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~^v^~ The Gods - Trilogy ~^v^~

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Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
~<>~ Chapter 7~<>~


"So. We go to the Chaos Temple, then," Theios decided simply.

"Yes. I pray you find luck there," Croiten replied.

"Ah, my good scholar, you will be joining us too," Theios chuckled. "For navigation and such. You do know so much." Croiten shivered as he was caught in Theios’ icy glare.

"If you wish it, then I will join you. I am no fighter though,” conceded feebly, knowing he had no choice against the Chosen’s commands. Gerrick caught his eyes then, fingering his trident hungrily. He was itching for a fight after his defeat with the shade. It had irked his pride and he needed to prove himself, if to no one but himself.

"Good. May we stay awhile? It has been long since our last rest," Theios added, though his voice held no hint of a question. He would be staying, whether Croiten liked it or not.

"Of course," Croiten agreed, dry-washing his hands nervously again. "One of you can take my bed, and the other…" He trailed off uncertainly.

"I'll take the floor. I be used ter sleepin' there annerways." Gerrick grumbled. Croiten gave a start at the voice and stared at Gerrick as though surprised he could talk.

"Well, well, that's good, then." He nodded emphatically. Theios rose.

"Gerrick, come. Let us leave the man to his work. Croiten, we’ll leave when we wake up. Understand?" And he swept into the bedroom without a backwards glance or waiting for an answer. Gerrick followed obediently. Theios stretched out comfortably on the bed, sighing in contentment.

"A nice soft bed is always nice after a few days on the ground," Theios mumbled, half to himself. Gerrick mimicked him, muttering to himself as he flopped down on the itchy throw rug and rolled onto his back. They both drifted off into slumber.

02-Jun-2006 23:21:43 - Last edited on 02-Jun-2006 23:24:43 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Theios awoke to playful afternoon sun splashing across his face. He opened his eyes, squinting as the rays of light blinded him. He rolled over onto his stomach and blinked. He thought he was home for a minute, but then he remembered where he was and what he was doing.

He lay on a small pallet in Croiten's hut. It all came back now, the fight with the shade, the scholar, Zamorak's tomb. They should go soon, they could stay at the Jolly Boar Inn for the night if they hurried.

He clambered off the bed and knelt by the sleeping figure of Gerrick. "Hey. Wake up." He nudged the man slightly, and Gerrick mumbled something obscene.

"Shut up and get up," Theios snarled flatly, and strode from the room, his red robes sweeping the floor behind him. Gerrick heaved himself upright, rubbing the sleep vigorously from his eyes. He stumbled into the main room, where Croiten and Theios sat, conversing coolly.

"So, Croiten, I thought we could stay at the Inn just north of Varrock, no?" Theios was saying as Gerrick entered.

"Certainly, Master Theios," Croiten squeaked. Theios chuckled. There was a satisfactory amusement that came with scaring fellows out of their wits.

"Tell me, Master Croi'en, do you be any good at all wit' weapons?" Gerrick interjected. He knew Croiten had said he wasn’t very skilled, but hopefully he could defend himself if it came to it. Croiten jumped again with a whimper and spun to stare at the assassin.

"I – I told you before, I thought. I’m not much at all,” he whispered.

"Can you wield a kitchen knife? We can't protect you the whole way," Theios sneered. Croiten nodded feebly.

“I – I guess so,” he stammered.

"Good. Then we should go," the Chosen announced, rising swiftly. Croiten and Gerrick rose. Croiten pocketed a broad knife. Theios removed his robes and tucked them away in his pack, and the trio moved outside.

02-Jun-2006 23:21:50 - Last edited on 02-Jun-2006 23:26:21 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"Master Croiten, where are you going?" a voice called from the worksite. Croiten hesitated.

"I'm going on an... expedition, with my friends here,” he said hastily. Workers found to be shirking duty were given extra work. The worksite was a community and depended on every pair of hands to get work done.

"Good luck, mate!" his friend called. Theios hurried the old scholar along. Down the long path they went, and out the gate. There, the surrounding woods were eerily silent. They traversed quickly; Croiten drenched in sweat from lack of exercise. Finally, he pleaded for a rest.

"Shuttup, yer old fool," Gerrick growled. His patience was wearing thin with the constant nervous chittering of the old man. "We nearly be at the inn." Croiten fell silent. He knew if he didn’t, he would be silenced forcefully. Sure enough, the tall wood structure of the Jolly Boar Inn rose up from the woods. The trio filed inside, and Theios stepped up to the innkeeper.

"Hoi, innkeeper!" he snapped. The innkeeper, a rotund man with a thick mustache, waddled over.

"Aye, sirs. What can I be doin' fer yers?" he asked anxiously.

"Three adjoined rooms." Theios ordered. The man nodded.

"Aye, they be available. Me name's Harnon." He padded towards the stairs, Theios, Gerrick, and Croiten following. Down the long, bare corridor they trailed the man, until he opened a single door at the end.

"Here it be. Three rooms, all connected. It'll be a hundred gold pieces for the night,” he informed them.

Theios wrinkled his nose. “A hundred. No, my good Harnon, I think not. How does…oh, maybe, twenty-five, sound to you?”

“But sir, the price is a hundred—“ Harnon protested. Theios’ black eyes glittered as flames engulfed his fist. He glared at the man.

02-Jun-2006 23:21:54 - Last edited on 02-Jun-2006 23:26:54 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
“Twenty-five,” he hissed. He delved into his trouser pocket with his free hand and produced a handful of coins.

“Twen—twenty fi-five,” the innkeep echoed weakly. He padded off down the stairs as quickly as he could with the coins clutched in his hands. The trio entered their rooms.

"So we spends the night, and goes tomorrer morning?" Gerrick asked.

"Aye," Theios affirmed, and stretched out on the bed to sleep.


Theios awoke well before dawn. The sky was still dark; the stars were the only light. The moon had long since set, though the sun would not rise for another hour or two. He rummaged around in his pack and produced a chunk of cheese, stuffing it hungrily in his mouth. Then, he rose and entered Gerrick's room.

"Gerrick! Up!" he said loudly, adding a smack in the stomach for good measure, and proceeded to Croiten's room. Here, he shook the old man mercilessly, finally drawing him out of his stupor.

"Sorry, sir," Croiten mumbled sleepily.

"Whatever. Here's some food. We need to get going." He tossed a packet of cheese at the scholar and hurried back into Gerrick's room. The assassin sat on his bed, greedily stuffing bread and cheese in his mouth.

"Save some for later," Theios hissed. "Now let's go." Gerrick followed him into the hall, grumbling under his breath. A moment later, Croiten joined them. They crept down the stairs and out of the inn. Theios paused a moment to let the cool air wash over his face, and then he set off a quick, hasty pace.

"More to the east, sir," Croiten corrected timidly. "The Chaos Temple is well to the east in the wilderness."

Theios just nodded and altered their course.

The darkness grew around them as they moved further into the wilderness. Death seemed to surround them. The dead trees were scarce in the lifeless wasteland. Dust rose behind the trio as the dry dirt cracked beneath their boots.

02-Jun-2006 23:21:59 - Last edited on 02-Jun-2006 23:27:22 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
There was not a sound but the labored breathing of the three. No birds twittered their songs, no animals roved this uninhabitable place. High above, not even the sun shone. The clouds were low and thick, a darker gray than even the worst stormclouds, and roiled angrily in the sky.

The heat grew, too, until finally a river of lava came into their view. It bubbled and churned, sending columns of steam into the air.

Theios quivered with excitement, leading the way around the magma. This was it. They continued north for a while until the lava plunged underground for a stretch, leaving them with a path into the circle it made. Here, a crumbling altar presided, dedicated to the god Zamorak.

"This is it," Theios whispered excitedly.

"So, now what?" Gerrick asked impatiently.

"Hush," Theios chided, then swept forward and knelt before the altar. "Lord Zamorak be praised." he prayed softly, then rose again. He stretched both pale hands out from his robes, palms facing the dusty earth.

"Eres nelt, agor mein a re ben re a Zamorak." 'Open Earth, and allow me into the tomb of the Lord Zamorak'. he recited in a clear, strong voice. The slightest tremor ran through his body as he waited, trying to anticipate what would happen. The ground shifting to reveal stairs, perhaps, or an explosion. He knew he had spoken the right words. He had waited for this moment for years and had studied the exact procedure that was to be observed.

Nothing happened.

~<>~ End of Chapter ~<>~

02-Jun-2006 23:22:04 - Last edited on 02-Jun-2006 23:27:54 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
~<>~ Chapter 8 ~<>~


Theios cursed loudly and rounded on Croiten. "You fool scholar!" he roared. "You said it would be here!" Croiten cowered back, ashen-faced.

"Sir, sir, I never said I was sure. It was a hunch," he mumbled meekly.

"You fool!" Theios repeated, striking out with one mottled hand to slap Croiten on the cheek. The old scholar cringed back, moaning.

"Mercy, mercy, please, my Lord!” he pleaded feebly, hunched over protectively. Gerrick stepped forward, his spear free of its lashings. He placed himself between them.

"Now looky here, both of yers. Croiten, yer made a mistake. A biggun, too. We gots nowheres to go now, yer see. We needs to find the tomb. Elf, shuttup. Maybe this old bookworm can conjure another idea. Think logically, man!" he growled, glaring at the two. Croiten let out a gasping breath and slumped to his knees, sobbing. Gerrick prodded him with the handle of his spear.

"Gerrup, scholar." he sneered. "We needs yer logic." Croiten stumbled to his feet.

"Sirs, I don't--I don't know,” he sobbed. Gerrick heard Theios snarl another obscenity. Then, he heard chanting. He whirled on the robed elf just as fire shot over his head, incinerating the old scholar.

Gerrick lunged towards him, but it was too late. Croiten was gone. Gerrick spun angrily to face Theios.

"Yer fool elf..." he snarled.

03-Jun-2006 19:04:08 - Last edited on 03-Jun-2006 19:05:22 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Theios shrugged. "He was no more use to us, Gerrick." He shrugged nonchalantly.

"Yer fool elf!" Gerrick repeated, his voice heavy with vehemence. "Yes he was! He were smart. It seemed logical to have Zamorak buried here, and he probably could ‘ave come up with another possibility!"

"And I could have guessed to come here just as easily," Theios sneered. With a wave of his hand, the two were back in Varrock. Gerrick strode off without another glance, headed for the Blue Moon Inn. He was badly in need of an ale or three. Theios hurried in his wake, enjoying the glory as the citizens swept aside with a single glance at his robes. The city was being rebuilt from its deadly destruction. Already, it thrived under the rule of the Zamorakians. A Master would by now have been established in the palace, and enforcing his rule.

Inside the Inn, Gerrick flung himself into a chair at a vacant table. Rage contorted his dark features, and he muttered a vile oath under his breath. That fool of an elf.

Theios appeared in the doorway. He turned towards Gerrick's table and sat down, motioning a barmaid over.

"A ale for myself, and one for my companion here,” he ordered, leaning back comfortably. His nose wrinkled slightly; he was growing sick of the stench of taverns. He’d mention to Zamorak to have something done about it.

"Three for me, lassie," Gerrick growled. She paled and her eyes widened, then she nodded and hastened off. Theios turned his head towards Gerrick, his expression unreadable in the darkness of his hood.

"Three, Gerrick?" he echoed skeptically.

03-Jun-2006 19:04:14 - Last edited on 03-Jun-2006 19:05:37 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
"Aye,” he nodded. "Gotter get meself good an' drunk."

"Why?" Theios questioned.

"So's I don't think about our failure. We's doomed, elf. We's never gonna git Zamorak back in our mortal world," he replied dejectedly. “Maybe it just ‘ent meant to be, yer know?”

“No,” Theios declared flatly. “I don’t accept failure. Zamorak is meant to be Lord of Gielenor, and I don’t care what it takes, he will be!”

At that moment, the server arrived with four tankards of ale. One she placed before Theios, the other three in front of Gerrick. Theios slapped a coin down on the table. She snatched it up and vanished. Gerrick raised his tankard, a wide, false grin spreading his depressed face.

"To failure, elf!" he said, with mock joy. He downed half the tankard in a single gulp. Theios clasped his own mug in one sallow hand and sipped at it.

"Oh, shut up," he growled. His mind was working. He had to discover where the tomb was. What would be logical?

"Say, Gerrick, what other lands do you think are holy to the Gods?" he drawled. Gerrick spat foam as he set down his second mug.

"Wilderness fer Zamorak, mebbe Taverly for Guthix, could be them caves in Lumbridge. Entrana or Falador fer Saradomin." He immersed himself in his ale again, spluttering noisily as he choked on some foam. Theios sighed. The wilderness was such a great expanse, who knew where they would find the Tomb? He surveyed the room, eyes scrutinizing each member of the tavern. He lazily eyed a pretty elf, gasping in surprise as he saw the Z tattooed on her neck.

"I'll be right back, Gerrick,” he said, rising swiftly. Gerrick just nodded, his eyes glazed. He hardly saw Theios. The Chosen quickly made his way to the elf and settled himself in the chair opposite her.

"Greetings," he began.

03-Jun-2006 19:04:19 - Last edited on 03-Jun-2006 19:06:04 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

Posts: 7,994 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
The elf scrutinized him with a trained eye, talking in his robes, which he had donned again once they were in the city, without comment.

"I see you bear the mark of a Servant of Zamorak," he continued into the silence.

"What do you want, Chosen?" she interrogated flatly, her expression blank. She refused to give him any more respect than that. Her long coils of black hair cascaded around her shoulders, shadowing her face.

"My companion," he waved a hand towards Gerrick, "and myself are on a task. From the Masters, you see. Perhaps you can assist us?" he asked. She gave him an idle stare.

"If you are in need of incentive, I would mention that you have indeed noticed I am the Chosen of Zamorak. It would be wise to obey. Besides, the task is crucial to the return of his Lordship," he added coldly.

"Indeed," she mused. "My name is Nessa Saurion. I might as well help. Got nothing better to do right now." She thrust forward a smooth palm, tattooed with the same symbol as that on her neck. Theios grasped it in his own pale hands. He smiled triumphantly beneath his hood, though she could not see it. Something about this girl…

"Come, let us speak to my companion," he suggested, rising. She rose as well, and they made their way back to Gerrick. He sat, head pressed sideways against the table, six empty tankards before him. Theios sighed.

"Gerrick!” he growled loudly. The thief's head rose, and his unfo(c)cused eyes gazed at Theios in confusion.

"Ehhh..?" he replied sluggishly. Theios flung himself into a chair, and Nessa sat beside them. Her eyebrows arched as she watched Gerrick try to wake himself from his stupor.

"Gerrick, this is our new companion. She may be able to help us," Theios explained slowly, as if to an idiot child.

"She'sh an elf," Gerrick accused drunkenly. Nessa flinched, and her spine stiffened.

"And what is your problem with elves?" she replied coldly.

03-Jun-2006 19:04:24 - Last edited on 03-Jun-2006 19:06:36 by Crystal Smee

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