Page 66 of The Troll’s Summer Flame

The clearing isn’t much of a clearing at all, but I see the blood on a boulder and splattered on a tree stump. I see the claw marks on the earth. Four sets this time. The patterns are different.

Two full hand prints, with five taloned fingertips gouging the earth. Three taloned toes digging backward, like a runner prepping to sprint.

A succubus sprang.

Or was on her hands and knees, her victim beneath her.

Or... Or perhaps her partner was behind her, and she was on her hands and knees in a carnal fashion.

“It’s a succubus, Gordon. It’s always going to be a carnal fashion,” I mutter to myself.

But there wouldn’t be blood, would there? If it was carnal?

Well, a partner with claws carries a certain amount of risk, and there’s no body. The trees aren’t burning. There are some smoldering twigs, but the earth is damp in the dark, and the risk of fire is low. I kick and stomp out the embers I can find, then pull out my phone.

Gordon: It’s okay. Another succubus strike.

I look up, remembering that succubi can fly, at least I think they can. The ones in Mr. Minegold’s book had leathery, bat-like wings sprouting from their backs.

Andrea: Thank God! Come back to the cabin.

Gordon: Just a second. You should wait in the truck. Doors locked.

Andrea: Why? Gordon, you’re scaring me.

Gordon: Don’t be scared. Just safe.

But that’s just it. If this were a succubus living in the mortal realm, would there be that brimstone and sulfur smell I keep noticing? Why the flames, sparks, and charred earth? Is this a succubi thing?

Or is this a portal to Hell kind of thing?

I’ll be damned if I let portals to Hell open up a mile and a half from where my kids are gonna have their swingset! To say nothing of my wife.

And the cat. Cats.

I scan the trees with the flashlight on my phone. Nothing. No winged demoness. No broken branches.

I’m guessing portal. And I don’t know if the blood is her victim’s or hers.

Time for another text.

Gordon to PVPRFD: I need someone who can scry some blood and get some DNA out of claw marks in the earth. Looks like we have another succubus event. Any takers?

The text goes to the paranormal volunteers of the Pine Ridge Fire Department. It’s almost three in the morning, but the text message chain begins to fill with the dots of people typing.

Duncan to PVPRFD: I do not know how to use the kit, being new to this technology, but I will get Ardy.

Genesis to PVPRFD: You need Alban.

Milo to PVPRFD: Alban needs to do this one.

Ian F. to PVPRFD: Alban, are you awake?

Ian K. to PVPRFD: You sure it wasn’t a dragon?

Graham K to PVPRFD: Ian, go back to bed. Not you, Mr. Fenclan.

Alban to PVPRFD: My phone is going nuts. Harper will kill all of you. Gordon, send me a location, and I’ll get Ardy and come over.