The angle isn't ideal, but the blade hits, nearly severing the tail. The demon screams in Herc's face and grabs him with both hands, lifting him two feet from the ground before slamming him back down. The whiplash causes near-immediate unconsciousness.

He's not out for long. When he wakes, his hands and feet are bound. A Warden mage kneels before him, eyes glowing strangely. He removes his healing hands from Herc, then tilts his head, as if curious about what he is seeing. Behind him, a few mages watch, their numbers dwindled from what it was.

"Where are you in pain?" the healer asks in a monotone voice.