A shout from behind caused the remaining demons to turn and see what new threat was coming. Into the green glow cast by the tower of emerald energy ran armored humans, each dressed in the garb of Roldem’s Royal Marines. Adept at battle on ship and land, they were the island kingdom’s toughest combat soldiers. Leading the charge was a familiar face, though the usual boyish grin was missing. Jommy Killaroo, now Knight of the King’s Court of Roldem and Captain of Special Services to the King, shouted orders as he raised his own sword and lashed out at a man-sized demon standing before him, rooted by surprise.

Pug let out a long breath. “Three hundred marines from Roldem will keep them busy until the rest get here, which should only be minutes away.”

As if to punctuate his words, another shout from outside was followed by the arrival of Tad, one of Pug’s adopted grandsons, leading a contingency of the Prince’s Own, crack troops from Krondor. Their orders were simple: kill every demon in sight.

Pug said to Magnus, “Save your strength. We may need it soon.”

Magnus nodded. “My tantrum was satisfying, but fatiguing.”

“How’re Sandreena and Kaspar?”

“Alive,” said Magnus. “Belasco is incapacitated and in a struggle with some sort of demon presence”—he held up his hand before his father could ask a question—“I’m sure Amirantha can explain it later, but for the moment what you need to know is that if Belasco loses this struggle with an entity named Dahun, then the demon lord will appear in this realm.”

Gulamendis said, “Dahun! He’s one of the regional kings, and if he does get through intact, it’ll take all of us to contain him.” He shook his head in doubt. “I don’t know if Amirantha and I together could banish him back to the Fifth Circle.”

“We should have another half dozen magicians here within a few more minutes,” said Pug.

“That should do it,” said an exhausted Laromendis.

“Yes,” agreed his brother. “If you damage him enough, wear him down, then Amirantha and I should be able to banish him back to where he came from.”

“It’s not like we’re going to have any choice,” said Pug. Looking at Magnus, he said, “We could use Amirantha and Sandreena up here.”

“They’re trying to puzzle out what Belasco is doing.”

“I thought you said he was incapacitated.”

“It’s difficult to explain, Father, and I’m not sure I understand, but it appeared that Belasco is a host for the demon, and killing him will release Dahun into this realm. Belasco has kept him in check, but at the price of his own freedom.”

Hearing this, Gulamendis said, “By the Ancestors, I need to get down there.” He left the struggle as more arriving human soldiers were bringing a vicious fight to the demons.