A/N: Okay, so this is one of my first Original Stories and I hope you enjoy it! Just so you know, I need to hear from you guys to keep updating, so if you like it, let me know! I respond to all reviews, no matter how critical. But no flaming please. :D Thanks guys!! --Genie

Prologue

The setting sun blazed over the rolling plains, burning down on the back of the lone rider and her stallion. She urged the panting horse faster, pushing the hood of her cloak back as she glanced over her shoulder. Cursing loudly when what seemed to be large, black dogs chasing her sprang into view, the girl turned back to face the ruins of an old castle she was fast approaching. Just a bit further, she thought, bending as low as she could over her horse’s neck. The snarls of the beasts behind her grew louder, causing the grey stallion to bray loudly in fear. The girl didn’t waste her breath calming the panicking beast, instead drawing a narrow short-sword from a scabbard hanging from the saddle. She gripped it tightly and slapped the horse’s withers with the flat of the blade, urging him to run faster. She knew if they reached the ruins, they may actually stand a chance against the demons. She may be able to defeat them.

The stallion screamed and stumbled as one of the dogs leapt and bit his hind leg. He crashed to the ground, throwing the girl into the air. She landed with a grunt and quickly rolled to her feet, where she whirled around to face the enemy.

Three dogs the size of ponies launched onto the flailing horse and began to rip at him. One of the dogs stopped and turned to the girl, a growl so deep and menacing rumbling in its throat that the ground trembled. The girl gulped and backed up, fearful of the dark beast, so black that it seemed to suck the light from around it like a black hole. It shook its heavy, fur covered body and trotted towards her, flaming red eyes studying her. The girl’s eyes narrowed and she stood firm, gripping her sword she waited for the enemy to make its move. For a while the two stared at each other, oblivious to the setting sun and the other demons now devouring the stallion.

“I will banish you to the pits of hell, you mound of scum. You do not deserve to walk the plains of Earth,” she whispered, trying not to waver. She was surprised when the demon responded with a rough bark that sounded like a laugh.

“Dear child of God,” the demon sneered in a gravelly voice, running a black tongue over yellow teeth, “You know nothing. You truly think you can defeat us with your puny metal sword?”

The girl licked her dry lips and shook back the dark strands of hair that had fallen out of her braid. I must be brave. “Silence, spawn of Satan!” she screamed, “This silver blade was forged by the priests of Reltain! It has been blessed by God and will silence you!”

The demon laughed again and crouched low, preparing to strike, “As you say, child. We will see who goes to hell. I will destroy you and send your soul to my Master to do with as he wills.”

And then it launched itself at her, much faster than she could have guessed. Throwing herself to the side, the girl barely dodged the attack. Before she could roll to her feet, however, the demon was atop her, making to snap at her neck. She shifted around so its snout smashed into the hard earth. She then twisted her arm around and stabbed the blade into the side of the great dog. It howled loudly and jerked back off of her, stumbling away in anger. It gave a loud bark that pierced the girl’s ears, causing her to scream and cover her ears. The two other demons left the stallion’s corpse and made their way to stand on either side of their leader.

I can’t take all three at once… the girl realized quickly. She gripped her sword tightly and took a deep breath, reaching deep inside herself, searching for the warmth just behind her heart. She found it easily, thanks to much practice, and held onto it with her mind. With much concentration, the girl threw her magic out at the demons as they lunged at her.