turned to give a nod to the watchmen, his eye caught Liora's; her calm gaze reassured him, though he could see the tension in her jaw.
Just then, a low, unearthly sound resonated from the woods—a guttural growl that sent a chill through Kieran's spine. The first demon had arrived.
The trees seemed to shift, shadows thickening and swirling, before a tall, hunched figure emerged from the darkness. The creature's skin was a dull, ash-gray, with glowing red eyes and twisted horns curving from its forehead. Its mouth opened, revealing sharp, yellowed fangs, and a deep snarl rumbled from its chest.
"Steady," Kieran whispered, his voice barely audible to those closest. His own pulse thundered, but he forced himself to stay calm.
The demon advanced slowly, its clawed feet crunching against the underbrush, leaving scorched marks in its wake. As it moved closer, a second demon joined it, then another. Soon, a small line of demons was advancing from the shadows, their eyes glowing in the dim light.
"Hold the line!" Eldric shouted, his voice clear and unwavering. "Do not break formation!"
Kieran looked back at the villagers, their faces a mixture of fear and determination. He could see them steeling themselves, gripping their weapons tighter. They were not warriors, but they were ready to defend their home with everything they had.
The first demon lunged, its claws extended. Kieran stepped forward, meeting the creature head-on. With a swift, practiced motion, he sidestepped the demon's swipe and drove his blade into its side, the charm Liora had given him flaring with a faint blue light. The demon howled, its skin sizzling where the blade pierced it.
The demon staggered, but before Kieran could finish it off, another leapt toward him. He barely had time to block its claws, the force of the blow sending him stumbling backward. Eldric appeared beside him, slashing through the creature's arm with brutal precision.
"Stay focused, Kieran!" Eldric barked, dispatching the demon with a swift blow to its neck. "They'll try to overwhelm us. Use the charms."
Kieran nodded, regaining his footing and glancing at the charm dangling from his wrist. He pressed it, feeling a surge of warmth flow through him, sharpening his senses. The next demon that lunged was met with a blast of force from Kieran's palm, sending it staggering backward, giving him an opening to strike.
All around them, the villagers fought with fierce determination, holding the line despite the chaos. The defensive wards and charms glowed faintly, creating a barrier that seemed to repel the demons, giving the defenders precious moments to strike.
Liora moved through the fray, casting protective spells over the injured and flinging small bursts of magic to knock back advancing demons. Kieran could see the strain on her face, her energy waning with each spell she cast, but she never hesitated, her focus unwavering.
Amidst the battle, a young villager, Mira, cried out as a demon broke through the line, charging at her with wild fury. Kieran sprinted toward her, his heart pounding, and intercepted the demon with a well-aimed slash to its shoulder. The creature stumbled, hissing in pain, and Kieran seized the moment to drive his blade into its chest, the light of his charm flaring as it purified the demon's form. The creature shrieked before disintegrating into ash.
Mira looked up at him, her face pale but grateful. "Thank you, Kieran," she breathed, her hands trembling as she clutched her weapon.
"Stay close to the others," he urged, giving her a quick nod before turning back to the fight.
The demons kept coming, wave after relentless wave. The villagers were holding their own, but Kieran could see the strain taking its toll. Many were panting, their faces slick with sweat, their movements slowing. He could feel his own exhaustion creeping in, each swing of his blade feeling heavier than the last.
"We're wearing them down!" Eldric shouted, rallying the defenders. "Hold steady! They're testing our defenses, but they'll retreat if we hold the line!"
But as if in response, a deep, resonant growl echoed from the woods. The earth trembled, and the demons halted, as though awaiting a command. Silence fell over the battlefield, a sudden and eerie calm.
From the shadows, a towering figure emerged, draped in dark armor that seemed to absorb the light. Its horns were twisted and sharp, and its eyes glowed a deep, menacing red. Kieran's breath caught in his throat as he recognized the emblem etched into the demon's chestplate—the mark of the Fallen Circle.
The High Prince's lieutenant.
Eldric's face hardened, his gaze fixed on the new arrival. "Stay alert. This one's stronger."
The lieutenant raised a clawed hand, and the demons parted, allowing him to stride forward. He fixed his gaze on Kieran, his mouth curving into a twisted smile.
"So, you're the one causing trouble," the demon rumbled, his voice deep and resonant. "The humans who think they can defy the Fallen Circle. Pathetic."
Kieran tightened his grip on his blade, refusing to be intimidated. "Crestwood won't fall to you. We'll protect it—no matter the cost."
The demon laughed, a harsh, mocking sound that sent shivers down Kieran's spine. "Bold words for a mortal. But bravery alone won't save you." He raised a hand, dark energy crackling around his claws. "You'll taste true despair before I'm done with you."
With a swipe of his hand, a wave of dark energy surged forward, slamming into the defenders. Kieran threw up his arms, the charm Liora had given him flaring to life, deflecting some of the impact but not all. He was thrown backward, hitting the ground hard, his vision blurring.
Eldric was at his side in an instant, helping him to his feet. "This one's different," he muttered. "We need to find a weakness. Hold him off as best you can."
Kieran nodded, bracing himself as the lieutenant advanced. Around them, the villagers regrouped, rallying their courage as they faced the powerful foe. Liora's voice rang out, casting a powerful ward over the defenders, giving them a momentary reprieve.
Kieran moved forward, matching the lieutenant's gaze, refusing to back down. The demon sneered, but Kieran saw a flicker of irritation in his eyes—a sign that he hadn't expected such resilience.
With a fierce cry, Kieran lunged, slashing at the demon with all his strength. The lieutenant parried, his claws clashing against Kieran's blade in a shower of sparks. They exchanged blows, each strike reverberating through Kieran's bones, but he pressed on, refusing to give in.
The lieutenant lashed out, knocking Kieran back, but before he could strike again, Eldric and Liora moved in, coordinating their attacks. Eldric's sword flashed as he aimed for the demon's side, while Liora cast bolts of energy that exploded against the demon's armor, creating small openings.
Together, they forced the demon to retreat, each attack pushing him back inch by inch. The lieutenant roared in frustration, dark energy swirling around him as he prepared a powerful attack.
"Now!" Kieran shouted, seizing the moment. He and Eldric lunged at the same time, their blades piercing the lieutenant's armor and driving into his side. The demon staggered, dark ichor seeping from the wounds, his sneer replaced by a snarl of rage.
"This… isn't… over," the lieutenant spat, his voice filled with venom. He wrenched himself free, retreating into the shadows, his form dissolving into mist as he disappeared.
For a long moment, silence reigned. The villagers stared, breathless, as the reality sank in. They had driven the demons back. They had held the line.
Kieran lowered his weapon, exhaustion settling over him as he looked around at his comrades. Eldric's face was drawn but triumphant, while Liora's shoulders slumped with relief.
They had won the first battle, but Kieran knew it was far from over. The High Prince's forces would return, stronger and more determined.
But as he looked at the villagers—at their resilience, their courage—he felt a flicker of hope.