Iraj whirled his horse about and prepared to meet the demon onslaught pouring toward the gap, Demon Moon at their backs.
They were packed tightly into a black river of warriors, but not as tightly as Iraj wanted. He signaled his flanks and the slingmen let loose, aiming at the edges of the demon column. At the same time the cavalry units charged in, backed by fast running ground troops.
A heavy swarm of missiles fell on the demons, killing and maiming many. Another swarm struck, dealing out more pain and death.
The human cavalry units slashed in, one from the east, the other from the west. They played a dancing game, darting in to savage the edges and darting out again before the demons could close on them. The ground troops struck immediately afterward, hurling their heavy spears, then grabbing axes from their belts and wading into the fight.
Gradually, the demon column narrowed more and when it finally struck through the portal between the two rock pillars the warriors were so densely packed they were easy pickings for the humans.
Iraj killed so many his sword arm grew tired, then his sword broke and he fought with a hand ax grabbed up from one of the fallen.
He saw Luka, separated from his guard, desperately fighting off three horsemen.
Iraj saw his three soldiers fall and Luka dash back into the demon ranks, a feat which drew Protarus cold admiration.
Iraj fought on, raging against the demon tide.
Then slowly the battle changed. The sheer size of the demon army finally overcame all its flaws.
Iraj and his men found themselves being driven back as hammer blow followed hammer blow.
It wouldn't be long, he realized, before his lines cracked. And that would be the end of his army, his dreams and most certainly his life.
He chanced a look up at the western rock column.
And he thought, come on, Safar! Come on!
Safar readied his Grand Illusion.
It was the last weapon in his magical quiver.
He had no time to admire his father's artistry as he cast the spell that sent the fleet aloft.
Luka's fighting hopes were at their highest.
They were through the gap now and his army was spreading out, leaving themselves more room to use their weapons against the humans.
Luka could feel the enemy crumbling before him. One more hard effort, no more than two, and victory would be his.
Then, even above the noise of battle, he heard a murmur running through his troops, followed by collective gasps and cries of alarm. He saw several fiends pointing talons in wonder at the red-lit sky.
He looked up and it was all he could do not to gasp himself.
Sky borne warships were hurtling across the heavens to join the battle. They were the strangest vessels Luka had ever seenfighting ships, suspended under big balloons, all crammed with warriors bearing spears with glowing tips. He couldn't tell what size they were. The ships seemed small and so he assumed they were at a great height. But certainly they were large enough to hold hundreds of warriors.
Then the ships were overhead and those warriors were hurling their spears into the demon masses. The spears grew before his eyes as they fell, each becoming easily as large as a tall demon.
They struck like lightning, glowing tips exploding, sending out great sheets of flame.
Another wave of spears hit. Then another. Blasting holes into the demon ranks. Filling the air with thunder and the smell of sulfur.
Then the demon army lost its nerve.
Luka could feel it, feel the fire go out of his warriors, smell the acrid stench of their fear.
They turned and ran. First a trickle, then a stream, then a full-sized river of shrieking demons, throwing down their weapons, shedding their armor and running over their own comrades to escape the horror from the skies.
Luka ran with them, spurring his mount to keep up. He wasn't running out of fear, although he was certainly frightened enough. He was racing to keep up, shouting for calm and order, doing his best to contain the rout.
Behind him he could hear the crack and thunder of the flying ships.
And the howls of Protarus pursuing army.
Hours passed before Manacia restored order. But when he did the best he could manage was to wheel his forces about and set up a fortified camp.
In the distance Protarus paused and set up a camp of his own.
'The fight isn't over yet, Manacia railed, striding about his command tent, kicking and clubbing any slave who got in his way. He can't stand up to me again. I'll hammer him into dust!'
Iraj paced his command tent, but his pace was measured, his manner calm.
'I hope we don't have to fight him again, he said to Safar. If we do, it'll be out in the open on ground of his choosing. He won't fall for our tricks again.'
'I suppose this where luck comes in, Safar said.
Iraj paused, considering, then nodded. Yes, he said. Now we get to see how lucky we really are.'
'He's lucky, that's all, Manacia said, voice still shaking with fury. Moreover, he was aided and abetted by cowards in my own court.'
Luka, who'd been listening as patiently as possible, turned cold.
'What is it you are suggesting, Majesty? he asked, not bothering to hide his anger.
Manacia turned on him. I'm not suggesting anything, he said. It's clear enough my son is a coward, who leads a band of cowardly fiends.'
'Ah! Luka said as if he'd suddenly made a great discovery. You intend to blame me, is that it?'
'You've shamed me, Manacia said. But I'll not hide that shame. Fault will be directed at its source, no matter if that source is my son and heir.'
Luka came closer, as if to appeal for reason.
Instead he said, Father, tell me about the time my mother accused you of rape. It's such a humorous incident it will give us all good cheer.'
Manacia frowned. What's wrong with you? he snapped. This is no time for humor.'
'Oh, but it is, father, Luka insisted. This is the very kind of situation that does call for humor.'
Manacia drew himself up for another angry bellow.
But Luka quickly drew his sword and cut the bellow off at its source.
He watched his father's headless body flop to the floor.
Luka turned to the others, calmly wiping his blade.
'Any objections? he demanded.
The generals and aides were frozen, gaping at this turn of events.
