Disclaimer: I do not own Diablo 2 or its expansion.
This is my first fan fiction though, and it is based on the new Necromancer character and his adventures. Other characters from other professions might come in sooner or later in time.
Chapter 6: The Forgotten Tower
Fenric looked at the people gathered there. His gaze flitted from person to person. He then took a deep breath and said. "So… what shall we do now?" Haimler looked at the druid and said. "It is imperative that we proceed to clear our way to the east, where the Dark Wanderer, or Diablo himself is last seen to be heading. Unfortunately, Andariel holds the Monastery, and must be killed." Leoric and Gharbad nodded in agreement, but Blood Raven said softly. "Indeed we have, for it is a defilement of our Sisterhood's domain. But I believe that we have some unfinished business. You remember the tome that we found in the Stony Field? The one that mentioned about the Countess of Blood? I believe that we should investigate there, and clear out that tower of its evil, even if she is supposed to be dead, before preparing to assault the Monastery."
Haimler mused for a while, and then looked at the rest of the group. "What do you all think?" Fenric said. "I agree, we need to clear out as much demonic presence from these lands." Leoric then said. "It is only right for a former monarch of this land to eliminate the evil that plagues this lands… I agree with Blood Raven's idea."
Gharbad snorted. "I concur with Leoric's judgment as well. After all, it gives me a chance to destroy my former Master… I have no love for him at all. In addition, I am good at tinkering with things, I might be able to enhance your weapons for you, with the help of the blacksmith here." He smiled as he looked at Paige, and knew that she too, agreed with the idea. He then said. "It is decided then… we shall embark to the Tower to cleanse the evil there..."
It was then that they saw Cain and Akara exiting the hut. Cain looked at the adventurers and said. "I thank you for your rescue, my friends… and as a note of my thanks… I will identify any items that you do not recognise or magical items for no charge as all." A grim expression then showed as he continued to speak. "Regrettably, I am helpless to prevent the fall of Tristram. You see…" He then began speaking of the return of the hero from the catacombs, and on how he became more melancholic and depressive each day. He then ended. "It was after that hero left, that demons began to emerge from the catacombs and overwhelmed the town… I was left in that cage that you found in Tristram to die… forced to see my townsfolk killed…. Or cursed." Akara put a comforting hand on the old sage's shoulder, and he turned and smiled softly at her. Haimler smiled to himself, he knew that there was a deep affection that both of the wise old sages shared. He then related the plans of cleansing the Tower of evil, and Akara nodded. "I have heard dreadful things about that woman and the Tower where she resided… it is well that you people have decided to venture there and cleanse it. Although rumors has it that there are great treasures to be found there, it is most likely another journey fraught with peril. Equip yourselves properly… have a short rest by the fire, and depart… and come back safely. May the Great Eye watch over you all."
They nodded and then they went towards the campfire. Haimler stayed behind and then asked Akara and Cain. "Do any of you know where this Tower is supposed to be?" They looked at him with surprise and then Akara said. "Well, according to some old texts, the Tower should be located in the Black Marsh, not far away from the Dark Wood where you retrieved the Scroll of Inifuss. But I suggest you all be careful, and return back as soon as possible, for we have no time to waste. Andariel's forces grows stronger by the minute."
Haimler nodded and said. " I understand, Akara…" He then left them and then strolled over to the campfire. Cain looked at Haimler's retreating back and frowned. "It is a surprise to see a Necromancer here… I would have thought him to be more… evil." Akara then looked at him. "There are many in this camp who thought of him the same way, Cain. Kashya, Paige and even I were quite skeptical of him, when he first arrived. But time and again, he has proven himself to be honorable and just."
Cain mused for a moment and said. "Hmmm… perhaps I was a bit too harsh in my thoughts… if you are able to trust him, then it is good enough for me."
Meanwhile, Haimler returned, and then informed the group of where the Tower is supposed to be located. He then said. "Any thoughts?" Blood Raven first said. "The Black Marsh… it is a foul place, one thing that I can tell you of that place. It is a nasty place… and I am not surprised if we find it there." Paige nodded her agreement.
Haimler looked at the others and nodded. "If we are all in agreement in this matter, then it is best that we proceed to that infernal tower and destroy it, or whatever that is left in it." A murmur of agreement rumbled through the party and they walked towards the circle that served as a waypoint transporter. As the last of their party stepped onto the massive stone circle, Haimler concentrated, and once again the space around them shimmered and soon, they found themselves back in the Dark Wood. Haimler then asked. "Do any of you have an idea where the Black Marsh is?"
Paige and Blood Raven shrugged their shoulders, while Fenric sniffed the air. Gharbad snorted as he too, flared his nostrils, while Leoric meditated silently. Fenric was the one to speak, pointing towards the east. "I smell the stench of bogs coming from that direction…" Gharbad snorted and said. "Indeed… the stench is overpowering, with the hint of evil as well." Leoric scowled. "A malevolent force is present there, I believe with Diablo's return to this world and Andariel's hold on this area, that bloodthirsty woman has been brought back again. We must slay her to avoid any further bloodbaths that might occur in this region."
Haimler nodded and said. "Since everyone is in favor of it, let us depart." They nodded together and then strode towards the direction where the Black Marsh was. As they approached the boundary, the foul stench of the bogs hit them hard. Most of the party members, with the exception of Gharbad and Leoric fought hard their urges to prevent themselves from throwing up. Fenric slowly waved a few gestures and immediately, the stench is gone. Paige was the first one to notice something. "Is it just me or the air here just got refreshing?" Fenric smiled and kissed her cheek gently, earning a flush on the young Rogue's cheeks. "You are correct, young Paige. I have cast a minor cantrip, which surrounds us with fresh breeze, which helps to keep out the foul stench of these bogs. That way, we are able to move forward without being bothered by the smell."
Haimler nodded and said. " Many thanks, friend Druid. I thought that was the foulest smell I have ever encountered so far. " A murmur of agreement rippled through the group as they continued their way through the Marsh, encountering many foul creatures, such as Carvers, who seem to have a grudge against them. Apparently, the death of Rakanishu had spread amongst Diablo's minions, and while these Carvers are not the fallen Carver's minions, he is still widely respected amongst the Carvers, which is why upon seeing the party, the Carvers attacked in swarms, brandishing their weapons with fury and screaming and spitting vile curses at them. Part of those curses were directed against Gharbad and Leoric, who in their tongue, called them traitors and things lower than dirt.
But they were simply no match for the party. Paige and Blood Raven pinpointed the Carver Shamans and fired precise shots, killing them instantly to prevent them from reviving their minions, while Fenric summoned two spirit wolves, who began to rend and tear against the carvers, while his poison vine struck repeatedly, killing off some Carvers with its potent venom. Haimler added to the group's strength by summoning three skeletons, which wielded their weapons with skill.
As for Leoric and Gharbad, the finished off the stragglers of the Carver horde with deadly skill. Partly because Gharbad was not as weak as his name implies, just that he prefers to tinker with things, rather than to do battle, while Leoric has his own previous training in the Zakarum. And now with his own body augmented with the strength that he had from his youth, and the vitality and fortitude of an undead warrior, his attacks were disciplined, focused and deadly.
It is after sometime that the battle had ended, and they picked up the spoils of the battle. Paige and Blood Raven picked up some quivers of arrows that somehow dropped on the battlefield, replenishing their stocks of arrows, while the rest scoured the bodies, picking up some of the gold pieces that the Carvers carried. And of course, there were strange things that were seen after they eliminated the Carver horde. There are strange looking objects lying on the ground, which resembled talismans of some sort. There were at least five and they decided to pick one of their choice, and Haimler mentally noted that when they returned to the Camp he would ask Cain to identify the items that he had picked up so far, which were previously unidentified.
The peace was rather short lived however, as they heard the familiar grunting and braying of Goatmen, which indicated a herd was definitely close by. True enough, a small herd numbering fifteen individuals charged into the fray, wielding wicked looking glaives, halberds and maces. Most of their animosity was not directed to the party, but towards Gharbad, who they considered a traitor.
Realizing that they needed greater firepower, Haimler chanted something, and the ground rumbled as his rock golem took into form, and then lumbered towards the herd of Goatmen, with Gharbad, Leoric and both Fenric's wolves and Haimler's skeletons as support. Paige and Blood Raven provided long rage support by firing a hail of arrows, wounding most of the goatmen, and the warriors and their summoned creatures finished them off with great ease.
After some time, they reached an open space, but not after dispatching some roving bands of Brutes, and Corrupted Rogues on the way. The party looked at Haimler, and Leoric voiced out what the party had meant to say. " So… where do we go now? That tower that we are all looking for is nowhere in sight. Are you sure that we went to the right place?"
Haimler nodded and said. " I trust what Akara says, Leoric. If she says that the Tower is located somewhere here I think it must be." He then said. " But you have a point. What I suggest is that we should spread out and cover as much ground as possible. That way, we should be able to find the Tower in the shortest time possible."
" A splendid idea… " Leoric said, nodding with a satisfied expression on his face. Haimler then said. " Then let me brief you all on the teams. Blood Raven, Leoric and myself will be on one team, while Paige, Fenric, Gharbad will be on the other. That way, we have a balance of having a melee fighter, a long-range fire support and a summoner. In addition both Fenric and myself are able to engage in melee combat if necessary, so there is no danger to any of our teams."
Fenric nodded and said. " Agreed… but I do have one question. How do we contact the other party of we find the location of the tower?"
Haimler nodded and said. " What you raised is a good question, Fenric, and the answer to your question lies on the abilities on Paige and Blood Raven."
Both ladies looked at each other, blinking, their faces had a confused expression on their faces, and they both looked at him, as if asking him to provide an answer.
He chuckled and said. " I noticed that both of you are able to imbue your arrowheads with elemental power, such as ice and fire, correct?" At the ladies nod, he continued. " Well, I suggest that Paige uses a cold arrow to fire into the sky, as a signal if your team managed to find the tower first, but if my team manages to find the tower first, Blood Raven will fire a fire arrow into the sky as a signal. Do you ladies understand?"
Both Blood Raven and Paige looked at each other, and then nodded. Both of them hugged Haimler, and he was amused to hear Paige say. " My team is going to win this, big brother."
And he grinned when he heard Blood Raven retort. " I think not, fledgling. " Despite the competitive streak that both ladies exhibit, he heard the carefree and teasing note behind those words.
After the ladies let him go, Haimler said. " Well, since the teams have already been decided, I think some directions are in order. My team will scour the western area of this place, while Fenric's team will scour the eastern edge of the marsh."
All of them nodded their agreement at Haimler's choice and they set forth, with their respective teams to accomplish the task that is set before them.
As they made their way through the thickets of forest of the west side of the marsh, Haimler turned to Leoric and asked. " How does it feel to be 'alive', once again, Your Majesty?"
Blood Raven also nodded and said. " Yes, how did you manage to 'live' again, so to speak? I was told that you were dead. My sister saw to it, when she set foot into your tomb deep beneath the sanctuary of Tristram."
Leoric mused for a moment and then said. " To tell you both the truth, I do not really know. The memories of my resurrection are hazy at best. I thought I was lost, condemned to the deepest Hell for the desecration and the havoc I waked during my madness when I was influenced by Lazarus to do Diablo's bidding, after my death. I thought I was floating aimlessly in a dark, bleak void, when suddenly, I felt a light, calling me back from the Void. I saw a hooded figure, garbed in a robe and eight shining wings sprouted from the figure's back."
He paused for a moment and said. " At that moment, I knew that this was an archangel, and I feared that it came to pass judgment on me on my sins. But I thought I caught a hint of amusement in the hold being's voice when he spoke to me. Do not fear, Leoric. I am the Archangel Tyrael and I am here not to pass judgment on you. I am aware of the grave error that you have committed during your folly and grief, and you are forgiven."
" I am here to give you a mission. Diablo, the evil one that has corrupted your archbishop Lazarus, and killed your son, Albherct is alive once more, and he is on his way to awaken his two other brothers, Mephisto, Lord of Hate and Baal, Lord of Destruction. He must be stopped before darkness and evil completely consumes this land. I will bestow you your old body, when you were still in your prime, but I cannot restore the holy powers that you once gained when you were a servant and warrior of the Zakarum. I, however, can bestow you control over your powers that you have gained in Diablo's service, namely the equal skill of one of the elite of his Blood Knights. You are also still an undead being, but one of intellect and power, not a mindless, shambling zombie. In your quest, others, who will have the same goal as you, will join you. Good luck."
Leoric then said. " Well, after that, I found myself in the state I am, waking up next to my burial sarcophagus, and that is where I met Gharbad."
" Interesting... " Haimler mused after listening to Leoric's tale. " I suppose Gharbad had the same encounter, no doubt."
Leoric nodded. " Aye... no doubt at all, he told me that he had that meeting as well. And frankly, he told me he was surprised that Tyrael's help resurrected him, no less. I was a human, a Zakarumite paladin, so it is natural for Tyrael to revive me. But Gharbad is a demon, one of Gharbad's former minions, no less. It seems that Tyrael needs someone who is familiar to Diablo's ways to help us, and no doubt, he will purify and revive more of Diablo's former minions to help our cause."
Blood Raven just chuckled. " That would be interesting to see... Diablo is going to have a handful of problems, now that many people are after him, and some of them his former minions, no less."
A roar interrupted their chatter, and they turned to see a group of Brutes rumbling towards their direction. Leoric grinned and said. " Well, it seems that our presence is detected here. Shall we ?" He drew his blade, and lead the charge as Haimler and his Rock Golem and skeletons followed closely behind.
What followed was a killing fest, as Haimler and his minions and faced not only the Brutes that they had expected, they also had to contend with another horde of Carvers and their Shamans, not to mention a small group of Spiked Fiends and some Hungry Dead, not to mention some roving bands of a mixture of Dark Hunters and Dark Spearwomen, with the ocassional Vile Hunters and Lancers that faced their group.
Blood Raven fired arrows at the Shamans, killing them first, before picking off the disorganized Carver bands, and the Spiked fiends, while Haimler's Golem took on the group of Brute's smashing them up with its rock hard fists. Haimler himself took on the Hungry dead with one skeleton minion, while the other helped Leoric, to dispatch the band of Corrupted Rogues, who soon fell to Leoric's deadly skill of the blade.
After the battle, the group sifted through the battlefield, picking up anything that the enemies might have dropped. They shared out the gold pieces amongst themselves, and Blood Raven picked some throwing knives and said. " These might be handy in case I ran out of arrows." But she also took time to replenish her arrows, by picking up some quivers that were scattered through the battlefield. Haimler took some throwing knives as well, knowing that he too, might need to fight at a range some day, and he also picked some chipped gems that he found.
Once they have divided the spoils, the proceeded to scour the western area of the marsh. At a distance, they could hear the sounds of battle, and the long shrill howls made by Fenric's wolves, as well as the braying of goatmen, the ringing clashes of steel against steel.
Indeed, the Fenric's group was in the thick of battle, as wave after wave of Corrupted Rogues rushed at them, followed by a horde of Goatmen, who made their point to try and kill Gharbad. Paige lay covering fire for the group, firing a mixture of cold and fire arrows, burning and halting the goatmen, while Gharbad mercilessly crushed his former Brethren, while Fenric shifted to his werewolf form, tearing through the ranks of the Corrupted Rogues as though they were nothing but paper. His vine weakened the enemy by poisoning them, while his spirit wolves helped to severely wound the enemy.
After the battle, they stopped to rest, taking some time to regain their breath and their energy when Paige exclaimed. " Look! Up there!"
They saw a fiery arrow shooting up into the sky. " It seems that Haimler's group have found the location of the tower. Let us go. " Fenric said calmly.
Gharbad and Paige nodded and followed his lead. The trip through the marsh towards where Haimler's party was quite uninterrupted, with the exception of the odd band of Spiked Fiends and Hungry Dead and some small roving party of Corrupted Rogues, which the group dispatched quite easily.
Once they arrived, Blood Raven gave Paige a teasing grin, giving her a thumb up. Paige shrugged and gave the older Rogue the same gesture. They then looked at what Haimler's group found. Indeed, they were standing near the ruins of a tower. It lay in ruins of course, but they still can detect the overpowering sense of evil in the place. At Paige's questioning look, Haimler said. " I know what you must be thinking, little sister, for I too thought of the same question. I will show you the answer."
He then led the party inside the main hall of the ruined tower, and showed them the trapdoor that Leoric had found when the three of them scoured the place, looking for the entrance. " At first, we thought that we made a wasted trip, once we saw the Tower lying in ruins and the Countess of Blood was nowhere in sight. However... " He paused. " Leoric informed me, that Diablo's minions usually would have dwelt in Underground Dungeons, where their activities could not be detected. And it is only natural that that vile Countess might have hid or carried out her foul activities underground. I think you all can detect the emanation of evil originating from beyond this trapdoor."
Gharbad nodded. ' The stench of blood and evil is strong... " Fenric added. " The spirits... are in chaos. Too much death has occurred in this place."
Haimler said. " Then let us go forth, and slay this evil woman."
He flung open the trapdoor and the party marched in. Though they did not encounter any foes at first, but as they went deeper into the underground chambers, they were greeted with usual resistance. Undead beings such as Returned, and Ghosts greeted at first, followed by the usual roving parties of Dark Stalkers greeted them, which they dispatched with ease.
After making their way down several tunnels and pathways deeper into the underground chambers, they soon reached a large chamber. The stench of blood was very strong here and overpowering and Fenric had to cast the cantrip once more. Large containers of fresh blood were everywhere. There was a large chamber in the middle and they entered it. Sitting on what seems to be a crudely made throne was the Countess herself.
She gave them a chilling, yet sultry laugh. " Welcome... to my personal playground. I applaud your arrival here and I thank you." She said mockingly. Her eyes then slid over to Blood Raven and Paige. " Why, if it isn't the traitor, Blood Raven. Andariel is displeased over your betrayal, you know... and she has given me permission to deal with you as I see fit, if I capture you. And I see the lovely Paige is here is well. I am pleased that you are still... a virgin. Your blood will rejuvenate me like no other... I look forward to that." She licked her lips in anticipation.
What happened next was totally unexpected, Fenric suddenly roared, shifting into his werewolf form, and fixed a murderous look on the Countess and charged at her. Though the Countess rose some walls of flame to delay him, the enraged druid was too much in an animalistic rage, that he shrugged off the pain and pounced at the countess, tearing and ripping her apart like nothing with his claws and teeth, the bloodlust and the deadly instinct of the wolf taking him over. When he heard what the Countess was planning to do with Paige, he lost control. No one will harm his mate and lives to tell the tale.
Haimler had to shield Paige from the carnage, but did not stop Fenric. At that moment, he knew how dangerous... but also how much the druid actually cared about his little sister. Though he made a mental note to himself not to anger the druid, where his sister is concerned. He did not want to be at the receiving end of a brutal beating. His only regret is that he did not get a chance to participate in the Countess's death, as he too felt the cold murderous fury after hearing what the Countess had planned for his love, and his little sister.
After some time, Fenric clamed down, after killing the Countess, and he summoned some water, to cleanse himself. He then approached Paige and said. " I am sorry... you had to witness that side of my nature. If you choose not to be with me... I understand." Paige just smiled and went over to his side, hugging him gently. " I am... a bit afraid... but what I feel towards you, does not change. I know you did it to protect me." Fenric smiled, and then gently enveloped him in a warm embrace.
Meanwhile, Leoric, and Gharbad scoured the room and found a large gothic looking chest behind the throne. They opened it and were a bit surprised. They said. " Everyone, come take a look at this!"
At their call, they went over and then looked at the contents of the chest. They gasped at the large amount of the gold stored there, but also felt amused. They saw many blouses and clothes which were very low cut, but there were modest ones." Leoric took one of the clothes and said. ' I hate to admit it, but the only good thing that crazy woman had is a good sense of clothing. These would be a good present... for someone." He smiled dreamily, and the group chuckled.
Gharbad gave an amused snort. " Hmmph.… these wouldn't be for that maiden you saved at Tristram, would you? I noticed that you always had that dreamy look on your face sometimes. I even saw how you carried her, and the look on your face when you looked at her."
Leoric's pallid cheeks grew rosy, and the group chuckled. " I think you are a good match for her, Leoric." Haimler said. " You are honorable and just, and I reckon that many maidens would have some sort of infatuation of you during their youth. Now is a chance to have a happy life once more. I support you on this decision. Court her as you see fit."
He ignored them, though he was indeed falling in love with the young and comely barmaid, it seems. He personally, took the clothes, while the rest, took some leather pouches and filled them with the gold pieces. Haimler took out a town portal scroll and opened it, and read it. The familiar blue swirling portal opened and the party stepped through once again, and they found themselves back at the Encampment once more.
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