The tale of the wizard Asmin as he plunges the depths of the astral plane, in search of scholarly knowledge of the worlds beyond men. What he found was not what he expected, instead of returning to Etterdam as a great explorer. He found himself transformed into a demon and bound to a vengeful wizard eager to use his demonic powers on her enemies. Damned to the Abyss, Asmin must use all his wits and skills to keep his head less heaven and hell strike him down.

A progression fantasy fan fiction based on the events and setting of J. L. Langland's Demons of Astlan.

Chapter 2: Ephemia
I gasped, exhausted from the night's exertions. Demon summoning was not an exercise for the weak of spirit and apparently it gave the body a rough workout to. Regardless of my own inexperience, I had managed to conjure and bind a third order demon. This I could be proud of, and I wondered if my old masters would be envious of her accomplishment.

Alas that was all in the past now, she doubted if she would ever be welcome there again. It was not that the school or the masters hated her, it was because she was exiled. Being an exiled noble generally made you persona non grata within the halls of the upper class.

Still that no longer mattered, I had made my first step in reclaiming all that was stolen from me. Obtaining a third order demon would be a boon to my dwindling forces. Not many would fight for me, loyalty was in short supply. I guess there was no loyalty in a bound demon, but it would obey, I would ensure that.

Stuck in my reverie, I barely noticed the very light-footed individual approaching. For a moment I tensed, expecting an assassin's blade to slide into my back. I was calmed by the baritone voice that followed.

“Impressive my lady, to bind a third order at your age.” He complimented in his typical back handed way.

I was not sure if it was true praise or condescension, the elderly necromancer had always looked down on the young and youthful. I had always wondered if it was envy or spite, perhaps both.

“Thank you, Lord Belus I am proud of my meagre accomplishment.” I said demurely.

The practitioner of an equally vile art chuckled evilly. “No need for that my dear, I have enough fools tip toeing around me.” He came into view, and I had a good look at his profile.

The necromancer wore a lose black robe with red trim, gaunt and scraggy fingers extended out of the wide brim cuffs. Under his hood dwelled a wrinkled face with a hooked nose, dark blue eyes and surprisingly white perfect teeth concealed behind a horrendous smile. The man should have been on his death bed, surrounded by his loved ones, assuming the distasteful man had any, she doubted it.

Before she could continue her sycophant routine, she was saved by the entrance of another. Draped in exquisite silver full plate armour, decorative sword sheathed at his side and his helm tucked under his right arm, revealing a middle-aged man. Short salt and pepper hair with dark brown eyes and sharp features.

“Best keep your hands to yourself, death monger, less your vile touch corrupts the soul of thy lady.” The knight spat contemptuously, eyes filled with disdain, alleviated when they fell upon me.

“Sir Felmun, our mistress is already corrupted.” The necromancer countered dryly, directing the noble knight to the braziers and pentagrams.

Felmun grumbled to himself, I could sense his disdain for the dark work. But there was no time for morality in such immoral times. “Leave us Belus, I wish to speak with Felmun in private.” I commanded, which was merely a pre-emptive measure against the argument the two would descend into.

The necromancer bowed flashing me a smile and turned to leave. The two glared at each other like cats, the room reduced from three occupants to two. Once Belus had closed the door behind him, I looked to Sir Felmun. I could see the disappointment plan as day, the honourable knight had never been a fan of necromancy nor demons.

I wondered if I had tarnished the vision he had of me in his heart. It was no secret his affections for me, he had always seen me as a proper lady of grace and womanhood. Now that I had devoted myself to conjury, I suspect his image of me is now tinged with darkness.

“Please, try not to antagonise him, we will need the death monger when are enemies are at our doorstep.” I pleaded, since all prior attempts to get him to understand had failed.

I suspect that knights simply don't have the flexibility required for distasteful tasks. It is a failing at least to me, but they likely see it is a virtue. I shook my head; such a line of thinking was worthless. If he did his job, he could go on disapproving all he wanted.

“Mistress, I beg you to reconsider, summoning a demon is one thing, but working with a necromancer. Both entities are evil and vile creatures, not to be trusted. They are more than likely to stab you in the back, then aid you.” The knight pleaded, making several valid points.

I sighed, less out of exhaustion and more to give myself time to think up an appropriate response. I could see his view; the death monger was not to be trusted and demons even more so. “You have made your point Sir Felmun and I tacitly agree. Belus cannot be trusted, but I need his forces if we have any chance to repel my brother's army.”

The knight shook his head, not convinced. Which makes sense, the man had greater faith in swords and the strength of a man's arm. He was a formidable knight and fought in manty battles, against major odds. That bravery was worthy of respect, but bravery would not defeat the immense odds we were against.

“Mistress please, allying with a necromancer is not wise, even more so to summon a major demon. While it is impressive to conjure a third order, to be expected from my lady.” He said proudly. “It is another potential threat added to an already dangerous situation.”

“It is a necessary evil.” I explained, placing a hand on his arm. The knight tensed from the intimacy, something I once enjoyed, but now it seemed quite petty to toy with the man's feelings. “I wouldn't have bothered with the conjury for a first or second order, but I couldn't pass up on a third order.” I added quickly before he could blush.

“Why did you want such a beast, that I cannot fathom. To deploy it in the battle?” He pleaded, trying to fathom my intentions.

Formulating a response, I tried to come up with an answer. Why did I want to summon such a powerful force of evil? Honestly, I don't know the answer, at least not a singular central reason. I did want to test myself, to see how far my skill in wizardry could take me. When I saw the third order, I knew this was the test, to see if I truly were powerful and not a weak vapourish seductress my brother painted me as.

“I do plan to deploy the demon in battle. But I had another purpose for him.” I explained, before putting some distance between us.

I glanced at the braziers, the elaborate pentagrams and other accoutrements of conjury. I was proud of my achievement and hoped that if I survived long enough, I would rub this achievement into the face of my teachers.

“The demon is an insurance policy; I want something powerful enough to contend with my enemies and with my allies.” I gestured to the exit where Belus had left a short while ago.

Realisation dawned on the knight; his frown didn't leave but at least he could see why I had summoned the demon. “While I do not agree, I will stand by you my lady, no matter what.” He made a theatrical declaration, to which I accepted.

Sir Felmun had always been a theatrical man, modelling himself off the old chivalric knights of long past. It was a point in his favour and is the main reason I trust him, despite his inflexible nature.

“Thank you, sir knight, your faith in me will not be forgotten.” I said, curtsying like a proper lady of the court.

He smiled in that devilishly handsome way, but of course he was no demon, in fact he could easily be mistaken for a saint. But that was ludicrous, as if a saint would come to this god forsaken land. I bet Tiernon himself would declare the place heretical and smite the lot of us. And yet, we endure despite all we have done.

I shook my head, letting these foolish thoughts fade away. My mind needed to be turned to more practical pursuits. I inspected the pentagram, admiring my own handywork and frowning. That demon was odd, it didn't look normal, but was a third order.

“What is it my lady?” He inquired, concern obvious in his tone.

“That summoning was strange, the demons astral form was not quite right. But I am sure it was a demon and a powerful one at that.” I answered, still puzzled.

“Is this something to be concerned?” He asked.

“I don’t think so, I will just need be careful when summoning it. I suspect there is more going on, I just cannot put my finger on it.” I pondered, eyes transfixed upon the pentagram, wondering when I should summon it again.

Chapter 4: Erik
“I hate my life!” I whined, trudging through the marsh alongside squad of zombies. Well know that I think about, I should say. “I hate my unlife.” I corrected myself, chuckling at the stupidity of the situation.

I was now literally immortal, stronger then any mortal alive and I could still whine about my situation. Yet it was not my choice at all to be turned into a vampire and made a lackey to a wacked out of his mind vampiric necromancer.

“I am a mercenary for for Illania’s sake.” I winced from that, probably best not to invoke the gods.

I am not very religious, but being unlife the Narveson Goddess of magic would probably prefer to smite me instead of answering my prayers. I needed to stop doing that, it was a habit that may prove fatal, carelessly invoking a Goddess.

She never answered my prayers before, but she may do so now that an unholy fiend was knocking at her heavenly door. I sighed dejectedly, wanting to complain to anyone who would listen and scared my sire would hear and punish me.

I knew it was a bad idea to join up with this crew. But it was such a good idea in the beginning. Working for nobles paid far better then merchants and warlords. There squabbles were also supposed to be legit, at least as legit as nobles could be.

Instead of making good silver working for some pompous perfumed Lord, I am now a vampire bitch to a mad man. Thinking back to the meeting, I knew it was sketchy. Being called personally by the lords necromancer for a job, only to arrive in his tent and offered immorality.

I mean it’s a good deal for anyone that didn’t want to die. But it wasn’t altruism on his part, he just needed to replenish his lost ranks. Apparently one of his fledglings got himself killed and he needed new recruits. I might add he didn’t strike me as a death monger that took no for an answer.

So, I have arisen from a lowly mercenary to a vampire mercenary who is under a permanent and eternal contract to his new boss. I wonder if I will get paid, probably in loot and spoils of war. I doubt he pays people he turns into undead, I am just like these poor souls, except I’m not rotting.

I looked to my zombies with pity, they were not living there best life. Well they weren’t living at all, but they were my men and I was to lead them. Even in unlife, I am a soldier, well a soldier for silver, but a soldier nonetheless.

“Come on boys, stop taking in the sights, we have a job to do.” I announced, receiving a few moans and slow shuffling feet. They were not the most talkative of lads, but you work with what you got. “All of you sorry excuse for undead attend your illustrious and powerful vampire lord.” Ok I wasn’t exactly a vampire lord, but I was a vampire and a minor noble did knock up my peasant mother.

I suppose I could be considered a vampire bastard, but lord sounded better. But none of this matter to a bunch of soulless wretches like them, they barely understood words at all.

“Left, right, left right, come on lads hop to it.” I foolishly tried to encourage corpses, they ignored me and shuffled along.

Sighing, I tried to keep my positivity, but I was failing horribly. That is what happens when your life has turned to shit, golden shit, but shit nonetheless. Well, I guess it wasn’t all bad, I mean I could pretend to be a powerful vampire overlord of an army of darkness.

Casting an eye on my troops consisting of of a dozen zombies made from peasants and outfitted with axes, maces and I think that one in the back has a farm sickle. It wasn’t exactly an army of darkness, but they don’t care what I call them and so it shall be.

“Attend me my minions.” They were not my minions, but as I said, they didn’t know that. “Your master has bid you lowly wretches the honour of completing a task worthy of.” I paused waiting for the former farmer to reach us. “Yes, worthy of your skills.” Finally my minions had a arrived and so I explained the mission.

“We shall act as a harassing force, cut off supply lines and isolate our prey.” They stared at me with those dumb undead faces. They moaned a few times, so I suppose that counts as an affirmative. “Up ahead is a caravan loaded with supplies, we are to ambush them and eliminate them with superior numbers.” I counted them again and thought that last statement might be a bit of a stretch.

I mean a dozen zombies is not a small number, but if this caravan has anyone competent defending it. Things will get tricky, these lot where not exactly the best ambushers. They were slow and you could smell them from a league away.

“Damn you Kazmir, why couldn’t you give me some ghouls or some humans.” I whined, I found I was doing that a lot these days.

Well I had to work with what I got, but how could I ambush a caravan with this sorry lot. As I wondered, one of them got stuck in the marsh and started sinking. The muck was almost up to his knee. I quickly ran over and grabbed the poor fellow, dragging him out. He moaned a thank you, at least that is how I will interpret it.

“You idiot, you were almost completely submerged, you could have.” I trailed off, retracting my statement as he was already dead.

I frowned, inspecting the state of my undead soldier and a thought occurred. The idea just sprang to mind, drawn from the depths of my psyche, triggered by the sight of this poor wretch sinking below the ground.

“I’ve got an idea.” I beamed at the zombie, he naturally moaned in response.

Chapter 6: Asmin
“There we go.” I commented happily, inspecting my humble abode. It was not to bad for a cave inside a giant mountain. In fact it was quite cavernous and I had yet to fully explore it. This was just a base of operations, I am not sure if this would count as a home or a wizardly domain.

“I am a demon, so would it be a demonic domain?” I pondered out loud before shaking my head.

No matter what I looked like, I was a wizard at heart. Being a demon is just a minor setback, I waved it away like it was nothing. Trying desperately to make that statement true on all levels. I mean I had to look at the bright side, I was in the abyss, exploring the astral plane is one thing, but exploring the abyss is another thing entirely.

The wonders a wizard of my talents could discover. This could lead to an entirely new discipline of wizardry. I am sure the abyss has unique and exotic components that can be applied to new and interesting spells.

I put a claw to my chin, trying not to scratch myself, it was a bit of a chore. Thinking on this new avenue of study, I wondered what I should call it. “Abyssal Wizardry?” I suggested aloud, but quickly retracted the idea. This was not a new form of wizardry at least as far as my speculation suggests.

If I word to categorise this speculative study I am most definitely going to do. It would have to be a school of wizardry. “The eighth school!” I announced excitedly. “I could found the eighth school of wizardry, it would be unprecedent, oh the scholars would swoon at my accomplishment.” Envisioning my name made immortal as I changed the very fabric of wizardry.

“But what could I call it, Abyssalmancy? That doesn’t sound right, Demonomancy? That could work.” I went through a few options, not really settling on a name.

I decided to leave the decision for later. I had to develop the school first, before I could give it a good name. With a bright spot in this dark future found, I was feeling a bit happier. Being turned into a demon and damned to the abyss aside, this might work out.

I scanned the cave and wondered how in the name of gods would I get furniture in here. It was not as if I could step out to the planes of men for a shopping trip. As I was pondering the intricacies of interplanar shopping, the world started to skew oddly.

I could hear a women’s voice, inviting or perhaps demanding. The tone was familiar, I think I have spoken in such a way. I turned around, noting the world was quickly fading and my cave made way to a room.

I was being summoned, conjured like a typical demon at the beck and call of it’s master. Was this great wizard that calls me, the one that created such a spell to transform mortals into demons. I braced for the arrival, wanting to confront this master conjurer, who had revolutionised the discipline.

Instead of appearing on some opulent castle of a deranged wizard king. I found myself in a rather dank dungeon, surrounded by three figures. A woman and two men, they were arrayed before me and each had different expressions.

The woman in the centre must be the conjurer, she seemed slightly exhausted. Once my eyes adjusted I took in her presence. She was pretty, not overly sensual or curvy. She looked to be in her twenties and wore a dark surcoat with simple pants and shoes. Not the typical dress of a lady, but I suppose it was practical. Long black hair was tied up in ponytail, presenting her perfectly proportioned face and her deep ocean blue eyes.

To her left was clearly some sort of knight, I could tell from the steel plate armour and sword at his hip. Their was an insignia on his breastplate that I didn’t recognise. He looked to be in his forties, short salt and pepper hair and a chiseled jawline. He looked typical of a knight in shining armour from all these frivolous tales.

The man to her right was equally interesting, from the aura he radiated, I would say he was a necromancer. I have not met many of those, not well liked in most wizardly circles, but who was I to judge. He was elderly, probably in his late sixties or seventies. A wrinkled face with greying hair, he wore a black robe and gripped a gnarled wooden staff.

“Demon, I have summoned you and thou is mine.” The conjurer proclaimed, but she didn’t say it quite right, she needed a more imperious tone.

I ignored her, casting my gaze across the room, trying to piece together all the facts I could get. The place was typical of most seedy dungeons, but what really caught my eye was the pentagram beneath me. I was transfixed by it, I found myself tracing every line and sigil with my appraising gaze.

“You are bound demon, bound by my will and by this circle.” She explained, still not getting the tone right.

“Did you design this?” I asked, genuinely curious.

I received no immediate reply and so pulled myself away from examining it. The three looked puzzled, staring at me incredulously. “Yes demon, I crafted your containment, no matter what infernal power you bring to bare, you cannot escape.” She explained after her initial pause.

“I agree, it is impressive, truly masterful work.” I admitted genuinely, I was over awed by the intricate yet practical design. It was elegance at it’s finest and compacted into only a single pentagram.

“Thank you.” She said timidly.

“How did you do that?” I asked, tracing the design, only to realise and answer my own question. “I see, brilliant.” It was honest praise, I was so enamoured by the work, I almost didn’t hear the necromancer.

“Do you think it is odd for a demon to appreciate their masters work to bind them?” The walking corpse asked, but the question was not directed to me.

“He is probably lying, putting on a falsehood.” The knight declared, secure in his observation. The wizard remained silent, her head cocked to the side.

“Should I not give credit, where credit is due? Or do the people of this world not appreciate fine wizardry?” I asked rather haughtily.

The knight scowled, his hand tightening over the pommel of his sword. “I think we are getting off track.” She interjected and the two adhered to her words. It was clear that she was in charge.

I on the other hand took her words to heart, even though they were not meant for me. Getting distracted by the impressive work of my opponent was just pure idiocy. I needed to get my head on straight, this person was either the mastermind behind this new human to demon conversion spell or a pawn of a greater power.

“Demon!” She spoke in a commanding voice.

“Call me Asmin.” I quickly requested before she could harp on. I personally didn’t do that whole song and dance with my demons. In fact, I wonder if my bindings are even intact. Taking a quick look with wizards sight, or was it demons sight, I noted a lack of bindings.

“Alright then, Asmin. I have summoned you for a purpose and command you to reveal your capabilities to me.” She commanded and I felt a compulsion to obey.

It was quite difficult to shake it off, but I think I can work around it. “What capabilities do you want me to share, miss?” I inquired, trying to comply without fully obeying.

“You may call me mistress, Ephemia or mistress Ephemia. As for your capabilities, explain them to me relative to combat.”

“Combat, well I have a diverse skill set, I have studied several disciplines such as pyromancy, conjury, a little bit of enchantment and some rune magic. Pyromancy is probably the most useful for combat, conjury is self explanatory and enchantment not so much, but I can make some descent illusions.” I overshared, only just realising I spilled the beans.

That compulsion spell was really good, I could barely keep the words down. I decided that it was all the fault of the spell and not my desire to brag. Being a humble wizard, I just don’t do that sort of thing.

Casting a glance upon the three, I noted incredulity. I suspected they were surprised by a demon claiming to have studied wizardry. I mean demons just didn’t do that. I tilted my head, puzzled for a moment. That is a question, why couldn’t demons learn wizardry, they are mana users. I filed that away for later.

“Did this demon just claim to be a wizard?” The necromancer asked sceptically.

“He did.” The mistress affirmed.

“He must be lying, demons lie, everybody knows that.” The knight proclaimed.

I mean he was not wrong, demons did lie. But then again, I am now a demon and I was being truthful. No that is wrong, I am a human wizard, not a demon. This is just the work of a spell, I am still me, I am a very honest and a trustworthy person.

“Is this true, are you truly saying you are some sort of demon wizard?” My mistress asked.

“Yes, mistress Ephemia I am.” I replied proudly.

“But what about your demonic powers, wouldn’t they be better then learning wizardry. In fact how did you even learn it in the first place.”

“To be honest I don’t really use them.” Which was true, I had never used demonic powers before. “I prefer wizardry, I learned it on the planes of man and am quite proficient in it’s use.”

“How odd, would that mean you would require spell components?”

“Yes I would need some, I left mine on another plane. Would you be able to part with a few?” I requested as sincerely as a demon could be.

My mistress thought about it, her lips were pouting and her brows narrowed in thought. I could see the knight ready to voice his objections and the necromancer just watched curiously.

“I will think about, for now that is enough.” She gestured in a manner I recognised. “Begone Asmin, return to thy own plane.” With those words and the semantic gestures, I started to fade into the abyss.

Chapter 8: Ephemia
“Never would I have anticipated that one day I would be lining the walls of my keep with zombies.” I observed as shambling undead, I would not question there origin, shuffled up the stairs to the battlements.

They carted an assortment of stones taken from the nearby quarry. Apparently they would hurl them down at the besiging army. Being untiring corpses, they could continually lob stone over and over until everyone is paste.

My soldiers had gotten used to the presence of undead, well as much as living beings could. They stopped screaming and only shuddered whenever they came close.

“Mgnificient are they not?” A familiar voice spoke to my side.

I noted the black robe and the unholy staff. There was only one person that strolled around in full necromantic regalia.

“They are bunch of shambling zombies, once you have seen one, you have seen them all.” I answered, not impressed.

“So few appreciate my art and the efforts I go through to make the army presentable.” I had to concede to that, they did look far more held together then the typical rotting undead.

“I had noticed there odour was not as putrid as I expected.” It was true, from a distance they smelled like scented flowers, an odd fragrance for the walking dead.

“They are my best work, far more stable then the walking corpses that pedestrian necromancers raise.” He said that with a note of disdain, as if there was a difference between one walking corpse and another. “The embalming techniques perfected by the people of Natoor were an eye opener to those in my line of work.” He added.

I had no clue who about this Natoor he mentioned, nor this embalming technique. I shouldn’t ask, but I was far to curious a person not to.

“I am not familiar, where is this Natoor you speak of?” I asked.

He waved his hand in a direction. “It is a land adjacent to Norelon that is now ruled by the imperials. Once it was the seat of civilisation for the Nyjyr Ennead. Such a pantheon no longer holds sway, but remnaints of their efforts can be found by a discerning mind. No matter how much the darn imperials have destroyed.” He added icely.

“I have not heard of such a land. But I shall take your word for it that this technique is impressive. However this pantheon you speak of, I am not familiar and by imperial do you mean the Holy Etonian Empire?”

“They are an old pantheon, lost to time. And yes the Empire, nasty people at least according to those that remember on Natoor.”

“Yes I have heard that they have a tendency towards zealotry and putting there noses into others business.”

“Indeed, they are the holier then thou types that have setback the necromantic art by centuries by unjustly slaughtering my peers.”

I nodded, not entirely agreeing, necromancers while tolerated in the duchy, are not exactly trusted.

“I think we might have gotten off topic. What I was asking, is why they don’t smell rotten, is it to do with this embalming technique you mentioned?” I titled my head slightly, eyeing the death monger.

“Partially, the process is meant to preserve the corpse, but the scent is masked by applying a floral scent.” He explained proudly.

I looked to the man incredulously, did he just admit to using perfume on undead soldiers? I shook my head, trying to parse the thought of a death monger buying up perfume from an apothecary like some perfumed Lord or Lady.

Of course, thinking it over it made sense. Undead were not known for having a pleasant scent. Perfume would be quite handy for necromancers to keep there creations smelling tolerable.

Exceeding to his point, I continued to observe our efforts in mounting a defence. The enemy had a seasoned mercernary company and a vampire necromancer on there side. At least according to Belus who knew full well the enemy we face.

“Damn my brother to the Abyss. He doesn’t even have the common courtesy to come himself. Instead he sends sellswords and vampires.” I said angrily, to noone in particular.

“Treachery and cowardice is the stock and trade of your brother, no wonder he aligned himself with such a lowly creature as Drelem.” Belus added, scornfully.

I looked to the necromancer, he was scowling, I had not seen such a visceral reaction from him before. “You never did tell me what happened between you and Drelem.”

“That my dear is a tale of utter betrayal.”

“We have time.” I gestured for him to continue.

“As you wish my lady. Drelem was once a colleague of mine in the art of necromancy, he was almost as talented as I was. We worked together on many projects and vowed to reach for that which all in our trade do.”

“And what would that might be?” I inquired.

He turned to me with a wild look in his eyes. “Eternal life my dear, what else can any sane person desire. To achieve immortality by one’s own power!” He raised his staff theatrically, gesturing to the heaven’s.

“So he achieved immortality before you, is that why you hate him?” I asked with a smirk.

He looked at me like I just slapped him in the face. “That is no achievement, that is a shortcut, that is cheating! He broke the oath we made together, to acheive eternal life through our own power. All the years of exploring Natoor, the place of my mother’s birth. Infiltrating the Grove to pass between realms, the attempts we made to reach Nysegard and entreate with Storm Lords. All that time and he gives it up to the first vampire offering his blood!” The necromancer fumed, every word laced with boiling hot wrath. His indignation, an unfamiliar expression of raw emotion was very odd to behold.

Before his tirade could reach a crescendo, he managed to notice where he was and whom he was talking to. “Well, he is a treacherous and devious fellow. I wouldn’t trust him at his word at all.” He added cautiously.

“And I should trust you at yours?” I questioned, still with a smile.

“You can my lady, I have never wavered when it comes to my agreement’s, as others have.” He didn’t have to allude to whom he was referring.

“Does this mean your goal is to kill this vampire?” I asked, worried that any successful vengeance will lessen his desire to remain.

“Kill him, perish the thought! I would never waste my magic on someone so lowly. I will however defend your keep from all enemies, so I may have a good view upon the battlements.” He grinned evilly. “From there I shall view with tremendous joy as your pet demon tears him apart.” He proclaimed with a certainty that his will shall be done.

“I see.” I added patiently.

“However my lady, I do have a request.” He quickly added as if a thought struck him.

“Of course, ask away.”

“May I request your demon to preserve the head. I wish to mount his skull upon my staff. I would bind his soul, but I doubt it is worth anything.”

I nodded in affirmation as that seemed reasonable to me.

Edited by user Wednesday, July 3, 2024 3:09:28 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Chapter 10: Asmin
“This place is weird, but interesting.” I observed with wizard sight.

I noted that the abyss was steeped in mana, how that came about without the friction between the five elements was a mystery. But alas I could see so much magical energy, but a lacking of most of the major elements.

I stopped in my tracks, hovering above my cave. I was quite proud of my aerial efforts, flying was not as difficult as I anticipated. After I fell the first six times. I have not entirely mastered my demonic abilities, but have ascended to the realm of petty dabbler.

Preferring the compact efficiency of spells, I loathed this animage style. Alas nothing ventured, nothing gained. Hovering in the sky I tried again to throw fire, managing a small gout of flame. It was not bad, faster then a spell, but not as powerful nor precise.

Finding spell components was a challenge, I have expanded my radius around this barren wasteland. Haven’t found any signs of other demons, this place seems to lack any semblance of civilisation, assuming demons had such things.

I grew tired of flying and quickly descended. Entering my little cave I marvelled at my expert masonry. Demon claws can slice through stone and so I made a table. I mean I made a wizards lab for spells and mighty concoctions.

It was hard to pretend that the situation was ideal. I would kill to return to my world and ransack my lab. I mean the components of the Abyss are fascinating, nothing beats the familiar.

I shook my head, I needed to focus on the task at hand. The assembled components I managed to scrounge up would work well enough. The elements arrayed on the table along with with the etched pentagram, it was time to cast my first abyssal spell.

Of course, it is a basic scrying spell merged with an abyssal link using the law of contagion. Basically it was a seeking spell that could in theory work in the abyss. With this I could repair the broken links to my demons and locate them.

It took some work to get everything prepped, the components available are not the typical. But the Abyss is sutured with mana, still haven’t figured out how. Though I suspect the Abyss has several complex elements to provide enough friction to generate mana. Regardless of my own suspicions, this place is the best to cast spells.

I think I have it now, once the last semantic gesture was done, I managed to reconnect my links. It was very odd to be following a link from inside the abyss, but whatever works. The links now repaired, I traced them in my mind. It was similar to astral projection, something I was surprised to do.

The spell of scrying generally doesn’t do that, this feels similar to consuming the spice and projecting into the astral plane. I will study that later, focusing I could vaguely sense there presence, oddly they were gathered together in the same place.

The vague outlines gave way to colour, shape and form. I could clearly see my demons, four of them, three second orders and one first order. I noted each of them one after the other. Astragoth was there, the man sized fiend with four arms, humming bird wings and greenish red skin was chugging a rather large mug.

The odd scene soon came into focus and I noted my demons were sitting around table, each partaking in a group drinking session. The location was rather hazy, but from what I could see, wooden table, chairs and an assortment of empty mugs. It looked like your typical tavern, how very odd, I didn’t think the abyss had such establishments.

He was seated across from three other demons I recognised as Kalrun, the bipedal fiend with small bat like wings, Etragos a similar four limbed fiend to Astragoth and finally the imp Jelmak, who liked like a red-skinned gargoyle.

The four were laughing, drinking and being as merry as inebriated humans at a local tavern. It was the oddest sight, ignoring the fact they were in an abyssal tavern, I was pretty sure demons didn’t eat or drink. Even if they did, how could they get drunk?

“A toast to our accursed master!” Astragoth announced thrusting his mug in the air.

The three reciprocated with there own, clinking beverages before downing its contents.

“And to whoever did him in. I would buy them a drink for sending him to the grave.” Kalrun added gleefully.

“I wonder what killed him?” Etragos wondered.

“Who cares, he’s dead and good riddance!” Astragoth declared before waving over someone.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing these demons were actually toasting my supposed death. I was aghast, shocked that they would. Actually now that I think about it, they are demons. Of course they would be happy if I died.

“Jelmak, stop being so gloomy, have a drink we are celebrating.” Etragos tried to cheer up the imp, obviously unsuccessful.

The imp appeared very down, sad even. I wondered why, his compatriots were ecstatic, toasting my death.

“I’m not being gloomy.” He protested. “I just don’t feel like celebrating.”

“Oh for lilith sake, are you sad our accursed master is dead.” Astragoth exclaimed.

“No, I’m just thinking that him dropping dead suddenly is not exactly the best thing for us.” The little imp replied angrily.

I didn’t see that coming, I always assumed my demons would all celebrate my death, which I had only been half right.

“Here we go again, defending our accursed master. You do know he enslaved us!”

“Yes but he wasn’t as bad as the others. You have heard the horror stories, they torture us for no reason at all. He didn’t do that, sure he had a stick up his rear and kept scribbling in that journal. But at least he didn’t torment us for the fun of it.” The little demon exclaimed, prompting shocked faces except for Etragos.

Etragos was nodding, something Astragoth noticed. “Not you to Etty.” He complained.

“What Astra, it’s not like he is wrong, our dearly departed accursed master was not that bad in comparison.” He explained.

I found Estragos words comforting, which was odd. Observing the demons in there natural habitate it was hard not to see them as people. They certainly acted like regular people just having a drink and toasting the death of an enemy. I mean that last part is unusual but not uncommon.

“Hey its not like he didn’t torture us!” Astragoth said angrily.

“Sure he tortured you with that pain spell but you did try to rip his throat out, as I heard it.” Etragos explained with a raised eyebrow and a cheeky grin.

I recalled that event, it was just after I conjured him a second time. I got to close and he nearly took my head off. I looked down at his claws, still razor sharp and deadly.

The demon looked to his companion, shocked and looked a little hurt. That did not last, he soon scowled angrily. He pointed his clawed finger at Etragos. “He had just killed me, ripped me from my mortal life and turned me into a demon. So naturally I was little ticked off.”

I froze with that statement, shocked, bewildered. I could not have heard that right. I listened some more, trying to parse this information.

“Oh right, I remember you were a new arrival unlike us.” Etragos recalled.

“Yes, not a pleasant experience, you all remember. Living life as a human, smoking some weed and boom suddenly your a slave. What’s worse you get greeted by Tizzy when you show up, that octopod has lost his marbles.”

“I don’t know, Boggy seems like a decent fellow. But yes Tizzy is crazy, I wonder why Lilith hasn’t killed him yet?” Etragos added, looking thoughtful.

After a time I tuned out there conversation, I was too shocked by there conversation. In fact I forgot to breath, what my demon, my first demon said. It matched my own experience, to the letter. I don’t know who this Tizzy or Boggy are, but he mentioned an octopod, it must have been the one I ran from.

How could this be, how could he have had the same experience. Was he transformed through this new conjury spell that Ephemia likely possesses? But I was the one that conjured him, using basic conjury spells, nothing new or ground breaking.

I was overwhelmed with ideas that could not be true, they cant be true. It must be lies, a trick, something demons are known for. And with that thought, I looked down at my hands, tracing the talons of my claws, cementing the fact that I was a demon.

“What in the Abyss!” Astragoth exclaimed loudly.

I looked to the demon, pulled from my thoughts and noticed him looking down at his mid section.

“I thought this link was broken with our accursed masters death!” He yelled, not caring about the volume of his voice.

His eyes darted around, narrowing on me. He could see me, or sense me, whatever the case, I needed to shut down the spell. Making the right semantic gestures, I quickly cancelled the scrying, the vision winked out and I was alone. Standing in the middle of a cave, shocked to me core, trying desperately to deny what evidence was providing.

Edited by user Friday, June 28, 2024 2:51:05 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Chapter 12: Ephemia
“A carriage has shown up outside the wall?” I questioned the sentry.

The young man was in his late teens, probably one of the village peasents that joined up with the castle guard. He looked green and far to young to have experienced war. He would soon learn of its horrors, I was sure about that.

“Yes my lady, it was driven by a young girl who handed in this scroll.” The sentry presented a wax sealed scroll, the seal was immediately recognised as my own.

I knew the contents before I broke the seal. It was a letter of admittance to one Emily and her father Johan into Wildholds School of Wizardry. I didn’t want to call my fledgling school after myself or my family. So I decided to name it after my castle.

The name Wildhold was rumoured to be given by my late father, to hold his wild child as I was known. In truth it was actually named for the fact we were on the border of the forest of Nar Woodar.

“I thought I had sent out enough letters warning my future students to stay away from the battlefield.” I stated more to myself then to the sentry.

“Bring them in, they likely didn’t receive my letter and are now stuck here. Have them taken to there rooms, there carriage and horses stabled.” I ordered and just as I was about to leave, the young man signalled there was more.

“Yes sentry?”

“She claims her father was attacked by a vampire and that same vampire helped them get here. I am not sure what she was talking about, but her father has wounds consistent with a vampire attack.’ The sentry quickly explained.

“By the Abyss, the bastards are attacking the roads already.” I cursed. “Get him into a healer, take him to Senior Gerald, he is familiar with spells to treat ghoulism. But keep your sword ready if he turns.” I added; commanding the young sentry.

He blanched in horror, the idea of a ghoul being inside the castle walls. He bowed and soon left to fullfil my orders. Making two steps before I delivered another order.

“Have the daughter sent to my office, I wish to speak to her.” I commanded, raising my voice so he could hear me.

This was not want I wanted, having my conflict with my brother effect my future students. Building a school of Wizardry had always been my dream and I had sent out letters of invitation to several prospective students noble and peasent alike. Talent for Wizardry had always been rather diverse when it came to social status. But I ended up with a modest roster of farmers and fourth born minor nobles that would inherit nothing.

I shook my head at the ill timing of my brothers vendetta. Standing in the castles courtyard, observing the bustle of men at arms, castle workers and zombies, all working towards the defence.

I sighed, recalling my current meagre roster of potential of wizards. Three new students that came early last uropian month, barely trained in the basics. Two seniors I managed to wrangle from Towmond. Senior Gerald a Thaumaturge and Senior Wilhelm a Sorcerer. And let’s include the Necromancer Belus, for as long as that shifty death monger stays loyal.

I thought upon what my demon said. “Actually if my bound demon is to believed, he is a rather skilled wizard himself. With Emily we may have a school yet.” I laughed at the absurdity of it all.

A school of Wizardry composed of four ill trained peasents, two competent seniors, a crazy necromancer, a third order demon pyromancer and little old me to teach them.

Life was getting more absurd by the day. And soon it will be getting bloody, as this was a sign a siege was imminent. Scouts report the army is camped not to far and is waiting for the night, probably tomorrow night. With there attacks on caravans they likely have blocked off all roads. We are trapped, but we are not without our advantages. I looked to my binding link, cast off towards the Abyss and my third order demon.

I sighed, turning to the inner castle and made my way to my office. Passing through corridors of bustling servants and Castle guards. I found the forever serious Sir Felmun with his deputies, planning the castles defence. Belus was there as well, seated off to the side, possibly sleeping, might be dead.

They had appropriated my office for there war planning. I didn’t mind, since I had no clue how to plan a war.

As I entered Sir Felmun and his people bowed respectfully, even Belus gave a curt nod of a respect. So he wasn’t dead, good, I don’t have time to deal with a lich right now.

“A carriage has arrived, the occupants are a father and daughter duo. The daughter is a prospective student that didn’t get my warning to stay away.” I explained as I entered and collapsed on my vacant chair. Damn this thing was comfortable.

“A student?” Felmun said phrased like a question.

“Yes she is.” I cut off my words as I dug through my desk for the appropriate papers. Withdrawing a ledger, the room waited patiently as I located the girls name. “Emily of Southmond, where ever that is, probably south somewhere. She is a Thaumaturge, excellent we need more healers in the days to come.” I added as an after thought.

“It was lucky that the enemy hadn’t got to them before they arrived.” One of Felmuns deputies said, I think his name was Gregor.

“Unfortunately they did, but oddly they let them go.” I said, shocking the entire room.

“Let them go?” Felmun wondered.

“We shall see what the girl says, then we can discuss it. She should be attending my study momentarily.” I reassured.

It wasn’t long before she arrived, a servant guided her in and the young girl was seated opposite the desk. I ordered out most of the occupants as to not overwhelm the child, leaving only Sir Felmun and Belus. I would have preferred the necromancer to vacate to, but his expertise was needed.

“Greetings Emily, I am Mistress Ephemia of the Wildholds School of Wizardry. This is Sir Felmun my personal retainer and this is Belus an associate.” I decided not to introduce him as a necromancer, likely she did see the zombies but still best not to identify their creator.

“Greetings mistress, I am glad to be here.” She muttered quietly, clearly she had been through an ordeal. Yet she was a lot calmer then I would have expected.

“Please be at ease, we just have a few questions about your ordeal. And before you ask, your father will be fine, we have our top healer tending to him.” That seemed to raise her spirits and she smiled. It was quite cute and I smiled in return, genuinely.

“You mentioned to the sentries that your carriage was attacked by vampires?” I queried, getting to the meat of the situation.

She nodded. “Only one vampire, the rest were zombies I think. They stopped our carriage and took me and father. The vampire attacked father, but stopped when I asked him to.” The girl explained and I frowned.

“The vampire stopped his feeding?” Belus chimed in, his curiosity likely peaked.

“Yes, Erik said he was sorry and tried to help father get better. Then he helped us get aboard and took us close to the mistress castle.” She replied to Belus.

“Erik?” Sir Felmun queried.

“That’s what he said his name was.”

“That is very odd, why would he tell you his name?” I said rhetorically.

What followed was several more questions from each of us. It revealed very little, the encounter she had with this Erik was very brief. Probably because fierd was rising and the vampire needed to go to ground or risk ashes.

The interview took only an hour and the girl was sent to her quarters to sleep. Meanwhile the three of us sat in silence. Each digesting the situation and trying to come up with an answer to explain things.

“Anyone got an answer?” I queried the two.

“Perhaps it is a ruse or a trap. Maybe the girl is under a spell?” Felmun suggested.

“She wasn’t, I checked during our session.” I cast a few spells in secret and examined her with wizards sight. If she was under a spell it would have to be something beyond my skills.

“Do you have an answer Belus? You are the resident expert on the undead.” I asked the necromancer.

He sait quietly for a moment, either sleeping with his eyes open or pondering his answer. Eventually he spoke after a full minute. “It’s possible this Erik is a fledgling, new to vampirism.” He suggested.

“What makes you say that?” Felmun asked.

“From what the girl said, this vampire seems to lack control, likely newly turned. And it has been documented that vampires newly turned still have a shred of there former humanity. They tend to have difficulty with the thought of drinking blood. It’s possible this Erik had a similar reaction and acted out of remorse for his actions.” The necromancer explained, it was an explanation that did fit the narrative.

“That seems odd, why would they send such a new vampire?” I asked Belus.

“It is probably because Drelem the cursed leech is hard up for volunteers. He likely needs to fill his ranks quickly ever since I destroyed his former sycophants with a cloud of disintegration.” Belus explained as if it was an after thought.

“You did what?” I questioned, shocked at his admittance.

“You know we are rivals, enemies if you will. The fool tried to turn me when I refused his offer, tried to make me his lackey. So I destroyed much of his bloodsuckers before escaping. Then I joined up with you after I learned he was working with your brother.” The necromancer explained something he really should have told me days ago.

“So he is recruiting new vampires for the army. That is actually good news, we will have less experienced vampires crawling up the walls.” I smiled as I discovered a potential advantage in the upcoming battle.

Belus nodded and then shrugged when our combined glares descended upon him.

“Can we use this Erik perhaps?” Felmun questioned Belus

“It is possible, if he is new he will likely not be as loyal as the others. Depending on the corcumstance of his turning. But since Drelem is not known for his patience. It is likely he grabbed some poor fool from a war tent and forcibly recruited the poor lad.”

His words sank in and we soon fell into discussion about the enemy and the upcoming siege.

Chapter 14: Asmin
“This sucks!” I exclaimed loudly, my booming voice was as I just realised, very loud and echoed throughout the vast cave system.

I had just learned some very disturbing information. I could declare it all demonic lies as most right-thinking folk do. Especially those priests of Tiernon and Torean. But I was a wizard dammit, we do not just accept things, we investigate, experiment and determine truth from fact.

I sighed heavily and sank down against the wall. “At least that is what wizards are supposed to be.” It was established fact, but if I were to believe everything I have experienced and heard. Either something new has come onto the wizardly scene or we were so wrong about everything from the start.

The ideas running through my mind were staggering questions, with consequences for the wizard community if ever proven. I had to stop this and think like a wizard, no matter what I looked like or where I was, this will never change.

I rose to my feet and stood proudly. It was hard to do since I was naked, something I only recently noticed. Oddly I was fine with it, but still intellectually I wanted some clothes, although how to make them survive the abyss would be tricky.

Moving over to my makeshift lab, I decided that clothes would come later. I needed to experiment and prove or disprove this disturbing notion. Raising one clawed finger in the air, I spoke aloud my thoughts.

“Hypothesis, do conjury spells have the capacity to transform mortal souls into demonic entities bound to the abyss?” Saying out loud was ridiculous, not just because it looked stupid, but because the idea was crazy.

Regardless of the insanity, I needed to disprove it. I must do this for the sake of all wizards. I paused for a moment, what about me? It was a question I hadn’t really thought of. I was so caught up in my thoughts, that I failed to acknowledge my own circumstances.

I was a demon, damned to the Abyss and unless I can reverse it, I would be reviled and feared by mortal men. In fact, the more zealot members of select churches would kill me on sight.

“Damn it all to the Abyss, I am screwed.” I wailed helplessly, forgetting for a moment who I was.

It was a rather self-deprecating moment I will endeavour not to repeat. I slapped myself, which was a bad idea as that hurt tremendously. After coming from the concussion, I wondered what that would do to a human skull. The sight of brains splattered all over a wall was all I came up with. I shuddered at the thought and resolved to be gentle with any humans I wished not to kill. Everybody else was fair game, I grinned maliciously.

After my pity party, I descended upon the noble effort of planning and study. Examining all my recent memories, everything I knew of conjury and demons, along with all I had learned since.

“I recall the pentacles when my mistress first summoned me. The memory is vague, but they seemed typical of basic conjury.” I mused aloud. “Of course they were exquisitely crafted and elegantly efficient. Yet the design was consistent with the basic ritual for a third order demon.” Making this case I mused over the rest I had discovered.

After much internal debate, I have determined, that I have lots of theories and very little controlled and repeatable evidence to support. With this in mind, the only solution is to test the theory and summon another unbound demon.

But how can I verify them as truly being a mortal soul, transformed the same as I? That was a dilemma, that I neither had an answer nor the means to obtain.

I am not sure how long I stood there, deep in thought. I barely noticed the voice calling me and my world shifting out of phase. My cave made way for a familiar dungeon, lit by braziers. I sighed, realising what just happened.

“Took you long enough.” I said a bit peeved at the timing.

I turned to notice the familiar trio, my mistress, the necromancer and the noble knight. They were truly an odd trinity, I was unsure how they functioned.

“You desire to be summoned?” The necromancer, I forgot his name asked in a tone that revealed he was sceptical.

“Well yes, scouring the Abyss for spell components is such a hassle. Days, at least I assume, of searching. I only managed to develop a single spell. Even then I had to shortcut parts of it with my demonic powers. Shortcuts, damn shortcuts.” I complained, scowling at my own lapses in the Wizardly method.

“New spells, abyssal components?” The necromancer muttered, I think his name was Belus. I will have to file that away, I am terrible with names.

“Yes, I am studying potential spell components that exist in the abyss. Groundbreaking stuff I might add.” I may have said too much.

“What kind of components exist in the abyss?” Ephemia, I knew her name, questioned.

“Honestly not much really, the place is pretty barren, lots of fire, earth, some air and animus. Water on the other hand, I have not seen, so I am not sure how mana gets generated there.”

“Interesting, I have always wondered what the abyss was like. So I take it your claims of wizardly skill were not just a joke?” Ephemia asked, smiling.

“Perish the thought my lady. I am an upstanding and learned wizard. My achievements speak for themselves, at least on other planes. I am not sure were this place is, but I am sure my feats will be spread wide.” I exaggerated a little theatrically before looking around, noting a lack of windows.

“Well that is very interesting, but we are short on time so. Demon I command thee!” She raised her voice before I cut her off.

“Stop, no need for all that, just tell me what you want.” I declared firmly.

The suggestion stunned the trio, each of them had a double take. The knight looked peeved that I interrupted his mistress, Belus appeared interested and Ephemia looked puzzled.

“Demon, what are you talking about? Do not interrupt your mistress!” The knight said angrily, reaching for his sword.

“It is fine Sir Felmun.” She waved her hand calming the knight. “Explain demon?” She added.

“Okay, we all know that you have bound me, impressive, congratulations.” I clapped trying to avoid skewering my hands. “You could easily compel me to obey with those compulsion spells of yours and for your information, I have an in depth knowledge of how they work. With that in mind, you could command me to obey, I will resist and you can turn to torture and threats. But here is the rub, do you have time to wrangle an uncooperative demon?” I tilted my head, gesturing to my mistress.

She paused and before she was about to speak, self-righteous chimed in. “Don’t listen to him my lady. Demons are all liars and tricksters!” He declared as if it were gospel. Which it was to me, at least before it was challenged by the current disturbing events.

“So what, humans lie all the time. How does not trusting me change the circumstance, I mean.” I directed their attention to Belus. “Do you trust the necromancer?” I asked the pair and then turned back to him. “No offence.”

“None taken.” Belus replied with a chuckle.

“I see were you are going with this.” Ephemia gestured her knight to silence. “Just because you are untrustworthy, does not change the situation, as we can trust your own self interest?”

“Exactly.” I nodded, joyful I made my point.

“But that is a situation were both parties are balanced. This situation, I am dominate so why should I work with you instead of compelling you to work for me. What is my incentive?” She made her point, a very valid one.

Luckily I had an answer ready, like a wand all charged up and waiting for the right trigger word. “Correct and to answer your question, time is your incentive.”

“Time?” She asked, puzzled.

“Yes, time, you don’t have a lot of time to go through the hassle of compelling an unruly demon.” She tilted her head, the other two were puzzled as well. The knight was scowling but that seemed his default expression.

“Explain?” Belus requested.

“Well it is pretty obvious you have limited time. You summoned a third order demon, inquired about my combat related abilities and this place looks like the dungeon of a fortified castle.” I gestured around the room. “All these points collated, I can only suspect you need demonic firepower for an upcoming war. Perhaps a siege that is imminent, maybe tomorrow or the next day?”

I am pretty sure I struck the nail on the head, their furtive glances and that knight having no control over his facial muscles. I think I have got it perfectly.

“So, here is what I am offering, listen to my deal. If it seems reasonable and mutually advantageous for both parties, we can get to the business at hand. If not, well have fun trying to torture me into compliance, I will resist, a lot.” I laid it all on the table and now it was up to them to accept or decline.

The trio looked at each other, trading glances before Ephemia spoke up. “We will discuss this.” As she said it, she gestured them to the other side of the room and fell into a huddled discussion.

I just stayed in place, not like I was going anywhere.

Chapter 16: Asmin
“So do we have a deal?” I asked cautiously.

I may have said too much. But what could I do, I needed wizard supplies. The good stuff from the planes of men, the abyssal stuff will take some time to work out. The trio did that huddle thing again, thankfully this time, they didn’t take forever.

“You plan to summon your demons?” Ephemia questioned.

“Yes, they will be useful in the upcoming battle, will they not?” I wondered.

“True, but.” She trailed off and as to why she was reticent, it dawned on me.

“You are concerned about me summoning new demons not under your control.” I confirmed.

“Yes unless you give me there true names.” She frowned the moment she said that.

“You can control that many demons and my illustrious and powerful self?” I asked, cheekily.

She frowned in concentration, staying like that for over a minute. Eventually, she shook her head in the negative, accepting her own limitations. This is understandable, even at my height I could not control a major demon and four lesser demons.

“Okay, how about this, I will summon one demon at a time. And since you have bound me and I will bind them. You will have control. Fair enough?” I suggested, it was rational and could work. A chain binding is probably the most apt term for it.

The trio went into that huddle. Now the waiting game begins again. I was very patient and let them whisper and discuss. I could guess what they were saying. The knight would be against it. Belus would be for it and my mistress will probably just do what she wants.

Eventually, they came to a decision and as expected, agreed. They would provide me with spell components, for conjury and pyromancy. I made sure they remembered to get me some clothes, and they promised to provide me with wizard robes.

“Now demon, I shall release you from your confinement. By your true name I command you, Asmin. You will not harm me, my colleagues here and anyone within my domain.” She commanded and I felt the compulsion spell.

I will admit, it was impressive. Subtle yet strong, I found it very hard to shake the order. But it was a reasonable order and I didn’t resist. Regardless, it was quite disturbing to be on the other end of this. I think I can better understand why Astragoth tried to cut my throat.

With a somatic gesture, I felt the wards give out and my prison was lifted. I stepped outside the pentagram, the trio stepped back cautiously.

“Well then, when should we start?” I asked, folding my arms and waiting.

What followed was more waiting, half terrified servants carted in familiar items and laid them out on the nearby table. I carefully walked over, inspecting the items. It was an impressive stock. Finally, a large billowy wizard's robe was laid next to the items.

I turned to inspect the apparel, noting it was a simple black robe, nothing fancy really. Carefully I picked it up, trying not to cut it to pieces with my deadly talons. Hoisting it over my head, the robe cascaded down to just above my hooves.

It was not a bad fit but it restricted my wings. I fiddled with the appendages and managed to slice gashes in the fabric, my wings jutted out from the robe and I was comfortable.

Sighing I relaxed, before noticing a belt with several loops and pouches attached. Recognising it as a wizard belt, I quickly wrapped it around my waist and was glad to see it fit.

Turning around theatrically, I did a little pose. “How do I look, dashing, the most handsome demon wizard you have ever seen?”

“You are the only demon wizard I have ever seen.” She declared cheekily, I think she is warming up to me.

“Well now that I am appropriately attired, let us get down to business.”

“What order of demon will you be summoning?” Belus asked, either concerned or intrigued, I really could not work him out.

“I think I will summon my first order, as to put you all at ease.” I suggested, gesturing to my mistress to agree.

She thought about it, looked to her knight who was scowling a little less and so she agreed. “Continue my servant.” She said imperiously like a queen to a vassal. Oddly when such commands were coming from an attractive woman, it felt weird and not just from the compulsion.

I wondered momentarily if I was one of those masochists. Those people like to be dominated, usually by a powerful woman. I shook my head, getting rid of such thoughts.

With those strange thoughts behind me, I inspected the components arrayed. It was a decent spread, I recognised most of them, with a few exotic ones I had never seen. I quickly grabbed a few, attaching them to my belt and soon I was well equipped with pyromantic spellwork.

“Well now that I am loaded up with fire magic, time to get the conjury components, let’s summon a demon.” I proclaimed, smiling widely.

“Oh joy, more demons.” The knight muttered, clearly defeated.

I gave him a shrug, got the go-ahead from the mistress and started preparing the braziers, various components and pentacles. It didn’t take too long, the majority of it was already prepared. I was ready in no time and stood before the pentagram, the three were to the side, observing.

They had weapons and spells at the ready, which was understandable, but I was only summoning Jelmak, that little demon was harmless. With a snap of my fingers, the braziers lit. That was a useful trick, pure demonic power, no wizardry at all. Cheating, but I could accept it for the little things.

I began chanting the typical spell, with a few minor variations I came up with in the abyss. Since I am not a mortal summoning a demon, but a demon myself. So the spell sounded more like a demon lord commanding a vassal, than the typical binding.

“By your true name, Jelmak. I summon thee into this chamber, I command you!” Slowly a form materialised in the centre of the pentagram, a familiar form at that.

The demon Jelmak, the pint-sized little first order I summoned years ago, phased into reality. He looked the same as usual, a tiny red gargoyle-type creature. His appearance oddly enough, was not the thing that drew my attention. What was grasped in his hands gave me pause.

“That book!” I spoke aloud, scaring the little demon.

It clutched a very familiar leather-bound book in its arms. The booming voice of a demon seemed to scare the poor creature. It ducked its head down, likely expecting a good wack or perhaps a decapitation.

Realising my mistake, I trailed back on myself, regaining my calm. “That book, is it a good read?” I asked the demon, knowing full well it was.

The book was in fact a journal, my journal. It was filled with pages upon pages of my own research. I thought it was lost when this insanity began. I quickly realised how the demon got it, thieving little bastard, I should have kept a better eye on him.

“Apologise my lord, I mean no disrespect. Please do not tear me limb from limb, I beg you for mercy!” The demon pleaded, its head lowered.

I glanced back at the three, they looked puzzled. I shrugged and turned my attention back to the demon. “You may raise your head.” I commanded, trying to keep my tone, less domineering. It was hard with this deep booming voice.

“Oh great one, thank you for your mercy.” The demon paused, its beady eyes glancing at the three others and then all around the room, finally settling on the pentagram.

“Well, I can explain this.” I quickly spoke as the demon would likely have questions.

“Great one, please forgive my impertinence, but may I ask what is happening?” Jelmak asked, timidly.

“That is a good question, good on you for the initiative. I knew selecting you as my minion was the best choice.” I play acted, taking the role of a benevolent demon lord. If there was such a thing, honestly I doubted it.

“I have summoned you for a special mission.” I explained, smiling in what I hoped was a friendly manner.

“Special mission my lord?” He asked cautiously in a very soft voice. His eyes went to the trio of humans again and he got a puzzled look.

I followed his gaze and frowned, how would I explain them? I was already going with the whole demon lord act. So revealing that I was a newbie demon bound to a wizard would not be good.

I mulled it over and eventually inspiration struck. “Yes Jelmak, me and my mortal allies are under threat from a vampire lord. We need soldiers to destroy these invaders.” I was laying on it pretty thick, but as that demon once said, go big or go home. I can’t recall which of my demons said that.

“A vampire, do you mean the unlife that drinks blood?” The little demon asked, eyes wide.

“You know of them?” I asked.

“Not me personally, never seen one. But Etragos he has seen a bunch. His accursed master used to summon him a lot to a place called Nysegard.” He explained excitedly, I on the other hand recalled the world, a place was crawling with the unlife.

“Etty used to tell stories of killing vampires, ripping them limb from limb and popping their skulls. It sounded awesome, that was until his master got killed in this big battle and poor Etty never got to kill vampires again.” Jelmak ended his tale on a sour note.

“Well then.” I interjected. “Etragos will be delighted when you tell him that he gets a chance to fight more vampires.” I informed the demon with a smile and all the demonic charisma I could muster.

“Really, oh he will be so excited.”

“Yes, so I need you to tell your companions that there demon lord will be summoning them to wage glorious war upon the undead.” I thrust my fist in the air, really getting into the groove. The little demon started jumping for joy.

I could only imagine what the trio was thinking. I hadn’t informed them of my improvisation and their new position as supposed allies to a demon lord. But demons were known to lie, perhaps I could use that to my advantage. I grinned evilly, thinking about the events to come.

Chapter 18: Jelmak
“Unholy Abyss, a special mission from our new demon lord!” I said excitedly.

I had just been sent back and found myself where I was first summoned. The Ripe Maiden Suprise, I was only gone for a short time, but it was enough for my friends to disperse. Bunch of drunks, but they were celebrating so I couldn’t judge.

They were pretty drunk the last I saw them. Celebrating the death of an accursed master would do that. I wasn’t really celebrating, our old master wasn’t that bad. He would always let me stick around and run errands for him.

I will admit, he tended to be a bit lax with his commands and there were several times I could have exploited a loophole.

Instead, I chose to do the work and make myself useful. A lot of demons hated wizards and I couldn’t blame them. I on the other hand rarely got tortured, simply because there was very little need to. I generally was happy to follow orders.

With a new master and this one a powerful demon lord, I was overjoyed at the idea. Excitedly I scanned the bar, noting a few patrons I recalled from before. Looks like they still had enough tokens for the Denubian Choco-Coffee TM.

The tokens the courts used had a crappy exchange rate, only procuring stuff from the planes of men was lucrative. Perhaps our new master would let me have some spoils of war. I could only dream.

“Etragos.” I called out to my friend.

I couldn’t see him at first glance, too many passed-out demons scattered around the room. I figured he could be one of them so went to inspect the lot. They were all in a sorry state.

They were mostly fiends of all sizes and shapes. We all had odd appearances, fiends being the oddest, multiple limbs, green splotchy skin and sometimes insect-like wings.

Well, it made my friends easier to identify. You couldn’t pick me out of a crowd of imps, we look too alike. Perhaps I should get something to make me stand out, like a hat or a bow tie.

That was a ridiculous idea, how would clothes hold up in the abyss and it was not like I could shapeshift clothes. Only the higher orders could do that.

Eventually, I found Etragos, passed out against a side wall, clutching an empty mug. No sign of the others, did they head off on another bar crawl? By Lilith did I screw up, have they already been summoned by the master?

I shook my head, no that was impossible, I just arrived. They are probably nearby somewhere, if I wake Etragos he should know.

I approached the prone demon, but he didn’t stir from my approach. I knelt down and carefully poked him in the shoulder. “Etty wake up.” I prodded, to no effect.

Undeterred I continued, poking, pinching and shaking. The only result was a few mumbles and a reference to buying him dinner first. Not sure what that meant, but Etty was an old fiend. I was barely a century, he has lived, what eight hundred abyssal years.

I sat down next to him, pondering my next move. I glanced at the bar, getting an idea. Our tab was already run up pretty high, might as well add. Hopefully, our new master will pay us, but I doubted it. At least we could hide out on the material planes for a while.

Purchasing the hot beverage, I passed it across Etty’s nose, he woke immediately and reached out for the Denubian Choco-Coffee TM.

“Thanks Jelly, my tab was too high to continue the bender.” He called me by my nickname. Only fair since we did the same.

Rising from his prone position he carefully drank while clutching his head with his free claw. “Ugh, I think we went to hard. But the best way to deal with a hangover is. To keep drinking.” We both finished in unison. “Exactly my dear student.” He added happily.

“Etty I have big news.” I said excitedly.

“What news?” He asked in between sips.

“I just returned from a summons by our new demon lord.” He spat his drink, such a waste.

“You were summoned? When? How?” He listed off questions.

“Just moments ago, he sent me back with a special mission, to inform the others that he will be summoning us soon.”

“Summoning us soon, that is pretty quick.” He said, puzzled.

“Yes, he was in this castle that is about to be attacked by vampires.” I excitedly recounted the event.

“Vampires, I haven’t killed them in a while. He wouldn’t happen to be on Nysegard would he?”

I thought back to the summoning and saw no indication that the world was Nysegard. But then again I don’t know much about the material planes.

“I don’t know if it was Nysegard, we were in some sort of dungeon.” The moment I said that Etty got an odd look.

He smiled mischievously, leering at me. The look made me feel very uncomfortable.

“Dungeon huh, he didn’t do weird stuff to you. Remember don’t take the candy and avoid basements.” He warned, but the cheeky grin made me think he was not serious.

“Etty our new lord will summon us soon. I need to find the others.” I pleaded, very short on time at least I think I was.

“Relax, we will just wake them up and explain the situation.” He looked around probably expecting to find them. Confusion was the first expression to arrive. “Were are they?” He asked rhetorically.

“That’s what I was trying to tell you. They aren’t here!” I said, my nerves on edge.

“By lilith were did they go?” He directed his question to the bartender, who shrugged. “They must have left to continue the bender. Let’s go find them.” He tried standing and fell almost immediately. “Maybe after I rest a bit.”

I sighed, the master will not like his demons being a bunch of hungover miscreants. I knew we should have stopped drinking the moment we found that link. Now the master will summon drunk demons who will have no clue what is going on.

This new job is going to suck if I can’t whip these idiots into shape. Less our new master decides some other form of pain infliction is necessary. I gulped, the idea scaring the horns off me.

“We need to find them!” I pleaded, worried to a high abyss about what may happen.

“Calm down its going to be fine Jelly.” He tried to reassure as he finally stood up, albeit shakily.

“How will it be alright if the new master summons passed out demons. Do you think he will be gracious, understanding and merciful?” We both shook our heads in the negative, that was very unlikely.

Demon lords were not known for being any of those things. Working in a demon army was only slightly worse than being a demon slave to a wizard.

At least your accursed master couldn’t torture you for eternity, they generally didn’t live long. Demon lords could not only drop you in a dungeon for centuries on end but could destroy you permanently.

I gulped at that idea, trying to think up any strategy that could ensure our continued pain-free life. But to be honest I rather doubted it.