Continued from S3-2-10: Dregolath Xorn, slaver of Pan Tang (portrait). Taking advantage of the Dragon Lord’s distraction, when he glanced toward his beautiful succubus, D’Syr, Xorn swung his demonic scimitar for the Melnibonean’s head. But Syn easily turned the blow, wielding his demonic greatsword if inhuman grace and speed. Rynard draped his cap over Caterina’s naked form, pulling her to her feet and backing her out of harm’s way to join Blade, who stilled held Nebi by her bond wrists, near the open door, while Syn and Xorn circled each other in a deadly duel of whirling blades and demonic power. Violet flashes lit the chamber when Xorn’s flaming scimitar crashed against the blue-white lightning that wreathed Syn’s greatsword, but as they battled at a fevered pitch it became clear that the Mabden was the lesser skilled. Fighting with desperation driven by the knowledge that the Melnibonean was superior to him in weapon’s skill, as well as sorcerous power, Xorn stumbled backward; off-balance from a wild swing, and Syn stepped back toward his companions in the open doorway. “We came for the girl… not your blood. Let this be done with what you have already lost!,” Syn offered, his cold tone making it clear that he was not likely to give quarter again. Xorn snarled in rage; his whole slavery operation had been reduced to ruins… by just the three of them! But there was little to gain by continuing. Even if he reclaimed Caterina and sold her for all she was worth, it would be nothing compared to what he had lost here. Stepping back, as the demonic flames about his scimitar’s blade died away, he felt D’Syr’s hands rest upon his shoulders as it pressed its naked form against his back and smiled seductively at Syn. “There will come a reckoning!” Xorn growled. “One day you’ll pay for this with your blood!” “No master… Don’t leave me!” Nebi sobbed, as swirling red mists consumed both Xorn and D’Syr. But her plea was in vane, as the mists quickly dissipated… and they were gone! To be continued on S3-2-12: Ss'Ly, demon spy of Dregolath Xorn. The demonic servant of Dragolath Xorn, a Mabden slaver and sorcerer of great power, D’Syr is able to take the shapes of several different humans of great beauty, both male and female, and is capable of causing most beings to fall into a deep sleep for hours with a kiss. Often luring potential prizes into its master’s traps, it is as much a slave as any victim of its charms, and although it despises him, bond by his sorcery, it must obey his commands, just as it is compelled to serve its own endless need for gratification. The instrument of Xorn’s kidnapping of Caterina Dotta, an Ilmioran noblewoman, D’Syr set in motion the events which brought its master into conflict with the renegade Dragon Lord Daeron Syn and his companions, beginning a mortal struggle that would range across the whole of the Young Kingdoms… and beyond! The eleventh installment to "book" two of my Stormbringer characters' adventures. Thanks for looking... Hope you enjoy! Comments and suggestions always welcome and appreciated!