#sequel wip

 The rocking of the wagon stopped as the dirt road became paved. Carter noted the stricken trees, bare of leaves, strangled by the pink Tianarri moss of the Abyss. Spikes of Stygian grass stabbed through the rotten patches of native grass. The corruption of the demonic realm grew more evident the further the wagon rolled. The prisoners who either were able, or still cared enough, crowded around the bars of the cage, staring wide-eyed at the coming end of their journey. Carter remained in place as the approaching scent of decayed vanilla informed him the wagon drew close to L’Arc demons.

After the wagon halted, a stunningly beautiful and statuesque woman with milky skin, raven hair and batwings sprouting from her back strode up to the back. She flicked her hand at Carter who stared back impassively, noting her blackened gold plate cuirass. When he didn’t budge, she hissed at him.

“Move, meat.”

He released the bars and took a solitary step back.

The demon sneered at him and unlocked the bars. The entire back dropped down, forming a ramp from the back of the wagon. A misstep would cost someone a broken ankle, or worse.

“Do you need an engraved invitation? Get down here, meat.”

Without blinking, Carter slowly, heavily strode down the makeshift ramp until he stood before the demon. She glared up at him.

“Get over there with the rest of the meat. Mistress Haavastaad will be eager to crush your insolence.”

Again, moving with deliberation, he moved to where the demon directed. After a couple of steps, he felt the demon’s hand on his back, between his shoulders, forcing him to move faster.

“Move with alacrity, meat.”

He pressed into the ground hard with his left foot and pivoted toward it. The L’Arc, focused on hurrying him, overbalanced and stumbled passed before she went sprawling. As other demons laughed, the fallen L’Arc leaped to her feet and made to run him through with her serrated blade.

A blue-skinned hand locked around the demon’s hand, stopping her strike cold.

“This will not do.”

Carter glanced over to see the lithe frame of the demon who saved him. Horns sprouted from her temples and wrapped around her head like a crown. Orange hair flowed down her back, over her ebony dress.

“You should have more care when attacking the Patchwork Knight, Eyiness.” Silver eyes locked on Carter. “Isn’t that right, Sir Lavitz?”