The Bear and The Wolf

by randh13th

Baal finally has arrived at the Highland and began to spreading havoc and destruction. Will our heroes arrive in time?

3. The Siege of The Highlands

Day Two, Harrogath,

Myrrick leaned to the wall silently, pondering his recent meeting with Ren'nar, Anya and Nihlathak. He wondered whether his decision to return was right. He didn't like to dig the memories back. However, Baal's threat loomed before them. The druidic ward could stand for years, but can it stand against the forces of the Burning Hell forever? Soon or later, Lord of Destruction would find the way to get the Worldstone. Once it was done, that would be the end of Sanctuary. A feminine voice interrupted his thought.

"It is early morning, were you not tired doing this?" The druid turned and saw the assassin behind him.

He joked lightly."Can't take the silence, eh?" Akivsha still poker-faced, before she suggested.

"Then why don't you tell a story? Perhaps why Black Wolf hates you enough …"

Myrrick's face turned sullen, before he said:"You don't want to hear it…"

The short-cropped woman smiled."Try me." Sighed heavily, he began his story.

"Many years ago, I was coming to Scosglen to learn the druidic art from Master Jo'taala. During my apprenticeship, I befriended a youth from the Shadow Wolf Clan…I believe you have guessed who is he."

"Ren'nar…or Black Wolf."

The druid nodded."Eventually, we had become close friends, perhaps too close…the fact that I came from the Bear Clan don't change our friendship. He even introduces me to his clan. Soon it grew into a healthy competition. At the end of our training, we have chosen the different path. I chose the Way of the Bear, while he followed the Path of the Wolf. Hence, people nick-named us 'Red Bear and Black Wolf' due to our hair colors…"

Akivsha cut him."Then how come your friendship turned into sour?"

He continued."Probably this was the test that the Ancestors gave to both of us. It had started with coming of a beautiful maiden from the Crane Clan named Joanna. Her father had betrothed her with me in order to strengthen the clan! I was very young and hot-blooded at that time. I was so in love, failing to notice that Ren'nar loved her as well. Knowing that he wouldn't have a chance to best me, he resorted to flattery and deception. Even he involved his father to intimidate Joanna's father. As a result, my engagement was cancelled and Joanna was engaged with Ren'nar…to add insult to injury, he asked me to be his best man at his wedding…".

Then Myrrick continued, his voice trailed. "But it is not the end of all. While in the wedding, I had to watch Joanna along with my bestfriend-turned-rival. Her face was very sad, but she has no choice. I was powerless to watch the procession. Once finished, I stormed out of the party and drank as I could. Then a group of Shadow Wolf Clan mocked me. In my anger, I…was transformed into a werebear and mauled them apart. I didn't remember anything afterward. However, I was shocked to found out that Joanna's father and Ren'nar youngest brother were among them…and their blood was upon me!" With horror, Myrrick covered his face, unable to continue his story. Akivsha immediately hugged the druid. Realizing that, he forced himself to continue.

"I was captured by none other than Ren'nar himself. He was furious and demand vengeance for his little brother, while his newly-wedded wife was heart-broken! If not for Master Jo'taala, I would executed. Instead they brought my case to the tribal council. My father preferred exile, while Ren'nar's father wanted death penalty. When the votes were cast, it was a tie. Only one vote needed and it came from…Joanna herself to represent her clan. I expected her to sentence me death penalty…"

The assassin asked. "What does she vote?"

"She sentences me to exile!" Myrrick said. "I had to leave the Highland and never return again…inside I know I deserve this. I have killed her father and the punishment was just…" Inhaled deeply, the druid sighed.

"Twenty years later, she came with a delegation in order to persuade me return to against the Prime Evil. I have learned that she was having argument with Ren'nar about my situation and yet she persisted. Had I answered her sooner, she doesn't have to die…Ren'nar was right, it was my fault…"

Akivsha replied."No, Myrrick! It wasn't! Joanna came to you by her own choice; she believed that you were the only one who could help the people against the Prime Evil! You have nothing to do with her death, it was Diablo who killed her and you have avenged her…"

Myrrick said weakly. "You are really like Joanna, Akivsha…"

To this, the assassin gritted her teeth."I am what I am! Don't compare me with others!" Then someone called them from below; it was Anya.

"Myrrick! Akivsha! Come down, something happened to Sir Caldash!"

-##-

Inside Malah's place, Caldash sat cross-legged, while his eyes closed. Zylene, Xelana and Tha'el watched him with mixed expression. The barbarian stood nearby. Xelana touched the paladin's nose and remarked.

"I thought he was sleeping, then I found out he doesn't breathe at all…"

The necromancer added. "Well, he looks dead for me…do you want me to summon his soul?" His initiative immediately earned Orb'al bark.

"Stop dabbling with your black magic!"

The thin man glanced with displeasure, before he hissed. "Now that's rude…you should apologize for that!" The warrior pulled his axe, while the sorcerer unsheathed his dagger. However the amazon quickly pushed them apart, shouting.

"Boys! We might have a dead people here and please don't add another…"

Suddenly the sorceress commented. "I think Caldash was in trance…"

The three shouted simultaneously."Trance?"

The Zann-Esu nodded. "Yes, as far as I know, Caldash was receiving a vision! I have seen this many times during my training in Zann-Esu,"

Tha'el cut her, much annoyance to the barbarian."Ah, yes! That's what I want to say awhile ago, if your boyfriend doesn't interfere…"At that time, Myrrick and Akivsha had entered the place with Anya and Qual-Kehk. The grizzled warrior asked.

"Was he all right?" Orb'al quickly explained to them what actually happened. As they talked, the paladin suddenly opened his eyes.

Zylene exclaimed. "Caldash is awake!" Everyone turned to him instantly, surrounding the holy knight.

The druid asked. "Caldash, are you all right?" The knight nodded, though his face showed troubled expression and then he said.

"I have received visions…those disturbing visions indeed."

Curious, Anya asked. "What kind of visions?"

Caldash explained."Baal has preparing his army for another attack…" Before he finished his sentence, Qual-Kehk growled in displeasure.

"Surely, he will attack this city again…I'll prepare my men immediately," Before the warrior left, the paladin shook his head.

"No, he wasn't attacking Harrogath this time, but another place!"

Akivsha inquired. "Did you see what place is that?"

Rising from from his position, the knight pondered. "The location was vague for me…I could only see pine forest, huge oak tree and…mortarless stone towers." Myrrick looked distraught after heard the knight's explanation; he shouted.

"Túr Dúlra…Glóran-Fháidha…Baal will attack Scosglen…he will attack my people!" Everyone surprised to hear that. Worried, Anya asked.

"Myrrick, are you sure?" The druid didn't answer; instead he turned to Caldash, demanding confirmation. The black knight stared him back and answered firmly.

"The holy vision never lies…unfortunately I don't know what happened to your people. I'm sorry, Myrrick! Not only that, there is another vision I have received. Brave Qual-Kehk, I saw your men surrounded and herded by the demons…"

The veteran cringed to hear those words."You saw them alive…there is hope then! Probably we can rescue them before the demons slaughters them all."

Anya protested."But…Qual-Kehk, Myrrick's and Ren'nar's place were under attack! You must send some help there…" The aged warrior turned to her, before he answered without mincing his words.

"Anya, we barely keep the city intact, much more helping the distant people! I prefer to help my men first…" He turned to the auburn-haired druid, "Was it not the otherwise? Your people should help us, since they didn't suffer Baal's attack at the first…"

Myrrick announced."In that case, I will go there by myself!"

-##-

Without wasting time, Myrrick brought plenty of rejuvenation potions from Horadric Cube and asked Larzuk to repair his weapons and armor. His companion watched in amazement, and Xelana didn't wait to express her mind.

"This is crazy! You can't expect us to fight the whole army! You will killed yourself!"

The druid replied."Who says we? I only say it is I who going there…"

The amazon looks unconvinced. "Still, this wasa crazy plan! You're going to die! Believe me!"

Akivsha chimed sarcastically."Since when you become so pessimistic, Xelana?"

Gritting her teeth, the blond woman warrior answered."I just to be realistic! Even you have to acknowledge that there is no hope to fight an army…"

The assassin shrugged her shoulder."I know, but nothing can stop Myrrick, am I right?" She went closer to the druid and said. "That's why I joined you as well…"

Myrrick immediately said. "You don't have to go with me, Akivsha…"

The assassin put her finger at his lips."Hush, it is my decision…I won't regret it! If you go, then I go too!" The druid couldn't say anything, while Xelana shook her exasperatedly.

"Both of you were crazy! Insane!"

Then Zylene suggested."Probably you should ask us to join you, Myrrick," The druid turned to them.

"No, the rest of you stay here! I will try to warn Master Jo'taala about the impending attack, while at the same time asking to aid Harrogath!"

Caldash asked. "How about your friend, Myrrick?" The red-haired warrior was silent, before he answered.

"I have looking for Ren'nar everywhere, but I couldn't find him. I assume he already know the news."

Orb'al stared him and asked."What shall we do?" To lighten the somber situation, Myrrick let a smile,

"A task that you were well-suited-save the prisoners and kill those demons!" The paladin and the barbarian barked a laugh, which wasn't shared mutually by their companions.

Tha'el muttered."You're right, they were crazy!" Not for long, Anya called them.

"Myrrick, Qual-Kehk decided to give you the horses he can spare…He doesn't mean; it was his way to coping with the pressure, I hoped you were not offended."

The druid nodded."I understood, Anya. I really appreciate what Qual-Kehk does to us…" The young alchemist nodded as she guided them to the horses. When Myrrick and Akivsha rode them, she spoke again with look of concern etched on her face.

"Myrrick! Akivsha! Come back soon…the fate of Harrogath depends on both of you," The druid saluted her and then paced his steed toward the open gate, leaving the city. Qual-Kehk watched them from the wall, while crossing his arms.

-##-

Meanwhile at Baal's encampment, the Minions had lined up according their kinds. The Reanimated Horde stood stoically. They carried their standards; terrible banners made from still-living flesh, scalped skulls and covered with strange symbols and glyphs-black magic. They stood still, awaiting order from Lord of Destruction. Above the encampment, the Succubi and Stygian Furies hovered. Some of them landed around the tent. Lister the Tormentor stood side-by-side with Dargash; they often glanced darkly to each other. Ventar and Colenzo were came along with Demonia. Then Baal came out from the tent; he crawled with calculating manner and nodded.

"Everything is ready?"

The Moon Lord bowed."Ready, my Lord! For Scosglen, I think this is enough as a vanguard. Once we have secured the place, I will send the catapults and siege engines! Sharptooth Slayer said his force was more than enough to keep the prisoners, therefore I will take them by myself here…" The old demon nodded, before he turned to Lister. Dargash gave the Minion of Destruction a dark sidelong glance. He had no doubt that Lister looked upon him as a potential enemy. The rivalry between them was no secret, yet Baal kept playing them for his amusement. It almost like when his brothers, Mephisto and Diablo played the same thing to keep them in balance. His thought was interrupted by Demonia's kisses. She called.

"My Lord, it's the time!"

The Prime Evil smiled evilly."Ah, yes! We must not forget the time! I wish I could command them myself, however there is…an important thing that I must attend first!"

The demonic woman bowed. "I promise I won't disappoint you, my dear!"

"Don't worry! I know it!"After saying that, The Lord of Destruction went forward and spoke aloud to his horde,

"My minions, our campaign against the mortal plane has been successful! Once the Worldstone was ours, it is a matter of time for the High Heavens to follow! Nobody shall against the Burning Hell!" A riotous cry erupted from those demons.

"Each of you, in your way, helped to engineer this invasion, for each of you know the promise of conquest that I bring," he continued. "But you have also heard the legends. You have heard everyone slander the name of the Prime Evils and Burning Hell. As we march against the mortal plane you will hear them slander us again. They will tell you that we cannot triumph, that we have already tried and failed to conquer the plane twice before. Yet for all their power… for all their efforts to destroy me… I am here. I am eternal, and I will not be denied!"

The horde cheered again, and the thunder echoed their cry. They were unified only by the fervor they displayed for their master, and the madness that lurked behind their eyes.

Baal continued. "Lister and Demonia shall lead you to take Scosglen…these people will also succumb to our hellish might like the others! We shall massacre them and drink their blood! I will lead you to conquest! March forth, and soak the earth with blood so deeply that Diablo's deeds on Sanctuary are put to shame!"

The Minions echoed their master's speech with more riotous cheering. Many waved weapons in the air, wicked knives or curved swords. The riotous cheering continued for several minutes, until Dargash's barked commands began to dispatch the horde in organized packs. Baal remained where he was, watching his armies with a cold, calculating eye. Demonia flew and joined with a flock of Stygian Furies, while Lister commanded an army of his kinds toward Scosglen along with the Minions, Imps, Reanimated Hordes and Death Maulers. The rest were followed the Moon Lord toward the Frigid Highlands. Lord of Destruction turned into his tent along with his entourages. Once inside, he noted the Oblivion Mages were inside and carried something wrapped in…a parchment-like skin. He gestured Ventar to take the thing and showed its contents to him…his eyes were gleamed insanely as he saw the content and laughed aloud.

-##-

At the same time, Myrrick and Akivsha rode their steed faster as they could. The assassin could saw worry and concern inside the druid's eye. No doubt, it was the same thing that drove him for twenty years…fear of losing someone or something dear to himself! She wondered whether she feel the same thing too…they were too alike; try to avoid the pain! However, Akivsha immediately banished that from his mind and concentrate to focus to the coming problem…stopping the army of Baal from reaching Scosglen.

-##-

Two days later at the Frigid Highlands, Caldash and the other heroes watched the situation below. As usual, the necromancer's minion waited behind them. Below, the imps and Minions herded the surviving barbarians into the steel cages. Despite the gravity of the situation, those warriors kept their face grim. Nearby, the Overseer lashed his whip to the closest Minions, sending him to hurry. The Siege Beasts lumbered around the make-shift fortress, reinforcing its sturdiness. The Reanimated Hordes guarded the cages tightly.

Few minutes of silence later, the sorceress commented.

"There's no way for us to enter the fortress! A direct attack is suicidal, they might kill the prisoners before we can help them escape, "

Xelana snorted disgustedly."You can teleport us…"

Zylene shook her head."Too risky, they might be warned off…"

The necromancer taunted the holy knight. "So, paladin! Do you have something better? If you have now, you'd better do it right now!" Caldash didn't reply, as he scanned the fortress intently with his eyes. He was turned off, when Orb'al whispered.

"We have to get inside, without they suspected it…" The paladin nodded, and then he turned to Tha'el's minions and their master. Not for long, he smiled evilly and said.

"I already have, but I need Tha'el's help first…" Instantly, all eyes turned to the necromancer. The thin man gulped nervously…

-##-

In other place, the assassin returned from her scouting. Myrrick waited her nearby the horses; he could hear her panting.

"Well…" Akivsha answered, "Baal sent two legions composed of Minions, Death Maulers, Reanimated Horde, Imps and another kind I never saw…beside the skies is filled with the Stygian Furies and Succubi,"

"Succubi?" The druid exclaimed, "I thought we have finished off them at the monastery, especially Andariel. What are they doing here?"

She smiled wryly."Probably someone had taken over control of them…Baal had no hesitation for recruiting whoever useful to his plan. However, it might make our plan difficult, since they have aerial support. They might spotted us easily, if we attack at the open place"

Folding his muscled arms before the chest, Myrrick asked."What is your suggestion?" The assassin pointed a thick forest nearby.

"We could use the Scosglen Forest; it was very thick and dense. You couldn't move a lot of troops in without making noise anyone would hear." Then Myrrick saw her smiled.

"But a few men could be lost inside the forest, if they were careful…" The druid sighed; he couldn't see the other way around. At least, their fight would tip off Scosglen about the impending invasion…if they were lived long enough.

"Let's go now!"

-##-

Close to the fringe of Scosglen Forest, Lister stopped the marching army. The forest looks silent and the thin mists hovered on the ground. Demonia landed close to the Minion of Destruction and frowned.

"Well? Every moment we stand here is another moment they learns our coming," The huge demon pondered the choice, and then waved off the Baal Minions to enter the forest. The demons were hesitated to follow the order. Like a lightning, Lister chopped off the head of the closest Minion with his bony claws close to the wrists. The rest got the message; they scampered into the forest. Next to follow, the Death Mauler ,Reanimated Horde and Minions of Destruction went forward. The demoness flew to the skies and instructed her fellows to hover above the forest. In no time, Baal's army had entered the forest.

As Myrrick and Akivsha entered into the forest, someone watched them intently. The yellowish eye roved tirelessly…

-##-

At the Frigid Highlands, Sharptooth Slayer inspected the fortress and yelled to the nearby Minion that he could find. Then an demon imp chirped to him. He immediately hollered back.

"What? Lord Baal's force is coming? Then what are you doing there? Open the gate, you fools!" The imps quickly stirred their Siege Beasts to carry the order and opened the gate into the make-shift fortress. A company of Skeleton Warriors, Mage and Oblivion Knights marched into the fortress, carrying their standards. The Overseer snorted; he knew these creatures wouldn't answer where the hell their commander is. Therefore, he put them at the back of the fortress, near the cages. Those undead obeyed the order and took their position.

As the undead went to close into the cages, someone quickly took out the Reanimated Horde and placed the Oblivion Knights in place. In their riffraff, the demons failed to notice the change. Everything was worked well until a blaring blow echoed along the highlands. This time, a Minion went to report. Sharptooth squinted toward the creature, before moving his bulk. He saw another troop entered the fortress. They were led by the Moon Lord himself, who brought his kin along with them. The fat demon went toward him and explained.

"This wasn't necessary, Lord Dargash! I had everything under control. Rest assured that our troops and the reinforcement could do their part in this."

The minotaur spat."Shut up, glutton! I've been sent by Lord Baal himself to take the prisoners! What do you mean with the reinforcement?"

Confused, Sharptooth asked,

"But…the troops that entered here were yours, Lord Dargash?" Dargash didn't answer; he went to watch the undead behind the cages and examined it well. Turning to the Overseer, he roared angrily.

"They weren't mine, moron! I don't know who they are, but you'd better check it out, or else, Lord Baal won't be pleased to hear that…" The fat demon flushed with fear and immediately sent Eldritch the Rectifier toward the cages. The blue Death Mauler commanded his kinds along with several Minions and Reanimated Hordes to surround the unidentified troops. The Skeleton Warriors, Mage and Oblivion Knights stood stoically, even though they were surrounded.

Sharptooth bellowed in a threatening manner."Show these intruders a lesson!" Suddenly, the nearest Minion fell to death, spear protruded from its throat. Like a waterfall, the undead opened their rank, revealing the paladin who summoned,

"Fist of the Heavens!" Then the holy bolts fell from the skies and struck those who were not quick enough to run. Tha'el appeared and shouted to his minions.

"Attack!" Instantly, the Skeleton Warriors and Mage opened their attack. Amidst the confusion, Orb'al was unleashing his Whirlwind attack, cutting everyone in his path. Xelana's Valkyrie quickly makes their job short. At the other side, Zylene let her Chain Lightning cut swath among the enemies. Whenever the demons tried to attack her from behind, Static Field and Energy Shield protected the sorceress. The prisoners surged forward, killing any demons too slow to get out of the way. Dargash roared in anger, and the Blood Lords immediately entered the battlefield.

Caldash shouted to the necromancer."Tha'el, send your golems to secure the gate! At least, keep them open until we break through this!" The Rathma was killing a Death Mauler with Bone Spear, when he heard that. Gesturing toward the gate, he sent the Iron and Fire Golems to secure the gate. The Moon Lord spotted those creatures; a thundering call to arms boomed from his huge chest,

"To me, Lords!" The Hell Lords, Night Lords and Moon Lords rallied around him, crushing the undead beneath their hooves and cut the rest with their axes. He broke through Tha'el's minion toward the barbarian, brandishing his double axes. Orb'al noticed his coming and gripped his axes tighter. Then he squatted and leaped toward the demon, while howling like a beast. Dargash looked upon him with a murderous look, and spoke,

"It will be my pleasure to kill you first, barbarian…" The warrior didn't answer; he already charged first…

-##-

Back to Scosglen, Myrrick and Akivsha had started their ambush already. At first, they picked the demons one-by-one through stealth. Everything worked well until the Death Maulers spotted them, thus forcing them to fight openly. Even so, it wasn't an easy fight…the demons fell to the wrath of the Grizzly Bear and Shadow Master. The raven kept the maulers at the bay, while the Wolves tore through their rank. The vines consumed the fallen enemies, and at the same time, the assassin's traps took the survivors. The druid summoned Hurricane to hurl his enemy toward their destructions. However, it was hardly one-forth of the army. For some reason, Lister kept the Minions of Destruction from enters the fray. Demonia watched them and she had a mind first to play these mice cruelly before she struck to kill. She glanced to Lister.

"Call them off from those warriors…" the young demoness added gingerly.

"…but bring your kin; we'll have our play…" With a mighty roar, Lister called the rest of the army away from the druid and the assassin. The massive demons trumped into the arena and circled both warriors.

This development weren't escaped from Myrrick and Akivsha. The assassin spoke,

"Myrrick, they were withdrawing…" The druid reply grimly,

"I had a bad feeling about this. Watch out, Akivsha!"

"I already watches them…it seems the new breed of demons also want pieces of us as well as their lesser kinds," The Minions of Destruction circled them tightly, but somehow they didn't attack. Then a clapping sound came, and the demons instantly parted to reveal…a young demoness. Myrrick thought she could be mistaken as human female. Akivsha gave her a killing look.

The succubus spoke gently, but there was a hint of mocking in her words."Well done, warriors! Both of you were remarkable, daring enough to attack Army of Destruction alone. Nobody would do such thing in their sane mind, except if you're courting death…"

The assassin replied with her usual sarcasm."One wonders what a young girl like you doing here. Since you look different, you'd better tell your name! I don't kill the nameless opponent, except if they had no name…" The demons laughed, but abruptly silent when Lister glanced to them. Demonia's visage turned ugly, now she said coldly,

"I'm Demonia, the seventy-seventh daughter of Andariel whom you had killed…" She pointed the druid, "I want your people's blood in return, old man!"

Myrrick grinned."Fair enough if you kill me, but I don't think it would satisfy you, daughter of Andariel!" The assassin positioned herself between him and the demoness.

"You have to pass over my dead body, if you want to kill him!"

The succubus smiled."I think that can be arranged. Lister, kill her!" Suddenly the monster moved faster and slammed its bony blades; however Akivsha blocked the attack with her Suwayyah. Before she managed to counter, the demon sent another attack from other limbs. The claws scratched the assassin's armor, sent a stinging sensation. Lister was about to kick her, when she sent Dragon Tail toward its head. The energy was exploded loudly. To her shock, Lister merely grinned and backhanded her with its hand.

Myrrick went into rage, as he saw Akivsha was hurt. The demoness quickly flew, blocking him.

He cursed."Stay out from me, wench!"

Demonia giggled."Settle our business first…" The druid swung Isenhart's Lightbrand toward her, but she avoided the attack with ease. Sometimes she fought not seriously enough; that's irritated him. He slashed horizontally, yet she merely flew to the air. Myrrick panted, as he stared to the demoness with hatred.

Crossing her hands, she taunted him from the air."What's up, old man? Can't you catch me? Losing your breath?"

Gritting his teeth, the druid said."Don't judge me by my age, you little demon. I will drag you to the ground…" He started to summon Hurricane; meanwhile Demonia uttered a strange chant. Lifting his right hand to the sky, Myrrick was about to shout.

"Hurri…" Instantly, a wracking sensation hit his entire body and he fell to the ground, unable to finish the spell.

Despite her situation, Akivsha saw what happened."Myrrick!" Forcing himself from the ground, the druid watched the demoness descend from the sky. He growled.

"What have you done to me?"

Smiling cruelly, the succubus answered,"I have put Blood Mana curse upon you. Now you're unable to use your spells without damaging yourself!" Myrrick was startled to hear it; he heard about the curse during his exile. He never thought that he would taste it firsthand. He quickly took a small Rejuvenation potion and drank the content. He took his sword again.

"At least, you can't curse this one!"

Demonia laughed."Foolish old man, I will end your suffering before you could realize it…" Shouting aloud, Myrrick charged the demoness who sported the sharp nails from her fingers.

Beneath the canopy, Ren'nar watched everything transpired below…

-##-

At the Frigid Highland, the warriors managed to hold the demons long enough, allowing the prisoners to run to the waypoint. In a surprising turn of events, the necromancer has gained control over a small number of the Reanimated Horde and turns them against their fellows. He didn't saw when Sharptooth Slayer was overtaken and brought to the bay at the very edge of the fortress. There he was slain at last by Caldash the Paladin. Eldritch the Rectifier met the same demise as the amazon killed him on the spot with her spear. Zylene stood nearby the gate to ensure the safety of the prisoners. Then Xelana shouted.

"This is the last of them! Let's get out from here!" Tha'el sent his minions to the waypoint, while gesturing Caldash to join them. The paladin nodded and immediately left the angry demons behind him. Before he went further, the sorceress asked.

"Where is Orb'al?"

-##-

The fight between the barbarian and the Moon Lord was evenly matched. Both had cast Frenzy, Leap, Whirlwind, Battle Cry and everything they had, still the result was unchanged. The other demons were watching the duel with interest. With a loud clang, they locked their axes, pushing forward to gain the superiority. Dargash snorted, sending a thick vapor.

"Impressive, not bad for mortal like you! Few can matches me in the battle, but what you did here is futile! It is a matter of time before we raze this little town like the others…"

Orb'al growled in a feral manner."You will not make Harrogath like what you did to Sescheron!"

Dargash declared."Sescheron is no match against the Destruction, so will be Harrogath!"

The demon warrior had tugged out his opponent's axe, but the barbarian countered it. Unexpectedly, Dargash let off one of his axes and backhanded the warrior very hard until he could only see stars. While Orb'al was stunned, the Moon Lord pulled another axe and slashed it across his chest. The barbarian reeled back, bleeding profusely. Seeing that, the Zann-Esu screamed.

"ORB'AL!"

As Dargash moved to kill, she instantly appeared beside the barbarian and whispered,

"I'm going to teleport us out from here…" Aghast, the warrior said.

"No, Zylene! You must not…" In a sudden, the blinding light enveloped both of them, forcing the Moon Lord to cover his eyes. Once it was over, there was no sign of them around. The demon grinded his teeth in displeasure; as he could concern, his mission was ended in an utter failure! The prisoners have escaped…it was bad thing that Sharptooth had already dead; otherwise he had face Baal's wrath alone. Another Lord asked.

"Master Dargash, what shall we do?" For the reply, Dargash cut the unfortunate Blood Lord with a single strike from head to feet vertically. The others watched him grimly, as he gave command,

"Return to our encampment!"

-##-

In the mean time in Scosglen, Myrrick's condition turned from bad to worse. He was forced to expand his power against the wily Demonia. He was unable to summon Spirit of Wolverine, since the curses would surely injure him further. The Blood Mana and Defense curse had taken their tolls. His body was cris-crossed with bleeding wounds, while he felt fatigued and weak. Meanwhile, Akivsha fought furiously against the Tormentor. The bony armor around the creature provides it with the defense, while she felt little the worse for wear due to the rejuvenation potion. Still, the assassin gasped for air as the monster bore relentlessly down on him. Soon enough, both of them were met back-to-back, ready to brace the final confrontation. The demoness shouted.

"Enough, we have played long enough! This is the time to end!" After saying that, the Succubi and Stygian Furies landed beside him, while the Minions of Destruction closed circle around them.

The assassin told him."They were too many, but I won't give up! At least, I will take down some of them!" The druid chuckled weakly.

"Well, I guess all we can do is taking as many of them with us as we can. Listen, thanks for everything, Akivsha. You've been a good friend."

She smiled darkly."I don't want to hear that kind of talk…" Then they faced their foes back.

-##-

Before the demons attacked, a blaring horn echoed around the forest and mountain. Like a rush of avalanche, the grizzled, fur-coated warriors came out from the forest and attacked Baal's army. Werewolves and Werebears came out from every side, tearing into the ranks. The demons were unprepared for such attack. They reeled back, despite Demonia's threats. Lister went to kill the retreating Minions, while his kin staved off the attack. Then the clouds opened up and the whirlwind twisted down in the midst of the enemy. It cut a swath through the Minions of Destruction, smashing the demons against the jagged cliffs or sucking them out into the clouds. The succubus immediately realized something; she was more afraid than startled and she knew he had to get out of here fast. It might be better facing his darling's wrath than this! She shrieked despite the roaring winds.

"Retreat…!" Without waiting any longer, the remaining demons quickly withdrew from the forest, while the Stygian Furies and Succubi flew away from the place.

The demoness stared with hatred in her eyes. "This is not over yet…" She left the forest along with what remained from her army…

Myrrick and Akivsha stood still as the men surrounded them; she was about to strike when the druid caught her Suwayyah.

"No, Akivsha! They're my people!" She noticed their mixed expression, until they opened the way for someone. The coming person spoke.

"It has been a long time since you left us, Red Bear!" Myrrick turned and saw a tall, bearded man in front of the assassin. He wore a deer pelt and the antlers. His beard was white as snow, while his blue eyes almost show tranquility. The red-haired druid stammered.

"Master…Jo'taala…" Then he fell to the ground, unconscious.

-##-

Túr Dúlra, the greatest of the Druid Colleges stood proudly, hidden beneath the thick forest of Scosglen. The mortars-less building had housed the generations of druids, training them according the Caoi Dúlra and prepare them for the Uileloscadh Mór. Outside, the people had continued their way of life and undisturbed by the Destruction that visited their sacred mountain. Under the sacred Glór-an-Fháidha, the elders trained the young ones to carry the Druid's tradition.

Inside, Myrrick was awaken from the deep slumber. He saw the Grandmaster stood facing the window.

The old master asked."Have you awake, Red Bear?"

The druid hesitated, yet he replied."Thanks for your help, Master!" Jo'taala turned; his expression turned severe and his voice was heavy.

"Is that you have offered, little cub? You had left us for twenty years and now return in this peril…Is that you can offer as an excuse, hmh?" Myrrick hunched; unable to answer. When he spoke, it was in a resigned tone.

"Since the incident, I thought I'm not deserve to return the Highland…I had forfeited your trust!"

Jo'taala snorted."Nonsense, probably for the Barbarian but not to the druid!"

The aged Grandmaster continued."You could stay here after they'd exiled you, perfecting what you have learn instead squandering yourself for twenty years!" The druid was silent until Jo'taala said.

"If you did that, Joanna wouldn't have to die…"

Myrrick asked incredulously."Was it you who sent her?"

The master stared him unflinchingly and said. "No, it was her choice! I had told her the risk, but she persisted. She believed that you're the one who can save the Highland! Black Wolf was unstable to given such task, yet he forced himself to do it! Allowing the Wolf to take over him…"

"True, you have defeated Diablo and Mephisto, but you failed to foresee Baal's invasion!"

The druid lowered his head."Then I have failed Joanna, Ren'nar and you as well!"

The Grandmaster raised his voice."Fail? You will be failed, if you're stopping trying! As long as you try, there is no failure! The reason why you can defeat the Prime Evils is because you are balanced…"

Myrrick shocked."How can it be? If I were balanced, there will be no…"

Jo'taala nodded "Yes, I know! Yet, losing a balance after transformation is a common thing for all druids! I believe you've perfected it during your exile, have I right?"

"That's the difference between you and Black Wolf…balancing all things." Then they turned to the windows, and saw Akivsha sat nearby the hut. The Grandmaster smiled.

"It seems you have found a new lease in your life…she would be a perfect match for you,"

Hearing that, the druid blushed shyly."Master, stop it!"

Jo'taala said."Your friends will help you…no doubt to it!" Suddenly his face turned serious. "Myrrick , I have to tell this…Harrogath will fall to the treachery of someone you've known…" Myrrick turned pale upon heard the prophecy.

"How…who is the traitor? Tell me, Master!"

The Grandmaster stopped him."That's the only thing I can tell you…" Without any words, he turned to the door and ready to leave. Summoned his courage, the druid asked again.

"Master Jo'taala, would you help Harrogath? If you don't tell me the traitor, at least, you would heed this…"

The venerable master druid turned around and said cryptically.""Hope will come from the place that we're least expect…you won't be alone." With that the door slammed and Myrrick stood numbly upon what his master said…

-##-

In other place, Qual-Kehk was glad to see his warriors escaped safely. Anya also felt relieved too; she went to check the warriors. Once there, he saw Caldash was comforting Zylene who were crying. Tha'el and Xelana watched nearby. She didn't saw the barbarian. Malah came along, bringing some blankets. She asked the old woman

"What happened to her?"

Malah answered."Just a couple's fighting, Anya. The barbarian didn't appreciate her help by teleporting out from the fight…"

The amazon added."I've told you he was a jerk, but you didn't listen! Now look what happened!"

Tha'el quickly intervened."Hey, could you say a little bit gentle?" Instead, Xelana taunted him back.

"Why? Do you have problem with that?" To their surprise, Orb'al has returned back. The paladin noticed his friend was looked guilty and uncomfortable. Patted the sorceress' shoulder gently, he said,

"I think both of you want to settle this alone…" He went out along with others, leaving them alone.

-##-

At the sunset, Myrrick and Akivsha returned from Scosglen. They were greeted by the people inside, however the druid and the assassin were silent until they met with Qual-Kehk, Anya and Nihlathak, breaking the news. The veteran warrior merely nodded with understanding, while the alchemist looks disturbed with such things. The elder simply nodded with understanding, but Akivsha could not help to notice that he smiled. For her, his smile seemed cloying and insincere. Anya said without gazing to the druid.

"So, we're completely alone…nobody would help us from Baal."

Myrrick sighed. "Master Jo'taala must had his own reason…he won't say so without any reasons," The mercenary leader scowled slightly, his disdain for such the druid's eccentricices an issue he had long since ceased to belabor.

He shouted. "I don't care! It seems what we can do is to trust to our arms…I believe the Ancestors have never leaves us alone. Excuse me; I have something to attend here…" After Qual-Kehk left, the young woman said.

"Then our hope depends on you, Myrrick…and Ren'nar,"

She hugged the druid."Oh, Myrrick! I wish my father was around…" Myrrick shrugged, as Akivsha gave him a sharp look. Chill winds sweeping inside as Nihlathak turned his back and left.

-##-

In the Baal's encampment, a loud scream echoed from the tent. Inside, Lord of Destruction was massaged by no other than Demonia, while Dargash sprawled on the floor, twitching under the current of the yellow Soulstone. Colenzo and Ventar watched the event uneasily; however Lister simply crossed all of his arms. Once the surge stopped, the Moon Lord could breathe again. Baal spoke; a thin threat was hidden behind his words.

"Just the reminder that I won't tolerate failure…though I too, am surprised at what worthy foes they have proven themselves to be. I was certain the Minions of Destruction would have been their match."

Demonia purred, "I'm terribly sorry, my dear! It's my fault that we don't continue with the attack…" Baal laughed, while pointing something,

"It doesn't matter, darling! I just receive something from the Burning Hell; the weapon that can turned the table to our side…and I intended to use it sooner than I expected…" Everyone turned to the direction that the Prime Evil…and shuddered in fear when they felt an evil aura surrounding it…

-##-

Author's Note: This is the second chapter! Due to my internship, this was delayed almost a year. Now enjoy this and send your reviews, critics and opinions. Read also ' The Gathering'; there will be something different there.