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Hazeel Rises

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Instead of meeting satisfactory flesh, I was repelled with a bang, fit with excruciating pain in my arm, as the sword did nothing to penetrate the steel! I laid on the ground, panting. The steel dragon let out another furious roar before more flames erupted from its jaws! I sprinted away, rolling like an agile expert. There had to be a weak spot on this monster! I backed away into a corner and the dragon almost smirked, as if it knew its prey was cornered.
The steel dragon then lunged. I yowled with fear as the razor-sharp teeth sliced the air towards me! I brought my sword up and jammed it between the teeth. Every muscle in my body seized up as I attempted to repel the relentless snapping jaws! But it was hopeless. The dragon was much stronger then me! I finally gave way and ducked and the dragon instead smashed into the wall. It roared with anger and stomped at the ground. I shielded my face and yelped as I feared trample before scrambling away from the dragon! It twisted around with startling speed and let more of its vicious dragonbreath. I leapt out of the way, but landed straight into the candles.
I yelped with pain before leaping back up. My shirt had erupted into flames and I ripped it off my torso and hurtled it at the dragon. It landed like a blanket on the beast’s head. The dragon suddenly let out an agonized roar and cringed in pain. How could a shirt cause such pain? And then I realized the flames must have disrupted the eyes. That was it! The eyes were the weak spot! With the dragon distracted, I wiped the dust off of my chest, lifted up my sword, and charged with a valiant war cry, focusing on naught but my foe!
And I then drove my sword through the flames and into the eyeball. Blood spurted onto Stephen’s precious rune scimitar but I ignored it as the dragon roared sorrowfully before collapsing with a thud. Dust billowed in the air and I coughed, backing slowly away, every bone in my body aching. The fight had exhausted me.

11-Feb-2011 02:54:53 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 03:03:04 by Hazeel Rises

Hazeel Rises

Posts: 4,066 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Suddenly, footsteps startled me, but it was only, to my surprise, Stephen, who painfully walked in.
“You did it,” he whispered flatly. I nodded shakily and tossed Stephen his scimitar.
“Sorry about the stains,” I murmured.
“No problem,” Stephen smirked weakly before staring at the beautiful treasure chest.
“That’s our ticket out,” I whispered and, ignoring every urge to just stop and rest, I strode through the candles over to the chest. Stephen picked his way over to me and we both clutched the handle. We then wrenched it open.

Mike and Cameron were filthy, their skin stricken with dust and coal ash. Every second, one of the two coughed fitfully. Their once beautiful clothes were now practically ruined. After many hours of labored mining, a massive pile of ore had gathered beside them by the time the door to Falador was swung open with a clunk. Cameron swung around, clutching his pickaxe tightly. Perhaps their axes could overpower their captors?
But then he realized they were quite weak, especially against a demon like Alathazdrar. The very demon butler strode with a sneer down the stone steps, his pointed horns gleamed and his black suit, which looked bizarre on such a monstrous being, was recently cleaned.
“Ore. Cart. Now,* the demon spat simply. Mike and Cameron stared at each other before reluctantly hauling their pile of ore into a mine cart. Alathazdrar then gripped their wrists, his grasp iron, and started to drag them away. They clambered up the stone steps back into the forlorn Mining Guild, now devoid of dwarves now that night had fallen. Through the barred window, Falador looked beautiful, with a clear sky and moonlight shining down on the massive white castle.
But to the slaves’ surprise, they weren’t thrust out the door but instead, Alathazdrar withdrew a small tablet and snapped the stone like paper! And with an almighty lurch, the three were teleported with a whiz!

11-Feb-2011 02:55:03 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 14:53:01 by Hazeel Rises

Hazeel Rises

Posts: 4,066 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Cameron yelped once more, hurtled through the frightening experience of spinning color hurtling around him. At last, he landed with a thud on a familiar and impeccably tidy white floor. His eyes darted wide open as Mike landed on his back. Alathazdrar stared down at him and chuckled freakily. They were back at Mac’s. Mike looked as if he was about to make a run for it, but a glance from Cameron told him there was no hope. The ranger knew that the demon was too powerful! How could they ever escape?
Alathazdrar dragged them to their feet and led them down a hall to the room the two had yet to see: the slave quarters. A large granite door with a tiny barred window approached and the demon clicked it open with a dusty key. The slaves were led down a drab grimy hallway filled with iron cells. To Cameron’s horror, a few skeletons littered the earthy floor. But the two never met imprisonment in a cell and were instead shoved through a doorway, which shut with a slam behind them, clicking with a lock.
Cameron and Mike laid panting on the floor, still exhausted from their strenuous labor. The archer scrambled to his feet to find he was in a large stone room filled with slaves! They came in all varieties; most were young, all miserable. Each slave wore the forlorn face of defeat, skin that was once pale now darkened from years of slavery! Their once pristine clothes were now reduced to colorless tatters. Feet that had once been coated in rich boots were now barefoot and covered in layers of dirt.
An old man was wheezing on a grimy bunk, clutching his chest, and Cameron wondered how long he’d been imprisoned. He even spotted a child no older then ten crouched in a corner, his eyes tearful. Light trickled in through the barred windows near the ceiling, but other then that, the quarters were dark and drab. The slaves looked up at the new arrivals with slight inquisition. At last, a woman approached. She had long dusty hair that had once been red, it seemed.

11-Feb-2011 02:55:11 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 14:56:09 by Hazeel Rises

Hazeel Rises

Posts: 4,066 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

She was as thin and exhausted as the rest.
“Hello. It seems Mac has enslaved another one of us,” she murmured, her head bent.
“Who are you?” Mike burst.
“My name is Irena,” she said simply before leading the two to a corner of the room. A bed with scratchy wood and a hard slashed mattress filled up much of the space. On the hay-strewn floor laid a crude figurine of what appeared to be a knight…Cameron bent down to examine, fingering the close details carefully.
“You like it?” Irena sighed as she collapsed on her bunk, staring down at the new prisoners.
*What is it?” Cameron murmured.
“It’s a White Knight. Ivan snuck back some clay from the mines a month ago and I decided to create a figure from home. To keep me going…To make me believe my people might rescue me one day,” Irena murmured sorrowfully.
“You’re from Falador?” Mike inquired loudly. Irena nodded miserably before laughing feebly.
“I’m not just from Falador. I’m the heir to the throne,” she explained. Cameron and Mike gasped, their eyes wide. This poor slave was royalty?
“I apologize-,” Mike began but Irena laughed stronger now and shushed him.
“It’s such a change, isn’t it? One day, you’re a princess in the strongest fortress in the world and decide to go to a party. Next thing you know, you and your friends are imprisoned by a madman. I wonder how Daddy took the news. I know how sick he’s been. Hell, he could be dead now. I’ve been here for ten years,” Irena whispered, picking up the figurine and tossing it up and down lightly. Cameron gulped.
“You’ve been here for a decade?” he said empathetically. Irena nodded.
“It’s been horrible. But I’m a lucky one. I just have to work in the kitchens. Jake over there…The man with the short black hair? He’s the one who caught all of Mac’s prize fish. He’s the one who achieved all those skill awards!” Irena said furiously. A sudden hatred to the mogul spread between the three.

11-Feb-2011 02:55:18 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 14:58:02 by Hazeel Rises

Hazeel Rises

Posts: 4,066 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“And that’s not all. Poor Danny, the boy…he’s forced to mine! And not the slightest of laybacks! He’s my son. I was pregnant with him when I was captured. He was born in slavery…,” Irena held back tears before continuing.
“And then Old Man Robert…Oh, he’s been here for over thirty years. He was one of the first to be taken…He was a renowned adventurer. Very famous. People though he died of the plague, but in reality, Mac nabbed him and stole the credit for some of his greatest achievements, like the things you saw in the trophy room,” she whispered sorrowfully.
“Why don’t you fight back?” Mike inquired.
“Yeah, you’re thirty slaves against one geezer. Rebel!” Cameron urged. Irena laughed shakily. It was a hollow chuckle.
“We would’ve done that long ago if possible. Mac’s not strong at all. Just evil. But Alathazdrar! That demon…He’s only the butler, but some say he came from across the border,” shuddered Irena.
“Morytania?” Cameron breathed, speaking of the wretched vampire-controlled empire to the east. She nodded.
“Oh, I remember Morytania,” a voice startled Mike and Cameron so much, they leapt up and toppled Irena’s figurine. Old Man Robert, his beard long and matted with dirt and eyes squinty and soulless, was looming over them, grinning manically. It looked like slavery had driven him insane.
“You’ve been to Morytania?” Mike said with awe before recovering from the startle. Robert laughed and nodded bluntly.

“A hellish place. Varrock fears the Wilderness so greatly, but they do not focus on the true horrific threat. Ha, Morytania! Oh, the first time I saw its endless vile swamps, where the most unspeakable things lurk, where algae and vicious plants overshadow you in a murky maze where your mind is your largest foe! Nestled in the swamps, I saw a town of werewolves and I was careful not to anger them,”

11-Feb-2011 02:55:24 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 15:00:07 by Hazeel Rises

Hazeel Rises

Posts: 4,066 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Robert began what sounded like an ancient tale and the two friends stared at each other before sitting down to listen.

“The werewolves were extremely powerful and at their pub, I met a strange young demon by the name of Alathazdrar. That was before he became Mac’s butler. Oh, he was ambitious but friendly, as he thought I was one of the wolves in human form! Gullible…His mind blocked by ambition! Anyway, he explained that he received an offer as a butler to a young entrepreneur. Mac, of course! I did*’t know why one with such ambition wanted to serve a meager noble and I still don’t. But I’ll tell you one thing. Alathazdrar is still a Morytanian, through and through, and there are horrors there that shouldn’t be spoken of!” Robert stuttered before panting, clearly out of breath by the exhilaration of the conversation.
“W-what do you mean?” Mike said at last.
“He’s saying that there’s more to Alathazdrar then meets the eye,” Irena sighed.
“Please. I’m tired. You can have the bunks next to me, but please be quiet. I’m exhausted,” she murmured before turning over and attempting slumber. Robert nodded solemnly before waddling away.
“I do feel exhausted,” Cameron murmured and they too decided to collapse in slumber.

The smell of fresh air never felt so glorious. My eyes were shut. Dew-strewn grass was tickling my skin and I almost grinned, feeling sunshine rain upon me. I slowly and grudgingly opened my eyes and reality returned. Mac’s. Had they escaped the mansion? As vision was restored, I slowly turned my head to see the familiar shapes of the ramshackle huts of Rimmington! Large stone buildings in the distance told of the larger district.
We had escaped! The monotonous whir of the portal to houses rang in my ears and I attempted to ignore it. Stephen was beside me, his hand on his wound, looking worse then ever. I wanted naught but to lay in the grass forever, beckoning sleep, but realized that there was much to be done!

11-Feb-2011 02:55:33 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 15:01:58 by Hazeel Rises

Hazeel Rises

Posts: 4,066 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Mac had to be stopped! And Cameron, Mike, and Clare were still in there! Thus, every muscle screaming in protest, I sat up and prodded Stephen lightly. He groaned before awaking.
“What?”
“Listen, we have to go. We have to save the others,” I murmured.
“I just escaped that hellhole. I’m not going back in,” Stephen said weakly.
“Yeah. You’re not,* I whispered as I stood up. “But I am,” Stephen smirked.
“No, you’re not. It’s all of us or none of us,”
“Then what do you suggest? Abandon our friends?” I said heatedly, staring down the deserted dirt road.
“No. There’s got to be someone who can help us. We’re too weak to storm his booby-trapped mansion. We need back-up!” Stephen urged. I grudgingly realized he was right. We needed rest and help! But where?

“Falador’s the nearest city. Maybe we can get there by tomorrow night, so we can convince the white knights to storm the damn place,” I murmured, knowing how risky my plot was. Stephen nodded and slowly stood up, before wincing and yowling in pain.
“You have to rest! Here, lean on my shoulder,” I commanded. Stephen sighed and accepted, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. Then, we slowly limped down the road, setting off on the one-day journey to Falador. The surrounding forest was beautiful, but it was the only scenery till the impressive City of the White Knights. Birds chirped and squirrels merrily scattered through the undergrowth. It was too perfect. Evil was occurring in this very little village and everybody was so joyous and clueless! Mac had to be stopped. However, I still felt weak from my battle with the Steel Dragon and we made slow progress.
Soon, the sun had set, casting its final multicolor rays before retreating behind the horizon. A chilly wind blew in as night fell and I shuddered. Nothing happened as we traveled onward. Stephen soon fell asleep, understandably, but it still added to the weight.

11-Feb-2011 02:55:40 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 15:18:34 by Hazeel Rises

Hazeel Rises

Posts: 4,066 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

At last, after many hours, I spotted a familiar landmark on the horizon. It was the intersection! We were halfway there! They swerved onto the stone road that branched off in two directions. One headed northwest, all the way to the town of Taverley. Way too far! The other headed east through the Kingdom of Asgarnia, most likely ending at the pirate port of Sarim. But there should be a road somewhere there leading to Falador…Thus, we rambled onward to the east for another exhausting journey…

Clare shuddered with disgust as she lay alone in the pristine bed of Mac’s bedroom. Beautiful golden curtains were draped around the posts and exquisite paintings lined the walls. But Clare could’ve spit on every bit of it, knowing that it was all paid and made by the poor slaves. Every so often, she would leap to her feet and attempt to open the large mahogany doors just to find it locked like it had always been. Education through labor…What could that have meant? Would she be put to work like the slaves? She did*’t want to know!
Clare swerved around in the bed, staring out of the large windows. Perhaps she could break them…Clare leapt to her feet and quietly crept over, ripping the curtains away. With a grunt, she then hoisted up at the window! But the attempt was futile. That was expected…Clare drew her breath before lashing out at the glass with a devious kick! Suddenly, like a force barrier, the woman was repelled! She soared through the air and landed with a crash on the bed! A triumphant voice echoed through the bedroom, causing Clare’s eyes to dart up!
“No, no, no. That won’t do! You thought I wouldn’t leave the window attended? Ha! Just so you don’t get tempted…,” Mac drawled. And suddenly, the blankets leapt alive like fluffy snakes and darted out at her! Clare screamed, attempting to hold them back! However, the blankets did not attack but instead weaved themselves around her arms and limbs before tying themselves to the bedposts!

11-Feb-2011 03:08:49 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 15:22:13 by Hazeel Rises

Hazeel Rises

Posts: 4,066 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Clare’s mouth was agape with surprise and she writhed in fury, attempting to break through the enchanted rope-like blankets. But it was useless…She lay panting, staring at the ceiling. Now what?

A sliver of light over an immense shape in the distance put hope into my heart as I realized that it was dawn and I was facing my destination! I had turned onto the northern path an hour ago and discovered how close I was to Falador when the magnificent city arrived into viewpoint far in the distance! When people spoke of it as beautiful and majestic, I realized how correct they were! I spotted massive towers and battlements from the powerful headquarters of the White Knights!
It was all bathed in the greatest white stone and encased in a long white wall that ran the border of the city. At last, after another hour of limping, I approached the large swung-open wooden gates into Falador! Three wary exhausted guards garbed in rather mediocre steel armor patrolled wearily, their pattern never changing until they noticed us. At first, they stood watching before one guard at last strode over.
“Who are you?” he said suspiciously.
“Just weary travelers with bad news,” I murmured.
“What?” the guard continued and I rolled my eyes.
“The news is for the King. And I have a wounded man here, so I have no time to waste!” I said, attempting to control my irritation. We were wasting time! However, the guard just laughed rudely and harshly.
*The King’s been hospitalized for years! Where’ve you been? Sir Amik and his forsaken White Knights have taken over. They think they own the place! And they wouldn’t let you speak to the King if they tried!” But the guard stepped aside and allowed us to limp into the glory of Falador! Visible upon entry was a sea of sparkling white houses, all recently painted! There were no thatched huts or ramshackle wood, like the slums of Rimmington.

11-Feb-2011 03:08:56 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 15:23:27 by Hazeel Rises

Hazeel Rises

Posts: 4,066 Adamant Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

It appeared as if poverty was inexistent! A massive white stone manor was visible to the right with countless towers and turrets! It was dwarfed in comparison, however, to the shadowing White Knight Castle, towering over the city! I took a moment to stare up in awe at the numerous towers and buildings and battlements, all filled with the most loyal and skilled knight militia to protect this glorious city! A shiny light blue river of a moat surrounded the wondrous castle. But I heard Stephen shuffled in pain and realized we were running out of time.
I limped hurriedly along the moat across a brief stone bridge (of course, painted in white) before emerging onto the main road of Falador! Large white buildings with slanted red tile roofs lined the pristine streets, which were filled to the brim with the residents of the city. They were garbed in different extravagant clothes, especially the rich men who strutted down the center, shoving the peasants out of their way as if they were lowly.
Further down the road, I saw a massive square, bordered by more residents, more majestic then the previous. But where could we find hospitality? I shuddered, realizing how difficult a task it’d be to reach the King of Falador, let alone convince him to help! At last, I decided to head left, against the flow of the crowd, towards the famous White Knights Castle. Pedestrians bumped us left and right as we struggled up the hill. Stephen’s condition appeared worse and worse!
To our right was a beautiful park brimming with exotic plants and calming streams. An ancient white statue of Saradomin was constructed magnificently in the center. But I had no time to observe the scenery. However, my legs became so weary, my wounds from the battle so painful, that I had to collapse on the wooden bench bordering the park. Stephen fell limply beside me, still unconscious. I sighed, staring up at the lightening sky with exhaustion. Really, what could we do?

11-Feb-2011 03:09:02 - Last edited on 18-Feb-2011 15:24:54 by Hazeel Rises

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