Clash of Heroes: Nath Dragon meets The Darkslayer Read Online Free PDF Page A

anything he could ever imagine. At first, he fought to find something to say, and then instead, he watched the man rise to his feet.
    The … thing was a towering figure. Human perfection. Strong chinned, his chiseled frame was covered in powerful supine muscle. He wore well-crafted breastplate armor, breeches, and nothing else. The red-haired stranger scratched a dog behind the ears with his yellow claws. In every way, the summoned being was as graceful and fluid as a cat. And unlike Catten's cold, metallic golden eyes, this being's eyes were as captivating, warm, and golden as the dreaded sunrise.
    “Just send it back,” Catten said.
    “You know that's not possible.” Oran's violet-sapphire eyes were fixed on the marvelous being. Surely this was the answer to his call. The very presence of the man, thing, or demon he had summoned dominated the room. With tongues hanging out of their mouths, Verbard and Catten's protective cave dogs looked like playful pups. “We have not even communicated with it.”
    Catten and Verbard's metallic eyes found his and prodded him on.
    Oran approached the creature inside the charred circle that still smoked. “What is your name, demon?”
    The scaled stranger tilted his head and lifted a brow.
    Oran asked again, this time in Common, “What is your name?”
    The demon creature shrugged his shoulders. Pushing through the dogs, he made his way over to the great sword and bent over to pick it up.
    The sword slid across the cave floor and stopped at Lord Catten’s floating feet. The blade was every bit as long as them standing.
    The demon gave them a curious look.
    “Well,” Catten said, “Not only is this pet of yours hideous, but it’s also stupid. We can’t have it playing with sharp objects, now can we?”
    “I’d say not.” Verbard’s feet touched the ground. His silver eyes studied the sword. His fingers rubbed his chin. “This is a fascinating blade. Are those dragon heads on the pommels? That is not of Bish. If only I had a soldier big enough to wield it.” He reached down and touched the hilt.
    Zzzt!
    Verbard jerked his hand away and screamed. “Argh!”
    Oran backed away.
    Verbard looked furious.
    Heh, they always find a way to make things worse. He had it coming.
    “It seems it is a demon after all.” Catten chuckled. “The blade is possessed. Either that, or it’s an excellent judge of character.”
    “This is a farce! I’m ending it.” Lightning flashed in Verbard's silver eyes and erupted from his fingers. Streams of fiery light blasted the demon full in the chest and knocked him off his feet. He stopped at the edge of the cave, unmoving. Verbard dusted off his hands and turned to Oran. “It’s time to turn your banishment into a funeral.”

 
    CHAPTER 8
     
     
    “Look,” Catten said. He was pointing at the corner of the cave. “It lives.”
    The demon rose to his feet. His scorched chest plate was smoking. The expression on his face was grim. Anger surged in his golden eyes.
    “I think you made it mad,” Catten added. “Perhaps you should apologize to it. Make amends.”
    “Oran, do something with your transgressor,” Verbard ordered. The underling lord and his brother glided backward. “Quickly.”
    Fascinating!
    Oran couldn’t believe his fortune. It seemed the portal spell he and the brothers had cast had drained them quite a bit. They were vulnerable. If there was ever a time to strike them down, now would be the time.
    If I weren't also so weak, I’d be done with the both of you!
    The demon approached, one cautious step at a time. Less than a dozen feet away, he coiled down, ready to spring.
    “Oran! Get this thing under control!”
    No, I’d rather see you die.
    Oran had read the scroll. He had the connection with the demon, and he should be able to control it. He felt its mind in his. It was angry. Confused. Lost.
    Oh, I should let it pick up that blade and strike both of them down. That would be the end of their foul words. But