"Only" 8700 words, hehehe…
Chapter 39
Ignoring a god sitting next to you on a magical hay cart was tricky business. But gods damnit, if Lyndon wasn't going to try.
They had climbed on board, having no other real option, Luther, Abd al-Hazir and Malthael quickly taking up the back, forcing Lyndon to the front. They swiftly fell asleep from exhaustion on the hay stack, the strangely warm air around the vehicle helping greatly with that. So now Lyndon was stuck alone with Zei, the scoundrel having no desire to sleep despite his tiredness. He was just too worked up for that.
- You are quite the brooding champion, aren't you, scoundrel? – Zei snickered next to him. – Been doing the same thing since Gea Kul?
- Aren't you the god to tell?! – Lyndon hissed back.
- I am the god of thieves, travelers and trickery, not the god of emotional crybabies.
- I wish I could strangle you, Zei.
- And I wish you could pull yourself together like a functioning adult.
Lyndon had to grab the edge of his jacket to stop himself from lunging at the old man.
- That is why you are here? – he sent a death glare instead. – To chew me out? What, stirring up shit by Johanna's side grew boring?
Zei actually fell silent at this, clutching his reins tighter.
- Glad to see your sharp tongue is still intact – he mumbled. – But that one… is not me.
- Stop the bullshit, Shen, I had been there when we went after the jewel! I saw Liria. I saw the whole damn thing!
- We gods aren't as straight forward as you are, scoundrel. You have only one body and one life and you waste it on brooding. We, however…
- Are stuck in a conveniently limited state? Yes, yes you are – Lyndon nodded angrily.
- Yes, please ignore half of the pantheons of Sanctuary who did everything in their power to save your suicidal butt when you threw yourself against Bul-Kathos like an idiot! – Zei scoffed at him.
- You haven't answered my question yet, old hack!
- Because you do not let me, scoundrel!
- Because you keep making snarky remarks about things you have no business with!
Zei hid his face in his palm and took a deep breath to stop himself from further arguing.
- Shen… is me. In a way.
- Great, more nonsense – Lyndon rolled his eyes.
- If you let me finish, scoundrel.
Lyndon theatrically and with no small amount of sarcasm gestured for him to continue. Zei needed another pause to regather his composure.
- Shen is me, there is no doubt about that. You found me out, fair and square – he finally said. – But Dirgest had broken out of the jewel that was supposed to hold him for eternity, and while he has not regained his full strength yet, he had managed to ambush me and take control over most of my being in that moment of weakness in those ruins.
- So what, your shadow slipped away just to annoy me?
- My shadow slipped away to live another day and somehow give aid to the fight against this Johanna, no matter how small it may be – Zei waved dismissively. – The best I can do right now is to give some support to travelers on the road.
- And to be an annoying jerk, I see.
- Naturally, should they deserve it.
Lyndon snorted angrily and defiantly crossed his arms, tilting his head away.
- You can throw whatever kind of hissy fit you wish, scoundrel. It does not change the fact that you are completely in the wrong here.
- Oh really now?! Tell me, o wise deity, what am I so wrong about, huh?!
- You think that just because now you know exactly what the Allfather is, this suddenly changes everything and invalidates all that happened in the past.
- Listen up, you—! – Lyndon shouted, grabbing the collar of the old man in his rage.
Except that his fingers passed through the god like he was a mirage. The scoundrel quickly yanked his hand back in shock, seeing it disappear into the body.
- I told you I am but a shadow of my former self. You'd do well to listen, boy – Zei glanced at him.
- Cheating bastard – Lyndon spat venomously – You talk easily, old hack! You are not the one who suddenly realized that a single wrong move from his part could doom the entire world!
- You may not know this, but your track record with the Allfather hasn't exactly been spotless up to this point – Zei snorted. – Yet the world still stands, we are still here, and the Allfather has a good heart despite everything. You cannot be perfect. Stop thinking that just because you are a Nephalem now.
- Please, do tell this to everyone who expects a fucking miracle from me, will ya?! – Lyndon shouted angrily.
Hazir twitched behind them, but remained deeply asleep.
- I find a random angel in the Burning Hells, I decide to show the most basic of human decency towards him, and suddenly I am protecting the creator of Sanctuary and everyone waits for me to save them from something – the scoundrel raged on, helplessly grabbing the edge of the cart so hard his knuckles turned white. – I am a thief, Zei, for fuck's sake! I am the scum of the streets from Kingsport! All I ever did was tag along with Johanna and occasionally helped out from the sidelines! Stop demanding a world saving brilliant plan from me!
-… Nobody is demanding anything from you, scoundrel – Zei frowned worryingly at him. – All the pressure you perceive is just an illusion your own brain conjured up, because you are afraid.
- So what if I am? Wouldn't you be?!
Zei fell awfully silent at this as he stared before himself, beyond the wide shoulders of the packbeast. The heavy pause was only broken by Lyndon's labored breathing as he glared daggers at him.
- I had been afraid, true – the god finally spoke up.
- Don't you dare tell me you had been the personal body guard of Inarius!
- No, not exactly. But there had been a day and age where things had been… quite similar to your situation.
- As if!
There was yet another pause.
- The legend you have heard isn't accurate. When… Dirgest had gone on his rampage due to my boneheaded actions, I had no choice – Zei began with a distant look in his eyes, clearly uncomfortable. – I went to our Allfather, Inarius you call him, to plead for his aid in this mess. He had been furious with me, understandably, but he had agreed to help, with the condition that I would face my punishment after the danger had been averted. He had refashioned Liria's ruby into a prison and even helped me wear down Dirgest, so I could seal him away into the stone. Then… the Allfather sentenced me to a life among humans, not quite mortal but not quite a god either. And he made me take an oath to forever guard Dirgest' jewel and to keep humanity safe that way.
- But you lost it somewhere down the line – Lyndon nodded broodingly.
Zei fell silent again, awkwardness practically radiating from him.
-… You did not lose it – the scoundrel's eyes grew wide. – You voluntarily cast it off?!
- Dirgest had been raging inside the jewel – the god continued softly. – He could not do anything to me, but sometimes I could hear his threats, his fury. I was terribly afraid of him, despite his cage. He told me that once he was out of his prison, he would make sure that every single one of his future victims would know exactly that I was to blame for the suffering that would befall them. I eventually began to feel like everyone was judging me, mortals and gods alike. That they looked at me strangely, as if expecting a miracle from me to contain this raging madman. I could not ask the Allfather again to give me advice, by that time he had been defeated and sold to the demons.
-… So you got rid of it – Lyndon said, sinking back into his fur coat in realization.
- I felt like it was a burden I could not carry any more, because of all the expectations. Expectations that… never really existed. So I threw it away, I did, and for a short while, I felt liberated, even though I could not regain my full godly status. But Dirgest made sure that the jewel found its way into the hands of a mortal eventually and he began wreaking havoc that way. He had corrupted minds, shattered families, turned father on daughter, mother on son, sibling on sibling… It was a disaster. I had realized what I have done and I began my quest to regain the jewel, but it took centuries to get even close to it… and you saw how that turned out. The lives shattered along the way are without number, scoundrel.
- But there were expectations placed upon you. You are just telling yourself that weren't any – Lyndon shook his head adamantly.
- Our responsibility and the expectations of others we perceive quite often do not line up, scoundrel. When we are afraid, when we are full of doubt, our minds love to trick us.
- But…!
- My responsibility did not truly change because of Dirgest. The gods' task is to guide and keep humanity safe, more often than not from their own destruction. This had remained the same for me as well, only then I was supposed to provide by guarding another god that would have torn innocents asunder in his blind wrath. My belief that everyone knew of my burden, and that everyone was expecting a miracle from me… was simply a delusion born out of fear. All I should have done is ignore Dirgest, maybe even turn him into a joke. I had a great sense of humor once.
Lyndon fell silent at this, uncomfortably looking away. Zei suddenly shook himself to regain some of his insufferableness at least:
- So tell me, scoundrel. How does a gem behave?
- W—what?
- How does a gem, especially a mountain-sized gem behave, you think?
- I don't—
- Is it like a child? Hanging on your every word, afraid of the dark, learning to behave and even talk properly?
-… No?
- Then?
- Then what, you old hack?!
- You seem so afraid that Quiet suddenly turned into something you cannot understand or even affect.
Lyndon kept staring at Zei in frustration.
- But he is the same, scoundrel. The same small child you were teaching words, stealth and basic ethics to. The same one you have read tales to so he could fall asleep at night. Why are you so scared then?
- And if I fuck it up, like I did with everything else in my life? What then, Zei?! We will have an all-powerful, messed up god because of me! – the scoundrel snapped.
- Do you still love him, scoundrel? – Zei turned to look into his eyes.
- I had loved Rea once. Look how that turned out…
- But she did not love you back, nor did she share such level of trust and family bond with you.
"We family now? Leendonn Liyt—Lightwing. Quiet Lightwing."
Lyndon lost his voice again. It sounded strange, that he had been reading bedtime stories to a mountain-sized creator gem; that he taught it how to talk and dress properly; how to introduce himself to strangers. But he really did all those things.
And the world was still standing, despite months passing.
- Find him, Guardian. Quiet is your little firefly, and he needs you, now perhaps more than ever. You still know that in your heart, I am sure – Zei said surprisingly softly and full of understanding.
- I… I don't know anymore – Lyndon sighed in defeat, losing every last bit of his anger. He just wanted to have a nice sleep finally.
- Nobody is expecting you to be perfect, or to save the world with a brilliant plan, Guardian. All we ask is that you show our creator the same love and guidance you have been showing since the first moment you met him. The rest… shall come as it does – Zei finished.
Lyndon tried to say something, but exhaustion conquered him out of the blue, so he just leaned back on the cart and nodded off almost immediately.
oooOOOooo
"We family now?"
Lyndon woke with a start and sat up from his doss on the ground, holding Quiet close to his chest.
Wait… what?!
He looked down, only to see he was hugging his backpack. After a second of frozen confusion, he let out a sigh.
They were definitely in a forest that was not in the Dreadlands. The air was much warmer, the plantlife plentiful and green, and no wolves to tear them apart. The rays of the rising sun were slowly making their way among the branches. His companions were all sleeping peacefully on dosses in a circle around a neat fire. Lyndon couldn't recall making camp at all.
A soft gleam attracted his attention to the ground. Right next to him lied a strange gem in the grass with a note under it. It was around the size of his inner palm, chaste in the shape of a half sphere, shimmered like an amber and had a single white line like a reptile's eye dividing it in the middle, and four little silver pins as its four corners. The note under it simply read:
"Equip it onto your crossbow, Guardian. It will serve you well."
Lyndon numbly pulled out his weapon. He could not see a socket anywhere, still he tried to attach the gem to its tiller. Immediately there was a flash of light and the stone glued itself onto the surface, the silver pins drilling into the wood. A red wave ran through the entire crossbow, and the deed was done. Lyndon would have to check out the result later. He could only hope that Zei did not trick him.
The scoundrel put his crossbow away and pulled his knees up to his chest as he pondered. He felt well-rested, if a bit hungry, but his mind was still plagued by everything that had happened back in Sescheron. He had no idea how he could process all that and make peace with it.
A loud yawn drew his attention away for a second. Hazir was stretching on his doss, munching as he was struggling to wake up.
- Oh, it has been a while since I last slept this well – he mumbled as he slowly pushed himself up with his elbows. – Oh… hi, Lyndon!
- Good morning – the scoundrel nodded at him.
- I had just the strangest dream ever! I dreamt a Xianshai god giving us a ride on his hay cart for some reason! – Hazir grinned at the memory, then looked around. – When did we make camp, by the way?
- I don't recall. It was probably Zei's work after we all fell asleep – Lyndon shrugged.
- Wait, so that really…?
- Yes.
- And the thing about the Worldstone…?
- Also yes.
- Oh.
Lyndon went back to rest his chin on his knees with a defeated sigh. Hazir sucked in the air sharply as he sat up as well. He was clearly torn about what to say, but apparently he could not remain silent for long:
- So… how are you, Lyndon?
- Terrible. I mask it this well?
- No—yes… maybe?
- I just… – Lyndon took a deep breath. – I am sorry, Abd, honestly. About having to lie to you about so many things, and… and shouting, and… just being an ass all around.
- It is fine, truly – Hazir waved, as he began rummaging in his bag for some kind of food. – I cannot blame you. To be frank, I probably would not—could not have believed you in Corvus if you had told me that you were the Guardian of an angel. Not without hearing… all that back in the fort.
- I have a hard time believing it too.
Hazir fell silent but the scoundrel could feel his gaze on him. A minute and some more rummaging later, a piece of beef jerky entered his field of vision. Hazir scuttled over to him and offered him a fine piece of his breakfast with a small smile. Lyndon eventually accepted it while trying (and failing) to return the gesture.
- Listen, Lyn – Hazir drew back a little, before growing pale. – Oh, sorry, can I call you Lyn?! I am so sorry!
- It's fine, Abd. We went through more shit these past two or three days than in most of our lives. I won't get offended over a nickname – Lyndon snickered weakly.
- Alright, so… Lyn – the scholar swiftly gathered himself as he settled down. – I can't claim I know how you feel. I don't even know all the details about this whole mess, but I can see it is a big picture.
- Yes?
- What I do know is that—that you will need to sort this out in yourself soon, if you want to solve this problem – Hazir went on. – And… yes, I don't see the whole picture, but if you need a friend, or—or just a quiet place to think long and undisturbed, know that I am always there, alright? I can get you inside our Great Library no problem, truly. Or just give my point of view from the outside, or… anything, really.
Lyndon's weak smile slightly grew larger at this, if only a little.
- Thanks, Abd – he answered hoarsely. – I appreciate it.
- I would like to write a book about this one day, though – Hazir suddenly zoned out with a wishful look in his eyes.
- Abd, seriously…
- No, no, think about it! "The scoundrel, father of our Creator". Sounds impressive, no? An eye-catching title, truly!
Lyndon tried to argue and somehow drag the hopelessly dreaming scholar back to earth, but he got stuck on that one word.
Father…
"We family now?"
Damn, he was crying, he realized. Hazir noticed that too.
- I'm so sorry! – he scrambled. – I didn't mean to upset you—
- It's okay – Lyndon chuckled through his tears as he wiped them off. – I just… remembered. Quiet asked me once if we were family. I told him yes, we were…
- He sounds like a lovely child – Hazir settled down as well. – A peculiar one, truly, but still a sweet child.
- He… yes, he is. He has his short-comings, those are mostly my fault, I reckon – Lyndon nodded, sniffing. – But he is the kindest kid you will ever meet. I started out wanting to get him to the High Heavens as quickly as possible… now I—I miss him dearly. I really do, damnit.
- Then… the question is already answered, isn't it? You want to find him again.
- I guess I do. I'm just—afraid, I think – Lyndon let out a shaky breath.
- Well, I think if you focus on how much you want to see him again, that may help you overcome your fear – Hazir thought aloud. – I mean, I can't blame you, realizing that you are caring not just for an angel, but for just the most powerful gemstone in the Universe as well—
- Abd – Lyndon let out a long sigh, seeing his friend slowly getting lost in his own mind.
- I still honestly cannot truly believe all that happened! I mean, not just this Worldstone thing, but also the Unclean, Sescheron, Bul-Kathos, Kanai—
- Hazir.
- I would have never thought one day you would become a father. Or that I would face off real human opponents and win! How surreal is that, truly! Also I actually made friends with an angel, that's—
- Would you all just silence yourselves?! Preferably forever? – interrupted a low grunt, indicating that Malthael had been jolted out of his peaceful sleep.
- I didn't know angels slept, Deadweight – Lyndon smirked.
- That is not my name, hellspawn. And yes, of course we do. We just don't require it as often as you do – Malthael pushed himself up from the doss groggily. – I needed to regenerate.
- Of course you did, o Champion of Self-roasting – Lyndon snorted, recalling that blood-curling moment.
- There will come a day when I shall punch you through a wall for these comments, demonspawn.
- Love you too, man.
- I… honestly have no idea how we pulled all that off back in Sescheron – Hazir commented from the side, considering the scene before him.
- Me neither, if that helps – Lyndon nodded to him.
- Kanai was onto something, though.
- I doubt that.
- Na-aa! – Luther joined in, still half-asleep.
- Treasure goblins and angels sleep – Hazir quickly wrote down into his notebook appearing out of literally nowhere. – Good to know.
- Fffriendsss…
- We are here, Luther. It's okay – Lyndon smiled at the little demon.
- So now what, mortals? – Malthael slowly stood up, dusting off his still divided robes.
- We should travel to Westmarch to fully restock and recover – Hazir suggested.
- Should still be a couple of days from here with leisurely pace – Lyndon nodded, finishing his beef jerky. – After that… we shall see, I guess.
His estimate was far, faaaaaar off, as it turned out.
After they had a modest breakfast and gathered their stuff, they set out to south-west, climbing over a larger hill at the edge of the forest. On the top, however, they had to stop in their shock.
Westmarch was there, a good three or so miles away, its dark walls a stark contrast against the green grass.
- Oh – Hazir noted. – Have we slept for days on that cart?
- I highly doubt that – Lyndon pondered. – Guess Zei still has a few tricks up his sleeve, despite losing most of his powers.
- Cittyyyyy – Luther looked over the walls with an almost hungry look in his eyes, no doubt imagining all the treasure he could acquire in there.
But then, he suddenly shook himself and tore his gaze away. With a loud sigh, he opened a golden portal in the air.
- Luther? – Lyndon looked at him in surprise.
The treasure goblin pointed at the portal, crestfallen.
- Your home is waiting, yes? – Hazir asked.
- Hae! Ffriendds! – the demon nodded quickly, before pulling out a dime and flipping it mid-air for Lyndon.
- I'll remember, Luther, don't worry – the scoundrel smiled at him and crouched down to hug him. – I could not have asked for a better addition to the team!
- Ffriendd! – Luther exclaimed happily as he crushed the human against himself with surprising strength.
He quickly let go with an apologetic smile, then shook hands with Hazir. Malthael refused to extend his own hand, so the goblin just jabbed him good-naturedly in his hip and gestured at the ice wand with a wink.
- Begone, little blight – Malthael snorted at him in return.
- Ffriend!
- As if!
Luther only snickered and jumped into the golden portal, disappearing.
- I need to write a book about all this, truly – Hazir stated after a short pause.
- Abd. No one will believe it – Lyndon tiredly rolled his eyes.
- That doesn't matter! I cannot risk losing such precious memories to time!
Lyndon did not really know what to say to this, except smile a little. Hazir could be a bit strange, but the scoundrel envied his ability to be so upbeat after such a continuous near-death experience.
He turned to Malthael and seized him up.
- You are going to have to shapeshift into a human, if you even can – he stated. – Or we can stuff you into a large enough sack to hide you.
- I am not going inside this swine pen, demonspawn – Malthael sniffled offended.
- Well, I am not going to leave you out here so you can just slip away and cause havoc!
Hazir was scribbling away in his notebook with a defeated sigh while Lyndon and Malthael performed yet another one of their patented arguments. Suddenly, the angel leant uncomfortably close to his adversary, and hissed in a clearly infuriated tone:
- I shall reclaim my rightful title as the Worldstone's guardian. You will lead me to it.
- Him – Lyndon said in an equally venomous voice. – And no, I won't.
- But you will. Otherwise, you will have to kill me. Remember how you have decided that I do not deserve death?
- You do not deserve to be reborn in your former glory – Lyndon waved dismissively. – But keep pushing my buttons, please, and I am pretty sure I can come up with a solution to that problem.
Malthael only snorted in a derogatory manner as he straightened out:
- Good luck opposing the power and the will of the Crystal Arch, mortal. I shall stay in this exact same spot. I have no desire to lose my best and only lead to the Eye of Anu.
Lyndon sucked in the air sharply but refrained from retorting. Instead he turned around on his heels, and angrily began stomping out of the forest with Hazir behind him.
- You two truly need to figure things out eventually – the scholar offered. – This constant bickering will only be detrimental in the future.
- Abd, he is the Angel of Death, the one who killed thousands of humans in less than a week almost a year ago – Lyndon answered slowly and evenly. – How can you be so okay with all that?
Hazir fell silent for a second, contemplating the question.
- I… I think I speak easily, since I had been immensely lucky during that time – he finally admitted awkwardly. – I had been on the road during the whole invasion, in the middle of some forest to document the behavior of a few species. I have not seen a single Reaper through the whole thing. And… I reckon I just do not wish to give him reason to revert back into that stage somehow.
Lyndon paused at that last point. He had to admit, there was some merit to not poking the angry genocidal angel's nerves, lest he might poke back with one of those nasty sickle things. He knew he could never, ever strike a neutral tone with the asshole, but perhaps the less bonus quips and stabs the scoundrel includes in his sentences, the better.
- He most certainly does not deserve your support – still, he grumbled as they slowly reached the eastern gate of the city.
- Well, he did help me defeat the Unclean. And Maluus. And Bul-Kathos – Hazir scratched his head. – Oh dear, I think I still haven't fully processed just how many incredible foes we have faced in the past days.
Lyndon just gave up his convincing and turned his attention back to the guards around the gate. He thanked the gods Hazir was with him, otherwise he would have probably never been able to hackle his way inside without teleporting. He felt a bit sick from using that this much in this las day or two, perhaps it was the best to let it rest for a short while.
oooOOOooo
Who would have guessed that having actual civilization around him would lift his mood.
The bustling of the proud city shook Lyndon a bit out of his general lethargy. He felt like he was actually alive again, conflicted as he still was. Hazir offered him help by buying food, water and other essential traveling kit at the market, while he went and got himself patched up. The scholar himself had to remain in Westmarch, mostly to recover, but also to report to the High Curator of the Archivist order. Countless important information needed to be shared and recorded after all. Still, Hazir promised he could provide them with a bit of a headstart with his Portalfolio.
Lyndon, slightly feeling down that their chatty but cheerful teammate would be leaving as well, headed to the hospital to get the various cuts, bruises and other injuries treated properly, as well as buying some bandages and healing salves finally. Gods know, he needed to prepare for future surprises.
A nurse quickly came rushing to his aid once he was inside, and Lyndon had to double take at her.
- So—Sophie? – he stammered.
- Who—Oh, Lyndon, the scoundrel! – the woman exclaimed in surprise, clasping her hands. – I am sorry, I haven't recognized you for a second there. The Reaper attack had been so long ago!
- Thankfully it had been – Lyndon nodded tiredly as he allowed the woman to lead him to a bed. – How are things with Tyrael, if I may ask?
He took off his coat and crinkled his sleeves up.
- Oh, well… I am worried for him constantly, you know how it is – Sophie awkwardly smiled as she inspected the bruises on his arm. – He is always on the move, it seems! I just wish he'd leave a note every once in a while. At least now I was there to see him off with—Oh dear, of course!
She covered her mouth with her hands as realization dawned on her.
- Everything alright? – Lyndon asked carefully.
- Yes, I am so sorry! This is just so unexpected I forgot to tell you right away. Tyrael had set out with Quiet to some place called the Cathedral of Light.
Lyndon froze to his bed for a second.
- They had been here?! – he demanded then.
- Yes, yes! – Sophie nodded rapidly, getting back to her work and forcing the scoundrel to remain relatively motionless. – They had appeared on my doorstep in a pretty bad shape. Me and Haile took care of them and Quiet had decided to go to a place. Tyrael needed a bit of convincing to agree to it, but he did eventually. So they packed up and left, just three days ago.
- And… was Quiet fine?
- Yes, for the most part – Sophie recalled. – He seemed very tired and sad, but also determined. Clearly he and Tyrael are… not on the best of terms, so to speak.
- Where is this Cathedral of Light? Did Tyrael tell you?
- N—no? I told me that it was somewhere in Kehjistan, but the less I knew about it, the better – Sophie shook her head sadly. – I reckon he did not anticipate that I would meet you.
Kehjistan, just the largest country in all of Sanctuary. Lyndon could not help but curse the fallen angel silently for his tight-lipped-ness. How was he supposed to find them now?! They could have used Waypoints, for all he knew!
… Not only that, but Lyndon had to deal with Malthael first, he realized frustrated. There was simply no way in Hell that he would be leading that idiot right to Quiet!
- Lyndon?
- Wha—what? – the scoundrel resurfaced from his mind.
- I asked if you were planning to go after them? – Sophie looked at him, bandaging his elbow.
- Yes, yes, definitely! Absolutely! Quiet is my responsibility, Tyrael has no idea what he is doing.
Especially considering that Quiet was the goddamn Worldstone.
… The very thing that Tyrael had destroyed in the past.
An unnatural chill ran down on his spine, and Lyndon could not help but imagine the worst possible scenario with those two stuck together. Quiet, with El'druin sticking out of his chest…
- Sophie… please tell me everything Tyrael had told you about the trip! I need to catch up to them – Lyndon pleaded, heart racing in his throat.
- I wish I could tell you more. All he said was that he was planning to use a couple of Waypoints on the way, to make it quicker – Sophie sadly shook her head, then she placed her hand on his forehead. – Are you feverish?
- I am fine! – Lyndon lied. – Is there a caravan heading to Lut Gholein soon? Something I can join?!
- Are you worried that Tyrael would hurt Quiet? – Sophie asked softly after a brief pause.
- How did you—?
- I have seen a brief clash of theirs when they were here. It is clear to me that Tyrael has a hard time finding a common ground with Quiet.
- Oh gods…
- But – here she raised her finger in a no-nonsense way –, I also believe that Tyrael could never hurt Quiet. I am sure of it, in fact.
- I wish I could share your optimism, lady – Lyndon sunk back onto his bed.
- He is far too good-hearted for that. I know you know that as well – Sophie stated, placing her hands on her hips. – And their clash is also not truly one of anger and hatred. Tyrael is just frustrated that he cannot communicate clearly with Quiet and that leads to him losing his patience. I had helped him see it and encouraged him to try different approaches next time it happens. He will figure it out, you'll see.
Lyndon gulped but did not answer. He was still not fully convinced of his firefly's safety.
- Here is the deal, scoundrel – Sophie spoke up, finishing her work. – If Tyrael actually ends up hurting or even killing Quiet, you will have the right to kill me in revenge.
- What?! – Lyndon exclaimed, almost falling from his bed. – No, I will not! What are you—?!
- A life for a life, it is only fair – the woman nonchalantly shrugged, before smirking mischievously. – Besides, I know fully well it will not come to pass, that is why I am offering it. I am no gambler, scoundrel.
Lyndon glared daggers at the smiling nurse, before letting out a tired breath. He could kind of see now why Tyrael had fallen for her.
- I do not accept the deal – he murmured.
- Suit yourself – Sophie nodded.
- Still… I need to go after them as soon as possible. We have to regroup.
- It is a shame they did not wait three days. Things would be much easier now… But Quiet seemed to be in a hurry. He would not sit still until they finally left – Sophie recalled uncertainly.
"See you soon. Promiss."
Lyndon grimaced at the memory. It had sounded like Quiet wanted, or perhaps needed, to do this alone, whatever "this" was. Ytar had seemed to confirm that as well. The scoundrel pursed his lips as he pondered. He wanted nothing more than to rush after Tyrael and Quiet, even if he had to perform a teleportation to the other continent (something that would likely kill him). At the same time, he had this nagging feeling that Quiet chose to go on his temporary separate way for a reason. As if something forced him into this. And if that was the case, then…
- I really don't know what to do – the scoundrel mumbled, rapidly losing his confidence, standing up from the bed.
- Well, what have you been doing up until this point? – Sophie blinked at him.
- Surviving, mostly. With a—with Abd al-Hazir. He's an Archivist here.
- Then… perhaps you should spend some time with his order? Just to rest and recover. Or you can go after Tyrael and—
- I… don't think Quiet wants me there. It's a feeling.
-… Something happened between you two?
- No, just… I don't know why he chose this, but I feel like he has a good reason behind it so… I've got nothing.
Sophie gently squeezed his shoulder with a knowing smile.
- Perhaps you can stay here, then? To work your way through whatever it is you had experienced in these days.
Lyndon entertained the idea for a second, but his gut once again quickly stepped in.
- No… it's better for me to be on the road – he concluded. – But thank you for the advice. Perhaps I can use travel to process things.
Sophie merely nodded and handed to him a kit of salves and bandages for the road. After a brief goodbye, the scoundrel was eager to leave the hospital and Westmarch itself all of a sudden. As per their agreement, he was to meet Hazir back at Malthael's spot in the forest, once everything had been taken care of. The sun was beginning its downward dip towards the horizon at this point.
- You take your time, Lyndon – Malthael snorted disapprovingly as the scoundrel entered the clearing.
Hazir was already there, busily organizing their bags for the trip.
- Rushing anywhere? – the scoundrel rolled is eyes.
- To the Worldstone, of course.
- Yeah, keep on dreaming.
- Like I have said: you two will need to work this out – Abd offered from the side.
He was clearly getting really tired of this animosity, still he dutifully hung around and stuffed the backpack full of food.
- Thank you for the shopping, Abd. You really helped me out – Lyndon walked there, assessing the new resources.
- Don't mention it.
- How much do I owe you?
- Nothing.
- Abd, come on! – the scoundrel stared at his friend.
- I forgot to count – the scholar simply shrugged.
- No, you did not. You are a terrible liar.
- Too bad, I can't remember – Hazir adamantly shook his head and not even a pointed glared could break his defense this time.
Lyndon gave up and just simply gathered his stuff for the road.
- Are you sure you don't wish to come with us? – he tried one more time, slightly hoping the scholar would agree.
- Thank you, but no – Abd smiled sadly. – I am an Archivist now, I have certain duties to my order. You understand.
- Of course. Just checking…
- But I can give you a headstart – Hazir pulled out his Portalfolio. – I have one such book in a forest near Duncraig. That should be a fine distance.
- Do you happen to have one in Kehjistan somewhere? – Lyndon tried weakly.
- I wish! But no, since I've become an Archivist, I did not have the time to leave these all around the world just yet. A terrible shame really.
- Oh well – the scoundrel said in a small voice, officially giving up.
- The Worldstone is in Kehjistan then – Malthael noted behind him.
- Would you stop eavesdropping?!
- You are standing a meter away from me, and you are loud as a demonic Marauder. No eavesdropping is necessary, mortal.
Lyndon sucked in his breath in annoyance.
- I got the memo – he growled to Hazir who was giving him a knowing look.
- Alright, everyone! – the scholar spoke up loudly as he prepared his magic book. – I am sorry that our paths must separate from here. I have really enjoyed our time together, and I hope we will meet again one day.
- Me too – Lyndon smiled at him earnestly. – I am sure we will. If nothing else, I will come visit you whenever I can.
- You still owe me an interview for my next book, once it is all resolved – Hazir grinned at him.
- I promised no such thing! – the scoundrel defended himself with a slight blush.
- You also did not outright deny it. Anyway. Hold onto the Portalfolio, everyone!
He reached out with the book opened at a certain page. Lyndon and Malthael grabbed the edges with a bit of reluctance. Immediately they felt the familiar feeling of melting away.
- That's odd – they heard Hazir's distorted voice as the scholar took one last glance at the page.
Before either of them could start worrying about that comment, the three of them were suddenly flying through the desolate plain of letters until a flash of light took them. Lyndon flew upwards, air once again surrounding him. He collided with something suspiciously soft, which even let out a surprised yelp. The next second he and his friends crashed into the ground with a grunt.
- This traveling method is primitive – Malthael grumbled, face planted into the dust.
- Sorry – Hazir moaned from somewhere on their left.
Lyndon sat up on the rocky ground, rubbing the back of his head. Before him lied a man on his back, covered in rags and a really worn out traveling cape. The stranger slowly pulled himself up with his alarmingly pale hands, so Lyndon could see his face under the hood.
Except all he saw was a bottomless, featureless darkness there.
Time froze.
Then the stranger screamed from the top of his lungs:
- HUMANS! HUMANS!
Shouts of alarm rang all around them at this. Hazir sprung from the ground, startled. Lyndon scuttled back in fear at the sheer volume, frantically looking around. They were in some kind of deep ravine, barren and gray. At the bases of the cliffs makeshift hovels and huts sat miserably, barely standing. Figures exploded from their depths, all of them looking like beggars who just barely survived a terrible storm. Some had six arms under their rags.
And none of them had faces.
- No – Malthael breathed as he looked at the sudden crowd.
Panic broke out. The strangers screamed and shouted in fear, they scrambled, ran, fled in every possible direction that wasn't occupied by Lyndon and his friends. One of them, a brave one, rushed to the beggar closest to the group and dragged him away. Some took up large stones and flung them at the intruders. Lyndon's sixth sense flared up as he dodged, throwing himself onto the ground. Hazir had not been so lucky: a larger pebble hit him square in the forehead, spilling blood and knocking him onto his rear. He almost fell completely over, but somehow stabilized himself with his hands.
- No! – Malthael shouted with pure despair, still kneeling on the ground, his fingers digging trenches into the earth amidst the attack.
Despite the hail of stones, the strangers were clearly not fit for fighting. They were fleeing for their lives in terror, the attacks were only meant as a cover. They quickly disappeared behind the many corners and crooks the winding walls offered. In barely a minute, the ravine was empty once again, with only the collapsing huts and the echoing screams of the figures as a memento of what just happened.
- Those… those were angels – Lyndon stammered, shocked to his core.
- Angels? H—how? Why did they attack us? – Hazir hiccupped, quickly pressing the edge of his sleeve against his head injury to stop the generous bleeding.
Malthael sat back onto his heels, staring at the far end of the ravine where the strangers disappeared.
- No—Please no – he gasped, unable to say anything more.
- Are you alright?! – Lyndon rushed to Hazir, checking his wound.
Thankfully it wasn't serious, just bled much, like all head injuries did. Still, he helped stifle it with a piece of cloth from his backpack.
- I—I think yeah? Just… stings – the scholar grimaced. – But what—who were those people?
Lyndon glanced at Malthael. The angel leant forward onto his arms, his head hung low. A deep growl escaped his throat before it quickly rose to a horrible, heart-wrenching keening pitch.
- Wisdom angels. They were all Wisdom angels, were they not – Lyndon said softly, still looking at Malthael.
- You mean… the Reapers? Those who had killed our kind? – Hazir blinked the blood out of his eye.
- WHY?! WHY THEM?! – Malthael screeched in a high voice, desperate and broken. – THEY DID NOTHING WRONG! THEY FOLLOWED MY LEAD! PUNISH ME, BUT NOT THE—E—EM!
Lyndon did not know what to say, he fell silent at this revelation.
The Crystal Arch did not only reject Malthael, it had rejected every single last Reaper that was sent back to it. It tossed all of Wisdom back to Sanctuary, and the angels no doubt had been trying their damnest to just survive ever since. The miserable huts were an honest testament of their attempts.
"You have led your own people into ruin, Malthael."
Lyndon gulped at the memory of his own words. He had said them in glee, in plain disdain and hatred, but this… he did not expect this. Perhaps he should have felt triumphant that the world proved him right. He should have rubbed it in the face of the archangel.
Instead he felt… pity. Not just for all those angels, but for Malthael himself.
The archangel slowly curled into a ball and he was crying his heart out. He tightly hugged himself and rocked back and forth, weeping in that same heart-wrenching voice Quiet sometimes did. He kept repeating "why them", "not them" as a mantra. A ripple ran across his form and he shed his dual appearance. His robes grew dull grey, long and worn. His somewhat visible wings practically disappeared once again, nothing but white smudges of smoke over his shoulder blades. His fingers grew alarmingly tight around his arms.
- Mal—Mal, stop this! – Lyndon rushed there and tore one hand away before the angel could start clawing himself to death.
- They were your people? You—you thought they returned safely to the Heavens? – Hazir whispered, wiping off the blood from his face.
He too walked up there gently pulled away the other hand. Malthael could not stop keening, he did not even try to lift his head.
- They did not deserve this – he whimpered. – They were only following orders… I failed them…
Hazir pursed his lips, before he leant forward and hugged the broken angel. Malthael let it happen, he basically leant on the scholar for support. Lyndon stood next to them, not sure of what to do. Instead of smugness and triumph, he felt miserable and awkward. He had thought for certain that he would never feel pity for Malthael but… he had not seen the archangel this devastated before. The seraphim wept in Hazir's embrace, wrapping one arm loosely around the scholar in return.
With a deep sigh, Lyndon sat down onto the ground, next to the pair. He stared towards the far end of the ravine, as if expecting the fallen angels to return. He involuntarily thought about actions and consequences.
Edlin. Maya and Eric. Rea. Leah. The Seven Jade Statues. Those guards in the estate.
Lyndon had had a hand in all of their fates.
- Consequences can be hard to bear – he finally spoke up softly. – I know. It is a harsh lesson when you are mortal. When… you don't get a second try.
Malthael kept on weeping, but Hazir slightly nodded at him.
- We need to learn to either let go or make amends – Lyndon went on, drawing slightly closer. – It is hard, and brutal. Painful. But if we try to run away, it will eventually catch up.
It did not look like the angel registered his words. The scoundrel wasn't even sure why this lecture decided to show up.
- He won't be able to go anywhere in this state – Abd grimaced as he readjusted his hold on his companion.
- We cannot leave him here.
- No. I am thinking of bringing him to the Great Library.
- Your people will never accept him. You told me they had to fight off the Reapers during the invasion – Lyndon shook his head.
Hazir pursed his lips again.
- True – he admitted. – But our High Curator is a greatly experienced old man. I am certain he will have his objections. But if anyone, he will be able to understand what had happened. He might give him shelter.
- And if not?
- Then… I will think of something. Don't worry, Malthael won't remain alone.
Lyndon took a deep breath.
- I can't think of a better idea – he finally conceded. – So be it. If you think you can handle him.
- I think I can, yes. We are on pretty good terms, I believe.
- Compared to a demon? Yes, you are.
Hazir chuckled weakly but it quickly died down and he patted the back of Malthael.
- Abd. We cannot tell anyone what we saw here – Lyndon looked into his eyes. – If the people realize that the Reapers are here on Sanctuary, weak and unarmed…
- Yes, you are right – Hazir nodded seriously. – They would be gutted and skinned alive on the main squares of every town.
- I am going back with you two—
- No need. You need to go after Quiet. I can handle this.
Lyndon fell silent. He did not want to leave his friends behind, that much was true. But he also wanted to be alone finally. The events of these past days had been hard on him. He had a lot to ponder on, and he wished for some silence and solitude to work it all out. In the end, he was a loner, that was his element. Still, he felt guilty for dumping the people who had saved his life more times than he cared to count.
Yes, that included Malthael, if he had to be truly honest with himself.
- I… – he struggled to find the right words as he looked around helplessly.
The rundown cottages were a sad sight to see, but he also finally noticed the Portalfolio lying not too far from them. No doubt one of the angels found it while scouting, and since being Wisdom, they could not withstand the temptation of taking it and reading it later.
Malthael had slowly quieted down, even though he refused to let go of Hazir.
- Lyn… it's okay. Really – the scholar smiled reassuringly. – I am a traveler as well, I know the lure of the road and to brave the world alone. You truly need this to clear you head.
- I— thank you, Abd. I am damn lucky to have you as a friend – Lyndon finally caved in with a deep sigh. – Just… be careful, alright? I don't want you to get into trouble because of my mistakes.
- I too have a few tricks to evade trouble – Hazir winked at him. – You forget, I have documented countless dangerous beasts and cults before from up close.
Lyndon snorted in humor at that. That much was true. Hazir wrote about monsters that attacked anything on sight. There was no need to worry about him.
Finally, they shook hands firmly. Lyndon was reluctant to let go, but eventually he did and stood up, lifting up his bag from the ground.
- Take care, Abd… Malthael – he waved at them as he began walking uncertainly out of the ravine.
- May the gods keep watching over you! – Hazir called out, flipping open his Portalfolio and disappearing into it with the numb angel.
Lyndon got out of the ravine just as the sun began to set, painting the sky blazing red. The scoundrel looked at the horizon from the top of a small hill from where the narrow began. Duncraig was south of his position, he reckoned.
What now? Where to go? What to do?
Lyndon exhaled loudly as he tilted his head to the sky with close eyes. The evening wind was picking up around him, bringing in a fresh scent of grass and earth.
- You need time. I understand – he spoke up finally. – Whatever it is, I hope you will stay safe and find what you are looking for. I too have to uncover my way forward. I will go look for you, but perhaps… give you a bit of a lead first.
He began walking down from the hill, towards Duncraig.
- See you soon, Quiet. I promise.
-end of Act II-
So here it is, cupcakes. The curtain call for this gargantuan Act II, after 26 chapters, almost 110.000 words (!), angels going apeshit, and an arsenal of deadly books.
It was a blast getting up to this point. I had very different plans for this Act in the beginning, but I am honestly much happier with how it had turned out in the end. If you are interested in some behind-the-scenes about the original plans, you can read it beyond the Lore & Trivia Corner.
Just like after the end of Act I, I now shall fall silent for a time, while I iron out the base lines of Act III (which, knowing myself at this point, will be ignored anyway later XD) and perhaps give some well-deserved attention to my other projects, for example my own book.
Thank you everyone who have stuck with me through all this madness, with hiatuses and occasionally complete cluelessness. You cupcakes are truly amazing, and I am grateful for your support! ^^
See you back here for Act III – Quiet's and Tyrael's very own personal misfortunes adventures!
Lore & Trivia Corner
- Zei: Xianshai god of thieves and travelers. Zei was very much like Hermes from Greek mythology: tricky, mischievous but also often on the side of humans. In his most famous story he had angered the god of desire, Dirgest by stealing away his girl, Liria, the second moon of Sanctuary. While Zei could eventually imprison Dirgest into a jewel, he had became mortal in the process to carry this burden. Today, some people know him as Covetous Shen.
- Dirgest: Xianshai god of desire, Dirgest was a nocturnal god most of the time. He had Liria as his lover and he guarded her jealously from everyone. Eventually Zei managed to get to her despite everything, and this angered Dirgest so much that he vowed to destroy everything and everyone Zei held dear… including Liria herself. He was stopped after a lengthy rampage and sealed away into a stone, but he is far from defeated. By the end of Act V in-game, he had broken out of his prison and already had a minion, Vekriss covering his tracks.
- Zei's Stone of Vengeance: a legendary gem from the game, best used for ranged builds. It has the effect of raising damage the farther the enemy is.
"Legend says this gem was crafted by Zei to torment fleeing enemies. Other legends claim that Zei never existed."
- Shen being taken over by Dirgest: this idea came from a possible in-game bug. During Shen's quest, at the very end of it, when I had beaten Vekriss already, I noticed that I had left a few Nephalem lanterns intact during the fight. Out of habit, I smashed those as well, to release their souls. They attacked Shen right away as if he was an enemy, while keeping Liria untouched.
- The rebirth of angels: while it is stated that angels lose their entire identity once they return to the Arch to be reborn, I am certain that it is not the same for Archangels. An archangel to lose their memories, personality and all their life experience would mean a terrible terrible blow to the Angelic Host as a whole. Just as the Evils retain their memories after reforming (Diablo is the best example throughout the series), I believe that Archangels too return from the Arch just as they had been before their deaths. They are, after all, the clearest "notes" in the Crystal Arch's harmony, and there can only be one of those.
Besides that, the angels of Wisdom are still themselves because they had been rejected before they could fully rejoin the Arch. They have to live with the memories of what they had done.
The OG Act II
Oh, this one's gonna be good.
The beginning of the planned Act and this Act was very much the same, actually. Quiet snaps, they get to Westmarch, Tyrael goes apeshit, Johanna separates them, the call for revolt against the Heavens, Tyrael and Quiet, Lyndon and Malthael…
In the OG plan, both parties would have been stuck in Corvus indefinitely. The underground city had been much more massive, with space-warping properties, which meant they could walk for a few hours down a corridor, and end up somewhere under Kehjistan. Both parties would have received spotlight, and eventually they would meet up in the Temple of the Firstborn.
I would have struggled to fill the underground city with interesting stuff, however. Corvus is very atmospheric but it is the most one-sided place in the game in my opinion. I probably would have thought of some crazy shit, still, but I eventually realized it was much better and healthier to get them out of there and open up new possibilities that way.
In the meantime, Lyndon's and Malthael's arc was stretching out for pretty long. I have planned to quickly get them through Sescheron without any cuts, then go to Tyrael and Quiet and give them their fair share of spotlight. And it will happen… only in completely different Acts. XD There was just so much to tackle for Lyndon and Malthael, I have realized that I did not want to rush through it, yet at the same time I needed to finish this Act eventually.
Thus, the new Act III will be about only Tyrael and Quiet as they forge towards the Cathedral of Light. Knowing me, I will have no trouble with filling an entire Act with their misfortunes. I already have some spicy ideas, including an old face. ;) Act III will probably not be this long, I am expecting around the same length as Act I had been.
But after this, I am not promising anything. XD I could write the next Odyssey, for all I know. In fact, that personal favorite piece of literature is a pretty big inspiration for the upcoming Act III. This should be interesting!
I hope I can see you there! Take care cupcakes, and thank you once again.
