The squad was running out of steam. Exhausted, they rested against a massive chunk of stone that had fallen from a building. Fire raged all around them as a small army of demonic imps snarled at them.
One of the sorcerers, a young man with short blonde wavy hair peered from behind their resting place.
He couldn't be sure of how many were out there but it looked like a hundred at least. The imps with their beady eyes and sharp, talon like fingers were practically drooling while staring at their hiding place.
"Why aren't they attacking? We're cornered and nearly out of mana."
The man withdrew as he asked the question.
A woman, her eyes fluttering from exhaustion, answered him, "their toying with us."
The team, a collection of seven individuals, went silent. The idea that they were going to die at any second weighed heavily on their hearts. There was nothing they could do about it either.
"This isn't right," another member spoke up angrily.
"I agree. The Temple of the Badger gave us this intel and we trusted them. Yet here we are, facing down three times as many demons as they reported to us."
This wasn't the first time that bad intel had landed sorcerers into trouble. Here lately it was happening more frequently and no one knew why.
"I have a hard time believing that all those diviners couldn't see this many demons flooding into Harborton."
***
Linnox sat patiently on the roof, watching the show below with barely any interest. His white mask with the face painted on that was vaguely theatrical faced towards the sorcerers who were currently trapped.
The plan so far was working. The spies had reported to Lord Azarion that the Temple of the Badger was sending out two strike teams, one of them containing Seris Ardentis, the unknown variable.
Something about that name stirred something within. He felt like he had heard that name somewhere before. The harder he tried to explore that feeling though, the more vague things became. He must have heard the name in passing or perhaps read it somewhere during his time studying.
It didn't matter though, regardless of where he had heard of her the fact remained that today was going to be challenging for her.
Lord Azarion had sent him, Linnox the Unworthy, to test Seris on the battlefield. After her swift victory at Sapphire City, it had become clear to the demons that she was a real threat. One that needed to be dealt with as soon as possible.
To that end, Linnox was here to challenge her and learn more about her true power. Push her to her limits to see what she would do. How much could she take before she broke?
"Do not kill her, pull your punches for now."
"Why, my Lord?"
"Because if you go all out at this stage without us knowing the true extent of her powers, then you could die."
Linnox recalled the conversation he had had with his master before launching this ambush.
Soon he would test her powers, soon he would have some real fun.
His fingers flexed in anticipation as his knuckles popped with excitement at the coming battle.
***
The helicopters were large black military style aircraft that circled their respective landing sites in Harberton. They were making sure that the area was clear enough to land but also free of demons who might rush at the helicopter.
"This is awesome!"
Erin was loving this as he gave Seris two thumbs up. Seris was also thrilled by the aircraft.
"Who knew humans would invent such a fantastic way to travel?"
"What did they use back in your day?" Amelia had asked while Orion remained stonefaced next to Seris.
"Horse and buggy mostly, sometimes just horses though."
"This is way better though, right?"
"So much better!"
Orion stiffened as the helicopter began its slow descent towards the ground.
"Pay attention team. We are about to enter enemy territory. Keep your heads on a swivel and watch each other's backs. I know the two of you won't be much help in a fight," Orion added while looking pointedly at both Amelia and Erin, "so Seris and I will do the heavy lifting. If we come across any injured survivors, Amelia you focus on healing them while Erin focuses on whatever is it that he can do."
"We need to work on your motivational speeches," Seris pointed out.
Erin looked offended while Amelia simply nodded. Her face was getting more pale the closer they got to landing.
"Amelia, stick with me, you'll be fine. I promise."
Amelia saw the determined look on Seris's face which gave her a small bit of confidence.
If the reports were to be believed this was going to be a significantly larger battle than the one in Sapphire City and this time, Seris wanted her to participate in a support role.
Butterflies dominated Amelia's stomach as the skids of the helicopter touched down with a thud that jolted them.
Erin looked nervous too but he had his smartphone and camera ready, he wasn't missing a beat of this story. To die in pursuit of a legend was the most worthy way he could think of to shuffle off this mortal coil.
The pilot turned to address them, "time to go, be safe and good luck."
The four of them undid their safety harnesses and leapt from the back. This part of the city had been relatively untouched although there were clear signs of panicked evacuations.
"Smart to land a bit away from the enemy," Orion told them.
He took the lead as the white symbol of the order on his martial arts-like uniform shone under the bright sun overhead. The rest of them fell in line behind him as they moved deeper into the city.
Erin began to take pictures of their surroundings while also nabbing a few of Orion and Seris walking nearly side by side.
Amelia couldn't speak, her nerves were already through the roof and it took everything she had to keep herself from screaming and running away. Despite the confidence that Seris had in her, she didn't feel any of it right now.