Quest to Tristram
"Look!" Aliza shouted. I turned to her direction and saw a dead tree. However, I felt something teeming with energy. It was pure, refreshing. We're at Dark Wood after we passed Underground Passage. During our journey, sometimes we're attacked by Vile Hunters. Aliza prove herself as a skillful archer. She used Inner Sight to enhance her accuracy. When we didn't fight, we talked a lot and know each other. Behind her toughness, Aliza was still a young girl. She hoped to go out side once Andariel has died. Her previous plan was cancelled when Kashya ordered all Rogues to stay.
"After this, would you go out?" I asked curiously. She answered absent mindedly,
"Maybe, it was depends to Kashya. Before, The Sisterhood sent us to every place, which needs help like Tristram. I don't know if they would do it again after what happened to Blood Raven." I only nodded when she continued,
"That is the reason why I volunteered to accompany you…I promise I won't disappoint you!"
"Thanks, I appreciated yours!"
Return to Dark Wood, I quickly commented, "It must be the Tree of Inifuss! Let's go!"
Before we had to close, the band of Carvers, Vile Hunters and Skeleton Archers blocked our way.
Not only that, several Brutes joined them. At that time, Aliza noticed one of them was colored gray-greenish hue. She muttered,
"Treehead Woodfist!" Her word was make me turned around, "What?"
"The green Brute, he was the strongest among them! The demoness must be put him to guard the tree; be careful, his fists can break a boulder!" I nodded,
"I know the best match for him!" I transformed again. This time my body was bulging and hunched. My face enlarges. The huge paws replaced my hands. A growl came out from my mouth. I lumber toward the enemy and managed to maul a Carver to his death. The Vile Hunters shot their arrow, but my werebear form ignored it. I caught one of them and bite her neck. Blood spurted from the neck. Afterward, I simply threw the body on the terrified demons. I continue to rip a Fallen Shaman into shreds, before I charged toward Treehead Woodfist. I hit him with all my strength. Writhed with pain, the Brute swung his fist to me. My stomach seems shaken, yet I only bit my lips and roared as I continued to bash him.
Meanwhile, Aliza keeps the others busy. The ravens followed my command to aid him. Some of them busy keeping their eyes than attacking her. I decided to summon another help. With a breeze, four wolves appeared. They are Spirit Wolves. Without waiting, they charged to the confused demons. As my mind returned to fight with Treewood Strongfist, I feel that both of us were weakening. This is the time! With the remaining strength, I rammed him. It is enough to make the beast stumbled. He thudded the ground, twitched for a while, and then not moving anymore. Seeing their champion failed, the demons lost their courage and ran for their lives.
"Wow! You killed him!" Aliza complimented me. I drank to restore my exhausted body as I reverted to normal again. Then I walked to the Tree of Inifuss and examined it.
"I hope it is worth a fight!" I put my hand to a hole at the trunk and found an ancient scroll. Without thinking, I knew it was the Scroll of Inifuss.
"Come, we must go to Akara!" Not far, we found waypoint and use it to return to Encampment.
"Ah, I already translated the Scroll!" she explained to me, "Cairin Stone was located at Stony Field. Just touch the stones according to the arrangement I've shown to you."
So far, she was right. Five stone pillars stands there, but they're not alone. Carvers swarm them and one of them was colored blue. Not far, there is another colored green. I turned to Aliza. I asked her about those creatures.
"You know them?" Aliza gasped as she saw those creatures.
"Bishibosh… and Rakanishu! You must be careful, warrior! Those demons were… Andariel's warriors…while Blood Raven and The Countess were their generals!" Her tone showed some worry, despite her effort to hide it.
"Which one must I kill first?" Aliza pointed to the green Fallen Shaman, who surrounded by several shamans.
"Bishibosh…he might be annoying! While Rakanishu used thunder magic to strike his opponent…"
I smiled and sent my birds and wolves to make other shaman busy. They screeched to their lungs, when we attacked them. Shamans busied themselves with my beasts, as I targeted their chief. Before my club reaches his head, Bishibosh tackled it perfectly. I was stunned, as he showed his ugly teeth. What he didn't expect were the wolves that attacked him. He screamed as the animal tore him apart. Now I started to concentrate on Rakanishu. He threw several thunder shock to keep others away. I lifted my hand; suddenly a vine smashed the Carver to the ground, allowing the wolf to take him at ease.
Aliza shook her head, "Somehow, I wonder how you could calm yourself as they killed them?"
The truth that my beasts were personification of nature; they were disgusted to see the corruption. They decided to show their retribution without mercy to Hell. The Druid is only instrument in nature's hand, not otherwise.
Later, I stand in front of stone pillar with a tear-like symbol and touched it. It glows and reverberates. I continued to the next pillar until all is finished. The reverberation grows stronger and stronger. Suddenly, thunder flashes to those pillars and formed pentagram-like formation. At the end, a reddish portal appeared at the middle of the pillars.
"I believe this is the way to Tristram!" I said. Aliza became uneasy after I said it.
"Tristram…why do we have to go there?"
"Because Deckard Cain was there…come, there is no time!" I took her hand and we quickly passed the portal.
As we arrived to the place beyond, I can't hold my shock. The town was razed to the ground, several house were burned. Some corpses were scattered and mangled beyond recognition. Aliza can't bear it as she turned her head. My wolves just watched it with some wonder. I kneeled and hugged one of them. Even, I doubt if Deckard Cain is still alive. We checked the ruins with caution. It was possible those demons that destroyed Tristram might be around.
"Warrior, listen!" Aliza called me and I turned to her. There is a voice, begging help.
"Over there!" We ran to the source and found a gibbet. Inside the gibbet, there is an old man shaking his cage. No doubt, he's Deckard Cain. I quickly held the rope as Aliza cut it.
"Are you alright?" I asked him. He answered, "I'm fine…they'll be back anytime!"
Cain quickly opened town portal, however something keep us frozen. At our way, the goat men were crowding along with Skeletons and Carvers! They were giggling as they noticed us. But there is someone among them. It was a stout man. There are some reddish patches around his body. His garment ragged and dirty. He can only growled or muttering.
"Griswold!" Cain murmured, "Poor man, Diablo turned him to Andariel, who tortured and put him into such existence! There's nothing we could do for him…"
I kept silence. During my training, I also develop an ability to sense something within a person. I kept watching Griswold, what I saw shocked me. There is a speck of humanity within him.
"I must help him," I didn't know why I said it. Cain and Aliza looked at me with disbelief.
"You must be crazy, warrior!" Aliza shouted. But I stood by my decision.
"Cain, you go first! We'll follow you later!" Cain could not waited any longer.
I commanded my beasts to attack the demons, while I transformed into a werebear. Griswold ran toward me, I receive it with my bear form. The earth was shaken when we're impacted. Normally, there is no one that stand against a wild bear. But Griswold was an exception; he was molded according to Hell's will. Yet, I decided to save him. The situation turned to worse as Champion Moon Clan and Skeleton joined him. Damn, I had to fight three opponents at once. The goatman swung his scythe and wounded me at my side. It only enrages me and I tried to knock him when Griswold landed his fists. He had Amplify Damage. The undead hacked me at that moment. Also, my body feels weak. At the nick of time, Aliza shot her frozen arrow to Champion Skeleton and shattered it into ice cube. Free at last, I kicked Griswold out cold and lunged to goatman. I ripped his chest open and devoured him alive. Finally, I returned to my own form. Griswold was still unconscious.
"Are you sure about bringing this…man?" Aliza asked me. I lifted the body; it was quite heavy. "He's still a human, we can't leave him alone here…" Despite her disagreement, Aliza was quiet. Together, we passed the portal at Cairin Stone.
The quiet encampment became riotous, as I returned with Griswold. Cain was puzzled to see me. But I still silent until we arrived at Akara.
"So, you want to save him?" she asked, "I know how to restore him, but I can't be alone," I beg, "So, I need your help!" She keeps silent, before she gives her consent, "All right, as a gratitude for helping Cain…I'll help as long as I can!"
I called Oak Sage to refresh the accursed body, and also to expel the evil influence within. Akara would use her magic to bar the influence entering Griswold again. As we started, Griswold's body was shaken very hard. His mouth was foaming. Sweat appeared in my eyebrows, but we can't stop or his dear life would be lost forever. He shrieked horribly. Akara was exhausted, yet determined to finish this. Griswold's eyes dilated, while foams keep coming out of his mouth. "EEEAAAAARRRRRYGGGHHHH!!" With the scream, the demonic influence was finally broken from him. Akara and I fell to the ground, exhausted. Kashya, Cain and others broke in and helped Akara stood up. While I tried to stand, Cain checked Griswold.
"Warrior," His face shows amazement and relief at the same time, "I didn't know how you did it…but you did!" I walked toward them and saw Griswold's face free from the red patches.
"Praise Horadrim! You save him!" He hugged me as he cried happily. Other rogues were overjoyed with the success. Kashya simply smiles, while Aliza followed her. Akara nodded,
"You simply passed what seems impossible, warrior! We're very indebted to you!"
She said with a tone of satisfaction. I nodded in respect; I wish the same thing happened to Joanna.
It took 3 days for Griswold to recover. After he recovered, he kissed my hand many times when knew that I was the one who saved him. He's a jovial person. In fact he enjoyed life. He seems disappointed when learned the Rogue didn't accept any blacksmiths anymore since Charsi's still around. Later, Aliza told me that Charsi wanted to see me.
"Come on, Myrrick! How could I continue to live if I can't work as blacksmith?" Griswold complained while we're going to Charsi's place. I replied,
"Why not try as a helper of blacksmith?" His face quite frowned, "You were expecting Griswold who came from the long generation of famous blacksmith to work as a helper to an amateur? No way!"
"You must be Myrrick the Druid! They mentioned it to me!" A young girl with black apron called me. She was quite stout; her biceps bulged. No doubt because of heavy work.
She introduced herself, "Hi, my name is Charsi! I am the only blacksmith here!" She also told us about the previous success of Sisterhood bringing some valuable artifacts from Tristram, yet saddened as they were expelled from Monastery. Then she turned to Griswold,
"By the way, Mr. Know-how. Whom do you meant 'amateurish'?" He tried to elude it, but can't."Nothing…" he answered weakly.
Charsi faced him, "Listen to me, I has been the blacksmith for the Sisterhood for 3 years…but nobody complains about my craft! It is because my craft is always the best!" She turned to me again, "Actually, I need you very badly…"
She told us that she had left her valuable possession, the Horadric Malus. It happened when the Monastery were attacked by Andariel. The last thing she heard about it was that it had been taken by the demon named The Smith. Nobody wants to challenge the demon. Charsi said the Horadric Malus were used for evil purposes. She expected me to retrieve it back. The only clue she offered to find it is, "Just look at the barracks…"
The problem wasn't solved easily, since there is Andariel's other general, The Countess. According to the legend, the Countess had bathed with blood of the virgins to keep her youthful and keep her treasure away. Because of this, her subjects rebelled and captured her. Then they burned her alive. When Andariel awoke, she resurrected her to command her army. The Countess also held several evil rogues to keep people away from the Black Marsh. I decided to deal with The Smith first before going to the Countess.
When the breaths fade away from one of Devilkins, I had arrived at Monastery. It seems the defense wasn't so tough. It is not even a challenge. The reason I come here is to kill Andariel, but I just lost my way in a maze of tunnels. Then I entered the barrack and met stiff opposition. I just threw the Wake of Fires and Charged Bolt Sentries to deal with the massive numbers. These gadgets lessen the annoyance as they burnt and electrocuted these demons.
But not for long, as I heard stomping footsteps come. It was heavy, followed with grunted sound. What I saw later on did not prepared me for this. It was a huge two-horned demon. His body was bloated yet stout. He held a huge hammer in his left hand. The slits, which actually were eyes narrowed to me. I believe this is what they called 'The Smith'.
He snorted to me, "I'll kill you! Your blood would stain my crafts perfectly…"
"Try me!" He lunged and swung his hammer to me, yet I avoid it. Despite his body, his reach and speed was excellent. Not to mention his strength. I was forced to avoid his attack. It is impossible to use Tiger Strike at such close distance without being struck. At one moment, I lost my concentration and he knows it! He swung his hammer to my head. Consequently, I lifted my body upward so I received the strike with my own body. The untold force threw me to the wall very hard. I bit my tongue to hold the pain; somehow the demon broke some of my ribs. I can't go anywhere as he gets close to me!
He hissed, "Your doom has come!!" Instantly, an idea came to my head. I throw 4 Charged Bolt Sentries around him. As he makes another steps, the traps activated and sent an electric shock to him. He howled as the current burnt him. That is the first shot; another 4 shot would follow. He howled and kneeled on the floor. Finally, the howl died and the creature no longer moved. His body was charred because of electric shocks. I limped and hold my right ribs. I freaked when The Smith's arm tug my right leg. It is tight! I can't pull it! Is he still alive? Yet, my worry prove mistaken as his arm let my leg loose. I just laughed to myself; Akivsha, why are you afraid? Aren't you a Viz-jaq'taar Assassin who doesn't know fear, even those that spreads fear to others? But pain brings me to reality.
I dragged myself to The Smith's room. It is full with armaments, the accursed one! My attentions were attracted to the hammer. It must be the Horadric Malus that my master said. I must retrieve it to Rogue Encampment, but I decided to wait for the druid to come here. For a while, I can treat my wounds. My mission just delayed…
We have been inside the Monastery for a while. While we tried to enter, the large numbers of the demons attacked us. Despite their resistance, Aliza and I managed to put a good fight. After finished, I drank a healing potion. Then Aliza called me
"Warrior, look! The barrack!" Damn, I almost forgotten we came to retrieve Horadric Malus. As we entered it, there is a sight to behold. The gang had filled with burned corpses. The burnt smell is almost everywhere. Carefully, we tread the tunnel and avoided those carcasses. While we walked, I couldn't help but wonder. The only thing you could kill those demons in large number is with magic. I can produce the same with Armageddon, but hardly, some of them might survive.
As we close to end of tunnel, Aliza screamed. I turned and saw a huge demon that is already dead. His bloated body seems burned.
"Is it…the Smith?" Aliza asked me. I shook my head. Then I found something beside the corpse and took it. It seems like gadgetry, I was quite ignorant of this matter. But I can assume this might be trap that killed the demon. To be sure, Aliza shoot some arrows to the corpse.
"It is dead…" she told me, "If I'm not mistaken, the Smith's room is over there!"
We continued to other room and found many of armaments. I noticed some of them had become old already. Aliza walked around and said,
"Some of them were Rogue's weapons…before Andariel expelled us here."
She seems deep in thought, remembering the past. I put my hand over her shoulder,
"Soon, all of you would return here again!" I comforted her. She only smiled
We had found the Horadric Malus. My mind was still wondering about this. Who had killed the Smith before us?
Later, Charsi was glad when we have returned the hammer to her. Not far from us, Griswold was scowled only.
"Wow, you were stronger than what I thought!" she beamed, "Tell me, did you kill the Smith? Fight face-to-face?" I only scratched my head, before giving her the answer,
"No, the demon has been died when we arrived there…" Anyone must be disappointed, but that is the truth. Charsi was pondered when Griswold cuts in,
"What is so special with the hammer? It is almost like my Anvil at Tristram! Anyone can use it!" The blacksmith's face was smug when she heard the remarks.
"Is that so? Fine, let's make a deal! If you could not lifted the Horadric Malus, you will be my assistant…"
Griswold asked in return, "What if I can?" Charsi was smiled only, "If you can, I would be your assistant instead! Are you agreeing?" She offered her hand to the burly man, which he has returned it with a firm shake.
"Deal! Let's start it now!" Charsi gave the hammer to him. When Griswold receives it, he feels something heavy in his hand. The hammer didn't change, but the weight has multiplied a hundredth times according to him. Griswold felt that he was lifted a boulder of rocks. He tried to hold the Malus with difficulty. Sweat was breaking around his body. He almost fell to the ground, before he released the hammer to the ground. His breath was labored.
"I gave up! That thing was too heavy for me…I can't lift that thing!" Charsi simply took it from the ground. It is like picking a pebble. Everyone was astonished, including Griswold. She quickly explained to him,
"The Malus only recognize those who had worthy enough to hold it. That's the reason why Myrrick could take it! The Smith must be exerts all of his strength to lift it!" Then she reminded him to their deal,
"I won, you lost!" Griswold walked to her and said, "Girl, you must be the best blacksmith I ever met! So I offered you service of Great Griswold! Would you accept it?"
He offered his hand to her, and Charsi received it with handshakes. Everyone cheered for that.
Charsi turned again to me, "As your reward, I will imbue any of your weapons with magical power! To fight Andariel, you might be needs the best weapon!" I was pondered that her advice was right. The final confrontation would be close by now!
Author's note: Thanks for your critics, despite (phew!) It is quite hot!
At least, I can learn from my mistakes. Actually, there
is the reason why I keep switching between Akivsha and
Myrrick. However, I might made another chapter with
third-person view to make it easier. Please bear with me
(if you want), the new characters will join the story
later!
"Look!" Aliza shouted. I turned to her direction and saw a dead tree. However, I felt something teeming with energy. It was pure, refreshing. We're at Dark Wood after we passed Underground Passage. During our journey, sometimes we're attacked by Vile Hunters. Aliza prove herself as a skillful archer. She used Inner Sight to enhance her accuracy. When we didn't fight, we talked a lot and know each other. Behind her toughness, Aliza was still a young girl. She hoped to go out side once Andariel has died. Her previous plan was cancelled when Kashya ordered all Rogues to stay.
"After this, would you go out?" I asked curiously. She answered absent mindedly,
"Maybe, it was depends to Kashya. Before, The Sisterhood sent us to every place, which needs help like Tristram. I don't know if they would do it again after what happened to Blood Raven." I only nodded when she continued,
"That is the reason why I volunteered to accompany you…I promise I won't disappoint you!"
"Thanks, I appreciated yours!"
Return to Dark Wood, I quickly commented, "It must be the Tree of Inifuss! Let's go!"
Before we had to close, the band of Carvers, Vile Hunters and Skeleton Archers blocked our way.
Not only that, several Brutes joined them. At that time, Aliza noticed one of them was colored gray-greenish hue. She muttered,
"Treehead Woodfist!" Her word was make me turned around, "What?"
"The green Brute, he was the strongest among them! The demoness must be put him to guard the tree; be careful, his fists can break a boulder!" I nodded,
"I know the best match for him!" I transformed again. This time my body was bulging and hunched. My face enlarges. The huge paws replaced my hands. A growl came out from my mouth. I lumber toward the enemy and managed to maul a Carver to his death. The Vile Hunters shot their arrow, but my werebear form ignored it. I caught one of them and bite her neck. Blood spurted from the neck. Afterward, I simply threw the body on the terrified demons. I continue to rip a Fallen Shaman into shreds, before I charged toward Treehead Woodfist. I hit him with all my strength. Writhed with pain, the Brute swung his fist to me. My stomach seems shaken, yet I only bit my lips and roared as I continued to bash him.
Meanwhile, Aliza keeps the others busy. The ravens followed my command to aid him. Some of them busy keeping their eyes than attacking her. I decided to summon another help. With a breeze, four wolves appeared. They are Spirit Wolves. Without waiting, they charged to the confused demons. As my mind returned to fight with Treewood Strongfist, I feel that both of us were weakening. This is the time! With the remaining strength, I rammed him. It is enough to make the beast stumbled. He thudded the ground, twitched for a while, and then not moving anymore. Seeing their champion failed, the demons lost their courage and ran for their lives.
"Wow! You killed him!" Aliza complimented me. I drank to restore my exhausted body as I reverted to normal again. Then I walked to the Tree of Inifuss and examined it.
"I hope it is worth a fight!" I put my hand to a hole at the trunk and found an ancient scroll. Without thinking, I knew it was the Scroll of Inifuss.
"Come, we must go to Akara!" Not far, we found waypoint and use it to return to Encampment.
"Ah, I already translated the Scroll!" she explained to me, "Cairin Stone was located at Stony Field. Just touch the stones according to the arrangement I've shown to you."
So far, she was right. Five stone pillars stands there, but they're not alone. Carvers swarm them and one of them was colored blue. Not far, there is another colored green. I turned to Aliza. I asked her about those creatures.
"You know them?" Aliza gasped as she saw those creatures.
"Bishibosh… and Rakanishu! You must be careful, warrior! Those demons were… Andariel's warriors…while Blood Raven and The Countess were their generals!" Her tone showed some worry, despite her effort to hide it.
"Which one must I kill first?" Aliza pointed to the green Fallen Shaman, who surrounded by several shamans.
"Bishibosh…he might be annoying! While Rakanishu used thunder magic to strike his opponent…"
I smiled and sent my birds and wolves to make other shaman busy. They screeched to their lungs, when we attacked them. Shamans busied themselves with my beasts, as I targeted their chief. Before my club reaches his head, Bishibosh tackled it perfectly. I was stunned, as he showed his ugly teeth. What he didn't expect were the wolves that attacked him. He screamed as the animal tore him apart. Now I started to concentrate on Rakanishu. He threw several thunder shock to keep others away. I lifted my hand; suddenly a vine smashed the Carver to the ground, allowing the wolf to take him at ease.
Aliza shook her head, "Somehow, I wonder how you could calm yourself as they killed them?"
The truth that my beasts were personification of nature; they were disgusted to see the corruption. They decided to show their retribution without mercy to Hell. The Druid is only instrument in nature's hand, not otherwise.
Later, I stand in front of stone pillar with a tear-like symbol and touched it. It glows and reverberates. I continued to the next pillar until all is finished. The reverberation grows stronger and stronger. Suddenly, thunder flashes to those pillars and formed pentagram-like formation. At the end, a reddish portal appeared at the middle of the pillars.
"I believe this is the way to Tristram!" I said. Aliza became uneasy after I said it.
"Tristram…why do we have to go there?"
"Because Deckard Cain was there…come, there is no time!" I took her hand and we quickly passed the portal.
As we arrived to the place beyond, I can't hold my shock. The town was razed to the ground, several house were burned. Some corpses were scattered and mangled beyond recognition. Aliza can't bear it as she turned her head. My wolves just watched it with some wonder. I kneeled and hugged one of them. Even, I doubt if Deckard Cain is still alive. We checked the ruins with caution. It was possible those demons that destroyed Tristram might be around.
"Warrior, listen!" Aliza called me and I turned to her. There is a voice, begging help.
"Over there!" We ran to the source and found a gibbet. Inside the gibbet, there is an old man shaking his cage. No doubt, he's Deckard Cain. I quickly held the rope as Aliza cut it.
"Are you alright?" I asked him. He answered, "I'm fine…they'll be back anytime!"
Cain quickly opened town portal, however something keep us frozen. At our way, the goat men were crowding along with Skeletons and Carvers! They were giggling as they noticed us. But there is someone among them. It was a stout man. There are some reddish patches around his body. His garment ragged and dirty. He can only growled or muttering.
"Griswold!" Cain murmured, "Poor man, Diablo turned him to Andariel, who tortured and put him into such existence! There's nothing we could do for him…"
I kept silence. During my training, I also develop an ability to sense something within a person. I kept watching Griswold, what I saw shocked me. There is a speck of humanity within him.
"I must help him," I didn't know why I said it. Cain and Aliza looked at me with disbelief.
"You must be crazy, warrior!" Aliza shouted. But I stood by my decision.
"Cain, you go first! We'll follow you later!" Cain could not waited any longer.
I commanded my beasts to attack the demons, while I transformed into a werebear. Griswold ran toward me, I receive it with my bear form. The earth was shaken when we're impacted. Normally, there is no one that stand against a wild bear. But Griswold was an exception; he was molded according to Hell's will. Yet, I decided to save him. The situation turned to worse as Champion Moon Clan and Skeleton joined him. Damn, I had to fight three opponents at once. The goatman swung his scythe and wounded me at my side. It only enrages me and I tried to knock him when Griswold landed his fists. He had Amplify Damage. The undead hacked me at that moment. Also, my body feels weak. At the nick of time, Aliza shot her frozen arrow to Champion Skeleton and shattered it into ice cube. Free at last, I kicked Griswold out cold and lunged to goatman. I ripped his chest open and devoured him alive. Finally, I returned to my own form. Griswold was still unconscious.
"Are you sure about bringing this…man?" Aliza asked me. I lifted the body; it was quite heavy. "He's still a human, we can't leave him alone here…" Despite her disagreement, Aliza was quiet. Together, we passed the portal at Cairin Stone.
The quiet encampment became riotous, as I returned with Griswold. Cain was puzzled to see me. But I still silent until we arrived at Akara.
"So, you want to save him?" she asked, "I know how to restore him, but I can't be alone," I beg, "So, I need your help!" She keeps silent, before she gives her consent, "All right, as a gratitude for helping Cain…I'll help as long as I can!"
I called Oak Sage to refresh the accursed body, and also to expel the evil influence within. Akara would use her magic to bar the influence entering Griswold again. As we started, Griswold's body was shaken very hard. His mouth was foaming. Sweat appeared in my eyebrows, but we can't stop or his dear life would be lost forever. He shrieked horribly. Akara was exhausted, yet determined to finish this. Griswold's eyes dilated, while foams keep coming out of his mouth. "EEEAAAAARRRRRYGGGHHHH!!" With the scream, the demonic influence was finally broken from him. Akara and I fell to the ground, exhausted. Kashya, Cain and others broke in and helped Akara stood up. While I tried to stand, Cain checked Griswold.
"Warrior," His face shows amazement and relief at the same time, "I didn't know how you did it…but you did!" I walked toward them and saw Griswold's face free from the red patches.
"Praise Horadrim! You save him!" He hugged me as he cried happily. Other rogues were overjoyed with the success. Kashya simply smiles, while Aliza followed her. Akara nodded,
"You simply passed what seems impossible, warrior! We're very indebted to you!"
She said with a tone of satisfaction. I nodded in respect; I wish the same thing happened to Joanna.
It took 3 days for Griswold to recover. After he recovered, he kissed my hand many times when knew that I was the one who saved him. He's a jovial person. In fact he enjoyed life. He seems disappointed when learned the Rogue didn't accept any blacksmiths anymore since Charsi's still around. Later, Aliza told me that Charsi wanted to see me.
"Come on, Myrrick! How could I continue to live if I can't work as blacksmith?" Griswold complained while we're going to Charsi's place. I replied,
"Why not try as a helper of blacksmith?" His face quite frowned, "You were expecting Griswold who came from the long generation of famous blacksmith to work as a helper to an amateur? No way!"
"You must be Myrrick the Druid! They mentioned it to me!" A young girl with black apron called me. She was quite stout; her biceps bulged. No doubt because of heavy work.
She introduced herself, "Hi, my name is Charsi! I am the only blacksmith here!" She also told us about the previous success of Sisterhood bringing some valuable artifacts from Tristram, yet saddened as they were expelled from Monastery. Then she turned to Griswold,
"By the way, Mr. Know-how. Whom do you meant 'amateurish'?" He tried to elude it, but can't."Nothing…" he answered weakly.
Charsi faced him, "Listen to me, I has been the blacksmith for the Sisterhood for 3 years…but nobody complains about my craft! It is because my craft is always the best!" She turned to me again, "Actually, I need you very badly…"
She told us that she had left her valuable possession, the Horadric Malus. It happened when the Monastery were attacked by Andariel. The last thing she heard about it was that it had been taken by the demon named The Smith. Nobody wants to challenge the demon. Charsi said the Horadric Malus were used for evil purposes. She expected me to retrieve it back. The only clue she offered to find it is, "Just look at the barracks…"
The problem wasn't solved easily, since there is Andariel's other general, The Countess. According to the legend, the Countess had bathed with blood of the virgins to keep her youthful and keep her treasure away. Because of this, her subjects rebelled and captured her. Then they burned her alive. When Andariel awoke, she resurrected her to command her army. The Countess also held several evil rogues to keep people away from the Black Marsh. I decided to deal with The Smith first before going to the Countess.
When the breaths fade away from one of Devilkins, I had arrived at Monastery. It seems the defense wasn't so tough. It is not even a challenge. The reason I come here is to kill Andariel, but I just lost my way in a maze of tunnels. Then I entered the barrack and met stiff opposition. I just threw the Wake of Fires and Charged Bolt Sentries to deal with the massive numbers. These gadgets lessen the annoyance as they burnt and electrocuted these demons.
But not for long, as I heard stomping footsteps come. It was heavy, followed with grunted sound. What I saw later on did not prepared me for this. It was a huge two-horned demon. His body was bloated yet stout. He held a huge hammer in his left hand. The slits, which actually were eyes narrowed to me. I believe this is what they called 'The Smith'.
He snorted to me, "I'll kill you! Your blood would stain my crafts perfectly…"
"Try me!" He lunged and swung his hammer to me, yet I avoid it. Despite his body, his reach and speed was excellent. Not to mention his strength. I was forced to avoid his attack. It is impossible to use Tiger Strike at such close distance without being struck. At one moment, I lost my concentration and he knows it! He swung his hammer to my head. Consequently, I lifted my body upward so I received the strike with my own body. The untold force threw me to the wall very hard. I bit my tongue to hold the pain; somehow the demon broke some of my ribs. I can't go anywhere as he gets close to me!
He hissed, "Your doom has come!!" Instantly, an idea came to my head. I throw 4 Charged Bolt Sentries around him. As he makes another steps, the traps activated and sent an electric shock to him. He howled as the current burnt him. That is the first shot; another 4 shot would follow. He howled and kneeled on the floor. Finally, the howl died and the creature no longer moved. His body was charred because of electric shocks. I limped and hold my right ribs. I freaked when The Smith's arm tug my right leg. It is tight! I can't pull it! Is he still alive? Yet, my worry prove mistaken as his arm let my leg loose. I just laughed to myself; Akivsha, why are you afraid? Aren't you a Viz-jaq'taar Assassin who doesn't know fear, even those that spreads fear to others? But pain brings me to reality.
I dragged myself to The Smith's room. It is full with armaments, the accursed one! My attentions were attracted to the hammer. It must be the Horadric Malus that my master said. I must retrieve it to Rogue Encampment, but I decided to wait for the druid to come here. For a while, I can treat my wounds. My mission just delayed…
We have been inside the Monastery for a while. While we tried to enter, the large numbers of the demons attacked us. Despite their resistance, Aliza and I managed to put a good fight. After finished, I drank a healing potion. Then Aliza called me
"Warrior, look! The barrack!" Damn, I almost forgotten we came to retrieve Horadric Malus. As we entered it, there is a sight to behold. The gang had filled with burned corpses. The burnt smell is almost everywhere. Carefully, we tread the tunnel and avoided those carcasses. While we walked, I couldn't help but wonder. The only thing you could kill those demons in large number is with magic. I can produce the same with Armageddon, but hardly, some of them might survive.
As we close to end of tunnel, Aliza screamed. I turned and saw a huge demon that is already dead. His bloated body seems burned.
"Is it…the Smith?" Aliza asked me. I shook my head. Then I found something beside the corpse and took it. It seems like gadgetry, I was quite ignorant of this matter. But I can assume this might be trap that killed the demon. To be sure, Aliza shoot some arrows to the corpse.
"It is dead…" she told me, "If I'm not mistaken, the Smith's room is over there!"
We continued to other room and found many of armaments. I noticed some of them had become old already. Aliza walked around and said,
"Some of them were Rogue's weapons…before Andariel expelled us here."
She seems deep in thought, remembering the past. I put my hand over her shoulder,
"Soon, all of you would return here again!" I comforted her. She only smiled
We had found the Horadric Malus. My mind was still wondering about this. Who had killed the Smith before us?
Later, Charsi was glad when we have returned the hammer to her. Not far from us, Griswold was scowled only.
"Wow, you were stronger than what I thought!" she beamed, "Tell me, did you kill the Smith? Fight face-to-face?" I only scratched my head, before giving her the answer,
"No, the demon has been died when we arrived there…" Anyone must be disappointed, but that is the truth. Charsi was pondered when Griswold cuts in,
"What is so special with the hammer? It is almost like my Anvil at Tristram! Anyone can use it!" The blacksmith's face was smug when she heard the remarks.
"Is that so? Fine, let's make a deal! If you could not lifted the Horadric Malus, you will be my assistant…"
Griswold asked in return, "What if I can?" Charsi was smiled only, "If you can, I would be your assistant instead! Are you agreeing?" She offered her hand to the burly man, which he has returned it with a firm shake.
"Deal! Let's start it now!" Charsi gave the hammer to him. When Griswold receives it, he feels something heavy in his hand. The hammer didn't change, but the weight has multiplied a hundredth times according to him. Griswold felt that he was lifted a boulder of rocks. He tried to hold the Malus with difficulty. Sweat was breaking around his body. He almost fell to the ground, before he released the hammer to the ground. His breath was labored.
"I gave up! That thing was too heavy for me…I can't lift that thing!" Charsi simply took it from the ground. It is like picking a pebble. Everyone was astonished, including Griswold. She quickly explained to him,
"The Malus only recognize those who had worthy enough to hold it. That's the reason why Myrrick could take it! The Smith must be exerts all of his strength to lift it!" Then she reminded him to their deal,
"I won, you lost!" Griswold walked to her and said, "Girl, you must be the best blacksmith I ever met! So I offered you service of Great Griswold! Would you accept it?"
He offered his hand to her, and Charsi received it with handshakes. Everyone cheered for that.
Charsi turned again to me, "As your reward, I will imbue any of your weapons with magical power! To fight Andariel, you might be needs the best weapon!" I was pondered that her advice was right. The final confrontation would be close by now!
Author's note: Thanks for your critics, despite (phew!) It is quite hot!
At least, I can learn from my mistakes. Actually, there
is the reason why I keep switching between Akivsha and
Myrrick. However, I might made another chapter with
third-person view to make it easier. Please bear with me
(if you want), the new characters will join the story
later!