Klein tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword and waited for the next wave. It did not keep him waiting. A larger group of invaders leapt toward the line of slaves, axes and blades raised. The ground trembled under their heavy steps. Klein planted his feet firmly, bent his knees slightly and raised his weapon.
The first to arrive struck from high to low. Klein parried the blow with a clean movement. The impact made the metal ring. He slid to the side, avoided the second strike and drove his blade into the opponent's belly. The demon let out a hoarse cry, fell to his knees, then collapsed. Klein pulled his sword free with a sharp motion and was already turning toward the next one.
To his right, a slave with a scarred face was fighting with a borrowed axe. "On the left!" he shouted. Klein pivoted just in time. A thrust aimed at his side passed through empty air. He countered with a short thrust that found the demon's throat. Black blood spurted. The man slumped without a word.
