The sand shimmered in the bright sunlight, waves of heat radiating from the deserts of Karinam. On the horizon the village of Valdell flickered into view like a mirage. The army of demons drew closer to the settlement. They were led by Anathema, who strode confidently ahead of his soldiers, a wry smile etched upon his sharp features. It had been six weeks since Anathema had attacked Eresteid. His nerves still tingled at the memory of smashing their soldiers aside, of bursting into his true form and unleashing pandemonium upon Nightfall: claws raking through young flesh, his minions pounding their clubs against the humans" fragile bodies, and the sound of screams. His body shuddered with pleasure.
Scorching rays of sun beat down upon his skin, and his sandy brown hair was swept across his
