The war camp loomed around her as Enakhra trudged after the demon. The sun was beginning to lower in the sky; they must have been kept in the cells for longer than she'd thought.
Demons around them leered, stared, and gasped at them, sometimes all at once. One of them tried to touch her, but she glared at him hard enough to make him back off. Most of them parted around them. If they were used to Zemouregal's presence, they were certainly not used to hers.
She wondered what stories had been told about her in the wake of her absence. Was she remembered fondly, as a hero, as one of Zamorak's earliest and most ardent supporters? Or was she tainted forever by the events which led to her isolation? To look at the demons, it was impossible to tell.
She shook off such thoughts and glanced behind her. Palkeera was keeping pace admirably, although she looked haggard and exhausted. She would have to rest soon.
"Excuse me," she said to the demon escorting them.
It ignored her.
She tried a different tack. "Speak when I address you, worm."
It turned and glared at her. "What?"
"Are we almost there?" she asked.
The demon snarled and jerked his head to a tent just ahead of them. "Close enough?" it said.
The tent ahead of them was large, but otherwise almost indistinguishable from the tents around them save for a pair of banners waving next to the entrance sporting the symbol of Zamorak. Enakhra was pleased to see that it had not changed much in the Age since she'd been gone.
They stopped in front of the entrance. The demon glanced behind itself (Himself? Herself?) at the two Mahjarrat. "Wait here," it snarled, and proceeded into the tent.
Palkeera shuddered as it disappeared behind the tent flaps. "I don't like it here," she admitted quietly.
Secretly, Enakhra agreed with her, although she would never say it. There was too much uncertainty. She wished Zamorak were here, if only so he could berate her. Standing here, amongst the demons, she had no idea where she stood.
Another, traitorous thought struck her. Being here was almost like being in a Zarosian war camp. The structured, regimented, ordered nature of everything around her felt… wrong. In the beginning, Zamorak had preached of chaos, of the weak becoming strong and the strong becoming stronger, of the overthrow of Zaros' oppression. It was what made her fall in… what made her admire him so much. Had he turned his back on those ideals?
Had he turned his back on her?
She said, "This is a camp of Zamorak. We're safe here."
Palkeera frowned, but nodded and said no more.
Behind her, Enakhra began to hear two sets of unwelcome footsteps, one sounding more frantic than the other. She turned to see Zemouregal, face like a storm cloud, dragging behind him the familiar shape of her bone guard on the end of a chain. It was digging its feet in and snarling like a disobedient hound.
"Your pet," Zemouregal snarled as he plucked the creature off of the ground and thrust it into Enakhra's arms. Startled, she let it drop to her feet, where it seemed to calm.
Zemouregal began to brush past her. "Wait!" she said.
He turned. "What?" he said.
"Where are you going?"
He grimaced. "None of your business," he said, and swept into the tent.
Enakhra frowned. She had seen Zemouregal upset many times before, but this was the first time it seemed to be at something other than her.
Not that she cared what Zemouregal exerted his anger on, but if even the (she pained to admit it) powerful necromancer was worried, she probably had something to worry about as well.
Somewhat predictably, when their demon appeared once again in the folds of the tent flap, it seemed to be quite distressed at something. "Lord Tsutsaroth will see you now," it said, and skittered away as quickly as it could.
Enakhra froze. Tsutsaroth. There was a name she had not heard in quite some time. As far as she knew, they were stationed firmly in Infernus, unlikely to leave their new, powerful position. Why were they here now?
Palkeera was looking at her uncertainly, so she forced herself forward, into the tent.
The tent seemed bigger on the inside, although Enakhra was reasonably sure that there was no dimensional magic being done here. She could still feel a light breeze coming from the outside as Palkeera followed her in. It was here that she got her first glimpse of Abbagoth Tsutsaroth.
The demon was… not massive, not like K'ril, but large enough to tower over even the tallest demon in the camp. The Tsutsaroth house was always known for their size and ferocity, although Abbagoth looked as though he were amongst the shortest of their number.
He was seated at a desk, clawed hands folded in front of them, staring at the two Mahjarrat with a lackadaisical air about him. The sight of him looked absurd, like someone had tried to force a rabid dog to be a secretary. He wore armor that was surprisingly unadorned; the Tsutsaroths Enakhra knew prided themselves on beauty, as well.
Lurking in the shadows and looking decidedly unhappy was Zemouregal. He glared at her, then at Palkeera.
"So," came Abbagoth's low voice, "You are Enakhra."
The demon had leaned back in his chair, and looked satisfied, like she had passed a test.
"Yes," Enakhra responded.
"Who is your friend?"
Enakhra glanced at Palkeera. "'Friend' is a strong word," she said. "Palkeera is my companion."
Abbagoth nodded slowly. "I asked who she was, not her name," he responded. "But that is good to know. For now, knowing that she is on our side is good enough for me."
Enakhra frowned. Who is our side?
"Well," Abbagoth said. "Welcome back, Enakhra. We could certainly use you in the months ahead of us."
"Wait," Palkeera interjected. Enakhra started. Palkeera could be giving a speech, and there would still be something quiet about it. As it was, she could have forgotten the other Mahjarrat was there.
"We have a task of our own," Palkeera continued, somewhat uncertainly as all eyes fell on her. "And a limited time in which to accomplish it."
"Palkeera," Enakhra said lowly.
"Oh?" Abbagoth asked. "What is that?"
Palkeera hesitated, and Enakhra interjected. "Nothing that cannot be delayed for now," she said.
She met Abbagoth's gaze, more to avoid Palkeera's than to show strength. "Indeed," the demon said. "However, if your task aligns with ours, we will be more than willing to aid you in it."
"Thank you," Palkeera said.
"Hold on," Zemouregal said. "Hold on just a second. First of all, where did all this talk of having her along come from?"
"We can use every soldier willing to fight," Abbagoth said. "Especially another Mahjarrat. Or two." He surveyed Palkeera questioningly, who avoided his gaze.
"OK, fine," Zemouregal said. "What about this task of theirs?"
Abbagoth turned back to the two Mahjarrat. "True," he said. "What of it?"
Enakhra sensed that he was asking her, and Palkeera remained stubbornly silent, so she spoke. "We…" she glanced at the other Mahjarrat, who was as helpful as a brick wall. "We must make it to the Ritual Site," she said finally.
"Why?" Zemouregal asked hungrily.
"That's none of your business," Enakhra shot back. "And as I said, our duty to Zamorak comes first, of course."
"Of course," Abbagoth said. "But luckily for you, it seems we too are going north."
"Really?" Palkeera asked.
"Really?" Zemouregal echoed, sounding distinctly less pleased.
"Yes," Abbagoth said. "In fact, now that you're here, we may begin." He nodded to Zemouregal. "Gather the troops in the center of the camp," he said. "I'm calling a meeting."
Zemouregal made what may have been a strangled attempt at a bow, and left. Abbagoth turned to the two Mahjarrat as the tent flaps settled.
"I have heard much about you, Enakhra," he said.
Enakhra dipped her head. She wasn't sure that she wanted to hear that.
"Given your situation, I…" Abbagoth hesitated, which surprised Enakhra. As far as she could tell, the demon could be facing an angry Zamorak himself and would be rather undisturbed by the whole business.
"I feel as though you are the only one I may trust about this," he continued.
"About what?" she asked.
"I believe there is a traitor in our midst," he said.
Silence filled the room.
"Oh," Enakhra said.
Abbagoth inclined his head and smiled slightly. "This does not surprise you?"
"No," Enakhra said honestly. "I mean, I wasn't expecting it, either. But I've dealt with traitors before, and this far out from reinforcements, in the middle of the desert, it's kind of a breeding ground."
Abbagoth laughed. "I see I have chosen my confidante well," he said. "All I ask, for now, is that you keep your eyes open. We cannot afford something going wrong at this junction."
This piqued Enakhra's curiosity at the same time as her task emboldened her. This was something she could do. For the first time since emerging from the temple, it felt like old times. It felt like she was… useful once again.
"Now," Abbagoth said. "Let us go." He nodded at them, and left the tent.
Enakhra was alone with Palkeera once again. She looked at the other Mahjarrat. "You know," she said, "I think this is going to be quite a lot of fun."
…
It was almost night by the time Enakhra and Palkeera exited the tent. Torches all around the camp had been lit, some burning green or blue. The result was that the demons looked downright scary, faces appearing and disappearing in an eerie light. It would have been a good psychological weapon had Enakhra not been more worried about the Mahjarrat in the camp than the demons.
Abbagoth stood in the center of the camp. At full height, and surrounded by other demons, he began to look more like the imposing warrior a Tsutsaroth was supposed to be, even in his relaxed stance. The other demons showed a remarkable reverence towards him, hushing their voices when he was near and looking like they wanted more than anything to bow.
He nodded as Enakhra and Palkeera joined the crowd of demons, but said nothing. Zemouregal's expression was impossible to make out, but Enakhra sensed it wouldn't be a stretch to guess that he was probably displeased.
Abbagoth gestured to Enakhra and Palkeera. "Come, stand by me," he said. As Enakhra made her way through the crowd of demons, she could feel their gazes fix on her, and (almost) felt self-conscious.
The two Mahjarrat took their places next to Abbagoth and Zemouregal. The demon raised a clawed hand, and instantly what little chatter still persevered amongst the demons stopped.
"Demons of Fury-of-War," Abbagoth began, "today, we have been blessed." The demons stared at him, their faces swimming in and out of the low light.
"From her long exile, Enakhra, one of Zamorak's earliest and most ardent supporters, has returned," Abbagoth said. "And with her comes Palkeera, also of the Mahjarrat."
There was silence for the longest five seconds of Enakhra's life. Then, the crowd began to cheer.
The sound was deafening. What was once an orderly gathering roiled into life as an impromptu celebration began. Demons slapped each other on the back, some in more friendly ways than others, and howled to the sky. Enakhra was sure she could see some of them starting to fight, but that was a peculiarly demon way to celebrate.
Enakhra couldn't help but start to grin with more relief than she had felt for a long time. So, she hadn't been forgotten, or vilified.
Abbagoth let them celebrate for a few moments, but soon raised his hand again. The demons quieted.
"Their arrival comes at a most opportune time," he said. "For soon, our new task will begin."
"New task?" Zemouregal interrupted, his voice sounding like a cannon shot in the silence. "What new task? You haven't discussed this with me!"
Some of the demons started to growl, and Abbagoth did not stop them. "What orders I receive from my superiors in regards to my camp do not need to be discussed with you," he said, glaring at Zemouregal. "I am grateful for your help, but my patience with you will not last forever. As long as you are here, you are under my command. Do you understand?"
Zemouregal looked murderous, but gave nothing in response besides a curt nod. Enakhra's heart swelled with satisfaction. There was little in life that could top seeing Zemouregal put in his place.
"Now," Abbagoth continued. "This task comes directly from Zamorak himself. Tomorrow, we are to head to the northern pass, where we will link up with the Saradominists. From there-"
"I'm sorry," Enakhra said. "We will… join the Saradominists?"
"Yes," Abbagoth said shortly. "Those are our orders. I am not the biggest fan of them either, but we must do as we are told."
Enakhra shook her head. Much had changed, indeed.
"From there," Abbagoth said, "we will proceed north, towards Silvarea, where I am told a much larger force is waiting. There, we are to wait for further orders."
The demons erupted into talking, but Palkeera's voice reached Abbagoth regardless. "Will it be dangerous?"
Abbagoth tilted his head. "Yes," he said. "With any luck, we will avoid most of the fighting in the desert, but it will certainly not be a safe journey."
Palkeera exhaled shakily beside Enakhra.
"I suggest that you all sleep before we leave tomorrow," Abbagoth said. "All of you." He glanced meaningfully at all three Mahjarrat, then turned back to the demons. "Now, good night."
The demons dispersed in a remarkably orderly fashion, still talking in a dialect of Infernal that Enakhra did not quite understand. Zemouregal, without a word, departed as well to gods-knew-where. Abbagoth turned his attention back to Enakhra and Palkeera.
"Good night to you," he said. "Remember what I told you." With that, he was gone.
Enakhra looked at her companion. "Come on. I think I know a place where we can sleep for a little bit."
Palkeera nodded silently, and followed Enakhra like a lamb.
…
"Well," Enakhra said. "This looked a bit… better before."
They were standing near an alcove not far from the camp. It was a small cave set into the sand, large enough to fit both of them, but only barely. The floor of the cave was free of sand, although some sprinkled from the top and spilled over inside of it.
"I suppose it's only for tonight," she said, and looked at Palkeera. "Me first? You are the bigger one."
She shrugged. Enakhra frowned.
"What, giving me the cold shoulder?"
Palkeera was silent.
"It was only a joke."
She remained silent.
"Dammit, what is it?" Enakhra yelled.
Palkeera shook her head. "Before," she began. "You said Zamorak's cause was more important than this."
Enakhra didn't need to be told what this was. "Well, in the grand scheme of things-"
"I'm not looking at the grand scheme of things," Palkeera snapped. "I'm looking at me, and my child. I have to know. Are you with me? Are you committed to me, and to him?"
"Yes!" Enakhra snapped. "I'm also committed to my god, and to those who follow him. I will do all I can to help you; I've promised you that."
Palkeera was silent for a few moments. "Even if it goes against Zamorak?" she asked softly.
Enakhra frowned. "I-" she paused. "I'll get back to you on that." She turned toward the alcove once more. "Let's get some sleep."
She didn't look at Palkeera as she crawled under the overhang, but soon after the other Mahjarrat followed. Enakhra closed her eyes, and hoped she wouldn't dream.
Hello everyone, I'm back! The good news is that I'm out of High School for good now, so I'll have quite a bit more free time to work on this story in the coming months. The bad news is that after that, I'm not sure if I'll have much time at all. So, I'm hoping to cram as much of this story as I can write into the summer months (without sacrificing quality, of course). The other bad news is that this is still me we're talking about here, so who knows if I'll keep up with that like I plan to.
Either way, updates from here on out will almost certainly be a fair bit faster than normal. See you later!