The air became supercharged and everything was a blur, but Hakem Rafi could see that one by one the attacking demons were shriveling as their leader had done under Aeshma’s assault. Most of the other demons stood about silently awaiting the outcome of this battle, not wanting to defend Aeshma but unwilling also to join the rebellion against his authority.
When it became clear that Aeshma would win, some of the rebellious demons fled—but they were no more successful in that than they’d been in their attack. Aeshma strode through the cavern in mighty steps, pursuing all who tried to escape and blasting them to nothingness with the power of his magic. Some of the rebels turned to plead for mercy, but Aeshma had none to give. Before too long, all those who dared challenge his authority were v
