The Devil Rides a Pale Horse Episode 4

Episode 4: The Steward1

“Can you smell it Ektor? That storm upon the horizon?” EktorYackta remained motionless as he leaned against the massive stone was outside of the palace of Sorrow. “Did you hear me Ektor? I think that storm is a bad omen.” 2

“I don't believe so; Baal is the one true instrument of sorrow and upon his benevolent head rests the power to create such a calamity. If my lord wishes to destroy the world ten times over then I will no hesitate to follow him, even if it costs me my very existence. That is why I have no fear of omens Ugha.” Ugha snorted in a most distasteful fashion.3

“You loyalty is admirable but as for me I shall do my best to remain in this world thank you.” Ektor looked down at his companion. Ugha was far smaller than him as most hobgoblins were; however; Ektor had come from a long line of soldier demons that had spent their lives toning and augmenting there bodies to better serve their masters. The end result was that Ektor was at least the height of at least two grown men and his girth was like that of an ancient oak.4

“Your cowardice will lead you to a dishonorable grave my friend.”5

“Dishonorable yes, but not an early one at that.” Ugha removed a knife from his belt and proceeded to pick bits of meat from his teeth. “Remind me,” he continued. “Why we are standing out here.”6

Ektor closed his eyes in contemplation. “I can only assume that we are to receive our orders from the great lord himself.” The little hobgoblin fell to the ground laughing.7

“Out of all the demons the great lord has under his power he'd choose you? Give me a break.”8

“No matter where the orders come from it is the will of the great lord.” Ugha managed to pull himself out of his stupor. 9

“Well I sense that a messenger apparition is near so we'll just see about that.” No sooner did the word leave his mouth then a pallid figure thrust itself from the wall. The hood covering it's face made it impossible to judge it's identity and other that the ring on it's finger it had no other identifying marks. Ektor snatched the letter clutched in the apparition's hand. The figure disappeared to leave the giant to decipher the meaning of the letter. His eyes shifted back and forth for a few moments before he crushed the letter and subsequently popped it in his mouth. The paper vanished instantly as a lump in Ektor's throat.10

“Let's go Ugha, we have urgent business to attend to.”11

“The message, what did it say?” Ektor's expression remained grim and he continued to walk towards the portal at the end of town. “What did it say? You absolutely must tell me!” Ektor stopped in his tracks and stared out into nothingness.12

“If what was in that letter is believable, and my every instinct tells me that it is, then there is a distinct possibility that 'He' has returned.”13

“You can't possibly mean that! Why it was lord Baal himself who stabbed the Sword of Seven Sorrows through that monsters chest, and tore his still beating heart from it's cavity. Then he banished that bastard to the seventh layer of the abyss where the soul is killed continually for all eternity. How could he be alive?”14

Ektor shrugged. “As I said it is just a possibility, which is why we have been dispatched to deal with this matter rather than General Voghnt or the Horrible Hundred. But the Seers have felt an essence that they have not sensed since 'He' was still alive.”15

“If he is back then we shouldn't go, even if it is just a possibility. A demon of his power could cleave you in half without any effort at all. Do not go if it is to your death!”16

“I will go,” Ektor replied. “where my lord directs. I have no fear of death. You are free to stay behind if you wish Ugha.” Ugha sighed.17

“I will go with you, I am your shield bearer after all. So where are we off to.”18

“To the outer realm, we must search for out quarry there.”19

Ugha grinned and began to run along the street towards the market. “I shall go to make the preparations; meet me by the gate in one hour.” Ektor smiled slightly as his servant disappeared into the crowd that was starting to grow in the main square. His gaze quickly returned to the sky now filling up with thick clouds. “Baphomit,” he muttered. “the demon hell itself spat out. Can it be true? From the nightmares of the past you are reborn; and to the nightmares again you shall return.” Ektor moved swiftly toward the gate and and uncertain future that awaited him there.20

۞21

Orin was closer to heaven then he had ever been before. The angel of death drew closer every second, and his fate was becoming more evident. His heart slowed in it's beat and his lungs felt like they were being penetrated by needles and pins. His pursuer was growing in strength somewhere in the darkness and he had nothing left to fight it with. Triumph buckled underneath him, showing the strain of his ride. The horse would not last much longer; it was riding itself to death. Orin steeled his will and pressed on toward the town, knowing that if he was to make a last stand that was were he wanted to be.22

A shrill shriek behind him reminded him that he was not alone. Whipping his head around he beheld the face of the Hell Maiden once again. This time he swore he could see determination in the empty eyes of the poltergeist. It was beginning to gain speed as it floated toward Orin. Orin closed his eyes and whispered a farewell into the ear of his stead. As if the understanding was mutual Triumph picked up speed and in moments the lanterns of Lander's Point were visible on the horizon. Orin dug his spurs in and headed for the chapel in the center of town. The Hell Maiden seemed to hesitate as it crossed onto hollowed ground, but it's insatiable blood lust soon overcame its sense of piety and it continued it's pursuit. Orin could now feel the undoubted presence of the enemy and the smell of brimstone that proceeded it. At the same time he could feel a sense of hope as the sun began to break over the mountains. Hell Maidens could survive well enough in daylight and were unafraid of the sun; however, Orin had something far different in mind.23

He ducked his head lower to cut down on his wind resistance. The flash of light girded his right side again as the Maiden began its complicated death dance. Orin upholstered his shotgun and emptied a round in the direction of his enemy but to no avail.24

The flash of light crossed his path again and again he responded. The buck shot from his shotgun bit harmlessly into the ground and the Maiden cut across his path again. Orin continued on his path, praying that he could reach the church before the maiden dealt the coupe de grace. The apparition came even closer on it's next pass, this time managing to tear a piece of his coat. The touch of the Hell Maiden caused Orin to shiver and shake violently. He couldn't last much longer in the state he was in. 25

Looking around he could see the houses and shops whizzing past him. The church was only a few feet away and the large wooden cross atop the steeple beckoned him closer. A few seconds later and he had almost reached the church doors. But Orin's luck had finally run out. He felt Triumph fall beneath him as the Hell Maiden injected its poison into the steed. Orin thrust himself out of the saddle with his guns drawn; it was still possible to kill the enemy, but his timing had to be perfect. As he leveled off in mid air he took a deep breath and squeezed the triggers in rapid succession. 26

He landed face down in the dust unsure of the success of his plan. A loud crack above him soon confirmed his suspicion. The great wooden cross atop the steeple had been cut down by his barrage of gunfire and it had fallen to the ground right in front of the maiden. The apparition was surprised by the sudden impact but was in no way deterred. Just as it was about to advance the sun cut through the black night and threw it's light onto the wooden cross. Orin smiled as the shadow of the crucifix began to turn the Maiden into flesh and blood. Withing moments the Maiden was whole again, and completely vulnerable to the arms of death.27

The Hell Maiden glared at her quarry balefully and shrieked in a most horrid manner. She had lost her ghostly veil but still retained her inhuman powers. Orin sighed upon the realization that his guns were also completely empty. “So much for finishing this quick and quiet like. I guess you and I are in for a messy one mam!” With that Orin tore the crucifix from his neck and whispered the sacred words to unshieth the holy sword. The blade came to life in a crackle of light and sound forcing the Maiden to slowly back off.28

It did not remain submissive for long however, quickly lunging toward Orin's throat. Orin dove to the right and made a quick slice aimed at the creatures mid section. It missed it's mark by a few centimeters and simply nicked the skin. Blood seeped from the open wound and spilled onto the dirt. The creature lunged again this time catching Orin of guard and throwing him into a pile of empty barrels. He tried to get up but was once again scooped up and tossed onto the hard soil. The Maiden pounced on him again and dug it's talons into his shoulders. Orin cried out in agony and the nails dug into his muscles. He refused to accept defeat, and this time gripping the sword tightly in his right hand he shoved it back through his own stomach. It went through to the other side and pierced the Maiden's chest. She immediately loosened her grip on her prey and fell back in anguish. Orin quickly pulled the sword from his gut and charged the poltergeist with the last of his strength. He closed his eyes as he pulled the sword upward across the Maiden's throat. The force of the holy blade caused a traumatic reaction as the body of the Hell Maiden began to glow before exploding and dissipating into the frosty mourning air. Orin breathed in deep gulps of air as he sank to his knees. Looking down he could see the blood soaking through his shirt. He began to feel light headed and he slowly fell back onto the inviting earth. He could not tell if this was death or not but a smile crossed his face as he realized that if he did die it was on his terms. 29