Behold, a Demon

“What have you summoned me for?” A demon stood in the centre of the ring of hands, skin fiery red, hair pointed and black.

“Ummm,” said Fey. “We’re not really sure. It was sort of an accident.”

“I see,” replied the demon. He shrugged and sat down, making himself comfortable. “Well, since I am here, anything you want to know?”

Everyone looked awkwardly at each other. They weren’t really sure how one was meant to treat an inappropriately summoned demon, but they’re pretty sure this wasn’t it.

“Aren’t there meant to be like incantations, and stuff?” asked Nathaniel.

“Only if you absolutely insist,” replied the demon. “This is much more fun, you know.” He looked around the room. “Anyone got a light?” he asked.

“We’re thirteen,” said Dianna, outraged.

“Oh,” said the demon. “So that’s a no, then? Pity.” He flicked his fingers, and the cigarette he had been rolling between them disappeared.

“Actually,” said Charlie. “There is something we wanted to know.”

“Oh yes,” the demon stopped examining his fingernails and looked up. “Ask away,” he prompted.

“We were practicing summoning earlier,” began Charlie.

“Oh, so that was you lot causing all those disturbances earlier. Quite annoying, really, spirits zipping in and out. Interrupted my game of Doom no end, lucky I can hit the save button in a hurry, let me tell you!”

“Yes,” tried Charlie again. “Anyway, the first spirit that was summoned said something interesting. Something about not following a path, because it would lead them to danger. We wanted to know what that was about.”

“I see,” said the demon. “Well, I don’t think I’m meant to tell you, but there’s nothing on tv, and Zieke is hogging the computer tonight. Listen carefully,” he said. “I’m about to give you An Important Clue”. He leaned in conspiratorially.

“The spirits are unhappy down below. Some spirits are talking of overthrowing Lucifer. He seems to have some sort of plan to quell the masses, but he cannot do it alone. He has enlisted help.” He looked around the ring, his eyes stopping on Aoife. “I can’t say more.” His voice had dropped to an eerie low. Suddenly he stood up. “Well, must dash,” he said, his voice chirpy once more. And with a sudden motion that called up the idea of smoke and flashes, without ever actually producing any, he was gone.

The novices looked at each other.

“Someone is planning something,” Nathaniel said slowly.

“They have enlisted aid,” added Charlie.

“And the path that they walk down is dangerous,” finished Aoife.