Chapter Eight

Inside the temple it was very dark. Only the altar at the center of the temple had some illumination, everything else was wrapped in darkness.

Up ahead he sighted a huddled form laying on the ceremonial slab. He fervently wished that Mirial was unharmed.

He carefully scanned the immense nave. Where was the demon? High above dozens of statues of gods and demigods stared down at them. Any of them could be the demon in hiding.

They advanced in a tight formation back to back, each searching through the shadows.

A vociferous shriek emanated from the rotunda in the very center of the cathedral. They turned trying to pin the origin of the cry, but they could not penetrate the pitch-black shadows covering the rounded ceiling.

Beside him, Kay felt his men as tense with expectation as he was.

Abruptly a form moved-off to the left. It sent a heavy statue tumbling down towards them. The three men scrambled to move out of it's way. It hit the ground with a tremendous crash.

Kay rose with unease. They had been separated, making them an easier target for the creature. He could barely discern his friends forms in the gloom.

" Moulduos , we need some illumination. Darkness is his forte." Kay told his oldest companion.

He nodded briefly before starting the ancient incantation. All his attention was focused on the sconces an braziers adorning the temple walls. One by one they began to light up shredding the dark ambiance permeating the church.

A loud roar echoed throughout the room just before the demon dashed from a balcony. He smashed headlong into Mouldus. His body was sent flying into the pews by the force of the impact.

The creature stood in the middle of the nave reveling in it's strength. Black wings spread majestically behind him. Kay noted he had Mirial's beautiful black hair and his own blue eyes.

It was in that instant that all the pain and anger he had unconsciously felt for the loss of his child became clear to him. Until now he had merely sought the demon because it was his duty. In seeing him , however , he finally understood this creature's terrible crime. He had killed his unborn son, stolen his body! With a single blow he had ended both Mirial's and Kay's fondest dream! and now he dared to threaten Mirial's very life! What Kay felt gave new meaning to the word hate!

Then the demon spoke.

" What no hugs, no kisses?! You are not happy to see me, father?" He smiled at Kay obviously enjoying himself.

" I am not your father, you foul creature!" Was his snarled answer.

" Tsk, such language father, and to your infant son... "Mom" was much more friendlier. He even gave me a kiss! " He slid a finger over his lips in a rather sensual manner.

" Bastard!" Kay could not repress his ire any longer. With a cry plunged at the demon.

He , however, made a quick jump over Kay's body landing safely behind him. Lifting one finger he wiggled it at his father.

" Ah, ah ,ah.! Now, that is no way to treat your child! By the way my name is Butraz, not bastard."

The last word was hissed through his fangs. In a heartbeat he flew at the remaining warrior. To his credit the young warrior reacted almost instantly hurdling a green fireball at the demon. Had it made contact it would have caused some severe burns to the creature, but he was to fast. Somehow he managed to swerve in mid jump, pivoting off a column to impale the young man with his clawed arm. The appendage passed strait through his chest and came out of his back. Bloody froth erupted from the young man's lips as he fell.

Both of his guards were dead, that left only him standing before the demon and his goal. He gazed at the demon he was currently occupied in licking his blood-slicked arm. It was Kay's chance. He made a quick dash for the altar stairs.

Butraz caught on to his move and followed after him. Being faster than the human he reached the steps first and turned to face the young king.

Mirial awoke in that instant. He could hear voices all around him. Some were behind him were he could make out a faint swirling pattern. Low growls and animal sounds came from the strange phenomenon. Just before him, but somehow coming from below he heard voices that seemed familiar. To silhouettes were dimly visible.

He was straining his eyesight. It was too dark. Closing his eyes he focused his mind. He sensed some force was causing the terrible dim. What ever it was it was not alien to him. It reacted to his will. Without a second thought he ordered the darkness to part.

Moonlight shone through the giant window bathing the altar and the stairs below.

...........................................................................................................................................

(Insert) This is were the story began. It was continued in the beginning of the following chapters up to # 5, from there it jumps to here.. Mystyangel.

................................................................................................................................................................................................

Horrified Kay watches as the demon raises his claw to strike Mirial's chest. He will never reach them in time.

Everything seems to move in slow motion, the hand begins it's deadly descent, Mirial closes his eyes accepting the inevitability of his death.

Kay wont give up. He is of the blood of Shariar, he will never bow before the Dark One. Instinctively, he calls upon the arcane power of Illuminaous. For nearly five hundred years no one has attempted such a spell. There was no need for it. For him handling such a power is as natural as breathing, when others would be overwhelmed by the sheer effort to call it forth.

Fine tendrils of energy extend from every surface, every object around him. He is suffused with the borrowed essence. If he could see himself he might be startled by his wild appearance. His hair dances caught in the electrical upheaval, his eyes crackle with energy.

A strangled scream flies from him as he releases an immense flair of energy. It hits the demon toppling him over. A net envelops him as he trashes on the floor. Searing pain erupts wherever the beams touch his skin.

Springing to action Kay runs to Mirial's side. Butraz is too strong to be held for long, inanimate objects are not an ideal source of energy. A "Spirit Net" would have been preferable.

Quickly he unties his beloved and helps him of the table. Mirial is a bit groggy from his ordeal.

Looking over Kay's shoulder Mirial sees Butraz towards them. He cries out, but it is too late. The demon strikes him on the back. Kay's forehead impacts the table and he falls dazed to the floor.

Far above them a bell chimes the first stroke of midnight.