“But it’s what ties the necromancy and demon lore together!” said Pug. “It’s why those death rituals that Jim told us of, and why there were bodies down in that pit when they needed the workers no longer, and it’s why Dahun doesn’t care how many demons we kill.” He pointed to the pulsing energy running up the towers, increasing in frequency and tempo. “When the gate is fully open, he’ll come through.”

“But he’s here already,” said Magnus. “He’s possessed the body of Belasco!”

Pug said, “It’s a ruse! He’s buying time.” He gripped Magnus by the arm and said, “Get back down there. Tell Amirantha and Gulamendis what is occurring.” He looked at the massive struggle and said, “I’ve got to come up with a way to stop the killing!”

The human forces were coalescing around Kaspar who was orchestrating a containment attack, pressing in on all sides around the remaining demons. The tactic forced demons to confine other demons, so only those on the outside could engage the human soldiers.

Then another wave of demons exploded out of the pit. “Oh, damn!” said Pug.

Magnus hurried into the chamber. “They’re using death magic to activate the Demon Gate!”

Amirantha looked at Gulamendis and said, “Now, I wonder who contrived that idea?”

Dahun’s contempt cut through the air. “Your brother thought to use me, human! He was bending power to his own ends. He envisioned a demon army here, serving him on this world, as he conquered and ruled. The fool!”

Amirantha’s brow furrowed. “I’ve never known him to be that ambitious.”

Gulamendis said, “People change.”

Laromendis said, “Whatever the motivation, am I correct in assuming this melding of death magic and demon summoning is creating unexpected problems?”

Magnus said, “Each life taken up there fuels the device, and it appears as if it has begun to open the Demon Gate. Lesser demons are coming through in waves.”

“Can you shut that creature up?” asked Sandreena.

Gulamendis closed his eyes and said, “No. But I think I have a trick…” He chanted something and abruptly the sound of Dahun’s “voice” in their minds retreated to a distance.

“What was that?” asked Magnus.

Amirantha smiled. “A very nice trick that I’m going to get him to teach me if we live through the rest of this day.” Looking at the still face of his brother, Amirantha shouted, “Belasco! Can you hear me?”

A distant whisper answered, “Yes.”

They all had to strain to hear him over the still-ranting demon, but that was a very soft voice.

Amirantha said, “Was it you who created the death magic portal?”

“Yes,” said Belasco. “I almost killed Sidi once in Kesh, forcing him to abandon his lair. I found several interesting tomes and books.”

“You always wanted to better us at our craft,” said Amirantha.

“Because I am better!”