The guardsman returned after a short while with three people in tow. They were all dressed similarly, brown and dark red robes with gold filigree, protected with functional metal armour. The two in the back kept their hoods up and their hands in their robes. The Horadrim in the middle of the trio stepped forwards and lowered his hood. He was an older man, face leathery with age, but his green eyes were as clear as any younger man. On his cloak he bore a gold pin of tendrils coiling around themselves, encircling a bestial eye.
"Arcanist Vaisoris! It is truly good to see you." Tyrael said with an energy Asheara had not heard from the man since his arrival in the city.
The older man smiled back and clasped Tyrael's hand firmly. "Likewise, old friend. It feels like years and years since our last meeting."
"Indeed, it does." Tyrael said, the joy fading from his face.
"If only it could be under, ah, happier circumstances." Vaisoris said, looking at the table in the middle of the room.
One of the Horadrim stepped past Tyrael and Vaisoris to the side of the table holding Valla's body and drew back their hood. A thick braid of white hair dangled from a face covered the scars of battle, the expression a blend of anger and sadness.
"Who could have done this to you, Valla? How?" The woman said.
Captain Asheara asked Doctor Sherade to leave. There would be no need for the physicians just yet.
"I wish I could say it was some daemon, some vile beast." Tyrael said, his tone growing darker.
"But no, it was my kin that did this." He continued. The Horadrims' attention was fixed on Tyrael.
"It was Imperius. Imperius murdered the Nephalem."
All three Horadrim gasped.
"The Archangel of Valour?" Vaisoris asked. Asheara silently added the rest of the titles Tyrael had listed in her head.
"It pains me greatly to say it, but yes." Tyrael said.
"What happened?" The woman Horadrim asked. She was holding onto the slab with a white-knuckled hand.
Tyrael recounted what he had told Asheara earlier in the day, then expanded with the events of the day, with the daemon attack in the square.
"And I am certain this is the reason for the daemon attack." Tyrael said and indicated the floating sphere.
Vaisoris made an appreciative noise and approached the orb.
"My lord, I would not carelessly touch it." Asheara said. She would show them her hand, but there were no physical marks of the pain that still tingled.
"Indeed, the energies within are not well contained." Tyrael added.
"What is it?" Vaisoris asked, though his tone did not seem very questioning to Asheara.
"I believe it to be the Nephalem's soul. Not her ghost." Tyrael responded. He too seemed to have noticed something amiss in Vaisoris' tone. A chill went down Asheara's spine. How would Tyrael take that? He had clearly been shook by Valla's death.
The room grew tense while Vaisoris stepped closer to the central table, examining the orb. He had a slight smile on his face.
"Vaisoris, what is the meaning of this?" Tyrael said. He had one hand on the hilt of his sword. The woman Horadrim stepped between the armoured man and Vaisoris with a wary look on her face.
"Whatever do you mean, old friend?" Vaisoris said. His smile only grew wider.
Asheara was at Tyrael's side before he could draw his sword. "Please, my lord Vaisoris," She said, looking at the elderly arcanist, "Do not toy with us. It has been a long day for me, and far longer for lord Tyrael."
Tyrael bristled behind her. Vaisoris looked at her and the smile gave way to a more serious look.
"Ah, my apologies to both of you. It is just, ah, Tyrael is usually the one with the crucial knowledge and I simply wished to turn the tables, even for a moment." Vaisoris said.
The smile faded and the older man walked past his bodyguard and knelt in front of Tyrael. "I serve the Horadrim, and I serve you, Tyrael, Lord of Justice and Wisdom. If I have cast doubt on that fact, then I will endeavour to prove my loyalty over the coming days." Vaisoris said. His tone reminded Asheara of some of the many supplicants that came to the palace every week. Reverential.
Asheara heard a shuffling of armour behind her and Tyrael stepped past her and placed a gloved hand on the older man's head. "I will hold you to that promise, Arcanist Vaisoris Galaren. Now stand."
Tyrael continued as Vaisoris got to his feet with a little help. "But I must apologise too. As the Captain said, it has been a trying time."
"I can only imagine." Vaisoris said. "But I should be forthright. I did not know the details, but the larger picture was known to me the moment I set forth for Caldeum."
"How are you here, Vaisoris? How did you know to find me?" Tyrael said.
"As for your location, the First Ones have their ways." Vaisoris said and placed a scroll-case from his belt in Tyrael's hand. In it was a fine vellum scroll with two sections of text. One seemed to Asheara to be a poem and the following a more ordinary text.
"This is a transcript of a tablet found in the ruins of Secheron. It is a prophecy, the First Ones believe, that tells of the events we are regretfully witnessing." Vaisoris continued and indicated Valla's body.
"I have not heard of this prophecy before." Tyrael said.
"We believed it would be difficult for you to believe that one of your own kind would take such action." Vaisoris said.
His own kind? But he said an angel killed Valla. Asheara thought.
Tyrael grimaced at that and looked to the scroll.
"In the Time of the Fall of Death,
The Valor of the Heavens
Will fall upon the Greatest of Sanctuary.
They will fall and rise anew.
And their Essence will spark the Eternal War anew,
And the Fate of Sanctuary will be found in the Shattered Mountain."
Tyrael rolled the scroll back up and handed it back.
"I'm sure you can see the connections. The Order has been preparing in some secret since the Reapers attacked Sanctuary." Vaisoris said.
"So, all the time I spent with Valla on the road." Tyrael said quietly.
"It pains me to say it, but yes." Vaisoris said.
The room grew quiet.
"But it means you're ready, correct? You prepared for this." Asheara said.
"Based on what we gleaned from the prophecy, yes. And seeing the reality of the events," Vaisoris said and approached the golden sphere, "I believe we have what is needed."
The Horadrim returned, Vaisoris in front, the woman and the other Horadrim carrying a metallic cage between them on poles. Cage was the first word that came to Asheara's mind, but in truth it was more like an ornamental lantern casing. The metal had been shaped in intricate patterns that repeated on all the sides of the cage. Only the top and bottom were different. Those were like a starfield of crystals and precious gems. She could see both the craftsmanship and the artistry that had gone into its construction but also the cost. The Horadrim had put a lot of resources into this.
It was placed on the floor of the room while four more Horadrim filed in in the same robes as Arcanist Vaisoris. They bowed to Tyrael but said nothing, simply standing in a small group to the side.
The remaining Horadrim that had originally entered with Vaisoris lowered their hood. It was a man, his skin a similar colour to Tyraels. Asheara recognised his accent as being from Kurast but it was a blend of many places throughout the region.
"This Soul Cage was designed to hold a powerful soul. It has similarities to a Soulstone but requires no physical connection with the body to contain the energies." The man explained as he examined the patterns and gems-settings.
"It will allow us to transport the soul on our journey." He continued.
"Our journey?" Tyrael said. The man stopped in his work briefly and looked to Vaisoris.
"As the prophecy says, 'the fate of sanctuary will be found in the shattered mountain'. Of the broken peaks of Sanctuary, one stands out from the rest both in pedigree and historical importance." Vaisoris said when prompted.
"Mount Arreat." Tyrael said, a pained expression crossing his features.
"Fate does indeed seem to pull a great many things to the caldera of that ancient mountain, as it keeps pulling you there." Vaisoris said.
"Indeed." Tyrael said with a sigh.
"The cage has not been impacted by the transport, Arcanist, we can proceed when required." The kneeling Horadrim said.
"Very well, Karim." Vaisoris said, then he turned towards Tyrael.
"We intend to place the soul in the cage so we can transport it, whatever may happen at Mount Arreat. The Horadrim believe this to be the clear course of action." He continued.
Tyrael's expression soured when he looked at the metal contraption. Asheara would have to confess that she did not like the concept of caging Valla's soul any more than he did.
"The Soul Cage is perfectly safe, my Lord," Karim said, "We blended the techniques for the Horadrim Cube and the ancient Soulstones for its creation."
"It is not safety I am concerned with." Tyrael said with a sigh.
"Cullen and Thomas both personally vouched for it." Vaisoris said.
Tyrael looked to the glowing orb.
"Tyrael, what would Valla do?" Asheara said.
Tyrael looked in Asheara's direction but seemed not to be looking at her, but then the briefest of smiles crossed his face. "She would ask for my counsel."
"We cannot afford to give our enemies any more time than we already have. Arcanist Vaisoris, you have my blessing." Tyrael said, the dour expression returned.
Vaisoris nodded gladly and instructed his men to commence. Karim and the female Horadrim held the Soul Cage while the four hooded Horadrim chanted and worked spells. At first there was no change, but then slowly but surely, the orb began to move, floating serenely into the metallic Cage until Karim closed the single hinged panel. Asheara saw no lock or handle. Instead, the four Horadrim continued with a different chant. After a few moments Karim tugged on the panel, clearly to his satisfaction.
"It is done." Karim declared.
"It can only be opened by the Horadrim now." Vaisoris said.
"We should depart for Mount Arreat as soon as possible." Tyrael said and turned to Asheara.
"Can the Horadrim stay within the city for the night? We leave at first light." Tyrael said.
"We have our own caravans, there is no need." Vaisoris said, both to Tyrael and Asheara.
"The city has already had one daemon attack since Tyrael arrived. There may well be more." Asheara said.
"I agree with Tyrael that it would be safest for all involved if you stayed within the city walls."
Vaisoris paled slightly when she mentioned the daemon attack, but it got him to agree. Behind the old arcanist, the female Horadrim grinned at the mention of the daemons.
The Horadrim left to gather their group inside the walls with instructions to tell the palace guards that Captain Asheara had given them leave to use one of the barracks. Tyrael sat in a chair in the operating room. To Asheara he looked ready to drop dead if he could not sleep soon.
Doctor Sherade entered the room cautiously. Asheara waved her in, and the physician's aides followed behind.
"We still need to prepare the body. I'm surprised it has survived this far already." Sherade said. Behind Asheara, Tyrael stirred from his half-slumber.
"Very well. I'll bring Lord Tyrael to the barracks. He can't have had much sleep over the last few days." Asheara said and approached Tyrael.
The man got out of his seat before she reached him, looking past her.
"What are you doing to Valla?" He said. It was not a question born of curiosity.
"Lord Tyrael, we need to prepare the body for burial. We cannot risk a source of disease inside the palace itself." Doctor Sherade said.
"I told you to leave her alone!" Tyrael roared and drew his shining sword with a ring of metal. Doctor Sherade gasped and tried to step away but Tyrael was far faster than the doctor. Fortunately, Asheara was fast enough, her scimitar colliding with El'druin. For a brief moment Asheara wondered if her weapon would hold, but the palace blacksmith had done a fine job.
"Tyrael!" Asheara shouted. "What are you doing!?"
"I will allow no further harm to come to the Nephalem!" Tyrael shouted and pushed against Asheara. Her sword creaked in response.
"Have you lost your mind!?" Asheara responded.
Tyrael did not respond, and instead he reared back and raised his sword.
"Valla is dead, Tyrael!"
"If you won't listen to me, think of Valla! Would she have wanted you to be like this?" Asheara shouted. If he struck again, that would be the end of her.
Tyrael's furious expression broke. "She- she asked me to protect her home." He said, almost imperceptibly.
Asheara hadn't heard the words but she could see on Tyrael's expression that the danger had passed.
El'druin clattered to the ground and Tyrael fell to his knees. Asheara stepped back, gratefully lowering her own weapon.
"Since she couldn't do it herself anymore." Tyrael said. The tiles beneath him sparkled with tears and the words were forced out between sobs, but all in the room heard them.
Dawn broke the following morning. The Horadrim were assembled by the western gate, the Soul Cage already placed in one of their wagons.
"I would never have imagined in my wildest nightmares that I would rise in the morning and wait around for Lord Tyrael of all people." Vaisoris said and sipped from his mug.
Asheara thought much the same. But she supposed that most people here, even the battle-scarred Horadrim woman from the day before had had plenty of sleep lately. Tyrael had not.
"Oh, here he comes." Vaisoris said with a chuckle.
The gleam of Tyrael's armour in the sunlight rivalled that of his sword. His determined expression only broke when he turned to Asheara to speak.
"Captain Asheara, I would ask a favour of you one last time." Tyrael said. He looked almost sheepish.
"Yes?" She responded, unsure of what else to say.
"I need to speak to Doctor Sherade one last time before we leave." Tyrael said.
He must have seen her reticence plain on her face. "I promise no ill will."
"Very well. Let's hurry, we don't want to keep your escort waiting overlong." Asheara said with a sigh.
They found Doctor Sherade in her office. On the way there they passed the operating room from the day before. It had been closed off, but Tyrael made no move to examine it further, simply followed along behind Asheara. He had left his sword in the Horadrim's care. The scholars had accepted the weapon like it was the holiest of relics.
The old physician greeted Asheara but started when Tyrael rounded the corner.
The man held up his hands in a conciliatory gesture. "This time I mean no ill will, Doctor Sherade, but I do not wish for Valla to be buried here in Caldeum. She should return to Tristram or to her Order, but not here."
Doctor Sherade took a step away as Tyrael started to speak but his tone seemed to reassure her somewhat. "Very well, it is your choice. We will keep her in the royal crypts till your return."
The physician looked to Captain Asheara. "I believe her service to the crown has earned her that much, in the very least."
"Thank you, Doctor Sherade. I apologise again for how I have acted. I was not myself." Tyrael said.
"Not to be blunt but I have seen it before. The loss of a loved one takes a hard toll on many, Lord Tyrael." Sherade said.
"The loss of a loved one." Tyrael mumbled to himself. Asheara only barely caught it.
"Thank you again, Doctor Sherade. We would best be off, daylight is burning." Tyrael said and left the chamber.
The Horadrim were much as they had left them. At Tyrael's approach a few of the younger ones cheered and all picked up their packs and final belongings and made ready to leave.
"All business concluded?" Vaisoris said with a chuckle.
"There is just one thing left." Tyrael said. His tone was light, but his expression was far from it.
"With all due respect, Lord Tyrael, I think the young ones might stage a mutiny if you delay them one more time." Vaisoris said.
"Not to worry, I won't hold them for long." Tyrael said and stepped past the old arcanist.
The assembled Horadrim drew closer, forming a half-circle around Tyrael. Asheara stood apart. She wanted to say her goodbyes to Tyrael before he left, but she was not Horadrim.
"Horadrim," Tyrael called out, "You know who I am. I cannot lie. I will not lie. This will be a trying time. Many will try to stop us, and not just the Nine Hells. I can scarce believe I owlud have to say this, but the forces of the High Heavens might well move against us as well."
"And that is why I am not coming with you on your journey."
The Horadrim exploded in shouts and cries. After a long moment they were brought to silence by the banging of metal on metal. The female Horadrim stood at Vaisoris' side, axe and shield in hand.
"Order, order!" Vaisoris shouted. "I am sure Lord Tyrael has some reason for this declaration!" The old man looked to Tyrael to continue.
"Imperius must answer for what he did. Before I became the Aspect of Wisdom, I was the Aspect of Justice. It is high time he remembers that." Tyrael said. He had drawn his sword in silence and held it by his side. The jewel on its handle glowed brightly.
"I go where only I can, to the High Heavens. I will ensure that they do not interfere with out quest." He finished.
The Horadrim were silent. Vaisoris cleared his throat.
"If that is your wish, Lord Tyrael. We will begin on the journey we discussed last night. I hope you will be able to join us along the way nonetheless." The arcanist said.
"As do I, Vaisoris. Safe travels and be well. I know I can entrust the Horadrim with this task in my absence."
Asheara stepped up beside Tyrael as the caravan began to move. "Tyrael, what was all that about?"
Tyrael met her gaze but said nothing.
"Aspect of Wisdom? Of Judgement," Asheara said, stumbling over the words, "Just what are you?"
"I believe," Tyrael said and took a step closer, "It would be easiest to show you."
Before Asheara could ask what he meant, Tyrael grasped her hand. Images flew past her eyes, things she had only heard of in stories and fairytales. The Eternal Conflict, the many nightmarish events of the infamous town of Tristram, the shattering of the Worldstone and Mount Arreat. Tyrael's fall from grace, and finally the travels with the Nephalem.
"I did not mean to keep it from you, Captain Asheara." Tyrael said.
"It is only that the Neph- that Valla advised me to not share my past carelessly."
"You're an angel." Asheara said. She could think of nothing else to say.
"Was. Now I am mortal, like you and the Horadrim. But that only doubles my responsibility and my duties. I must earn my place." Tyrael said.
Asheara moved to speak but Tyrael held up a hand.
"I am sure you have a legion of questions. I will return once all this is over, we can speak then. Till that time, Captain Asheara, this is farewell."
She waited in silence as Tyrael opened a glowing portal by the edge of the western gate of Caldeum and stepped through, leaving the world of mortals. Asheara hoped it would not be for good.