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Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
And up there, down that street and around the corner—

He turned to face his men, who were picking their way carefully among the ruins while looking very confused. Most looked too tired to care about what they were seeing. He was aware of both Sorokin and the boy watching him very closely.

“We’ll stop here, eat something,” he said hoarsely.

Obediently, the men dispersed. He was uncomfortable at the thought of them sitting among these relics of his past life. He felt vulnerable, as though a whole part of his memory was exposed. But they did*’t know. He wanted to search through it all, collect all that was left. As they carelessly talked their packs down, he could see the stones dislodged, he could hear things break. He took a deep breath. Sorokin approached, pack outstretched.

“Need this?”

“Keep it,” Jonah said roughly. Lucas stood nearby, half-watching the exchange and half-absorbed in examining the foot-high walls of the home next to him. Jonah could tell he was burning with questions, but he controlled himself well. It was time.

“Myren,” he barked. The boy shot upright. “Follow.” And he turned and walked toward the ruins of his old home.

And there it was. He had built it two stories high, to make room for the extra bedroom. He still remembered hacking trees out of the way to clear the space. Now, that second floor had collapsed inward, leaving a messy pile of stone and petrified wood. He stepped lightly over the wall into the knee-high grass. A palm tree had sprouted where the kitchen used to be. His stomach turned as he climbed over a higher wall, then dropped down. Back here, this was where he found them. He knelt among the stones and lifted them apart – and his breath caught. A bone – still white, untouched by the light of day for twenty-five years. His greatest regret was that he had fled without giving them a proper burial.

“Sir?”

27-Jul-2013 15:30:15

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Jonah bent his head and cried, clutching the tiny bone. He knew it was hers.

Lucas vaulted over the wall and crouched beside his commander, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Sir, are you all right?”

Jonah sniffed, spat, and straightened. Lucas uncertainly followed suit.

“I’m sure you want to know,” he began.

“You lived here?”

“For six years.”

Lucas was silent for a moment, contemplating. Then he took Jonah’s invitation. “What happened here?”

Jonah shooed him out of the old bedroom and back onto the street. “First I have a question. Sit – not there, in the grass.* Lucas hunkered down while Jonah settled himself on the rocks. “The name Myren – where’s it from?”

“My betrothed. It’s her name. Val’Myren.”

“And her father’s name?”

“Gray. Why?”

Jonah smiled bitterly. “Well he finally got what he wanted,” he muttered.

“You know him?”

The commander rested his elbows on his knees and stared the boy down. “You want to hear this story, I tell it my way. You don’t ask stupid questions. You don’t speak.” Lucas nodded. “It must be * thirty one years ago, Asgarnia decided to build a colony on Karamja. I was young, trying to find work in Falador with my wife. We saw the notices and decided to go. I went first, in the very first group, and built the house. Then I sent for her. It was mostly a lumber and mining colony – we weren’t in the right place for farming. There are plains to the south, beyond the volcanoes, but the way’s blocked by natives and we wanted the harbor north of us. We never got far enough to really build up the port area properly.

27-Jul-2013 15:30:51

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
“I was part of the guard. The natives weren’t happy with us being here. We tried only to defend ourselves, but they raided often. And…there was a second colony. Brimhaven. We did*’t get along with them. Periodically we would fight over territory. And I made good friends with a trader while I was here – he would use his ships to carry our goods to the mainland. His name was Gray Myren.”

“Justine’s father!” Lucas exclaimed. Off Jonah’s stare, he added, “Sorry. What was he like?”

“He was my best friend. A good man. But hungry for more – we saw him grow rich from trade over the years. His clothes got nicer, his fleet bigger. It was never enough for him.” Jonah paused to take a drink from his canteen. “I came back from a scouting mission one week to Lorena, who told me she was pregnant. We raised our baby girl here. Other families were coming over – we thought we might start a school, really make it a good town. So folks would stay. Everything was perfect. We lived in paradise. The colony was flourishing and I had a wife and daughter I loved more than anything in the world.

“We’d been here six years. My daughter was four. We thought we could stay here forever. We imagined the colony becoming one of Asgarnia’s biggest cities. We thought it would never end. But all good things end…We received word that the natives were attacking one of our mines. So we rush out there, we subdue them after a full day of fighting. We come back…halfway home we smell smoke on the wind. We start running – the city’s burning. Had been burning for hours. There was no hope of putting it out at this point. All that was left was escape. But there were Kandarins – men from Brimhaven – killing, slaughtering, those that fled.”

27-Jul-2013 15:31:20

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Jonah’s voice caught. Lucas watched him unflinchingly, his eyes piercing into those of his commander.

“I went to my – I came here. The house had already collapsed. Inside – my daughter was in here. My wife was outside – I saw her fleeing soldiers, running toward me. I told her there was no hope, but she went inside to save her while I fought off the men. Lorena never came out. She was trapped.”

Jonah paused again for another breath.

“And then I saw Gray. He was with soldiers – they’d caught him. They were taking him away. I chased them down, attacked the soldiers, but Gray tackled me and told me to stop. He told them not to hurt me, and they obeyed. I did*’t understand…I told him they killed Lorena.”

Jonah’s eyes clouded wit tears. He slipped back into the memory, unable to distance himself any longer.

The fire raged all around them. The jungle night was orange with its glow. He could feel the heat on all sides. His burns and cuts ached distantly. The smoke filled his lungs. He grabbed his friend’s arm. “Lorena!” he gasped. “She’s gone. They’re gone.”

“No** Gray moaned. Jonah could barely hear his voice over the clamor, but he saw the distress in Gray’s face.

“It was a trap!” he screamed, his voice raw. “We have to get out of here!”

“Go with these men. They’ll get you on a boat and to the mainland. I’ll be right behind you.”

“These men? The Kandarins?” Jonah threw Gray off him and scrambled upright.

“Yes – they’ll protect you!”

“They killed her! Why would they—“

“Because they work for me,” Gray snapped.

Jonah grabbed Gray by the scruff of his shirt. “What’s happening?”

“I will explain later—“ the building next to them collapsed, and they both flinched away from the spray of sparks and flaming debris. “Will you please get yourself somewhere safe?”

“You did this? You killed her? Why?”

“This isn’t the time, Jonah!”

27-Jul-2013 15:32:20

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
But Jonah understood. Gray had sold them – for some kind of deal, that was it. He’d sold them to the Kandarins. He threw Gray at the ground and kicked him in the stomach. The Kandarins rushed him, but he threw them off and kicked Gray again, rolling him closer toward the burning building. He kicked him yet again, and felt something snap beneath his boot. Then the soldiers were on him, pinning him down. Jonah flailed, managing to hit Gray once more, in the face, and before everything went black he delighted in the blood gushing from the traitor’s nose.

“Gray had fashioned an agreement with them, to end us. I found that out later. I was brought back to Falador, without my family, and set loose. I never saw Gray again after that night. For awhile, I hunted him, always one step behind. I lost track of him somewhere and realized it was futile. Joined the army. Here we are.”

“He went to Varrock,” Lucas said. “Got married. Had a daughter – his wife passed in childbirth.”

“So he was there, all this time,” Jonah murmured.

“He got in with the crown, trading for them. Became an advisor – had the king’s ear quite a bit as I grew up. And the prince, as the king faded.”

“What was his wife’s name?”

“Ellyn.”

Jonah whistled through his teeth. “Got her too, the son of a b*tch.”

“You knew her?”

“No. But he was in love with her. Talked about her the way you talk about that girl of yours.” He saw Lucas stiffen at the comparison.

“Hard to believe he could love anybody.”

“What about his daughter?”

“More like a prized gem than a human being,” Lucas spat. The boy was ripping up tufts of grass and twisting them in his fingers.

“Well, anyway.” Jonah stood, stretched, felt his bones creak. “That’s the story. Now you know.” He began to walk away.

27-Jul-2013 15:33:13

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Lucas stood too. “Hey, wait.” He grabbed Jonah’s arm. Jonah froze, looked slowly at Lucas and then at his hand. Lucas quickly removed it. “Sorry. Just – um. You still want to get revenge on him? Gray?”

Jonah raised an eyebrow.

“He sent me out here. Like, to die. I’m sure you’d agree I don’t belong here. He convinced me to join, to get me away from her, and I’m sure he thought it would kill me…”

“Get to the point,” Jonah snapped.

“Well, you know he’s in Varrock. You can go after him yourself. But he’s protected. I’m sure he’s got the prince in his pocket by now, way things were going when I left. I have access to the castle. His house. And I’d be happy to help, is my point. I’d be glad to see him gone. He’s cruel, he’s a traitor, he’s manipulative…Well, you know. We get off this island alive…I’ll go there with you and help you kill him.”

“His life is mine,” Jonah growled.

“Fine by me.” Lucas shrugged. “But anything you need to get you there, I’ll do what I can.”

Jonah considered. He thought he’d put this all behind him – but that was when he did*’t think he’d ever find Gray. Now the boy could serve him up on a platter. Was it worth it? Would it help? He itched for the bottle, for that dull weight in his skull to slow his mind and help him think clearly. His blood was high, pounding in his ears.

“Deal,” he said.

Lucas smiled. He stuck out a hand, saw the look on Jonah’s face, and retracted it. “Deal.”


Gray sat opposite James, watching him with a smirk. James wasn’t quite sure what to say next. Gray understood his hesitation. But if he gave in, he was no better than the traitor before him.

“Do you really think Lucas is still alive?” Gray sneered at James. “Don’t be foolish. Lucas was a bookish boy. He can’t fight. It’s a wonder he survived as long as he did.”

“I’m sure he’s learned plenty out there.”

27-Jul-2013 15:35:12

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
“I doubt it. Those missives are dated. He’s on an island full of hostile natives. He wouldn’t survive a day there.”

“You’re disgusting.”

“To tell her he’s alive would be to give her false hope. There’s no need for that. Lucas isn’t coming back.”

“You can’t be sure.”

“I’m quite confident. Bringing his ghost back will only drive her away from you. And I’ve gathered you quite enjoy spending time with my daughter, and she with you.”

James bent his head. “I can’t keep something like this from her!”

“You’re being selfish, boy. You’ll hurt her to ease your own conscience.”

“It’s what’s right!”

“What’s right is that she should someday be queen.”

“Have you had this planned from the start?”

“Not that she would be queen – I thought that was reaching too high, but I have been presently surprised. Does that matter? Does it lower her value as your wife? She would make a wonderful queen.”

“And what would that make you, Gray?”

“I care about what my daughter wants,” Gray said innocently.

“What she wants is him.”

“And he’s no longer part of the picture.”

“I don’t want to be the second best choice. If she loves me, if she wants me anyway, knowing he might – then, and only then, will I marry her.”

Gray frowned. “I suppose I can’t change your mind, then,” he said sadly.

“Why do you hate him so much? He seems like a great young man. Everything I’ve heard, anyway.”

“I worked so hard to get here,” Gray murmured. “To be here, with you. To make a life for my daughter. She was never going to marry that boy – he can’t give her what she deserves. She was never betrothed because I hadn’t found someone worthy of her. And if their foolishness of a relationship wasn’t enough, he – well, he took it too far.*

27-Jul-2013 15:36:00

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
“By sleeping with her?”

“You know?” Gray burst, truly shocked.

“She told me.”

Gray shook his head. “Her maidenhead was valuable. He took that, and he had no right. Did*’t respect her. He had to go, or she’d never let go of him. Does it bother you, that she’s not a v*rgin?”

“She’s a woman grown, Gray, not a maiden. I respect that about her, Gray. I would never marry someone who seemed like a child.”

“Good.”

“And you think I’m worthy?” James asked hesitantly.

“I can see that you would treat her well,” Gray said.

“Even if I tell her about Lucas.”

Gray smirked. “Do what you must, your grace.” He rose, bowed, and exited. James sank bank into his chair, his hands trembling. Gray did*’t think he would tell. Well…he’d have to prove that he was the better man after all.


Lucas had scurried away at Jonah’s command, leaving him alone with the ruins. He hadn’t fully processed the gravity of being here, at this spot, until the young soldier was gone. Now he felt overcome, unable to think clearly. He hadn’t told that story to anyone besides Sorokin, and that was years ago – when he had still been a bitter young man who believed he would find Gray and get revenge. He’d long since given up searching – and now here Gray was again, hand-delivered to him by a child. There was more to the boy than he’d thought – if he’d spent his whole life facing up to Gray, he might be stronger than Jonah knew.

He rose from the wall and turned into the ruins. He could worry about Gray later – he’d have time, after they left this place. This would probably be the only time he would ever see his home again. He picked his way to the back bedroom, the one where his daughter had been. There were only stones, weeds, and dirt. He squatted down, his fingers wrapping around the bone he had seen before. A small, white bone, so light and fragile he feared it would break in his hand. A child’s bone.

27-Jul-2013 15:36:43 - Last edited on 27-Jul-2013 15:37:10 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
He parted the weeds and thrust his fingers into the earth. It was as he remembered – rich, light, crumbling as he touched it. He pawed like an animal until he had a hole about a foot deep. Gently, he laid the bone into the hole and brushed the dirt back over it. He rocked back into a sitting position and wiped the dirt on his pants. When he looked up, Sorokin was watching him from the road. His friend raised an eyebrow.

Jonah nodded.

Sorokin climbed carefully over the walls and joined Jonah in the back room. He sat beside him, staring at the small mound of earth.

“He can take me to Gray.”

“Small world.”

“What, Sorokin?”

“You really want to start this up again? Look what coming here did to you. Sir, I don’t think you should take him up on it.”

“This might be what I need to put it all behind me. And hell, I’d be doing the kid a favor.”

“Did*’t know you cared about him.”

“Maybe he’s not so bad after all,” Jonah said, standing and brushing off his pants. “We should get going.”

“You sure you’re ready to leave?”

Jonah nodded. “I can** stand it much longer. Find Travis, get everyone moving.”

27-Jul-2013 15:37:37

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