Chapter 7 HUNTER IN THE NIGHT
A loud screech caught both of them off guard. Magnus suddenly stopped running, forcing Xyra to as well. They just stood there, watching their surroundings. That shriek hadn't been like the others. Instead of sounding like a demon hunting prey, it was more like a demon being killed by said prey. Demons rarely killed other demons, if at all, so apparently the two of them weren't the only travelers careless enough to journey after dark.
"Someone else is out here," whispered Magnus, smirking at the demon's cry. "I think it's a hunter." It had to be. Hunters were the only ones crazy enough to take on demons.
As if on cue, he caught sight of a human shadow moving in the darkness. Following it were about eleven more dog demons. Just as Magnus had suggested, the shadow was that of a hunter. The crimson gleam of his sword was proof enough. The silver, double-edged blade was coated in blood, shining brilliantly in the light of the moon. This man obviously knew what he was doing, but not even a hunter could stand up against an entire pack of demons. It wasn't long before the monsters had him surrounded.
"What should we do?" asked Xyra, watching as the overgrown dogs slowly began closing in. They couldn't just leave him like that, could they? The idea of watching someone die wasn't all that appealing to her, especially in such a gruesome way, and she knew that her companion was more than capable of helping out.
She glanced up at Magnus, but she soon realized that there was no reason to be concerned. She was unable to miss the smirk on his face. Despite all of his earlier complaints, it almost looked like he was enjoying himself. The confident gleam in his eyes was unmistakable. He had a plan to get them all out of this, and he probably wouldn't even break a sweat.
Magnus extended his hand, his palm facing up. A point of light began to gather there, and that point soon became a full-fledged sphere after he whispered a few words. He bent down like he had before and slammed his hand onto the ground. The sphere dissolved, but it didn't disappear. Xyra could still see it as it snaked along the ground towards the group of dog demons that had finally corned their prey.
The hunter in the middle of the demon circle stood stock still, wondering how he had managed to get into this mess. One wrong move and he was dead. He cursed under his breath when he saw them all prepare to attack at once. I should've stayed in town. This is ridiculous.
He was about ready to make a move when something on the ground drew his attention. It looked almost like a thunderbolt, but that didn't make any sense. Lightning didn't travel on the ground like that.
"Stay still!" someone shouted to him as the lightning began spreading in a circle, moving under every demon that was standing there. He complied, not wanting to find out what would happen if he didn't. He was instantly glad he had decided to listen when the white light beneath the dogs erupted into a torrent of electricity. They all howled in excruciating pain as their bodies were burned to a crisp in the white light.
When the spell finally subsided, the demons all fell lifelessly to the ground, their bodies sending off curls of smoke and the scent of charred flesh into the crisp night air. The hunter just sighed in relief, realizing that it was finally over…at least for now. If he didn't leave, more demons would probably come. However, before he took off, there was something he had to take care of.
Magnus and Xyra were still just standing in the field, watching as the hunter they had just saved began running towards them. It was hard to see if he was relieved or angry, but it was most likely the first. He had been way in over his head.
"Thanks," he said as he finally reached them. "For a second there, I wasn't sure if I'd make it." He smiled sheepishly, running a hand through his disheveled black hair.
"It was nothing," Magnus assured him.
"Are you alright?" asked Xyra, noticing a bit of crimson smeared on the man's forehead. A warm smile graced his face at the show of concern.
"I'm fine," he assured her. "Just a scratch. You seem to have a few as well."
Magnus quirked an eyebrow at that comment and began looking over Xyra. She did have a few scrapes on her hands and there was a rather large cut on her leg. He couldn't help but frown a bit at that. It was most likely his fault it had happened. He had been rather rough with her, even though it had been in her best interest. He had forced her to run at his pace, and when the demons had attacked, he had pushed her to the ground to keep her out of harm's way, which had probably resulted in some of her injuries.
"Sorry," Magnus said, sounding ashamed, but Xyra just smiled.
"It's okay. Your intentions were good."
Magnus couldn't help but perk up a little at that comment. He really had been trying to help. The thief wasn't equipped for battle, although she did carry a sword at her side. It was probably more for show than anything else, because she had yet to draw it in her defense. That had to be the reason she needed an escort. He would never sink low enough to become one, but she was his companion for the time being. The least he could do was protect her.
In that small moment that Magnus took to apologize, two more dog demons managed to emerge, sneaking up behind the sorcerer. He seemed completely unaware of their presence. The two canines moved so cautiously that the grass didn't even rustle. However, their blood-red eyes gave away their presence. They were just about to jump, but the hunter saw it all. He moved forward without a moment's hesitation.
"Look out!" he called, causing Magnus to stiffen and turn. The demons had already pounced, and a clawed paw was no more than a few inches from his face. There was no time to counter. He couldn't cast anything. However, there was no need. A silver blade streaked the side of his head, impaling the demon right through its chest. The monstrosity cried out as it was tossed upward and over the two humans. It crashed to the ground in a howling, bloody heap.
The second demon, already in a leap, wasn't able to stop itself before it too met a painful end. The hunter swung his blade downward, cutting the dog all the way from its head to its stomach and stopping just before the metal could sink into Magnus's shoulder. The monster fell to the ground, dying instantly. It wasn't long before its partner in crime joined it, the blood loss finally quieting the convulsing demon. Everything once again fell quiet as the last remnant of a howl died out.
Magnus stood there in shock, unsure if he had really seen what he thought he saw. Those demons had been so close to him…he had almost met death. If it hadn't been for the man he had saved, he would have lost his life for sure. However, it didn't make sense. The hunter hadn't been standing that close. He certainly had covered a good distance in a few strides. His aim had also been true, piercing the first demon in a very vital area.
His weapon was a standard-sized, double-edged sword, shaped like a scimitar. However, it had been highly modified. The inner side was jagged while the outer side was smooth, sharpened to perfection. The curve of the blade wasn't drastic, but it was enough to make the weapon good for slashing and thrusting. He had maneuvered it just right in order to impale the demon without harming Magnus, and even though he had taken on the full weight of the canine, he hadn't suffered much recoil, which was in no way common. He was definitely skilled with his blade and had the strength to back it up. Perhaps, in the end, there had been no need to come to his aid.
"Um…" began the hunter, sounding just a little nervous, even after his show of talent. He lowered his sword, pointing it at the ground. "Sorry if I startled you, and I don't mean to sound pushy or anything, but I think now would be a good time to get moving. It's not safe out here at night."
Despite his words, he made no motion to move. It was almost like he was waiting for something.
"… Let me guess," began Magnus. "You plan to follow us."
"Of course I do. I'm not stupid. Only an idiot would travel alone at night."
And yet here you are, completely by yourself, Magnus mused silently, deciding not to voice the thought. Perhaps he had been with others at one point. Maybe they had all fallen victim to the demons. If that was truly the case, he didn't want to bring it up.
"Hope you don't mind me tagging along," he said with a grin.