Sugar and Spice

Chapter 3-1

Chapter 3

On a bloody battlefield between Hell and Neraka…

“Judas! Judas! Judas!”

In response to these shouts, a daring man of courage, covered with blood and filled with the arrogance of victory, stood on a small rise overlooking a sea of warriors. He had been given the honor of being called the Prince of War. He had hurled his sword valiantly, plunging it into the hearts of kings and princes, and now that same weapon was held high over his head and dripping with blood as his cry of triumph rang out through the smoky skies.

His beautiful blond hair, which was his pride, was full, curled, and equal to a lion’s mane as it hung gloriously down his back. To his men he wasn’t merely a man, but a god, a god that had led them to victory in a war with the Black Knights of Neraka. With boisterous praise, the militia climbed the rise and surrounded their leader, hoisting him high on their shoulders while hailing him as the greatest leader since Satan himself.

* * * *

Judas and his men returned to the Black Heavens, riding into the city on hellish creatures with horns and protruding, scissor-sharp teeth. These animals were Satan’s own creations, tamed and broken for their use. Upon entering, they expected the usual greeting of praises from the gods. Instead they found the city in chaos. Frightened minions scrambled around on quaking streets. Judas knew whatever it was that held the city in its murderous grip was unlike any enemy he had ever faced. In his hurried attempts to find out what had happened, the ravagers of war and chaos could only shriek out their incoherent answers in dread.

The city sat paralyzed.

The torture wheels creaked to a stop.

Whips that disciplined underlings fell limp and powerless.

Cracks appeared in every cave-like structure, on every rock-hewn path, in every corner of the city.

Judas carefully led his ugly, misshapen creature through the crowds to get to his own lair, where he turned it over to a minion who corralled the creature for him. He found the Royal House still intact and rushed inside to find out what had happened.

“Ander!” Judas shouted the moment he stepped into his royal apartment.

The warrior turned, a look of worry on his face. “Yes, sire,” he said, bringing a fist in greeting up to his chest.

“Why is the city in chaos? What has happened?”

“Something on Earth, sire. A catastrophe so bad it has shaken our very foundation. I am on my way to the Demon Lord for orders. I suggest you go and rest from your battle. I will do all that is necessary to bring this confusion to an end.”

“Yes, I am tired. Thank you. Please keep me informed.”

The warrior lowered his head and backed away.