Demonworld (53 page)

Guardians dropped from the helicopters, covered the area in groups, called to one another in their clipped battle language. Sevrik raced to the edge where a group of Guardians were dangling a rope ladder.

Guardian medics grouped around Rachek, felt her pulse, then wrapped a tourniquet around her leg and guided a helicopter to a landing nearby.

Wodan grabbed the rope ladder, then felt it rise. Strong hands touched his shoulders and lifted him. He saw Sevrik bounding towards him, laughing hysterically, eyes bloodshot and creased but filled with life and light. A soft rain patted him. Blue brilliance shone along the mountain. The Guardians held him. He heard Agmar calling to him. Sevrik fell into him, covered him, wrapped him in a crushing bear hug and both of them shook, laughing and crying at once. Wodan shouted senseless words of happiness to his tutor. Sevrik held him close and welcomed him, welcomed him home.

To be continued in

Demonworld Book Two:

The Pig Devils