Palace Ruins
AFTER LEAVING SHUMERIA ASH LEADS his companions to a place full of old looking columns, structures and bridges with pools of crystal clear water flowing throughout.
"This was the palace of the Ashah Dynasty," Ash informs the other two.
"Fifteen years ago Arris' army arrived here," Clint continues the history lesson. "This magnificent palace was burned to the ground. Even now, when it grows dark, the spirits of the dead haunt this place."
"Hey cut it out," Diego says as a chill rips through him. "You're giving me the creeps."
No sooner does he say that a mysterious voice says, "Go back where you came from!"
"What the fuck?" Diego almost yells.
"A curse will befall all who enter here!" the mysterious voice continues.
"Don't be silly," Ash looks over at Diego, taking note of his fear. "Nothing to be afraid of."
"Fools!" the voice says. "Die then if you wish!"
To add to the threat the ground starts to shake.
"What's going on?" Diego asks nervously.
"More tricks," Ash assures him as he braces himself against a pillar.
"I don't think so," Clint says pointing. "Look."
Ahead of them the ground starts to tear open in several places. From beneath the trio sees sets of hands reach up and seconds later they are followed by whole bodies.
"Clay Golems," Ash says. "More magic."
"More like this place being haunted," Diego comments.
The golems let out a roar, flexing their arms outward and then begin their charge. Diego launches arrow after arrow in multiple succession all to no effect as his arrows just seem to sink into their clay flesh and do nothing at all.
The first golem swings at Ash and he ducks the blow to bring his blade across its right knee, carving out a large chunk of clay out. The golem drops to its knee and Clint follows up behind him bringing his sword up to take its head.
Ash follows through with his momentum into another golem. He brings up his shield to guard against a giant fist aimed for his chest. The impact is fierce and he is shook and sent off into a nearby pillar. The golem ignores him and sets his sights on Clint following up with its other fist into the side of Clint's head, sending him reeling into the lake.
"Oh great," Diego gulps.
The golem huffs and stalks toward the archer. Diego pulls out two arrows from his quiver, takes his stance and sends them at the golem. The arrows hit their mark nailing the golem in both eyes. The beast reels back with a roar, clawing at its eyes.
From behind the beast the last of the golems springs up and sends its fist through the other then reaches around with the other and rips it apart. It stands over the ruins looking straight at Diego and points at him then runs its thumb across its throat from left to right.
"Come on then you fucker!" Diego yells.
The golem springs into a sprint toward the archer. He pulls and fires his arrows as fast as he can in the few seconds it takes the golem to cross the small expanse. The golem bats each of the arrows aside never taking off its eyes set with fierce determination from Diego.
Diego stumbles back just as the golem reaches him and trips. The golems hand reaches his throat and begins to tighten then suddenly slackens just as quickly. He sits there for a second then opens his eyes to see Ash standing on top of the golem with his sword stabbed through its head.
"So are you planning on lying there all day?" Ash asks.
"Pfft," Diego huffs. "While you guys are off doing whatever, I'm left with all the hard work."
