Excerpt: The Black Phoenix

Upon hearing the ear-piercing sounds of the screams, Trent awoke raising his axe blade, looking around frantically. There was nothing in the room but him. He peered out his bedroom window and saw a vast horde of Geddon's elite squad, The Bones, an army of demon warriors who wore bones for armor and used heavy bones for weapons. The army slowly approached the village of Recarna, striking fear into the crowds with every step they took.
Trent could feel his heart racing and his mind slipping away. He'd been sent here to defend the town along with the finest warriors that Recarna had to offer. He snapped out of his trance and rushed to the front gates with the other men who now stood ready. He had left his armor behind and wore nothing but his torn black pants and his worn out brown boots. He wore no tunic nor armor on his chest or back. Holding his axe blade steady, turned to one of the other men.
"When were they spotted?" he asked a tall, well built soldier named Zane.
"About an hour ago. They walk slow so we're using this time to try and hide the women and children and build up our defenses." answered Zane, brushin his brown hair back.
Trent looked around, examining the other soldiers. He noticed that all of them were trying hard not to run. Some were praying to Arma and others were getting ready for the fight of their lives.
"I'm worried about these guys, Zane. They look like they want to quit."
"They do. However, the thought of the shame they will bring their families if they run motivates them to stay and fight. Heck, even I'm scared, but I won't run."
"Honor?" asked Trent.
"No. I fight today for the thrill of the fight. Just the thought of fighting an army that might match my skill motivates me to stay and fight with all I've got, Trent." answered Zane with an obvious grin on his face.

A sudden howl and crash made the two look towards the source of the noise. The Bones had begun to tear at the eastern gate of Recarna. Trent and Zane moved towards the gate with the other men.
"Men! Today we defend Recarna! Let us show Geddon our might!" yelled Zane, encouraging the men.
They cheered and readied themselves. One crash. Everyone was stiff. Another Crash. The air grew stale. One more crash. No one could breathe.

The gate burst open and Bone Men came running in with bone hammers, axes, spears, blades and other weapons made of bone. The men stood their ground and as the Bone Men grew closer and closer, the men began to draw their weapons. The first Bone Man jumped into the air to deliver a blow to Zane's head, but missed as Zane moved out of the way. Zane moved quickly and stabbed the Bone Man in the back, withdrew his sword, took the defeated demon's weapon and ran to help other men. Trent had more problems with his. Trent swung his sword, but the demon merely blocked. The demon swung his hammer, but missed when Trent stepped to one side. Trying desperately to overcome his opponent, Trent once again swung his sword, but instead of blocking this time, the demon swung back with his hammer, sending Trent flying backwards. The demon walked over to Trent and raised its massive hammer to deliver the final blow. Trent shut his eyes, unwilling to see the hammer fall, but it never came, instead the demon howled in pain and began to swing about frantically. Trent crawled away and noticed that all of the Bone Men had caught fire. Trent looked closer and noticed that the flames were black. A loud crash was heard and, instinctively, Trent ran towards it.
"Wait!" yelled Zane after him, but it was no use. Trent could no longer hear him.

As Trent reached the source of the crashing sound, he stopped before a massive crater that could fit an entire house. Squinting his eyes, he could see something at the bottom of the crater, something moving. A loud chirping cry was heard the next moment and suddenly, the dust in the air began to clear. Trent's eyes widened as he looked in awe at what lay at the bottom of the crater. Sitting at the bottom was a large balck phoenix with massive wings. It flapped its wings once more, clearing the dust and turning the Bone Men to ash. It cried out once more and all became quiet.