The blow, backed by my magic, took him in the jaw, square and solid, lifting him from his feet and sending him back into Henemordonin. My grandfather cursed as Elphremantic landed on him, sending them both sprawling backward onto First Seat.

I shook out my hand, still grinning. "Oh, sorry," I said, "were you thinking I hit like a girl?" Magic pooled around me, the touch of Demonicon's power begging me to release it so it could return. But I wanted Henemordonin to give it back on ...