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This is a story that has been pretty much been made up all in my head. Imagine this. Zezima has taken over the Member areas of Runescape and made it illegal for anyone to use members items or go to Member areas. The penalty is death from Zezima's army, the Elite Guards, who are among the few allowed to carry and use Member items. I am going to be posting as I go along, and I always try to end what I've what done in suspense or in a mysterious way. Enjoy!
Unleashed
Prologue
“Why can’t I go past this gate?” Dwarf Moria said to the guard. “I’ve got the authority to go where I want to when I want to.”
“I am very sorry, but my lord Zezima has restricted all travel beyond Falador. Only those with the special clearance of his majesty may go beyond this gate into Taverly. Also, pretty though it may be, you will have to relieve yourself of your dragon scimitar and arm yourself with a more common weapon of runite metal lower. His majesty Zezima has circulated a list of approved weapons for the use of the common man.”
“The common- the common man?!” shouted Dwarf Moria. “If you do not move I will-”
“Do you really want to be threatening me?” taunted the guard, drawing his poisoned dragon dagger. “One false move and you will be running around ‘til you succumb to the poison. Anti-poisons are deemed unnecessary for citizens of King Zezima’s kingdom. Now please, leave, before I become angry.”
Dwarf Moria turned around, furious, as he plodded back to the northern gate of Falador…
Chapter 1
A hearty cheer erupted from the bar as Dwarf Moria walked in. Two of his friends, Seinorfreezy and Chessmaker, sat drinking Asgarnian Ales, while others quenched their thirst on wizard mind bombs or dwarven stouts. Dwarf Moria took an empty chair between his two friends, asking the bartender for an ale himself.
“Have trouble getting past the gate, Dwarf?” Seinor said, referring to his companion’s nickname.
“That idiot wouldn’t let someone past if they had a million coins with ‘em.”
“You sure?” asked Chess, looking at him doubtfully. “That’s a lot of money.”
“Probably not to him,” remarked Seinor thoughtfully. “Members of Zezima’s Elite Guard are quite wealthy, either through good service or really good thieving. His treasure rooms are probably easy to spot and easier to get into, since he wants to show off his own riches while chipping away at our own.”
Dwarf and Chess, along with many others that listened in, nodded in unison.
“I still think you shoulda killed him,” an older gruff man said deeply. “Them Elite Guards can’t be too tough for someone like you, and I wouldn’t mind the world being short a few of them guards anyway.”
“He was armed with a dragon dagger, poisoned, to make it worse, and for your information I can’t walk into the bank and drink an antidote without getting pounced on by Elite Guards,” Dwarf said. “It’s hardly safe to walk around in full rune without having to undergo serious questioning, let alone use items that aren’t on the safe item list.”
“Still,” the man replied, “You mighta hadda chance. I guess it ain’t worth the risk. You sure you can’t teleport to Camelot or wherever on the far side of the gate?”
“No! I cannot do that. Zezima will have an entire battalion of men and who knows what else stationed at every single city, town, or major landmark. There is no way in as far as I know by magic, secret passage, or disguise that can get you in.”
Chessmaker inquired, “But why do you need to get in there anyway? What’s so important that you need to get over the gate?”
“I wish to warn the dwarves of White Wolf Mountain, my distant kin, of their plight, for, knowing dwarves and having lived with them in my early years, they are probably ignorant of the impending doom they will face if they remain under the mountain, for Zezima, I fear, is knowledgeable in the secrets and tunnels of that particular area.”
“Have you asked the dwarves of Ice Mountain about this?” asked Seinor. “If convinced, they could probably help you in your journey to Taverly at least, if not farther.”
“The mines underneath Ice Mountain are being monitored. There would be no way in without being seen.”
“But Dwarf,” Chess said, “what about the mining guild entrance? Are they guarding that too?”
“Yes, but not heavily,” Dwarf replied. “But it would not work. I’m a marked man. The guards know me and what I might do if I am granted audience with the dwarves.”
“Well, we can give you audience, if you wish it,” the old man said. “I’m sure the boys here are eager to cause a little chaos. Aren’t you, boys?” he said loudly to the rest of the bar.
An uproar of shouting voices and cries of excitement filled the bar as the citizens of Falador rose to their feet as one. The noise was incredible, and Dwarf Moria was scared an Elite Guard would hear and inquire about the celebration.
“Shh, shh, shh, be quiet!” he said, loud enough to hear over the tumult. “We can’t go shouting our plans for everyone to hear. Now, before we go on, are you sure you want to do this? Because this could very well end the lot of you up in the White Knight Castle for questioning. Not that Sir Amik Varze will be very strict in your punishments; he hates Zezima as much as we do. Just be careful.”
“We’ll do it tomorrow at sunrise,” the gruff man said. “Be ready, ‘cuz you probably won’t get much time.”
* * *
The sun rose, bright and yellow against the clear, blue sky. Dwarf Moria awoke to loud snoring and hard breathing from his companions.
“Seinor, Chessmaker, wake up,” he said, going to each of their beds and shaking them slightly. “I’m gonna head out to the eastern bank and wait for the riot to begin. If you’re going to come with me, come now.”
Seinor decided to come, but Chess was tired and went back to sleep. Together Dwarf and Seinor made their way into the city square, and, after passing the shield shop and the park, entered the Falador East Bank. There weren’t many people there in the morning, just an Elite Guard arguing with a few angry coal miners about how they were going to make a living without access to the coal rocks in the mines. There was also a man clad in blue wizard robes negotiating a price for five good firewood logs with a young man in steel armor. Nothing was out of the ordinary, yet the air was tense and hot, as if waiting for something to happen. Dwarf went up to the booth and deposited his runite armor and withdrew his runite pickaxe. It would be best not to look suspicious when he entered the mines. As soon as he had verified his business with a second guard, he went and waited by the wall.
It did not take very long before he heard the tramping of feet and the yells of the mob as they drew nearer and nearer. The guards stepped outside, ordered them to stop, drew their swords, and stood firm. They were not calling for help, which was ruining a key part in the plan. The guards were supposed to run to the guild entrance, tell the guard there what was going on, and then leave the post abandoned. But that was not happening.
“Seinor, go round and get the guild guard to come here. Say there’s a disturbance. Go!”
He went, and, just as the mob reached the two Elites, the third guard came around the eastern wall of the bank. Dwarf moved to the disgruntled coal miners and said, “Come on. Follow me.”
The three miners dashed away from the riot and south. They turned right and went down the trapdoor to the mining guild. At the bottom of the ladder they could see the huge expanse of the mining guild, a huge collection of coal and mithril ore jumbled into one cave. One of the miners, armed with an adamantite pickaxe, bashed the helmet of the guard stationed at the bottom and knocked him out cold.
“Well, he won’t wake up for a while,” he said. “Dwarf_Moria, thank you for helping us. I’m TheAntKing and my friend here is Jabbadahutt. Really, I can’t thank you-“
“Don’t worry about it, I just like to help people when the chance comes,” replied Dwarf. “Now farewell, for now.”
While the two miners headed deeper into the cavern, Dwarf aimed for the small iron gate to the southwest. He reached it, opened it, and stepped through. He greeted the dwarf guarding the gate, who replied heartily, “I haven’t seen you here for a while, Moria. What brings you here?”
“I wish to speak to the dwarves about what to do with our brothers under the White Wolf Mountain.”
“You would have to speak to Doric the Spy about that,” the dwarf said. “He’s right across from the gate that leads to Taverly. You know the place.”
“Oh, I know it all right.”
“Well, talk to him, and see what he says. Then try and come back here or send a message.”
“Thank you, sir,”
“You are quite welcome, Moria.”
Returning through the gate, Dwarf Moria headed for the exit ladder and the chaos above.
Chapter 2
Outside Falador East Bank, it was a scene of running bodies and cursing men. The Elite Guards were holding the mob of men with picks, axes, and spades at bay, but unless aid came soon they would be overwhelmed. Sauliuss Lt was wondering how long his other two men could hold off when out of the south three more guards came. One was the famous Rabid Yoda, who was renowned for his speed and accuracy when dealing with foes. Seeing this heartened Sauliuss, for he was growing tired and sore. Commander Yoda spoke with an air of command few in the Elite Guard had, and when he spoke you listened or paid the price.
“Why, by the name of Guthix, Zamorak, and Saradomin, are you revolting against the peaceful and orderly establishment that has been set by these hard working-men? Why do you waste energy fighting when you could help us build a better world for all who live here? But yes, it all makes sense. You do not like being kept on this side of the world. You do not enjoy being cooped up so close together. I tell you now, the other side is dangerous! You do not wish to live there. Stay here, where it is safe. Do not dream about what could be yours, for it is not yours to take. Now, I say no more, save this. This time you will all be sent to Sir Amik for punishment. Let this happen again, and the blue dragons of Taverly Dungeon will devour you all. Now go.”
The rioting men quieted and allowed the guards to move them into straight lines outside the bank doors. Seinor watched carefully from inside, not want to attract attention to himself. The group marched off to the west and out of sight. Seinor was beginning to worry about Dwarf because he had been gone a long time, but after only waiting a short time Dwarf appeared in the doorway.
“Were you able to talk to the dwarves?” asked Seinor.
“Yes, I talked to them. Well, more like one of them. The dwarf at the mining guild gate told me I needed to talk to Doric, the spy across from the gate to Taverly. I don’t know what he will say, but I’m hoping it will be useful.”
“If you’re going almost right up to the gate I would go now, before word of this revolt spreads. Otherwise the guard there will be alerted, and the northern border of Falador watched.”
“It seems right that I should go now, but I feel that I should wait. I will wait until tomorrow to go. Meanwhile, I think you and Chess should go to the White Knight Castle and speak to Sir Amik. He will not harshly punish our friends, but I want to make sure the Elites don’t surpass Amik’s judgment. Their commander would make up the slightest excuse to hurt enemies of Zezima. In fact, the only reason they haven’t attacked Amik himself is because he is the leader of the whole White Knight force. Deliberate attack would open the way for open war between the White and Temple Knights and Zezima’s forces. Zezima would win, but his forces would be so weak that the combined forces of Varrock and Falador could overpower the kingdom and defeat him.”
“Hmm. Well, anyway, I’m gonna go get Chess and go to the castle. I’ll see what I can find out. You say you go will go to Doric’s tomorrow?”
“Yes, most likely tomorrow, but I will wait to see what you have to say before I go. Maybe your information will change my decision.”
“Good-bye for now.”
* * *
Seinor and Chess crossed the bridge over the moat to the courtyard of the White Knight Castle, drawing no attention to themselves and staying perfectly calm. The entrance was not guarded, probably because the White Knights would not let an Elite Guard protect the door to their noble castle. However, the knights knew Dwarf and his two comrades, and with greetings allowed Chess and Seinor to pass.
“Do you know what’s happening here today?” asked a knight.
“Yes, and because of that is why we are here,” replied Seinor. “We want to make sure the Elites don’t overdo Sir Amik’s punishment.”
“Punishment!” laughed the knight. “He’ll probably congratulate them for their bravery and induct them into the White Knights. He hates Zezima and his armies, but our law says that we cannot declare war unless attacked first. I fear that we are the only real force opposing this tyrant, and I believe that before mounting his attack Zezima will ask the Black Knights and goblins for an alliance. But I do not mean to keep you. Go about your business and tell me when you are finished. I wish to know what you discover. My name is Footman Wars, a lieutenant in the army, but I know more than my rank shows. Farewell.”
“Thank you, Footman Wars, and we shall tell you of our news.”
They parted company, and the two men walked into the castle and up two flights of stairs. There they heard Sir Amik talking to Commander Yoda, both arguing and yelling loudly.
“Sir Amik, you turn control of those prisoners to me or I will take you prisoner as well!”
“These men were brought to me, and I will be the one who decides what to do with them.”
“Do with them? You would say, ‘Pick up those sacks and move them over there,’ and be done with it.”
“I am the one with authority here, and it will be me who decides their fate!”
“If you will not see reason and let me have them…”
“Reason! It is reason that brought them here and reason that says you should leave them with me!”
Suddenly there was movement. Sir Amik shouted, “What the…” before a gagging sound was heard and Yoda turned to another man, who had before then not been revealed.
“Sauliuss, tell the other men to take the prisoners to Taverly and to wait for me there. If asked, tell the knights that Sir Amik turned control of the prisoners to me. Answer no other questions, and if others stop you bring them along as well.”
“Yes, sir.”
Footsteps came toward the door in front of Chess and Seinor, who ducked around a corner right as the door opened. Sauliuss walked by them, not noticing the pair of people staring at him as he descended the stairs.
“Should I follow him?” whispered Chess as the footsteps faded from sight.
“Yes, go now,” answered Seinor.
Chess left and followed Sauliuss down the steps. Meanwhile voices again could be heard coming from the open door. Seinor listened some more, wanting to catch all the information Yoda let slip.
“Now, Amik, you will listen to me. You will surrender your knighthood and turn control of the White Knights to me, or I will kill you now.”
Without thinking, Seinor jumped from around the wall and flattened Yoda, giving Sir Amik time to get up. Yoda threw Seinor off, but Amik was ready this time, drawing his sword and pointing it at the commander.
“Leave now, or perish. I will not be so kind as to listen to your words as I was today after what you tried to accomplish. Leave or be killed.”
Yoda cursed and left the room at a run, turning back at the stairs and giving Amik a hateful glance as he descended. Then he turned and was gone.
“Thank you, Seinorfreezy, for if you had not been here I would probably be dead and all hope for Runescape would be lost. What brings you here?”
“I was coming here to make sure the guards didn’t overdo the punishment, but apparently I was too late.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“I might. I sent Chessmaker after the group. He is good at disguises and might be able to cross the gate without being noticed. Dwarf is going to talk with Doric the Dwarf Spy about getting across in secret, but unless I tell him otherwise he will go tomorrow, which will probably be too late.”
“Tell Dwarf to go today and to speak with me afterwards, for I wish to know what his plans are. We need to follow the Elites to Taverly before something terrible happens.”
“I’m willing to go after Chess, and I’m sure Dwarf will come too, since he needs to get to White Wolf Mountain anyway, but I think one of us should stay here, just to be safe. Your lieutenant, Footman Wars, seemed to know a lot and was enthusiastic about helping.”
“Then it is settled. Tell Footman Wars to go with Dwarf Moria, and you shall stay here. Now go, and hurry.”
Seinorfreezy turned around and left to find Footman Wars and Dwarf Moria, and to tell them of the plan and what the next step was.
* * *
“What do you mean, the men have been taken?” Dwarf asked Seinor, who had found Dwarf and told him what had happened at the White Knight Castle.
“Yoda threatened Sir Amik and told the other guard to take them to Taverly to wait for him. I sent Chess after them.”
“You did?!” exclaimed Dwarf. “Why would you do that?”
“Well, he half volunteered to go, and so he went.”
“Well, we’ve got to follow him! Chess won’t be able to survive by himself.”
“Sir Amik asked you to go speak with Doric; he wants to send you and Footman Wars, Amik’s lieutenant, after Chess. I was going to stay here and watch over Falador.”
“Why must you stay and Footman Wars come with me, if I go at all?” inquired Dwarf, who was getting very anxious. “If I talk to Doric and he doesn’t help me, there will be no way to get to Chess. He will be eaten by the blue dragons in the dark Taverly Dungeon, never to be seen again, along with all those men who revolted for me.”
“That is why you must convince Doric to help you, so that the riot and sacrifices were not in vain.”
“Fine, I will go now.”
Dwarf Moria turned around and prepared to head to the border of Falador and Doric’s house, hoping that his visit would not be in vain.
Chapter 3
Chess followed Sauiluss down the stairs and across the courtyard. No one asked any questions or made any attempt to speak to him. The guard crossed the bridge into the town square, Chessmaker following close behind him. Although he was good at hiding and stealth, it was hard in the city to find a hidden place to which he could go, unseen from anyone. If he attempted to follow in the open, Sauliuss would notice him. He would then be overcome, forced to go with the prisoners to Taverly. If he was not noticed, he would not go as a prisoner, but as a spy.
Chess tracked the Elite to the East Falador Bank, where Sauliuss stopped in to make sure all was well. Chess risked being seen and walked through the doors, exposing himself to the two guards in the room. He headed to the booth and asked to withdraw some nice, cooked salmon to eat in case he got hungry. The monitoring guard approved the withdrawal, and Chess left. Five minutes later, Sauliuss walked out and headed further east, going past the Party Room and approaching a small building. He stepped through the door, closed it and descended the stairs. Chess followed, and, much to his surprise, arrived in the Dwarven mines. Sauliuss was walking past some jutting rocks to a group of people on the far side of the cave. The group was made up of the mobbing men and a guard.
“Sergeant Bowei, get them up. We’re going to Taverly. Do it quick!”
The orders were immediately followed, and a minute later three lines of men were marching back up the stairs and into the building, led and followed by two Elite Guards, and unbeknownst to them, Chess. The company moved back through the Falador main road, turned north at the square, and left the city.
They moved up the road, and soon came to the gate. Chess, knowing he had seconds before they came to the gate, let out a yell and stumbled. His plan was to pretend like he was a traveler to the Zamorak temple; so that he could attempt to get through safely. He did not, however, want to be mistaken for one of the prisoners.
“Help me! I think I hurt my ankle and I can’t walk well! Help!”
Sauliuss turned around and asked, “I don’t remember you. You weren’t one of those men in the mob.”
“No! I wasn’t! I’m going to the Zamorak temple north of here to worship.”
“You don’t look like a worshipper, you Zamorak scum! Come with me. You’re under arrest for spying on the Elite Guard and following our movements.”
“But I wasn’t-“
“Get in line, scum!”
Chess had no choice but to scurry behind the prisoners, now trapped by the guards. The gate closed behind them as they crossed the border and entered the realm of Zezima’s kingdom.
* * *
Dwarf Moria set out from Falador three hours after the company had left. New guards had not arrived yet, so this was the time to get to Doric’s house and return to the dwarves. He followed the northwest path, but instead of following it to the gate he veered northeast to the small building that Doric lived in. Dwarf knocked on the door, and when Doric opened it he was wearing a broad smile.
“Moria, I haven’t seen you here in a long time! Come in. Come in. I must hear the news and catch up on events. Spying here has been very dull indeed, until a few hours ago when I saw a group of prisoners marched through the gate. I fear for them.”
“It is for that reason that I came, somewhat,” Dwarf replied. He then explained what had happened up to that point, including the riot and Sir Amik’s plan. “I come from the Dwarves of Ice Mountain to ask you something. I wish to get across the gate and warn our brothers under the White Wolf, for it is vulnerable to Zezima’s forces. Can you help me?”
“To be quite honest, I have no idea. We can’t dig under the gate; it would be too obvious. Disguises won’t work because you have to have the papers and guard insignia. You can’t teleport in because Zezima has every teleport point covered. The only way to get in is by killing the guard and sneaking past the gate.”
“If that’s what I must do, then I will do it. That guard gave me some trouble anyway. If he’s killed in this, all the better. My friend is over there making sure the prisoners don’t have anything too evil done to them, but I wish to get him and everyone else out of there.”
“I have only one idea, and it’s risky, but would ensure your getting across.”
“What’s that?”
“If we could get the goblins of the village north of here to journey this far south, the guard would be distracted and you could run and jump the gate. If you killed him you could get the gate key, which he carries with him at all times.”
“What should I tell the dwarves under Ice Mountain?”
“Tell them to bring a lot of raw meat overnight. Goblins love the smell of raw flesh and will be attracted by it.”
“I will, but this had better work fast. I have only a limited amount of time.”
“It all depends on how fast the meat gets here. If it gets here tonight, I will send for you to come. Be prepared, because goblins are fast and will reach the gate quickly from their village.”
“Okay.”
“Farewell, Moria. And good luck!”
* * *
Seinor waited in the general store, anxious for Dwarf to return. There was nothing to buy, for the Elites had destroyed the business. He left, went to the square, looked north, and stopped. Someone was approaching the city, but Seinor could not tell who it was. He watched as the person walked slowly closer and closer, and before long he realized it was an Elite Guard. Groaning, Seinor walked south, towards the White Knight Castle.
After crossing the bridge, he walked through the courtyard, chatting with the knights and admiring the castle. The air was crisp and cool, but inside Seinor’s head thoughts were bombarding him. Countless possibilities could stem from the previous events, and Seinor would have to be able to cope with them. Footman Wars approached him.
“Seinor, I know I’m going to be going with Dwarf Moria, but I don’t know when. I would like to know so I can prepare to leave.”
“I don’t know, Footman Wars. I will not know until he returns.”
“Which will be…?”
“I have no idea. Dwarf has gone to speak to Doric, the Dwarf Spy. He hopes that Doric will be able to get him through the gate.”
“So we are going past?
“Hopefully. Chess was supposed to follow the guards through the gate to Taverly. Whether or not he got caught could alter Dwarf’s mission.”
“What’s that?”
“Dwarf wishes to warn the Dwarves under White Wolf Mountain of Zezima and his forces. If Chess has been captured, however, I think his objectives will change.”
“Yes, it would seem so. All he would be doing his making a stop along the way.”
“Who’s that?” Seinor said suddenly, pointing towards the bridge. A figure was approaching at a fast pace. The man, or whatever it was, drew nearer and nearer, and then stepped into the courtyard. He was dirty, caked with mud, and looked as if he had traveled a great distance.
“Greetings,” he said. “I am Dirtboy.”
Dirtboy looked like an experienced warrior, clad in green dragon hide and fingering a long, thin whip. He was tall, menacing, and seemed to have an aura similar to that of Commander Yoda.
“You’re an Elite Guard!” shouted Seinor. “Help! Help!”
“What are you doing here?” Footman Wars asked, drawing his weapon.
“Put your weapons down, both of you. I mean you no harm, and I am certainly not one of those hell-spawn guards.”
“Prove it.”
“Ok, I will.”
Dirtboy reached into a small pouch and withdrew a bloody hand, with cuts and scratches all over it. Still held in its clutches was a small piece of paper.
“This is the hand of the last guard who got in my way.” Dirtboy remarked coolly as Seinor and Footman cringed. “Do you believe me now?”
“Yes, we do, just put that thing away. I just wanted to know why you had a whip on you. I thought they were illegal.”
Seinor was amazed at this man’s bravery and defiance.
“You think I’m afraid of little people with daggers?” laughed Dirt. “The guards of Varrock fear me. They dare not attack unless they want death. Very few in the army are commissioned weapons over the dragon material. I can do almost anything I want, but I just wear this dragon hide to reduce attention.”
“But why have you come here?” Footman Wars inquired.
“Well, to tell the truth, I was chased. I’m a wanted man, by Zezima’s and others’ standards. Right now, I believe, there are five prices on my head from separate organizations. Not many people have the power to run me out of a town, but Shrew and her rune crossbow are a force to be reckoned with. She’ll be here in about two days.”
“Will she harm anyone else or join the Elites?” Seinor asked frightfully.
“No. She is a member of the Phoenix gang, which, although small, has become a second defender of the city. The army of Varrock is small, but it is strong and brave. The gang as a whole hates Zezima, but unlike others, prefers to have no allies.”
Just then a loud voice carried across the courtyard.
“All three of you come here now!
It was Sir Amik, furious, storming across the grass as his fellow Knights trailed behind him. Seinor, Dirtboy, and Footman all turned to face him as he drew near.
“Why are you two talking to an Elite Guard!?” he asked, fuming.
“I am not a guard and if you want proof I will show it to you,” Dirt replied calmly.
This relaxation seemed to unnerve Amik, who said slowly, “Show me then. And quickly.”
Dirt removed the hand, watched as Amik went through the same state of disbelief and disgust, put it back in its pouch and said, “Is that enough?”
“Yes, yes, I believe you. Put that hand away! Anyway, Seinor, has Dwarf returned?”
“No.”
“He’d better get back. The new guards coming in haven’t taken up their posts yet, and if Dwarf wants to get back without notice now is the time.”
“Well, then he had better hurry up, shouldn’t he?”
Chapter 4
Dwarf ran south down the path, anxious to get to Falador in time. His departure from Doric’s had been delayed due to a new group of guards coming from Taverly to be stationed in the city. Dwarf cut off the road, hoping to get ahead of the Elites by going through the grasslands and trees. He drew near to the gate, and to his relief he saw no sentries looking out. However, when he turned around, he saw dust being kicked up in the distance, drawing slowly nearer. He entered the city and ran down the road east of the square.
Past the bank and past the park he ran, hoping to get to the mining guild entrance before any Zezima-supporting citizens took notice of him. He ran south, turned the corner and…
People with pickaxes were pushing and shoving everywhere. Dwarves were attempting to hold the crowd back while yelling, “Please leave! The Mines have collapsed! There was a cave-in! You can’t go in; it’s too dangerous!”
But it was no use. The angry miners threw the Dwarves aside and stormed toward the entrance of the guild. The trapdoor was open, but what was inside Dwarf could not see. People screamed, cried, shouted, and cursed as they realized that their way of life had literally come crashing down. They would have to learn new skills, practice new ways, and acquire new equipment.
Dwarf was devastated. He loved the mines, and he wondered about the Dwarves. His home. Gone. He wondered how many Dwarves got out, and also about those who had not died but were trapped under tons of rock doomed to suffocate from lack of air. There was only one thing to do now.
He turned around, walked to the bank, deposited his pickaxe (which he was still holding), and withdrew some coins, full runite armor, and his dragon scimitar (there were no guards around so it was safe). Dwarf then left and headed to the square.
A voice called his name, and when Dwarf turned around, he saw Seinor, Footman Wars, and a stranger looking at him. He walked over there and immediately asked, “Who is this?”
“I am Dirtboy,” the stranger said. “You might have noticed my weapon, but I am no guard.”
“Trust me, he isn’t,” said Seinor, flinching slightly. “He wouldn’t hurt any opponent of Zezima. Anyway, you had better go talk to Amik. He is waiting for you.”
“It had better be quick; I must talk with the Dwarves quickly.”
“What do you mean? Didn’t you just now talk to them?” Footman inquired.
“What? Haven’t you heard?”
“Heard what?”
“The Mines have collapsed! The whole cavern is destroyed. All the survivors are probably along the path that leads to the Barbarian Village, which is their rally point for disasters.”
“But… but how?” Dirtboy asked. “How could something that old and big just cave in? That’s next to impossible.”
“Well, it happened. I must get to Sir Amik. Now.”
The four men walked across the bridge and into the courtyard. Sir Amik was waiting there, talking quietly with another knight.
“Ahh, Dwarf Moria, I was hoping you would come. Quickly, we have much to discuss. You three…” he said, pointing at Dirtboy, Footman, and Seinor, “will have to stay outside. Now come.”
They entered the castle and went to Sir Amik’s room. They discussed Dwarf’s information and his plan, but Dwarf could not persuade Amik to give up some meat for the diversion.
“Our food supply is low and our need will be great in the future. We cannot afford to give any away. I am sorry,” Amik said solemnly.
Dwarf told about the collapse and then said, “I really must be going. Thank you for your help. I may not see you for a while.”
Dwarf turned and exited the castle.
* * *
“Footman Wars, are you ready?” asked Dwarf.
“Yes, just let me say good-bye to a few friends.”
“Ok, well hurry up.”
Night was falling, and if Dwarf wanted to get the raw meat tonight, he would need to leave soon. The coins he had brought from the bank were to trade with the Dwarves or Barbarians for meat; however, the chances of getting back to the gate with light were slim at best.
“Ok, Moria, I’m ready to go.”
“Footman, there’s been a change in plans; we don’t have time to go to the Dwarves.”
“Ok, but then how will we get through the gate?”
“I don’t know.”
Dirtboy walked up.
“I have some guard clearance papers here,” he said. “It’s dark, and the guard probably will not recognize you. Just show him these papers and he’ll let you in. Make Footman like a prisoner or something that asked about the company today.”
“Footman, will you do that?”
“Yes, I will.”
“Then let us go. Farewell.”
Dwarf took the papers from Dirtboy, said good-bye to Seinor, and turned to face the conflicts to come. The sun crept below the horizon as Footman and Dwarf left the city, their eyes set on the wall that separated them from the evil of Zezima’s kingdom.
They went along slowly, chatting with each other and going over the plan. Footman was to take off all his armor and pretend like he was in pain. Dwarf would equip his dragon scimitar and present the papers to the guard, pretending as if he was rounding up an escaped prisoner who managed to slip away from the company. They would then move to Taverly and seek refuge with the peace-loving and neutral druids, who would shelter them during the night. The next day they would rescue Chess and the other men, and from there Chess would accompany Dwarf and Footman to White Wolf Mountain. Hopefully all would go to plan, but Dwarf had a nagging feeling something would go wrong.
* * *
Chess was lying on the bare ground north of Taverly in Burthorpe, or at least that’s what the Elites said when they entered the area. The Imperial Forces had joined with Zezima immediately, having seen an opportunity to acquire riches and wealth. Their numbers were small but their army was deadly, equipped with jagged, metal claws designed for ripping and tearing through armor and flesh. The Warrior’s Guild had been overrun and burned, and the Games Castle was destroyed.
The ground was hard, and Chess was in pain. Sauliuss had not been gentle to the the prisoners as they marched to Burthorpe. However, despite his discomfort, he could faintly hear Sauliuss, Bowei, and the leader of the Imperial Forces talking quickly.
“We are to wait for Commander Yoda here, and then we head to Taverly Dungeon to dispose of the prisoners,” Sauliuss was saying.
“We cannot wait here for long; the trolls are getting restless again,” remarked the leader. “They are coming further and further south from their plateau.”
“I thought the trolls were taken care of,” said Bowei. “You said they had been stopped and controlled.”
“Well, not anymore. They have become restless. The pass leading up to the plateau is being watched and slowly advanced upon. If they attack, we will not be able to hold them for long. Claws are dangerous weapons, yes, but next to trolls armed with man-size weapons our men look like dolls.”
“Commander Yoda won’t be long; he is known for his speed. If he delays, it is worth the delay. His judgment has never been wrong,” Sauliuss told the leader.
“Yes, but what will he be like if his prisoners and men have been killed by monstrous trolls?” shot back the leader.
“Stop it, both of you!” Bowei yelled.
Chess heard nothing, but he assumed the leader and Sauliuss were looking at Bowei incredulously.
“You have just given an order to a superior officer,” Chess heard Sauliuss snarl. “You will be reported for this. Now leave.”
Footsteps came toward the door, and Chess quickly turned over to avoid being seen spying. Bowei walked out cursing and muttering, talking to himself about how he hated being a sergeant and wished his next promotion would come soon.
Voices resumed talking in the tent, and Chess once again turned to listen.
“I am sorry, sir,” Sauliuss said to the Imperial officer. “Sergeant Bowei has been restless and disruptive lately. But, as I was saying, Commander Yoda will be here soon.”
“He had better be.”
“He will be, trust me. After he gets here we will commence our march to Catherby and await further instructions. The prisoners believe they are being taken to the blue dragons, so they won’t know where we’re going.”
“Clever.”
Chess had no idea where Catherby was, but it did not hearten him to hear he was being marched away from his home. He had never been on this side of the gate and did not much want to anymore. He wished Dwarf was there to save him, but for now he was all alone. Night fell, and Chess went to sleep.
* * *
Dwarf reached Doric’s house at nightfall. This was part of the plan to fool the guard into thinking a prisoner had escaped and was being brought to Taverly with the others. They stepped inside and greeted Doric quietly.
“Moria, I thought you were going to get the Dwarves to bring some meat!”
“Plans change. The Mines collapsed, and I needed to get here fast. Don’t ask questions; just help Footman get his armor off.”
“The Mines what? What are you saying?”
“They collapsed, fell down, caved-in, whatever word you want,” Dwarf said rather harshly. “I don’t know how many died or survived, but if you want to go see, head to the city.”
“I... I don’t believe it…”
“I don’t either.”
“I do.”
Dwarf and Doric both looked at Footman, unbelieving.
“The guards knew you had talked with the Dwarves, and so they tried to stop you. Zezima’s army isn’t stupid, and a mob like that doesn’t happen everyday.”
“That is true, but to bring the Mines down? It seems cruel.”
Doric was close to tears. His eyes were watery, his voice was shaking, and his breathing was different.
“Cruel doesn’t cover it. This is cause for war. Good luck, Moria.”
Doric picked up a massive pickaxe on the wall, walked toward the door, and vanished into the night.
“There he goes. I hope a battle doesn’t start between the Dwarves and guards. It will be a massacre; a useless battle. Are you ready, Footman Wars?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Then let’s go.”
Exiting the now deserted building, Dwarf and Footman walked towards the gate and the guard next to it, preparing for the worst.
Chapter 5
Commander Yoda strode north on the path to Burthorpe, breathing the cool night air, and happy with his accomplishments. The collapse of the Mines had gone much better than expected. All it took was two professional miners and some chipping away at the rock to make the cavern tumble down. The cracks in the wall that agile people could slip through to gain quicker access to the other side of the mines proved to be weaknesses in the structure of the cave. A few hits, some removed support stones, and rocks started cascading from the roof. By the time the miners had left, the roof had half collapsed. Yoda immediately left for Burthorpe to give orders to Sauliuss, and left TheAntKing and Jabbadahutt to stay in the city and await further instructions. They had done very well.
* * *
Dwarf and Footman approached the gate, Dwarf bearing his dragon scimitar and rune armor, Footman bent double in front of him. Through the darkness a man called, “Who’s there? And what are you doing here?”
Dwarf walked up to him and replied, using the name on the clearance papers, “Lieutenant Dewdong reporting with an escaped prisoner from Falador, sir.”
“Dewdong, eh? I thought you were stationed in Varrock.”
“I was transferred, sir.”
“Hmm. Maybe. Is this the prisoner?”
“Yes, sir, it is.”
“Take him in. You have your papers?”
“Yes, sir, right here.”
Dwarf gave the papers to the guard, who examined them under torchlight. He appeared satisfied and opened the gate.
“Go ahead. Have a nice night. At least, you have a nice night.”
The guard waited for them to pass and then closed the gate, whistling a foreign tune. Dwarf hurried with Footman out of sight of the gate and then gave Footman his armor back. Equipped and armed, the two headed for the druid town to the southwest.
Upon their arrival, the druids welcomed them and gave them food and lodging. Dwarf and Footman retired, thankful that they had gotten across safely. They fell into their beds and immediately fell asleep, not wanting to think about what they must do next.
The following day Dwarf awakened to a bright, sunny morning. The hustle and bustle of Falador seemed so distant as the warm rays of the sun penetrated the building. Footman woke shortly after, yawning and stretching his arms. They found food awaiting them on the table in the small, circular room they were in. After eating this, they put on their armor and weapons; Dwarf with his full rune and dragon scimitar, and Footman with his steel armor and sword.
They descended the stairs and reached the bottom floor of the tower they were in, where Jatix was tending his herblore store. He waved to the two other men as he set some eyes of newts in jars for display. Dwarf, who couldn’t see any sign of Sauliuss and the prisoners, asked Jatix for information.
“Jatix, have you seen a company of men recently?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say a company, but a small group came through the gate yesterday. They stopped here for water before heading north. Didn’t say where they were going, though.”
“Could they be heading for Burthorpe?” Footman asked quietly.
The druid’s face gravened. Burthorpe was a place of local legend among the druids, a dark place filled with rocks and evil creatures.
“I can’t think of any other place Elite Guards would go,” he said softly. “They were bringing prisoners with ‘em. About thirty, I’d say. I fear for them.”
“I do too,” said Dwarf. “Thank you.”
Dwarf and Footman left the store and turned north, walking between the buildings and reaching the path. Dwarf suddenly stopped, and it took Footman a while to realize Dwarf had stopped. He turned around and looked at Dwarf curiously.
“What are you doing?” he asked. “Burthorpe is that way, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. It’s just, now I have a choice to make. See that mountain over there?”
Dwarf turned to the west and pointed at a huge, dark shadow looming in the sky.
“That is where I wanted to go on this mission. That is where my brothers reside, probably ignorant of their plight. I must go there or head to Burthorpe and save Chess. I don’t know which way to choose.”
“I will go wherever you choose to go.”
Dwarf couldn’t make up his mind. Should he risk his friend’s life for his people? Or should he save his friend and then go to the White Wolf? There were so many possibilities. Maybe the Dwarves had already been wiped out. Maybe Chess had been killed in his brave yet foolish attempt to follow the prisoners. He thought for a long time, and then, after weighing countless outcomes in his head, he decided.
“We will head west, to the mountain. A whole people’s life is more important than one person’s. I don’t even know if Chess has been captured.”
The two men changed direction and traveled down the path towards the mountain, and although Footman had a slight spring in his step, Dwarf was sullen, wondering if he had just made a choice that would end in death.
* * *
The day after Dwarf and Footman left, Seinor was wandering throughout the streets of Falador, talking with citizens and admiring views. He decided to check out the mining guild entrance. Although he could not get in, he wanted to see what became of the place.
He passed the East Bank and turned the corner to where the trapdoor was. Much to his surprise, a fence had been built around the door with a sign that read, “Danger, do not enter.” A dwarf sat on a chair fingering his beard, a battle-axe leaning against the fence.
“Leave now, human. You cannot enter here right now.”
Seinor apologized and returned to the bank. Two Elites sat talking quietly to each other in the bank, but stopped when Seinor entered. They looked angrily at him, as if he had interrupted something private. Then one guard got up, nodded curtly at Seinor, and left.
Seinor walked to the bank booth and requested to withdraw some rune essence and an air talisman. The withdrawal was approved, and Seinor left the bank as well. He had hardly gone two steps outside when he saw Dirtboy, running quickly towards him.
“Shrew is here! I thought she wouldn’t get here till later, but she’s here! I’m not ready to take him on yet! Help me!”
“Wh-what? She’s here?”
“Yes! She’s here!”
“Well, what should I do?”
“I don’t know…”
Seinor saw a woman approaching, swaggering as she drew a crossbow of bluish metal. Dirtboy turned, slowly uncoiling his whip, ready for an attack. Shrew pointed her crossbow at Dirt, readied a ruby-tipped bolt, and launched into an official speech.
“Dirtboy, you are wanted by the Phoenix Gang leaders for questioning. You have been charged for violence against gang members and spying on Phoenix plans. Do you admit to these crimes?”
“No, and if you think I am one of guards from hell you are wrong,” Dirt replied, regaining his calmness. His whip was almost completely uncoiled.
“If you will not come voluntarily, Elite scum, I will be forced to fight you.”
“Then bring it, for I am no guard and will prove it to you.”
Seinor backed into the bank, watching as Shrew fired his crossbow and Dirt cracked his whip. The resounding noise was like a cannon blast as bolt and whip met their targets. Shrew faltered while reloading her crossbow, and Dirt took advantage of the opening with another strike at her exposed chest. The blow blew Shrew back. Dirt prepared to make the finishing blow…
Shrew’s crossbow twanged as she fired a bolt at Dirtboy’s foot. The enchanted missile took its toll on Dirtboy with devastating energy. He fell to the floor, exhausted and weak. Shrew approached and aimed the runite crossbow at Dirtboy’s head. Seemingly triumphant, Shrew spoke.
“Get up, filth. You are coming to Varrock with me now.”
Dirtboy could not believe it. The fight had lasted a few seconds. Half a minute ago he had been talking to Seinor. He would not lose to Shrew this fast. He would fight with all the strength left in him.
“Get up. Now!”
Dirtboy pretended to shift upwards, but in reality was making room for his arm to bring his abyssal whip around his enemy’s foot. He swung; the whip hit its mark, and Shrew was also on the ground, cursing as she fought to get up. She groped at her side and withdrew a dragon battle-axe as Dirt drew back his arm. Yelling, she charged Dirt, who was so surprised he had let down his guard. A second later, they were grappling, punching and kicking each other, always trying to stay on top.
Meanwhile, Seinor had watched from the bank as Shrew and Dirtboy clashed with each other. The Elite Guard had also come to watch what was happening. He was surprised they were both using illegal equipment, but did nothing to stop the fight. He trudged back to his seat muttering something about “idiots killing each other” or something. Seinor continued to watch as dust enveloped the two combatants, apparently gone beyond capturing or incapacitating, but battling to the death.
Thoughts went through Dirtboy’s head as he dodged the fury of blows being thrust upon him from Shrew’s dragon dagger. If he got hit from that thing, he would die. Poison was lethal, and Dirtboy didn’t have enough strength in him to fight it. He continued to bring down his whip upon Shrew’s black dragon hide, but the tough material seemed to wear the blows easily. Dirtboy’s own green hide, however, was starting to tear in the places where bolts and axe cuts had penetrated.
The fight went on and on and on, when finally Shrew raised her right hand and said, “Break. Five minutes.”
The two combatants walked away in two opposite directions, Dirtboy to the bank, and Shrew to the west. Seinor met his friend as he walked in, covered in sweat, blood, and dust.
“I can’t fight her anymore, Seinor,” Dirtboy panted as he drank some water from a bucket Seinor was holding. “She’s too strong.”
“That I am.”
Shrew had appeared in the doorway, her crossbow ready.
“You will come with me to Varrock. Now.”
Shrew took Dirtboy’s whip from him, bound his hands with rope, and left with Dirtboy following her, hands tied in an impossible knot.
“You filthy liar,” snarled Dirtboy, as he was pushed out the door.
Seinor watched as his friend was dragged off, wondering if he would ever see him again. He could teleport to Varrock, yes, but getting into the gang headquarters and rescuing Dirtboy from Shrew were daunting tasks. He headed to the bank booth, deposited the air talisman and rune essence, and asked for teleport runes to Varrock. The guard, who had recently been drinking, blindly approved the transaction. Seinor called upon the magic in the runes and felt himself lifted from the Falador floor and land in the square in Varrock.
* * *
Burthorpe was alive with activity as Sauliuss and Bowei woke the prisoners up and arranged them in marching lines. Commander Yoda had arrived the previous night, saying all was well. He had ordered for the relocation of the captives to Catherby, where the Elite High Court would determine their fate.
Chess was shoved behind three other men, all talking and cursing under their breath. The sun was high, the air was hot, and the prisoners were angry. Tempers were at the breaking point, and already fights had broken out between prisoner and Elite.
Sauliuss walked to the front of the group.
“We will march until we reach the far side of Taverly. Any who fall behind or stray out of line will be punished. You are no longer Falador citizens, but prisoners of war and will be treated as such. We begin now.”
He turned around and began walking forward. His pace was fast for a march of distance, and many of the men had trouble keeping up. Those who fell were hit with the flat of a sword or a metal fist.
All in all, there were about twenty-five prisoners, five Elite Guards, and ten Imperial Force members. All were cruel, with the exception of Sergeant Bowei, who, out of his hate of Sauliuss, only pretended to punish the men. Instead he would yell at them, and when he was finished, wink at them. Those closest to him would talk quietly about past times, before Zezima and his regime. Bowei had been a wealthy merchant, capable of many different trades. When Zezima came to power, that ended.
However, Bowei was still an Elite Guard, so he could not be trusted. He was kinder, sure, but if asked to share secret plans he could report the inquirer. Upon nearing Taverly, Chess had witnessed an incident in which a man had gone too far into Bowei’s personal life and been struck with the hilt of a sword.
After marching for an entire afternoon and well into the night, they stopped. Tents were pitched for the officers, and the men were commanded to lie down as their hands were bound and connected to a single long rope connected to a steel stake. The camp quieted and slowly fell asleep.
Chapter 6
A bright, warm sun peered over the eastern horizon as Dwarf and Footman awoke in the small building beside the mountain. The day’s previous journey had been tiring yet rewarding, for they had made it to the hidden entrance to the tunnel under the White Wolf Mountain. They had expected a sentry or a dwarf guard, but there had been no one. Although odd, Dwarf hadn’t taken much notice of it he arrived there. He was just happy to have a place to sleep.
There was a staircase in the room. Footman and Dwarf descended and expected to come into a large cavern, filled with rocks and lanterns and yelling dwarves. Instead they came to a broken wooden barricade, punctured with arrows, a tattered note reading, “Enemies beware. Friends no longer welcome. We are trapped here. There is no way out. The Guards have come. So to our good friends, goodbye.”
Dwarf and Footman looked at the paper in amazement. There was no way the White Wolf Dwarves could be destroyed. Not in this way. Pushing aside the wood, Dwarf walked into a long tunnel extending into darkness. There was nothing alive there.
Dwarf was stunned. He couldn’t believe it. Dead and rotting corpses lay strewn along the floor. Dwarves of all ages had been murdered and tossed aside. As the two men continued down the tunnel and around a bend, the torches illuminated the worst scene yet. A pile of corpses had been piled on top of each other, their stench filling the dead air. On the ground in front of them was a small book.
Dwarf picked it up, tears welling up in his eyes. How could Zezima do this? How could anyone be so cruel? Footman took the book from him and attempted to read it.
“Okay, let’s see what this says. ‘The husbands have left the tunnel for Catherby, to try and get us out, while a few guards battle the men at the front. There is no way out. I hope I don’t die…’ There isn’t any more.”
Footman closed the book and looked at the cover.
“This is the diary of a dwarf woman.”
Dwarf took the book and examined it, scanning the last message over and over. Then, he ripped the sheet from the binding, folded it up, and stashed it in his bag.
“Well, Footman,” Dwarf said heavily. “We failed. We couldn’t get here in time. We…”
He broke down, trembling as the full weight of the loss of his people overcame him. Footman knelt beside him, doing his best to console his friend. The journey had been for nothing.
* * *
Seinor looked around Varrock Square, taking in his surroundings. There were merchants everywhere, buying new armor, selling magical runes, and exchanging the latest news. A young woman walked up to Seinor and asked if he wanted a copy of the Varrock Herald. Seinor declined and headed west to the bank.
The security in this city was much tighter. Elite Guards were everywhere. There were at least five in the bank alone, with countless others stationed around the city. The Varrock Guards were nowhere to be seen.
Seinor knew Shrew would not arrive in the city for a couple of days, but planning a course of action was going to be difficult. He did not know which entrance Shrew would come through, and without that vital piece of information a rescue could not be attempted. He decided to try and speak to King Roald, the ruler over the city and the surrounding lands.
However, Seinor was dismayed when he entered the courtyard of the magnificent castle. At least thirty guards were stationed along the wall and in front of the stone columns lining the area. As he approached, the Elites blocked the door and asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I wish to speak to King Roald, sir.”
“Well, you can’t. So leave.”
The guard looked at Seinor menacingly, an evil look in his eye. Seinor turned around and returned to the square. He walked aimlessly through the streets, trying to think of a way to stop Shrew from taking Dirtboy to the Phoenix Gang hideout. There was no way he would defeat Shrew in combat; Seinor had just managed to be able to hold a runite weapon and his foe could wield dragon weapons with ease, as well as inflict damage from afar with crossbows and strong magicks. Only through trickery and cunning could Dirt be rescued.
Seinor approached the eastern boundary of Varrock, lost in thought. He was so consumed in his planning that he nearly walked into the cleaner, who dropped the handles of his wheelbarrow and swore.
“Watch where you’re going, can’t ya?” he shouted at Seinor.
“I’m… I’m sorry,” he stammered back.
“What, you can’t come up with anything better than that? ‘I’m sorry,’ No wonder you’re bumping into things, stupid as you are.”
“I’m trying to think of a plan to rescue a friend from almost certain death and destruction and for your information trying to come with a trick on a large enough scale to fool a high officer in the Phoenix Gang is quite hard enough without the added factor of having to decide which way he comes in to the city and not knowing where the hideout is!”
“Oh.”
The cleaner relaxed and seemed to shrink under the weight of the outburst, suddenly frightened of the man who had inadvertently jostled him.
“I didn’t know. Why didn’t you say so? I thought you were an Elite Guard who had gotten drunk or something. The Phoenix gang is south of Aubrey’s rune shop. When the road turns west there will be a few abandoned buildings along the wall. The entrance is in one of those.”
“How do you know this?”
“I’m a cleaner. I walk around the city and clean places. One of those places is the Phoenix Gang hideout. But why are you trying to stop a member of the gang? They’re fighting against Zezima, not for him.”
“One of them mistook my friend for an Elite and kidnapped him, so now I’m trying to stop him.”
“Well, good luck with that. The only other advice I have is to let events unfold. Do you know the kidnapper’s name, by any chance?”
“Shrew was her name.”
The cleaner’s face darkened.
“Shrew is the cruelest and yet most skilled warrior in the Phoenix Gang and Varrock itself. There is no way you can defeat her in combat or trick her into a trap. Your friend had better not be an Elite, because if he is your friend will most likely perish a very painful and slow death.”
“He isn’t a guard!”
“I never said he was, and I also don’t believe you would try to rescue one. Still, there is little hope for you, so I wish you the best. By the way, my name is Rowan. Now I must be off.”
Rowan picked up the wheelbarrow handles and walked off, leaving Seinor in a somber silence.
Note: Story is continued in later post.
__________________
Two Kinds of Nerds
Lower-Class- Nerds who read their textbooks all day and have no life.
Upper-Class- Nerds who don't study at all, do well at school, and actually do things.
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Last edited by Dwarf_Moria on September 29th, 2008, 7:08 pm, edited 7 times in total.
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? I think everyone should read the story!
Ok, hmmmm, wow, uh, the gnomes are a nice touch! Keep at it! I seem to be getting in a lot of trouble...
Just tell me if i can then ill put up a bio.
Thanks , Devilman501 for the great sig!