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Crystal Smee

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~<>~ Chapter 4 ~<>~

The soldier Jraf led Theios and his burden deep into the woods. Finally, they emerged into a large clearing. There, Theios was led among the maze of tents to the center of the camp, where a giant canvas tent stood. This was the shades' meeting tent. Jraf ducked inside, motioning for them to follow. Inside, he scratched his short beard nervously.

"Can I get yers anything, perhaps?" he asked hospitably.

"Some wine, and a bucket of cold water," Theios snapped condescendingly. Jraf hurried off. Almost as soon as the soldier vanished, a wave of cold swept into the tent as the flap opened. A shade stood in the entrance, his presence the source of the cold. He glided inside to one of the chairs and sat down across from Theios.

"So. Master Nzane told me you have been sent to find Zamorak's tomb," he stated flatly.

"Indeed. I believe you are Ktroi? I’ve seen you before." Theios’ eyes flashed. “Show some respect, shade, for you are in the presence of the Chosen of Zamorak.”

Ktroi bowed mocking. "I am indeed Ktroi," the shade rasped.

"I demand food and shelter, and healing for my companion. He was injured by your attack on the city."

"Forgive us. I am sure he will be all right. We have few medical assistants with us, but I am sure one can be found. We don't generally care for the injured," Ktroi replied, though his voice was not apologetic. His voice was ice cold.

21-May-2006 15:41:42 - Last edited on 21-May-2006 15:42:57 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

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

"Thank you. I suggest in the future you ensure that none of our kind are in the city," Theios said, just as coldly.

"Zamorak cares not who lives and dies as long as his ends are achieved. However, perhaps the next time, we will check," sneered Ktroi, though it did not sound like he meant it. "Well, come with me, I will show you to a tent. Jraf should be along with wine for you." And with that, he rose, sweeping out of the tent. Theios lifted Gerrick and hastened to follow.

He trailed Ktroi to a large tent, where he dropped Gerrick on the bed. Then, he stretched out on the floor to await Jraf.

Meanwhile, Ktroi hurried back to the army. Thoughts raced through his sly mind. As he glided, he glanced up at the sky. The night sky was lit up with the magic of the wizards. Little work would remain for the soldiers.

Finding no sign of the levies, he continued on to the city. When the walls were in sight, he could hear the screams of the citizens. He cackled maliciously. This would be fun.

"Death..." He hissed into the night air, and clambered over the ruined wall to the city. From the depths of his robes, he produced his crimson shade sword. The sky seemed to be raining the orange flares. Ktroi hunted through the city, prowling to find any living to kill.

There were few still alive. The city was destroyed, crumbled and burning. Fires raged in the streets. Any movement that was not of a soldier, was quickly stilled. After only a few minutes, Ktroi's path crossed with that of Master Nzane.

"My Master," He hissed, bowing.

21-May-2006 15:41:48 - Last edited on 21-May-2006 15:43:21 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

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

"Ktroi. I am glade you could join us. Did you shelter the Chosen?" Nzane replied flatly. His voice was laced with contempt as he hissed the word ‘Chosen.’ The shades were obviously not fond of Theios.

"Indeed, Master. I have a proposition," Ktroi answered cautiously.

"And?" Nzane prompted.

"Well, Master, it is indeed well known among the shades that we are not high in Zamorak's favor, no?" He began.

"Continue."

"What if we were to send some of our own to find Zamorak's tomb? If we were the ones to bring him back, surely we will be much resssspected," Ktroi finished hurriedly.

Nzane nodded slowly. "Certainly. I shall go to Zhrak."

"Why Zhrak, master?" Ktroi said, the rare fear evident in the shade's voice. "He is the one who imprisoned us, who bound us."

"He is also the one who can summon more shades, Ktroi. To replace you, and five others. I want you to find the staff." Nzane rasped. Ktroi bowed.

"Yes, my master. It is a great honor. If I may, I would go back to the camp, and find the hunters. Perhaps I can glean some information from them," Ktroi hissed. "There is little work here."

"Go," Nzane commanded. Ktroi bowed again.

"Master," He murmured, and swept off.

21-May-2006 15:41:53 - Last edited on 21-May-2006 15:44:09 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

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

Jraf cautiously poked his head through the tent flap. "Sir?"

"There you are! Did you stop for tea on the way?" Theios growled, leaping up from the floor. Jraf hurriedly entered the tent, depositing the tray with wine and the bucket of water. Then, he bowed and departed. Grumbling under his breath, Theios cupped his hands full of water. Then, he parted his hands, letting it splash onto Gerrick's face.

Gerrick's eyes snapped open, and his head jerked up. "Wha--oh, its you." He flopped back down, weakly rubbing his head. "What didjer do to me?"

"You were knocked out by the magic that was used to destroy the city." Theios replied flatly.

"Oh. And how did we get in 'ere?" He continued.

"Met up with our army. A shade gave us this tent. But I don't want to stay here."

"Why not?" Gerrick asked, surprise evident in his tone.

"I don't trust the shades. Never have. We should go, before they come back." Theios snapped.

"If'n y'say so. Personally, I'd like ter stay here, but if'n y'want to go, then let's go," Gerrick grumbled, yawning, and scrubbing a hand through his hair.

"Why the sudden change in feeling? You're not arguing," Theios questioned dangerously, confused.

21-May-2006 15:41:58 - Last edited on 21-May-2006 15:44:30 by Crystal Smee

Crystal Smee

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

"Too much effort. It hurts to get knocked out, y'know," Gerrick snapped back. He spied the wine and uncorked the bottle, then lifted it to his lips and slurped a considerable amount. Then he shook his head to clear his muddled thoughts. "Now let's get outta here." Theios nodded. He grasped Gerrick under the armpits and hauled him roughly up. Gerrick moaned.

"Careful, elf," he snarled. Theios shrugged, and darted out of the tent. Gerrick followed slowly. "Which way?" Theios glanced at the sky, locating the North Star. He turned to the right of it, to the east.

"This way," he said, setting a fast pace as he strode off. Gerrick hurried to follow, groaning. It was some small satisfaction to hear his companion in pain. He was growing rapidly tired of his company.

Ktroi hurried back to the camp. He was eager to complete this task. He would succeed, to bring shades into the lord Zamorak's favor. He found the tent he had given them and ducked inside, already forming the words on his tongue to persuade them. It was a simple spell, to loosen their tongues.

The tent was empty. Ktroi cursed loudly. They couldn't have gone. There was no way for them to know. They couldn't have known. As he stared around the surrounding area, he found no tracks. Where had they gone?

As Theios and Gerrick hurried away, a light rain began to fall. The fat droplets pattered down endlessly, slowly dampening the fires that had ravaged Ardounge.

~ End of Chapter ~

21-May-2006 15:42:03 - Last edited on 21-May-2006 15:44:53 by Crystal Smee