Orc Wars 2 : Lazarus

Chapter 128 - Killing Rampage

Valentine watched apprehensively as Constantine, Nark and the Captain disappeared into the swirling portal one by one. The Witch waved her hand dismissing the magical gateway once they were gone.

"May they be in time to ssave the jaav ukon. If not, all may be losst."

"You care what happens to the orc prince?"

"Of coursse Ghosst Lord. If the little one isss sslain, my future will become very bleak indeed. I will be sstuck here forever. The Overlord will be too bussy with war to pay any attention to a trifle matter like me."

"Oh."

"Bel-lo," the Bello said softly calling the Witch's attention. She was holding the Assassin upright with two tentacles. One more extended to poke his pale face.

"Stop that," he said weakly attempting to push the annoying purple feeler away but doubled over coughing. His long dark hair fell over his shuddering shoulders, covering his face as dark blood spewed from his mouth. The fine white sand near him was stained an ugly red. Lazarus heaved painfully for breath; one hand clutching at his chest as he urgently waved them away with the other. He was trying to say something. More blood trickled from his lips.

"Ughhh!"

"Laz!"

Valentine rushed to his friend but he was held back by the Witch who had suddenly grabbed his arm. She studied Lazarus suspiciously with narrowed eyes. The thick black miasma emanating from the dark one was swirling agitatedly around him. Something was very wrong.

"Laz?" Valentine snatched back his arm glaring at the Witch but she caught him again. "Let me go. He needs me!"

"Bello?" the Witch asked the Boss ignoring the frantic Thief.

"Bel-lo." The Bello announced solemnly.

"Myutt, myutt." Her melodious voice sounded frighteningly soft and wary confirming the Witch's suspicions. The elegant hybrid moved away from the Assassin she was holding, releasing him from her coils. He sank down to his knees, shoulders hunched over. Valentine struggled breaking away from the Witch to move closer.

"Laz?" He started moving towards the Assassin again.

"No! Not now Ghosst Lord. The dark one isss very dangerousss right now ..."

"Dangerous? What are you talking about? He can hardly stand!"

Valentine reached Lazarus. He held his friend's shoulders to steady him. Lazarus felt very cold to the touch and he was shivering violently.

"Vaa-aaaaal."

Valentine recoiled at the low raspy drawl that called his name. Lazarus turned slightly to face the Thief. His hair fell back revealing a sinister smile stretched on bloody lips. Valentine blanched and gulped at the change in the Assassin.

"Ghost Lord! Look out!!" Kalthu shouted running to the two humans.

The Warlord's warning came too late. Lazarus had already turned swiftly on his knees, hunting knife out slashing at Valentine. The Thief jerked back, pushing the crazed Assassin away from him. Valentine's quick reflexes saved him from being slain on the spot.

"What the hell Laz?!" Valentine exclaimed but stopped in mid-sentence when he realised his friend could not 'hear' him anymore. The Assassin was clearly in a delusional world of his own. Possessed, Valentine concluded in a split second. His blue eyes widened in comprehension; Lazarus was being consumed by the poison's terrible effects. He was in for another round of madness. From the looks of it, this round was going to be worse than that at the Floating Path.