The Story of the Red Demon

Robert Sheckley (1928–2005) and Roger Zelazny (1937–1995) are among the most famous and certainly the most beloved science fiction writers in the world. By the time they collaborated on "The Story of the Red Demon," Sheckley had already written "The Immortality Corporation," "Coordinates of Miracles," "First Victim," and more than a hundred stories, while Zelazny had created "Jack of Shadows," "Lord of Light," and "The Chronicles of Amber." Their shared love for mythology, a humorous outlook on the world, and a meticulous attention to detail meant that their creative partnership was destined to succeed!
The confrontation between the forces of Light and Darkness is akin to a giant chessboard, where angels and demons make their moves, employing famous mythological or historical figures as pawns and kings. A relatively young demon by the standards of Hell, but brimming with enthusiasm, Azzy is bubbling with new unconventional ideas that could enhance the power of the Dark Ones on the stage of world history and push Azzy up the career ladder. The only trouble is that minor issues and oversights, unconsidered nuances, and frustrating paradoxes, directly related to the nature of the gambling and frivolous demon, crash down on him like an avalanche every time. After all, the omnipotent Ananke, standing guard over Order, does not permit the slightest manifestation of entropy in the Universe!