It went without a hitch, as Ethan expected. Buffy was less wary in the daylight and easier to take. Because it was a Saturday she was out at the mall. Giles wasn’t there to watch her back. They waited until she was in the car park, then closed in. When the thugs pulled guns on her she looked ready to fight but the threat to her friends kept her quiet long enough to let Ethan drug her. He made sure that Xander and Willow were safely tied up in an out of the way broom cupboard in the mall, then took her away in the back of the van they had bought in LA. Five miles down the road, on the county borders, he let his little helpers off and paid them what he owed them. The older one, the biker, looked at him as the Californian surfer counted the money.
"You sure you don’t need us anymore ? We’re paid till the end of the week."
"No thanks, pal. I can handle it from here."
"I can see how you wouldn’t want to share her around."
"Just get out of town. That’s my best advice to you. It won’t be safe here after dark."
Something in his tone must have impressed them, because they didn’t argue or answer back. Ethan watched them go, then put on his sun glasses and drove to the rendezvous point. He knew he was getting near when demons started showing themselves, appearing out of the undergrowth and beginning to run beside the van. By the time he got to the cave system they were using as a base he had an escort of fanged, clawed monsters. Ethan drove the van inside and tried not to show his unease. He could feel sweat trickling down his back as the beasts clustered around the windows, trying to see inside the transit.
He got out, keeping a facade of calm, pocketed the keys to the van and lifted Buffy in his arms, surprised how heavy she was. He made sure she was settled in the cell before leaving her. He fastened the manacles himself, checking they were secure, then went to report to Lord Rehyat.
He walked down the corridor towards the mess hall. It was a long walk and he was half way there before he heard the bellowing of the cattle. Ethan felt his stomach began to clench as he realised that there was a formal banquet going on. He stopped for a moment and wiped the sweat off his face. He didn’t dare show any fear, especially not here. As he got closer the sickly sweet small of blood caught at the back of his throat. Other smells too. The smell of fear, of entrails and shit and death. He took a deep breath, rounded the corner, and walked into a version of hell.
The demons were sitting around the edge, drinking and eating meat. The roar of their talk and laughter filled the hall and almost covered the low moaning sounds of animals in pain. The cattle were in two groups. One group stood at the edge of the hall, terrified, the whites of their eyes showing, their heads swaying from side to side as they tried to escape the grip of the magic that held them bound and immobile and stopped them following their natural instinct to stampede from danger.
The other group.... Ethan swallowed hard and looked at the three or four cows in the middle of the space. They were held under heavier magic, unable to move at all. They stood trembling with pain, and servants tore raw flesh from them as they stood there, living, suffering, unable to move or die because of the spells that kept them there. One cow had lost almost all of the meat on one flank and Ethan could look right into it, see the internal organs pulsing and trembling with shock. And still, because of the magic, it lived. It would live until it was released from the spell, even if it had no blood left, or no vital organs.
Ethan looked away and found Lord Rehyat, sitting at the end of the hall, surrounded by his generals, watching as his men feasted and enjoyed themselves on the eve of his wedding day Occasionally a servant brought him an especially choice piece of meat - a liver, still steaming; a heart, and he would divide it up. Next to him, silent, his jaw set, Robert Alexander sat. Ethan could see the strain in his face but his self control was absolute. He showed no emotion at the things he was watching. ‘I suppose you’d expect that from a bloody mage’ Ethan thought. He caught Robert’s eye and the younger man stood up and bowed to the demon beside him.
"My Lord Rehyat ? I must go and see to the prisoner."
Rehyat smiled and showed more fangs than Ethan found comfortable to watch. "As you wish. But be ready for full moon."
"Yes, sir."
"The time of our victory." Rehyat said.
"Yes, Lord."
Robert came over and walked out with Ethan "It’s enough to turn you into a vegan." Ethan said under his breath. Robert didn’t answer and Ethan looked at him. He frowned. Robert was tenser than he had ever seen him.
"Are you allright ?"
"Yes."
"What’s the matter ?"
"In a minute. Is she hurt ?"
"No. I’ve done this before. The worst she’ll be is thirsty."
"Right."
"So relax. Everything’s going to be allright."
"No it isn’t. Show me where you’ve got her."