RuneScape Forum Archive | SotD1: Trap of the Necromancer

Crystal Smee

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

"There's something ahead," he stammered. "Something hot." Krystal grabbed his arm in fright, tiptoeing along around another corner to peer inside. A giant silver dragon sat atop mounds upon mounds of treasure.

Krystal gaped in awe. "Some kind of final battle, you think? Have we won?" She breathed.

"Er, well, he did say only one person would survive. And besides, he was lying when he said that. We're all intended to die...you heard the angels. There is no real treasure," Seth scowled.

"So what do we do? Go back?" Krystal ventured.

"We could fight it," Seth replied slowly.

"A dragon? Well..." she fingered the hilt of her blades. "Why not?" She darted forward, throwing herself on the stones to avoid a jet of fire. Seth followed quickly, dashing toward the dragon.

Scampering forward, Krystal stabbed with one sword at the beast's scaly hide. Her sword bounced off, and she cursed loudly.

"A dragon's only weak spot is under his arm! There’s no scales there!" Seth called, dodging long claws and weaving through the flailing arms towards its shoulder.

Krystal nodded, though Seth did not see. In one motion, she flung herself forward, sliding her other blade free of its sheath. She dove towards the shoulder, jabbing furiously at the unprotected flesh. The dragon howled in agony, head swinging around to gaze at her with unblinking yellow eyes.

A jet of fire soared toward the ceiling, and then cavernous jaws closed around her middle.

"Krystal!" Seth bellowed, slamming his sword into the dragon's underarm. With another scream of pain, Krystal fell a good distance onto the flagstones. Seth stabbed again and again, until blood leaked onto his hands, stinging his skin with a searing pain.

He mumbled an oath, remembering tales of dragon's blood being dangerous. Staggering away, he gazed with grim satisfaction as the dragon collapsed, head sinking to land in a jingle of coins and other treasures.

18-Dec-2010 15:50:49

Crystal Smee

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

Seth dashed towards Krystal, biting his lip. "Krystal! Are you okay?" He begged Saradomin to let her live. She opened her eyes, blood dribbling from the corner of her mouth.

"Yes, I'm okay," she mumbled. She rolled onto her stomach, then heaved herself to her feet. She wobbled for a moment, then crashed into Seth, pinwheeling her arms in a vain attempt to regain balance.

"I think...my leg," she muttered through gritted teeth. Seth caught her in her arms, pushing her back so that he looked into her eyes.

"Are you all right?" he repeated.

"No," she conceded, scowling at him. He chuckled softly. "Seth, thanks for saving me," she murmured after a moment, sagging against his chest.

His lips gently brushed her hair. "No problem," he replied. "I had to. I couldn't let you die, Krystal." She pushed away, gazing into the depths of his glittering green eyes. She had heard the passion in his voice, and her eyes burned as they welled with tears.

Seth embraced her, his lips catching hers as she crumpled in his arms. Gently, he lifted her and carried her towards the wall, where he laid her down and settled himself beside her. As they lay there, embraced in passion, all the pain and fear of their adventure was washed away with joy, and eventually sleep.

***

Ellya sat up on the stones, looking to where Neo slept beside her. She stroked his cheek with one hand, feeling the rough stubble that accompanied a lack of shaving. Neo mumbled in his stupor, and opened his eyes slowly.

"Uggh..." he moaned, raising his head and collapsing back. Ellya laughed softly, a musical chime.

"Wake up, sleepyhead," she chuckled, ruffling his hair. "We've got to get moving."

"Moving? What about the treasure?" he asked thickly.

"I doubt that this is it. I mean, there would be some kind of sign. And frankly, I need to be doing something. I can't sit here and wait," she replied. Neo nodded slightly.

18-Dec-2010 15:53:00

Crystal Smee

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

"As you say," he mumbled, rolling away from her and clambering to his knees. He briefly adjusted his rag-bandages. The bleeding seemed to have stopped. Then he rose, helping Ellya to her feet. For a moment, they embraced in both lips and arms, then grabbed their packs.

"Which way?" she questioned, glancing at him.

"That way's as good as any." Neo shrugged and pointed towards an archway that led into a dim corridor. He led the way, striding idly along. It went straight for a while, then curved to the left. Ahead, Neo saw a wooden door. He made his way to it and tugged it open.

The sight inside astounded him. Five angels, their gleaming robes giving off an aura that blinded him. Ellya came up behind him, letting out a startled yelp.

"Neo and Ellya of Armadyl, we have come to warn you. We have learned that others have warned your fellows in this trap, and it is time you learned of what goes on here," one angel began, silver hair framing her round face.

Neo and Ellya staggered to their knees. "Please, angels, what is it?" Neo asked, the slightest tremor in his voice.

"Theonalios Goldenblade is a necromancer. He serves Zaros. His master has bid him to lure ten adventurers into this trap, that you would die. We know not why Zaros does this, perhaps merely for the pleasure of watching you die," another angel explained.

"But why matters not. If you wish to survive this, you must be careful. You may feel hostility toward your fellows here, but if you meet them, you must work with them. It is the only way. This is no competition, no adventure. This is life and death, Ellya and Neo. The only way to survive is to discover the secrets of this trap. We think there may be an exit in a far to the north," a third added.

18-Dec-2010 15:53:28

Crystal Smee

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

"The way to access this exit is not so simple. First of all, you will face many challenges in reaching it. Second, it is magical, and the way to activate it is yet to be discovered. You cannot do this on your own. You need each other and the other victims of the trap if you are to find escape," the fourth explained.

The fifth angel brushed his hair away from his silver eyes. "Be careful, and be wary. May Armadyl's light shine upon you," he blessed, and then they were gone.

***

Daniel waited, floating in a void of pain masked by a red haze. He had never been one for religion, but he prayed, prayed to every god there was for deliverance.

It seemed that he lay there for hours, drowning in his agony. The pain consumed him, was all he knew. And then, suddenly, it vanished. He was free. The deafening noise of the trap as it slid across the flagstones opened Daniel's eyes, and he realized he was free. He blinked furiously, trying to clear his muddled thoughts.

He twisted gingerly, examining his leg. There was no doubt it was broken, he had heard the crunch of bones. He cursed softly and half crawled, half dragged himself toward the wall. There, he clung to a jutting stone for support as he heaved himself to his feet. He could walk well enough, so long as he leaned on the wall.

Gently, slowly, he began to limp into the room. Staying where he was would do him no good. The chamber was bare except for a low table in the corner. Daniel began to wobble towards it with agonizing slowness, eager for the seat and respite, maybe a bite of food.

It was as he neared the table he felt the searing heat. Sweat began to bead on his forehead. Curious, he turned, seeing an archway into another room. He squinted to see beyond, his vision still slightly fogged with pain.

18-Dec-2010 15:53:55

Crystal Smee

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

Then he realized what the large blob of black was, just in time for a jet of fire to shoot towards him. There was no time to escape.

The flames engulfed him, scorching every bit of his skin, searing him to the bone. His entire body crisped in that brief moment. Ash flaked from his skin. He screamed, shrieking in agony. He stumbled, losing control, and staggered to his knees.

Pain. So much pain. His vision flickered, black, then red, then black, and then red. Tears rolled down his cheeks unheeded. He yelled, begged for freedom from this torment.

He crumpled, shaking and convulsing. And then he lay still, and he was no more than a charred heap upon the stones.

18-Dec-2010 15:54:16

Crystal Smee

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

Chapter 6

Theonalios peered into the shimmering orb, willing the swirling mists to part. The blurry image of a young teen with spiked hair came into view.

A wicked smile parted the necromancer's lips as he saw the wall trap spring, shoving the boy back. Then he cursed softly as Daniel dove away.

Minutes later, the boy managed to struggle to his feet as the trap retracted. He could see the pain in the boy's constant wincing and his limp. He smiled again when the boy entered the room.

He rose quickly, snatching his staff as the boy moved toward the table, directly in front of the dragon in the next room. He flung himself back into the rickety chair, watching intently. Timing was of the essence.

There, he was nearly in position. Three, two, one...

Theonalios raised the staff, chanted loudly. "Essa nova demora!" he cried. As he spoke, the dragon emitted a blast of fire. It worked.

He cackled softly, gleefully gazing into the glass to see Daniel engulfed by the flames. He ruled these dungeons. Soon, they would all see that.

He delighted in their pain. He could almost hear Daniel screaming in agony as the fire scorched his skin.

"Three down, seven to go," he murmured, his gray eyes glinting in the dim torchlight.

***

Ellya glanced at Neo. "So that...that wasn't the treasure, I guess," she joked, flushing.

"There is no treasure..." he muttered, awestruck. He gazed around at the damp, glistening walls, the spiders scuttling along the floor, the flickering torches. His mind worked over the horrors he had faced already. "It's all a trap! A plot to kill us! But why?"

"I have no idea..." Ellya replied, running a hand through her long, blond hair.

Suddenly, a piercing scream rent the air, echoing off the stone walls. "What was that?" Neo blurted out.

18-Dec-2010 15:55:08

Crystal Smee

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

"Sounded like someone dying," Ellya said worriedly. "We have to help them!" She spiraled, darting back the way they had come. She re-entered the room with the treasure, pausing for a longing look at the mounds of gold. Neo sprinted up behind her, gripping his spear tightly in pale hands.

Ellya dashed along the corridor, turning the corner. She skidded to a halt and turned, retching. Neo barely avoided the contents of her stomach and edged past her.

"In the name of Armadyl..." he gasped. The two were at the edge of a monstrous pit. Deep into its depths they could see horrendous metal spikes, glistening and shining in the dim light. It cast shadows dancing across them, adding to the horror.

And impaled upon one of these spikes was Arvenous Slain, blood trickling down his chest.

"He's gone..." Ellya managed, wiping her mouth.

"No doubt," Neo said sadly.

***

Krystal awoke, much later. Beside her, she felt the soft breathing of Seth, warm against her skin. She looked around, running a hand through her tangled hair, then glanced back at Seth.

For the second time, she was amazed at how much he looked like Tyell. She grunted and rolled over onto her knees, straightening her shirt and trousers. The events of the past night came to mind, just as she felt the fiery pain shoot through her leg as she struggled to rise. She let out a cry and tumbled, landing back on the stones beside Seth.

"Mhmm..." the young man mumbled in his sleep. His eyes fluttered open, and he was staring at Krystal. "Morning...or night...whatever it is in this place," he mumbled. He shifted, stealing a kiss before he scrambled to his feet.

"How's the leg?" he asked softly.

"Can't walk," she muttered, gritting her teeth.

"Not good, not good. I mean, a break takes ages to heal..."

"Can we set it?" she asked.

"I don't see anything we could use," Seth replied, pulling at his chin. "The only thing we've got is dragon bones..."

18-Dec-2010 15:56:01

Crystal Smee

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

"It might work," Krystal sighed reluctantly.

"This will be some messy work," Seth grinned momentarily, then trotted over to the dragon corpse.

***

Katelynn and Raylin leaned on each other for balance, surveying the room.

"Can you walk?" Raylin asked her, concern creasing his features.

"Well enough," she replied, and they hobbled towards the open door.

***

Syroce padded after Laric, trotting right behind him. However, he moved on two feet, while Laric moved swiftly on four. He was brimming with questions, filled with curiosity.

"Why is there this trap?" he blurted out finally, breaking the heavy silence. The harshness, scratchiness of his voice startled him, and he inwardly told himself he had better get used to it.

The were-wolf shrugged, or as close to a shrug as a were-wolf could get. "Who knows? I was just a simple adventurer, a good half a century ago. I saw his little notice in the tavern, thought I should check it out. Now that I've been here for fifty years, I've had some time to think. I believe that this fool necromancer just wants to kill us. For fun."

"That's it? It seems...pointless," Syroce drawled, wrinkling his nose in perplexity.

"He serves Zaros," Laric replied matter-of-factly. "He might just hunger for bloodshed."

"I serve Zamorak, and even his precepts do not bring about random killing. There has to be a reason," Syroce insisted.

They passed through another room, devoid of any sort of furniture or life. At the far end was a tall wooden door. Syroce bounded over, straightening from his hunched form to open the door. He and Laric swept through, and it slammed shut behind them.

"I don't know what it could be," Laric sighed. Suddenly, a low growl jerked Syroce's head up. Another were-wolf paced before them, fangs bared and drool spiraling down.

Laric barked a laugh.

18-Dec-2010 15:56:44

Crystal Smee

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

***

Deep in the darkest pits of Hell, where shadows lurked and horrors ran wild, Zaros sat upon his throne. It was deep in an underground cavern, in a temple built dedicated to his name.

The red-black columns surround him, outlining the high dais upon which his throne presided. Before him floated a opaque globe, mists coiling and churning inside. His black eyes glittered malevolently as he peered into it, willing the fogs to part.

He gazed intently upon the adventurers, cackling softly to himself. "Oh, it is too easy! Finally, finally there is one who can get to the finish! Fools. Those blessed by Armadyl, they will be the ones!" He muttered happily.

The images in the globe blanked, then reappeared. Now it showed a lonely room, deep inside the dungeon. There appeared to be only one entrance, a low archway. Inside the room was a cracked, ancient marble pedestal. Above it, sparkling and glittering, was a staff. It twirled around, spinning slowly as if to display itself to the evil god's hungry eyes.

It was shrouded in a green mist that gleamed in the flickering torchlight. Sweat beaded on Zaros' forehead as he struggled to hold the image.

"You will be mine..." he whispered, sitting back as the mists recurred.

***

Syroce stared at Laric, a questioning glare creasing his rugged features.

Laric ignored him, padding forward and flopping down in front of the were-wolf. "Ah, Elger, how goes it?" he asked pleasantly.

The other were-wolf, Elger, gave a toothy grin. "Well enough." It swung its head at Syroce. "Nice of you to bring a meal, I'm hungry." Its yellow eyes twinkled as it glared hungrily at the former adventurer. Laric gave a raucous chuckle.

"Not a problem. He doesn't want to live anyway. Nearly ripped himself to shreds when he found out what I did." Laric smirked, fangs showing.

18-Dec-2010 15:57:19

Crystal Smee

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

Syroce backed up until he was pressed against the wall, cool stones chilling him to the bone. The icy cold seeped into his skin, causing shudders to wrack his feeble body. Laric glanced over, hearing Syroce's low moan.

"Elger, he seems like a decent fellow. I saved him for a reason...Must he die?" Laric added as an afterthought, wrinkling his snout.

Elger snarled softly, "Are you getting soft, Laric? He's just another fool what blundered into the necromancer's trap. Besides, the necromancer said we'd have to kill him. Says he's no use, and he's getting sick of all the werewolves running around his dungeon."

Laric sighed. "Come here, Syroce." Syroce whimpered softly, then darted for the door. Laric lunged after him, catching him in his fierce claws.

Laric looked fondly at Syroce, yellow eyes glinting. "Trust me, Syroce, you want to die. You don't want to be trapped here like me. It's not fun. I'll do my best to make it painless, I promise. But believe me, the pain of this will end. It will end in eternal sleep. But here, the pain, it never ends, Syroce. Goodbye," he whispered in the adventurer's ear.

"You are getting soft," Elger laughed. "Just do it, quick. I'm hungry."

Laric swallowed, then laid the writhing form of Syroce down on the stones. He raised one paw, releasing his claws. Then, squinting his eyes shut, he swiped down with lightning speed across Syroce's throat. Blood welled out of the wound, pooling on the floor.

Syroce let out a scream, yet as his neck was shredded it became little more than a gurgle. Beneath the shredded flesh the ragged, ripped form of his windpipe whistled and rasped for air. He shuddered, writhing and twisting on the floor, then slowly he began to stop, then lay twitching, and then he lay still.

Elger joined Laric at the dead were-wolf's side.

"Let us feast," he hissed.

18-Dec-2010 15:57:48

Forums

SotD1: Trap of the Necromancer