Siege (Part One)

The morning was bright and sunny, with fine weather.

A magnificent castle stood beneath a faint shroud of black mist, as though it had always been there. Only the ruins of the once-prosperous villages and towns of the Butland Baron Fief told a different story. Their desolation bore witness to the brutality of whatever had brought forth the mist.

Whoosh—whoosh—

Several brightly feathered birds swept over the castle. They glided so gracefully that they seemed bound for some splendid gathering, their flight as dazzling as an aerial performance.

The last bird lagged a little behind, as if reluctant to leave some lovely sight in the distance. But the instant it passed over the castle, an invisible force seized it. With a shriek, it was dragged down.

"We've used up all the sacrifices. Looks like this will have to do." Inside the castle, a Greater Demon looked helplessly at the bird gripped by the neck in its hand. It thrashed wildly, its terrified eyes wide, as though it knew what fate awaited it.

"What are you standing around for? Go prepare the sacrificial tools!" Several Imps nearby had been watching curiously. Caught off guard, they were kicked away one after another by the Greater Demon. The sacrificial hall immediately erupted into activity.

Some cleaned while others made preparations. A huge crystal mirror stood in plain view on the stone altar at the center of the room, its surface spotless and smooth.

The Greater Demon dragged the bird toward the altar.

The Imps that had been kicked away moved quickly now. They hurried back carrying several large stone trays and set them on the altar one by one. Not daring to linger, they scurried out again and slowly pulled the heavy stone doors shut behind them. Only the powerful Greater Demon and