The Gathering
(Interlude)
Day Four, Harrogath,
The raging blizzard has turned the ravaged battlement into a huge snowfield. There was nobody outside, as Qual-Kehk and Myrrick watched from the city wall. The druid spoke,
"It seems the demons can't stand this weather; I bet they were huddled inside their pits now…" He continued then as he turned to Qual-Kehk,
"We just hope this will continue…once the weather subsides, Baal will march his army to come here," The seasoned warrior sighed only,
"Hope…I wonder if we can have a hope in this situation…" Myrrick asked,
"Why don't we ask for help from other tribes? Our barbarian brethren still out there…" Qual-Kehk watched him incredulously, before he spoke,
"How? We're completely isolated, heavily besieged, our men are few, your people don't want to help, we're totally outnumbered, and the nearest help is pretty damn far away…" He stepped down from the stairs, followed by the druid and continued with a stern voice,
"Whatever you've got in mind, I'd think twice before using the word 'plan' to describe it." Myrrick held his breath only; he couldn't blame Qual-Kehk for thinking like that. He turned back to the wall,
"Hope will come from the place that we're least expect…"
Meanwhile at Baal's encampment, the demons huddled back inside their pits. The place looked lonely, while nobody was around the place as the blizzard blew furiously. The forges stopped their infernal works for once. Lord of Destruction himself was inside his tent, covering his body with the thick blanket in front of the bonfire. Colenzo, Ventar, Lister and Dargash gathered around him. The demon cursed,
"Damned weather! I missed the fiery heat of the Burning Hell…" Then he sneezed very loud. Demonia hugged her Lord, and said,
"Calm down, my Lord! This weather won't be long…" The Moon Lord added,
"Yes, my Lord. Once the storm is gone, we can…" However, Baal silenced him by lifting his hand,
"Not yet, we'd better wait the news from him. Soon or later, he'll give us what we wanted since beginning…" A sinister smile formed upon the demon's lips, while shivering,
"It won't be long. This mortal plane shall be ours sooner than those heroes expected…" Baal laughed hideously, as his minions giggled devilishly. The laugh echoed along the mountain, and closed with a loud sneeze,
"Aaachooo!"
Myrrick still confused with Master Jo'taala's prophecy; someone close will betray him and Harrogath. He couldn't find who the betrayer is. Whenever he thought of it, images of Akivsha, Anya, Ren'nar and even Nihlathak swirled in his mind. Ren'nar wouldn't do such thing; he hated Baal with all of his heart. Anya would rather dead to see the city that his father had sacrificed to protect it fell to the demons. Nihlathak…well…is doubtful, but he believes the elder will keep his oath to protect Mt. Arreat. Before thinking of Akivsha, he heard a commotion nearby. The druid ran quickly to the source of commotion; he saw Qual-Kehk and his men surrounded the waypoint. Caldash and the others were there too. He asked hurriedly,
"What's going on?" The elder warrior answered,
"Someone will come out from the waypoint! I don't know what it is, but I won't wait to know it now…" Everybody waited warily, gripping his or her weapons in readiness until a young girl came out from the waypoint. She brought a bow and quiver of arrows behind her back, and wore a white scarf on her forehead. Then a burly man came out as well. Once outside, the man gasped tiredly before he turned to the girl,
"Gimme a break would you?" he complained, "I'm not young like you…" Zylene was stunned when she saw the girl. She exclaimed,
"It can't be…Aliza, is that you?" The rogue smiled widely, yet she was surprised to saw the battle-wearied warriors surrounded her. The druid immediately stopped them,
"Wait, I know her! She's our friend…" Qual-Kehk gestured his men to hold down, while the Zann-Esu ran toward Aliza and they hugged each other. Then Zylene asked,
"I thought you're badly injured after the battle with Diablo. Why are you coming here?"
"Thanks to Priestess Akara's help, I can recover sooner than I expected. It is a long story indeed…ah, I'm not coming alone," Cain went to the burly man, who smiled sheepishly,
"Griswold, it is nice to see you again." The blacksmith answered,
"The same, Cain! You didn't change at all…Hi, Myrrick! It is nice to see you here! Aliza has told me your battle against Diablo! Too bad, I wasn't there to witness it." The druid merely smiled, while Qual-Kehk demanded an answer,
"Druid, explain to me what's actually going on!" Before he had a chance, the huge portals opened in front of them. Everyone became wary once again. Then something unthinkable came. The Rogues of the Sightless Eye came out from the first portal, followed by the Desert and Iron Wolf mercenaries. Myrrick was astonished to saw that, and then the red-haired woman with armor went to him. She wore a thick fur coat to protect her from the cold weather. She greeted him,
"It is nice to see you again, druid…"
"Kashya…" The gruff voice followed,
"So, this is your place, warrior. It looks cozy, I think…" The voice came from a bulky man who wore the coat and heavy armor all together. His iron helmet and turban seemed never left their place. Zylene shouted,
"Greiz! You're coming too?" The mercenary captain smiled, though it wasn't looked like a smile,
"Oh, you're here too, Zann-Esu?" Finally, a cocky voice continued,
"Hey, don't forget about me then! I'm invited too, remember?" Caldash smiled as he know the voice,
"Asheara, what a surprise to see you here…" The mercenary woman wore a thick grey cloak, yet it still revealed the lower portion of her body. She also wore the thick leather boots. She returned the smile,
"Hey, paladin! Long time not sees each other…" Soon, the situation became very noisy and crowded.
Qual-Kehk shouted to his lung for silence them, "Be quiet!" Once everyone was silent, he asked again,
"Could anyone here explain to me what the hell this is?" Flushed with embarrassment, Myrrick started to introduce the guests,
"Qual-Kehk, these people are my friends during my journey to pursue Diablo. Here is Kashya, the captain of the Rogue of the Sightless Eye from Western Kingdoms." The rogue captain bowed respectfully, and then they turned to Greiz and Asheara,
"He is Greiz, the leader of the Desert mercenaries from Aranoch and beside him is Asheara who leads the Iron Wolves from Kehjistan." The Kurast mercenary waved her hands in return. With a gesture of disdain, the Harrogath warrior watched them intensely and then he said,
"So, you're mercenaries like us? What is your business here?" Kashya answered,
"Just to repay the druid's deeds for helping us reclaim our honor. Beside, we have been told by Archangel Tyrael through our Priestess, Akara, about the impending danger…" Tha'el smirked to Xelana,
"Well, I almost think that he really forgets us…" The amazon stomped the sorcerer's feet to silence him. Then Greiz continued,
"Lord Jerhyn wanted to return the favor for the warrior who had returned peace and order at his city. Therefore he has paid us a huge sum to help him no matter how far and how strange the places…consider that as gratitude from the ruler of Lut Gholein…" Now it was Asheara's turn to speak,
"Ormus said that we should return the help, in order to restore the balance after the destruction of the Lord of Hatred. Because of them, Kurast has become a safe place again…" After heard their explanation, Qual-Kehk nodded only. Myrrick, Caldash and Zylene watched that the old warrior was pondering something. Finally he spoke loudly but full of authority,
"I see…but you're the strangers here. I can't promise anything for you here. Harrogath have nothing valuable and you won't get anything but the certain death. Therefore, please return to your place safely and leave this to us. This is our ancient charge…for the people of Arreat…" Suddenly the situation turned tense and agitated. Instantly Kashya replied with dignity,
"Elder, we come here not to pursue money and fame! Though Diablo has been vanquished, Baal still poses a real menace to the mortal plane! If this city is fall…" Offended, the old warrior cut her,
"Harrogath won't be fall…" Yet she persisted,
"…so is the Sanctuary! We can't sit silently, while the storm rages on! It is better to face the storm head on! Am I right, my sisters?" The rogues, including Aliza, cheered their captain in one accord. Greiz didn't want to lose,
"Don't worry about the money! Lord Jerhyn has paid the half, while the rest…" He glanced to Kashya,
"…has been shouldered by this kind lady." Asheara added,
"Me too! You can rely upon the Iron Wolves! We won't leave you here! We'll face this danger together!" Once again, the city was shaken with the cheering from the Hirelings. Qual-Kehk didn't say anything, but he admired with these strangers' willingness to help inside his heart. Then he replied,
"Then the risk is your own! Don't say I didn't warn you…then we shall protect the city together! Right, my warriors?" The barbarian warriors shouted aloud with gusto. At that time, Kashya said,
"I will go with you, Elder! My rogues are your warriors!" Greiz and Asheara expressed the same. Qual-Kehk nodded with respect and turned to Malah,
"Malah, could you see if we can accommodate our visitors here? Probably we could find some beverages for them…" The Kurast woman exclaimed joyfully,
"Finally, a brew!" Politely, the veteran warrior invited them to take their place. While her sisters tried to find a place for rest, Aliza asked Myrrick,
"Myrrick, do you see Akivsha?" The druid surprised to hear that,
"What a change! A month ago, both of you were like cat and dog. Now you are looking for her. May I know what's going on between you two…?" The rogue smiled meaningfully,
"Girl's business…" When Aliza departed, Nihlathak watched his surrounding with a worried look. Then he asked Myrrick,
"Druid, what's going on? What are these strangers doing in our place?"
The druid explained, "Well, they are my friends, Nihlathak! They want to help us defending the city," The elder looks full of distraught; he spoke hoarsely,
"This is a sacrilege! These people are defiling our hallowed place…these infidels are not deserve here! Don't you know that?" Myrrick tried to calm him,
"Elder, they meant good! They just want to help us!" Yet, it did little to stop the old man from shouting 'sacrilege' aloud. Many were attracted by his shouting, even some rogue and mercenaries. Then another voice came,
"Would you stop the yakking, Nihlathak?" The elder turned to Anya who stood beside Myrrick, "You are not doing anything useful by shouting like a crazy man!" Nihlathak stared the girl with disappointment,
"Will you agree this sacrilege, Anya? I'm very disappointed…as daughter of Aust, you're supposedly…" Suddenly Anya replied furiously,
"Don't ever bring my father's name in this matter!" The elder was startled, while everyone stunned with her outburst. He turned away from her, while saying,
"You will regret this, Anya! I guarantee that! When Nihlathak gone, Myrrick asked her,
"Are you all right, Anya?" The raven-haired girl smiled,
"Don't worry, Myrrick! I'm fine…" she glances to the hirelings, "It seems you have made impression to them. Unlike Nihlathak, I believe they sincerely want to help us…we're hardly in a position to turn down their offer, am I right?" The druid nodded agreeably. As they walked, the girl said,
"Myrrick, could you do me a favor?" The auburn haired warrior turned to her, "I want you to talk with Ren'nar. I know I shouldn't interfere, but please, do that for me! It is pains me to see both of you fighting…" Anya stared him with such sadness, pleading to him.
The druid sighed, "I'll try what I can do, Anya! Hopefully, he will listen…" The girl gave a friendly pat to him before leaving,
"Try it, please…" Few minutes later, Akivsha came from nowhere,
"A very caring girl, huh?" Myrrick ignored her comment,
"Poor Anya…she has lost her family, but then she had to taking care everything inside the city, including me," The assassin added,
"You don't have to worry her; she's brave and strong-willed. Your friend, Ren'nar is…troublesome." She went closer to whisper,
"Are you sure that I don't need…" Before she continued, the druid cut her sentence sharply,
"That will be my concern alone…oh, by the way, Aliza was looking for you," Akivsha nodded,
"I am going to meet her then…" As she left, Myrrick asked jokingly,
"Hey, may I know what both of you are talking?" The assassin replied with a smirk,
"Why should you know? This is the girl's talk…"
The nightfall came and the situation was very calm, except the boisterous laugh inside Harrogath. The citizens of the city celebrated the coming of the Hirelings; though the horrors of war against Baal wearied them, they took the coming of the visitors as a good omen. This was their first party after Baal invaded the Highland. In return, the Hirelings participated actively in the party. Desert and Iron Wolf mercenaries spent time to talk and drink with their Barbarian counterparts, while the Rogues simply watching the traditional dances. Asheara joined the dance and everyone clapped their hands. Not long enough, she pulled Kashya to join and the people around them gave the thunderous applause.
Zylene stood on the wall and watched the merry drinking below. She could saw Griez down there. After this is over, she would go back to Aranoch. Why should she stay here any longer? She and Orb'al were just friends only, after all. She laughed silently until she saw the barbarian coming.
The sorceress asked nervously, "Orb'al, why don't you join the party?"
Orb'al answered shortly, "No…"
"Are you still thinking about Sescheron?" The warrior shook his head,
"It's gone and I can't go back there. I might go to my mother's tribal clan once we have finished Baal," He turned to her and she felt uncomfortable. Then he asked,
"How about you then?" Zylene sat on the stone railings, sighing,
"I will go back to Aranoch with Griez, and join the Zann-Esu," Orb'al nodded without any expression until he said,
"Zylene, I want to propose marriage to you…" The sorceress almost fell from her seat when she heard that,
"I beg you pardon? Marriage? Me?" The barbarian continued; this time his face expressed concern,
"I know it is too early and I'm…not good in speaking. But I must say this now, or else, there is no tomorrow for both of us…" Zylene stammered,
"I-I thought y-y-you don't like me…" Orb'al smiled a little,
"Not so much woman who can attract my attention for all of my warrior life…when I saved you, I don't know what make me love you at the first place…something inside you. I won't forget your kiss at the night…" The sorceress' face flushed, but then the barbarian continued with a hunched head,
"In our custom, the offer of marriage is given once; the bride can take or leave it as she wishes. It is up to your decision, Zylene of Zann-Esu, but knows this: I love you so much!" After saying those words, he left her dumb-founded and confused.
From the safe distance, Myrrick watched the conversation between Akivsha and Aliza. He saw the young rogue looks joyful before she left. Curious, he went to the assassin, who immediately asked,
"How long you have watching us?" The druid answered,
"Long enough, I wonder what both of you discussing about…" The short-cropped woman didn't looks surprised, instead she said,
"I told her that I will return when she has become a good rogue…" Suddenly he spoke,
"You are her lost sister…" Shocked, Akivsha replied,
"No, you are misunderstood; I'm not her sister. Allow me to tell my story…"
Akivsha began her story, "Before, I was one of the Rogue of the Sightless Eye like her. We were driven out by Blood Raven and Andariel from the monastery. My sisters and I decided to fend those demons to allow Akara and Kashya escape. They were succeeded, but we weren't so lucky. The demons overwhelmed and killed most of us. They spared few survivors, including me…" Myrrick noted that she startled to cry, but struggled to hold it. She continued,
"It is better for me to die rather than taken alive…because they did the worse things to us! They…ravished all of us and made us as their sex slaves! Some gone mad and eventually joined the accursed Blood Raven, thus left two of us: Aliza's sister and me. I know about Aliza from her. Unlike the others, her spirit is unbreakable. She derived the strength from love to her sister, even she told about her with pride! It was she who inspired me to alive," The assassin choked, however she continued again,
"One day, Andariel grew tired of her and she decided to break her for good! Knowing her life is at the end, she gave her last message to me:
Say to Aliza…I want to see her as a good rogue. I am missed her very much…
"When she dragged out, I managed to kill a guard and freed myself! I went to save her, but then a horrible scream was heard and then went silent…Terrified, I ran as far as I can, believing she was dead! I didn't know how far I ran, the demons chased me relentlessly. Before they could take me back to their foul dungeon, the assassins of Viz'jaqtaar led by Natalya finished them off. They took me to their hidden fortress and nursed me back to health. After 3 years, they gave two choices: join the order or leave the place…after what happened at the dungeon, I couldn't consider myself as a rogue. I accepted their offer and began my training, trying to forget the past until the Order sent me to pursue the Prime Evil," Tears rolled on Akivsha's cheek, and she wiped them consciously,
"In order to forget the past, I have to act as unfeeling, cold and hateful. I even hated Aliza for she brought the memories back and I have forgotten how to be a human. Everything changed when we fought Diablo…when I saw Aliza was struck by the demon, her sister's dying scream echoed in my ear and I…I was ashamed with my cowardice at that time! If I could be brave at that time, her sister might be alive…" For a long time, Myrrick was silent until he said,
"Have you told her the truth?" Suddenly the assassin hugged his hulking body,
"No…for I was afraid I might hurt her again! Since our ordeal with Diablo, I have promised to not hurt her again…ever!" She cried on his chest,
"You are different, Myrrick! At first, I thought you're just the same like the others…I was wrong! Both of us have carried pain inside, trying to hide them from the world, yet we didn't do anything to face it! Would you love the woman like me?" The druid didn't answer; for the first time he learned what inside Akivsha; a scared, broken girl who doesn't know which way she must take. She just want to escape from the past…like him. He knew too well that the past wouldn't let them forget…they have a kindred spirit…something he sensed from her since their first meeting. He hugged her closer,
"You're not alone, Akivsha…yes, I love you! You're not Joanna, but you have her spirit as well! I won't lose you this time, because I love you so much!"
Meanwhile, Xelana knocked the necromancer's room door. When he opened the door, the amazon almost jumped because he wore nothing save the loincloth. In addition of that, he tattooed his thin body with arcane symbols. She asked,
"By Athulua, what are you doing?" Instead, Tha'el asked back,
"And you! Why are you knocking my door?" By then Xelana smiled seductively,
"Oh, have you felt lonely tonight? You might need my company…" She brought her bust forward, while speaking. The Rathma gulped and felt certain hardness on the portion of his body, yet he answered with joke,
"Funny, I thought you're intends to keep chaste…" The amazon caressed his chest with her fingers, while pulling him close to her face forcefully,
"Come on, Tha'el. Did you feel something? Your passion? Just say it and I will give you a chance for a lifetime," She brought her thigh come to his sight, too much for him to bear…something inside him demanded release. Slowly, he distanced himself from her and spoke,
"My dear Xelana, you are very kind and I…really appreciate that, however…" To her shock, Tha'el slammed the door in front of her, "…I was quite busy right now! I'm sorry!" Unable to hold her temper, Xelana cursed furiously,
"You are s$! You are stupid sorcerer! I have offered a pleasure and you throw it back to my face! Impotent! Infertile! You'll regret this!" There was no answer, though the amazon kicked the door angrily. Fumed, she left the place alone.
"Fine then! Suit yourself! Don't ever think I will offer this again for you!"
Behind the door, Tha'el knocked his head to the door in frustration, regretting his decision,
"Stupid! Stupid! She offered herself and I…let the opportunity go…idiot!" After a while, he returned to the ritual circle. The Skeleton Mage, Oblivion Knight, Fire Golem, Metal Golem, Blood Golem and Reanimated Horde stood unmoving. Touched the lump on his head, the necromancer pondered,
This ritual is very important! It is a must if I want to defeat Lord of Destruction! He took and opened an ancient scroll,
My great grandfather performed the ritual a millennia ago! If I fail today, I must wait another millennium to perform it again…let's hope this is still working! He put himself in the middle of the circle and stared his minions,
"From where we started?"
Orb'al stunned to find the sorceress standing at his door. In his sight, her face bore an expression, which looked both angelic and seductive. The barbarian approached Zylene, touching her chin and slowly whispering,
"You have never looked more beautiful than now…" She explained,
"Teleport is very handy, especially when you need it. One of the Zann-Esu elders told me that someone would fill the void which my parents have left inside…" She stared him lovingly and went closer to his body,
"When you saved me from the sea, I know for sure that you're the one who would fill the void inside me…making me complete. Yes, I accept your proposal of marriage, Orb'al of Sescheron," The barbarian pulled her into his arms, and brought his lips to her, after saying,
"So, let's do it then…let consummate our love together tonight…" The sorceress pulled him closer, her mouth opening with a gasp, her tongue flickering in and out, teasing his tongue, and then pulled away. With one swift motion, Orb'al picked her up and carried her to the bed. Slowly, Zylene took off the gold collar and circlet, and then followed with her clothing. He laid her down, gazing reverently on her face.
"I'm going to take you," The barbarian whispered gently, "I'm going to make you mine…"
She replied, "I'm already yours. Always and forever…" She kissed him then, with a smile of purest bliss on her face. He kissed her deeply, as their lips came together again and they kissed with all the desperation of their passion, while their bodies continued to move as one. Her short raven hair shook behind her as her head rolled back, and she cried out in ecstasy.
For long minutes, they lay together. As the barbarian lay down beside her, she snuggled closer to him.
Zylene whispered, "I love you so much." Orb'al replied with a smile,
"I love you." They kissed again, then lay together quietly, both feeling exquisitely happy.
Outside, Caldash sat close to the brazier together with Xelana. The moon hung upon the midnight skies. The noise began to die below. The paladin sighed,
"It is the first time I see the full moon like this…I wonder how long we can enjoy the scene," The amazon chided,
"Too bad, Baal doesn't enjoy such thing; he cares only the destruction,"
"You know, Xelana? This reminds us that life is worth fighting for." Not for long, Aliza joined them, asking,
"Sir Caldash! Xelana! Could I join with you here?" Xelana replied sarcastically,
"Is it your time to sleep, girl?" The paladin called,
"That's all right. You are welcome to join us, if you love to listen the stories from the old man like me…" The rogue smiled and took the seat close to the holy knight. However, Caldash saw someone with black robe came out from the gates. Peering, Aliza asked,
"Who is that?" The knight answered,
"Myrrick's old friend, may be we should ignore him…"Xelana added,
"Probably he just wants to some demon-hunting…" The paladin watched the figure below with suspicion, but then he dismissed it.
Myrrick and Akivsha had found a vacant room. As they entered the room, the assassin stood back up and kissed him deeply. With her arms wrapped around him, she pulled the druid down onto the bed. He pressed his lips to hers and slipped his tongue into her mouth. As he looked down into her dark eyes, he felt love and passion swelling still stronger within himself. Myrrick kissed Akivsha fiercely, feeling her responding in kid. While the assassin clung to him tightly as their tongues danced. They immediately took their armors and clothing off. She immediately enfolded him with both of her arms, holding him tightly. He kissed her cheek, and she looked up to see concern in his eyes,
"You know I would never do anything to hurt you," he said softly, "I love you, Akivsha."
The assassin answered, "I know. And I love you too…"He kissed her lips. Their tongues slowly danced together in between brief gasps, while they continued to share themselves with each other, both spiritually and physically.
At the same time, Tha'el exerted all mental efforts while he chanted the content of the scroll. Sweat poured out from his body, even so he didn't stop. Once he was in trance, something happened. His minions were disintegrated into a huge mass of fire, blood, metal, bone and decaying flesh. With a hoarse voice, the necromancer shouted,
"Come to me…Infernal One! I have summoned you to come…Come and hear my plea! COME!" The mass whirled with a loud roar like hurricane. Everything inside the room was shook violently. In the midst of his consciousness, the Rathma saw a faint spark in the disgusting mass and smiled. Finally, he shouted again,
"Come to your master, infernal one! Come! Behold the Infernal Golem!" Then the roar subsidized and gone into silence as Tha'el dropped unconscious in the ritual circle. Slowly but sure the mass moved and formed something huge…
Author's note: This is not in the original story, just my additional part and bonus. Give your opinions, critics (flames) and review about this chapter. See the next chapter, "Trust and Betrayal"