Prince Nodran's seasoned battle warriors rode onto her land. They looked as if they had just returned from war.
Their horses had wet white foam frothing from their mouths and around their saddles. The beasts looked exhausted and worn out. The company came to a halt in front of her.
A beating of wings caught Relana's attention, she looked up to see a dragon hybrid flying above her head. It took her a moment to realize it was the Prince.
"Solaris, Is that Nodran?" Relana asked.
Solaris smirked, "It is, He has really grown up hasn't he?"
"He has." Relana agreed.
Angelo looked up in awe, "I have seen him in battle. Honestly? I never wish to be on the opposing side of him ever again."
The three of them chuckled and watched as Nodran landed. He had a seven-foot tail that swished back and forth with irritation behind him.
Sapphire wings spread out wide from his back. His wingspan was thirteen feet wide. His black hair pulled back into a man bun. His eyes glowed with power.
He stood tall; his piercing blue eyes fixed upon Relana. He was adorned with his elaborate draconian battle armor. It was white and royal blue with spiked shoulder pads, trimmed in silver. Blood stains splattered across his chest.
He folded his wings behind his back. "Relana, we are running out of time. Were you able to get enough berries?"
"I was not sire, but Solaris has potions created from off planet. We will still be able to accomplish the task."
Nodran turned to Solaris, "Thank you Sir. We really need the hellfire's assistance."
Solaris smiled, "That we do boy." He turned to Relana. "It is time, we must start."
Roku came out of the house. Nodran looked to him. "How is Redkin? He fought valiantly. I just pray he does not add to our body count."
"Me too, I believe that he is doing better, but until he wakes it is just a prayer and a hope. Talveran I am not sure if he survived or not. Only time will tell I suppose." Roku crossed his arms. "Let us get this summoning going."
The Prince's armed guards dismounted their horses.
After tying their beasts to the pig pen and any surrounding post they could find, grabbed candles from their bags. They waited, for the old woman to give further instruction.
Relana took a deep breath. She withdrew a pouch of ash wood dust from her satchel and led the men to the open field on the other side of the pig pen.
Nodran nodded to Relana. "I have the lassos. Do you have the trilot?"
"Yes, Sire." She took out a small glowing cube and handed it to the Prince. "This needs to be placed in the center of the star."
Nodran set the lassos down on the ground. He took the trilot and put in his satchel.
"Now take this ash in your hand and follow my lead exactly."
Nodran held out his hand. Relana opened her bag and poured ash into his hand. "Remember how we practiced. I do not have time to get more ash if we run out."
Nodran watched the old woman. She was creating a summoning circle. He joined in and helped close the circle.
Nodran was still exhausted from the recent war. His hands were trembling. He was almost done when he tripped on his new tail. "Fuck," he swore. "Renaldo? Is there any way to get rid of this blasted thing?"
Renaldo chuckled, he shook his head no. Roku added "Not, not at this point. Unless you want to die again?"
Nodran growled. Unfamiliar with his new appendages. He turned and his wing spread out and knocked Relana to the ground. "For the sake of Nexus! Why can't I get control of this shit?"
Nodran sighed. He focused on tucking his wings in. He walked over to Relana. He held out his hand. "Forgive me, I am sorry. In my dragon form wings and tails are natural. Human? Not so much."
She laughed, "All new things have an adjustment period my prince." She took his hand and stood up and frowned. His wings messed up the circle. "Nodran. Go stand by Renaldo and let me clean up your mess."
He sighed and did as he was told. The dragon watched as the old woman used an incantation to raise the ash wood dust from the spilled piles and create the shape needed. When the she was finished, It was a daemon summoning pentagram.
Four of Nodran's war admirals took the points of the star. Angelo went to take his place on one of the points.
Nodran stopped him. "Do not think for one second, that you have my trust or will escape my wrath."
Angelo swallowed hard. The tone of the Prince's voice sent a shiver of fear through his body. He clenched his teeth in frustrated determination.
"I will gain your trust Sir. Remember it was my whistle that ended your war." Angelo grit out.
"It was also your betrayal that started it." Nodran's piercing gaze burned into Angelo's soul.
He shut his mouth and took his spot on the last point of the star.
Nodran turned to his warriors. "Take your places."
Each of the thirty men nodded and followed his orders. They filled in the circle's border roundabout. Leaving room for Nodran to enter the center.
Renaldo took Nodran by the hand and led him to the center of the pentagram.
"What are you doing Renaldo?" Nodran asked in curiosity.
Renaldo just smirked and motioned for him to stay. Nodran shifted his wings in frustration. He did not like change.
Renaldo walked over to where the lassos were and picked them up.
He turned with a mischievous grin and walked back over to Nodran. He handed them to the dragon and said something, so simple.
"good luck."
Nodran raised a brow as Renaldo nodded to Relana. He exited the circle and Nodran's men filled the gap. She started the incantation.
Renaldo snapped his fingers and lit all the candles. They began to chant with the woman.
Nodran's tail twitched slightly in irritation. He held the lassos tight as he began to feel the weight of their spell.
His body began to flicker in and out of the material plane. His head began to pulse. He closed his eyes tight.
When he opened them, he stood in the belly of hell itself. The ground, a maze of fire and brimstone. Her fire had scorched the surroundings with the power of hell's fury.
A large rampaging undead dragon roared with anger before him. A blast of fire burst from her throat, burning the scorched ground with her fury.
She had fire erupting from her rib cage, and her wings spread out wide. The female beast flailed and pulled against the ball and chain that kept her grounded.
He took a step back to assess the situation. A sinister thought went through his head when realization hit him.
He looked down at the enchanted ropes in his hands. He looked back up at the beast with a wicked grin.
"Oh this is going to be fun."