Chapter 4 Part 2

Armegon began casting a shield spell the instant his teleport ended. Fifty yards ahead of him was an army.
A nearby bowman gave a warning shout and raised his crossbow. Avery ducked behind Armegon as a buckler of flame appeared on the sorcerers arm.
“Nice place he picked out,” Armegon grunted sarcastically as he caught the bolt on his shield.
“At least we aren’t in their midst.”
“Oh no. Instead we get to be at optimal target range.” He complained, blocking another bolt.
Avery pointed out the large group of swordsmen charging towards them. “Shouldn’t be a problem much longer.”
Armegon didn’t reply he simply cast a new spell. A razor sharp scythe of pure force sprang out of his outstretched fingers and expanded as it went. Pausing only long enough to deliver a dirty look at his companion--a moment of irritation at the vicious spell that had been cast--Avery leaped forward and ran along behind it.
The first rank of mercenaries prepared themselves to meet Avery’s charge, only to be cut down by the force scythe. The second rank fared only a little better. In fact most of the survivors were the ones who’d been knocked down when others died. In the thick of it now, Avery cut and whirled and parried, his enchanted blade, Liberator, sheared through armor and bone with equal ease.
Armegon kept the archers and sneak attackers off of Avery while the ranger battled. In the camp, another group was gathering to try a mass rush, but they were easily dispersed with a well-placed fireball.
It turned into a short-lived fight. Those who didn’t die soon fled.
Avery looked about him. There were no more opponents. He thrust Liberator back into its scabbard and looked to Armegon. His friend was unharmed and bending over Ultrecht. He hurried to give aid.
“Let me help.”
Armegon was cleaning a nasty claw wound on Ultrecht’s side. “It’s filled with some kind of acid.”
The ranger nodded and cast a small enchantment to neutralize it. The wounded mage sighed in relief. It took only a small healing to close the wound.
“Thanks,” said Ultrecht gratefully as he got to his feet. “Take hold of me.”
His friends each lay a hand on his shoulder and he cast a teleport to take them to Sara’s bedroom.
“This dragon is really going to be angry, and he somehow came into possession of a demon trap,” Ultrecht said when they arrived.
Armegon looked alarmed. “A trap? What’s in it, and is it under the dragon’s control?”
“It’s a Balrog. And yes it’s working for the dragon.”
The sorcerer winced. “Oh that’s not good.”
Avery interjected, “A Balrog? Isn't that a…”
"Yes," Ultrecht continued as he began to pace. “It’s a fairly powerful type of demon. It has claws that excrete acid, and a poisonous bite.” He made a face. “Worst of all it’s very resistant to magic and can cast spells of its own.”
“Oh great. What else do you have waiting for us here?”
“Well all total we have a dragon, a balrog, a lesser mage, an assassin, several dozen guardsmen, and a rather nasty warrior with a mage-killer sword.”
Armegon jumped. “Whoa there. Did you say a mage-killer?”
“Yes, and it’s a powerful one. I’ve felt it drawn. ”
Both mages looked at Avery.
“Ok, ok. I’ll take that one. You two can have the dragon. ”
Armegon was about to say something, but a loud crash interrupted him. Ultrecht rushed out with the others close behind.