Dusk Falling (Book 1) by Keri L. Salyers Page B

Elfkin and the dark demonic creature, concluding their enleaguement. From their distance, the trio could not hear what the townsman said but they could see the sneer that twisted the youth’s features when he deigned to acknowledge the man. The townsman spun to fall on his face as the Chase backhanded him with such force the pike snapped in two.
    “Let’s go.” Serrtin said. Aya breathed in relief. They would help.
    “I am not sure how much assistance we shall be to the citizens, my friends. I have never seen such creatures beyond books.” Agemeer said, padding along. “And in our current condition…”
    “We’ll be fine.” Aya stated. “It’s the people of Barda I am worried about.”
    Reaching the closest part of the city, they trekked through the rubble with discretion. The demons seemed to have vacated the area now that it was void of life and things to destroy. Bodies were strewn about amidst their broken possessions. It was terrible to think they may have seen or held conversation with one of the unfortunates so short a time prior when they still breathed and lived.
    “Aya, look.”
    Off to her right stood one of the demons. It was crouched in one of the small plots where there was no debris from the toppled buildings that were around it. Its eyes were a stark unblinking red and were its only discernable feature. It continued to gaze at them, unmoving until a high sharp peel split the air, startling Aya. The demon then dissaparated before their eyes into nothingness.
    “I wonder what that sound was..?” Agemeer pondered aloud, keen eyes glancing around. He sniffed the air. “I think all the demon-kind have gone as well, not only that single individual.”
    “Let’s make sure. We can ask the summoner personally.” Serrtin said, voice full of iron. She pointed off with the tip of her flamberge.
    The Elfkin youth stood at the end of what was left of the street they were on. He watched them through strands of white hair, hands down at his sides. The wound he had received had all but completely healed, no longerwas his clothing rent and the blood stains had paled to a light pinkish color. The self-assured half-smile was no longer adorning his face. And he was not at all happy to see them again.
    Following Serrtin’s bold lead, Aya and Agemeer steeled themselves for what would be the finale. They either captured the Chase or killed him, less he kill them, for here they would have to end it. If they succeeded in subduing him, Kcrienalpralopar could seal-
    “That’s it!” Aya exclaimed to Agemeer. “Give me Kcrie’s flask.”
    “Wha-? Okay, Aya dear. What do you have in mind?” Behind Serrtin’s wide back, the young mage took the crystal flask from the Wulf’s shoulder.
    “The darkness!” Aya said, pulling the strap over her head. “Kcrie can’t come out unless it is dark out during the day and as long as he’s pulling off a spell like this, we might as well use it to our advantage.”
    “Our Asrai companion will not be pleased but once this job is finished, she’ll change her mind about the intrusion on her personal time.”
    “I hope so. I hope she’ll know what to do…” Aya said, gripping the stopper. Carefully she twisted off it off. The liquid inside rocked slowly side to side. The Asrai was still asleep. “Please wake soon Kcrie. We need you. Serrtin, we have a plan.”
    “What?” The saurian said without looked back, slowing her advance. She was intent on her target, not again would she be letting this one slip through her clawed fingers.
    “In this darkness, Kcrie can help. She’ll be able to Bind him and return to her bottle before the spell fully ends!” Aya told her, keeping her voice low, unsure how good the Chase’s ears were.
    “Do whatever you can. I’ll take him head-on. If I can’t lay him out, it’ll be up to you two… er, three.” Serrtin responded, uttering words rarely spoken by anyone with Yarcka blood running through their veins- ‘if I can’t’.