The Horazon's Legacy
"Ah, it seems all of you had found the Horadric artifacts," Cain greets them, as Myrrick and others returned to the market. Then he noticed Akivsha among them, "And, who is this young girl?"
Myrrick quickly introduce her, "Cain, her name is Akivsha. Now he has joined our band…" The Horadrim nodded only, after listening to his explanation. Aliza asked him,
"Elder Cain, how do we get the Horadric Staff now?" Cain smiled, before he explained,
"Ah, young rogue! That is why you have to find the Horadric Cube first. The Cube can transmute everything. Soon, we shall see it…" Following Cain's direction, Myrrick put the Staff of the Kings inside the cube. Despite its length, the staff has gone into the cube. Aliza can't believe what she saw. Later, Cain turned to Akivsha,
"Young girl, now it is your turn. Just put the amulet inside…" Hesitantly, Akivsha did it. When the cube was closed, Cain pressed a button on top of the cube. Then, a bright red flash came from the lining of the closure. After it faded, Cain opened the cube and pulled a long staff with a triangular headpiece out. Aliza can't refrain her curiosity,
"Is that the Horadric Staff?" Nobody answered her question, yet Cain nodded, "Yes, it is."
Akivsha commented, "So, this is the legendary Horadric Staff…"
Zylene followed, "It was magnificent…" The Horadrim continues his explanations; "The staff was not only the guide to the Tomb of T'al Rasha, but also a powerful weapon! It was very lethal to any creature, especially the undead." He turned to Myrrick,
"We must be quick! Though he doesn't have the Horadric Staff, Diablo isn't a fool! He might find any means to know the location of the Tomb…you must use the staff now. Now it is up to you!" Myrrick reaches the staff from Cain's hand, then pondering on whom he would have to give the staff. Everyone waited for his answer:
"I thought that Zylene might know how to use the Staff…here." He gave the staff to the sorceress who was quite startled. Akivsha frowned, but she didn't protest. Zylene took the staff, and carefully examined it.
"It is full of power, which I can't explain myself! I'll try to use it properly!" she said to Cain. Suddenly, a commotion happened in the market. People rushed out to see what happened. However, they were blocked by a band of mercenaries. Griez tried his best to keep the people out of his way. Then he saw Myrrick,
"Ah, warrior! Thank God! You should come to the palace now…" His hardened face shows some concern, that Myrrick saw. "What happened to Lord Jerhyn?" The mercenary didn't answer; instead he went closer to the druid.
"I can't explain it now!" he whispered, "Lord Jerhyn himself ordered me to ask you to come to the palace!" Myrrick nodded, and turned to the others.
"Three of you go first, I'll follow later!" Later, after the girls went, Cain called Myrrick:
"Myrrick, can I talk with you first?" Myrrick went closer to the aged Horadrim,
"What is it, Cain? Is there something wrong?" he asked. Cain shook his head and began to speak,
"I didn't know how to say this, but…there is something I don't like with your new friend. The druid was quite surprised, yet he decided to keep his cool.
"You mean, Akivsha?" Cain nodded, before he continued; "Her appearance somehow is intimidating…unlike the other warriors I knew. Do you trust her, Myrrick?" The question was intended to him. Then he answered,
"Yes, so far she didn't show any evil intentions toward us! Don't worry, Cain!" The Horadrim once again nodded,
"Beware, within the shadow the unknown lurks! Be careful, warrior!"
Later, he joined them in the palace. Jerhyn and Drognan were there. Their faces show anxiety, but it was relieved as Myrrick came,
"Thanks to all of you!" Jerhyn said thankfully, "I did this to keep the city from panicking, because of what happened. Oh…I'll explain everything now to all of you,"
"For safety, I had allowed the harem guild to join me in the palace. So far there was nothing wrong. During the Tainted Sun, my guards found that something happened inside my palace! The demons attacked and took some girls from my harem; they also slew some of my guards. Before they managed to get out, Griez's men quickly blocked them and drove them back to the cellars. I'm afraid the girls that the demons took would have a grisly end…" As Jerhyn stopped, Drognan explains to them.
"As far as I know, Lut Gholein before was a Vizjerei stronghold during T'al Rasha's time. It was said that Horazon had exiled himself here after the Mage War, even he has isolated himself further by creating his own haven, the Arcane Sanctuary!" Zylene cuts in,
"Arcane Sanctuary? I thought it was only a legend …"Akivsha followed the mage's story with interest,
"It was found out that the door to Arcane Sanctuary was beneath the palace," Drognan continued, "Horazon made his haven in order to avoid the Three's vengeance. Demons, who entered it, would be lost forever inside…but they have found a way out now! Warriors, you have to find on how to close the Arcane's door forever. Horazon might have left some clue on how to do it and you have to find the true Tomb of T'al Rasha at the same time!" For a moment, Drognan watched the staff that Zylene holds,
"I believe it was the Horadric Staff! Go, the staff would guide you to the Arcane!"
When they were treading into the cellar, it was a gruesome sight that greeted them. There were several corpses on the floor. Two of them were girls and the other was man. One girl was lying not far from them; her abdomen has been disemboweled. Another girl had her torso separated on the other side of the cellar. The man was impaled through his chest with a broken spear. Blood splattered everywhere, there was a writing scribbled in unknown language at the wall. Zylene noticed, those girls were younger than her or Aliza. She turned away her eyes. Akivsha surveyed on their surroundings, while Myrrick spread his sight.
In his mind, he thinks hard. His face became stony. He wondered, how many times had these sights repeated in his eyes? How many people have to die in the wake of Diablo's quest? As everyone stared at the sight, there was something huge lumbering behind Zylene. It was Myrrick who realized it first,
"Behind you!!" He warned Zylene, who managed to look behind. It was a huge creature. The body was muscular and heavy; the limbs were thick as a log. However, the creature's head was extremely small compared to its heavy body. It has lifting something like a club. When the creature bashed, the Zann-Esu avoided it swiftly. Screamed on top of her lungs, she swung her staff and whacked the creature's head. The creature itself managed to slip a grunt, before flopping dead.
"Damn, what is this thing?" Aliza muttered. Akivsha quickly answered it, "It was blundergore, or sometimes called 'mauler' or 'urdar'. Legends said that the creature might be the victim of an alchemist's experimentations…" Myrrick was amazed at the assassin's knowledge about the monsters. Meanwhile, Zylene had calmed herself from the attack.
"She's right," she said, "Before, these creatures were roaming free at Aranoch…sometimes they invaded the human settlements. Then the Vizjerei mages had put a magical barrier to prevent them. It happened during the eve of Mage War, after the Three had been confined into Soulstones…"
Then Myrrick said, "That's explain why the creatures like Sand Raiders, Claw Vipers, and now this one…appeared."
"It seems the barrier had been weakened after a long time…not to mentioned Diablo's arrival here." Aliza asked Zylene, "Does this have anything to do with Arcane Sanctuary?"
Unfortunately, it was Akivsha who answered her question, much to her irritation, "It means the Sanctuary have been breached! Horazon made his haven to keep the demons confined and lost. With the appearance of these demons in the Palace, I think the Sanctuary has no longer any power to restrain them or…someone had set them free,"
"I have to disagree," Zylene told her, "According to my elders, Horazon probably is still alive until now. He can't allow those demons to wrecked his work for a long time…" The assassin was quite displeased, and then she replied,
"Nobody lives forever, sorceress! Not even the almighty Horazon…then how could you explain the appearance of this one?" She pointed to the dead blundergore. Zylene simply gritted her teeth, after she heard it. Myrrick quickly interfered,
"That's enough! We knew that these demons came from Arcane Sanctuary…now we have to find out the door!" Nobody argued, as Myrrick continued to walk into another cellar. Not long enough, they found the ancient portal and decided to enter it.
Aliza shouted, "Damn, what is this thing?" They were looking at the surrounding. It was a vast empty space with a starry background. There were the platforms, which were connected by the staircases.
"It must be the Arcane Sanctuary!" Zylene hesitantly said,
"No doubt," Akivsha cuts in, "This was created by Horazon, when the Viz'jerei were still around!" Myrrick only shook his head,
"I don't understood about this 'dubroichant', druid's spells were only dealt with nature…Somehow this was beyond my understanding…" Suddenly, Aliza calls them,
"Look!" She pointed to a certain direction. Something was coming. From afar, it looks like flames, yet it has skeletal appearances. As it get closer, their features became clear. It was a group of glowing-like creatures. Zylene was shocked, when she saw them,
"Wraiths!" she shouted, "Beware, these creatures loves to suck our mana and blood dry! Don't let them touch you!!" The wraiths hissed terribly in one accord. Myrrick held his club and shield tightly, Aliza readies her bow and Zylene put a defensive stance. When the creatures were getting closer, Akivsha suddenly threw something. It exploded into a wave of fire and swallowed those ghastly creatures. Some managed to escape, only to be whacked by Myrrick and Zylene into oblivion.
After then, Myrrick turned to Akivsha. "What was it?" he asked her,
The assassin smiled, "It was the Wake of Fire, druid! I'm not dependent on the magical spells like others. These gadgets can produce the same effect as well as the spell, yet it was autonomous from us!" Then Myrrick took the gadget and examined it,
"It is hard to believe that this small thing can produce such a powerful magic…" Later, Zylene said something,
"Forgive me, miss! But in fighting the Lord of Terror and his brethren, we can't rely on these gadgets…they are stronger and more diabolical in magic…I don't think…" Before finished her words, Akivsha stared her with a penetrating look.
"That's not your concern, sorceress!" she said coldly, "It is my way, whether you like it or not!" As she left, Aliza began to complain,
"What a jerk! I wish you had not asked her to join us!" Myrrick sighed, before turning to the Zann-Esu. Zylene was quite stunned with Akivsha's rude words. She asked Myrrick,
"Am I doing something wrong?" Myrrick tried his best to comfort the young sorceress, "No, some people can't simply accept other opinions that differs from them. That's not your fault, Zylene!" She only nodded plainly,
"Come, we should find the way out!" Then they were following Akivsha. The inhabitants of Arcane Sanctuary were not the wraiths only, but include goat men and vampires. However, nobody could match them as long as they combine their fighting skills. But not for long, Aliza spotted a portal at the platform across them.
"Myrrick, look! A portal!" She stopped them, while pointing to the portal: "Why don't we go there?" Akivsha only smirked,
"Forget it! The portal is a fake!" Upon hearing the remark, Aliza was annoyed. From the beginning, the assassin always disagreed on whatever she or Zylene suggested,
She turned to her, "What is your problem? How did you know the portal isn't real?" Myrrick walked between them, just to keep them from fight each other,
Akivsha answered, "The portal wasn't like the one that we're passed before, it might be a trap to lead us further. Once you've passed it, there were another portal and…so on until you never find the way out," The others were silent, as she continues,
"However, I don't care if you want to pass through it! No wonder, the demons were lost here because they were so simple-minded like you." The sentence she spoke was intended to annoy Aliza, and it did!
"You @#$#!@#%! I'll teach you who is simple-minded!!" Before the rogue had a chance, Myrrick had already blocked her. "Let me go, Myrrick!! I shall give her the lesson that she will never forget!!"
The assassin taunted, "Oh, come on! I'm scared of you, little rogue!" Aliza struggles harder, as the taunt become intense. This is going out of control!! Before anything could happen, the druid shouted,
"ENOUGH, BOTH OF YOU!!" Instantly, the women were silent as Myrrick's eyes stared at them with some ferocity. Zylene wasn't saying anything. The only sound that can be heard was his breathing only. Myrrick was angry; nobody wanted to babysit them. The reason he came for was…Diablo! This petty squabble won't prevent him from fulfilling his objective.
"I am tired of both of you! Since we're started our journey, both of you have always been fighting like cat and dog!" he said, "From now on, if you are going to fight again you can forget our quest! Diablo would be happy to see us like this! Is that clear to both of you?" Aliza looked ashamed, while the assassin simply looks on. Then Aliza speaks,
"I'm sorry…I'll try to keep to myself," As she spoke, her eyes watched Akivsha with some disgust. The druid sighed, it would take time, and as long as they weren't killing each other it might be enough. He turned to Zylene,
"If Akivsha was right, we have to keep walking until we find something," The sorceress nodded in agreement; somehow she was pleased to not joining the quarrel. As Myrrick walked ahead, Akivsha and Aliza followed, while they were keeping the distance from each other.
Later, they arrived at the great platform that is connected with only one staircase. They entered carefully, and found someone in the midst of the platform. The man wore a horned hat and blue robe. He held a golden staff in his right hand. He turned to their direction, and greeted them warmly:
"Greetings, I'm Horazon, also known as the Summoner! I have known you all already," The man walked closer, "Like you, I have also fought the Three. I'd like to propose a friendship to you." Myrrick and Akivsha watched the Summoner warily, while Aliza was quite uneasy. Meanwhile, Zylene looks at him with some awe and respect. Then the magi turned to Myrrick,
"Myrrick of Scosglen, your deeds have been known widely! Why don't we join together?" Horazon persuaded, "We have you, rogue of the Sisterhood, sorceress from Zann-Esu clan and Viz'jaqtaar assassin! With your…my knowledge, you could catch Diablo and Baal easily!" Everyone but Akivsha, not managed to hide their surprise after the Summoner revealed their identities. Myrrick thought deeply. If they could get Horazon over their side, the quest would be over quickly.
"So, do you agree?" The druid didn't respond, he was trying to judge the situation. "That sounds like a nice proposal…however, I will think it over." Before he had a chance, Akivsha snapped already,
"Would you explain why we should join you?" The Summoner was silent after he heard her question. Zylene tried to break the ice,
"Mighty Horazon, would you help us? If so, we are indebted to you…" Again, the assassin cuts her in:
"I don't trust him! Don't be fooled with his words!" Impatient, Aliza stormed Akivsha. She quickly shouted in front of her,
"What is wrong? He just wants to help us!" But Akivsha ignored the rogue, instead turned to the Summoner. Her lips turned into a scowl,
"Really? Ask him how he knew us before we have introduced ourselves!" she said, while pointing to the mage. Myrrick, Zylene and Aliza turned at the same direction. The Summoner didn't answer the accusation; his grip on the staff became tighter. Akivsha continued,
"Let me guess! You had offered us your 'friendship' in exchange for our assistance to capture Baal and Diablo for yourself or something else… Am I right?" Myrrick quickly turned to her, "Akivsha, what is this? What do you mean?"
"The point is…he wants to keep us from the Tomb! Why didn't he give us the clue to the Tomb of T'al Rasha? Simple, because he was keeping something dirty! Is that correct, Summoner?"
Suddenly, the mage's face becomes hardened and his mouth formed a twisted smile. "Clever, indeed!" he spoke coldly. "I had hoped to keep all of you away! If I had succeeded to keep Baal inside T'al Rasha's body, I have nothing to fear! Do you think it was easy to be confined here with these filthy demons? Foolish T'al Rasha did believe my words that binding the Soulstone inside his body would render the Lord of Destruction harmless…"
"Since you already know my secret, I shall not allow all of you to go out alive!!" With a sudden move, the Summoner sends a blast of lightning to them. That knocked Aliza and Myrrick out. Zylene quickly put the Energy Shield before the next attack comes. The barrier was shook as the attack hit it squarely. Akivsha jumps to avoid another attack, and she threw several Charged Bolt traps. Instantly, those gadgets released powerful electric charges, which have hit the Summoner.
He shrieked in an inhuman tone. Swarm of goatmen and wraiths came forward, and filled the stairs. Myrrick shouted loudly to them,
"Finish him! I'll try to keep them at bay!" He was transformed into a werebear and took out those demons with his claw. Meanwhile, Zylene began to counter the attack as she whirled the Horadric Staff,
"Firebolt! Charged Bolt!" From her staff, a fiery ball and a streak of lightning came out. It flew toward the Summoner, but was deflected harmlessly. She was surprised to know her attacks have failed. Her opponent quickly sent Blizzard upon her, a stream of freezing wind had struck her to the bone. Akivsha tried to strike the Summoner from behind; instead she got blasted with the Blizzard. Her traps were no longer shooting the current. Slowly but sure, the corrupt mage walked toward Zylene.
Meanwhile, Aliza began to wake up. She saw Myrrick was busy with the swarming enemy, while Akivsha almost chilled to death. The Summoner walked to Zylene with a victorious smile. Quickly, she took the arrow and prepares her bow, then points it to…
With a cruel smile, the Summoner watched his victim who had tried to free herself from chilling storm. What Zylene can do was use Warmth to keep his mana regeneration, but for how long?
"Give up, bitch! Your pathetic magic isn't a match for my strength!" he chided her. Zylene bit her lips; she can't allow this to happen! Not until she have proven herself as a sorceress! She gathered all that remains of her before speaking,
"I won't…lose!" The Summoner's smile faded, and then he has lifted his staff slowly but sure.
Zylene knew that he would use his best spell to end her life. She can only closed her eyes; avoid the worst. In her ears, his words was ringing,
"Say goodbye to your friend, Zann-Esu!" Suddenly someone shouted back to him,
"Try this!" An arrow whizzed to the mage's chest, almost knocked him backward. He watched Aliza in disbelief. The rogue released another arrow to his forehead point-blank. The horrible scream was heard throughout the sanctuary. A bolt of lightning escaped from the mage's eyes, ear, mouth and nose. Then he was exploded with a powerful burst. What remained of him were his hat, robe and staff. Instantly, the blizzard was gone. Akivsha managed to raise herself, while Aliza helped Zylene to stand. Meanwhile, Myrrick has returned to normal. The demons were gone after they watched their master's fate.
"Well, it serves him well!" Aliza sighed, as the others have composed themselves. Zylene only stared at the Summoner's remains. She was pondering, before saying something,
"Poor man, I hope he can found peace now! This is the danger of studying the Demonic Magic…" Coming from behind, the assassin replied with a bitter sarcasm,
"I rather call him a fool! It is useless to control the demons; instead he has been ended to serve their purpose! His soul would be tortured by the demons that he had controlled; there is no glory in it! " The sorceress was silent, in her heart she agreed to what Akivsha has said. Not interested to mourn the Summoner's fate, Myrrick wondered along the hall. Then he called the others,
"Hey, would you all come here! I've found something!" When they were coming closer, it was a bookstand with a journal on it. Zylene can't refrain her excitement,
"It was Horazon's Journal! This was written by himself!" She came forward and took the book into her lap. She opened the page gently and read intently. Then she was ready to tell them,
"The book told everything about Horazon during his exile, it also mentions how the Vizjerei set aside their differences to capture the Prime Evils and sealed their soul within the Soulstone," Akivsha impatiently brushed,
"Did it say about the location of Tomb of T'al Rasha?" Zylene's face turned red when she was asked about it,
"Eh, Horazon didn't mention it where is it exactly," she answered, "The only clue he had left was 'there were two among the six, only one tomb who bear the right sign'." At the same time, something glowing appeared at the wall. The various rune symbols! Zylene continues,
"The book says the six symbols represent all of the tombs at the Valley of the Magi, but only one, which is represented the Tomb of T'al Rasha. Horazon presumed that these symbols might be the right one," She showed them a crescent moon and a square symbol. Until this time, Akivsha can't hold her patience,
"Excuse me, but which one is the right symbol?" Before she got the answer, Myrrick had already gave his mind,
"Perhaps we should return to Lut Gholein at once, I don't think the Arcane Sanctuary is presents any dangers now. The Summoner is no longer here. About the symbols, let's hope Cain had the answers for that!"
Note: From now on, the story's point of view has been changed into a third person view. Give
your review about this. About the symbols of the tomb, I just followed the game since I
had played different characters and got the different symbols. Don't worry, other
characters will be appearing on 'Lord of Pain'. C u later!
"Ah, it seems all of you had found the Horadric artifacts," Cain greets them, as Myrrick and others returned to the market. Then he noticed Akivsha among them, "And, who is this young girl?"
Myrrick quickly introduce her, "Cain, her name is Akivsha. Now he has joined our band…" The Horadrim nodded only, after listening to his explanation. Aliza asked him,
"Elder Cain, how do we get the Horadric Staff now?" Cain smiled, before he explained,
"Ah, young rogue! That is why you have to find the Horadric Cube first. The Cube can transmute everything. Soon, we shall see it…" Following Cain's direction, Myrrick put the Staff of the Kings inside the cube. Despite its length, the staff has gone into the cube. Aliza can't believe what she saw. Later, Cain turned to Akivsha,
"Young girl, now it is your turn. Just put the amulet inside…" Hesitantly, Akivsha did it. When the cube was closed, Cain pressed a button on top of the cube. Then, a bright red flash came from the lining of the closure. After it faded, Cain opened the cube and pulled a long staff with a triangular headpiece out. Aliza can't refrain her curiosity,
"Is that the Horadric Staff?" Nobody answered her question, yet Cain nodded, "Yes, it is."
Akivsha commented, "So, this is the legendary Horadric Staff…"
Zylene followed, "It was magnificent…" The Horadrim continues his explanations; "The staff was not only the guide to the Tomb of T'al Rasha, but also a powerful weapon! It was very lethal to any creature, especially the undead." He turned to Myrrick,
"We must be quick! Though he doesn't have the Horadric Staff, Diablo isn't a fool! He might find any means to know the location of the Tomb…you must use the staff now. Now it is up to you!" Myrrick reaches the staff from Cain's hand, then pondering on whom he would have to give the staff. Everyone waited for his answer:
"I thought that Zylene might know how to use the Staff…here." He gave the staff to the sorceress who was quite startled. Akivsha frowned, but she didn't protest. Zylene took the staff, and carefully examined it.
"It is full of power, which I can't explain myself! I'll try to use it properly!" she said to Cain. Suddenly, a commotion happened in the market. People rushed out to see what happened. However, they were blocked by a band of mercenaries. Griez tried his best to keep the people out of his way. Then he saw Myrrick,
"Ah, warrior! Thank God! You should come to the palace now…" His hardened face shows some concern, that Myrrick saw. "What happened to Lord Jerhyn?" The mercenary didn't answer; instead he went closer to the druid.
"I can't explain it now!" he whispered, "Lord Jerhyn himself ordered me to ask you to come to the palace!" Myrrick nodded, and turned to the others.
"Three of you go first, I'll follow later!" Later, after the girls went, Cain called Myrrick:
"Myrrick, can I talk with you first?" Myrrick went closer to the aged Horadrim,
"What is it, Cain? Is there something wrong?" he asked. Cain shook his head and began to speak,
"I didn't know how to say this, but…there is something I don't like with your new friend. The druid was quite surprised, yet he decided to keep his cool.
"You mean, Akivsha?" Cain nodded, before he continued; "Her appearance somehow is intimidating…unlike the other warriors I knew. Do you trust her, Myrrick?" The question was intended to him. Then he answered,
"Yes, so far she didn't show any evil intentions toward us! Don't worry, Cain!" The Horadrim once again nodded,
"Beware, within the shadow the unknown lurks! Be careful, warrior!"
Later, he joined them in the palace. Jerhyn and Drognan were there. Their faces show anxiety, but it was relieved as Myrrick came,
"Thanks to all of you!" Jerhyn said thankfully, "I did this to keep the city from panicking, because of what happened. Oh…I'll explain everything now to all of you,"
"For safety, I had allowed the harem guild to join me in the palace. So far there was nothing wrong. During the Tainted Sun, my guards found that something happened inside my palace! The demons attacked and took some girls from my harem; they also slew some of my guards. Before they managed to get out, Griez's men quickly blocked them and drove them back to the cellars. I'm afraid the girls that the demons took would have a grisly end…" As Jerhyn stopped, Drognan explains to them.
"As far as I know, Lut Gholein before was a Vizjerei stronghold during T'al Rasha's time. It was said that Horazon had exiled himself here after the Mage War, even he has isolated himself further by creating his own haven, the Arcane Sanctuary!" Zylene cuts in,
"Arcane Sanctuary? I thought it was only a legend …"Akivsha followed the mage's story with interest,
"It was found out that the door to Arcane Sanctuary was beneath the palace," Drognan continued, "Horazon made his haven in order to avoid the Three's vengeance. Demons, who entered it, would be lost forever inside…but they have found a way out now! Warriors, you have to find on how to close the Arcane's door forever. Horazon might have left some clue on how to do it and you have to find the true Tomb of T'al Rasha at the same time!" For a moment, Drognan watched the staff that Zylene holds,
"I believe it was the Horadric Staff! Go, the staff would guide you to the Arcane!"
When they were treading into the cellar, it was a gruesome sight that greeted them. There were several corpses on the floor. Two of them were girls and the other was man. One girl was lying not far from them; her abdomen has been disemboweled. Another girl had her torso separated on the other side of the cellar. The man was impaled through his chest with a broken spear. Blood splattered everywhere, there was a writing scribbled in unknown language at the wall. Zylene noticed, those girls were younger than her or Aliza. She turned away her eyes. Akivsha surveyed on their surroundings, while Myrrick spread his sight.
In his mind, he thinks hard. His face became stony. He wondered, how many times had these sights repeated in his eyes? How many people have to die in the wake of Diablo's quest? As everyone stared at the sight, there was something huge lumbering behind Zylene. It was Myrrick who realized it first,
"Behind you!!" He warned Zylene, who managed to look behind. It was a huge creature. The body was muscular and heavy; the limbs were thick as a log. However, the creature's head was extremely small compared to its heavy body. It has lifting something like a club. When the creature bashed, the Zann-Esu avoided it swiftly. Screamed on top of her lungs, she swung her staff and whacked the creature's head. The creature itself managed to slip a grunt, before flopping dead.
"Damn, what is this thing?" Aliza muttered. Akivsha quickly answered it, "It was blundergore, or sometimes called 'mauler' or 'urdar'. Legends said that the creature might be the victim of an alchemist's experimentations…" Myrrick was amazed at the assassin's knowledge about the monsters. Meanwhile, Zylene had calmed herself from the attack.
"She's right," she said, "Before, these creatures were roaming free at Aranoch…sometimes they invaded the human settlements. Then the Vizjerei mages had put a magical barrier to prevent them. It happened during the eve of Mage War, after the Three had been confined into Soulstones…"
Then Myrrick said, "That's explain why the creatures like Sand Raiders, Claw Vipers, and now this one…appeared."
"It seems the barrier had been weakened after a long time…not to mentioned Diablo's arrival here." Aliza asked Zylene, "Does this have anything to do with Arcane Sanctuary?"
Unfortunately, it was Akivsha who answered her question, much to her irritation, "It means the Sanctuary have been breached! Horazon made his haven to keep the demons confined and lost. With the appearance of these demons in the Palace, I think the Sanctuary has no longer any power to restrain them or…someone had set them free,"
"I have to disagree," Zylene told her, "According to my elders, Horazon probably is still alive until now. He can't allow those demons to wrecked his work for a long time…" The assassin was quite displeased, and then she replied,
"Nobody lives forever, sorceress! Not even the almighty Horazon…then how could you explain the appearance of this one?" She pointed to the dead blundergore. Zylene simply gritted her teeth, after she heard it. Myrrick quickly interfered,
"That's enough! We knew that these demons came from Arcane Sanctuary…now we have to find out the door!" Nobody argued, as Myrrick continued to walk into another cellar. Not long enough, they found the ancient portal and decided to enter it.
Aliza shouted, "Damn, what is this thing?" They were looking at the surrounding. It was a vast empty space with a starry background. There were the platforms, which were connected by the staircases.
"It must be the Arcane Sanctuary!" Zylene hesitantly said,
"No doubt," Akivsha cuts in, "This was created by Horazon, when the Viz'jerei were still around!" Myrrick only shook his head,
"I don't understood about this 'dubroichant', druid's spells were only dealt with nature…Somehow this was beyond my understanding…" Suddenly, Aliza calls them,
"Look!" She pointed to a certain direction. Something was coming. From afar, it looks like flames, yet it has skeletal appearances. As it get closer, their features became clear. It was a group of glowing-like creatures. Zylene was shocked, when she saw them,
"Wraiths!" she shouted, "Beware, these creatures loves to suck our mana and blood dry! Don't let them touch you!!" The wraiths hissed terribly in one accord. Myrrick held his club and shield tightly, Aliza readies her bow and Zylene put a defensive stance. When the creatures were getting closer, Akivsha suddenly threw something. It exploded into a wave of fire and swallowed those ghastly creatures. Some managed to escape, only to be whacked by Myrrick and Zylene into oblivion.
After then, Myrrick turned to Akivsha. "What was it?" he asked her,
The assassin smiled, "It was the Wake of Fire, druid! I'm not dependent on the magical spells like others. These gadgets can produce the same effect as well as the spell, yet it was autonomous from us!" Then Myrrick took the gadget and examined it,
"It is hard to believe that this small thing can produce such a powerful magic…" Later, Zylene said something,
"Forgive me, miss! But in fighting the Lord of Terror and his brethren, we can't rely on these gadgets…they are stronger and more diabolical in magic…I don't think…" Before finished her words, Akivsha stared her with a penetrating look.
"That's not your concern, sorceress!" she said coldly, "It is my way, whether you like it or not!" As she left, Aliza began to complain,
"What a jerk! I wish you had not asked her to join us!" Myrrick sighed, before turning to the Zann-Esu. Zylene was quite stunned with Akivsha's rude words. She asked Myrrick,
"Am I doing something wrong?" Myrrick tried his best to comfort the young sorceress, "No, some people can't simply accept other opinions that differs from them. That's not your fault, Zylene!" She only nodded plainly,
"Come, we should find the way out!" Then they were following Akivsha. The inhabitants of Arcane Sanctuary were not the wraiths only, but include goat men and vampires. However, nobody could match them as long as they combine their fighting skills. But not for long, Aliza spotted a portal at the platform across them.
"Myrrick, look! A portal!" She stopped them, while pointing to the portal: "Why don't we go there?" Akivsha only smirked,
"Forget it! The portal is a fake!" Upon hearing the remark, Aliza was annoyed. From the beginning, the assassin always disagreed on whatever she or Zylene suggested,
She turned to her, "What is your problem? How did you know the portal isn't real?" Myrrick walked between them, just to keep them from fight each other,
Akivsha answered, "The portal wasn't like the one that we're passed before, it might be a trap to lead us further. Once you've passed it, there were another portal and…so on until you never find the way out," The others were silent, as she continues,
"However, I don't care if you want to pass through it! No wonder, the demons were lost here because they were so simple-minded like you." The sentence she spoke was intended to annoy Aliza, and it did!
"You @#$#!@#%! I'll teach you who is simple-minded!!" Before the rogue had a chance, Myrrick had already blocked her. "Let me go, Myrrick!! I shall give her the lesson that she will never forget!!"
The assassin taunted, "Oh, come on! I'm scared of you, little rogue!" Aliza struggles harder, as the taunt become intense. This is going out of control!! Before anything could happen, the druid shouted,
"ENOUGH, BOTH OF YOU!!" Instantly, the women were silent as Myrrick's eyes stared at them with some ferocity. Zylene wasn't saying anything. The only sound that can be heard was his breathing only. Myrrick was angry; nobody wanted to babysit them. The reason he came for was…Diablo! This petty squabble won't prevent him from fulfilling his objective.
"I am tired of both of you! Since we're started our journey, both of you have always been fighting like cat and dog!" he said, "From now on, if you are going to fight again you can forget our quest! Diablo would be happy to see us like this! Is that clear to both of you?" Aliza looked ashamed, while the assassin simply looks on. Then Aliza speaks,
"I'm sorry…I'll try to keep to myself," As she spoke, her eyes watched Akivsha with some disgust. The druid sighed, it would take time, and as long as they weren't killing each other it might be enough. He turned to Zylene,
"If Akivsha was right, we have to keep walking until we find something," The sorceress nodded in agreement; somehow she was pleased to not joining the quarrel. As Myrrick walked ahead, Akivsha and Aliza followed, while they were keeping the distance from each other.
Later, they arrived at the great platform that is connected with only one staircase. They entered carefully, and found someone in the midst of the platform. The man wore a horned hat and blue robe. He held a golden staff in his right hand. He turned to their direction, and greeted them warmly:
"Greetings, I'm Horazon, also known as the Summoner! I have known you all already," The man walked closer, "Like you, I have also fought the Three. I'd like to propose a friendship to you." Myrrick and Akivsha watched the Summoner warily, while Aliza was quite uneasy. Meanwhile, Zylene looks at him with some awe and respect. Then the magi turned to Myrrick,
"Myrrick of Scosglen, your deeds have been known widely! Why don't we join together?" Horazon persuaded, "We have you, rogue of the Sisterhood, sorceress from Zann-Esu clan and Viz'jaqtaar assassin! With your…my knowledge, you could catch Diablo and Baal easily!" Everyone but Akivsha, not managed to hide their surprise after the Summoner revealed their identities. Myrrick thought deeply. If they could get Horazon over their side, the quest would be over quickly.
"So, do you agree?" The druid didn't respond, he was trying to judge the situation. "That sounds like a nice proposal…however, I will think it over." Before he had a chance, Akivsha snapped already,
"Would you explain why we should join you?" The Summoner was silent after he heard her question. Zylene tried to break the ice,
"Mighty Horazon, would you help us? If so, we are indebted to you…" Again, the assassin cuts her in:
"I don't trust him! Don't be fooled with his words!" Impatient, Aliza stormed Akivsha. She quickly shouted in front of her,
"What is wrong? He just wants to help us!" But Akivsha ignored the rogue, instead turned to the Summoner. Her lips turned into a scowl,
"Really? Ask him how he knew us before we have introduced ourselves!" she said, while pointing to the mage. Myrrick, Zylene and Aliza turned at the same direction. The Summoner didn't answer the accusation; his grip on the staff became tighter. Akivsha continued,
"Let me guess! You had offered us your 'friendship' in exchange for our assistance to capture Baal and Diablo for yourself or something else… Am I right?" Myrrick quickly turned to her, "Akivsha, what is this? What do you mean?"
"The point is…he wants to keep us from the Tomb! Why didn't he give us the clue to the Tomb of T'al Rasha? Simple, because he was keeping something dirty! Is that correct, Summoner?"
Suddenly, the mage's face becomes hardened and his mouth formed a twisted smile. "Clever, indeed!" he spoke coldly. "I had hoped to keep all of you away! If I had succeeded to keep Baal inside T'al Rasha's body, I have nothing to fear! Do you think it was easy to be confined here with these filthy demons? Foolish T'al Rasha did believe my words that binding the Soulstone inside his body would render the Lord of Destruction harmless…"
"Since you already know my secret, I shall not allow all of you to go out alive!!" With a sudden move, the Summoner sends a blast of lightning to them. That knocked Aliza and Myrrick out. Zylene quickly put the Energy Shield before the next attack comes. The barrier was shook as the attack hit it squarely. Akivsha jumps to avoid another attack, and she threw several Charged Bolt traps. Instantly, those gadgets released powerful electric charges, which have hit the Summoner.
He shrieked in an inhuman tone. Swarm of goatmen and wraiths came forward, and filled the stairs. Myrrick shouted loudly to them,
"Finish him! I'll try to keep them at bay!" He was transformed into a werebear and took out those demons with his claw. Meanwhile, Zylene began to counter the attack as she whirled the Horadric Staff,
"Firebolt! Charged Bolt!" From her staff, a fiery ball and a streak of lightning came out. It flew toward the Summoner, but was deflected harmlessly. She was surprised to know her attacks have failed. Her opponent quickly sent Blizzard upon her, a stream of freezing wind had struck her to the bone. Akivsha tried to strike the Summoner from behind; instead she got blasted with the Blizzard. Her traps were no longer shooting the current. Slowly but sure, the corrupt mage walked toward Zylene.
Meanwhile, Aliza began to wake up. She saw Myrrick was busy with the swarming enemy, while Akivsha almost chilled to death. The Summoner walked to Zylene with a victorious smile. Quickly, she took the arrow and prepares her bow, then points it to…
With a cruel smile, the Summoner watched his victim who had tried to free herself from chilling storm. What Zylene can do was use Warmth to keep his mana regeneration, but for how long?
"Give up, bitch! Your pathetic magic isn't a match for my strength!" he chided her. Zylene bit her lips; she can't allow this to happen! Not until she have proven herself as a sorceress! She gathered all that remains of her before speaking,
"I won't…lose!" The Summoner's smile faded, and then he has lifted his staff slowly but sure.
Zylene knew that he would use his best spell to end her life. She can only closed her eyes; avoid the worst. In her ears, his words was ringing,
"Say goodbye to your friend, Zann-Esu!" Suddenly someone shouted back to him,
"Try this!" An arrow whizzed to the mage's chest, almost knocked him backward. He watched Aliza in disbelief. The rogue released another arrow to his forehead point-blank. The horrible scream was heard throughout the sanctuary. A bolt of lightning escaped from the mage's eyes, ear, mouth and nose. Then he was exploded with a powerful burst. What remained of him were his hat, robe and staff. Instantly, the blizzard was gone. Akivsha managed to raise herself, while Aliza helped Zylene to stand. Meanwhile, Myrrick has returned to normal. The demons were gone after they watched their master's fate.
"Well, it serves him well!" Aliza sighed, as the others have composed themselves. Zylene only stared at the Summoner's remains. She was pondering, before saying something,
"Poor man, I hope he can found peace now! This is the danger of studying the Demonic Magic…" Coming from behind, the assassin replied with a bitter sarcasm,
"I rather call him a fool! It is useless to control the demons; instead he has been ended to serve their purpose! His soul would be tortured by the demons that he had controlled; there is no glory in it! " The sorceress was silent, in her heart she agreed to what Akivsha has said. Not interested to mourn the Summoner's fate, Myrrick wondered along the hall. Then he called the others,
"Hey, would you all come here! I've found something!" When they were coming closer, it was a bookstand with a journal on it. Zylene can't refrain her excitement,
"It was Horazon's Journal! This was written by himself!" She came forward and took the book into her lap. She opened the page gently and read intently. Then she was ready to tell them,
"The book told everything about Horazon during his exile, it also mentions how the Vizjerei set aside their differences to capture the Prime Evils and sealed their soul within the Soulstone," Akivsha impatiently brushed,
"Did it say about the location of Tomb of T'al Rasha?" Zylene's face turned red when she was asked about it,
"Eh, Horazon didn't mention it where is it exactly," she answered, "The only clue he had left was 'there were two among the six, only one tomb who bear the right sign'." At the same time, something glowing appeared at the wall. The various rune symbols! Zylene continues,
"The book says the six symbols represent all of the tombs at the Valley of the Magi, but only one, which is represented the Tomb of T'al Rasha. Horazon presumed that these symbols might be the right one," She showed them a crescent moon and a square symbol. Until this time, Akivsha can't hold her patience,
"Excuse me, but which one is the right symbol?" Before she got the answer, Myrrick had already gave his mind,
"Perhaps we should return to Lut Gholein at once, I don't think the Arcane Sanctuary is presents any dangers now. The Summoner is no longer here. About the symbols, let's hope Cain had the answers for that!"
Note: From now on, the story's point of view has been changed into a third person view. Give
your review about this. About the symbols of the tomb, I just followed the game since I
had played different characters and got the different symbols. Don't worry, other
characters will be appearing on 'Lord of Pain'. C u later!