Chapter1: The summons

The wind howled through the barren wasteland, whipping up dust and debris as it went. In the distance, a lone figure trudged across the desolate landscape, their cloak billowing behind them like the wings of a giant bat.

This was Alaric, a powerful mage on a quest to summon a demon. He had spent months studying the ancient tomes, learning the intricate spells and incantations necessary to call forth a creature from the abyss.

As he drew nearer to his destination, Alaric's heart quickened. He had never attempted a summoning of this magnitude before, and he knew that the risks were high. But he was willing to take the chance - for the power that the demon would bestow upon him would be worth any price.

Finally, he arrived at the site of the ritual. It was a desolate, rocky outcropping, with a small cave at its base. Alaric approached the entrance, and with a wave of his hand, he caused the rocks to shift and part, creating a path into the depths of the earth.

He descended into the cave, his footsteps echoing off the walls. Soon, he arrived at a vast, circular chamber, lit by flickering torches that hung from the ceiling. In the center of the chamber stood a large, ornate pedestal, upon which Alaric would perform the summoning.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself for what was to come. Then, he began to recite the incantation, his voice ringing out across the chamber.

As the final words left his lips, the ground began to shake. A deep, guttural growl echoed through the cavern, and a cloud of smoke began to rise from the pedestal.

Alaric stepped back, his heart pounding in his chest. But he did not run - for he knew that the demon was about to appear.

The smoke began to coalesce, forming the shape of a massive creature with black, leathery wings and eyes that burned like hot coals. It let out a deafening roar, and Alaric felt a surge of fear and excitement course through his veins.

"Who summons me?" the demon bellowed.

"I am Alaric," the mage replied, his