RuneScape Forum Archive | SotD1: Trap of the Necromancer

Crystal Smee

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He saw the arrow sink into the pink flesh of the dragon's throat. The dragon screamed in agony, as the flames it had been about to shoot were choked back down. It coughed, unable to breathe with an arrow obscuring its airways. Arvenous grinned, leaning back.

"Come," he ordered Daniel. The boy raced around the doorway, speeding towards the dragon and leaping into the air. He swung the black down with unmatched ferocity, straight at the shoulder. It was here, in the dragon's underarm, that it was unguarded. There were no scales. Anyone trained in the art of swordsmanship learned the most vulnerable spot on a dragon. It was also one of the hardest places to reach on a dragon, for one had to dodge the razor-sharp claws of the beast.

Flailing scaled arms thrashed upwards, trying to strike Daniel down. He landed right in front of the shoulder, staggering back as his blade ricocheted off the scales. He recovered quickly, though, and jabbed forward, sinking his blade into the dragon's armpit. Then, he dragged his blade to the side. It sliced through the scales and cut straight into the dragon's heart.

The massive creature gagged and gurgled, sinking to its knees. Smoke wafted out of its nostrils, and finally the glaring yellow eyes fluttered shut. They had killed the dragon.

***

Theonalios shifted in the chair, wiping rivulets of sweat off his brow. Sighing, he squinted into the small mirror, willing the images to focus.

"Come on, come on. Show me Seth..." he mumbled angrily. Finally, the blurred image cleared, showing the brown-haired young man in a room. The room was bright, filled with the brilliance of six angels on the floor.

"No!" He cursed loudly and threw the glass at the floor. It shattered, glittering shards spread across the ornate rug.

"They got to him first! No, no, no!" Infuriated, the mage clenched his fists and unclenched them, pacing angrily.

06-Dec-2010 18:41:30

Crystal Smee

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"Oh, Zaros, what do I do? Saradominist little...Why isn't he dead yet? Why aren't all of them dead?" His words were spat out through gritted teeth. Suddenly, his vision flickered, going black. When he could see again, a figure swathed in black robes stood before him.

"My -- my Lord," Theonalios stammered, staggering to his knees. He bowed his head respectfully.

"You called, Theonalios, and I have answered. I will answer your questions, asked and unasked. Yes, the angels reached Seth. I could not stop him. But fear not, for they will all die in time. If necessary, I will enter myself, disguised as a young lad. I will ensure they all die," the figure drawled.

"But why can't you just kill them?" whined Theonalios.

"That would be too easy, magus." Zaros smiled wickedly beneath his hood. "This is much more amusing."

***

Ellya paced back and forth, boredom overtaking her as they waited. Neo slumped against the wall, chewing idly on a chunk of hard cheese.

"How long do you plan to wait?" he asked, swallowing.

"Until there's some sign it's over. This has to be it, Neo," she replied. Suddenly she stopped her rhythmic path around the small room and studied him, eyes shadowed. Taking a deep breath, she tucked a lock of blond hair behind her ear and bit her lip.

"You know, the alchemist did mention that the last one to survive would win. It can't be both of us," she said finally, voice cracking. "No, one of us has to die if someone's going to win."

Neo scrambled to his feet, pressing himself against the wall in a feeble attempt to make himself farther away. His heart pounded a furious rhythm in his chest and his mind absently wondered how such a beautiful, kind young woman could have such ruthless practicality.

"You wouldn't...you wouldn't kill..." he stammered. Barely able to find his voice, it was reduced to a croak. His face was white and his hands shook where they were pressed against the suddenly cold stones of the wall.

06-Dec-2010 18:41:57

Crystal Smee

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llya was ashen as well. "I...want to win, Neo," she choked out.

"You...you'd kill me to win this?" He gestured towards the heaps of coins.

"I don't want to," she protested weakly. "But only one of us can leave this dungeon alive. That's what he said."

Neo gulped. All his joy, all of his happiness of winning with Ellya, this beautiful girl he had come to care for, vanished with her words.

"Ellya, if you have to...I care about...but I..." his words came between short gasps, and he could barely manage to make his words understandable. Suddenly, he remembered something. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, he raised a hand.

"No! Wait! You can't kill me! You can't! The mage said so. No foul play. You kill someone, and you join them." He brightened, relief flooding him. It swept through him and he staggered to his knees, breathing heavily.

Ellya let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. "Right," she grinned, relief flooding her too. "Oh, thank Guthix. I didn't...<c>never wanted to..." She wiped her brow, forcing herself to look into Neo's dark brown eyes.

"Greed does things to us, Neo. I never should have done this...<c>the thought of so much gold, it makes me lose all sense. And now I've...<cen>For the money, I might have killed you. But I would hate it, Neo. Later, when I came to my senses. But by then, it would be too late." Her voice shook, and a tear trickled down her cheek. Neo rose and came to stand by her.

He put his arms tentatively around her. "It's okay, Ellya. For a moment, I thought I might have to kill you too. But I can't, Ellya. I couldn't." He took a deep breath, and felt Ellya's heart pounding against his chest, in rhythm with his own.

"Ellya, I care about you. I don't know what I would do if I killed you. For a moment, I would think I had won. But I would die inside, Ellya. I couldn't live," he said, breaking the heavy silence. Her head twisted away from his shoulder to gaze at him.

06-Dec-2010 18:42:27

Crystal Smee

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"Oh, Neo...I care too...I couldn't...I don't know how I could have wanted to kill you..." The tears swarmed down her sallow cheeks now, tiny rivers that dripped down to her chest. Neo raised one hand, brushing the tears away. Seeing her like this brought a lump to his throat.

"It's okay, Ellya," he murmured. "It's okay."

Closing her eyes, she bent forward and captured his mouth with her own. Her lips trembled against his, and his tears mingled with hers as their cheeks touched. Finally, she pulled away, eyes still shining with tears. "It's okay," she repeated, though inside she didn't know if it would be any more.

***

Syroce sat up, wiping his eyes. No, he would not sit and snivel like a little boy. He was a powerful man.

As he began to calm himself, he grew more confident. This could actually be an advantage, since claws and fangs would only make him more dangerous. Brightening, he glanced around, vision blurred from remnants of his tears.

The were-wolf, the cause of his agony, sat calmly on its haunches, watching him. He glared at it, feeling anger welling up inside him again.

"You! It's all your fault! Now I'm a were-wolf too!" he growled at it. It tipped its head sideways, eyeing him and licking its muzzle. Something clicked in his mind. It looked more wolf-like than him. Is that what he would become?

"No!!!" he bellowed in rage, looking at his mutilated hands.

Suddenly, the were-wolf stood and padded over to him.

"Yes, I know I turned you into a were-wolf. But I had to do that, or kill you. And I hate killing," it began in a raspy voice. Syroce stared in surprise, robbed of speech.

06-Dec-2010 18:43:16 - Last edited on 06-Dec-2010 18:43:35 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

"Now, being a were-wolf, well, in the beginning it’s living hell. But once you get used to it, it's kind of fun. Being a wolf isn't so bad. But you know, you don't have to become like me. You don't have to let it. Keep the human part of you strong. Keep believing that you’re part human. I broke down, let the wolf take over. But it doesn't have to be that way." Syroce slumped to his knees, eyes wide.

The were-wolf ignored the man's surprise and continued. "I was once an adventurer too. My name was Laric. But I fell into the necromancer's trap, and now I'm trapped for eternity, fulfilling his bidding. I'm sick of it. Look, my friend. You have two options here, become his slave or die. And believe me, you don't want to be his slave. Will you meet your end with me?" The were-wolf licked his muzzle and his bright yellow eyes bored into Syroce's.

"There has to be another--"

"There is no other way. There is no escape from the trap of the necromancer. Join me, and find eternal rest. It*s the only way to save yourself now," the were-wolf cut him off, shaking its head. It thrust forward a paw.

Syr*** glared at it, shaking. Finally, he thrust forward his own mangled hand and grasped the were-wolf's paw.

"I'm Syroce," he stated. "Come, let's go."

***

Raylin ignored the mirror, though inside he was a bit unsettled. He hurried over to the next door and kicked it, expecting the wooden panels to swing open. Nothing happened.

Katelynn laughed, her musical giggle like chimes in the wind. Raylin grinned sheepishly, embarrassed. Katelynn fished the lockpick from her pack and fumbled with the door. Finally, it swung inward, guiding them into another room.

06-Dec-2010 18:44:24

Crystal Smee

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In one corner there was a kiln, its fires long guttered out and a shattered pot inside. A long table sat in the center of the room, a grandiose feast laid out for past inhabitants. The food had collected flies and was nothing more than moldy rubbish now.

"Should we stop?" Katelynn asked, concerned. She could see the strain Raylin was exerting on his shoulder and could tell he was in pain.

"No...need," he mumbled through gritted teeth. Sighing, she moved toward the nearest door, a thick wooden door. Raylin moved ahead of her, thrusting one hand on the handle. As the door opened, a spray of energy shot forth. Beams of bright yellow light whizzed at them both, knocking them back into the room. Raylin grunted as he slammed into the table. Katelynn sprawled on the floor, her head on a bench.

He saw her, and pain strangled his heart as well as his body. All his muscles seemed to cramp up and twist, and he spasmed. The last thing he saw was Katelynn, watching him through blurred vision, before it all went black.

06-Dec-2010 18:44:47

Crystal Smee

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Chapter 5

Daniel grinned at Arvenous. "We killed it!" He said gleefully. Arvenous smiled back, weakly.

"Yeah, we did..." He stroked his chin, frowning suddenly. Daniel gazed silently at him, eyebrows furrowed in curiosity.

"Look, Daniel, I think I'd like to continue on my own. I'm not that good with people...I like to stick with my own opinions, you see," he said slowly, feeling guilty inside as he saw the teen's face crumple.

"All right," Daniel conceded, sighing. "I understand." It was as though a knife twisted in Arvenous' heart, now he felt horrible at abandoning the boy. Empathy twisting the knife, he fished out a green potion from beneath his robes.

"Here's my last potion, an anti-poison. Use it if you get into trouble," he mumbled, pressing it into Daniel's hands.

Daniel offered a last smile. "Good luck, Arvenous." He turned towards the north door and strode out, vanishing into the corridor. Arvenous looked around, examining his options. There was a door to the east; it was the first to catch his eye. Not really caring, he shambled towards it and tugged the handle. It felt slippery, he noted, and had a slight greenish tint. He examined the handle, seeing that it was copper. The green was probably just the beginning of rust. He chose to ignore it and wandered into the room beyond.

The room Arvenous entered was bare. There was nothing in it, just the cold, gleaming stone walls. He looked around, idly brushing strands of glimmering silver hair from his eyes.

His stomach let out a quiet rumble, and he smiled slightly. He settled himself on the ground, leaning against the wall, and fished some bread from his pack. Suddenly, a knife of pain shot through his hand. He looked at it, frowning, though there were no marks.

Shrugging, he stuffed a chunk from the small loaf into his mouth and broke off another. Another tendril of fire shot through his fingers, making his muscles cramp and his hand convulse.

18-Dec-2010 15:41:54

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Gritting his teeth, he rose, deciding to continue on his way.

Even as he scrambled to his feet, more needles of agony swarmed through his palm, this time extending up to his arm. The pulsing became quicker and stronger, and more painful. His eyes blurred with tears of pain.

He knew then what had happened. He thought back to the slimy door, and realized what it was. Poison. He cursed loudly. He had given his last anti-poison to Daniel.

He had to find help, he thought hopelessly, even though he knew his chances were slim in the vast dungeon. He stumbled towards the door, grabbing the handle with both hands and twisting it frantically.

A deafening, rough noise erupted from the ground, grating on Arvenous' ears. He glanced down, and shock froze him in place. The noise was the grinding of stones as they shifted apart, revealing a black abyss below.

He forced himself to move, to step back, and to stay on the moving stone. It lurched backwards quickly, and Arvenous stumbled. Right at that moment, a tendril of pain raced through his body, cramping his legs. He was thrown off balance and toppled forward, falling into the darkness.

As he fell for those few seconds, he knew it was the end. He thought he might fall for eternity, but the next second, fire shot through every inch of his body. He looked down, seeing a large, metal spike protruding from his torso. And then a red haze closed over his vision, and then it faded to black and he knew nothing at all.

***

Daniel threaded his way through the corridor, looking around. Ahead, to his left, he saw a broad stone door. Seeing no other options, he pushed it inward. It swung inward momentarily, then rebounded back at him. He was swept backwards, the door shoving him towards the wall.

In a split second, he realized he had to move or he would be crushed between two blocks of stone. Reflexes kicking in, he dove away.

18-Dec-2010 15:42:23 - Last edited on 18-Dec-2010 15:43:25 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

He was too late, though. Most of him fell clear, but one leg didn't quite make it. It was crushed in between the stones. Needles of pain flickered behind his eyes as agony shot through his leg.

He twisted, gently, to look back. The door had pressed right up against the wall, his leg in between. Moaning, he tried to ease it out. The pain that shot through like a bullet was enough to quell that hope.

Gritting his teeth, he prayed maybe the trap would retract and free him.

***

Krystal stared at Seth. "You...what...what was that?" she stammered finally.

Seth was as ashen as she was. "I've never been contacted by an angel. This must be bad, Krystal, really bad."

She nodded. "We should...continue...maybe we can find a way out."

"We'll have to backtrack, there's no other doors here," Seth sighed, turning towards the door. Krystal nodded mutely and followed him back into the corridor.

***

Raylin opened his eyes, slowly. He groaned and squinted against the bright green light that flared into his eyes.

"What the..?" He grunted, raising his head despite the needles of pain that shot through him.

Four figures stood before him, emanating a green-tinted light. They were clad in light green robes, each with shining silver hair. "Raylin," one said, bowing his head.

"You're...you're angels of Guthix!" he burst out, heart clenching with fear and anxiety.

"Yes. The trap, and your pain, alerted us. We have come to warn you. What you have stumbled into, Raylin of Guthix, is no simple adventure. No, the alchemist, the necromancer, plans to kill you. You have fallen into his trap." The angel intoned. The others floated, heads bowed. Raylin's eyes widened.

"But...why?" He stammered.

18-Dec-2010 15:44:19 - Last edited on 18-Dec-2010 15:44:47 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

"He serves Zaros, and Zaros has commanded him to kill you all. Why, we do not know. There may or may not be a way out of here, but you must be wary. Stay with Katelynn, for she loves you and will protect you. It will take the best of your ability to escape the trap, if it is even possible to escape, Raylin of Guthix. Be careful," another angel explained, her silver hair cascading around her shoulders. Raylin nodded.

"Thank you. I shall, Angels of Guthix," he murmured respectfully. In a blinding flash of green light, they vanished. Raylin forced himself to his feet, ignoring the gashes that marred his body.

"Katelynn!" he cried, staggering to her side.

Katelynn opened her eyes, gazing up at Raylin. "What...what happened?" She mumbled.

"There was an explosion, and we were knocked out," Raylin began, taking a deep breath. He debated telling her about the angels, then decided to be honest. "I just woke up, and there were angels...Angels of Guthix. They spoke to me.

"Katelynn, the alchemist, he is a necromancer. He serves Zaros, and is trying to kill us all. They didn't know why, but we need to watch out. There's more to this then we ever imagined," he sighed. Katelynn paled.

"I...Oh, Raylin," she murmured. She flung her arms up around his neck from the bench, pulling him down to her. "I don't want to die, Raylin."

He kissed her gently. "I won't let you die, Katelynn," he promised. "We'll get out of here, I swear it."

***

Krystal glanced around the corridor. "Let's see, that's where we came from, so we want to go this way," she pointed. Seth nodded.

"I'm getting tired, we should take a break when we get there," he admitted. She bobbed her head in agreement, sweeping locks of brown hair behind her ears.

Seth led the way around the bend, threading through the narrow passage. Suddenly, a blast of hot air sent him stumbling back into her.

18-Dec-2010 15:47:29

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SotD1: Trap of the Necromancer