Chapter 1:The Mage of Guthix ''The land of Runescape is one of greatness. Huge cities, mysterious creatures, and heroic warriors are found throughout it. However the realm is but a board where the Gods of the planet play their pawns, ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâReldo, the librarian of Varrock palace spoke, reading from his favorite book from the fifth Age. He was a very knowledgeable and well liked-man. On this day he was preaching to youngsters in Varrocks Square, his audience held captive by his words. ''Now who amongst you can name these three Gods?'' Reldo asked, testing their knowledge. To his delight a boy with wild brown hair and ragged clothes stood. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¦Ã¢â¬ÅThey are Saradomin, Guthix, and Zamorak,'' he spoke in a coarse voice, barely audible above the noise of the commoners bustling about. Reldo smiled. ''Very good-''Reldo suddenly was knocked to the left, blood gushing from his right temple. A small glass orb clacked to the next to him, soaked with his blood. ''Oh dear Saradomin!'' A bearded man came running from a nearby shop, an orbless staff by his side. He lifted the bloody orb from the ground with a sweaty hand and wiped it on his blue robes. The children stared in horror at Reldos now shattered face. The man looked up at the children. "Begone!'' He yelled sharply, ''I doubt your parents fancy you seeing this...'' He began muttering incoherently. ''Need a hand there?'' Baraek, the fur trader asked, seeing Reldo's body lying on the ground. ''Yes actually, could you bring him to the castles medical wing?'' The man ran his fingers through his black hair and cursed under his breath. ''ThereÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s a medical wing in the castle?'' Baraek asked, clearly thinking otherwise. ''Well someone must tend to the king you oaf!'' The man yelled waving his staff. Baraek gave a snort as he lifted Reldo onto his shoulders and headed up the castles walk. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ''Zaff do you realize what you've done?!'' King Roald demanded, as he took a bite from the tender chicken resting in front of him. ''I do hope you realize I will not dismiss this incident as I have so often in the past, for on other occasions there were no fatalities or injuries for that matter!'' He began to shake with anger. Zaff who was standing across the table nodded nervously as he leaned on his staff. ''It will not happen again, I will make sure all orbs are less charged and secured more tightly to their staffs,'' Zaff promised. ''Enough of your empty promises, You will drop off all your magically charged objects, staffs and otherwise at the west bank,'' He spoke in a cold voice. ''Are you mad?'' Zaff blurted. "My life has been spent making those staffs!'' He began to tremble. "I beg you...'' ''I have no choice but to hold by my original edict...Besides the age of the wizards is over. Ever since Iban's defeat all magicians are regarded as Zamorakian extremists,'' He spoke coldly to Zaff, whom was trembling. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¦Ã¢â¬ÅI'm... Sorry we feel differently on the issue...'' Zaff reached into his robes and drew out multiple stones, all with four white lines on them that increased in size from left to right. The king eyed them. Zaff dropped his staff and dove into his robes with his free hand. He withdrew a runestone with a ghastly skull depicted on its rounded side. Zaff looked up, his face contorted into a near demonic expression, any nervousness vanished, replaced with intense fury and malice. ''ZAFF!'' Roald yelled, realizing all too late the mages malcontent. A sphere rocketed from Zaffs hands as he drew the energy from the stones into a tangible form. The mass of energy passed through Roald like a knife through butter and continued into the kitchens door, leaving a gaping hole through each. Zaff hastily pulled six runes, five being marked with the four lines and the sixth with a blue scale. As he bound the runes energy together an arrow came from behind, cleanly severing his ear. ''AUUUUGH!'' He roared as he vanished into a purple vortex. ------------------------------------------------------------- Darkness lay over Falador , the moon shining brightly over the cityÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s buildings. The Black Knights had recently been crushed almost utterly and the White Knights were holding a party in the honor of Sir Vvvin , the White Night responsible for the victory. There was a multitude of people bustling about the castles courtyard talking about the dayÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s happenings. Just as the White Knights leader, Sir Amik Varze was about to give a speech a commotion erupted from the bridge. A lean man wearing clothes woven from fiery red dragon leather and wielding a bow twice his size had appeared and shouting along with a few soldiers from Varrocks military who were clearly in league with him. ''We require the assistance of a skilled mage!'' They yelled above the noise of the White Knights and their company. People began to mumble amongst themselves. ''What be your need for a mage?'' An old man spat,'' they all be wretched Zamorakians and we be best without dem!'' The ranger glared at the elderly man and grabbed a golden crown from one of his comrades. ''This crown is that of King Roalds,'' He held it high for all to see,'' I am Khyren, his elite archer and body guard and need a mages assistance in locating Zaff, the one that murdered him,'' The group stared in silent horror. A man abruptly burst from the onlookers. He wore green robes of gnome design and a pointed hat of the same fashion. ''Perhaps I can help,'' he offered, extending his his left hand.Khyren grunted. ''You donÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t even bear a staff, you are by no means a mage of great calibur,'' Khyren and his underlings gave a humorous laugh. The young man was not fazed and tilted his hand, palm facing upwards. ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹ÃâÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹Ãâgive me and arrow,'' he demanded in a low voice. Khyren eyed him wearily. When the magician made no signs of letting up Khyren sighed and placed a large, bone tipped arrow into his hand. The mage brought out six runes and held them in his right hand. he brought both hands together and there was a blazing light. Now,in the arrows place were a number of gold coins. Khyren gasped as they were shoved in his free hand, some spilling onto the ground. ''Well...It would appear we all underestimated you. Say whatÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s your name lad?'' Khyren asked, his attitude now drastically changed. ''You may call me Peter, it is the only name I have ever known,'' Peter replied, happy haven proven himself. ''Well, Peter. Perhaps you could be of some use...what will you require as payment for your service?'' Khyren asked, smiling in the darkness. ''I require nothing, bringing balance to this world is payment enough for me,'' Peter spoke solemnly as if he had recited the line many times before. ''Heh, Your a Guthix magician then,'' Khyren chuckled. ''That I am,'' Peter replied firmly. ''Very well, I harbor no resentment against those that follow the balanced one, ''Khyren stated, ''But come, we must be off, Roalds murderer is still about and you must help locate him,'' ''And just how will I do that?'' ''Like I said, we must be off. You will learn all that you need to when we reach Varrock,ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢ the ranger turned and headed for Faladors northern entrance, beckoning for his party to follow. Peter looked at the moon and with a swish of his cloak was off. Chapter 2:Camelots allegiance "Are you positive?"Khyren asked Peter,"I find it troublesome that he could be so far from our grasp," Peter and him were disscussing Zaff's wereabouts inside Khyren's house,located opposite the church. "Yes. You told me he used six runes to teleport.Five are obviously air runes due to the white markings you described. And of course the sixth had to be a law rune due to the fact that without it teleportation would be impossible," Peter paused and took a sip of water from a cup resting on the small table in front of him,'' And the only spell that uses those runes is the camelot teleport,"Peter looked up at Khyren as he ended his explanation. Khyren sighed and stroked the many notches on his oversized bow. "I still fail to see how you figure that he is in camelot,"Khyren continued to argue. "Then you obviously are clueless as far as magic is concerned," Peter scoffed," I cant be bothered explaining myself but I can assure you that there is no way he could have teleported anywhere BUT camelot," Khyren looked up from his bow. "Very well we will set out for camelot come nightfall," Khyren looked very serious. "My good sir, that leaves us only a few minutes," Peter exclaimed in surprise. "If he is there he wont be for long, news is spreading throughout the land of Roalds murder and it will reach the western land by morning," Khyren explained. "I see, it is a shame you are not skilled with magic, then we could teleport there," Peter spoke sadly as he eyed the window wich had begun to grow dark. "It would not work my friend," Khyren said as he stood," We could not gain access to the required runes, Aubury sold all his magical objects after Roalds murder, of course because the murderer was a mage," He took a small pack and shoved a few provisions into it. "I hope you like the taste of bread and Cod, they're the only food I have here," He strapped the pack on and lifted up his bow. "Actually I dont fancy their taste, but dont worry yourself, I can make my own food,"Peter said as he counted his runestones. "Well then, lets be on our way," Khyren tugged Peters robes. Peters gave a grunt and pushed his runes into a small satchel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Khyren and Peter were trudging past the gates to the wealthy lands. They had only been walking for an hour and already Khyren began to gripe. "You say its possible to teleport great distances yet you seem confident Zaff remains in Camelot. Couldnt he teleport somewhere else just as easily?" Peter shook his head and dodged a crying boy in his way. "Why do you doubt me so? If he teleported now he'd appear in a busy city, and as you said news of his crime will have reached almost all ears in the land by the rising of the sun," Peter looked over and saw Khyrens face, wearing an expression of defeat. "Why is it you are so angry at me?" Peter asked. "Im not...Its just that ever since Zaff escaped from me I've been in a foul mood." Khyren muttered as they trudged along. "It is not your fault," Peter said firmly. "It is...Not only does it disgrace me that the king was murdered because I let my gaurd down but also that I missed my mark when i was blinded by rage. I could have killed that swine had I only aimed a little to the left, but instead I struck his ear," Tears formed in is eyes," I beg you not to kill him. Out of all the shots I've made..."Khyren passed his spare hand over the many notches in his bow," That is the only one thats missed its mark," "Though I respect your wish I fear that Zaff might best you in combat, after all the spell that ended Roalds life and destroyed the door behind him as well couldnt have been his mightiest, after all he cast it with such speed Roald could not alert you before it was to late," Peter looked up from a rune he was admiring. They had come to the base of white wolf mountain and were being edged on by the cold wind. The moon shined brightly in the sky iliuminating the darkness and exposing numerous wolves hiding in the shadows. Khyren eyed them. Suddenly there was a yelp and the beautiful nightime scene was stained with a wolfs blood. Khyrens bow was raised. "That fool could never defeat me," Khyrens eyes were gleaming with fury," I may not know much about mages but I do know they are not as physically able as one such as myself, if a single arrow can pierce a wolfs hide it can cut through a humans paper thin flesh and organs with ease," The wolves growled and began picking apart their fallen comrade. Many snaps echoed about the mountain side. When they ceased all the wolves were dead. Peter frowned. "That couldnt help balance anything, now the children of those wolves will go hungry and be killed by the ice deitys living on the mountain," "I wasnt aiming on balancing anything but my pride," Khyren strode on Peter glaring at him from behind his back. Khyren fastened his pace in a concious attempt to stay ahead of Peter. After a half hour of walking they were on their way down the other side of the mountain in awkward silence. A dead tree nearby gave a moan as if great pressure was being applied on it. Peter looked over into the darkness. " Khyren wait!" Peter yelled, but it was to no avail. A tree cracked and impacted Khyren with such force that he was knocked unconcious. Peter peered into the darkness. Two red eyes met his. A deep throated growl came from the creature as it smashed through another dead tree. As the beast emerged from the darkness it became obvious that it was an oversized wolf. Saliva dripped from its mouth as its tounge moistened the fur covering its jaw. Peter took a glance at Khyren and realized he was still alive and slowly recovering. Peter slowly reached into his satchel and drew out a number of runestones. The wolf let out a deafening howl and lunged forward. A bolt of flames errupted from Peters hands and flew into the wolf's face. It shrugged off the attack and let into Peter with tremendous force. He let out a scream and was instantly struck by a claw. He rolled off the edge of a steep cliff and crashed to the ground bellow. He knew something had been damaged but didnt have time to think about what it was. Over the cliff the wolf came howling as it fell towards him. Peter reached into his bag of runes and pulled out a handful. "Guthix help me I never desired to use this stone,"He said as he raised his hands, clutching it and some fire and air runes. An enourmous wave of flames, crackling with energy passed over the wolf. The entire mountain side was illuminated with a redish glow as the wolf's howl died away. Ashes rained down upon Peter, along with a few bones. Peter grabbed them and five runes, there was a quick flash and now in their place were four bannanas. He peeled one and shoved it down his throat. He realized that Khyren was not far from him and pulled himself towards him. He forced a piece of bannana into Khyrens mouth. Khyrens eyes opened partially and he mumbled something. "Quiet just eat," Peter said hastily as he peeled another bannana. "Not hungry..." Khyren muttered weakly. There was a noise from the distance and a fridgid breeze came at them. "We need to leave now," Khyren said as he forced himself not his feet. "The ice spirits have been disturbed and are no doubt coming this way,"He helped peter to his feet. "Hurry down side of the mountain, we need not take the path, we are running late enough and it is not a treacherous road,"Khyren said with frustration. Peter nodded and cautiously made his way down the rocky mountain side. Close to the bottom peter stumbled and fell. He landed at the bottom and waved at Khyren to come. With a little hesitation Khyren began to make his way down the slope. Upon arriving at the base of the mountain Peter offered him the banna wich was now gratefully accepted. "Thanks," Khyren mumbled, still dazed from the tree's impact. "You saw how I destroyed that wolf correct?"Peter asked. "No but I sure as hell smelled it!"Khyren replied humorously. "Well I hope you know now not to underestimated a desperate mages power," Peter shot at him. "Hey, I could have slew that monstrosity had it not caught me off gaurd," Khyren replied defensively. "That is irrelevant," Peter said as they walked across catherby's beach. Khyren looked across the water and did not reply. --------------------------------------------------------------- As the sun rose the two adventurers were finally at Camelot's gates. The woodcutters had begun to emerge from their homes and go about what they do best, chop wood. Peter and Khyren began questioning various locals about Zaff. "His skin is dark, his hair long and black," Peter described to one man. "And hes missing an ear," Khyren added smugly. "Nope I havent seen such a person about these parts," The man answered and gestured towards Camelot. "The Knights of the Round Table might be able to assist you, they deal with all the...erm weird happenings that occur here," The two set off back to the gates, wondering if Zaff had eluded them. "Do you think they will really assist us?" Peter asked Khyren. "Perhaps, Camelot's allegiance to Roald has always been strong," Khyren replied with little hope. They made their way past the fountains lining the walkway. On one wall was a large burn mark, the smell of smoke still lingered in the air. They pushed open the large door leading to the castle's main hall. Within was a disturbing sight. Burn marks covered the hall, the round table in the center of the room was split in two. Bones covered the ground along with suits of armor. There was some blood splattered on a burnt wall and across floor bellow. "Oh my..." Peter stared at the destruction in horror. He stumbled forward and began to weep. Nearby a door creaked open. Khyren raised his bow and took aim. However a man in a gleaming suit of armor emerged. His left arm amputated and the stub where it once rested covered by a heat blister. He wore a white headband stained with blood and wielded a short white blade. "King Arthur!" Khyren exclaimed,"What happened here?" "The treacherous one..." King Arthur spoke with a weak voice. "He nearly killed me too,"The King inhaled. "He came offering thousands of runestones to our wizard merlin in return for some food. When he arrived in Merlins quarters he struck Merlin with his staff and seized all of Merlins runes. With those he killed all my men and nearly me, however I shattered his staff and he decided to let time kill me, thankfully he did not kill merlin who teleported, where I do not know,"The King gave a wheeze and collapsed. "Please tell merlin he was like a father to me..." Arthur closed his eyes and with a final heave joined his fathers. Peter and Khyren stared in complete horror. "That worm!"Peter roared,"I dont care if I must pass Zamorak himself, I will destroy that scum!" He burst out in tears. "What did they do to deserve this fate?" He sobbed,"They were good men who he fooled and killed!" "yes, and I must say it was quite enjoyable!" The insane voice echoed throughout the hall. Standing at the stairs leading to the second floor was Zaff, hair wild, eyes staring at Khyren and Peter madly. " I hope you know none of this had to happen!" Zaff began, walking towards them a few steps," Roald and I were good friends until that little incident you know. I guess my brother was right about you saradominsts, you really are fools who get so upset over the loss of a single life,"He began to circle them," But...at least now I've made that realization, and best of all when your out of the picture no one will have the means to catch me! Anyway..." Zaff regained his composure," Enough pointle-" "You say one life is nothing to get upset about losing?" Peter asked. "correct" Zaff laughed" "Lets see you say that about yours!" A blast of intense power shot from Peters hands as he yelled. Zaffs eyes widened as the spell came at him. He managed to duck but was struck by another faster spell in the leg. "Amazing! You seem to know a blast spell! That requires some knowledge," Zaff drew out a law and a few other runes as he staggered to his full height. "Oh well I suppose you thought you had me!" Zaff began laughing as a spiral of energy encircled him. "What!"Zaff screamed unable to move. Khyren fitted an arrow onto his bow and pulled back the string. "Please!Spare me, Im just a hopeless man!Please spare me!Please!" Zaff mindlessly pleaded. "Now your the one whos begging for life, even though you claim it is nothing," Khyren let the arrow fly. It lodged itself into Zaffs throat.Blood began to flow from his neck. He slumped to the floor, A huge, blood stained smile on his face. The runes he still held began to glow and in a purple flash he was gone. Chapter 3:The Truth "It would appear I was right about you," Kollodin mocked as he pulled the large arrow from Zaff's neck. The wounded mage gave a pained grunt as the arrow tip came out of his soft flesh. The two were sitting on a rock under the Mage Arena. " But while your still alive I do need to know what Saradominist fool did this to you," Kollodin spoke smoothly," Well?" " There are two that seek me..." Zaff spoke at length, pained greatly," One is named Khyren, he is the greatest archer in all of Varrock...The other is a powerful mage, whos name I know not," Zaff stroked his throat and licked his dry, brittle lips. " Where did you last see these two?" Kollodin asked calmly," Before I found you in Yanille," "I fought them in Camelot castle after disposing the knights of the round table," Zaff began to cough. " Excellent! They were always suspicious of my affairs there," Kollodin roared joyouslly," And you took the runestones from Merlins collection, correct?" "Yes...Of course..."Zaff mumbled through a mouthful of flem and blood. " Perfect...I can begin to wage my.." Kollodin looked down at Zaff wearily," Well it matters not to you..." Kollodin stood and drew out a dagger,"Make no mistake, I have naught against you, you have however lost your potency and I can't afford to deal with you," He raised the blade and brought it down into Zaff's throat. A gurgle escaped his throat as his eyes widened then relaxed, crashing into the pool of water, looking broken but peaceful as his face became clouded over with his blood. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- " Who commited this atrosity?" Seer, the founder of seer's village inquired. " It was Khyren of Varrock and his minion, a mage of great power and cunning, I suggest imm-" "I need some proof," Seer cut in," We cant set out to capture these two without proof, even if one such as yourself garuntees they are guilty, surely you understand" Kollodin stared, mildly surprised for a moment, and then replied. "Well...I recovered a bone tipped arrow, one only Khyren uses, and I have a reliable source who assures me the burn marks on Camelot's wall are caused by a powerful fire spell only a mage such as the one that accompanied Khyren," Kollodin carried on as he drew out the cracked arrow," Do you need more?" "No I suppose that suffices. But let me warn you, if Im sending these men to their death for naught I shall place the blame under your name," Seer stroked his long white beard. " Do you know their location then?" Kollodin asked, a note of hope in his voice.. " Yes actually...They are harbored in my quarters," Seer gestured to his two story home, just west of where they were standing. " May I deal with them myself?" Kollodin requested eyeing the building. " You mean...Kill them?" Seer asked with surprise, clearly feeling as though he had misjudged Kollodins charachter. " Yes, yes I do," Kollodin replied coldly," I show criminals no mercy," Kollodin strode towards Seer's home, without waiting for a reply and drew out a short staff from his cloak. He poked the door open with the staff's red prongs. Inside the house Kollodin heard voices from above. He peered back to be sure Seer was not following him, and when he was satisfied that no one was watching began to convulse. His muscles expanded as did his jaw and hair. A grunt of pain escaped his massive mouth. Now in his place was a tremendous ogre, sporting mage attire, growling angrily. He leaped up crashing through the wooden ceiling with ease. Peter was sent flying from a chair he was sitting in and collided with a wall. Kollodin grabbed his left leg and chucked him at the startled Khyren who was sitting on a table, apparently interrupted mid sentence by the attack. The impact sent him backwards off the table. Kollodin leaped into the table and violently swung at the already incapacitated duo. Khyren took the strike and and leaped to his feet roaring with anger and intense pain. Kollodin smashed Khyren over the head with his engorged fist causing the floor to crack open. As Khyren and Kollodin fell to the first floor Peter grabbed a few runes and launched a wind blast spell. Kollodin was struck on the back of his neck and crashed to the floor in a mangled heap. Khyren was pinned underneath Kollodin's large body. "Peter! Get this thing off me!" Khyren yelled franticly as his ribs began to crack under the enourmous weight. But before Peter could make a move the ogre began to implode until it was a small ball of dark purple matter. Suddenly it expanded and took the form of a large gray giant, lacking no brawn. Khyren, relieved from his pain, grabbed his bow and launched an arrow into the giants chest, where it stuck, but seemingly without inducing pain. It looked down and prepared to crush him when suddenly an enourmous wave of fire impacted him, sending him through the wall and into the open daylight. Seer looked over in shock as the giant crashed through his houses wall, scattering debris through the air. Following the giant came a number of powerful wave and blast spells. Khyren fitted an arrow into his bow and let it fly. The giant was struck in the eye by the arrow and knocked off his feet by a deluge of water. It gave out a roar and began to implode as it fell. It took the form of a ball once more, small bristles forming and slowly expanding into legs until it was in the form of a gigantic black spider. It raised its fangs as it thrust itself towards Khyren. Peter fired off another wave spell but the legs smoothly shot to the side, pulling the extremely agile arachnid out of harm. Khyren hastened to ready an arrow but was struck by one of the spiders legs causing him to fall. Khyren looked up and was met with the spider bearing down upon him. He let out a cry of utter agony as it plunged its fangs into Khyrens neck and injected its venom. Khyren's face went blanch and he slumped backwards. "Khyren!" Peter roared. He reached into his robes and felt around for runestones but found none. " You may be a powerful mage young one, but without runes you are as weak as any man, I can assure you that surrendering to death would be wisest," Kollodin spoke in a poisonous tone. " WAIT!" Seer yelled, mere feet from the spider," Kollodin is that you?" Seer peered through his kind eyes at the murderous insect. " Yes, it is I," Kollodin hissed," I suppose you wish me to cease my assault," Kollodin imploded once again as he spoke these words. " Yes that would be very nice, I can see you have been manipulating our friendship," Seer stared at the ball of matter, eyes still twinking with a glow of kindness" I ask you to leave, my old friend," " Very well..." Kollodin's voice echoed from all around," But first let me say good bye," Kollodin appeared in his human form and walked towards Seer. Suddenly seer leaped forwards and expanded into a magnificent horned steed, which shone bright in the sunlight. Kollodin jumped back in genuine surprise but was gored by the Seer's horn nonetheless. Seer charged forward with Kollodin mounted on his horn and rammed him into one of his house's undestroyed wall. Kollodin slumped over, seemingly lifeless. Seer backed up and proceeded to repeatedly ram Kollodin against the wall until blood began to spill from his stomach wound freely. Kollodin fell from the horn as it retracted into Seer's now human forehead. " You were not the only one to tap into the truth rune's powers, as you can see," Seer gazed down at Kollodin who stared back with damp eyes. " Can you ever forgive me? I have always been corrupted by Zaff, please understand he was my brother but would kill me if I assisted in capturing him," Kollodin stood grasping his stomach wound and began to shake," Please...I beg you...speak not of this incident but instead of all the good things I have done for you in your life!" "Im sorry, Old friend... but I can see through your lies. It was indeed Zaff who murdered the Knights of the Round Table. And I know now it was you who corrupted him. Place not your blame on those pure of soul but on those who are deserving of the burden," Seer glared at Kollodin. " Quite a speech my dear friend but Im afraid now I must end this meeting in a way I was trying to avoid," Kollodin sighed. His robes became part of his skin and he was now black as the night. He grew to the height of a nearby Yew tree as wings burst from his back, eclipsing the sun's rays. Flames burst from about his feet as he gave a tremendous roar. He was now in the form of a great black demon with piercing red eyes that burned into Seer's still peaceful figure. " What say you now!" Kollodin boomed in a powerful voice. He thrust his tail into the already crumbling house behind him causing it to cave in on Peter and Khyren. " You truthfully are mad. To have tapped this far into the truth rune's power is suicidal," Seer spoke with a stern voice. " It is not suicidal, as a matter of fact I am far safer entrusting my life to it and taking this form than being butchered as a weak human!" Kollodin leaped forth, with astounding speed for his immense size, driving forth an enourmous claw into Seer's stomach, which tore open. But even as his inards poured out Seer smiled, for he knew the wizard's fate. He threw a bag under the demons huge legs wich was intercepted by Peter who had emerged from the wreckage. He opened the bag hastily and began pulling death and blood runes out. Kollodin turned and launched a spiral of flames wich was instantly overwhelmed and turned agaisnt him by a wave of wind. Kollodin was knocked backwards, engulfed by flame, and smashed into the ground. Peter dove into the bag again and pulled out a tiny rune with intricate purple markings. Peters eyes widened as he studied it. "What in blazes?" Peter exlaimed as it seemed to call him. Kollodin gave a deep inhale, the demonic equivelent of a gasp. He stood and lashed out at the mage only for a water blast to strike him in the face. " Surrender and I will spare you! Just hand over the runestones!" Kollodin begged Peter in a lustful and angry voice. Peter looked at the great demon as it began to panic. " Whats wrong Kollodin?" Peter asked casually. " You dont understand, what you hold could easily destroy me and all in this village. It is the most powerful rune in existence, very few exist. As a matter of fact its what gave me this power...however it is also what destroyed the first mage arena...I implore you to give it to me, I vow I will leave you be," Kollodin said in a deep voice, so lustful he seemed almost sincere. Peter eyed the stone and with great desire, but with a deep heaved tossed it to Kollodins feet. " There now leave," Peter said," Do as promised," Kollodin plucked the stone from the ground, examining it for a moment. A croak escaped Seer who lay bloody and broken behind the demon. " I also must have forgot to mention it was I that destroyed the first Mage arena," Kollodin said wickedly as he devoured the stones energy, leaving only an uncharged rune essence. And with that he pounced on Seer, the impact pounding his corpse into the dirt and knocking Peter and several bystanders to the ground. Kollodin cracked his thick neck, which had seemingly become more muscular and leveled the bank with a crack of his immense tail. Peter looked up from the dirt and slowly tried to crawl to Khyren whos legs protruded from the wreckage of Seers home. Flames burst from Kollodins mouth and began to burn the village. " Peter..." Khyrens voice came from under the rubble. Peter looked over and saw Khyrens face poking out from two cracked wooden planks, it was swollen and blood splattered, barely human. " Please give me my bow... It is time for my redemption," Khyren spoke in a pained voice as he gestured to the large Ogre bow jetting from the houses remains. Peter tore out the bow and an arrow and forced off the rubble pinning Khyren down. He placed the bow and arrow across Khyrens chest and collapsed from fatigue. Khyren forced himself to a sitting position and raised the bow. He placed an arrow in its shaft and took aim through the flames at Kollodin. " Good bye my dear friend, Im sorry it had to end like this," Khyren pulled back the string with all his might and a final smile released it. The arrow flew through the air like a Hawk soaring to its prey. Kollodin looked up from the destruction he was causing and was met with the bone tipped arrow. It pierced his eye and continued on until it was lodged into his skull. He gave a roar, spewing a luminous purple liquid and blindly charged at Peter and Khyren. " Well Khyren its been an honor, I pray to see you in the halls of Guthix," Peter said as he grasped Khyren's hand. As the demon bore down upon them a sword flashed in the flames painting the ground with blood. Minutes seemed as if they were days as Peter awaited to discover Khyren's fate, thought he had a sinking feeling he knew. Both their fates would have been sealed had Kollodin not have been crushed by Vannaka. The legendary warrior had arrived just in time to sever Kollodin's head. The hero claimed that he had been notified of Zaff's treachery by Merlin and had departed to find Kollodin laying waste to Seer's village. Peter was thankful for this at least but still would not be able to face Khyren's death. " May Guthix give him life," Peter prayed softly, gazing past maple trees and at the lake sparkling in the sunset. " The Gods listen not to prayers from one such as yourself," Vannaka took a swig from his flask," They are far to occupied with other matters, far more important than his life," " What matters are those?" Peter asked," Why would our Gods forsake us?" " To protect us fr-" Vannaka stopped himself," All I can tell you is the orgin is Digsite, something not meant to be found was found," He waved his hand at the destruction surrounding them," This is nothing compared to what happens if this foolish discovery is not contained," Peter glanced to his left where medics were treating Khyren for his critical wounds. " Could I assist in containing it then?" Peter asked softly. " I suppose...But from what I have learned little hope exists in this dying world," He weakly smiled and cocked his head back as he took a long drink.
