I know I kind of gave the impression that Marko was invincible, but there
is a reason for that. And besides, the guy did kill the three Prime Evils,
the Lesser Evils, and is one hell of a touch bastard to have gone through
all that. Also kind of surprised that so many people started reading my
thing. I had a bunch of emails from ff.net informing me of reviews.
Chapter 3: Corruption and Purity
"Why should we allow you back into the Worldstone Chamber?" Korlic, the first Ancient asked.
Marko hadn't wanted to have this conversation, but apparently the Ancients were going to be stubborn this time.
"I saved your people from Baal," Marko reminded them, "I helped you once and now I need your help. I need to enter the Worldstone Chamber once more."
"No one may enter the Worldstone Chamber without challenging us," Talic said.
"Fine," Marko said impatiently, "I challenge you again. Let's just get it on and then I'll be on my way and out of yours."
"And why should we accept a challenge from you?" Madawc asked.
Marko felt as if he was going to burst.
"Look, you owe me one for saving your people. Well, I'm calling it in now. I challenge you to battle and either accept or decline, cause I don't have time for anymore nonsense."
"I am ready."
Kari was dreaming of the plaza again. Tyrael was still standing before her and handed her the sword. She took it and felt power blaze through her body. This weapon was far greater than anything she had ever seen and gave her the power to do almost anything she wanted.
"Take care, Kailua. The Eye has prophesized the coming of the Master of Darkness. Though we do not know who he will be, you will have enough time to mature on the mortal plane. Another champion will wield Valor of the Light until it is time for you to have it."
"I will succeed, Tyrael. I will not fail your trust in me. I will be there to oppose the Master of Darkness when he comes."
Suddenly white wings extended from Kari's back and spread out. She had four wings total, all of them a shiny silver color. They seemed to reflect all the light and absorb it at the same time, their magnificence beyond doubt. She took flight and disappeared in a flash of crystal blue light. The next thing Kari knew, she was in a crib with a man and a woman looking over her.
"Isn't she beautiful?" the woman said.
"Indeed," the man agreed, "Our daughter. Our dear, lovely daughter."
The woman picked her up and held her close to her breast.
"My beautiful daughter. My Kari."
Kari nearly fell off of her bed but caught onto a post. She pulled herself up and took deep breaths. The sun had just started to rise and there was a warm red glow upon the land. She got out of bed and looked out her window. The city beneath her was just waking up, and everything seemed peaceful. She saw a few people walking about, but those were really early risers. The little sunlight that was shining bounced off the many buildings and made everything look just right. There was a clock ticking away in her bedroom and it showed that it was four thirty in the morning. She rubbed her eyes and tried to recall the dream. It came back to her in pieces but she felt as if something was missing.
"I am Kari Leland," she murmured, "I am Kari Leland."
She splashed her face with the cold water in the basin, trying to wake up fully. When she came out of her room a fierce breeze hit her. She quickly retreated back into her room. She opened the closet and found several fur coats hanging in it. She took one and put it one. She also took one of the boots from the closet and put them on. When she came out again she didn't feel quite as cold. She passed two guards patrolling the hallways but they didn't give her a second look. She walked around but found that most of the residents were asleep. She found herself in the dining hall but it was empty too. Unfortunately, her stomach felt the same way. She entered the kitchen and was rather surprised to see Marko drinking something while making a sandwich. He looked up and saw her standing at the doorway.
"You can come in," he said.
Kari blinked and walked in.
"So what are you doing up so early?" he asked.
"I couldn't sleep. Dreams."
Marko nodded. "Dreams. Well, there's bread, meat slices, and vegetables over there if you want to make yourself a sandwich."
"What is that you're drinking?" Kari asked.
"Tea. They don't have any coffee so I'll have to make do with tea."
"I don't see what's so bad about tea," said Kari, "Coffee has such a bitter taste."
"And tea doesn't?"
"Well, most people do add a little sweater in their tea."
"Same with coffee," Marko replied, "A few teaspoons of sugar'll make any coffee sweat. Or you could just add milk. There's no real difference between tea and coffee. Merely preference."
"Are you always this practical?" Kari said, amused.
"Life creates many amusements," Marko replied, "I've seen things, beautiful and ugly, done things, good and evil, and yet I can still find amusement. I think that is one of the few things that are eternal."
"You are a very interesting man," said Kari, "with layers deeper than I would have ever realized if I only met you for a brief moment."
"And what did you think that brief moment would be like? I am not a vain man and I do not try to take advantage of people. I've settled many of those in my time and I will not become what I hate."
"An honorable man. Every person that I've asked about you said you were honorable. I'm starting to believe it. But why did you ask me to accompany you?"
Marko finished making the sandwich and placed it on the plate. He slid the plate over to Kari and she took it and bit into it. He turned to get more bread and meat.
"I asked you because you are like me," Marko answered, "Just as Falvie is like me, just as Qual-Kehk is like me. I'm looking for people that cannot stop fighting, that will not stop battling."
"And that's why you're only choosing a few people to travel with you? Why you chose me?"
"Of course. You are as wed to battle as I am. Most likely, all of us would die in battle rather than old age. It's just the way we are."
Kari took another bite and chewed thoughtfully. What Marko said did make sense. She had always fought, even when she was a child. Her mother had wanted her to become a lady of proper manners, but it was not to be. Her father disapproved of her fighting, but didn't really stop her. He had even taught her some skills when she was old enough. Meant to keep her safe, he had said. Memories of the dream flashed through her head. She suppressed them quickly, trying to fight down the throbbing pain.
"So why are you gathering us?" she asked.
"For a very great purpose," said Marko, "To challenge the Master of Darkness."
This time Kari nearly fell to the floor. The storm of memories struck her hard and she grabbed the side of the counter for support. Marko was immediately at her side, holding her up. When she opened her eyes, she found them looking at the sandwich splattered on the floor. Marko picked it up and put it back on the plate.
"I've heard that there is a five second rule regarding food falling on the floor," he joked, "I think we can ignore it this time."
Kari smiled. She let Marko hold her up, partly because she was having trouble keeping her balance anyways, and partly because she liked having him close by.
"You said something about facing the Master of Darkness," she said a few seconds later.
"Yes. You might say it was his plans that the Prime Evils carried out, though they of course thought it was their own plan."
"So what exactly is the Master of Darkness?" Kari asked.
"The heir to Hell," Marko answered, "The man that will break the world and lay siege once again to the Gates of Heaven."
Kari nearly fell to the floor even with Marko holding her. Images of her fighting countless demons flashed through her head. She wore twin Katars on her wrists and sliced through demons pouring out against her. She thought she saw other beings fighting beside her, Archangels. When the images finally stopped she found herself staring into Marko's face. Her face reddened.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"Did I say something?" Kari said, even more embarrassed now.
"You mumbled something in the Old Tongue," said Marko, "A very early dialect of the Old Tongue."
"Oh. Well, I don't know how I could do that since I was never good at other languages in school. I didn't exactly pass the tests we had on the Old Tongue."
Marko shook his head.
"Well, I thought I heard you speak in it. I'd better get you back to bed. It's too early for you to start fainting."
"No, I'm fine," she assured him, "It's just that I've had some headaches lately. I'm sure they'll pass by."
"Okay. But if they get worse tell me."
"I will."
Kari smiled at him again and this time it was his face that started turning red. She giggled and let him lead her out. Before they left, Kari grabbed her half-eaten sandwich. No matter what, she was still hungry.
"Aren't you going to clean up your mess?" she asked.
"I already put the food away," Marko replied, "Besides, I already finished my breakfast."
She looked back and saw that the mess she had seen earlier was gone.
"Telekinesis," Marko said, "Very handy trick."
Marko led her through the hallways of the citadel.
"Where are we going?" Kari asked. She didn't recognize the hallways.
"I have something that might help with headache," Marko replied, "We're going to my room."
They finally stopped and entered a room twice as large as Kari's. It had a sitting room, a study, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Kari gasped when she realized how big it was.
"As I said, I am something of a hero to the clans," Marko said simply, "They insisted on giving me this room."
"There's even a fireplace."
"Oh, that."
Marko waved his hand and fire started burning in the hearth. She sat down on one of the handcrafted chairs and waited for Marko. The man rummaged through his bags and took out a potion bottle. The contents were colored red. It looked like any ordinary healing potion but Kari knew it was not. A normal healing potion did not alleviate headaches. Marko poured some of it into a wineglass. He handed it to her and she drank it down slowly. Within seconds her head stopped pounding and hurting.
"What is this?" she asked.
"A man I know in Lut Gholein makes potions," said Marko, "I convinced him with a large purse of gold to make something to alleviate headaches. Now many people are buying them from him. He's a rich man because of me. That purse bought me a hundred bottles of the medicine."
"So how many do you have left?"
"That's my last one. I plan on restocking my supply when we reach Lut Gholein."
"That might take a while. Shouldn't you be conserving your supplies?"
"You need it. Might as well let someone who needs it drink some."
"They also said that you were good looking. I think I agree with them."
Marko looked up in surprise. Kari grinned at the look on his face.
"The women I talked to about you."
"I seem to have that affect on women," Marko said quietly, "though most women in the world would only want to marry me because of what I have done, not because of who I am."
"So you're also looking for love? I thought you said you were wedded to battle."
"It is not a sin to be wed to battle and to a woman," Marko said, "I have met men who did think it was and they ended up never forgiving themselves for abandoning a loved one. Fools."
"You aren't like most men I've known," said Kari, "A lot of them that are in danger try to get their loved ones far away from them. You seem to be the other way around."
"I don't exactly have any loved ones. I'm an orphan and I haven't found anyone to love. I doubt that I ever will."
"Akara once told me to never lose hope. I think you need that advice more than I."
Marko looked at her in surprise. His face quickly turned serious though.
"I've held on hope longer than must people could dream of, in the darkest of situations. But then again, that is who I am."
"The Hand of Light."
"I have got to get rid of that title," said Marko, "It is seriously getting on my nerves."
"What? You don't like being known as the servant of the High Heavens, savior of humanity?"
"Savior of humanity is fine, but not servant of the High Heavens. I've picked up more than just the skills of a Necromancer. You might say I've also picked up their distaste in their interference with our world."
"The High Heavens do what they must to fight the forces of Chaos," Kari said defensively, though she did not know why. "You must have a certain amount of faith in the forces of Order."
Marko shrugged. "Well, let's just say I will ally myself with them, but I will not serve them."
"No one expects you to."
A bottle of wine suddenly floated out of a cabinet. Marko poured a glass for himself and drank it down with one gulp.
"We leave today," he said, "I hope you're ready."
"You've been so busy visiting old friends that you wouldn't notice if I had disappeared. Of course I am ready."
"I wouldn't exactly call it visiting old friends," Marko said, "The Ancients aren't exactly friendly. Especially not towards the man that had defeated them in combat."
"But you saved their people. Shouldn't they be grateful?"
"They know that they owe me a debt, or at least a favor, and I called it in. I was allowed to go into the Worldstone Chamber for one reason. To kill Baal. Now, there is no reason that they can see to let me go into their most sacred of places. I had to call in the favor they owe me."
"And now you're allowed to go in whenever you want?"
"Hardly. I was allowed to go into the Chamber one last time and spend as long as I wanted. Nearly took me an entire day to find what I wanted."
"So what did you want? Is Baal's carcass still rotting in there?"
"Yes, and the smell was horrible. I had thought Baal being alive would kill me, but it's him being dead that nearly did."
Kari's smile widened. Marko seemed to still hold onto hope for whatever he was trying to accomplish.
"So what were you looking for?" she asked.
"I wanted to figure out how Baal corrupted the Worldstone."
Kari was silent. That was a dangerous piece of knowledge to search for, and something he shouldn't trust telling anyone to.
"Did you figure it out?" she asked after a few seconds of silence.
"Yes. I hadn't expected it to be so easy, but Baal did it."
"So what are you planning to do with this knowledge?"
Marko walked over to his bags and searched through them again. He took out two objects wrapped in delicate silk cloth and brought them over to the table. He carefully set them down and unwrapped them, one by one. The first object was a crystal, pure blue and serene. The other was blood red and seemed to be filled with darkness. It made Kari's stomach queasy to be near it.
"Baal didn't have enough time to corrupt the inner heart of the Worldstone. I was lucky to find such a large piece of it intact. The corrupted fragments, however, were everywhere."
Kari looked in wonder at the two pieces. They were fragments of the Worldstone, one corrupted, and one pure.
"What are you going to try to do with them?" she asked.
"I'm going to try to cleanse the corruption within this fragment."
Marko picked up the red piece and black energy seemed to try to spread into his body. He set it down slowly and seemed to remain unaffected.
"You shouldn't touch that one," Kari warned, "It's too dangerous."
"I know. However, even evil can hold great power."
He rapped them up again and put them away.
"Those are the things I came for," he said, "Now that I have them, we can leave once everyone is roused."
Kari nodded. "I guess I should get ready."
"I'll see you at the gates of Harrogath in two hours."
Kari left Marko's room and made her way back to her own. Her armor had been repaired and cleaned. She took another quick bath and discarded her old clothes. The new clothes Anya had supplied felt nice and fresh. She carried her armor with her when she went down to the dining hall again. A few servants were now here and informed her that breakfast wasn't ready yet. She asked if she could make herself a sandwich and they let her into the kitchen. She found the bread, meat, and vegetables where Marko had said were supposed to be and made a large sandwich. She did not intend to ride on an empty stomach. After she had filled herself, she put on her armor and hooked on her Katars. When she arrived at the stables she found Falvie already saddling her horse. Marko's was already gone.
"I see you're also an early riser," said Falvie.
"I didn't exactly sleep well," said Kari.
She saddled her horse and mounted. The two women rode through the streets, drawing looks from the few people up. When they arrived at the gates it seemed as if a large army had gathered. Marko was waiting for them and several other people were there as well, Anya included.
"I hope the three of you return one day," she said, "You did not give us a chance to honor you properly."
"It is honor enough that you let me stay under your roof," Marko replied, "If the Light wills, I shall return."
Anya hugged him one more time before stepping back and letting him mount. Qual-Kehk was already on his horse and had his battleaxe strapped to his back. Marko snapped his reins and the black stallion galloped off, two hundred barbarians and two women following him.
The small army had traveled for two weeks, riding hard. They were now at the pass that led into Entsteig. The fortress still stood and there were a few patrols.
"If I bring in this army, the entire garrison will fall on us," said Marko, "This is ridiculous. We'll have to get around them."
"Couldn't we use a waypoint?" asked Kari, "We can move the army through a few at a time."
"I don't know how well the Rogues handle having two hundred soldiers suddenly appearing in their monastery."
"We can exit through another waypoint and travel the rest of the way by foot," said Falvie.
"Might as well do that," said Marko, "There's a waypoint close by. Follow me."
The army marched behind him and they soon found themselves standing before one of the waypoints.
"The advantage of knowing the terrain," Marko said, half to himself.
He stepped on the waypoint and set the stones to the location he wanted.
"Let's go," he said.
Falvie, Qual-Kehk, and Kari got on with him. A few seconds later they were deep in Entsteig. They got off immediately and soon a band of barbarians appeared. This process was repeated until the entire army had arrived. They then marched through the forest until they reached the monastery. Marko, Kari, and Falvie came out of the forest first, the barbarians following slowly after them. The gates were opened slightly and Kashya came out.
"Is there a reason you brought a barbarian army to our monastery?" Kashya asked.
"They have come to help defeat the two armies of goatmen blocking the way to Lut Gholein," Marko answered, "You don't have to fear them. We're marching tomorrow."
Kashya nodded. "I will lead two hundred sisters and follow you."
"You don't have to," said Marko, "All I need is one hundred."
"We of the Sisterhood will not let it be known that we do not offer equal support to the Hand of Light," Kashya said with a grin.
Marko almost seemed to groan but he just grunted.
"Very well. Tomorrow, we march four hundred strong. After the goatmen are defeated, you can return to your monastery, and the barbarians will return to the Highlands."
"So why are you going to attack the goatmen?" Kashya asked.
"They're in my way. I intend to get to Lut Gholein and nothing is going to stand in my way, certainly not some goatmen."
"You haven't changed a bit," Kashya said approvingly, "I will gather our forces. I'm afraid that your friends will have to camp outside. I don't know if we have enough rooms for all of them."
"That'll be fine," said Marko, "They will need food though. I don't know how much more they have with them."
Kashya nodded and went back inside with the other Rogues. The monastery doors remained open though.
"I'm surprised you didn't ask Kashya to come with us," said Kari.
"Kashya is loyal to the Sisterhood," Marko replied, "Besides, she is not like you or I. She may think she is wed to battle, but I can tell the difference. Don't tell her I said that. She'll probably try to gut me."
Kari laughed, enjoying the chance at having something to laugh at. Weeks of heavy traveling had tired her, and they were marching off for battle again tomorrow. She walked into the monastery to take a bath and get something to eat.
"Marko."
Marko turned around and saw Qual-Kehk standing behind him.
"What is it?"
"Many of the warriors want to follow you all the way to Lut Gholein."
"Tell them that I have already chosen someone to represent them," Marko replied, "You are the only one from the Highlands that is going with me."
"They say that you need more muscle."
"What I need is wisdom and experience," Marko snapped, "Fools with swords do no good if they don't know how to use them."
Qual-Kehk smiled. "You remind me of my first teacher. He said something similar."
"Then he was a wise man. Inform the men that I intend to travel with the caravan without an army marching at my back."
Qual-Kehk bowed and went back to the barbarian camp. Falvie had gone into the monastery. She would probably want a chance to say goodbye to her friends or such before they left tomorrow. Marko leaned back against a tree. There were many things he had not told any of them regarding himself or his weapons. One such thing they didn't know was that the sword he carried was a gift from Tyrael. It was perhaps the most powerful weapon any mortal possessed, inflicting poison, fire, and ice damage all at once. The runes embedded in the steel, invisible to the naked eye, transformed the metal so that it could absorb any sort of magic. He had used this sword to deflect the spells of countless mages that tried to stand in his way. The edges of the sword were also very sharp. He had cut clean through the weapons of warriors he had faced and killed them while they only stood there, dumbstruck by what had happened to their weapon. The most powerful weapon any mortal could have. He did not even need a shield anymore, though if he found one to match his sword he would certainly use it. His bow was a long war bow and had served him well. When he had fought Andariel, he had used a composite bow to strike out at her. It had saved his life. Now, he had a far greater bow and it had helped him through many tough situations. The sun was still up high, though noon had come and gone. He went off in search of something to practice swords with. Perhaps one of the barbarians would be a good opponent.
"That was a nice bath," Kari said when she came out of the room.
"I certainly agree," said Falvie, "A pity we will be traveling through a desert very soon. Have you ever been to Lut Gholein? I hear that it is a great city."
"It is a rather large city, though how great it is depends on opinion. I came through Lut Gholein to get here, though I went around the monastery. I actually got lost and found myself in the forest."
"Where are you from?" Falvie asked, "All I know is you aren't from this region, and that is already pretty obvious."
"I'm from Kehjistan," Kari answered, "My parents were merchants and didn't exactly approve of me becoming a Mage Slayer."
"I've always wondered what it was like to marry and have children," said Falvie, "Well, I'm sure you'll find out for me."
Kari choked on her own saliva.
"Mage Slayers usually don't marry," she said.
"Well, we Rogues do. By the way, do you think four hundred warriors will be enough to break two armies of goatmen?"
"I don't know. Goatmen are very difficult to kill and who knows how many two armies are. But with Marko with us, I'm pretty sure we can defeat them. That Apocalypse spell he knows can definitely cut down their numbers."
"Apocalypse is a very tiring spell to use," said Falvie, "even for him. He'll probably use other spells."
"Well, he could always raise an army of golems or such."
"He probably won't raise an army of undead though," said Falvie, "I personally wouldn't want them fighting beside me either way."
Two Rogues nodded at them and they returned the acknowledgement. They went out to the gardens and walked around. Akara suddenly appeared beside them.
"Do either of you know what Marko is up to?" she asked.
"He's going to Lut Gholein," Kari answered, "What do you mean? What else could he be up to?"
"That man is very sure of himself. I felt him carrying two powerful magical objects; one filled with such darkness that I thought I would faint. The other was pure light. A person could bask in its light forever."
"He took two fragments of the Worldstone," Kari explained, "One pure and one corrupted. He said he was trying to destroy the corruption in the dark fragment."
"An ambitious man," said Akara, "I wonder what he is trying to do? But that still does not explain why he is going to Lut Gholein."
"Perhaps he is going to Kurast," Falvie suggested, "That place is filled with mages and the archives there might have things he is looking for. He would have to find a ship to take him there and Lut Gholein is a great port city."
"We shall see," Akara said before leaving them.
"Do you really think his final destination is Kurast?" Kari asked once Akara had gone.
"Perhaps. Why?"
"Well, let's just say my parents might not be too pleased to see me coming back the way I am."
"You'll be returning in the company of the Hand of Light! They should be proud of you!"
"No, I'm a full Mage Slayer now. They never wanted me to become one."
"Oh. That is a problem. Well, I'm sure being in the company of Marko will be enough."
Kari sighed. "You don't know my parents. Well, might as well make the best of it."
"I want you to meet some of my sisters. The last time you were here you didn't have a chance to know more than just a few of my friends. Now you do."
Kari's face brightened.
"I'd be glad to."
"You always did have strange company with you."
Marko glanced backwards and saw Qual-Kehk standing against a tree. Marko turned and leaned against the remains of the fence.
"So you consider yourself strange?" Marko asked.
"Well, a Master at Arms, the Hand of Light, an Assassin, and a Rogue. If that isn't strange company for each of us, I don't know what is."
"Come now Qual-Kehk. We all know each other. We've fought together against Baal's army. The two of us are hardly strangers."
"True. So did that Rogue also fight with you against Andariel?"
"She fought with me several times as I cleaned up this entire are," said Marko, "You have any idea how many demons we killed together?"
"A great many, I'm sure. But what about the assassin?"
"Kari? Well, I guess she's special. Don't tell me you don't notice it when you're around her."
"I do notice it," said Qual-Kehk, "She has the potential to become even greater than you."
"If she isn't already," Marko muttered, "She'll be a good friend to have watching your back when the time comes."
"Whatever you are planning to do, I trust you," said Qual-Kehk, "though I would feel safer knowing that two hundred of my brethern also watch my back."
"They aren't needed. Two hundred is enough for a small army and that would scare the living daylights out of anyone that approached us. I'm not going to start a war. Besides, the exploits of your warriors are well known."
Qual-Kehk laughed. "Indeed. No one has ever dared invade us after we crushed the first and only attempt."
"We march tomorrow," said Marko, "I want your troops ready. The goatmen number in the thousand and I will be hard pressed to supply support. Unless you want me to raise an undead army."
Qual-Kehk's face turned serious.
"I would only ask you to do such a thing if we are truly desperate," he said, "I do not like having the undead fighting by my side."
"And I do not like having the undead fighting under my banner," said Marko, "Don't worry. Fire golems should be enough. We march tomorrow."
"Indeed we do."
Marko looked out upon the evening sky again. There were so many things to do, but the objectives were so spread out that he doubted anyone would truly understand them. He reached into the bag and took out the pure Worldstone fragment. It shone beautifully in the twilight, beautiful and pure. So unlike its twin. Marko wrapped it up again and put it away. It would be a long time before he would do anything with it. He still needed to recover a few other things. The corrupted Worldstone fragment remained in his bag, its darkness trying to seep out. However, with it so far away from the other corrupted fragments, it did not have the strength to extend its influence. Marko could feel it trying to break free of the crystal. That was something he intended to keep from ever happening. With what he planned, humanity would be protected from the influence of both the High Heavens and Hell. That would probably annoy Tyrael and the High Heavens, but Marko could not be picky at a time like this. He carried his bag back to his room. He himself still had a room in the monastery, but the other warriors didn't seem to mind sleeping outside. They probably safer not being surrounded by hundreds of Rogues anyways.
End of Chapter 3
I've actually already finished most of the story, but am too lazy to edit it too much.
Z98
Chapter 3: Corruption and Purity
"Why should we allow you back into the Worldstone Chamber?" Korlic, the first Ancient asked.
Marko hadn't wanted to have this conversation, but apparently the Ancients were going to be stubborn this time.
"I saved your people from Baal," Marko reminded them, "I helped you once and now I need your help. I need to enter the Worldstone Chamber once more."
"No one may enter the Worldstone Chamber without challenging us," Talic said.
"Fine," Marko said impatiently, "I challenge you again. Let's just get it on and then I'll be on my way and out of yours."
"And why should we accept a challenge from you?" Madawc asked.
Marko felt as if he was going to burst.
"Look, you owe me one for saving your people. Well, I'm calling it in now. I challenge you to battle and either accept or decline, cause I don't have time for anymore nonsense."
"I am ready."
Kari was dreaming of the plaza again. Tyrael was still standing before her and handed her the sword. She took it and felt power blaze through her body. This weapon was far greater than anything she had ever seen and gave her the power to do almost anything she wanted.
"Take care, Kailua. The Eye has prophesized the coming of the Master of Darkness. Though we do not know who he will be, you will have enough time to mature on the mortal plane. Another champion will wield Valor of the Light until it is time for you to have it."
"I will succeed, Tyrael. I will not fail your trust in me. I will be there to oppose the Master of Darkness when he comes."
Suddenly white wings extended from Kari's back and spread out. She had four wings total, all of them a shiny silver color. They seemed to reflect all the light and absorb it at the same time, their magnificence beyond doubt. She took flight and disappeared in a flash of crystal blue light. The next thing Kari knew, she was in a crib with a man and a woman looking over her.
"Isn't she beautiful?" the woman said.
"Indeed," the man agreed, "Our daughter. Our dear, lovely daughter."
The woman picked her up and held her close to her breast.
"My beautiful daughter. My Kari."
Kari nearly fell off of her bed but caught onto a post. She pulled herself up and took deep breaths. The sun had just started to rise and there was a warm red glow upon the land. She got out of bed and looked out her window. The city beneath her was just waking up, and everything seemed peaceful. She saw a few people walking about, but those were really early risers. The little sunlight that was shining bounced off the many buildings and made everything look just right. There was a clock ticking away in her bedroom and it showed that it was four thirty in the morning. She rubbed her eyes and tried to recall the dream. It came back to her in pieces but she felt as if something was missing.
"I am Kari Leland," she murmured, "I am Kari Leland."
She splashed her face with the cold water in the basin, trying to wake up fully. When she came out of her room a fierce breeze hit her. She quickly retreated back into her room. She opened the closet and found several fur coats hanging in it. She took one and put it one. She also took one of the boots from the closet and put them on. When she came out again she didn't feel quite as cold. She passed two guards patrolling the hallways but they didn't give her a second look. She walked around but found that most of the residents were asleep. She found herself in the dining hall but it was empty too. Unfortunately, her stomach felt the same way. She entered the kitchen and was rather surprised to see Marko drinking something while making a sandwich. He looked up and saw her standing at the doorway.
"You can come in," he said.
Kari blinked and walked in.
"So what are you doing up so early?" he asked.
"I couldn't sleep. Dreams."
Marko nodded. "Dreams. Well, there's bread, meat slices, and vegetables over there if you want to make yourself a sandwich."
"What is that you're drinking?" Kari asked.
"Tea. They don't have any coffee so I'll have to make do with tea."
"I don't see what's so bad about tea," said Kari, "Coffee has such a bitter taste."
"And tea doesn't?"
"Well, most people do add a little sweater in their tea."
"Same with coffee," Marko replied, "A few teaspoons of sugar'll make any coffee sweat. Or you could just add milk. There's no real difference between tea and coffee. Merely preference."
"Are you always this practical?" Kari said, amused.
"Life creates many amusements," Marko replied, "I've seen things, beautiful and ugly, done things, good and evil, and yet I can still find amusement. I think that is one of the few things that are eternal."
"You are a very interesting man," said Kari, "with layers deeper than I would have ever realized if I only met you for a brief moment."
"And what did you think that brief moment would be like? I am not a vain man and I do not try to take advantage of people. I've settled many of those in my time and I will not become what I hate."
"An honorable man. Every person that I've asked about you said you were honorable. I'm starting to believe it. But why did you ask me to accompany you?"
Marko finished making the sandwich and placed it on the plate. He slid the plate over to Kari and she took it and bit into it. He turned to get more bread and meat.
"I asked you because you are like me," Marko answered, "Just as Falvie is like me, just as Qual-Kehk is like me. I'm looking for people that cannot stop fighting, that will not stop battling."
"And that's why you're only choosing a few people to travel with you? Why you chose me?"
"Of course. You are as wed to battle as I am. Most likely, all of us would die in battle rather than old age. It's just the way we are."
Kari took another bite and chewed thoughtfully. What Marko said did make sense. She had always fought, even when she was a child. Her mother had wanted her to become a lady of proper manners, but it was not to be. Her father disapproved of her fighting, but didn't really stop her. He had even taught her some skills when she was old enough. Meant to keep her safe, he had said. Memories of the dream flashed through her head. She suppressed them quickly, trying to fight down the throbbing pain.
"So why are you gathering us?" she asked.
"For a very great purpose," said Marko, "To challenge the Master of Darkness."
This time Kari nearly fell to the floor. The storm of memories struck her hard and she grabbed the side of the counter for support. Marko was immediately at her side, holding her up. When she opened her eyes, she found them looking at the sandwich splattered on the floor. Marko picked it up and put it back on the plate.
"I've heard that there is a five second rule regarding food falling on the floor," he joked, "I think we can ignore it this time."
Kari smiled. She let Marko hold her up, partly because she was having trouble keeping her balance anyways, and partly because she liked having him close by.
"You said something about facing the Master of Darkness," she said a few seconds later.
"Yes. You might say it was his plans that the Prime Evils carried out, though they of course thought it was their own plan."
"So what exactly is the Master of Darkness?" Kari asked.
"The heir to Hell," Marko answered, "The man that will break the world and lay siege once again to the Gates of Heaven."
Kari nearly fell to the floor even with Marko holding her. Images of her fighting countless demons flashed through her head. She wore twin Katars on her wrists and sliced through demons pouring out against her. She thought she saw other beings fighting beside her, Archangels. When the images finally stopped she found herself staring into Marko's face. Her face reddened.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"Did I say something?" Kari said, even more embarrassed now.
"You mumbled something in the Old Tongue," said Marko, "A very early dialect of the Old Tongue."
"Oh. Well, I don't know how I could do that since I was never good at other languages in school. I didn't exactly pass the tests we had on the Old Tongue."
Marko shook his head.
"Well, I thought I heard you speak in it. I'd better get you back to bed. It's too early for you to start fainting."
"No, I'm fine," she assured him, "It's just that I've had some headaches lately. I'm sure they'll pass by."
"Okay. But if they get worse tell me."
"I will."
Kari smiled at him again and this time it was his face that started turning red. She giggled and let him lead her out. Before they left, Kari grabbed her half-eaten sandwich. No matter what, she was still hungry.
"Aren't you going to clean up your mess?" she asked.
"I already put the food away," Marko replied, "Besides, I already finished my breakfast."
She looked back and saw that the mess she had seen earlier was gone.
"Telekinesis," Marko said, "Very handy trick."
Marko led her through the hallways of the citadel.
"Where are we going?" Kari asked. She didn't recognize the hallways.
"I have something that might help with headache," Marko replied, "We're going to my room."
They finally stopped and entered a room twice as large as Kari's. It had a sitting room, a study, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Kari gasped when she realized how big it was.
"As I said, I am something of a hero to the clans," Marko said simply, "They insisted on giving me this room."
"There's even a fireplace."
"Oh, that."
Marko waved his hand and fire started burning in the hearth. She sat down on one of the handcrafted chairs and waited for Marko. The man rummaged through his bags and took out a potion bottle. The contents were colored red. It looked like any ordinary healing potion but Kari knew it was not. A normal healing potion did not alleviate headaches. Marko poured some of it into a wineglass. He handed it to her and she drank it down slowly. Within seconds her head stopped pounding and hurting.
"What is this?" she asked.
"A man I know in Lut Gholein makes potions," said Marko, "I convinced him with a large purse of gold to make something to alleviate headaches. Now many people are buying them from him. He's a rich man because of me. That purse bought me a hundred bottles of the medicine."
"So how many do you have left?"
"That's my last one. I plan on restocking my supply when we reach Lut Gholein."
"That might take a while. Shouldn't you be conserving your supplies?"
"You need it. Might as well let someone who needs it drink some."
"They also said that you were good looking. I think I agree with them."
Marko looked up in surprise. Kari grinned at the look on his face.
"The women I talked to about you."
"I seem to have that affect on women," Marko said quietly, "though most women in the world would only want to marry me because of what I have done, not because of who I am."
"So you're also looking for love? I thought you said you were wedded to battle."
"It is not a sin to be wed to battle and to a woman," Marko said, "I have met men who did think it was and they ended up never forgiving themselves for abandoning a loved one. Fools."
"You aren't like most men I've known," said Kari, "A lot of them that are in danger try to get their loved ones far away from them. You seem to be the other way around."
"I don't exactly have any loved ones. I'm an orphan and I haven't found anyone to love. I doubt that I ever will."
"Akara once told me to never lose hope. I think you need that advice more than I."
Marko looked at her in surprise. His face quickly turned serious though.
"I've held on hope longer than must people could dream of, in the darkest of situations. But then again, that is who I am."
"The Hand of Light."
"I have got to get rid of that title," said Marko, "It is seriously getting on my nerves."
"What? You don't like being known as the servant of the High Heavens, savior of humanity?"
"Savior of humanity is fine, but not servant of the High Heavens. I've picked up more than just the skills of a Necromancer. You might say I've also picked up their distaste in their interference with our world."
"The High Heavens do what they must to fight the forces of Chaos," Kari said defensively, though she did not know why. "You must have a certain amount of faith in the forces of Order."
Marko shrugged. "Well, let's just say I will ally myself with them, but I will not serve them."
"No one expects you to."
A bottle of wine suddenly floated out of a cabinet. Marko poured a glass for himself and drank it down with one gulp.
"We leave today," he said, "I hope you're ready."
"You've been so busy visiting old friends that you wouldn't notice if I had disappeared. Of course I am ready."
"I wouldn't exactly call it visiting old friends," Marko said, "The Ancients aren't exactly friendly. Especially not towards the man that had defeated them in combat."
"But you saved their people. Shouldn't they be grateful?"
"They know that they owe me a debt, or at least a favor, and I called it in. I was allowed to go into the Worldstone Chamber for one reason. To kill Baal. Now, there is no reason that they can see to let me go into their most sacred of places. I had to call in the favor they owe me."
"And now you're allowed to go in whenever you want?"
"Hardly. I was allowed to go into the Chamber one last time and spend as long as I wanted. Nearly took me an entire day to find what I wanted."
"So what did you want? Is Baal's carcass still rotting in there?"
"Yes, and the smell was horrible. I had thought Baal being alive would kill me, but it's him being dead that nearly did."
Kari's smile widened. Marko seemed to still hold onto hope for whatever he was trying to accomplish.
"So what were you looking for?" she asked.
"I wanted to figure out how Baal corrupted the Worldstone."
Kari was silent. That was a dangerous piece of knowledge to search for, and something he shouldn't trust telling anyone to.
"Did you figure it out?" she asked after a few seconds of silence.
"Yes. I hadn't expected it to be so easy, but Baal did it."
"So what are you planning to do with this knowledge?"
Marko walked over to his bags and searched through them again. He took out two objects wrapped in delicate silk cloth and brought them over to the table. He carefully set them down and unwrapped them, one by one. The first object was a crystal, pure blue and serene. The other was blood red and seemed to be filled with darkness. It made Kari's stomach queasy to be near it.
"Baal didn't have enough time to corrupt the inner heart of the Worldstone. I was lucky to find such a large piece of it intact. The corrupted fragments, however, were everywhere."
Kari looked in wonder at the two pieces. They were fragments of the Worldstone, one corrupted, and one pure.
"What are you going to try to do with them?" she asked.
"I'm going to try to cleanse the corruption within this fragment."
Marko picked up the red piece and black energy seemed to try to spread into his body. He set it down slowly and seemed to remain unaffected.
"You shouldn't touch that one," Kari warned, "It's too dangerous."
"I know. However, even evil can hold great power."
He rapped them up again and put them away.
"Those are the things I came for," he said, "Now that I have them, we can leave once everyone is roused."
Kari nodded. "I guess I should get ready."
"I'll see you at the gates of Harrogath in two hours."
Kari left Marko's room and made her way back to her own. Her armor had been repaired and cleaned. She took another quick bath and discarded her old clothes. The new clothes Anya had supplied felt nice and fresh. She carried her armor with her when she went down to the dining hall again. A few servants were now here and informed her that breakfast wasn't ready yet. She asked if she could make herself a sandwich and they let her into the kitchen. She found the bread, meat, and vegetables where Marko had said were supposed to be and made a large sandwich. She did not intend to ride on an empty stomach. After she had filled herself, she put on her armor and hooked on her Katars. When she arrived at the stables she found Falvie already saddling her horse. Marko's was already gone.
"I see you're also an early riser," said Falvie.
"I didn't exactly sleep well," said Kari.
She saddled her horse and mounted. The two women rode through the streets, drawing looks from the few people up. When they arrived at the gates it seemed as if a large army had gathered. Marko was waiting for them and several other people were there as well, Anya included.
"I hope the three of you return one day," she said, "You did not give us a chance to honor you properly."
"It is honor enough that you let me stay under your roof," Marko replied, "If the Light wills, I shall return."
Anya hugged him one more time before stepping back and letting him mount. Qual-Kehk was already on his horse and had his battleaxe strapped to his back. Marko snapped his reins and the black stallion galloped off, two hundred barbarians and two women following him.
The small army had traveled for two weeks, riding hard. They were now at the pass that led into Entsteig. The fortress still stood and there were a few patrols.
"If I bring in this army, the entire garrison will fall on us," said Marko, "This is ridiculous. We'll have to get around them."
"Couldn't we use a waypoint?" asked Kari, "We can move the army through a few at a time."
"I don't know how well the Rogues handle having two hundred soldiers suddenly appearing in their monastery."
"We can exit through another waypoint and travel the rest of the way by foot," said Falvie.
"Might as well do that," said Marko, "There's a waypoint close by. Follow me."
The army marched behind him and they soon found themselves standing before one of the waypoints.
"The advantage of knowing the terrain," Marko said, half to himself.
He stepped on the waypoint and set the stones to the location he wanted.
"Let's go," he said.
Falvie, Qual-Kehk, and Kari got on with him. A few seconds later they were deep in Entsteig. They got off immediately and soon a band of barbarians appeared. This process was repeated until the entire army had arrived. They then marched through the forest until they reached the monastery. Marko, Kari, and Falvie came out of the forest first, the barbarians following slowly after them. The gates were opened slightly and Kashya came out.
"Is there a reason you brought a barbarian army to our monastery?" Kashya asked.
"They have come to help defeat the two armies of goatmen blocking the way to Lut Gholein," Marko answered, "You don't have to fear them. We're marching tomorrow."
Kashya nodded. "I will lead two hundred sisters and follow you."
"You don't have to," said Marko, "All I need is one hundred."
"We of the Sisterhood will not let it be known that we do not offer equal support to the Hand of Light," Kashya said with a grin.
Marko almost seemed to groan but he just grunted.
"Very well. Tomorrow, we march four hundred strong. After the goatmen are defeated, you can return to your monastery, and the barbarians will return to the Highlands."
"So why are you going to attack the goatmen?" Kashya asked.
"They're in my way. I intend to get to Lut Gholein and nothing is going to stand in my way, certainly not some goatmen."
"You haven't changed a bit," Kashya said approvingly, "I will gather our forces. I'm afraid that your friends will have to camp outside. I don't know if we have enough rooms for all of them."
"That'll be fine," said Marko, "They will need food though. I don't know how much more they have with them."
Kashya nodded and went back inside with the other Rogues. The monastery doors remained open though.
"I'm surprised you didn't ask Kashya to come with us," said Kari.
"Kashya is loyal to the Sisterhood," Marko replied, "Besides, she is not like you or I. She may think she is wed to battle, but I can tell the difference. Don't tell her I said that. She'll probably try to gut me."
Kari laughed, enjoying the chance at having something to laugh at. Weeks of heavy traveling had tired her, and they were marching off for battle again tomorrow. She walked into the monastery to take a bath and get something to eat.
"Marko."
Marko turned around and saw Qual-Kehk standing behind him.
"What is it?"
"Many of the warriors want to follow you all the way to Lut Gholein."
"Tell them that I have already chosen someone to represent them," Marko replied, "You are the only one from the Highlands that is going with me."
"They say that you need more muscle."
"What I need is wisdom and experience," Marko snapped, "Fools with swords do no good if they don't know how to use them."
Qual-Kehk smiled. "You remind me of my first teacher. He said something similar."
"Then he was a wise man. Inform the men that I intend to travel with the caravan without an army marching at my back."
Qual-Kehk bowed and went back to the barbarian camp. Falvie had gone into the monastery. She would probably want a chance to say goodbye to her friends or such before they left tomorrow. Marko leaned back against a tree. There were many things he had not told any of them regarding himself or his weapons. One such thing they didn't know was that the sword he carried was a gift from Tyrael. It was perhaps the most powerful weapon any mortal possessed, inflicting poison, fire, and ice damage all at once. The runes embedded in the steel, invisible to the naked eye, transformed the metal so that it could absorb any sort of magic. He had used this sword to deflect the spells of countless mages that tried to stand in his way. The edges of the sword were also very sharp. He had cut clean through the weapons of warriors he had faced and killed them while they only stood there, dumbstruck by what had happened to their weapon. The most powerful weapon any mortal could have. He did not even need a shield anymore, though if he found one to match his sword he would certainly use it. His bow was a long war bow and had served him well. When he had fought Andariel, he had used a composite bow to strike out at her. It had saved his life. Now, he had a far greater bow and it had helped him through many tough situations. The sun was still up high, though noon had come and gone. He went off in search of something to practice swords with. Perhaps one of the barbarians would be a good opponent.
"That was a nice bath," Kari said when she came out of the room.
"I certainly agree," said Falvie, "A pity we will be traveling through a desert very soon. Have you ever been to Lut Gholein? I hear that it is a great city."
"It is a rather large city, though how great it is depends on opinion. I came through Lut Gholein to get here, though I went around the monastery. I actually got lost and found myself in the forest."
"Where are you from?" Falvie asked, "All I know is you aren't from this region, and that is already pretty obvious."
"I'm from Kehjistan," Kari answered, "My parents were merchants and didn't exactly approve of me becoming a Mage Slayer."
"I've always wondered what it was like to marry and have children," said Falvie, "Well, I'm sure you'll find out for me."
Kari choked on her own saliva.
"Mage Slayers usually don't marry," she said.
"Well, we Rogues do. By the way, do you think four hundred warriors will be enough to break two armies of goatmen?"
"I don't know. Goatmen are very difficult to kill and who knows how many two armies are. But with Marko with us, I'm pretty sure we can defeat them. That Apocalypse spell he knows can definitely cut down their numbers."
"Apocalypse is a very tiring spell to use," said Falvie, "even for him. He'll probably use other spells."
"Well, he could always raise an army of golems or such."
"He probably won't raise an army of undead though," said Falvie, "I personally wouldn't want them fighting beside me either way."
Two Rogues nodded at them and they returned the acknowledgement. They went out to the gardens and walked around. Akara suddenly appeared beside them.
"Do either of you know what Marko is up to?" she asked.
"He's going to Lut Gholein," Kari answered, "What do you mean? What else could he be up to?"
"That man is very sure of himself. I felt him carrying two powerful magical objects; one filled with such darkness that I thought I would faint. The other was pure light. A person could bask in its light forever."
"He took two fragments of the Worldstone," Kari explained, "One pure and one corrupted. He said he was trying to destroy the corruption in the dark fragment."
"An ambitious man," said Akara, "I wonder what he is trying to do? But that still does not explain why he is going to Lut Gholein."
"Perhaps he is going to Kurast," Falvie suggested, "That place is filled with mages and the archives there might have things he is looking for. He would have to find a ship to take him there and Lut Gholein is a great port city."
"We shall see," Akara said before leaving them.
"Do you really think his final destination is Kurast?" Kari asked once Akara had gone.
"Perhaps. Why?"
"Well, let's just say my parents might not be too pleased to see me coming back the way I am."
"You'll be returning in the company of the Hand of Light! They should be proud of you!"
"No, I'm a full Mage Slayer now. They never wanted me to become one."
"Oh. That is a problem. Well, I'm sure being in the company of Marko will be enough."
Kari sighed. "You don't know my parents. Well, might as well make the best of it."
"I want you to meet some of my sisters. The last time you were here you didn't have a chance to know more than just a few of my friends. Now you do."
Kari's face brightened.
"I'd be glad to."
"You always did have strange company with you."
Marko glanced backwards and saw Qual-Kehk standing against a tree. Marko turned and leaned against the remains of the fence.
"So you consider yourself strange?" Marko asked.
"Well, a Master at Arms, the Hand of Light, an Assassin, and a Rogue. If that isn't strange company for each of us, I don't know what is."
"Come now Qual-Kehk. We all know each other. We've fought together against Baal's army. The two of us are hardly strangers."
"True. So did that Rogue also fight with you against Andariel?"
"She fought with me several times as I cleaned up this entire are," said Marko, "You have any idea how many demons we killed together?"
"A great many, I'm sure. But what about the assassin?"
"Kari? Well, I guess she's special. Don't tell me you don't notice it when you're around her."
"I do notice it," said Qual-Kehk, "She has the potential to become even greater than you."
"If she isn't already," Marko muttered, "She'll be a good friend to have watching your back when the time comes."
"Whatever you are planning to do, I trust you," said Qual-Kehk, "though I would feel safer knowing that two hundred of my brethern also watch my back."
"They aren't needed. Two hundred is enough for a small army and that would scare the living daylights out of anyone that approached us. I'm not going to start a war. Besides, the exploits of your warriors are well known."
Qual-Kehk laughed. "Indeed. No one has ever dared invade us after we crushed the first and only attempt."
"We march tomorrow," said Marko, "I want your troops ready. The goatmen number in the thousand and I will be hard pressed to supply support. Unless you want me to raise an undead army."
Qual-Kehk's face turned serious.
"I would only ask you to do such a thing if we are truly desperate," he said, "I do not like having the undead fighting by my side."
"And I do not like having the undead fighting under my banner," said Marko, "Don't worry. Fire golems should be enough. We march tomorrow."
"Indeed we do."
Marko looked out upon the evening sky again. There were so many things to do, but the objectives were so spread out that he doubted anyone would truly understand them. He reached into the bag and took out the pure Worldstone fragment. It shone beautifully in the twilight, beautiful and pure. So unlike its twin. Marko wrapped it up again and put it away. It would be a long time before he would do anything with it. He still needed to recover a few other things. The corrupted Worldstone fragment remained in his bag, its darkness trying to seep out. However, with it so far away from the other corrupted fragments, it did not have the strength to extend its influence. Marko could feel it trying to break free of the crystal. That was something he intended to keep from ever happening. With what he planned, humanity would be protected from the influence of both the High Heavens and Hell. That would probably annoy Tyrael and the High Heavens, but Marko could not be picky at a time like this. He carried his bag back to his room. He himself still had a room in the monastery, but the other warriors didn't seem to mind sleeping outside. They probably safer not being surrounded by hundreds of Rogues anyways.
End of Chapter 3
I've actually already finished most of the story, but am too lazy to edit it too much.
Z98