The Code of Chivalry
                              Chapter 2


    Malrick rode quickly, wanting to reach the forest by nightfall.  It
was not a good idea to get caught out in the plains at night, in the
open.  He could better defend himself in the forests, for there he felt
at home.  He galloped, his horse breathing heavily, as twilight
descended on the plains. He finally reached the far forest as the moon
began it's steady climb into the darkness of the night sky.  He glanced
up briefly at it, and noticed the beauty of the stars and the full moon.
Then, without futher hesitation, he plunged into the forest at the edge
of the Magic Zone.
    Malrick made his way through the underbrush, and finally stumbled
upon a feint path.  He followed this until all light had disappeared.
Malrick then rode off the main path, and cast about for a suitable
campsite.  Finding a clearing, he dismounted and made camp.  As he
scrubbed his horse down, his mind drifted to his parents.  They were
killed by demons from the rifts many years ago, and he missed them
greatly.  He wished they could see him now, see the powers he
possessed...
    Malrick's eyes snapped up instantly.  At the edge of the firelight a
creature crawled, gurgling noises escaping from its throat.  The demon
was tall, about eight feet, but it crouched over and walked like a
gorilla.  Its head was like that of a bat, with small horns protruding
from its forehead. It had long powerfully built arms, ending in curved
talons.  The eyes, glowing yellow, locked with Malrick's.  The mouth
opened, showing teeth stained blood red in the firelight, as the
creature hissed.  As Malrick took a step back it jumped at him.
    He rolled out of the way, the claws just barely grazing his body
armor. He jumped quickly to his feet, reaching for his pistol.  With a
start he realized his holster was empty, his gun laying by his bedroll
across the clearing.  As the creature rose to its feet, Malrick
summonded up his psi-sword, and a shimmering blade appeared in his
hand. The sword resembled a narrow long sword, fast and deadly.
He swung the blade wide, keeping a space between them.  The creature
hesitated, confused by this new weapon, but suddenly rushed at him.
Malrick sliced down, hacking into the demon's shoulder, but it
collided with him nonetheless.  The monster grabbed both of his
wrists, its powerful arms pushing his down, pinning him helplessly to
the forest floor.  Malrick tried to break the hold, but even his large
muscles were no match for the demon's.  As the head came closer to his
jugular vein, the jaws nashing in anticipation, Malrick concentrated on
his pistol.  He opened his hand, and the gun flew from across the
clearing to it.  He grabbed the handle, turned the barrel towards the
creature, and squeezed the trigger. A bolt of red blasted into the
demon's side, knocking it off of him.  He sat up and aimed, firing
again into the creature's chest.  Hot blood splattered into the air,
raining down on the pine needled ground.  The monster dropped lifeless
to the ground, a gaping hole blasted through its chest.
    "Holy shit!" exclaimed Malrick, as he shook his head.  "I've got to
be more careful.  This little bastard almost had me."
    Malrick walked over and plopped onto his bedroll, as exhaustion set
in. He was asleep in five minutes, the sound of the fire crackling
soothingly in his ears.

Creeping Death [CHAOS CT] '93