Black Wolf and Red Bear
(Siege on Harrogath)
Karrath, two weeks later,
The cold, freezing wind blew from the north, but Akivsha didn't feel anything. She wore the bear fur atop her Natalya's Shadow. The assassin just examined the ruins of Karrath. The city has been completely razed to the ground. She turned to the impaled head beside her. The head has been scalped and skinned brutally. Meanwhile, Myrrick watched the pile of heads, which had been placed in front of the broken gate. He pondered the pained expression upon each faces. Akivsha called him.
"Baal have been here two weeks ago but his track are still fresh,"
The druid replied grimly. "He really lives up his name, Destruction. He didn't even spare anyone here…"
The assassin asked. "How far is Harrogath? We have to get there immediately…"
"One hundred twenty miles more… but I know the shortcut." Myrrick replied. "We can pass there without their knowledge." A thin vapor formed as Akvisha exhaled. She stared Myrrick with doubt.
"How can you be so sure? Baal's minion might put the roadblocks to the ways that going to the mountains…" Ignoring her protest, he answered impatiently,
"I was born here, okay! So I know this land so well…" As he departed from the ruined city, the assassin shouted.
"How about the others? Are you not worrying them at all?"
Slightly glanced back, Myrrick replied. "I wouldn't worry them so much. Orb'al is with them. We're going to meet them at Harrogath!" When the druid left, the assassin couldn't help to think. It seemed the druid was greatly changed after the battle against Diablo. He looked so distant now, like his mind was preoccupied with something else. She couldn't blame him for that. Perhaps, he still blamed himself for what happened to Aliza. Deep inside, Akivsha felt guilty.
I wish it was me who got hit by Diablo's attack, not Aliza…is he blames me as well? Then she followed him toward the west.
Without their knowledge, someone watched them. The yellowish eyes followed their movement intensively. Then a blurred black object followed them from behind…
-##-
Few miles from their place, Orb'al and Zylene trailed the steep path, while the necromancer and his minions followed them from behind. Like a mourning band, the Skeletons and the Oblivion Knights followed the band. Tha'el shivered, it seemed his Wolf pelt wasn't enough to prevent the cold. He exhaled plenty of vapors, and put his hands inside the cloak. His looks looked paler than usual. The sorceress has the same problem too. Suddenly, the barbarian put his bear pelt to her. Zylene was surprised with the act. She replied.
"Orb'al, you don't have to do this…"
The young barbarian said. "You need this more than me. I'll be fine; a barbarian must be able to endure anything. I have used to be with this kind of weather…" Zylene blushed, yet she inquired again.
"Is this your home? Why were you not speaking when we meet at first time?"
Orb'al spoke up."I was born at Sescheron, the capital city of the Barbarian Tribes. When I met with the paladin on the way to Kurast, I have taken an oath to not utter any words while outside the Highland. However, Baal's looming threat forced me to break the oath…" The Zann-Esu nodded only, before she said.
"Orb'al, I want to say my gratitude to you once again for saving my life at the sea." The barbarian replied without even turning to her.
"That's nothing. It is my obligation to help anyone who in need…" Then the necromancer broke their conversation.
"Hey, barbarian! Do you still have another pelt? I'm almost freezing to death here…"
Orb'al shouted back. "Why do you not ask your minions, necromancer? Perhaps they have something to spare for you…"
Tha'el grinned sarcastically."Ha…ha…ha! Do you think you're funny, don't you?" The barbarian merely let out a hearty smile, while the sorceress was silent. Zylene felt dejected inside,
Nothing? So he didn't feel anything to me? What about the kiss? Did he feel anything to me? Was I falling in love with a wrong person?
-##-
In other place, Caldash, Xelana and Deckard Cain were passing the plains. The amazon acted as a scout and a vanguard along the way, while the paladin guarded the Horadrim. After checked a few miles, she returned to them and reported.
"The coast's clear!"
Caldash asked. "Did you see the sign from others?"
The female warrior shook her head. "Negative, there is no sign from Myrrick and the others!"
Cain remarked. "Probably, they've gone ahead of us…it is already two weeks since we are coming out from the portal." The knight quickly helped him to sit; it was evident that Cain looked exhausted.
The Horadrim smiled, "Sorry for slowing you, warriors. Sometimes I'm not realize how old I am…it might been different if I was younger…"
Caldash joked. "Well, Cain! Even though you are young again, I still doubt you can beat us for this trek…" Both of them laughed, and then Cain said.
"Probably, Caldash!" As the old sage started to walk again, the paladin said.
"Cain, I will lift you up if you don't mind! By then, you can take a rest longer…"
The sage refused. "Come on, paladin! I could still walk…" Before they argued, Xelana broke them with a shout.
"Hey, can you two get here faster? We still have to walk very far!" Cain finally gave up, allowing Caldash carried him. They continued their travel…
-##-
Back to Myrrick and Akivsha, they had climbed to the eastern part of the mountain. Sometimes they have to be careful since the terrain was treacherous and filled with the jagged chasms. The druid helped the assassin passing the chasm. Few hours later, they arrived at the safer ground at the peak. The stoop trail could be seen below them; it was going to the Bloody Foothills. Suddenly, Akivsha heard something.
"Myrrick, do you heard something below?"
Myrrick immediately put his right hand close to his ear, "Yes, I heard it! It looks like many people are passing the trail below us and…I heard shouts, jeers and…"
"…crack of whip! You're right." The Assassin nodded. "Let's see who they are!" She hurriedly went to the direction of the sound, while the druid followed her hesitantly.
-##-
On the narrow, steep path, a band of demons trailed the road. The Minions pushed and dragged the heavy catapults, while the huge, gluttonous demon cracked his whip upon them. He cursed those creatures.
"Move, you're the good-for-nothing! We have to reach the city before sunset! If we're late, Lord Baal will have your ass for good! Move faster, I say!" The thong cracked painfully on the air. Grumbled inside, the Minions continued their labor; the Death Maulers walked along their side.
-##-
Above, Akivsha and Myrrick watched the band warily. Not for long, she whispered,
"Do you heard that, Myrrick? The demon mentions about a city; what do you think?"
The druid gritted his teeth, before he replied."No doubt, he talks about Harrogath. Down from this trail, it leads to the Bloody Foothills. Harrogath is located beyond those hills!"
The assassin suggested, "Then we have to stop them before they reach the city…"
Now Myrrick looked uneasily."Are you serious, Akivsha? There were many of them, and we're only two…"
Akivsha frowned upon the comment, and then asked sarcastically.
"Since when you have become afraid? I have a plan! Listen, the trail below us is very narrow. Thus…" The druid listened attentively to her plan.
-##-
The despicable band continued their travel to Harrogath, ready to bring the work of Destruction. Without warning, a pack of Wolves attacked their rear. They instantly threw a panic to those Minions. The Overseer bellowed,
"What is that? Just the wild dogs! Get back there, you idiots! Protect the catapults with all costs! Move!" Stirred by the whip, the hulking, squat-legged Minions rushed to face the Wolves. Before they finished, the Grizzly has attacked the front. The beast mauled those nearby. Once again, the Overseer shouted,
"Fools! Don't be afraid, it just only a bear! Get rid of the beast immediately!" The Death Maulers went forward. They quickly sent their tentacles underground, and jabbing the Grizzly from beneath. The bear moaned, but it did little to stop her. From the sky, a flock of ravens appeared and pecked the eyes of those demons. Soon enough, the situation has turned into pandemonium.
The Overseer tried to control the situation. "What is this? Only the birds! Get back here, you moron!" Sandwiched between the whip and the beasts, the Minions and Maulers went into confusion and ran wildly to avoid both. Some of them were falling over from the cliff, while the rest pushed the catapults to block the Wolves and Grizzly. While doing that, they ended in jamming each other and accidentally shove some of the siege machines into the cliff.
Watching that, the Overseer was livid with anger and started to beat his slaves mercilessly,"Idiots! Look what you have done! You just are throwing away the precious catapults! How do we besiege the city without them?" Someone shouted aloud.
"You'd better save your breath, demon! You won't need it soon!" Then Myrrick appeared in front of them. Though afraid inside, the Overseer cursed defiantly.
"Who are you? Nobody ordered Shenk the Overseer, old fool! Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!" Shenk cracked his whip again, and some Minions instantly scrambled over to attack the druid. Myrrick unsheathed the Isenhart's Lightbrand and sliced those demons apart. Later, he found out those demons were tougher than the one that he fought previously. A Minion was injured fatally by his attack, however when the Overseer whipped the injured Minion, the creature was whole again. The druid didn't like this development. Instantly, he commanded the Poison Creeper to inflict the serious injury upon those Minions.
Meanwhile, the Minions were facing Akivsha at their back. Casting Burst of Speed and Claws of Thunder altogether , the assassin was wreaking havoc upon her enemies. To add the defense, she has summoned the Blade Shield. Instantly, the sharp razors spin and whirl around her like a flock of angry sparrow. A Minion pushed his arm cluelessly, only to howl in pain as it returned to him as a stub. At the same time, Akivsha threw her Wake of Fire to the remaining catapults. The fiery waves came out and consumed those siege machines. Shenk became furious with the event.
"What? Yet another intruder at my back? Must I deal with you too?" Without wasting anything, the Overseer sent his remaining Minion to reinforce the rear. Then he cracked his whip again and again upon the Minions who has surrounded the druid. Slowly but sure, those demons somehow became swollen like balloons. Myrrick noted this development warily as the Minions tried to grab him. The event wasn't escape from Akivsha; she warned him.
"Myrrick, get out from here! They will explode upon you anytime!" Alarmed, the druid saw the Minions surrounded him from four directions and went closer. As they collided, they were exploded with a huge boom. Shenk watched with satisfaction, while the assassin shouted.
"Myrrick!" For a while, she has forgotten her fight. During that time, a Death Mauler managed to strike her right side with tentacles. Akivsha bit her tongue when she felt a tentacle pierced her side. Screamed furiously, she cut the unlucky demon into two halves. While the Overseer laughed raucously, the werebear came out from the explosion site. Its left side was limp. Shenk forced himself to look brave by swinging his whip.
"Pest! Let the whip teach you who the boss is!" When the whip cracked close, the werebear caught it with the right paw, and then pulled it away from the owner. Instantly, the demon turned pale and smiled sheepishly.
"Ehhehhe…I'm just kidding, little bear. Shall we call this off?" Instead listened to the nonsense, the transformed druid mauled the fat demon senselessly. Shenk screamed loudly as the claws tore his skin. The mere sight of that was enough to send the remaining Minions ran away and left the place. In midst of exhaustion, Myrrick reverted again to his human form. Before fell to the ground, he stabbed his sword to the Overseer's abdomen. However, the sword was sunk inside its fat, thus preventing its death. The assassin quickly took him, even though she was wounded too. She asked,
"Myrrick, are you all right?"
The druid answered hoarsely. "I'm fine, Joanna…" The name made Akivsha wondered.
Joanna? He has called me twice with the name. It must have something to do with his past… Dismissed that, she lifted the wounded druid and told him.
"We have done enough here. I believe Baal won't continue the siege without those catapults." They watched the charred siege machines along the road. Sometimes a wail or moan came from these infernal machines, maybe the tortured souls cursed to serve Lord of Destruction. As they watched the burned catapults, Shenk rose again. Though severely injured, the Overseer still has strength to pull the sword out from his body and walked silently behind them. He spat with a vengeful smirk,
"You old bastard! I shall send you to death together with that little bitch…" Before he managed to swing the Lightbrand upon its owner, something black struck him like lightning and he screamed with a blood-curdling scream. The druid and the assassin turned back and saw a black werewolf tore the Overseer alive. Shenk's scream was abruptly end when the werewolf ripped open his fat belly and greedily ate the innards inside. Though used to see bloodshed many times, Akivsha was unable to endure the sight in front of her eyes. In a short time, nothing was remained from Shenk and the werewolf howled victoriously. Then it turned the attention to them, especially the druid. Its yellowish eyes stared Myrrick with untold fury. Suddenly the druid called.
"Black Wolf…Ren'nar…" The beast answered him with a howl, while the assassin was ready for the worst. However, the werewolf merely left them, but not without taking the Isenhart's Lightbrand and vanished among the snows. Akivsha turned to the druid.
"Myrrick, the werewolf…"
Myrrick cut her. "Let it be! We must go to Harrogath right away; I believe I would see my sword there…" Then the pair left the place, as the ravens ate what left from the Overseer.
-##-
In another place, Orb'al's band still trailed to the Frigid Highlands. Then the flying arrows struck Tha'el's minions dead, and followed by another. Alarmed, the necromancer shouted.
"We 're under attack! Take cover!" Instinctively, they took cover inside the nearby cleft. Zylene asked.
"What's happening?"
The sorcerer answered. "We have been under attack! I don't know who is attacking us…they attacked my minions."
"By whom? Baal?"
The barbarian disagreed."This path is not known to anyone, save the few select!"
Tha'el mocked. "Oh, yeah! Now everyone know it, including us!" Orb'al glared the necromancer, then said.
"I don't think Baal's minions find us here, probably someone mistook us as him, because your minions…" Then a howling sound came from far. The barbarian listened it carefully, before the Zann-Esu asked.
"Is it the wolf's howl, Orb'al?"
The barbarian shook his head. "No, it isn't an ordinary howl! It is the signal from the Shadow Wolf Tribe." Once again, the necromancer remarked dryly.
"Great, now you have become a linguist!"
Suddenly Orb'al pulled him closer and stared deeply, while saying.
"Keep your minion from attacking! If not, I won't guarantee your safety…"
Tha'el nodded nervously."S-sure, as you wish!" Throwing Tha'el back to the ground, the barbarian howled with a certain tone. At the same time, the necromancer gestured the Skeleton Warriors and the Oblivion Knights to not return the attack.
Not for long, another howl came. Tha'el asked fearfully."W-what did it say?"
Orb'al explained to others. "They're the Sons of Harrogath! They asked me if I am a friend or a foe, and I answer them that we are their friends, including your minions…they will come soon," In front of them, several cloaked figures came out from the snow. Zylene saw that they were surrounded completely, yet the barbarian was calm. Then one among those people moved forward, facing the young barbarian. The man opened his cloak and revealed himself as an elderly warrior. His face looked gaunt and battle-hardened, while the eyes was penetrating. The white beard and hair adorned his appearance, and he wore a golden-hued armor with a broadsword behind him. The others opened their cloak, revealing themselves as the barbarian warriors.
"I am Qual-Kehk who in charge of Harrogath's defense!" He said with a bass voice. "Who are you, young warrior?" Orb'al returned the salute and introduced himself.
"I'm Orb'al from Sescheron, and these people are my friends!"
He pointed to Zylene and Tha'el. "She is Zylene of the Zann-Esu, while he is Tha'el the Rathma. Both of them are coming from the East to aid us in our fight against Lord of Destruction…" Qual-Kehk watched them with certain suspicion, but then he turned back to the barbarian with a pitying stare.
"So you don't know about the news? Before coming here, Baal has been at Sescheron first. It seems he took the city by surprise. He didn't left any survivors…I'm sorry for that, warrior," The Zann-Esu shocked to hear that. However, the barbarian looked grim and deathly silent. Qual-Kehk decided to divert the topic.
"Outsiders, eh? It seems it wasn't only for the people of Arreat only…I didn't hope someone will send us reinforcements, since those demons has isolated us completely…" The great warrior sighed.
"My men are getting thinner… for now we just repel the first wave of the attack. Only gods know how long we could stand…it seems I can use some of your help, including…the Undead," Tha'el grinned only upon the comment.
The sorceress said again. "There were many of us who coming…probably they were on the way." Qual-Kehk nodded wearily.
"Probably, if they can pass the siege…now let me to invite you inside our city! This place is too dangerous for us to stay." Orb'al turned to the sorceress and nodded. Zylene smiled only. Before they followed the warriors, Qual-Kehk turned to the necromancer and warned.
"There is one thing you should remember, sorcerer! I am inviting you only, not your minions! So, you'd better keep them on your eye or my men would gladly treat them as the target practice before Baal overrun us together! Is that clear?"
The necromancer smiled nervously. "Loud and clear, sir!" Then they left the path immediately as the sun began to set at the west.
-##-
Meanwhile, Caldash's band reached the Frigid Highland from the west. As far as anyone concerned, there was no problem until Xelana gestured them to stop. The paladin came to her.
"What is wrong, Xelana?"
The amazon whispered. "I smell the stench of death and demons…it is like in the Burning Hell,"
Cain said worriedly. "Then we are already too late…"
Caldash calmed them all. "Not yet, Cain. We have to check it first before we accept our fate. Show the way, Xelana…" Then they crept to the nearest mound and peeked to below. The entire highland has been transformed into a huge battlement.
It was cris-crossed by trenches, stones, towers and moats. Bodies sprawled everywhere; even some of them already rotted or bore the torture marks. Fire lit several places. Caldash saw there was a company of demons that watching around. Before the battlefield, the stonewalled city stood defiantly. When he returned, Xelana asked.
"What did you see?"
The paladin replied. "I think Harrogath is still standing and Baal hasn't taken it yet…" He pondered."…but we still have to pass the remaining demons there. It seems they were assigned to keep the siege…"
The amazon suggested, "Why don't we strike them hard and fast?"
Cain protested."No, they might sound a warning to warn the others! I'm afraid Baal isn't far from here…" Both of them turned to the paladin.
Xelana asked. "What do you think, holy knight?"
Caldash was silent.
-##-
Few hours later, Myrrick and Akivsha have reached the city just before the dusk sets in. They also saw the battlement, yet it was devoid of anything alive now. Silently, they passed around the place, trampling some corpses.
At that time, the assassin commented.
"I think Baal couldn't take the city at the first try. I can see some fresh corpses here…even so, it is amazing that the city still standing until now."
Myrrick replied. "The Sons of Harrogath won't surrender easily. They would rather dead than give up…" Then he stopped; his act made Akivsha puzzled.
"Is there something wrong?"
The druid shook his head, instead he grinned, "Now I know the reason why Lord of Destruction couldn't take the city; it was protected by a Druidic ward!" The assassin was surprised, before she confirmed her companion's explanation.
"You're right! There is a ward there, even more powerful than what Hratli did at Kurast Harbor. Were your people the one who erect such ward here?"
Myrrick shrugged his shoulders. "No, the Barbarian elders also know how to put the magical ward and I know one of them…for my people, I don't think they are willing to do this. The Druids has been exiled for millennia from the Highland…" Akivsha still wanted to ask more, but she decided to against it. Then they continued their walk to the city.
When they were close at the gates, Myrrick let out a bear growl. The assassin was puzzled with the action. Realized her confusion, he explained.
"It is our habit to communicate with the beast sounds. I'm coming from the Bear Tribe, so I have to introduce myself with roar and growl. It also useful to identify between the Highlanders and non-Highlanders…"
Akivsha commented. "Nice custom. Who taught you that?"
The druid explained. "Our ancestors, Bul-Kathos and Fiacla-Gear! Forefathers of the Barbarian and Druid tribes…" Then the iron bars were pulled up and the gates were opened. They immediately entered inside Harrogath; the gates closed again as they passed.
Inside, people and warriors alike surrounded them. Some of them watched the druid with fear, reverence and hesitation. Then the crowd opened the way for someone before them. Myrrick was shocked beyond reason when he saw the person. It was a tall, black-haired man. He didn't look so bulky like the druid, yet his unkempt black-grey hair covered his forehead. A black goatee adorned his chin. He also wore a black-colored wolf pelt and a necklace of bones at his neck. His eyes looked wild, almost like a beast. Instantly, Akivsha remembered to the black werewolf, which they saw earlier. Myrrick watched the man without any expression. Finally, he said.
"It has been awhile, Black Wolf…"
The black-haired druid smiled with sneer, "Yes, it is a long time indeed! You have returned here finally, Red Bear," Then they went closer to each other until they stared face-to-face. The crowd instantly distanced themselves, while the assassin stood watching. Then the black druid spoke again.
"I think this is belongs to you…Red Bear!" He threw the Isenhart's Lightbrand to the ground, much to Akivsha's dismay. Suddenly, the black druid punched Myrrick right at the nose. When his opponent stunned, he lunged and kneed the stomach with his knee. Myrrick groaned and fell to the ground, yet the Black Wolf yanked his auburn hair and pulled him up, while shouting angrily.
"You were not supposedly coming back here, Red Bear! Because of you, she was dead now! Don't you realize it, ha?" Though bleeding, the old druid didn't fight and then he spoke.
"I know…it was my fault! However, I had to come here to fulfill her last wish." The black druid screamed wildly before sending another kick to Myrrick's face.
"Liar! When she decided to ask your help, I already know she won't be back alive! Do you satisfy with that, ha?" Then he jumped to his opponent and punched him furiously like a punching bag. Unable to see such thing, the assassin sent Dragon Tail, which sent Black Wolf sprawling away from his victim. Before he arose, she has pointed her Suwayyah close to his chin.
Akivsha hissed, "I will kill you if you touch him again…"
Myrrick warned."Akivsha, no…" As she turned back, the black druid moved with an inhuman swiftness and twisted the assassin's arm to the point of breaking, which made she gritted in pain. She tried to move her left arm, but he locked her in a tight grip. Myrrick gritted his teeth in anger, as he saw it. Black Wolf leaned closer to Akivsha, while staring his opponent.
"Well, look what we find…you already have another consort, Red Bear. I wonder if this make her turned upside down in her grave…" Then he licked the assassin's face and ear with his tongue. Akivsha shuddered disgustedly as the salivated tongue passed her skin.
"Hmm, she's tough but looks sweet…probably she's reminded you with her…"
Myrrick growled. "Stay away from her, Ren'nar! If you touched her…" At that point, Qual-Kehk came among the crowd. He was accompanied by a bulky youth. Instantly he boomed with a loud voice.
"What's going on here?" The sound distracted the black druid momentarily, but enough for the assassin to turn the table. Instantly she brought her right foot to her captor's groin. Black Wolf has slackened his hold, while howled in pain. With a sudden movement, she swung her Suwayyah in horizontal slash, yet the black druid was fast enough to avoid it. The necklace of bones fell on the ground. He quickly touched his neck where a reddish streak appeared there.
Qual-Kehk stared him. "Black Wolf, is it your doings?" The black druid stared Myrrick and Akivsha, before he said nonchalantly.
"Nothing, Qual-Kehk…just settle some old business between us," The veteran warrior didn't bought that; he singled out Black Wolf with a stern tone.
"Let me remind you, Black Wolf! No matter how grateful we are with your help, you still had to obey me! There were enough problems here without you adding it. So, watch your attitude before I kick you out from my city no matter what! Understood?" The black druid didn't answer; instead he took his fallen necklace only. Meanwhile, the others have appeared as well. Caldash and Orb'al helped Myrrick back, while Zylene asked the assassin.
"Are you all right?" Akivsha wiped her face, while staring coldly to Black Wolf.
She replied. "I'm fine…"
Tha'el commented dryly. "Well, I think I've missed the party again…"
Xelana followed with a smirk to the assassin. "I have to admit that was very unpleasant thing to happen…"
Cain quickly asked the druid.v"Myrrick, are you all right? We almost worried you…" Myrrick wiped the blood from his nose, before he stared to his rival, who merely pointed back.
"I'll see you later…" Then the black druid went to another direction.
The Horadrim asked. "Who is he?"
The druid answered tiredly."My ghost from the past…" While they still fixing themselves, Qual-Kehk and the young man came. The warrior shook his head with amazement.
"Well, a druid is difficult to deal with; now we have another! What a busy day today…!"
Myrrick quickly apologize. "I'm sorry for that, Brave Qual-Kehk…" Qual-Kehk immediately silenced him.
"That's all right! I've heard the stories about both of you and I didn't wish to know that further. Truthfully, I need all help that I can get to keep the city intact. Though we didn't have a proper accommodation, we'll try what we can…" Then he introduce the young man.
"Here is our blacksmith, Larzuk! He is young and hot-headed, but he can produce the best weapons for you!"
Larzuk nodded with pride, "I can help you what I can, but of course, depends what your actions…" He continued.
"I wonder if there is tomorrow for us, when Shenk has returned with his catapults…"
Akivsha quipped."You don't have to worry about him anymore; the demon is already dead! The catapults won't coming here…" Suddenly the young blacksmith beamed.
"Is that true? Then forgive me for misjudge you, strangers! You can ask anything you want in my armaments! With discounts, of course!"
Qual-Kehk quickly turned down the enthusiasm. "It is too early to celebrate, Larzuk. Baal still has plenty to spare; it just like a mosquito bite for him. Beside his army of destruction still intact and growing ever larger," Then Caldash said.
"Don't ever lose hope, elder! The Light shall show us the way amidst the darkness…"
The druid followed. "That's right! We'll help what we can!" Before the great warrior could spoke, someone greeted Myrrick happily.
"Myrrick, is that you? I can't believe it!" From another direction, a young girl appeared and ran toward the druid. She wore a brown fur coat. Her hair was black-raven. Without thinking, she hugged and kissed Myrrick like an old friends. Zylene gasped in amazement, while Akivsha frowned upon the scene. Coughed, Qual-Kehk said.
"Well, I had spoken enough for today! Anya will accompany you to your places...I have some business to attend right now." As he left, Larzuk also went to his forges.
The druid spoke excitedly. "Anya! Is that you?" He put her down and said, "Twenty years ago, you're just a little girl who loves to sneak behind me…and now you're already a girl…" The black-haired girl giggled only.
"Of course, it has been a long time! Nice to see you back, Myrrick…" The red-haired druid felt young again when he saw her.
He asked again. "Where are your father and mother? I like to meet Elder Aust…" Upon that, the young girl's face fell.
"Both of them have been died, Myrrick…my mother passed away prior to Baal's invasion. She has foreseen the event and it crushed her to death. For my father, he has sacrificed himself to put the ward together with other elders…thus exposing themselves to the danger,"
Hearing the news, he said. "I'm sorry, Anya. My condolences…"
The girl continued."Even so, the demons tried hard to break the ward. Qual-Kehk was overwhelmed by the continuous attack. During that time, Ren'nar came to help us…he always raiding those demons alone." Now everything was clear for Myrrick. Not for long, another person came… a thin old man. His worried face filled with wrinkles, especially the forehead. He has a scarcely white hair, while his posture looked bent. The man also wore a blue-gray garment like the Barbarian elders wore. When he spoke, the wheezing sound came.
"Ahh, it has been a long time, my dear. How long? Twenty?"
The druid recognized the man and said."Nihlathak, you're here too?" The elder smiled, though it looked like a smirk for Akivsha.
Nihlathak replied sadly."Such unfortunate that you choose this dire time to return…when the destruction threatens all of us," Slowly, he turned to Anya who looked disgusted.
"Alas, I wasn't so lucky as my fellow elders… Ord Rekar and Aust. They've given up their lives to give the spare time for the city, but for how long?"
Anya shouted back."You should be ashamed for yourself, Nihlathak! My father has sacrificed his life, but you…just like a scowling, cowardly dog…wandering around the city to break everyone's spirit…"
Nihlathak shook his head wearily."My…my…dear Anya, what do you want me to do? Follow my departed fellows? I don't even know why those demons spared me…probably I'm just lucky…" Before the girl spoke again, the druid quickly intervene.
"Nihlathak, I'm grieved with the death of Anya's father. However, I believe we still can use your expertise…I'm looking forward for that…" The elder snickered only.
"Well, I'll see that too, if we're still have a time…"After that, he left them alone.
"It is a mistake to trusting that creep, Myrrick! I don't trust him very much…after he did nothing to convince Qual-Kehk about my father's plan…" Anya spat with disgust.
The druid replied. "Anya, we have to keep together in this time! Probably we could benefit something from him…"
Suddenly he remembered something and immediately turned back to the others.
"Anya, I would like you to meet my companions!" Myrrick introduced, "Here is Zylene the Zann Esu," The sorceress smiled gently.
"He is Caldash the Paladin from Kurast and beside him is Tha'el the Rathma…" Caldash gave a gentle shake, while the necromancer merely nodded. They moved to Xelana.
"She is Xelana the Amazon…and here is Orb'al…"
The barbarian introduced himself."I'm coming from Sescheron…"
Anya said sympathetically, "I'm very sorry with your loss…"
Orb'al nodded only. Last, they came to Akivsha.
"Her name is Akivsha, Anya. She's an assassin from the Order of Viz'jaqtaar…"
Anya watched both of them long enough and blurted,
"How long both of you have been together?" The assassin's face flushed red and the druid facefaulted. Everyone there was smiled or laughed inside.
He asked,
"Why did you asking that Anya?"
The black-haired girl smiled.
"Come on, Myrrick! I'm not a child anymore. I watched what happen between you and Ren'nar awhile ago…you looked so distraught…"
Myrrick quickly countered her."Er, no…that because I was afraid Ren'nar might hurt anyone…beside we're not…"Akivsha replied simultaneously with him.
"…lovers…" They were stunned after saying that. Slowly, the assassin controlled her composure and asked.
"It seems you're knowing him better, girl. Was I right?"
Now it was Anya's turn to blush. She quickly replied, while waving her hands.
"No, you've got misunderstood here, miss. Myrrick and I didn't have any relationships, except we're friends when I was little. Not only that, he was once my crush…" Tha'el whistled upon that saying.
The black-haired girl continued,
"Believe me, miss…I'm only a friend. Beside, I have someone else already…" She glanced to Larzuk, without anyone knew it.
Finally, the druid lifted his hand in exasperation. "Okay, it is better we've stopped here! Anya, can you show us the place for rest?"
She nodded."Sure, I'll bring you to Malah's place…probably you can help her to tend the wounded. Follow me!" They followed her to the place.
The assassin turned to him. "Friends, huh? It seems you have many memories here…"
Myrrick answered sullenly.
"The memories I wish to forget…there is no joy here…" Akivsha merely stared the druid meaningfully,
Probably there is no difference between both of us…
-##-
Eastward from Mount Arreat,
At the nearby glacier, the vast encampment stood there as the choking, black smoke billowed out there. From above, the surface was looked red and alive. Hordes of demons were everywhere and gathered here, they almost like a horde of busy ants, walking back and fro. The great numbers of them continuously came out from the Pit of Acheron and Abadon. Hammers thudded endlessly inside the forges, plumes of vapor steamed from vents. Those forges produced the armaments for the army of destruction, including the catapults.
The Overseers rounded the Minions that they could find, driving them to do Baal's dark bidding. The imps were everywhere, sometimes played like children. At the same time, the Siege Beasts went back and fro, while kept in check inside their corral before the smithies put the armored plate upon their backs. In other place, some imps were having fun by putting helpless prisoners beneath a Putrid Defiler. Screams, curses and laughter was heard when the pain worms entered the prisoners' head through their ears. The Blood Lords were drunk with their foul brews, while the Reanimated Hordes lumbered mindlessly around the encampment. Probably the forces were small in comparison with those who had been mustered to besiege the gates of the High Heavens, yet Lord of Destruction had enlisted them for a single purpose…conquest of the mortal plane.
Dargash ran hurriedly toward the largest tent in the middle. The tent was bathed with an eerie, red light. The Succubi and Stygian Furies hovered around the tent like a swarm of vultures. The Moon Lord entered inside without thinking twice.
Inside, the entourages surrounded the last Prime Evil, somehow they were having a pleasant time. Colenzo the Annihilator and Ventar the Unholy had took their own escorts. Behind Lord of Destruction, Demonia was massaging him. The spider-like legs seemed didn't prevent him to have his pleasure. He exchanged kiss with the young demoness and their lips locked together.
Then Dargash burst into the tent, shouting."My Lord, I have…"
His speech was halted, as a scythe-like claw closed to his throat. The dinosaur-like demon pulled the claw, which appeared from its bony plates covered its body, including the skull. Additional limbs came out from both sides. The demon was intimidating enough with its own height. Smiled, it showed its razor-sharp teeth to the Moon Lord. Then Lord of Destruction waved his hand.
"Lister, put down your blade. I believe Dargash has something to say…" A look of annoyance was evident on the demon's face. Slowly, the Minion of Destruction lowered his blade away. Dargash growled, before he cleared his throat and continued.
"I'm afraid I have a bad news, my Lord. The siege on Harrogath has been broken." Everyone was silent, turning to their master. However, Baal merely gestured the Moon Lord to continue.
"Go on…"
"Shenk has been killed and all the catapults were destroyed. Another thing, the troops that I've dispatched to guard there, have been decimated…" Lord of Destruction didn't show anything on his face as he asked.
"Is it the Black Wolf's doing?"
Dargash shook his head nervously."No, my Lord! It seems the warriors who had killed Lord Mephisto and Diablo has finally coming here…our scouts confirmed that,"
Instantly Baal frowned darkly, and then he shouted.
"Everybody but Dargash, Lister and Demonia, get out!" The demons obeyed the order, while the old demonlord wiped clean the table and put the map of the Sanctuary. Everyone there was ready to hear.
Baal opened the conversation, "So far, we have destroyed all the cities around the mountain, including the capital city. Except this one…" He pointed to a single dot with name of 'Harrogath'.
Dargash spoke up. "I've sent my forces to storm the gate, yet we're unable to break it no matter how hard we tried…"
Baal scowled. "Of course, you can't! They had put the Druidic ward to stop us…those damned elders!" Lord of Destruction allowed a sinister smile then.
"But it won't be our problem anymore, once my plan has worked…" He turned his thin finger to another side of the map, 'Scosglen' was written upon it.
"I want one of you to bring some of our forces to here." He continued."Raze the place to the ground…"
The Moon Lord replied hesitantly."The Minions says the place is haunted…"
As the response, the demonlord broke the table with his fist.
"Haunted or not, I want the place to be leveled to the ground! Those people could be a headache, if we didn't deal with them sooner…" Suddenly, the demoness caressed his cheek seductively.
"Darling, let me do that…"
Gently, Baal said. "My dear, let Dargash or Lister does this. The mission might be hard for you…"
Demonia put herself upon her Lord's lap and insisted.
"No, my Lord! I want to do this by myself! The druid has killed my mother; therefore it is fair that his people will pay with their blood…"
Baal sighed and finally said."If you insists, I won't object. However, Lister will be with you to oversee that…" Then he turned to the Moon Lord.
"Dargash, I send you to retrieve the prisoners at the Frigid Higlands. Is that all right for you?" The demon bowed, though he managed to exchange glance with his rival.
"Yes, my Lord!" He dismissed Dargash and Lister, while Demonia hugged him lovingly. A twisted smile formed upon his lips.
"Soon the Heart of the World shall be mine!" A terrible, ghastly laugh echoed along the mountains…
Author's note: Phew, this is the first chapter of the sequel (If you can call this one so…) Probably I might postpone another chapter due to the studies. I had added some reference here, thanks to .net. Anyway, send your reviews (or flames) if you like. Just wait for the next chapter 'The Siege of the Highland'. See you there!