The Massacre of Lannamon: Hell Gate, #3

By Tony Andarian

In Hell Gate III - The Massacre of Lannamon, the people of Carlissa fight a desperate battle for survival. But with the Archmage still missing, their hopes wane in the face of the advancing demon horde.

 

An ancient enemy returns with the opening of the Hell Gate. Chaos reigns as the people rally to fight a desperate battle for survival, and many wonder bitterly why the gods seem to have abandoned them. Their only hope lies with the magic of the Archmage — and his, with a free-spirited princess who never wanted to rule. She must find the strength to set aside her bard's calling and take up a battle against impossible odds, or surrender her land and people to the Black Magus and his demons.

 

The Massacre of Lannamon is the third of four novella length episodes in the miniseries Hell Gate,which is also now available as a full novel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andarian Publishing
• Release date: May 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201269272

Book preview

Chapter 10 - The Diaspora

The Demon Lord’s Command

Borr’s serpentine lips curled upward in a rictus of satisfaction. The clouds surrounding the city had become a great wall that shut out any view of the outside world. Its last spell had reached completion, and it was ready to move the final pieces for its endgame.

It turned to its left. The winged demon lieutenant Usnaroth stood there, its bat’s head watching its master with disciplined anticipation. Next to it knelt the enormous figure of Incanus Thad, head pressed to the ground. Black ichor still dripped from the wounds that Aron’s sword had dealt it.

It is time, Borr said. Its voice was soft, but thick with menace.

Usnaroth raised a great paw to its shoulder in salute. What are your orders, My Lord?

Give the signal, it replied. With the arrival of our allies, we need wait and prepare no longer. Keep only a single brigade here to defend me and the gate. Have the rest march out to take the city.

Usnaroth nodded. What of our air forces? They have suffered many casualties in the battle with the palace guard.

You may withdraw the winged demons from the battle by the Cathedral. They have done their part well in preventing the King’s charge from breaking out of the High City, but we no longer need them there. I will send some of the dragons to take over that responsibility.

Borr’s snakelike neck twisted around in an almost languid motion. Its head looked west along the palace road.

Send another regiment of battle demons to reinforce them as well, it added absently. Just in case. I doubt we will need them, but I intend to risk no further surprises today.

Who shall I assign to command the charge, My Lord?

Borr let out a hiss of displeasure. There is still no sign of Captain Gorath?

No, My Lord. It is not on the battlefield. Pack leader Nagoth claims the captain ordered it to establish a barrier formation, and then left to conduct some kind of investigation.

Borr whipped its snakelike head around in agitation. Nagoth is little more than a grunt. No wonder the line collapsed.

Yes, My Lord. It said that Gorath mounted a wyvern and took off toward the southern bluffs. It hasn’t been seen since.

Take command of the attack yourself, Borr said. See to it personally, Usnaroth. Do not fail, and do not leave your post.

Shall I start a search for Captain Gorath?

No. It is no longer important. Do order it to report to me immediately if it reappears. Gorath has never been a fool, and there may be an acceptable reason for its absence. The thin smile returned to its lizard-like lips. I will give it a chance to explain itself before I rip out its brain.

It turned back to the hulking demon. That is all, Lieutenant. You are dismissed.

As you will, My Lord, Usnaroth replied. It saluted, and, wings beating furiously, took once again to the air.

Borr lowered its gaze to Incanus Thad. The Captain of the Horde knelt, axe on the ground before it, awaiting his master’s judgment.

You have greatly disappointed me, Incanus, Borr said softly.

Thanks to your failure, we have not yet taken the palace. Many of our strongest demons were maimed or killed. Most of the royal family survived what was supposed to be a decapitation strike. Even now they lead a force against us, trying to unite with the warrior priests of the Church. Have you anything to say for yourself?

Only that we encountered far stronger resistance than we had been led to expect, My Lord Borr, Incanus Thad said. His booming voice had lost its former power and resonance. His body shuddered, and his head flinched as if from a painful memory. But that is no excuse. I submit myself to your will for judgment.

Ordinarily, I would dismiss such a defense as the bravado of a weakling, Borr said thoughtfully. But fortunately for you, I have looked into your mind and seen your memories. The minds of others who survived the strike corroborate your story.

Incanus Thad continued to kneel at his master’s feet. He said nothing.

The King called upon an unknown magic, unexpected and extremely powerful. Had I known that you would face such a threat, I would have ensured that your team was better prepared. Our ally and our spy are also to blame for this, for their faulty intelligence.

Yes, My Lord, Incanus Thad said quietly. As you judge and will it.

There is also the matter of Aron Killraven to speak for you. Despite the threat from the King’s magic, you struck a major blow against the royals by slaying the elder prince. And by making yourself the target of her wrath, you took the Queen out of the battle as well. Had it not been for the untimely arrival of the mages and their guards, that sacrifice would have turned it in our favor.

Borr’s great eye suddenly narrowed dangerously.

But there is no room in my horde for a damaged battle captain, it hissed. The elf-bitch’s attack has shaken you, Incanus. You must gather your will to recover from it, or you will be of no further use to me.

Borr signaled for the demon to rise. Incanus Thad struggled to his feet.

"Go forth and re-join the fight — now. Master yourself, and re-claim your strength. Distinguish yourself in the battle, and you may yet be redeemed."

It bared its teeth menacingly, and the threat in its expression was unmistakable. Quail, and I will feed you to the dragons myself.

Incanus Thad looked into the demon lord’s great eye. A hard expression took hold of his face. He nodded slowly, and then saluted, fist to shoulder.

It shall be as you command, My Lord Borr, he said.

The Horde Captain’s wings spread out, beating the air. With a roar, he launched himself into the sky. He flew toward Mount Cascade and was quickly lost to sight.

Nowhere to Run

The Lord of the Horde is springing its trap, Elena said. Her eyes had once again taken on their faraway look. Her face was ashen.

Don’t risk it, my love, Danor said anxiously. If that demon lord senses you scrying and attacks, without the ward to protect you …

Her eyes slowly returned to normal. Your warning is well taken, she said. Danor noted with a sudden stab of concern that she was trembling.

What did you see, Your Majesty? Darren asked anxiously.

The arrival of the dragons is what Borr was waiting for, she said. Its forces are finally moving out to take the city. And there are more battle demons headed our way.

And the dragons? Danor pursued.

The Queen turned to look at him. She was crying.

Flights and flights of them, she whispered. Fire giants ride them. They are girded for war, carrying great swords and spears.

She buried her face in her husband’s shoulder. His arms went protectively around her as she clutched the flanges of his armor.

We’re beaten, Danor, she wept. They’ve emptied the strongholds of the Dark. And still their demons come through the gate.

She raised her eyes to his.

There’s no way to win against a force like this. There’s nowhere to run, and no way to escape. The entire world will be taken. This is the beginning of the end for the Children of the Covenant.

What do we do, then? General Banderman asked. His voice sounded shaky. Do we surrender?

No, Darren said firmly. We fight to the end, until we are sent into the Light of the Divine.

Danor kissed his wife’s hair. Then, slowly, he held her weeping form away from him.

We’re not beaten until the last man has fallen, he said. He was smiling. And I will need your help now more than ever. Will you still stand with me?

Elena nodded.

No matter the battle. Again and again, you’ve held us together against impossible odds. I won’t give up now, no matter how hopeless it looks. And if we are truly to meet our end today, then I’m glad it will be with you at my side.

Banderman nodded. We fight, then. What are your orders, Your Majesty?

Hiding from Dragons

A flight of winged shapes emerged from the eastern clouds. Enormous reptilian forms with scales of glistening red sailed toward the city. Jets of flame shot from their nostrils, licking the air before them with darting tongues of fire.

Randia’s eyes widened. Dragons! she cried.

Stefan grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to the ground. Everyone, down!

Do as he says! Kay rapped. Under the pavilion. Keep out of sight. We don’t want to be spotted.