Chapter 5: Into the Depths
The entire group was in the library after breakfast. Kari recognized Greiz, but wasn't sure why he was present.
"Everyone," said Marko, "You all know Greiz. Well, he'll be coming with us."
"So Marko dragged you into this as well?" Fara said in an amused tone.
"He didn't exactly drag me into it," said Greiz, "Heck, I'm kind of bored with all the demons dead and nothing to do. Jerhyn is raising an army, but he already has some fine captains. Marko said he needed help in something, and I trust him. Might as well follow the rest of you wherever Marko leads you."
"I hope you still have that attitude when we reach our final destination," said Marko, "It is not going to be pretty."
"How bad can it be?" said Greiz, "I've fought more demons than I want to think about."
"And you'll fight more before you're done. So, let's get to work. The information on the Shield of the Just is in here somewhere. If you find anything interesting regarding some sort of equipment meant to protect you or something, show me. Let's get to work."
The group dispersed and started pulling out books and old scrolls carefully. Marko took out the diary of a mage that had lived in Lut Gholein and started flipping through it. There had to be a clue somewhere in all these books. Some were old beyond belief. Kari grabbed a book about demons. She knew that it probably wouldn't have much on the Shield of the Just, but it might have something about the caves and tunnels around Lut Gholein. She opened the book and found that she had turned to the page about Blood Knights. It had a picture of a large figure wearing black armor and a helmet that had large horns coming out of it. The figure also wielded a large black sword and a skull shield.
'Blood Knights are the elite guards of the forces of Chaos. Few humans can face them, though many warriors have tried. The only ones that have survived against such powerful demons are the mightiest and are equipped with powerful weapons. However, in every account, every warrior or knight that ever defeated a Blood Knight became one after their death.'
"Wow, bad luck for anyone that finds them," Kari muttered to herself. She continued reading.
'It is because of this that warriors no longer attempt to fight these creatures. Female warriors and mages of either sex, however, have killed them and remained free. That is why women and mages are the only ones that face these creatures of Hell.'
She shook her head. It was rather hard to believe, but she turned to another page. This one was about dark mages. This at least she knew about.
'There are few dark mages in the world, as the Mage Slayers have killed most. However, a few have survived and gathered enough power to make themselves almost impossible to track down and kill. Of these, several have also gathered large armies of mages that they have tempted with dark magic. Most such armies were destroyed in the Mage Wars, but rumors persist in several armies still remaining.'
Kari hoped that was not true. Dark mages could level entire cities together, and an army could defeat any force sent to oppose them, short of the combined might of all of the mage clans in Kehjistan. She flipped through a few other pages and came to a section on Tal Rasha, the mage that had trapped Baal's soul in his body and was eventually corrupted. The section documented how he led the mages in their hunt of the three Prime Evils and their defeat of Baal. The Tomb of Tal Rasha was somewhere outside of Lut Gholein, and supposedly lost. However, Kari had heard that Marko had found the tomb and defeated Tal Rasha. She skipped the rest of the section and turned to a page about the Arcane Sanctuary, the lair of the summoner Horazon. A phrase caught her attention and she reread it.
'The Summoner used the power of the protector to shield himself from demons, but in his vanity he sealed the power of justice and hid it within the desert.'
"Marko!"
Marko walked over to her.
"Read this."
He took the book and read the sentence Kari pointed at.
"Well. It seems the shield slipped through my fingers the first time I came here. Good work. However, the problem is that the Arcane Sanctuary really doesn't exist anymore. That would be the most likely place that he hid it."
"What happened to it?" Kari asked.
"I kind of destroyed the entire place. I was mobbed by demons and had to collapse the entire thing to get out alive."
"Oh," Kari said, "Well, it is supposed to be in the desert. It might not be in the Sanctury."
"Better that it had been. Would have been easier to search."
Just then Qual-Kehk and Falvie appeared.
"What did you find?" Falvie asked them.
"Kari found a clue," Marko replied, "though we'll still need to keep looking. This is only a piece of the puzzle. The rest is still out there."
The two nodded and went back among the shelves. Marko sat down next to Kari and set down the book he had brought with him. Kari took back the book she had been reading.
"So what are we supposed to do now?" Kari asked.
"Keep looking. There must be a hint to where Horazon hid the shield. Look up references to Horazon and the Aranoch Desert."
"What is that book you have?"
"A very large reference regarding the weapons of the High Heaven and Hell. Did you know that Shadowfang can be used by an angel as well and still have all of its power? Rather interesting things."
"Does it have anything about Azurewrath?"
"Yes, though I never did find out what happened to that weapon. Even after I defeated Izual, I couldn't find it."
"You defeated a fallen angel?"
"Yes. Oh, you don't know too much about my journey in Hell. Well, be glad you don't. It is not a pretty place."
The two resumed their reading and continued doing so until a servant brought down food for them. The two thanked the servant and continued reading as they ate. Finally Fara appeared.
"I think I found something," she said, "It is extremely vague but it might be our best shot."
Marko took the parchment and read it. It was part of a diary of some wanderer that had traveled through the desert.
'I found a large underground temple filled with gold, gems, runes, and other magical items. However, all of the gates were locked and I could not break them. There was also a golden chest in the center of the room yet I could not open it. I believe that a great treasure is hidden within this chest, as it is large enough to hold a gothic shield.'
"I assume the words 'gothic shield' caught your attention," said Marko.
"Right. I think I know where this is. It isn't too far from the city, but people rarely visit that area and not few people know of it."
"Take us there now," said Marko, "We'll travel by portal. Just show me where it is on a map."
Fara nodded and they gathered the others. They left the library and Marko told a servant to inform Jerhyn that they would be going out to retrieve something. The servant nodded and ran off. When they had just come out of the palace a red portal opened and dozens of demons in armor appeared.
"Blood knights!" Kari screamed, "Qual-Kehk, Marko, don't use melee weapons! You have to use magic!"
"I know," Marko said in a annoyed tone.
Qual-Kehk retreated while Marko unleashed a massive lightning surge. It passed right through the creature without affecting it.
"Right," he muttered, "They're immune to lightning."
Fara jumped straight into battle and attacked the closest Blood Knight. The two locked blades and both tried to overpower the other. Kari leapt into battle and stabbed the Blood Knight from behind. It staggered but refused to fall. Fara sliced off its head but the body continued to flail about, trying to hit anything close to it. Suddenly it was incinerated. Kari looked behind her and saw a mage standing with his staff raised. Marko fired a bone spear and it punched its way through the armor of the creatures. He then summoned a two fire golems and ordered them to attack. They ran into the Blood Knights and knocked three down. The fire golems tore at their opponents' armor and flesh, their flames only slightly damaging the Blood Knights. The city guards arrived but Greiz made them stay back. Another creature suddenly appeared from the portal before closing. It was a Soul Burner.
"Bloody hell," Marko muttered.
He pulled out his sword and charged at the succubi. She fired off a fireball but Marko cut right through it with his sword. He slashed at her but the Soul Burner was fast. She clawed at him in return, but neither seemed to be able to defeat the other. Marko then shot a massive blast of lightning which took the succubi by surprise. It knocked her backwards and Marko took the chance to plunge his sword right into her stomach. She screamed and as Marko drove the sword upwards, a sword of fire suddenly appeared in her hand and she slashed Marko in the side. Marko flinched but continued cutting the Soul Burner. The succubi continued to lash out at Marko, burning his face and chest. After a few seconds, he finally managed to severe her head and the flame sword disappeared from her hands. The Soul Burner's body fell. Marko collapsed and thought he heard someone calling to him. He looked up and saw Kari holding him up.
"Go get the shield," he murmured to her, "You have to get it. This attack was meant to stop us. You have to go."
He then fainted.
"Marko!"
"We have to get him inside," said Fara, "Come on!"
Kari and Falvie picked him up and followed the others inside. They had killed all of the Blood Knights but had been unable to help Marko. They took him to the nearest room and laid him on the bed. Jerhyn suddenly appeared.
"What happened!" he demanded.
"We were attacked when we left the palace," Greiz explained, "Blood Knights and a Soul Burner appeared. Marko fought the Soul Burner by himself but she injured him badly. We need a healer."
"Drognan!" Jerhyn ordered, "and get Lysander!"
Drognan was already behind them and moved to Marko's bedside. He tried to begin healing Marko, but the concentration on his face showed just how difficult that was.
"We have to get the shield," Kari said urgently, "Marko said to me that the attack was to stop us. Someone else is after the shield!"
"Blast the shield!" said Jerhyn, "Marko is dying and the only thing you can think about is a shield?"
"You don't get it," said Qual-Kehk, "Marko meant to use the shield's power to seed another Worldstone. If the shield falls into the wrong hands, he may not be able to do it!"
Jerhyn gasped. "How many men do you need? I will send half the guard with you!"
"No," said Fara, "We go alone. Greiz, you and Falvie stay here and watch over Marko. Don't argue with me! Kari, Qual-Kehk, let's get that damn shield. We can use the waypoint."
The three ran out of the palace to the waypoint. Fara set the stones in the correct order and they disappeared. The three reappeared outside large cave.
Marko was still lying on the bed, Drognan having great difficulty healing the wounds the Soul Burner had inflicted on him. Lysander had brewed several potions and they seemed to help. Suddenly Marko sat upright. Immediately he screamed out in pain. Drognan and Atma forced him to lie down.
"Your wounds haven't healed yet," said Atma, "Rest."
"Where's Kari?" he asked.
"She went off with the barbarian and Fara to retrieve whatever you were looking for," Atma informed him, "Don't worry."
Marko tried to get out of the bed.
"I have to go help her."
"She isn't a defenseless little girl needing you to rescue her," Drognan said as he forced Marko to lie back down, "Kari is quite capable and she can take care of herself."
"No, I have to go."
However, Marko was too weak to even stop Drognan and Atma from keeping him down. Lysander walked in a few seconds later and had Marko drink down another potion.
"Huh, with all this commotion one would think you liked the girl."
Marko was panting at the exertion of trying to get up and didn't reply. However, Atma and Drognan had both seen him flinch slightly.
"What is wrong?" Atma said, "Kari seems like a fine young woman, and she seems fond of you as well."
"No, I'm too dangerous. She has to stay away from me."
The assembled looked at Marko as if he was insane. Marko kept struggling, though his efforts were pitiful. Something was very wrong with him right now but the others did not know what to do.
"Marko, drink this," Lysander instructed.
Marko drank down the potion reluctantly, and finally his wounds started to close. After a few more seconds Marko got up and let out a sigh.
"Something's coming," he said, "We have to be ready. Greiz, inform Jerhyn that an army of the undead are approaching Lut Gholein. I suggest all of the guards and mercenaries be aroused. This will not be pretty."
"As you command, Marko."
"Drognan, find any other mages in the city and get them ready for a battle, and I mean a big one. We're going to need all the help we can get."
"Marko, you should rest," Drognan persisted.
"I'll rest when Hell freezes over," Marko replied, "There's not enough time and we need to get ready or even more people are going to die."
Drognan nodded before walking off.
"Marko."
"Atma, just trust me. I can handle this."
Atma nodded sadly. "Just don't get killed. You've been like a second son to me."
Marko hugged her before walking out with Lysander.
"So how are you going to go about defeating this army?" Lysander asked.
"Get together a bunch of explosive potions and distribute them to the civilians," said Marko, "We might need them if they breach the city walls."
"Right. Marko, you sure you're up to this?"
"We need every man that can fight. Let's go."
Lysander ran off as Jerhyn and Shara appeared.
"Marko, what are you doing up? You need rest."
"I'm fine Jerhyn. You need to muster the guard. An army's coming and we need to make sure the city holds out."
"I have already sent one of my captains to do so. The guards are preparing for a siege."
"This won't be a siege," said Marko, "This will be a full-out invasion. Get your men ready. I suspect there will be heavy casualties in the battle to come."
Marko walked outside and found much of the guard already rallied. They quickly manned the positions on the city walls and towers. Soon the lookouts spotted a large army approaching.
"It's down here," said Fara as she walked into the cave.
They followed her down the cave and into a large chamber. Stone columns carved from the cave seemed to hold up the roof of the chamber. Intricate designs decorated the roof.
"The wanderer found a secret entrance into another section of the temple," said Fara, "I think I've figured out where it is."
She felt along a wall and found a switch. She pushed it in and a wall moved aside. The three entered the chamber and found dozens of Soul Burners waiting for them.
"Bloody hell," Qual-Kehk muttered.
The Soul Burners took flight and charged them. Kari ducked and sliced one in half as she flew above her. Fara casted an aura spell and suddenly the Soul Burners turned blue from cold. Kari ran through several of them, smashing them to pieces. Others charged and forced her to retreat.
"Kari!"
Kari turned around and Qual-Kehk threw her a large war staff. Her Katars dropped onto the hooks on her belt and Kari knocked back several succubi. They all seemed to be afraid of the staff and tried to attack her from behind. Fara joined the battle again and severed many heads. Kari looked at the staff and saw arcane writings embedded onto the staff. For some reason, she could read them. She read it and pointed the staff at a group of succubi. The eight succubi exploded while others by them were thrown onto the ground or wall by the force of the explosion. Kari gasped when she realized what this staff was. However, she didn't have enough time to stay surprised. More succubi rushed her and she chanted again. The staff thundered again and more succubi exploded. Fara and Qual-Kehk were now right beside her and they cut down the few Soul Burners that hadn't been killed by Kari.
"Very impressive," Fara complimented, "Qual-Kehk, how did you know to give the staff to Kari?"
"She is a mage slayer," said Qual-Kehk, "I have seen staves like this before and they always have magic in them. I thought perhaps she might know how to use this one. I would think she did. What staff is it?"
"The Archangel's Staff of Apocalypse."
Their eyes went wide as they stared at the staff. One of the most powerful staves in the world, they were so rare that it was rumored only three people had them.
"Where did you find this?" Fara asked Qual-Kehk.
"It was on that weapons rack," he pointed.
There were two weapons racks by the door, one on each side. The other still held a staff. Kari walked over and picked it up.
"The Archangel's Staff of Nova. By the light, these are two of the most coveted staves in the world! How did they get here?"
Fara took the Staff of Nova from Kari.
"Well, now they are ours. I personally like the Nova spell. The Staff of Apocalypse should be yours Kari. You certainly earned it."
Qual-Kehk nodded. "Besides, I certainly can't use it. I have no magic."
Suddenly red light filled the chamber. The three shielded their eyes until it disappeared. A man in a red cloak stood at the center of the room in front of the golden chest.
"So, you are the ones that are seeking the Shield of the Just. Well, I'm afraid that you cannot have it. I will be the only one to possess it."
"Think again," said Fara.
Kari and Fara raised their staves and Qual-Kehk readied his battleaxe.
"The Staves of Nova and Apocalypse. Well, perhaps you will be a challenge. We shall see."
The man drew a long curved sword and raised it against them. Fire suddenly appeared, wrapped around the blade. He swung the sword through the air and the fire charged at the three. They rolled out of the way and the fire spell struck the doorway and nearly collapsed it. Kari chanted again and the Apocalypse Spell struck the man. He stumbled back but remained on his feet with an arm missing. Fara casted the Nova Spell and it too struck right on target. This time the man didn't even flinch.
"He's immune to lightning spells!" Kari yelled to Fara.
Fara nodded and took out her crystal sword. She and Qual-Kehk charged the man but a gust of wind threw them hard against the wall, knocking them unconscious. Kari steeled herself and raised the staff again. Another Apocalypse Spell struck the man and seemed to destroy part of his side. He looked like a zombie now, with an arm and part of his side destroyed. Kari struck him again and again, but he blocked one at the cost of his sword. He barely dodged another one, losing his foot in the process. He suddenly sent out a powerful shockwave. Kari was barely able to stand her ground, using the staff to shield herself. The cages that barred the way to the gold, gems, runes, and mystical weapons were shattered by the magical energy the two were using to fight. Slowly the gold chest in the center started to open. A shield shaped like a heart but the top pointing upward floated out, its light brightening the entire chamber. Kari quickly ran towards the shield. The man was at the opposite end of the room and had as much distance to cover as she. He moved surprisingly quickly for a man that was missing body parts, and both leapt for the shield at the same time. The light was so bright this close to the shield that Kari had to shut her eyes. She felt her hands fall on something and grabbed it. She hit the ground and rolled back up to her feet. She held the Shield of the Just in her hands. The man had landed on his feet as well. Kari gasped as the missing body parts regenerated. He glared at her and struck out at her with a powerful fire spell. Kari raised the shield and it was deflected. The symbol on the shield, a blue pentagram, started glowing. The five triangles inside the pentagon became bright orange one by one. A beam of white light shot out of the pentagon in the center and punched right through the man. He screamed as the light consumed his body, tearing it apart. Kari turned her head away but held the shield still. Finally, the scream disappeared and the beam extinguished itself. When Kari looked again, there was no trace of the man. The light from the chest and the shield had receded and the chamber returned to normal. Fara and Qual-Kehk had awakened and were picking themselves up.
"I assume that mysterious man is gone," said Fara.
Kari nodded. "We have the Shield of the Just, and we also have two staves. I think we have everything we need from this place. Jerhyn can use the rest of the equipment for his army."
Qual-Kehk nodded but Fara shook her head.
"The runes are too powerful. We should at least take those. If they aren't handled properly they could become dangerous."
Kari reluctantly nodded. The three of them searched through the rooms and found all of the runes. They also looked in the chest and found five triangular gems and a circular rune.
"These look like they fit in the shield," said Fara.
Kari took them out and one by one put them in the empty spots. When they were all in they seemed to sink into the shield and disappear, only their surface appearing.
"Let's go," said Kari, "We're finished here."
They exited the temple and used the waypoint to return to Lut Gholein. When they returned, they found several squadrons of men returning to the city. They made their way back to the palace and found Marko and the others standing outside.
"Marko!" Kari yelled. She ran up to him and hugged him. "You should be resting."
"I'm fine," he replied, and held her tightly. "We had a rough battle with an army of the undead but Jerhyn's forces were enough to defeat them. For some odd reason they all suddenly died."
Kari let him go and showed him the shield.
"I think it's because I killed their leader. He was also trying to get the shield. Anyways, here it is."
She offered it to him but Marko shook his head.
"It's yours. You earned it by fighting for it."
Surprise was written all over Kari's face.
"But don't you need it?" she said.
"As long as you're there when I plant the Worldstone, its power will aid me."
Kari smiled and hugged him again.
"Well, I'm glad you're okay, though you should still be in bed."
Fara cleared her throat and Kari let Marko go reluctantly.
"We also brought back a bunch of runes and two staves," Fara informed them, "The staves are the Archangel's Staff of Nova and Apocalypse."
Everyone else but Marko gasped. He merely shrugged.
"They'll be very handy once we face whatever is waiting in Kehjistan. The runes we'll need a little time to study."
Fara nodded. "It seems you've also had an eventful afternoon."
"Well, let us just say that I never want to fight while I'm healing again. Bloody hard on a man."
"You shouldn't have fought at all," Kari chided, "Now, back to bed with you."
"He's fine," Falvie said to Kari, "I checked his wounds right after we had beaten off the last of the goatmen. His wounds have healed already."
"Wow. Fast healer. Well, what do we do now?"
"Get some bloody rest," said Marko, "Tomorrow we head for Kurast."
Kari could almost hear her parents lecturing her, but she would follow Marko anywhere.
"We will have to hold on that dinner I owe you," Jerhyn said, "Perhaps when you have accomplished your mission."
"If I succeed, I will come for another visit."
"Don't be foolish. Of course you will succeed. Right, Shara?"
"You are the Hand of Light," Shara said, "If you cannot succeed, no one else can. You will succeed. I command it."
She smiled as she said the last part. Marko bowed one last time before taking his leave. Meshif was waiting by his ship and Marko and the others boarded quickly. He casted off and the crowds gathered by the docks cheered as the ship left. Many waved and Marko and the others waved back. Fara and Greiz almost looked sad at leaving their homes, but they did their best to hide it.
"How long to Kurast?" Marko asked Meshif.
"Two weeks if we have good weather," the captain answered.
Marko nodded. He looked up at the sky and it seemed to brighten. A strong wind, strong enough to push the ship faster but not strong enough to snap the sails, started blowing. Meshif grinned as Marko continued to look up at the sky.
"One week if this keeps up," Meshif promised, "I do not know how you do it, but I would give you free passage on my ship any day."
Marko nodded as he continued to concentrate. Kari watched with a smile as Marko continued to manipulate the weather. She had grown closer to him and knew that he was closer to her as well. Marko certainly didn't try to keep her safe as many men would try, but he did caution her and did what he could to help her. That was the kind of man she wanted to be with. However, her parents might not approve. They probably wouldn't believe that Marko was the Hand of Light. Of course, in the end they would have to considering Marko most definitely knew some of the people in Kurast. She just hoped that he knew enough respectable people to convince her parents.
"Kari, you can stop staring at Marko now."
Kari's face grew red from Falvie's comment. She turned to face the Rogue and glared at her. Falvie kept smiling and walked away from her. Kari shook her head. She then saw Marko staring at her. He laughed at turned his gaze back to the sky. Kari couldn't control the blush on her cheeks. She sighed and went below decks. Maybe a drink would cool her off.
"You're going to pace right through the bottom of the ship if you keep at it," Greiz said to Marko.
"Huh? Oh, I hadn't noticed."
"Marko, what is wrong? You've been acting like this for the past three days. Something's the matter and you just won't tell us."
"It's Kari."
"What's wrong with the lass? She seems to be in perfect health, and rather feisty too. She and Fara are getting along fine."
"She can't stay close to me," Marko replied, "It's too dangerous for her."
"And it isn't dangerous for the rest of us?"
"That danger I can protect all of you from," said Marko, "and it's also a danger all of you can fight. However, it's more personal with her."
"Oh, you've fallen in love with her and now you're worried those feelings will interfere with whatever you're trying to do."
"What I'm trying to do is replant the Worldstone," said Marko, "If something goes wrong, all of us are dead."
"Listen here, Marko. All of us are going to see this through to the end, and I mean the end. If I have to die ensuring that you succeed, so be it. Without you, I'm as good as dead anyways."
"And you'd risk your life for me even if I would save Kari over you?"
"I try not to think about it," said Greiz, "Besides, I'm a mercenary. I'm not paid to be pampered. Don't worry about it. Kari can take care of yourself, and I most certainly can take care of myself."
"Let's hope so," said Marko, "I'm going up to get some air."
He swept his cloak to the side with one hand and walked up the stairs. The open ocean air seemed to help him straighten his thoughts, but the salty aftertaste didn't help. What he didn't see was Kari standing at the other end of the ship, looking at him.
Kari had come up for some fresh air to clear her head. What she found was Marko and her head being scrambled all over again. For some reason she couldn't tear her gaze away from him. Marko certainly looked handsome with him looking out into the sea, and he was even funny at times. But he was hiding something from all of them, and Kari kept sensing that it would change everything; from the relationship he had with her, to how the people of the world would regard him. Wait, relationship with her? Kari shook her head. Strange things were popping up in her head.
"If you keep staring at him, he might notice."
Kari spun around and found Fara standing behind her.
"I didn't hear you coming," said Kari.
"I still retain some of my stealth skills," Fara replied, "So what is on your mind? A face like yours shouldn't have so much worry on it."
Kari smiled weakly, but it was an effort to even do that.
"It's about Marko, isn't it?"
Kari nodded. "He's hiding something. I don't really know what it is, but it might be dangerous to him and us."
"He's trusting us with a lot," said Fara, "Have some faith in him. He did defeat the Prime Evils."
Kari again nodded. However, she hoped Marko knew what he was doing. Just then, his head turned and he saw her. Kari couldn't help but turn away, a blush appearing on her face. Fara smiled at the young Mage-Slayer. Though she may be an expert warrior, she still had much to learn about men.
End of Chapter 5
I normally don't write Diablo stuff, but this topic was just too interesting to stay off of. And just for the record, I've never actually beaten the game. I have the game and the expansion pack, but I've never made a serious effort to beat the game. I've watch my friends beat it and such, so I have a feel for the game itself. Currently, I'm in Lut Gholein and the farthest I've ventured is the second level of the Harlem. By the way, I'm a Necromancer. That's my favorite character, and that's also why Marko has the skills of a Necromancer. He's also really good with the bow, something that I show a little of in the first chapter.
Z98
The entire group was in the library after breakfast. Kari recognized Greiz, but wasn't sure why he was present.
"Everyone," said Marko, "You all know Greiz. Well, he'll be coming with us."
"So Marko dragged you into this as well?" Fara said in an amused tone.
"He didn't exactly drag me into it," said Greiz, "Heck, I'm kind of bored with all the demons dead and nothing to do. Jerhyn is raising an army, but he already has some fine captains. Marko said he needed help in something, and I trust him. Might as well follow the rest of you wherever Marko leads you."
"I hope you still have that attitude when we reach our final destination," said Marko, "It is not going to be pretty."
"How bad can it be?" said Greiz, "I've fought more demons than I want to think about."
"And you'll fight more before you're done. So, let's get to work. The information on the Shield of the Just is in here somewhere. If you find anything interesting regarding some sort of equipment meant to protect you or something, show me. Let's get to work."
The group dispersed and started pulling out books and old scrolls carefully. Marko took out the diary of a mage that had lived in Lut Gholein and started flipping through it. There had to be a clue somewhere in all these books. Some were old beyond belief. Kari grabbed a book about demons. She knew that it probably wouldn't have much on the Shield of the Just, but it might have something about the caves and tunnels around Lut Gholein. She opened the book and found that she had turned to the page about Blood Knights. It had a picture of a large figure wearing black armor and a helmet that had large horns coming out of it. The figure also wielded a large black sword and a skull shield.
'Blood Knights are the elite guards of the forces of Chaos. Few humans can face them, though many warriors have tried. The only ones that have survived against such powerful demons are the mightiest and are equipped with powerful weapons. However, in every account, every warrior or knight that ever defeated a Blood Knight became one after their death.'
"Wow, bad luck for anyone that finds them," Kari muttered to herself. She continued reading.
'It is because of this that warriors no longer attempt to fight these creatures. Female warriors and mages of either sex, however, have killed them and remained free. That is why women and mages are the only ones that face these creatures of Hell.'
She shook her head. It was rather hard to believe, but she turned to another page. This one was about dark mages. This at least she knew about.
'There are few dark mages in the world, as the Mage Slayers have killed most. However, a few have survived and gathered enough power to make themselves almost impossible to track down and kill. Of these, several have also gathered large armies of mages that they have tempted with dark magic. Most such armies were destroyed in the Mage Wars, but rumors persist in several armies still remaining.'
Kari hoped that was not true. Dark mages could level entire cities together, and an army could defeat any force sent to oppose them, short of the combined might of all of the mage clans in Kehjistan. She flipped through a few other pages and came to a section on Tal Rasha, the mage that had trapped Baal's soul in his body and was eventually corrupted. The section documented how he led the mages in their hunt of the three Prime Evils and their defeat of Baal. The Tomb of Tal Rasha was somewhere outside of Lut Gholein, and supposedly lost. However, Kari had heard that Marko had found the tomb and defeated Tal Rasha. She skipped the rest of the section and turned to a page about the Arcane Sanctuary, the lair of the summoner Horazon. A phrase caught her attention and she reread it.
'The Summoner used the power of the protector to shield himself from demons, but in his vanity he sealed the power of justice and hid it within the desert.'
"Marko!"
Marko walked over to her.
"Read this."
He took the book and read the sentence Kari pointed at.
"Well. It seems the shield slipped through my fingers the first time I came here. Good work. However, the problem is that the Arcane Sanctuary really doesn't exist anymore. That would be the most likely place that he hid it."
"What happened to it?" Kari asked.
"I kind of destroyed the entire place. I was mobbed by demons and had to collapse the entire thing to get out alive."
"Oh," Kari said, "Well, it is supposed to be in the desert. It might not be in the Sanctury."
"Better that it had been. Would have been easier to search."
Just then Qual-Kehk and Falvie appeared.
"What did you find?" Falvie asked them.
"Kari found a clue," Marko replied, "though we'll still need to keep looking. This is only a piece of the puzzle. The rest is still out there."
The two nodded and went back among the shelves. Marko sat down next to Kari and set down the book he had brought with him. Kari took back the book she had been reading.
"So what are we supposed to do now?" Kari asked.
"Keep looking. There must be a hint to where Horazon hid the shield. Look up references to Horazon and the Aranoch Desert."
"What is that book you have?"
"A very large reference regarding the weapons of the High Heaven and Hell. Did you know that Shadowfang can be used by an angel as well and still have all of its power? Rather interesting things."
"Does it have anything about Azurewrath?"
"Yes, though I never did find out what happened to that weapon. Even after I defeated Izual, I couldn't find it."
"You defeated a fallen angel?"
"Yes. Oh, you don't know too much about my journey in Hell. Well, be glad you don't. It is not a pretty place."
The two resumed their reading and continued doing so until a servant brought down food for them. The two thanked the servant and continued reading as they ate. Finally Fara appeared.
"I think I found something," she said, "It is extremely vague but it might be our best shot."
Marko took the parchment and read it. It was part of a diary of some wanderer that had traveled through the desert.
'I found a large underground temple filled with gold, gems, runes, and other magical items. However, all of the gates were locked and I could not break them. There was also a golden chest in the center of the room yet I could not open it. I believe that a great treasure is hidden within this chest, as it is large enough to hold a gothic shield.'
"I assume the words 'gothic shield' caught your attention," said Marko.
"Right. I think I know where this is. It isn't too far from the city, but people rarely visit that area and not few people know of it."
"Take us there now," said Marko, "We'll travel by portal. Just show me where it is on a map."
Fara nodded and they gathered the others. They left the library and Marko told a servant to inform Jerhyn that they would be going out to retrieve something. The servant nodded and ran off. When they had just come out of the palace a red portal opened and dozens of demons in armor appeared.
"Blood knights!" Kari screamed, "Qual-Kehk, Marko, don't use melee weapons! You have to use magic!"
"I know," Marko said in a annoyed tone.
Qual-Kehk retreated while Marko unleashed a massive lightning surge. It passed right through the creature without affecting it.
"Right," he muttered, "They're immune to lightning."
Fara jumped straight into battle and attacked the closest Blood Knight. The two locked blades and both tried to overpower the other. Kari leapt into battle and stabbed the Blood Knight from behind. It staggered but refused to fall. Fara sliced off its head but the body continued to flail about, trying to hit anything close to it. Suddenly it was incinerated. Kari looked behind her and saw a mage standing with his staff raised. Marko fired a bone spear and it punched its way through the armor of the creatures. He then summoned a two fire golems and ordered them to attack. They ran into the Blood Knights and knocked three down. The fire golems tore at their opponents' armor and flesh, their flames only slightly damaging the Blood Knights. The city guards arrived but Greiz made them stay back. Another creature suddenly appeared from the portal before closing. It was a Soul Burner.
"Bloody hell," Marko muttered.
He pulled out his sword and charged at the succubi. She fired off a fireball but Marko cut right through it with his sword. He slashed at her but the Soul Burner was fast. She clawed at him in return, but neither seemed to be able to defeat the other. Marko then shot a massive blast of lightning which took the succubi by surprise. It knocked her backwards and Marko took the chance to plunge his sword right into her stomach. She screamed and as Marko drove the sword upwards, a sword of fire suddenly appeared in her hand and she slashed Marko in the side. Marko flinched but continued cutting the Soul Burner. The succubi continued to lash out at Marko, burning his face and chest. After a few seconds, he finally managed to severe her head and the flame sword disappeared from her hands. The Soul Burner's body fell. Marko collapsed and thought he heard someone calling to him. He looked up and saw Kari holding him up.
"Go get the shield," he murmured to her, "You have to get it. This attack was meant to stop us. You have to go."
He then fainted.
"Marko!"
"We have to get him inside," said Fara, "Come on!"
Kari and Falvie picked him up and followed the others inside. They had killed all of the Blood Knights but had been unable to help Marko. They took him to the nearest room and laid him on the bed. Jerhyn suddenly appeared.
"What happened!" he demanded.
"We were attacked when we left the palace," Greiz explained, "Blood Knights and a Soul Burner appeared. Marko fought the Soul Burner by himself but she injured him badly. We need a healer."
"Drognan!" Jerhyn ordered, "and get Lysander!"
Drognan was already behind them and moved to Marko's bedside. He tried to begin healing Marko, but the concentration on his face showed just how difficult that was.
"We have to get the shield," Kari said urgently, "Marko said to me that the attack was to stop us. Someone else is after the shield!"
"Blast the shield!" said Jerhyn, "Marko is dying and the only thing you can think about is a shield?"
"You don't get it," said Qual-Kehk, "Marko meant to use the shield's power to seed another Worldstone. If the shield falls into the wrong hands, he may not be able to do it!"
Jerhyn gasped. "How many men do you need? I will send half the guard with you!"
"No," said Fara, "We go alone. Greiz, you and Falvie stay here and watch over Marko. Don't argue with me! Kari, Qual-Kehk, let's get that damn shield. We can use the waypoint."
The three ran out of the palace to the waypoint. Fara set the stones in the correct order and they disappeared. The three reappeared outside large cave.
Marko was still lying on the bed, Drognan having great difficulty healing the wounds the Soul Burner had inflicted on him. Lysander had brewed several potions and they seemed to help. Suddenly Marko sat upright. Immediately he screamed out in pain. Drognan and Atma forced him to lie down.
"Your wounds haven't healed yet," said Atma, "Rest."
"Where's Kari?" he asked.
"She went off with the barbarian and Fara to retrieve whatever you were looking for," Atma informed him, "Don't worry."
Marko tried to get out of the bed.
"I have to go help her."
"She isn't a defenseless little girl needing you to rescue her," Drognan said as he forced Marko to lie back down, "Kari is quite capable and she can take care of herself."
"No, I have to go."
However, Marko was too weak to even stop Drognan and Atma from keeping him down. Lysander walked in a few seconds later and had Marko drink down another potion.
"Huh, with all this commotion one would think you liked the girl."
Marko was panting at the exertion of trying to get up and didn't reply. However, Atma and Drognan had both seen him flinch slightly.
"What is wrong?" Atma said, "Kari seems like a fine young woman, and she seems fond of you as well."
"No, I'm too dangerous. She has to stay away from me."
The assembled looked at Marko as if he was insane. Marko kept struggling, though his efforts were pitiful. Something was very wrong with him right now but the others did not know what to do.
"Marko, drink this," Lysander instructed.
Marko drank down the potion reluctantly, and finally his wounds started to close. After a few more seconds Marko got up and let out a sigh.
"Something's coming," he said, "We have to be ready. Greiz, inform Jerhyn that an army of the undead are approaching Lut Gholein. I suggest all of the guards and mercenaries be aroused. This will not be pretty."
"As you command, Marko."
"Drognan, find any other mages in the city and get them ready for a battle, and I mean a big one. We're going to need all the help we can get."
"Marko, you should rest," Drognan persisted.
"I'll rest when Hell freezes over," Marko replied, "There's not enough time and we need to get ready or even more people are going to die."
Drognan nodded before walking off.
"Marko."
"Atma, just trust me. I can handle this."
Atma nodded sadly. "Just don't get killed. You've been like a second son to me."
Marko hugged her before walking out with Lysander.
"So how are you going to go about defeating this army?" Lysander asked.
"Get together a bunch of explosive potions and distribute them to the civilians," said Marko, "We might need them if they breach the city walls."
"Right. Marko, you sure you're up to this?"
"We need every man that can fight. Let's go."
Lysander ran off as Jerhyn and Shara appeared.
"Marko, what are you doing up? You need rest."
"I'm fine Jerhyn. You need to muster the guard. An army's coming and we need to make sure the city holds out."
"I have already sent one of my captains to do so. The guards are preparing for a siege."
"This won't be a siege," said Marko, "This will be a full-out invasion. Get your men ready. I suspect there will be heavy casualties in the battle to come."
Marko walked outside and found much of the guard already rallied. They quickly manned the positions on the city walls and towers. Soon the lookouts spotted a large army approaching.
"It's down here," said Fara as she walked into the cave.
They followed her down the cave and into a large chamber. Stone columns carved from the cave seemed to hold up the roof of the chamber. Intricate designs decorated the roof.
"The wanderer found a secret entrance into another section of the temple," said Fara, "I think I've figured out where it is."
She felt along a wall and found a switch. She pushed it in and a wall moved aside. The three entered the chamber and found dozens of Soul Burners waiting for them.
"Bloody hell," Qual-Kehk muttered.
The Soul Burners took flight and charged them. Kari ducked and sliced one in half as she flew above her. Fara casted an aura spell and suddenly the Soul Burners turned blue from cold. Kari ran through several of them, smashing them to pieces. Others charged and forced her to retreat.
"Kari!"
Kari turned around and Qual-Kehk threw her a large war staff. Her Katars dropped onto the hooks on her belt and Kari knocked back several succubi. They all seemed to be afraid of the staff and tried to attack her from behind. Fara joined the battle again and severed many heads. Kari looked at the staff and saw arcane writings embedded onto the staff. For some reason, she could read them. She read it and pointed the staff at a group of succubi. The eight succubi exploded while others by them were thrown onto the ground or wall by the force of the explosion. Kari gasped when she realized what this staff was. However, she didn't have enough time to stay surprised. More succubi rushed her and she chanted again. The staff thundered again and more succubi exploded. Fara and Qual-Kehk were now right beside her and they cut down the few Soul Burners that hadn't been killed by Kari.
"Very impressive," Fara complimented, "Qual-Kehk, how did you know to give the staff to Kari?"
"She is a mage slayer," said Qual-Kehk, "I have seen staves like this before and they always have magic in them. I thought perhaps she might know how to use this one. I would think she did. What staff is it?"
"The Archangel's Staff of Apocalypse."
Their eyes went wide as they stared at the staff. One of the most powerful staves in the world, they were so rare that it was rumored only three people had them.
"Where did you find this?" Fara asked Qual-Kehk.
"It was on that weapons rack," he pointed.
There were two weapons racks by the door, one on each side. The other still held a staff. Kari walked over and picked it up.
"The Archangel's Staff of Nova. By the light, these are two of the most coveted staves in the world! How did they get here?"
Fara took the Staff of Nova from Kari.
"Well, now they are ours. I personally like the Nova spell. The Staff of Apocalypse should be yours Kari. You certainly earned it."
Qual-Kehk nodded. "Besides, I certainly can't use it. I have no magic."
Suddenly red light filled the chamber. The three shielded their eyes until it disappeared. A man in a red cloak stood at the center of the room in front of the golden chest.
"So, you are the ones that are seeking the Shield of the Just. Well, I'm afraid that you cannot have it. I will be the only one to possess it."
"Think again," said Fara.
Kari and Fara raised their staves and Qual-Kehk readied his battleaxe.
"The Staves of Nova and Apocalypse. Well, perhaps you will be a challenge. We shall see."
The man drew a long curved sword and raised it against them. Fire suddenly appeared, wrapped around the blade. He swung the sword through the air and the fire charged at the three. They rolled out of the way and the fire spell struck the doorway and nearly collapsed it. Kari chanted again and the Apocalypse Spell struck the man. He stumbled back but remained on his feet with an arm missing. Fara casted the Nova Spell and it too struck right on target. This time the man didn't even flinch.
"He's immune to lightning spells!" Kari yelled to Fara.
Fara nodded and took out her crystal sword. She and Qual-Kehk charged the man but a gust of wind threw them hard against the wall, knocking them unconscious. Kari steeled herself and raised the staff again. Another Apocalypse Spell struck the man and seemed to destroy part of his side. He looked like a zombie now, with an arm and part of his side destroyed. Kari struck him again and again, but he blocked one at the cost of his sword. He barely dodged another one, losing his foot in the process. He suddenly sent out a powerful shockwave. Kari was barely able to stand her ground, using the staff to shield herself. The cages that barred the way to the gold, gems, runes, and mystical weapons were shattered by the magical energy the two were using to fight. Slowly the gold chest in the center started to open. A shield shaped like a heart but the top pointing upward floated out, its light brightening the entire chamber. Kari quickly ran towards the shield. The man was at the opposite end of the room and had as much distance to cover as she. He moved surprisingly quickly for a man that was missing body parts, and both leapt for the shield at the same time. The light was so bright this close to the shield that Kari had to shut her eyes. She felt her hands fall on something and grabbed it. She hit the ground and rolled back up to her feet. She held the Shield of the Just in her hands. The man had landed on his feet as well. Kari gasped as the missing body parts regenerated. He glared at her and struck out at her with a powerful fire spell. Kari raised the shield and it was deflected. The symbol on the shield, a blue pentagram, started glowing. The five triangles inside the pentagon became bright orange one by one. A beam of white light shot out of the pentagon in the center and punched right through the man. He screamed as the light consumed his body, tearing it apart. Kari turned her head away but held the shield still. Finally, the scream disappeared and the beam extinguished itself. When Kari looked again, there was no trace of the man. The light from the chest and the shield had receded and the chamber returned to normal. Fara and Qual-Kehk had awakened and were picking themselves up.
"I assume that mysterious man is gone," said Fara.
Kari nodded. "We have the Shield of the Just, and we also have two staves. I think we have everything we need from this place. Jerhyn can use the rest of the equipment for his army."
Qual-Kehk nodded but Fara shook her head.
"The runes are too powerful. We should at least take those. If they aren't handled properly they could become dangerous."
Kari reluctantly nodded. The three of them searched through the rooms and found all of the runes. They also looked in the chest and found five triangular gems and a circular rune.
"These look like they fit in the shield," said Fara.
Kari took them out and one by one put them in the empty spots. When they were all in they seemed to sink into the shield and disappear, only their surface appearing.
"Let's go," said Kari, "We're finished here."
They exited the temple and used the waypoint to return to Lut Gholein. When they returned, they found several squadrons of men returning to the city. They made their way back to the palace and found Marko and the others standing outside.
"Marko!" Kari yelled. She ran up to him and hugged him. "You should be resting."
"I'm fine," he replied, and held her tightly. "We had a rough battle with an army of the undead but Jerhyn's forces were enough to defeat them. For some odd reason they all suddenly died."
Kari let him go and showed him the shield.
"I think it's because I killed their leader. He was also trying to get the shield. Anyways, here it is."
She offered it to him but Marko shook his head.
"It's yours. You earned it by fighting for it."
Surprise was written all over Kari's face.
"But don't you need it?" she said.
"As long as you're there when I plant the Worldstone, its power will aid me."
Kari smiled and hugged him again.
"Well, I'm glad you're okay, though you should still be in bed."
Fara cleared her throat and Kari let Marko go reluctantly.
"We also brought back a bunch of runes and two staves," Fara informed them, "The staves are the Archangel's Staff of Nova and Apocalypse."
Everyone else but Marko gasped. He merely shrugged.
"They'll be very handy once we face whatever is waiting in Kehjistan. The runes we'll need a little time to study."
Fara nodded. "It seems you've also had an eventful afternoon."
"Well, let us just say that I never want to fight while I'm healing again. Bloody hard on a man."
"You shouldn't have fought at all," Kari chided, "Now, back to bed with you."
"He's fine," Falvie said to Kari, "I checked his wounds right after we had beaten off the last of the goatmen. His wounds have healed already."
"Wow. Fast healer. Well, what do we do now?"
"Get some bloody rest," said Marko, "Tomorrow we head for Kurast."
Kari could almost hear her parents lecturing her, but she would follow Marko anywhere.
"We will have to hold on that dinner I owe you," Jerhyn said, "Perhaps when you have accomplished your mission."
"If I succeed, I will come for another visit."
"Don't be foolish. Of course you will succeed. Right, Shara?"
"You are the Hand of Light," Shara said, "If you cannot succeed, no one else can. You will succeed. I command it."
She smiled as she said the last part. Marko bowed one last time before taking his leave. Meshif was waiting by his ship and Marko and the others boarded quickly. He casted off and the crowds gathered by the docks cheered as the ship left. Many waved and Marko and the others waved back. Fara and Greiz almost looked sad at leaving their homes, but they did their best to hide it.
"How long to Kurast?" Marko asked Meshif.
"Two weeks if we have good weather," the captain answered.
Marko nodded. He looked up at the sky and it seemed to brighten. A strong wind, strong enough to push the ship faster but not strong enough to snap the sails, started blowing. Meshif grinned as Marko continued to look up at the sky.
"One week if this keeps up," Meshif promised, "I do not know how you do it, but I would give you free passage on my ship any day."
Marko nodded as he continued to concentrate. Kari watched with a smile as Marko continued to manipulate the weather. She had grown closer to him and knew that he was closer to her as well. Marko certainly didn't try to keep her safe as many men would try, but he did caution her and did what he could to help her. That was the kind of man she wanted to be with. However, her parents might not approve. They probably wouldn't believe that Marko was the Hand of Light. Of course, in the end they would have to considering Marko most definitely knew some of the people in Kurast. She just hoped that he knew enough respectable people to convince her parents.
"Kari, you can stop staring at Marko now."
Kari's face grew red from Falvie's comment. She turned to face the Rogue and glared at her. Falvie kept smiling and walked away from her. Kari shook her head. She then saw Marko staring at her. He laughed at turned his gaze back to the sky. Kari couldn't control the blush on her cheeks. She sighed and went below decks. Maybe a drink would cool her off.
"You're going to pace right through the bottom of the ship if you keep at it," Greiz said to Marko.
"Huh? Oh, I hadn't noticed."
"Marko, what is wrong? You've been acting like this for the past three days. Something's the matter and you just won't tell us."
"It's Kari."
"What's wrong with the lass? She seems to be in perfect health, and rather feisty too. She and Fara are getting along fine."
"She can't stay close to me," Marko replied, "It's too dangerous for her."
"And it isn't dangerous for the rest of us?"
"That danger I can protect all of you from," said Marko, "and it's also a danger all of you can fight. However, it's more personal with her."
"Oh, you've fallen in love with her and now you're worried those feelings will interfere with whatever you're trying to do."
"What I'm trying to do is replant the Worldstone," said Marko, "If something goes wrong, all of us are dead."
"Listen here, Marko. All of us are going to see this through to the end, and I mean the end. If I have to die ensuring that you succeed, so be it. Without you, I'm as good as dead anyways."
"And you'd risk your life for me even if I would save Kari over you?"
"I try not to think about it," said Greiz, "Besides, I'm a mercenary. I'm not paid to be pampered. Don't worry about it. Kari can take care of yourself, and I most certainly can take care of myself."
"Let's hope so," said Marko, "I'm going up to get some air."
He swept his cloak to the side with one hand and walked up the stairs. The open ocean air seemed to help him straighten his thoughts, but the salty aftertaste didn't help. What he didn't see was Kari standing at the other end of the ship, looking at him.
Kari had come up for some fresh air to clear her head. What she found was Marko and her head being scrambled all over again. For some reason she couldn't tear her gaze away from him. Marko certainly looked handsome with him looking out into the sea, and he was even funny at times. But he was hiding something from all of them, and Kari kept sensing that it would change everything; from the relationship he had with her, to how the people of the world would regard him. Wait, relationship with her? Kari shook her head. Strange things were popping up in her head.
"If you keep staring at him, he might notice."
Kari spun around and found Fara standing behind her.
"I didn't hear you coming," said Kari.
"I still retain some of my stealth skills," Fara replied, "So what is on your mind? A face like yours shouldn't have so much worry on it."
Kari smiled weakly, but it was an effort to even do that.
"It's about Marko, isn't it?"
Kari nodded. "He's hiding something. I don't really know what it is, but it might be dangerous to him and us."
"He's trusting us with a lot," said Fara, "Have some faith in him. He did defeat the Prime Evils."
Kari again nodded. However, she hoped Marko knew what he was doing. Just then, his head turned and he saw her. Kari couldn't help but turn away, a blush appearing on her face. Fara smiled at the young Mage-Slayer. Though she may be an expert warrior, she still had much to learn about men.
End of Chapter 5
I normally don't write Diablo stuff, but this topic was just too interesting to stay off of. And just for the record, I've never actually beaten the game. I have the game and the expansion pack, but I've never made a serious effort to beat the game. I've watch my friends beat it and such, so I have a feel for the game itself. Currently, I'm in Lut Gholein and the farthest I've ventured is the second level of the Harlem. By the way, I'm a Necromancer. That's my favorite character, and that's also why Marko has the skills of a Necromancer. He's also really good with the bow, something that I show a little of in the first chapter.
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