A cabal of demons

**Dedicated to all the readers who like Salara and her friends as much as I do. I Hope this next part turns out to worth the long wait.

The hallway opens up into a large depression in the subterranean city. Unlike the unlit hallways where only the light of Iola's oil lamp allowed you to find the pearls, this room is illuminated by a half dozen orbs hanging from columns that support the domed ceiling above. The glass balls shine with a steady orange glow without the flickering or smoke of a flame, but you don't have time to consider how they might work.

Luckily you are the first to peer over Lykiaos' shoulder because you have just enough time to clamp your hand over Iola's soft lips before her exclamation of joy gives you away. Not that you blame Iola, after-all this whole nightmarish trip had been to rescue her little sister, and less than thirty paces away the young woman lay spread out on an alter of black stone surrounded by four tall figures in dark robes. Only when you are sure that Iola is under control do you uncover her mouth.

"We have to help her!" Iola mouths at you and Lykiaos. You look down on the scene doubtfully, but Lykiaos doesn't even hesitate. He pulls the girl to his chest and breaths softly into her ear.

"We will, Honey. Or die trying." It's the second part of that that you have a problem with, but there is no way that you're willing to walk away any more than Lykaios or Iola are. The chanting of the four robed figures grows louder, which reduces the chances of them hearing you, but might mean that Airlia's time is getting shorter. None of you have ranged weapons, you could probably hit one with a knife if you got lucky, but at this range the chance of doing any serious damage is slim.

Your eyes find those of the grizzled warrior by your side and he shrugs his shoulders even as he holds Iola against him. No ideas from him then. His sword, your flaming spear and knives seems like a bad bet against four demons, but what choice do you have?

You consider and eliminate one bad option after another.

Throw rocks to distract them? - Stupid, that might work with rookie guardsmen, but not with ... not against ... whatever the Hell these are.

Let them see you and lead away? Maybe, but would they even chase after you? And even more troubling, what if they did chase after you?

A surprise attack while the demons were distracted by their unholy ritual? Four of those towering demons against an old man and a thief whose main skill with knives involves striking from surprise. Fuck, this really sucks.