The Alliance
(Act II: Secrets of the Vizjerei)
Four weeks since we have been departed from Rogue Encampment, we have to cross the desert of Aranoch. It was arid and barren. The wagon rocked in monotonous rhythm as we were inside. The heat forces me to take my fur coat off. Yet, I still wore my armor and hawk pelt. My wolf lay beside me, it seems she was thirsty. Gently, I stroke her head and took a wet cloth. She sipped water from it. At the end of the wagon, Aliza put a towel on her head.
"How far is the city? I can't stand the heat anymore!" she complained. I answered, "Soon, Warriv just told me that we were close to Lut Gholein. Just calm down." She only pulled the towel from her face and soaks it into a pail of water.
"He has been telling us since then! But we have not arrived yet, until now!" As she muttered, Warriv appeared at the back of the wagon. He called us,
"Warrior, we have arrived now! However, there was a checking at the gate so we have to waited first." Without any question, Aliza had jumped out from the wagon.
Both of us saw a huge city, which is close to the coastal line. Arabian-style architecture was evident at the soaring minarets from the city. The thick wall surrounded the city, and left the gate as the only entrance. There was a line of caravans in front of us. While Aliza stared, I said to her,
"I'll tell Cain.Aliza. It seems we have to wait again."
I have arrived earlier at the city. The caravans took a long time to arrive. I believe that the druid and his rogue hireling would be late. As I traverse the street, a middle-aged woman threw herself over me. She wore the gray garment with the purple coat.
"Warrior, help me!" She begged me while holding my hands. I shook her hands away from me, however people began to crowd on us. The woman started to speak,
"My name is Atma! Please help me.there is a horrible creature beneath the sewer. My husband and son had become victims of the creature. It is said that the creature craves human and beast flesh alike.you must help us! Kill that creature.!"
I couldn't stand it; somehow I had forgot how to be compassionate to others. She reminded me to the past event. Then I shook my head, and started to go away from her.
"I had nothing to do with your suffering!" I told her icily as I left her sitting on the ground. She only cried, before bellowed something, "Coward!!" The shout was stinging my ear, but I chose to ignore it.
In other place, Aliza and I were gone down from the wagon. Cain tells us that he will go to the merchant's market. Then Warriv came and say,
"If you wanted to return to the West, just tell me anytime! My caravan will return next month."
I replied, "We will think it later, thanks for the ride!" Warriv only nodded his head,
"Ah, it is nothing! Because of you, the way to the East has been opened again. Perhaps, we should be giving thanks to you. Oh, here is Lord Jerhyn!"
As we turned, I saw two people walked toward us. One of them wore fine clothing like the rich people wore. He also wore a white turban. His companion wore a hard leathery armor and iron helmet. While the former looks friendly, the latter seems had a somber face. The smile on his face has no softening effect.
One of them introduces himself, "Greetings, warriors! I'm Jerhyn, lord of the city! Here is my friend, Griez. He is the leader of mercenaries. Warriv was told us about your bravery to send Andariel return to Burning Hell." I politely introduce Aliza and myself to Jerhyn. Then he continues,
"Actually, there were many strange things that happened here. I wish they could be explained.It has been happening since a Dark Wanderer passed here to looking for Tomb of Tal' Rasha 4 weeks ago. People said that they saw strange creatures roamed the desert or the dead risen from their grave." He paused a while, before say something,
"I'm sorry that I can't stay any longer.there were some business that I must attend. Griez will accompany you to the merchant's market! Perhaps, there is some information that could help you. I leave the matter to you." After he left, Griez walked along with us. Later, Aliza asked,
"Why does Lord Jerhyn have to hire mercenaries?" The captain turned to her and answered,
"There is nothing to do with palace guards. Perhaps you have been wondered how do we keep this city at one place. The reason why Lord Jerhyn hired us was not to the price, but we were the best that this desert can offer." Aliza was quiet; sometimes it is hard to understand the mercenaries' way of thinking.
The merchant's market were crowded with various people, it is shaped like a square-like quarter with three doors. Clanging of hammer, shouts, raucous laugh, all of them mixed together.
Griez looked to us,
"Well, I have to go now! If you need any assistance, just meet me at the gate!" Then the mercenary left us in the middle of crowd. Everything is clear to me that Diablo has been passed this way. The answer can be find only in Tomb of Tal' Rasha. "What are we going to do?" Aliza asked me.
"We have to find Cain first.perhaps he had some information already!"
It is not long enough to spot Cain; he was standing near the blacksmith. The smith was an auburn-haired woman with a slim posture. She didn't like Charsi who had a bulged biceps, yet she looked sturdy. Her face was quite sun burnt, The Horadrim smiled as we came to him,
"Ah, Myrrick! Aliza! Welcome." said Cain, "I'm sorry if I was separated from both of you. Here is our friend." The woman walked to me and Aliza, and offered her hand,
"I'm Fara.welcome to Lut Gholein!" she said with some hospitality,
"Fara was a paladin of Kurast once, yet she decided to be a blacksmith since there was some problem arising from Church of Zakarum." Later, an old man with orange robe and red turban joined their conversation,
"My name is Drognan! Cain have told us about your deeds.I found out it was quite impressive! Don't hesitate to ask my help if you need something," Then Fara told them,
"If you want to stay, just go to Atma's inn. It wasn't far from here."
"Stay? That's depends." Atma said skeptically when we have arrived at her inn. Quickly, I answered her,
"If it is about the money, we'll pay you whatever you want."Her expression turned into a sneer. She replied, "If the money could return my husband and son alive, that would not be a problem! I didn't need your money.I just ask if you could help me." As she spoke, I noticed she was grieved about her husband and son. Her anger was a mask to cover the grief. It was similar with mine.
"What can we help you?"
At the midnight, Aliza and me decided to went to somewhere else,
"Why do we have to go at night?" Aliza asked, while she brought a torch. We were trailed downward to the sewer under Lut Gholein. I replied her question,
"According to Cain, Radament only came out at night for hunt. So this is the best time to find him." Yet, the rogue still unconvinced with the answer,
"Why do the creature not choose to stay outside or wherever? Why have to be here?" Suddenly, our conversation was abruptly stopped as the band of Skeleton Archer shot their volley of arrow to us.
"Watch out!" I shouted as Aliza and I jumped out from their range. Quickly, the rogue shot back to them. I commanded my beasts to strike these demons. Despite their inability to feel pain or fear, the Skeleton was numerous and.easily broken. My wolves tore them apart until none stay attached. I charged to one of them and hit repeatedly with Biter End club. The demon instantly chilled, unable to return the attack. Before I hit again, an ice arrow hit the skeleton and shattered it into many pieces. When I turned back, Aliza smiled.
After a few hours, we have arrived at the main drainage. There was a big opening space near us. As we entered, the horrible scene greeted us. The opening was filled with human corpses and animal carcasses. Some of them had incomplete appearance like limbs, head etc. The most disgusting was the corpses had already decayed and swarmed by flies. In a dim light, this is surely made the bravest man vomited. Aliza tried to keep herself brave, but she had to vomit because of the stinging smell.
"By the Sightless Eyes! What is it?" I walked to one of the corpses, and checked that they weren't devoured as the people told us, but something or.someone had taken some of their body parts. Why did Radament taken their body parts? What for?
My answer was to be answered when I saw something walked toward Aliza! I shouted loud enough to make her jump to her nerves.
"Aliza, behind you!" Before she can turn back, the creature lumbered to catch her. I strode fast and charged her until both of us rolled on the floor. As we stared each other, I saw her face blushed shyly. I ignored it and returned my sight to our attacker.
Radament stood almost 2 meters tall. The body was like human body, yet it is looked wrinkled and dry almost like a parchment paper. But what was supposed to be the head was replaced by a horse-like skull complete with its jaw and the cowl behind. The limbs were very long and quite muscular, despite the skinny appearance. Its left hand held something like a sickle- like scythe. The empty sockets of the skull stared blankly to us. There was something at the abdomen.the fresh intestine, wet with blood! It looked stuffed within the abdomen hurriedly.
"WH-what was that?" Aliza asked uneasily, "I never seen such a creature like that."
"Mummy," I said nonchalantly, "Fara told me that the Aranochs always mummified their heroes as the last honor.it was not supposed to be outside! Somehow it wanted to be a human again, that is why it have to killed many people in order to take their body parts." Hearing my explanation, Aliza relaxed again. She grinned to me
"So, it is the Undead! Do what we do to the Undead usually!" Then she shot several arrows. Yet, Radament parried it with his scythe-like limb. Suddenly, the wolf bit its legs and followed by other who has bitten its loincloth. The creature struggles as the wolves pulled their tug. Then it spews the poisonous breath, which makes the wolves release their bit. Not only that, Radament also shot a black flash, which had awakened several mummies around us.
"It looks like we have a problem!" Without wasting time, I transformed into a werebear and strike the Greater Mummy. I maul the creature repeatedly with my wild fury. However, its flesh seems very tough because of the preservation and mummification process by the Aranochs.
"Myrrick! Quick, they were coming!" Aliza shouted, as she hit some of the mummies to their death. The root of the problem was Radament! I put my strength as I could and hit the creature hard enough. Yet, it responded by slapped my face across. My bear form roared and quickly bit the entrails that came out from its abdomen. The creature cried in horror as I pulled the intestine out from it.
Blood splattered everywhere, and then it wailed hoarsely as the death throes closed. I believe the wails sounded like.human cries. The creature limped and fell to the ground into dust. The bright light came out from the remains. When the light hit the mummies, they can only moaned before hit the floor lifeless.
"Phew, I thought it wouldn't over yet!" Aliza sighed as she walked to me. When she walked over Radament's body, her legs tripped something and she loses her balance. Instantly, I captured her before touched the ground.
"Are you all right?" I asked. Once again, her face blushed. Then she raised herself,
"I-I'm all right! Thanks, Myrrick!" She turned to the body and saw something, "What is it?"
When she pulled it, it was an ancient scroll. The writings were unknown to me. Perhaps the creature wasn't only to be buried without keeping some secrets.
"Let's return to above! Perhaps Cain could help us with this scroll!"
At Lut Gholein, we came first to Atma and told her about our success. She seemed pleased, despite the grief of losing a husband and son. As her gratitude, she had persuaded the merchants to give a half price for any merchandise we bought. Before we could return to the market, Griez and two mercenaries halted us.
"Ah, warriors! We've looking for you everywhere!" he said, "Lord Jerhyn have something to talk about! He was at the palace!"
We came to Jerhyn's palace, it was not so luxurious but I think it was larger than my house at Arreat. I can't imagine how large or how many room it has. Then he came out from the palace. His face was beamed, as he hasn't met us with us for long time.
"Welcome, warriors! I'd heard what have you done to Radament, it seems the stories about you weren't just the rumors!" As he praised us, I noticed someone stood behind him. At first, it was a courtesan as I thought. Jerhyn looked back and said,
"Come out, Zylene! I believe you are eager to meet those warriors." Behind him, a young girl walked shyly. Her body is slender and athletic. Her raven hair was short, but unlike Akivsha, it wasn't cropped. The golden circlet hangs above her forehead. Her greenish garment and skirt was fit to hers, yet the skirt barely covers her willowy limb. A gold-plated collar circled around her neck. The skin was golden-brown, like the Aranochs. She held an orb staff.
"Greetings, warrior! I'm Zylene, the sorceress of Zann-Esu," she said with a gentle smile, "I hope I can learn from you who had more experience than I.if you aren't mind,"
I also introduce myself, "I'm Myrrick, druid of Scosglen, and she is Aliza, rogue of the Sisterhood of the Sightless Eye!" The sorceress nodded with some awe and respect, which is made Aliza quite giggled.
After this short introduction, Jerhyn continued,
"Zylene was here to help us.her clan sent her to investigate this matter, also to test her mettle," Later he coughed, before continue his explanation
"Drognan and I have concluded that the Dark Wanderer who has been passed here was Diablo. It is clear that he seeks Tomb of Ta'l Rasha. However, nobody knows where is Ta'l Rasha, Keeper of Baal entombed.there is something I must take care of! Therefore, I trusted everything in your hands, warrior!" He hurriedly enters the palace and the guards blocked the way as he passed. I looked back to the girls; somehow they were fit to each other as they talked together. Aliza turned to me,
"Guess what, Myrrick? Zylene was one of the brightest disciple among his clan." The sorceress was blushed, and then she said,
"Not quite, my elders told me that I needed an actual practice.unfortunately, this mission is what they have only. Some of them expressed doubt, since dealing with the Three wasn't the easy job!
"However, I insisted so they gave up and allow me to go here." When hearing this, I was uneasy. Keeping eye to those girls wasn't the easy job either.instead I told them,
"Well, let's return to Cain! I hope he had something to us."
It was indeed! Cain told us that he had translated the scroll we have found at the sewer. It was the Horadric Scroll. The scroll tells that the Horadrims had created a fearsome staff named the Horadric Staff. There was more than one staff, yet the Horadrims separated them into a headpiece and staff after almost losing it from a rogue sorcerer.
"There is another thing," Cain said, "The Horadric Staff can show us where is the Tomb of Ta'l Rasha." Aliza poked her head, when she heard it, "Where?"
"The scroll gave us the exact location where they have hidden the Headpiece and Staff. The Headpiece was hidden at Claw Viper Temple, while the Staff was at Maggot's Lair.also the device to help us, The Horadric Cube!"
I asked, "What is the Horadric Cube, Cain?" The old Horadrim only nod to us, "Ah, it was a precious thing indeed. The Horadrims said that it was their greatest achievement in alchemy. However, I won't elaborate it now. We had to hurry, perhaps Diablo has already the clue where is the tomb."
"I know where is Maggot's Lair," Zylene said, "It was not far away from Far Oasis. The Hall of the Death was located at Dry Hills, while the Claw Viper Temple.I thought, close near Lost City."
After listening to her explanation, I decided that we have to separate to make the search easier.
Then Aliza asked to me. "What if Diablo have been there?" Cain politely explains to her that Diablo still have to learn how to use the Horadric Cube, the headpiece and staff alone won't gave him anything to the Tomb of T'al Rasha. That was unlikely! Then I went to Dry Hills, while Zylene and Aliza went to Maggot's Lair.
Not for long, the girls have met a stiff opposition from inhabitants of Maggot's Lair. Many Sand and Rock Maggots blocked their way. Aliza shot her arrows to the nearest of them. However, some of them begun to swarm around them. Zylene quickly create Frozen Orb and Glacial Spike around them. Instantly, the jagged spikes of ice rose from ground and impaled those insects. The rest were hit by a breezing flash and froze. The sorceress swung her staff and shattered several of them into ice cubes.
"That's for cocktail." Aliza joked as she shot the escaped Sand Maggot into smithereens. After forcing their way, they have arrived into the deepest part of the lair. A huge-bulking Sand Maggot lazily peeks on the intruders, however her offspring acted differently by attacking the girls. Aliza put the defensive stance, while Zylene quickly sent her previous spell. Yet, Coldworm the Burrower wasn't affected at all. She shouted,
"The creature was immune to cold!" Feel overwhelmed by deluge of Maggots, Aliza snapped,
"Then use another spell!!" It seems she has regretted to follow my advice to separate. The sorceress concentrated and lifted her staff to summon another spell. A crackling sound came from the air.
"Charged Bolt!!" Suddenly, a row of lightning bolts flashed and hit the insects along with their queen. The creature writhed and wailed when the shock hits its body. Zylene follows her attack with another,
"Nova!" The blue shining light exploded from her and the wave killed several maggots. She was exhilarated after watch her attack was successful. Now she would send her final attack to end this once and for all.
"Static Field!!" This time, the energy explosion was directed to Coldworm. The creature emitted a long wail, and then a violent spasm appeared along its abdomen. Then the maggot queen exploded in front of them. Aliza was just finished the last maggot off, when she saw something above them.
"Look out!!" Without a warning, a greenish goop splashed upon them. The smell was stunk enough. Their bodies were covered with a green mucus- like liquid, including their hair. Aliza quickly stared to her companion, as Zylene gave her sheepish look, as she would say, 'it wasn't my fault'. However, the rogue wasn't noticed her. She walked toward the carcass and found a long golden staff beneath.
Then they were come out from the lair. Aliza lifted the staff with pride, "At least, this staff was worth of it!" she said, while wiped the goop from her body. Zylene also smiled. But the smile was fade when the sun was covered by the darkness. Both of them watched the eclipse,
"Eclipse.I thought it was passed 2 years ago at the West," Aliza commented.
The sorceress said with a frowned look, "That's impossible, the next solar eclipse supposed to be next five years. This eclipse wasn't natural." Aliza looked to her, as she can't believe her words.
"Let's go find Myrrick and Cain!" She quickly opened the scroll and creates the town portal to return to Lut Gholein.
I also noticed the eclipse over the sky. It must be the work of Claw Vipers! These creature must be performed the Tainted Sun Ceremony. At that time, I have been at the second level of Claw Viper Temple. Not far from me, a crowd of serpent-like creatures has gathered. Their torso almost like human, while the lower part was slithered like a snake. The purple-skinned serpent must be their priest, since its mouth chanted a spell or prayer. The others hissed as the serpent-priest chanted in front of the stone altar. Suddenly, he stopped his chants and turned his head back and fro. From his forked tongue, hisses come out;
"Intruderrrr.defilerssshh!!" I have a reason to believe that it was me whom he meant. So much for quiet sneaking! Commotions were aroused among them as I came out from my hiding place.
"Mind if I joined you?" I asked tersely. The response was swift; they quickly stormed me without any hesitation. I threw 3 Wake of Fires to them, which created a fire barrier. The serpents howled in pain as the fire engulfed them. But the purple serpent didn't easily give up; he avoided the fire and faces me. He hissed again,
"You shall die by Fangskin's handssssh." Quickly, I was unsheathes my katar and Clegclaw shield. I believe that the creature were capable in poisonous breath. I said, "Somehow you didn't convince me very much."
With that, I threw again my trap. However, Fangskin was braved across the fire. I charged my attack with Tiger Strike and strike him. The serpent quickly countered my attack with his own lightning charge. It was stung my body for a moment, but I keep my attack. Fangskin's tail keep jabbing at me, not mention he was very fast. While I gave him a handful attack, he has already jabbed me several times. It makes me difficult to strike at the proper place. So, I began to take a stance from him. A wicked grin appeared in his mouth.
When he has followed me again, I tried to avoid his lightning-charged tail. Suddenly, I sent my flying kick to his head. The kick itself makes him quite dizzy. Then I followed it with my Tiger Strike.
A loud explosion heard. Fangskin started me with the deathly look. His chest was burst open, because of Tiger Strike. The serpent stared me long enough until he dropped on the floor.
I walked slowly to the Tainted Sun altar. The altar was carved from the crude stone, but the appearance alone can't judge the power within. But I didn't believe that these creatures managed to create such power to darken the sun. There was something that they harnessed to do it. Not wasting time, I concentrated my inner strength to my right hand on the altar.
"Hiaaah!!" I broke the altar with a single strike. Then something happened. The glittering lights, like a little sun, came out from the broken altar. They were swirling and gone out through the opening above the temple. At the same time, sunlight shined into the dark, underground temple. My eyes watched something glittering at the broken altar. When I took it, I realized it was an amulet.Amulet of the Viper exactly! The headpiece part of the Horadric Staff! I smiled inside,
Well, Myrrick! It seems I had to joined your small band.
Meanwhile, I have been arrived at Lut Gholein when the eclipse appeared. My thought said that the event was unnatural. So far, the last eclipse I knew was 6 years ago after my banishment. Then I went to Cain and Drognan to ask about it. At the same time, Zylene and Aliza were arrived here.
"The eclipse," Drognan told us, ".wasn't a natural phenomenon. It was the handiwork of Claw Vipers! These serpent-like creatures serve the Three, who promised to bring the end of the Light.
Perhaps you should find them at their temple.and stop their nefarious ritual for good!"
Before we have returned to the market for supply, suddenly the eclipse was gone. The moon covered it was no more. Aliza turned to me,
"Uh, what are we going to do now?" Instead I asked her back, "Do you have the Staff of the Kings?" Then Zylene showed the staff to me. I also allowed a little smile after looked their appearances.
They seem covered by something just a while ago. It was evident from their smell. Realized it, Aliza shot me back,
"How about you? Did you got the Horadric Cube?"
I brought out something out from my bag; it was a large bronze cube. There was something like a button on the right side. The cube itself was extremely.light, despite the materials.
"It was quite tough to got it! But the artifacts were in our hands now." Then a female voice cuts my word, "I don't think so."
When we were turned around, Akivsha was stood not far from us. Her face still wore the same scowl when we met first time. Zylene quite stunned, while Aliza turned to me.
"Do you know her, Myrrick?" she asked me incredulously. I nodded as Akivsha walked toward us. Her sight stares directly at me. There was something haunting in her eyes.similar to Joanna. Then I decided to greet her, but she had it first.
"Well, what a coincidence to meet you here after our last meeting! I don't know you'd like to keep company of these girls." The words were well chosen to irritate me, since I'm the eldest among our band. Aliza take them as a personal insult,
"And you, stranger? How about you? You had a crush to him, but you won't admit it!" The rogue's word struck Akivsha deep inside. I never knew that Aliza has a sharp tongue. The reaction was instant, as Akivsha drew her katars and Aliza pulled her bow in response. The crowd suddenly becomes aware and stays away from us. Zylene hold her breath,
The assassin hissed, "Watch your tongue, girl! I can cut it without you were realized it." Aliza quickly countered it, "I believe, but not until I turned you into a pinprick!"
I quickly move between them and hold them away, before they could killed each other,
"Stop it! We're still having another things to do, besides bickering with the simple things! Akivsha! Aliza! Put your weapons down!" The girls stared me, as they were turned against me. But I raised my tone to make them sure:
"Now!" Both of them reluctantly did what I told them. Later, I asked Akivsha again, "Now, tell me what brings you here?" Then she showed us the Amulet of the Viper. Zylene said, "So, it was you who have ended the Tainted Sun Ceremony," Akivsha replied,
"That's right! However, all of us know that only the Horadric Staff can show us the location of the true tomb of T'al Rasha. If these artifacts were separated, it would give us nothing except for Lord of Terror itself. Druid, I'll give you the amulet with one condition."
"What condition?" Aliza asked with suspicion, but the assassin ignored it this time and continues, "You had to allow me to join with your band, or you can forget about the amulet!"
This makes me think; somehow it is hard to fathom Akivsha's minds. One month ago, she had refused my offer to join; now she offered to join with me. The people of Arreat were proud with their courage and not easily trust other people, it seem I still had these traits until now. Then I asked her,
"Why do we should trust you?" She looked disbelieved, but not annoyed with my question. In fact, she would ask the same question if she were in my place.
"We're pursued Diablo, aren't we? Now he was looking for his brother, Baal, Lord of Destruction! If we were not moving fast, he might have a clue to find the real tomb," she walked over me as she talked, "You need me not because of the amulet, but there's other things that I can help with." Her reason was quite reasonable and correct; we're running out of time.
"She told the truth, Myrrick." Zylene said, "We need as much help as we can get. I think we're hardly in position to turn down her offer, are we?" Aliza didn't say anything; she still upset with what happened. I turned again to the assassin and told her,
"All right, you may join us! Since we have the same objective, I hope we could work together!" Akivsha smiles and reply, " I hope so!" Now our band were consists a rogue, a sorceress and an assassin. However, Diablo's motive still unclear.but we'll find out soon!
Note: What do you think? The story is still continuing.give your reviews anyway.
(Act II: Secrets of the Vizjerei)
Four weeks since we have been departed from Rogue Encampment, we have to cross the desert of Aranoch. It was arid and barren. The wagon rocked in monotonous rhythm as we were inside. The heat forces me to take my fur coat off. Yet, I still wore my armor and hawk pelt. My wolf lay beside me, it seems she was thirsty. Gently, I stroke her head and took a wet cloth. She sipped water from it. At the end of the wagon, Aliza put a towel on her head.
"How far is the city? I can't stand the heat anymore!" she complained. I answered, "Soon, Warriv just told me that we were close to Lut Gholein. Just calm down." She only pulled the towel from her face and soaks it into a pail of water.
"He has been telling us since then! But we have not arrived yet, until now!" As she muttered, Warriv appeared at the back of the wagon. He called us,
"Warrior, we have arrived now! However, there was a checking at the gate so we have to waited first." Without any question, Aliza had jumped out from the wagon.
Both of us saw a huge city, which is close to the coastal line. Arabian-style architecture was evident at the soaring minarets from the city. The thick wall surrounded the city, and left the gate as the only entrance. There was a line of caravans in front of us. While Aliza stared, I said to her,
"I'll tell Cain.Aliza. It seems we have to wait again."
I have arrived earlier at the city. The caravans took a long time to arrive. I believe that the druid and his rogue hireling would be late. As I traverse the street, a middle-aged woman threw herself over me. She wore the gray garment with the purple coat.
"Warrior, help me!" She begged me while holding my hands. I shook her hands away from me, however people began to crowd on us. The woman started to speak,
"My name is Atma! Please help me.there is a horrible creature beneath the sewer. My husband and son had become victims of the creature. It is said that the creature craves human and beast flesh alike.you must help us! Kill that creature.!"
I couldn't stand it; somehow I had forgot how to be compassionate to others. She reminded me to the past event. Then I shook my head, and started to go away from her.
"I had nothing to do with your suffering!" I told her icily as I left her sitting on the ground. She only cried, before bellowed something, "Coward!!" The shout was stinging my ear, but I chose to ignore it.
In other place, Aliza and I were gone down from the wagon. Cain tells us that he will go to the merchant's market. Then Warriv came and say,
"If you wanted to return to the West, just tell me anytime! My caravan will return next month."
I replied, "We will think it later, thanks for the ride!" Warriv only nodded his head,
"Ah, it is nothing! Because of you, the way to the East has been opened again. Perhaps, we should be giving thanks to you. Oh, here is Lord Jerhyn!"
As we turned, I saw two people walked toward us. One of them wore fine clothing like the rich people wore. He also wore a white turban. His companion wore a hard leathery armor and iron helmet. While the former looks friendly, the latter seems had a somber face. The smile on his face has no softening effect.
One of them introduces himself, "Greetings, warriors! I'm Jerhyn, lord of the city! Here is my friend, Griez. He is the leader of mercenaries. Warriv was told us about your bravery to send Andariel return to Burning Hell." I politely introduce Aliza and myself to Jerhyn. Then he continues,
"Actually, there were many strange things that happened here. I wish they could be explained.It has been happening since a Dark Wanderer passed here to looking for Tomb of Tal' Rasha 4 weeks ago. People said that they saw strange creatures roamed the desert or the dead risen from their grave." He paused a while, before say something,
"I'm sorry that I can't stay any longer.there were some business that I must attend. Griez will accompany you to the merchant's market! Perhaps, there is some information that could help you. I leave the matter to you." After he left, Griez walked along with us. Later, Aliza asked,
"Why does Lord Jerhyn have to hire mercenaries?" The captain turned to her and answered,
"There is nothing to do with palace guards. Perhaps you have been wondered how do we keep this city at one place. The reason why Lord Jerhyn hired us was not to the price, but we were the best that this desert can offer." Aliza was quiet; sometimes it is hard to understand the mercenaries' way of thinking.
The merchant's market were crowded with various people, it is shaped like a square-like quarter with three doors. Clanging of hammer, shouts, raucous laugh, all of them mixed together.
Griez looked to us,
"Well, I have to go now! If you need any assistance, just meet me at the gate!" Then the mercenary left us in the middle of crowd. Everything is clear to me that Diablo has been passed this way. The answer can be find only in Tomb of Tal' Rasha. "What are we going to do?" Aliza asked me.
"We have to find Cain first.perhaps he had some information already!"
It is not long enough to spot Cain; he was standing near the blacksmith. The smith was an auburn-haired woman with a slim posture. She didn't like Charsi who had a bulged biceps, yet she looked sturdy. Her face was quite sun burnt, The Horadrim smiled as we came to him,
"Ah, Myrrick! Aliza! Welcome." said Cain, "I'm sorry if I was separated from both of you. Here is our friend." The woman walked to me and Aliza, and offered her hand,
"I'm Fara.welcome to Lut Gholein!" she said with some hospitality,
"Fara was a paladin of Kurast once, yet she decided to be a blacksmith since there was some problem arising from Church of Zakarum." Later, an old man with orange robe and red turban joined their conversation,
"My name is Drognan! Cain have told us about your deeds.I found out it was quite impressive! Don't hesitate to ask my help if you need something," Then Fara told them,
"If you want to stay, just go to Atma's inn. It wasn't far from here."
"Stay? That's depends." Atma said skeptically when we have arrived at her inn. Quickly, I answered her,
"If it is about the money, we'll pay you whatever you want."Her expression turned into a sneer. She replied, "If the money could return my husband and son alive, that would not be a problem! I didn't need your money.I just ask if you could help me." As she spoke, I noticed she was grieved about her husband and son. Her anger was a mask to cover the grief. It was similar with mine.
"What can we help you?"
At the midnight, Aliza and me decided to went to somewhere else,
"Why do we have to go at night?" Aliza asked, while she brought a torch. We were trailed downward to the sewer under Lut Gholein. I replied her question,
"According to Cain, Radament only came out at night for hunt. So this is the best time to find him." Yet, the rogue still unconvinced with the answer,
"Why do the creature not choose to stay outside or wherever? Why have to be here?" Suddenly, our conversation was abruptly stopped as the band of Skeleton Archer shot their volley of arrow to us.
"Watch out!" I shouted as Aliza and I jumped out from their range. Quickly, the rogue shot back to them. I commanded my beasts to strike these demons. Despite their inability to feel pain or fear, the Skeleton was numerous and.easily broken. My wolves tore them apart until none stay attached. I charged to one of them and hit repeatedly with Biter End club. The demon instantly chilled, unable to return the attack. Before I hit again, an ice arrow hit the skeleton and shattered it into many pieces. When I turned back, Aliza smiled.
After a few hours, we have arrived at the main drainage. There was a big opening space near us. As we entered, the horrible scene greeted us. The opening was filled with human corpses and animal carcasses. Some of them had incomplete appearance like limbs, head etc. The most disgusting was the corpses had already decayed and swarmed by flies. In a dim light, this is surely made the bravest man vomited. Aliza tried to keep herself brave, but she had to vomit because of the stinging smell.
"By the Sightless Eyes! What is it?" I walked to one of the corpses, and checked that they weren't devoured as the people told us, but something or.someone had taken some of their body parts. Why did Radament taken their body parts? What for?
My answer was to be answered when I saw something walked toward Aliza! I shouted loud enough to make her jump to her nerves.
"Aliza, behind you!" Before she can turn back, the creature lumbered to catch her. I strode fast and charged her until both of us rolled on the floor. As we stared each other, I saw her face blushed shyly. I ignored it and returned my sight to our attacker.
Radament stood almost 2 meters tall. The body was like human body, yet it is looked wrinkled and dry almost like a parchment paper. But what was supposed to be the head was replaced by a horse-like skull complete with its jaw and the cowl behind. The limbs were very long and quite muscular, despite the skinny appearance. Its left hand held something like a sickle- like scythe. The empty sockets of the skull stared blankly to us. There was something at the abdomen.the fresh intestine, wet with blood! It looked stuffed within the abdomen hurriedly.
"WH-what was that?" Aliza asked uneasily, "I never seen such a creature like that."
"Mummy," I said nonchalantly, "Fara told me that the Aranochs always mummified their heroes as the last honor.it was not supposed to be outside! Somehow it wanted to be a human again, that is why it have to killed many people in order to take their body parts." Hearing my explanation, Aliza relaxed again. She grinned to me
"So, it is the Undead! Do what we do to the Undead usually!" Then she shot several arrows. Yet, Radament parried it with his scythe-like limb. Suddenly, the wolf bit its legs and followed by other who has bitten its loincloth. The creature struggles as the wolves pulled their tug. Then it spews the poisonous breath, which makes the wolves release their bit. Not only that, Radament also shot a black flash, which had awakened several mummies around us.
"It looks like we have a problem!" Without wasting time, I transformed into a werebear and strike the Greater Mummy. I maul the creature repeatedly with my wild fury. However, its flesh seems very tough because of the preservation and mummification process by the Aranochs.
"Myrrick! Quick, they were coming!" Aliza shouted, as she hit some of the mummies to their death. The root of the problem was Radament! I put my strength as I could and hit the creature hard enough. Yet, it responded by slapped my face across. My bear form roared and quickly bit the entrails that came out from its abdomen. The creature cried in horror as I pulled the intestine out from it.
Blood splattered everywhere, and then it wailed hoarsely as the death throes closed. I believe the wails sounded like.human cries. The creature limped and fell to the ground into dust. The bright light came out from the remains. When the light hit the mummies, they can only moaned before hit the floor lifeless.
"Phew, I thought it wouldn't over yet!" Aliza sighed as she walked to me. When she walked over Radament's body, her legs tripped something and she loses her balance. Instantly, I captured her before touched the ground.
"Are you all right?" I asked. Once again, her face blushed. Then she raised herself,
"I-I'm all right! Thanks, Myrrick!" She turned to the body and saw something, "What is it?"
When she pulled it, it was an ancient scroll. The writings were unknown to me. Perhaps the creature wasn't only to be buried without keeping some secrets.
"Let's return to above! Perhaps Cain could help us with this scroll!"
At Lut Gholein, we came first to Atma and told her about our success. She seemed pleased, despite the grief of losing a husband and son. As her gratitude, she had persuaded the merchants to give a half price for any merchandise we bought. Before we could return to the market, Griez and two mercenaries halted us.
"Ah, warriors! We've looking for you everywhere!" he said, "Lord Jerhyn have something to talk about! He was at the palace!"
We came to Jerhyn's palace, it was not so luxurious but I think it was larger than my house at Arreat. I can't imagine how large or how many room it has. Then he came out from the palace. His face was beamed, as he hasn't met us with us for long time.
"Welcome, warriors! I'd heard what have you done to Radament, it seems the stories about you weren't just the rumors!" As he praised us, I noticed someone stood behind him. At first, it was a courtesan as I thought. Jerhyn looked back and said,
"Come out, Zylene! I believe you are eager to meet those warriors." Behind him, a young girl walked shyly. Her body is slender and athletic. Her raven hair was short, but unlike Akivsha, it wasn't cropped. The golden circlet hangs above her forehead. Her greenish garment and skirt was fit to hers, yet the skirt barely covers her willowy limb. A gold-plated collar circled around her neck. The skin was golden-brown, like the Aranochs. She held an orb staff.
"Greetings, warrior! I'm Zylene, the sorceress of Zann-Esu," she said with a gentle smile, "I hope I can learn from you who had more experience than I.if you aren't mind,"
I also introduce myself, "I'm Myrrick, druid of Scosglen, and she is Aliza, rogue of the Sisterhood of the Sightless Eye!" The sorceress nodded with some awe and respect, which is made Aliza quite giggled.
After this short introduction, Jerhyn continued,
"Zylene was here to help us.her clan sent her to investigate this matter, also to test her mettle," Later he coughed, before continue his explanation
"Drognan and I have concluded that the Dark Wanderer who has been passed here was Diablo. It is clear that he seeks Tomb of Ta'l Rasha. However, nobody knows where is Ta'l Rasha, Keeper of Baal entombed.there is something I must take care of! Therefore, I trusted everything in your hands, warrior!" He hurriedly enters the palace and the guards blocked the way as he passed. I looked back to the girls; somehow they were fit to each other as they talked together. Aliza turned to me,
"Guess what, Myrrick? Zylene was one of the brightest disciple among his clan." The sorceress was blushed, and then she said,
"Not quite, my elders told me that I needed an actual practice.unfortunately, this mission is what they have only. Some of them expressed doubt, since dealing with the Three wasn't the easy job!
"However, I insisted so they gave up and allow me to go here." When hearing this, I was uneasy. Keeping eye to those girls wasn't the easy job either.instead I told them,
"Well, let's return to Cain! I hope he had something to us."
It was indeed! Cain told us that he had translated the scroll we have found at the sewer. It was the Horadric Scroll. The scroll tells that the Horadrims had created a fearsome staff named the Horadric Staff. There was more than one staff, yet the Horadrims separated them into a headpiece and staff after almost losing it from a rogue sorcerer.
"There is another thing," Cain said, "The Horadric Staff can show us where is the Tomb of Ta'l Rasha." Aliza poked her head, when she heard it, "Where?"
"The scroll gave us the exact location where they have hidden the Headpiece and Staff. The Headpiece was hidden at Claw Viper Temple, while the Staff was at Maggot's Lair.also the device to help us, The Horadric Cube!"
I asked, "What is the Horadric Cube, Cain?" The old Horadrim only nod to us, "Ah, it was a precious thing indeed. The Horadrims said that it was their greatest achievement in alchemy. However, I won't elaborate it now. We had to hurry, perhaps Diablo has already the clue where is the tomb."
"I know where is Maggot's Lair," Zylene said, "It was not far away from Far Oasis. The Hall of the Death was located at Dry Hills, while the Claw Viper Temple.I thought, close near Lost City."
After listening to her explanation, I decided that we have to separate to make the search easier.
Then Aliza asked to me. "What if Diablo have been there?" Cain politely explains to her that Diablo still have to learn how to use the Horadric Cube, the headpiece and staff alone won't gave him anything to the Tomb of T'al Rasha. That was unlikely! Then I went to Dry Hills, while Zylene and Aliza went to Maggot's Lair.
Not for long, the girls have met a stiff opposition from inhabitants of Maggot's Lair. Many Sand and Rock Maggots blocked their way. Aliza shot her arrows to the nearest of them. However, some of them begun to swarm around them. Zylene quickly create Frozen Orb and Glacial Spike around them. Instantly, the jagged spikes of ice rose from ground and impaled those insects. The rest were hit by a breezing flash and froze. The sorceress swung her staff and shattered several of them into ice cubes.
"That's for cocktail." Aliza joked as she shot the escaped Sand Maggot into smithereens. After forcing their way, they have arrived into the deepest part of the lair. A huge-bulking Sand Maggot lazily peeks on the intruders, however her offspring acted differently by attacking the girls. Aliza put the defensive stance, while Zylene quickly sent her previous spell. Yet, Coldworm the Burrower wasn't affected at all. She shouted,
"The creature was immune to cold!" Feel overwhelmed by deluge of Maggots, Aliza snapped,
"Then use another spell!!" It seems she has regretted to follow my advice to separate. The sorceress concentrated and lifted her staff to summon another spell. A crackling sound came from the air.
"Charged Bolt!!" Suddenly, a row of lightning bolts flashed and hit the insects along with their queen. The creature writhed and wailed when the shock hits its body. Zylene follows her attack with another,
"Nova!" The blue shining light exploded from her and the wave killed several maggots. She was exhilarated after watch her attack was successful. Now she would send her final attack to end this once and for all.
"Static Field!!" This time, the energy explosion was directed to Coldworm. The creature emitted a long wail, and then a violent spasm appeared along its abdomen. Then the maggot queen exploded in front of them. Aliza was just finished the last maggot off, when she saw something above them.
"Look out!!" Without a warning, a greenish goop splashed upon them. The smell was stunk enough. Their bodies were covered with a green mucus- like liquid, including their hair. Aliza quickly stared to her companion, as Zylene gave her sheepish look, as she would say, 'it wasn't my fault'. However, the rogue wasn't noticed her. She walked toward the carcass and found a long golden staff beneath.
Then they were come out from the lair. Aliza lifted the staff with pride, "At least, this staff was worth of it!" she said, while wiped the goop from her body. Zylene also smiled. But the smile was fade when the sun was covered by the darkness. Both of them watched the eclipse,
"Eclipse.I thought it was passed 2 years ago at the West," Aliza commented.
The sorceress said with a frowned look, "That's impossible, the next solar eclipse supposed to be next five years. This eclipse wasn't natural." Aliza looked to her, as she can't believe her words.
"Let's go find Myrrick and Cain!" She quickly opened the scroll and creates the town portal to return to Lut Gholein.
I also noticed the eclipse over the sky. It must be the work of Claw Vipers! These creature must be performed the Tainted Sun Ceremony. At that time, I have been at the second level of Claw Viper Temple. Not far from me, a crowd of serpent-like creatures has gathered. Their torso almost like human, while the lower part was slithered like a snake. The purple-skinned serpent must be their priest, since its mouth chanted a spell or prayer. The others hissed as the serpent-priest chanted in front of the stone altar. Suddenly, he stopped his chants and turned his head back and fro. From his forked tongue, hisses come out;
"Intruderrrr.defilerssshh!!" I have a reason to believe that it was me whom he meant. So much for quiet sneaking! Commotions were aroused among them as I came out from my hiding place.
"Mind if I joined you?" I asked tersely. The response was swift; they quickly stormed me without any hesitation. I threw 3 Wake of Fires to them, which created a fire barrier. The serpents howled in pain as the fire engulfed them. But the purple serpent didn't easily give up; he avoided the fire and faces me. He hissed again,
"You shall die by Fangskin's handssssh." Quickly, I was unsheathes my katar and Clegclaw shield. I believe that the creature were capable in poisonous breath. I said, "Somehow you didn't convince me very much."
With that, I threw again my trap. However, Fangskin was braved across the fire. I charged my attack with Tiger Strike and strike him. The serpent quickly countered my attack with his own lightning charge. It was stung my body for a moment, but I keep my attack. Fangskin's tail keep jabbing at me, not mention he was very fast. While I gave him a handful attack, he has already jabbed me several times. It makes me difficult to strike at the proper place. So, I began to take a stance from him. A wicked grin appeared in his mouth.
When he has followed me again, I tried to avoid his lightning-charged tail. Suddenly, I sent my flying kick to his head. The kick itself makes him quite dizzy. Then I followed it with my Tiger Strike.
A loud explosion heard. Fangskin started me with the deathly look. His chest was burst open, because of Tiger Strike. The serpent stared me long enough until he dropped on the floor.
I walked slowly to the Tainted Sun altar. The altar was carved from the crude stone, but the appearance alone can't judge the power within. But I didn't believe that these creatures managed to create such power to darken the sun. There was something that they harnessed to do it. Not wasting time, I concentrated my inner strength to my right hand on the altar.
"Hiaaah!!" I broke the altar with a single strike. Then something happened. The glittering lights, like a little sun, came out from the broken altar. They were swirling and gone out through the opening above the temple. At the same time, sunlight shined into the dark, underground temple. My eyes watched something glittering at the broken altar. When I took it, I realized it was an amulet.Amulet of the Viper exactly! The headpiece part of the Horadric Staff! I smiled inside,
Well, Myrrick! It seems I had to joined your small band.
Meanwhile, I have been arrived at Lut Gholein when the eclipse appeared. My thought said that the event was unnatural. So far, the last eclipse I knew was 6 years ago after my banishment. Then I went to Cain and Drognan to ask about it. At the same time, Zylene and Aliza were arrived here.
"The eclipse," Drognan told us, ".wasn't a natural phenomenon. It was the handiwork of Claw Vipers! These serpent-like creatures serve the Three, who promised to bring the end of the Light.
Perhaps you should find them at their temple.and stop their nefarious ritual for good!"
Before we have returned to the market for supply, suddenly the eclipse was gone. The moon covered it was no more. Aliza turned to me,
"Uh, what are we going to do now?" Instead I asked her back, "Do you have the Staff of the Kings?" Then Zylene showed the staff to me. I also allowed a little smile after looked their appearances.
They seem covered by something just a while ago. It was evident from their smell. Realized it, Aliza shot me back,
"How about you? Did you got the Horadric Cube?"
I brought out something out from my bag; it was a large bronze cube. There was something like a button on the right side. The cube itself was extremely.light, despite the materials.
"It was quite tough to got it! But the artifacts were in our hands now." Then a female voice cuts my word, "I don't think so."
When we were turned around, Akivsha was stood not far from us. Her face still wore the same scowl when we met first time. Zylene quite stunned, while Aliza turned to me.
"Do you know her, Myrrick?" she asked me incredulously. I nodded as Akivsha walked toward us. Her sight stares directly at me. There was something haunting in her eyes.similar to Joanna. Then I decided to greet her, but she had it first.
"Well, what a coincidence to meet you here after our last meeting! I don't know you'd like to keep company of these girls." The words were well chosen to irritate me, since I'm the eldest among our band. Aliza take them as a personal insult,
"And you, stranger? How about you? You had a crush to him, but you won't admit it!" The rogue's word struck Akivsha deep inside. I never knew that Aliza has a sharp tongue. The reaction was instant, as Akivsha drew her katars and Aliza pulled her bow in response. The crowd suddenly becomes aware and stays away from us. Zylene hold her breath,
The assassin hissed, "Watch your tongue, girl! I can cut it without you were realized it." Aliza quickly countered it, "I believe, but not until I turned you into a pinprick!"
I quickly move between them and hold them away, before they could killed each other,
"Stop it! We're still having another things to do, besides bickering with the simple things! Akivsha! Aliza! Put your weapons down!" The girls stared me, as they were turned against me. But I raised my tone to make them sure:
"Now!" Both of them reluctantly did what I told them. Later, I asked Akivsha again, "Now, tell me what brings you here?" Then she showed us the Amulet of the Viper. Zylene said, "So, it was you who have ended the Tainted Sun Ceremony," Akivsha replied,
"That's right! However, all of us know that only the Horadric Staff can show us the location of the true tomb of T'al Rasha. If these artifacts were separated, it would give us nothing except for Lord of Terror itself. Druid, I'll give you the amulet with one condition."
"What condition?" Aliza asked with suspicion, but the assassin ignored it this time and continues, "You had to allow me to join with your band, or you can forget about the amulet!"
This makes me think; somehow it is hard to fathom Akivsha's minds. One month ago, she had refused my offer to join; now she offered to join with me. The people of Arreat were proud with their courage and not easily trust other people, it seem I still had these traits until now. Then I asked her,
"Why do we should trust you?" She looked disbelieved, but not annoyed with my question. In fact, she would ask the same question if she were in my place.
"We're pursued Diablo, aren't we? Now he was looking for his brother, Baal, Lord of Destruction! If we were not moving fast, he might have a clue to find the real tomb," she walked over me as she talked, "You need me not because of the amulet, but there's other things that I can help with." Her reason was quite reasonable and correct; we're running out of time.
"She told the truth, Myrrick." Zylene said, "We need as much help as we can get. I think we're hardly in position to turn down her offer, are we?" Aliza didn't say anything; she still upset with what happened. I turned again to the assassin and told her,
"All right, you may join us! Since we have the same objective, I hope we could work together!" Akivsha smiles and reply, " I hope so!" Now our band were consists a rogue, a sorceress and an assassin. However, Diablo's motive still unclear.but we'll find out soon!
Note: What do you think? The story is still continuing.give your reviews anyway.