“This should be over soon,” said Pug, as a company of Keshian dog soldiers and another of Royal soldiers from Muboya hove into view.

Then a loud noise echoed from the pit accompanied by a company of flying demons, who seemed to erupt from within, and another host of monstrous creatures, who scrambled their way up over the edge of the pit and launched themselves into the fray.

“Perhaps not,” said Magnus, as he sent a massive fire-ball into the midst of the fliers circling over the attacking human armies.

Gulamendis found Amirantha and Kaspar hovering over the prone form of Belasco, while a disembodied voice bellowed: “My minions will be here shortly, humans! This cursed magician who confines me will perish, then shall I be set free and your deaths will be agonizing and prolonged! Set me free now and I will reward you, but my patience is nearing its end!”

Jim Dasher stood ready with his dagger to end Belasco’s life if there was any need. He glanced at Amirantha with a questioning look.

Amirantha shook his head in the negative, then looked at the elven Demon Master and asked, “Have you ever heard anything like that?”

“I’ve never heard a demon use the word ‘patience,’ nor have I heard of anyone confining his power once he’s in possession of a mortal host.”

Sandreena was fully recovered and said, “I’ve heard a lot of threats, but usually it was from a demon trying to rip out my throat, not from wanting to bargain.”

“This is unique in my experience, as well,” said the Warlock. “And my brother, true to everything I know about him, refuses to cooperate.”

“You’ve given me no reason to cooperate, dear brother.” Belasco’s voice hung in the air.

“Give me a reason that will persuade you, Belasco.”

“The conundrum is that for me to emerge victorious, I must first rid myself of my demon possessor, and the only means I know of is to perish.

“Should I perish, however, Dahun reverts to his body, and soon that will be in this realm.”

“Soon?” asked Gulamendis.

“Perhaps now,” said Belasco with an evil laugh. “Had you killed me an hour ago, perhaps even minutes ago, he would have been cast back into the Fifth Circle of Hell, but now…? It may be too late.”

“I could kill you and find out,” said Amirantha.

“But if you do that, and if he appears, then what, dear brother?”

“We may have enough strength to send him back?”

“Ah, may. What if you don’t?”

“What is the truth?” demanded Amirantha.

Gulamendis said, “I may not be able to get the truth from your brother, but I can compel the demon within him to speak truth, at least for a while.”

“You have a compelling enchantment that powerful?”

“I think so,” said Gulamendis. He looked at the point of exhaustion, but closed his eyes. “I will try.”