Chapter 3
Aros watched them leaving. They had spent several minutes debating on whether Anra needed a guard or not. Finally they decided that someone could return once they were done speaking. Nothing could get to her inside these walls and she would be asleep for some time after what she had gone through. Now that he was alone with her, Aros shifted out of the darkness.
He was completely solid this time. Nothing obscured him from view or distorted his appearance. Had anyone seen him they would take him for any other human. He was tall and muscular, though lean in appearance. His raven colored hair framed his slender face and tapered against his skull. It stood out in stark contrast to his creamy white skin. He wore a soft, black sleeveless tunic and black pants tucked into leather hide boots. A wicked looking blade, curved like a crescent moon, hung low on his hip. He lifted a hand to his face and brushed the long thin strands away from blood colored eyes.
He took on an appearance much akin to Anra's when he was hiding his true self. In reality, he looked far more sinister as he was, in fact, a demon.
His brow furrowed in concern. He had been watching her battle, as usual staying out of sight. Normally, a demon like Griswold proved no challenge for her. When she had been caught he nearly leapt to her aid, and likely would have torn the former smith limb from limb himself when Rowan had appeared.
"You are quite lucky we aren't dead." He growled, knowing she couldn't hear. He sat down beside her and watched as she groaned quietly in sleep, turning her head toward him.
"I wonder to this day why I ever entered into a contract with you." He continued. He was too proud to speak to her of it directly. "It isn't love. I have never felt such emotion for you."
"As long as you live, I will not die. A pretty good deal, until you decide to play martyr and ask me to stay away." He frowned at her. "I cannot protect you from the sidelines." He sighed, fading once more into the shadows. The others were gone, so he would do his job and watch over her. After more than a hundred years in her service, he still couldn't fathom what had driven him from being her enemy, to becoming her ally. Anra continued to sleep, unaware of the world outside her own head.
"We all know there is more to Anra than meets the eye." Faergaus began. The five companions sat around the fire pit in the center of camp. At this late hour they were the only ones awake, save a few rogue sentries patrolling the grounds. "She hides it well, but she knows far more than she lets on."
"We should force her to tell us everything. How do we trust someone who won't trust us in return?" Kalaef argued. He was the only one standing up and he was pacing slowly, irritation clearly etched on his face. "We have travelled together many months now Faergaus, you and I. You must see she is a threat, always going it alone the way she does. Who is she to order us around anyway? I'm a proud knight of Zakarum. I can handle anything the burning hells throw in my path!"
"You shouldn't be proud." Rowan snorted. Kalaef stopped to glare the young warrior. Though not much older than Kalaef, Rowan was far more experienced in battle. "It was a priest of 'your' order that brought this mess upon us. The Zakarum are a virus, spreading out to seize all in their path and corruption runs rampant through your order's ranks." Kalaef frowned and bowed his head.
"I know of the corruption you speak of. It is why I left Travincal to journey here. I hoped that this place held clues as to what was happening to my brothers." Kalaef sighed. "The Zakarum faith is my faith and I hold the teachings of Akarat close. I won't let this corruption stand."
"We are getting off topic. We need to be discussing Anra." Faergaus interrupted. "Anra seems to feel that the protection of Sanctuary is her own, sacred mission. I know how she feels as I was raised near Harrogath where our tribes guard mount Arreat. She has proven her deepest concern is for the safety of Sanctuary and its people. She is a true martyr, placing the needs of the entire world before her own. She will continue to combat this evil with or without us. I for one choose to help her. If we are truly dealing with demonic forces, then it will take the strongest of warriors to put an end to them."
"That raises another concern, and one that I feel no one here wishes to address." Haroutyoun inhaled deeply before continuing. "All of us here are young; I believe even Rowan and Faergaus have barely entered their 20th years. I myself have never truly been tested against evil. Neither has Khepri and aside from human battles, the three of you do not seem any more experienced than her or I. Not that we aren't skilled, for it is our devotion to our arts that have allowed us to survive. Let's be realistic, though, and address the underlying problem I feel we all seem reluctant to admit." Everyone was listening to him, as he had indeed voiced the very thing none of them would ever have admitted to.
"Anra is, though I agree she doesn't look it, far more experienced than us. Not just in battle, but she has knowledge that none of us possess. I look at her and see far more than a vizjerei." No one interrupted him, so he continued on. "Vizjerei are not typically trained in the art of swordsmanship. Anra possesses expert skills in that area alone. Years' worth of honing her ability would be required to wield a sword the way she does. Not to mention her skills in magic and her martial prowess."
"Look I haven't known any of you all that long, but I have to admit something about her seems off. It's like she's out of her time." Rowan was scratching his head thoughtfully. "She doesn't seem to want to get close to anyone. I teased her a bit and her defenses went up immediately. I personally wouldn't trust anyone who acts that way and is hiding so many secrets. But, I also realize she may be the only person capable of dealing with the evil that came out of Tristram. So if you'll accept it, I shall offer my aid as well." Khepri finally looked up and silenced them with a glance.
"I never knew the world was so big." Khepri cut in. "Not in size, but in culture and diversity. We study the peoples of Sanctuary. We study the places and customs, but they never seemed real. Until coming here I was woefully ignorant of the world outside my sanctum. Sanctuary is beautiful and so full of life and wonder and hidden power." She stood, emphasizing her point.
"Anra is stubborn, abrasive, and unfriendly. She keeps us at arm's length and treats us like inferiors. Honestly, I hate people like her." Khepri pointed in the direction of her tent, her eyes focused on Kalaef who was directly in front of her. "People like that don't just decide to be heroes. We were all brought here by the tragedy that befell Tristram in order to save people. Anra isn't just here to fight, she feels personally responsible for the tragedy that took place; a tragedy that she could hardly have predicted happening and had no control over."
"Is she a martyr?" Khepri continued. "The facts say yes, but like I said people like her aren't selfless. People like that don't care about the suffering of others. Except, I saw the concern in her eyes, and the way she watched over us in battle. She has protected many of us. She bares guilt at the growing evil in Sanctuary, of which she speaks so zealously. I can't fathom the kind of devotion it takes to put the entire world before your own health and happiness. I can safely say I was not nor am I prepared to make the same choice. Whoever she truly is, she must be someone very courageous to sacrifice herself so wholly."
"Khepri is right. Anra seems much attuned to our world and Faergaus is right to assume that if we part ways with her she would continue on her journey. We should stand beside her and help her defend this world. Not for her sake, but that of Sanctuary. That is what necromancers do. We right the balance of the world as the scales must never dip too far to one side. I stand beside her as well." Haroutyoun added. "Kalaef, if you can put aside your differences to work with me, we will welcome your aid."
"I shall fight. I'm no coward and the safety of all the peoples of Sanctuary is why I chose to join as a paladin to begin with. Akarat has guided me here. So here is where I am meant to be." Kalaef glared in Haroutyoun's direction. "That doesn't mean I like you. I'll trust you... for now."
Anra dreamed. Dreams that made her heart swell painfully tight. She moaned lightly as she slept. It was a pitifully sad noise that, had anyone heard been there to hear it, would have made someone want to comfort her.
Anra awoke with a start. She was lying within a linen tent, her side bandaged painfully tight. The sun was high in the sky, penetrating the cloth with vicious intent. She rose slowly from the bed, careful to take shallow breaths. From the pain she was feeling she could tell a few of her ribs were broken.
Something felt off. Though she couldn't place it, she knew there was something wrong with this scene. 'I've been here before,' she thought to herself. Sure enough as that thought shaped the blurred edges of the world around her came into focus.
"Aranoch?" She whispered. A sharp pain pierced her heart as she recognized what she was seeing. "No. Please anything but this."
She knew now she was dreaming. She had relived this moment a thousand times. It was the day she had understood just how alone she was. A tear trickled down her face as something stirred the flaps of the tent. They fell freely when a young man entered, fair faced, broad shouldered, and very tall. His skin was a tawny brown and his hair white as snow. He smiled at her, almond shaped eyes the color of ice looking straight into her own.
"Don't cry Anra." He took her into his arms, pulling her close. Anra buried her head into his shoulder and prayed this moment could last. Even as she inhaled deeply, taking in the musky scent the desert brought, he pushed away slightly. His smile was gone now, and he looked almost demonic in a way.
Anra was frozen. She had dreamed about him a million times, but it had always been the same dream of reliving there last day together before he had died. A mad gleam was in his eye. Anra tried to pull away but couldn't move. Her voice was gone too.
"You killed me, Anra. You left me to die in that temple; left me to suffer for all eternity, alone and in pain without you." His voice was barely a whisper, but it was too much.
"It wasn't my fault. I didn't want you to go." She pleaded with him. He was squeezing her arms painfully tight, though she only felt pain in the one.
"It is your fault. You could have saved me. You could have saved everyone, but they all died and I was left to rot." The world around her melted into darkness as he spoke and Anra collapsed. Her tears had dried but she felt her heart constrict agonizingly. "It is your fault Anra that I'm gone. It was you who had the ability to save Sanctuary, to save me, but you were too weak."
"I'm sorry, Tal Rasha. I'm so sorry." She whispered as the voice continued to lay blame on her, fading into the distance.
Anra nearly cried out as she forced herself to awaken. She was panting, sweat dripping off of her, and she felt tears welling at the corners of her eyes. She willed them away before sitting up. Her arm burned and felt far heavier than normal. She glanced at it and shivered, seeing clearly the scar where it had nearly been severed. She reminded herself to thank Haroutyoun when she next saw him.
She nearly attacked Rowan as he entered the tent. His hands shot up in protest at the sight of her wielding a ball of black flames. Slowly, the flames died out and Anra let her good arm drop.
"I was just checking on you, didn't know you were awake." Rowan said sitting himself down next to the bed. "You were moaning so I went to get you some medicine for the pain." He offered her a vial of red liquid, a potion to restore blood and reduce pain. She accepted it gratefully.
"There was a discussion while you were out." He continued when she did not order him away. "I don't think I've met a group of people as fascinated by one person as those guys are with you. We've all decided to continue travelling with you. Like us or not, you are stuck with us." He frowned when she still did not react.
Anra heard him, but her mind was still focused on the dream she'd had. She had never distorted a memory like that before, even in a dream, and was worried by what it meant. The despair and anguish it had brought her was like a slow suffocation of her mind. Anra was troubled by the way her dream had targeted her most inner demons in that way. It seemed... intentional. She only concentrated on Rowan when he cleared his throat loudly.
"I hardly expected it, but I accept." Anra whispered quietly. Rowan could see she was shaken up. He reached over and brushed her bangs away so he could get a good look at her face.
"You know, you don't have to hold the pain inside." Rowan guessed, accurately enough. "It can consume you if you do."
"What would you know of pain?" She whispered, almost inaudibly. She slowly managed to stand herself up. The sun was rising and she had much to do that day. Rowan sighed and followed, steadying her as they stepped into the early morning air.
"You're awake," Khepri smiled, looking up from the fire pit to get a good look at her. Without her armor on she seemed much more human, but still managed to look incredibly powerful. She was very tall, compared to Khepri. Anra smiled back, though it did not seem as natural as Khepri's own. Somehow, everyone seemed to be getting along. Even Haroutyoun and Kalaef were being friendly. Faergaus was left to guard Deckard Cain until he awoke. The sun managed to pierce the endless cloud cover, bringing light to the camp for the first time in weeks.
"I should make haste to speak with Cain when he awakes. We have much to discuss, he and I." Anra told them as she accepted a plate of food offered to her by Rowan. Kalaef excused himself to take a plate to Faergaus.
"Relax. You suffered a grievous injury. You should rest and recover yourself. Push too hard and you'll just make it worse." Haroutyoun told her. Khepri looked over again. The rune was completely gone now, save a thin scar that outlined it. The bruise wasn't quite as noticeable now either.
"I heal very quickly, but without you I probably would have lost my arm. Thank you, Haroutyoun." Anra offered her first real smile to the Necromancer. It was getting easier for her to be natural around everyone. "Though, I will have to locate a new shirt now."
They laughed at that. It was strange hearing herself laugh so freely again. The nightmare that had plagued her seemed ages ago, though it had only been a few hours since. She felt naked to the world without her sword. When she mentioned this, Rowan walked over and fitted her belt with her sword around her. She was having enough trouble eating with one hand. The weight of it comforted her.
"So, does your sword have a name?" Khepri asked before taking another bite of egg.
"Why do you ask?"
"All the best swords have names. They wouldn't be remembered without names, and yours is very unique." It was true. The blade was forged with rare materials and the blade was as black as the handle. A red gem was set in the hilt as well as on the pommel.
"Chaos-blade. That is what I call it. It has been mine since I first began wielding a weapon. Though most would find it strange, a mage using a bladed weapon, I don't think anyone should be without a good weapon besides magic." Anra grinned. "Perhaps we should teach you swordsmanship."
"A fine idea, if she could handle it." Rowan remarked.
"What does that mean?" Khepri asked affronted.
"I really can't picture you swinging a sword. You're too… petite." Anra added thoughtfully. Even Haroutyoun seemed to agree. Khepri frowned and looked down at herself. It was true though, seeing as how she was almost a head shorter than Anra and Anra wasn't as tall as any of the guys. Khepri wasn't that little. She had plenty of muscle and a very feminine figure. Comparably Anra was extremely masculine. Though lean and shapely, Anra was also very muscular and there didn't seem to be an inch of her that wasn't bulging a little with untold strength. She still managed to look exceptionally female, with large breasts, a slender waist, and powerful thighs. The thin cloth shirt and soft leather pants only accentuated her figure. Khepri herself was just blossoming into adulthood and her body hadn't completely fleshed out yet.
"I could learn how to fight with a blade. I choose not to." Khepri argued. As Anra and Rowan laughed, she glanced at Haroutyoun. He was watching Anra intently, though not enough that Anra would notice. His gaze faltered quickly when Anra turned toward him, eyes alight with laughter.
"So what is the plan, Anra?" He asked, turning their attention back to the real matter at hand. Anra finished her last bit of food before answering.
"I must speak with Deckard. As soon as I know what I'll be facing I can rid this land of the evil that plagues it." Anra stood, flexing her sore arm. The bruise was barely visible now. Her healing abilities had sped up as she ate and restored her energy.
"You mean we, don't you?" Rowan frowned. Anra nodded.
"Of course," Anra continued. She felt a small smile tug at her lips and sighed. Having someone there to watch your back was something she had thought she didn't need. It was reassuring to have them there, ready to fight alongside her.
"Deckard is awake. He's asking for Anra." They all turned sharply as Kalaef spoke behind them. "Only Anra."
"That is fine. I'll send for all of you when we're done speaking." Anra stood. Her arm was stiff, but usable. She marched toward the center of camp as her mind filled with unanswered questions. As she approached the fire pit near the camp's center she spotted Faergaus with an older man, hunched at the shoulders and slight of frame. His head was balding on top and his beard was long and white. She smiled warmly at him as she neared.
"Deckard," She said warmly, embracing him with her uninjured arm. Deckard responded in kind, the haunted look in his eyes dimmer now. It seemed that Akara, the sisterhood's high priestess, had healed him during the night. He clung to a wooden walking stick that helped support him in his weakened state. Faergaus retreated back to the others leaving them alone. "I am glad to know you are safe. It has been far too long."
"Anra, we met long ago, only briefly, but I wish I had listened then. If I had believed in my calling from the start things would not have gone so wrong. I am ashamed to bear the title 'Horadrim'." Deckard lowered his head, as a small tear trickled down his face.
Anra felt her heart constrict. Deckard had been a young lad when he met her, barely out of adolescence. He had stumbled upon her outside of Tristram proper, napping by an old well. The memory was dear, but back then Deckard had believed in demons and angels. During his life he let go of those beliefs until finally embracing his destiny as a Horadrim a few years ago.
"This tragedy is no one's fault but my own. I should not have left when things were so dire." Anra exhaled deeply. "I was called away to fight, but it was nothing more than a trap. A way to keep my attention from Sanctuary and I fell for it. I must know everything that happened in Tristram, but you need not tell it twice. I have some companions that must hear this also. Then we can set off to destroy this evil."
"Of course, Anra." Deckard bowed. He held Anra in high regard, though he knew little about her. "I must ask one more thing. You know what I am Deckard, but these people do not," Anra's glare was unwavering as she spoke, "and that is how it shall remain till I say otherwise."
"But, Anra, these people surely deserve the truth." Deckard placed a hand on her arm. He was eyeing her with a scrutiny that made Anra shift unconsciously, but she didn't back down.
"You will keep my secret." Anra's tone was final as she turned and retreated into the distance. She told everyone to meet her at the camp center so they could convene with Deckard before entering her tent to fetch a fresh shirt. Khepri entered behind her.
"Did you need something Khepri?"
"Just offering my assistance. I thought I could help you with your armor." Khepri told her, brushing Anra's fumbling fingers and buckled her arm guard into place. Her fingers expertly fastened every lace, buckle, and clasp Anra had. Quicker than Anra could have done herself Khepri had managed to complete the ensemble. "I'm not sure how you manage it on your own."
In fact, had Khepri walked off, it would have been Aros that had assisted Anra, but Anra didn't state this. She thanked Khepri, letting a smile creep onto her face. As they exited Anra was sheathing her sword, as well as two twin sai.
"Those are assassins' daggers, are they not? At least that's what my texts say. Are you a mage slayer?" Khepri asked.
"No, but I studied with the Viz-Jaq'taar for a few years. These daggers were a gift." Anra stated. In reality, Anra had helped establish the 'Order of Mage Slayers' but she was loath to say this to Khepri. The Viz-Jaq'taar had been around for a few centuries at least.
"That's incredible. There isn't much you can't do, is there?"
"I wouldn't say that. I'm bad at plenty of stuff." Anra laughed. "You'll see that."
"You know, you're much nicer when you're smiling. Don't be afraid of us. We are here to help." Khepri told her keeping an even expression. Anra didn't say anything, but nodded affirmatively.
"I know. I've never been that good with people. I always end up getting hurt. It's just easier being alone." Khepri opened her mouth to probe more, but Deckard and the others came into view. She kept silent as they stepped toward them and waited.
All eyes immediately focused on Anra. They were waiting for her to speak. Behind her she felt a slight stirring of energy and knew that Aros was focusing just as intently. The sky was darkening again. Many of the rogues looked tense and afraid. The wind howled, the air was cold despite the season, and all around them darkness seemed to creep up on them. Anra seemed to melt into the grey mist that was shrouding the ground, giving her the appearance of a ghost or spectral being.
"We all know that some months ago, a tragedy befell the town of Tristram. What we don't know is what happened. Deckard can offer us clarity on the matter. Let us listen and learn." Anra said, redirecting their focus to Deckard.
"Let me start this tale with some history. Long ago the Horadrim, my ancestors, hunted the three prime evils who had been banished to our world. They imprisoned them within powerful artifacts known as soulstones in order to contain their demonic essence. Diablo's stone, after he was imprisoned, was hidden deep within the monastery near Tristram at the bottom of the catacombs." Deckard was stopped here by Rowan.
"That's just a bedtime story for children. I don't believe that a group of mages could best the most powerful demons in hell, if they even exist." He was scowling darkly. "You can't seriously believe that the lord of terror was buried underneath Tristram."
"It's not a story. The Horadrim were the greatest heroes of this millennium. What they did was nothing short of legendary." Anra glared at him, her eyes filled with fire and animosity. He almost shrank away from that look, but managed to remain impassive. "You should not insult the worth of their great deeds. Sanctuary would have been doomed without them."
"So says you. You weren't there. You didn't witness it so how are you so certain?" He retaliated. Anra nearly shouted that she had been, but succeeded in quelling her anger enough to answer calmly.
"I believe it. So to me it is fact." Anra replied. "You had better start believing it too if you're going to continue with us. You have no idea what it's like to stand up to a powerful demon lord. It can be your undoing."
"It is true, Rowan. Diablo's soulstone was hidden within the catacombs. His essence, combined with the foul lies of Archbishop Lazarus, drove our beloved King Leoric to madness. Then Lazarus kidnapped the kings youngest and forced him down into the catacombs, allowing Diablo to possess the boy."
"So Diablo is free?" Khepri inhaled sharply. The thought of a prime evil loose in Sanctuary chilled her blood. Deckard shook his head.
"It is even worse than that." He continued. "Aidan, the king's eldest, followed Lazarus into the catacombs. Though I am only guessing from here, this is what I speculate to have happened. This is backed up by my own personal accounts." Everyone was listening intently. "Aidan defeated Diablo. He emerged from the monastery victorious over the lord of terror, though his brother did not survive. We welcomed him into our homes, celebrated his victory, and did our best to erase the dark images from his thoughts."
"Despite our efforts Aidan became withdrawn. He spent endless nights muttering to himself, hidden beneath a black cloak. He grew gaunt and his voice sounded hollow the few times he would speak. I didn't see what should have been so obvious then. Finally one night he left; disappeared into the night. The demons returned after that. They tore Tristram apart and reduced it to rubble and ashes."
"You blame this on the Zakarum?" Kalaef asked, clearly annoyed.
"So the rumors of corruption are true then. It is as we feared." Haroutyoun cut Kalaef off as he turned to shout. "I'm sure not all of your order is thus, but we must be cautious. Deckard has no reason to lie or make up stories."
"What do you think became of Prince Aidan?" Faergaus added. Anra knew what was to come, had guessed at it since the beginning, but she still clenched her fists tightly as Deckard spoke once more.
"I don't know where he went. Only that the prince that valiantly fought to save his family and home was not the same person that emerged from the monastery. I believe that, though he defeated Diablo, something horrific must have occurred within those depths."
"I can guess. It is as I feared when I set out for Tristram." Anra looked at the group, making sure they were all focused on her. "The soulstones are strong, but I don't think they are strong enough to contain the prime evils entirely. Their evil seeps through. Aidan must have made the connection and made a sacrifice to protect his land."
"I think Aidan has the stone, within him, and is trying to contain Diablo within himself." Anra said it slow, letting her theory sink in. "Only, he is losing the battle."
"That's ridiculous. No one in their right mind would do such a thing." Rowan shouted.
"The facts all point toward one very simple conclusion." Deckard jumped to Anra's defense. "Diablo was buried in the monastery, and demons roam our country freely. If he has indeed been freed, and we should assume he has, then figuring out the next course of action he would take is crucial."
"I can already guess it. His brothers are buried in the east. He would want to free them first, before trying to set in motion any plans."
"What makes you a demon expert? You are hiding something!" Kalaef growled.
"But Diablo is heading away from this land. Something must still be here, drawing evil around this area. Why do the demons remain?" Khepri asked. "I think something lingers in the catacombs. We have to do something to protect the people here."
"Every second we delay brings Diablo closer to his goal! The desert is not so very far from here! If he frees his brother there we won't stand a chance!" Anra shouted. "I can't allow Diablo to escape!"
"Perhaps I can assist." A voice called from behind. The high Priestess of the sisterhood approached them. Akara bowed low to them all. "The demon that plagues this land is, in fact, the demoness Andariel."
"That's impossible." Anra whispered. "There are barriers. How could she even have entered our world?"
"If Diablo is free, then our barriers are weakened. For such a powerful demon to manage to enter our world is a bad sign." Haroutyoun gestured to the east.
As the conversation continued, Anra felt her heart grow weary. Now another great evil was in her world. She couldn't defeat them all. She cursed to the heavens, wishing they could know her pain. It had been Andariel's presence that had seeped into her dream, twisting it into something sinister and cruel. Anra wanted to crush the maiden of anguish under her foot. She could scarce think of anything else.
"Akara, we thank you for your insight." Faergaus sighed. Akara nodded and wandered off.
"So for those who don't have a plethora of demon lore in their head who is Andariel?" Rowan asked sarcastically. He had been watching Anra closely and had seen the shift in her demeanor when Andariel had been mentioned.
"Andariel is one of the four lesser demon lords. She is known as the maiden of Anguish. I fear what will happen, knowing she is now loose in our world alongside Diablo." Deckard sighed. Anra turned and started to leave. Rowan stopped her by grasping her shoulder, tightly.
"And where are you going?" Kalaef asked knowing the answer before she spoke it.
"There is no time. Two of the great evils are loosed upon Sanctuary. I will bring Andariel to her knees. She will rue the day she decided to enter this land." Anra's grin became almost demonic itself as she stared into the rising smoke from the smoldering ashes. "It's time these demons burned instead of us."
"We need a plan. If we rush in unprepared she'll slaughter us." Khepri argued. Soon everyone was talking at once. Rowan refused to release Anra, Haroutyoun argued with Faergaus and Kalaef and Khepri tried to desperately defuse the situation, but no one would hear her.
The skies darkened and the wind whipped around in small flurries. The ground was soft underfoot. Khepri felt like she was being absorbed by the earth. She watched as each of her companions grew angrier. Finally she did something quite unexpected.
Anra knew that when a bolt of electricity shot past her face, just missing her ear, she should shut up. Everyone quieted, looking at Khepri. Khepri stood panting. Her palm was glowing, making a connection to the headpiece of her staff. Blue electricity sparked between the staff and her fingertips. The crackling of lightning was the only sound for the moment.
"You have our attention." Faergaus managed to say. Khepri lowered her hand and cleared her throat. She was blushing slightly, but stood her ground.
"Already we are torn apart. We must band together to fight the prime evils. They will show us no mercy. Why should we allow them to tear at us in this way?" Khepri's voice was strong. She held Anra's gaze, as if daring the enraged warrior to challenge her. Anra sneered, but allowed herself to relax. She was getting anxious to move on.
"Andariel is here, now, destroying this land and its people. Her minions kill with wanton abandon and she has corrupted many rogues." Khepri continued, realizing all eyes were on her and they were listening with rapt attention. "Whatever her agenda is we must not allow it to see fruition."
"Her agenda is obviously to slow us down from catching up to her master, Diablo." Anra spat. "It is no matter. We will slay the maiden of anguish and know that Diablo will fear us. Until he is fully awakened he will be weak, easily defeated." Khepri and the others shuddered at the fire in her eyes. Anra was clearly excited by the prospect of a fight with one of the greatest evils hell could throw at them. It was both reassuring and unnerving. Anra forcefully removed Rowan's hand from her arm. He didn't fight it this time.
"We should get moving. Andariel has taken refuge in the monastery. We can make it to the ruins by nightfall if we are not delayed." Anra nodded.
"I could bring us back to town once we reach the monastery, or we can make camp in its dank recesses."
"We will decide once we are there. More important is getting there. Does anyone know how to reach the monastery?" Faergaus inquired. Anra waited, hoping one of their companions could lead instead of her.
"I do. I have travelled their many times during my time in King Leoric's army. I should have no problem getting us there." Rowan stepped forward. He seemed confident enough that Anra decided letting him lead should be no problem. If they were to get lost, guiding them back would be simple enough for her. She remembered the lay of the land from back when the Horadrim first imprisoned Diablo and would not forget anytime soon.
"Then we will make for the monastery with great haste." Kalaef grinned. He was itching to get moving as well. Haroutyoun merely nodded and after a few moments they were heading out the gates once more, Rowan in the lead with Anra close behind and the others following suit.