Markuth stood there, gripping his sword's hilt until his knuckles turned white. He stood there, barely able to hold back his tears. He stood there, looking at his brother for the last time.
Harust reached out and grasped his shoulder. A mixture of comfort and sickening shot through Markuth. Looking at him, Harust opened his mouth to say something. He paused for a moment, lost of words. Then, "Little brother, be strong. I will always be with you when you need me."
"Please Harust, come with us! You will die if you stay," Markuth pleaded.
Harust glanced over to the rest of the group who were waiting patiently. Then he told his brother softly, "This will not end easy. Zamorak's forces have already taken Canifis, and the rumor is that they have taken two other Saradomin strongholds. If Valis were to die, that may put this war in Zamorak's favor."
"Then come with us; protect him." A single tear slipped through his guard and fell down his face.
"I can not. If I fight hard enough; if I fight strong enough; I may be able to delay them. Even though it may cost me my life, if I can delay them long enough, you may survive. Please understand, Markuth." He took a step back and looked his brother in the eyes. "May Saradomin guide your blade, brother. Farewell." He turned and began walking back towards the tower.
Markuth watched him go. He tried to memorize every aspect of his brother; from his shoulder-length blonde hair, to his steel chainmail, to his great battleaxe that he kept slung across his back. He focused his entire world on these things, desperately trying to preserve them. "I love you... Brother," he whispered. Harust seemed to hesitate, as though he had heard him.
He turned back around to face Markuth, and with a bright smile, said, "Markuth, never let me fade from your heart." He spun back around and left. Emptying his heart, Markuth rejoined Valis and the others. He followed them into the trees, and left his life behind.
10-Apr-2010 20:00:52