Chapter IX: Destruction in my grasp

Raik's POV:

'Lut Gholein… The Jewel of the Desert…'

By examining the surrounding people, I could hardly believe it was the wealthy city Gheed and Cain had spoken to us about during our journey. Most of the merchants hadn't a shop of their own, and the only establishments seemed to be ones of leisure. Yes, Drognan had his own place, though it was more likely his home as well.

All in all, only the palace shined. But considering the guard's unhidden suspicion at our arrival, I suspected something dark remained there. When Elisa would be rescued, I would bring upon the matter with her. But not before. Saving my friend in this city would already be hard enough.

It shouldn't be, though. Looking for an evil Demoness with bright red hair and – according to Gheed – a penchant for nudity shouldn't prove itself to be impossible. According to Cain, the reason for our troubles could rely in Andariel's appearance.

'I suspect that the Great Evils are more defined by their soul rather than their body. It could explain how Aidan came to hold Diablo's essence within himself, and why none of the inhabitants saw the Maiden of Anguish when her dark aura looms over the city,' the Elder said.

Charsi's face became rather worried at the news, since it meant we would have more trouble finding our mutual friend. I, too, felt quite sad myself. And even Cain's voice held some kind of grievance.

'Well, good luck with your adventures, then! I'm going to the tavern – the air is too dry for my throat.'

I glared at Gheed as he went to the nearest inn. The reason why he followed us remained beyond my grasp. He obviously didn't do so for Elisa. I sighed, and glanced at Cain, raising an eyebrow, 'So? What's the plan?'

'We know what Diablo is after – Tal Rasha's tomb. And we also know that Andariel wishes to bring Elisa to Diablo. It is not illogical to start our search by looking for Diablo.'

Cain's words made us all froze in fear. Sneaking in the Monastery incognito to then find Elisa and bring her back quickly by using a town portal in hope Andariel wouldn't kill us before we manage to do so was a thing, but certainly not the same as searching a tomb in the desert that the Lord of Terror seeks!

Still, though. We had no other possibilities.

'Fine,' I sighed. 'But do you at least have a lead on where I should start?'

Cain paused for a moment, lost in thoughts. For a second, I wondered if the Horadrim spent his time doing anything else than thinking. Then I remembered our rescue attempt – that failed, but still was an attempt – and inwardly forbid me to ever consider that again.

'Unfortunately, I think that the only informations we could find about Tal Rasha and his tomb can be found within Tristram's Cathedral. I vaguely remember seeing the mage's name among the pages of a tome… But unfortunately, I do not recall any mentions of his tomb's location. Perhaps we could ask the townsfolk first? Gossip may be a bunch of lies, but it often comes with a bit of truth.'

I nodded. This looked like a plan. We decided to assign to each other a part of the city. Charsi would be charged with speaking to the merchants, Cain to the town's leader Jerhyn and the local mages and I would talk with the guards.

I first went see Greiz, the mercenary captain. If anyone heard of something suspicious, he would be the first informed aside of Jerhyn himself. Besides, I hoped he would be able to inform me of the dangers awaiting me in the desert.

The man was standing alone in a street, his gaze not as proud as Kashya's had been, but certainly just as tactical. I had learned to respect this kind of personalities, and hoped we would get along. When I approached him, he greeted me with a polite nod, and it was only when I mentioned Andariel that his gaze became more focused.

'You're telling me the Maiden of Anguish is here? Eh, I hope you're joking. Because if you are telling the truth, then I doubt my men will be able to keep the town safe much longer.'

Despite his conversational tone, Greiz's eyes told me he took my information quite seriously. This was why I confidently explained, 'She kidnapped my friend, in order to bring her to Diablo, who is here himself to free his brother Baal, who remains in Tal Rasha's tomb.'

Greiz blinked. Then chuckled, shaking his head, 'Ah, I thought you were serious for a second. Try not to play with us mercenaries: one of us might take your humour less… lightly than I do.'

I sighed. 'It is unfortunately the truth. I am coming from the Rogue monastery, from which Andariel was spreading death and fear. I even came here with Charsi, the Rogue's blacksmith, and Deckard Cain, the last Horadrim.'

It took me a few more minutes to convince Greiz, but eventually I managed to do so simply by showing him my equipment, which quite obviously couldn't come from the desert. Unfortunately, I also quickly realised that he had no informations, neither on Elisa nor on Tal Rasha's tomb. Nevertheless, he decided to assist me in my quest by allowing me to take one of his men with him… by engaging him.

How can you call this "help" if I have to pay for it?! You're mercenaries! Everyone can supposedly pay you! I'm going to rescue the person who will save this world, it's something you ought to be concerned about, right?!

Greiz seemed to sense my thoughts since he offered me a small smirk whilst he said, 'If you think I make the others pay this ridiculously cheap amount, then I'm fully ready to believe you're not from here.'

I deeply sighed, and glanced at my pouch filled with gold. I had little choice. Alone, without anyone to guide me in the desert, I was more likely to die than rescue anyone. But still, one mercenary would cost me all my savings…

Ah, I prefer to live in poverty than die in wealth. But then, Elisa may need money when we save her.

'No, thank you, Greiz.'

The mercenary captain shrugged while I started to search for someone else to talk to, until Charsi bumped into us, a grin on her face as she almost screamed, 'Someone saw Elisa! I met someone who saw her!'

My eyes widened in shock. 'Are you sure? Who? And when did they saw her?'

The blacksmith shrugged, 'I don't know, it's Gheed who told me the tavern's keeper saw a rogue called Elisa recently. I guess we'll just have to ask her directly.'

My gaze thinned in scepticism. Gheed, of all people, found informations first…? I believed Charsi, but still… It felt kind of weird and out of character for him.

'Fine. Guide me to the tavern, then.'

We walked alongside, until we reached the quite large inn. It was owned by a woman named Atma, who was kind enough to provide us with a drink whilst she spoke to us.

She had seen Elisa accompanied by a woman, called "Moreina". At the name, Charsi reacted quite violently, which was quite understandable since as far as we knew only Andariel came here.

Great, now we have Diablo, Andariel AND Blood Raven!

She informed us they were, too, quite interested in finding Tal Rasha's tomb, and that she had thus suggested them to seek Drognan, the local mage.

I then asked her when she had seen my friend.

'Oh, you just missed her! She was here only a few minutes ago.'

My eyes widened. Only a few minutes ago? It meant we had a chance at catching her!

I ran to seek Cain, who was in front of the Palace, talking to Lord Jerhyn. Fortunately though, he seemed to have finished since he came to us at a peaceful pace.

The Horadrim calmly said, 'Lord Jerhyn had no informations on our friend, though something quite… unusual happened recently. Indeed, someone attacked the guards in front of the palace. They are both dead, and the cause was quite evident: poison. I believe Andariel might be behind this crime. But when I asked Lord Jerhyn if we could go inside the palace, he refused. I fear he hides something there…'

I nodded, 'All right. We, too, have information. Someone saw Elisa, accompanied by Blood Raven, right here a few minutes ago. They went to see the mage Drognan. Cain, I think you might be the best suited for talking to the man, he will like you more than I or Charsi.'

Cain agreed, and we thus all went to see Drognan. The man was lost in thoughts, though his gaze looked quite serious. I wondered what he was musing about…

'Greetings, mage!' Cain said with a small smile. 'I am Deckard Cain, a member of the Horadrim.'

Drognan almost jumped, startled by our arrival. He blinked twice before nodding, 'Oh, yes, I've heard of you. I am Drognan, it's a pleasure to meet someone as knowledgeable as you.'

'I don't know if I deserve such appreciation, but thank you anyway. Me and these young people are searching a friend of ours. Her name is Elisa, and we've heard she may have met you a few moments ago. Is that true?'

Drognan nodded, 'Yes, yes, Elisa and… Moreina. We talked, mainly of Tristram and Jazreth, who was also my friend. They were also interested in finding Tal Rasha's tomb, or at least Moreina was. Elisa seemed more focused on learning about Jazreth, though.'

Finding all of these informations to be quite useless, I asked, 'Can you tell us where they went? It's most important we find them quickly.'

Drognan frowned, 'Are they in danger?'

'It's complicated,' I said, feeling no need to justify myself to a stranger.

Cain, on the other hand, seemed quite willing to do so, 'Moreina was not herself. I think she may be possessed by Andariel no less. And Elisa is a gift Anguish wishes to give to Terror, who is himself here to find his Brother Baal, imprisoned within Tal Rasha's body. If we lose Elisa, the battle of the Light might be lost for she is our only heroine.'

'Moreina was Andariel?! It's impossible, she didn't… She didn't attack any of us!'

I sighed, 'Why would she care about a city when she's about to destroy Sanctuary entirely, hmm?'

'You're right, Druid. But… How can this be the truth? Moreina seemed so… normal. And…' Drognan's eyes became suddenly frightened, 'Oh, no.'

'What?'

'I gave them the probable location of the Arcane Sanctuary, from which they'll be able to find Tal Rasha's tomb! And if Andariel and Diablo are truly here to free Baal, then… Then yes, Sanctuary might be lost.'

I rolled my eyes, 'Yes, we know. Now, where's the Arcane Sanctuary?'

Surprisingly, it was Cain who answered, 'I believe it is underneath the palace, am I right?'

Drognan nodded, 'Yes. How did you know?'

Because Andariel killed the guards.

But Cain did not give this answer. I suspected it was to ease the mage's guilt. 'A few Horadric texts mention the place. Thank you for your help, Drognan, you've been most helpful.'

The mage nodded, and wished us good luck after asking us to inform him were we to success or fail.

The three of us now facing the palace, we glanced at the guards.

'You're sure you can't convince Jerhyn to let you in?' Charsi asked.

Cain nodded, 'He won't to listen to anything I would tell him. I fear if we wish to enter the Palace, then we will need to do so illegally. Perhaps if we wait until the night…'

'No. Elisa disappeared from here a few minutes ago! We can't wait. It's now, or never,' I firmly said.

'All right, but how do you suggest we enter?'

My eyes thinned, and I started to consider all the possibilities. I couldn't just arrive and tell the guards to let us pass, and unfortunately I doubted I would be able to stomach killing two innocent men just to save Elisa.

Perhaps…

I smirked, and decided to hide behind a small wall, Cain with me. Charsi left us, to install her forge. Checking if Cain was ready to run – which, considering his age and his clothes, was not easy – and then summoned two ravens, ordering them to distract the guards.

Fortunately, my plan worked and soon Cain and I rushed into the palace, Lord Jerhyn and a few guards noticing us. They started to follow us, spears in hand, until Jerhyin yelled, 'Stop! Let them die if that's what they want.'

Taking no time to meditate on the Lord's words, I quickly descended the stairs, running with Cain until we were both breathless.

The place was quite dark, and we quickly noted the presence of many monsters. Of many powerful monsters.

'Cain, run!'

Unfortunately, the Horadrim was too tired to run by himself. Deciding to save him by slowing us both, I held him as I ran throughout the palace, inwardly hoping we would survive. Whilst we progressed, Cain readied a town portal and I was quite thankful for this. We would probably need it.

A few moments later, we arrived in front of a portal.

'This will lead us to the Arcane Sanctuary, go inside!'

I listened to Cain and ran as fast as I could, terrified at the thought of a monster reaching us. Finally, we arrived to the Sanctuary. It felt quite cold there, in contrast to Lut Gholein's desert. And with the ground made of stone and the place filled with magic, my mind could only deduce one thing.

'This was not designed by Nature's architect.'

Cain nodded, and then said, 'Assuredly. And, Raik? I think I can walk, now.'

Realising I was still holding the ancient in my arms, I let him go back on the ground, assuring myself he was unharmed before resuming our quest.

I thought once we reached the sanctuary finding Tal Rasha's tomb would be easy but I quickly assessed that it wouldn't. There were way too many monsters, and the paths were far too thin to dodge them. Aside of that, there was another problem.

'I-' I paused, catching my breath, 'Cain, I think we already came here, right?'

The Horadrim scratched his skull in frustration, looking around at the various portals. 'I don't know, they all look identical… Perhaps if you take the portal on the left…?'

I nodded, and summoned once again my wolves, ravens and poison creeper. They weren't particularly useful to kill the monsters, but at least by the time the monsters would kill them I could hope Cain and I had already escaped.

'Let's do it!'

We entered the red portal, arriving in front of three spirits. I inwardly groaned. They were the worst, and were able to follow us even after using a portal. But we hadn't time to think: one of my wolves was already dead.

We thus both ran to the other portal, and continued, again and again, more often than not coming back on our steps.

'This is impossible! Cain, there must be some kind of way to reach the end of this mess!'

I summoned a wolf, and tried to summon another one but found my mana levels to be too low. Drinking a mana potion, desperation started to fill me when I realised that it was one of the last I had.

'I don't know, Raik… It feels like we tried all the portals.'

'It's impossible! There has to be a way! We must have missed something, anything!'

Cain shook his head, sighing, 'Running does not help us to concentrate, Raik.'

Noticing a monster coming a little too close to my liking, I took Cain by the hand and brought him to the next portal, screaming, 'Yeah, tell it to the demons, I'm sure they'll just love to let us think before trying to kill us!'

It took us a few more tries before we managed to reach the end of the Arcane Sanctuary. I felt even more frustrated, knowing that our "running around" made us lose time in our quest.

When we saw a single shadow standing in front of an opened portal, I had the impression Tal Rasha's tomb was far from reach.

'Jazreth…?' Cain whispered, his face showing surprise.

'You know that guy?!' I said, startled at the information.

Cain nodded, 'He was one of Tristram's heroes. I didn't think I would see him here of all places… Jazreth, are you all right?'

I readied my weapon and summoned my wolves, feeling this Jazreth was a little too unharmed for being in a Sanctuary filled with demons that Andariel had crossed.

'Cain…' the sorcerer whispered before facing us. 'Cain, is that you?'

The Horadrim nodded, 'Yes. What are you doing here, my friend?'

Jazreth's traits twisted in an expression of desperation whilst he soundly sobbed, 'Rotting! I'm rotting, Cain, rotting in this forsaken place!' He paused, then glanced at the portal. 'You are too late, my friend… Andariel has long left, and Elisa is with her.'

'Why didn't you try to slow them if you're on our side?!' I accused.

The Sorcerer shrugged, an exhaustedly sad smile on his face, 'Your side? Which side are you talking about? Good and Evil, Angels and Demons… From here, they all feel the same.'

'Still, Elisa is your friend,' Cain reminded him.

Jazreth sighed, and did not respond. He instead walked a few steps away from the portal and told us in a dispassionate voice, 'If you wish to save her, go through this. Tal Rasha's tomb is marked by a circle… Good luck.'

'Don't you want to accompany us?' Cain asked.

'No… My destiny is here.'

I shrugged, not wanting to spend any more seconds on this shadow of a man, instead taking Cain by his hand to bring him to the portal, which led us to a hot and shallow desert. With monsters. Again.

'Cain, run!' I screamed while summoning several beasts.

We reached several tombs, all looking the same, except for a symbol in front of them. We fled the monsters until we reached the tomb marked by a circle. Then, we entered.

The Tomb was – fortunately – silent and void of monsters. While it meant we didn't have to run until our lungs forced us to stop, it also probably meant Diablo was here.

Good news: Elisa's here. Bad news: two Great Evils as well! Three if we count Baal.

'Let's go,' I said to hide my nervousness.

Cain nodded, and calmly told me, 'I know the structures of these tombs. Their architecture was described in Horadric texts. If Tal Rasha's tomb is in any way similar to them, I may be your guide.'

I nodded, having assumed the same. I wouldn't have let the old man accompany me otherwise: he only slowed us.

Cain thus started to walk peacefully, as if unafraid at the possibility of meeting Diablo at each corner. I couldn't say the same for me: I spent my time checking for enemies. But there were none. It looked like we were the only living beings in this tomb. Did Diablo left with Elisa, Andariel and Baal already?

'We should reach the tomb's end soon, Raik. If our friend is still here, then we shall find her there. Be prep-'

'AAAAAAAAAAH!' a voice shrieked throughout the previously quiet tomb.

Cain and I exchanged a look.

'Prepare a Town Portal!' I ordered Cain whilst running towards the sound.

All we could hear as we moved throughout the tombs was the sound of people fighting. I became worried for Elisa. Was she the one who screamed? I didn't recognise her voice, but it could still be a possibility.

'No, don't do this!'

Feminine voice. This is undoubtedly Elisa!

'Elisa, I'm coming to save you!' I shouted, feeling desperate.

Cain glared at me for ruining our surprise effect, but truly I didn't care. All mattered was that Elisa was safe enough to speak. Cain and I ran even faster than before, and did so until we reached the room where Tal Rasha was kept. I shuddered upon the sight: flames on both sides of the room threatened to consume us, and only a thin bridge could permit us to reach Tal Rasha.

Tal Rasha who was freed.

My eyes widened as I observed the scene. The Dark Wanderer and an angel were fighting against one another, and near Tal Rasha, a young man alongside Elisa.

What the hell is happening?!

Tal Rasha – or rather, Baal – started to move, his body looking more like a zombie's than a human being or even a demon. I threw a panicked glance at Baal, seeing him so close to Elisa. Would I lose her so soon after seeing her once again?

Elisa, though, did not seemed worried by Baal. No, she was rather angry at the man.

'You fool! You have no idea, not a mere idea of what you've just done!' She forcefully took from his hands a pale yellow stone, and worriedly glanced at the Wanderer, who was fortunately occupied by the angel. Looking around her, her eyes lightened at seeing us.

'Raik!'

She ran towards us, her eyes full of tears whilst she crossed the risky bridge, the stone glowing in her hands. When she was within our reach, Cain opened the town portal to let her in. We would have time to discuss once we'll be safe.

My smile widened and widened as I saw her coming closer to us.

She'll make it, she's just ten steps away from us! She'll make it, and we'll be safe in town. We'll be safe. She'llbe safe!

Unfortunately, we had forgotten the presence of someone. The Wanderer.

Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a fire ball hit the bridge, efficiently cutting Elisa's access to us by foot.

Still, she can jump, and even if she gets burned, we'll heal her! But she mustcross the bridge!

She seemed to have the same opinion as I since after a slight interruption she resumed walking towards us, at an even faster pace: she probably feared the bridge would soon fall. Unfortunately, even before I could catch her, the Wanderer appeared behind her, embracing her with his shallow arm. His face met mine, and the gaze of a dangerous mix of Evil and humanity stared back.

'No!' I shouted, feeling desperate enough to risk burning myself as well by going on the bridge. Elisa started to fight the Wanderer, her screams shattering my heart.

Behind us, Baal advanced towards us, his eyes shining with wrath.

What are we going to do?!

The following events all happened in an instant. The angel flew towards the demons. The Wanderer, knowing he couldn't win against an angel while holding Elisa, opened a portal. Elisa, knowing she was lost, threw the yellowish stone at me. I caught it.

And Diablo, Baal and Elisa left through the portal, leaving only the young man, the angel, Cain and me.

'No…'

I fell on my knees. Why? Why?!

I glanced at the stone in my hands, the small crystal glowing with power and evil. I glanced at the spot where the portal used to be. I looked at the angel and the young human. I felt my shoulders tremble as tears started to fill my eyes, leaving me empty. Against the great forces of darkness, I was powerless. Would I ever find my friend back?

I felt warmth behind me, as the fire crawled on the bridge toward me. Soon, it would fall. Right now though, I felt my tears alone would be able to extinguish any flame…

'Raik, move!' Cain implored me, his voice sounding so far away.

Elisa had been this close…!

'The bridge is going to fall! MOVE!'

No. Elisa is lost. Hope is lost. I am lost. Without her, all of this is meaningless.

I felt the bridge crack beneath me. It would, indeed, fall soon. But I didn't care. And that thought, that… passivity when facing death that I was currently demonstrating, felt frightening. But this fear was so far away from my mind currently.

The bridge fell, and I with him. This would end soon, I thought whilst looking at the stone.

Suddenly though, strong hands caught me and my eyes widened whilst I saw the angel… save me. And bring me back on the ground, facing Cain.

I blinked, glancing at the flames. During that time, the angel brought the young man on our side.

I looked at the creature of the Light, and whispered an empty 'Thanks.'

The angel nodded (or at least I assumed he did considering his hood's movements). He then looked at Cain and said, 'Deckard Cain, the last member of the Horadrim. I was not expecting you here… I am Tyrael, the Archangel of Justice.'

I raised an eyebrow. An Archangel? Seeing them on Sanctuary was uncommon…

Cain bowed his head, 'It is an honour to meet you, Archangel Tyrael. This is my friend, Raik, a Druid. And, the woman that Diablo captured was also a friend… Elisa.'

Tyrael nodded, 'I am sorry for your loss, but we have more important things to do.'

My eyes thinned as I spat, 'And what kind of things would me more important than saving Elisa?! Besides, she's not dead, you saw her very much alive just as I did!'

Tyrael turned to face me, and pointed the stone in my hands, 'I repeat what I said: there are more important things. And you shouldn't neglect them: your friend's last action was to give this stone to you, Druid. It is your duty to take care of it.'

'Nothing is my duty, you hear?! And besides, Elisa is not dead!'

The Archangel seemed quite annoyed by my comments since he held me by my armour before almost shouting in my ears, 'You have no idea what this stone represents! It is Baal's Soulstone. It must be destroyed! I cannot take care of it: I shouldn't have even come here in the first place. In any case, you have to destroy it! Go to the Kurast Temple, from which you will find Hell's gateway. From there, you will go to the Hellforge, and destroy the Soulstone. You must do it quickly! If this Stone were to fall in the wrong hands, then Sanctuary in its entirety would be lost!'

On these words, the Archangel disappeared, leaving us mortals on a quest.

I glanced at the soulstone. Baal's soulstone. I chuckled, shaking my head as I whispered, looking at the stone's light, 'Destruction's in my grasp…'

The statement felt like a joke.

Author's note:

I know, I know, I published a tiiiiiiny little bit later than usual. I've been kind of busy. In terms of writing, I'm at chapter XII!