I feel…odd…

Morytania is taking a toll on me. I don't understand how I got here

The swamp…is alive…

And dead…and so am I…

The bite of the vampire has ridden me of life, happiness…

I don't remember where I come from…or anything…

I don't remember how I got here…or why…

I drift south…

I hacked at the dummies.

My name is Ralladin. I am a soldier of Varrock, inspired by my father. Last I heard of him he was headed on a mission into the Kharidian Desert, far to the south. I never knew who my mother was.

I was training on top of the Varrock Palace. In a few days I would be heading into the Wilderness. I was to be put on the front lines in an invasion of some fortress in the northwest. I was extremely scared, but excited.

As I hit at the dummy, using various sword techniques, I looked to the north. The darkness of the wilderness seemed to creep closer to Misthalin every day. Looking south, I could see the many miles of farmland where farmers tilled the soil. I could see carts carrying supplies being wheeled up the main road into the south gate. Looking to the west, I could faintly see the glistening of the River Lum as the sun set. The valleys and forests stretched beyond to the Kindom of Asgarnia.

I cold not attribute names to the east. Many of us soldiers were not allowed to know of what lay beyond the tall, dark mountains. Only some knowledgeable of history had anything to say about it. It was rumored to be the home of many dark creatures. Those who traveled over the dark mountains turned back quickly for fear of the large Temple of Zamorak just on the other side. Those who have been that far have only heard screams, moans, and grunts in the night.

Tomorrow was the day. I would leave the enclosed land of Misthalin and venture into the excitement of Glienor.

The next morning I awoke from the guard house and put on my armor. I took my dragon scimitar out of its case. It was a gift from my father. There was an engraving on the handle: "Made in Marim." I always wondered where that was.

I took my shield and backpack and hung them from my back. After about an hour the rest of the soldiers and I got into rows of two and proceeded out the east entrance to the palace. We turned left and walked on the road north, which took us outside the city.

Many hours passed as we walked on. Captain Rovin was at the front, looking this way and that, as we passed over the hills into the barren lands of the wilderness. By nightfall the road was gone, and we were surrounded by dead, rotting trees. We turned due west and traveled on.

Screams woke me up in the night. Our camp had been invaded. The undead creatures I only heard of in stories were here. Skeletons wielding weapons, some without a head, and zombies without limbs were coming from all sides. Luckily the watch saw them before they attacked. Our large ranks easily took down the invasion.

But it wasn't over. Afterwards I saw in the foggy, dark distance a gleaming light. The ghost of an orc, a revenant of the wilderness, was attacking. It shot balls of magic, and made strange noises. I could hardly believe it. Pretty soon more came.

"RETREAT TO THE SOUTH," Rovin shouted.

These floating beasts slaughtered all in our path. I ran for dear life to the south. I was pretty fast, for I outran many of the soldiers. The screams of murdered soldiers went on in the night. After what seemed like hours I stopped running and looked around. Nobody was in sight. I was all alone.

I passed out.

Night never ends…

The others travel with me…dark figures in the fog…

I cannot stop saying the same words…

Akar…larid…kadian…hadir

I wish I knew what they meant…

I wish I knew what I meant…

I walk on…

I woke up on a small bed.

I was in a small room. Men dressed in light brown robes were whispering to each other as I came to. I sat up, and groaned. By body felt stiff. I was about to stand up, but one of the men walked up to me. He beckoned the others to leave.

"Hello, brave warrior," the man said. "My name is Langley, abbot of this monastery."

I looked at him for a second, not really sure of myself. "Uh…my name is Ralladin, soldier of Varrock."

The monk gave me a grave look. "Ralladin…it is good to meet you. My monks found you about a week ago, unconscious in the dirt of the Wildernesss. It was not until a few days ago that my scouts confirmed your allegiance with Misthalin. I am sorry to tell you…the others are dead."

I couldn't believe it. An entire army taken down by some wayward ghosts. I sat there, unable to react.

" I know you must be shocked," Langley said. "Take a walk with me…regain yourself."

I stuttered for a second, but simply nodded.

"Very good. There is a spare set of robes in the dresser. Put them on and join me outside."

Mindlessly, still trying to figure things out, I put on the set of robes and walked outside. There were many other monks, all dressed in brown, walking around the garden. Some bowed down to me, while others simply gave a quick sign of Saradomin. I walked into the garden, and saw Langley waiting for me at the entrance to the monastery.

Without saying anything, we walked down a grand set of stairs. To my right I could see in the distance the foot of a large mountain that raised up into a foggy sky. Ahead of me there was a vast forest that stretched as far as my eyes could see.

Langley was the first to speak. "That is Ice Mountain you see to the west. This forest is on the northern reaches of the Kingdom of Asgarnia. You cannot see under the boughs of the trees, but to the east many miles the town of Edgeville is, and the River Lum. Far to the south is the great city of Falador. You are far from your home, my friend."

After some thought, I decided to talk. "The army I was with…that was a large piece of Misthalin's military. Its leaders were top notch…Varrock must be weak now…vulnerable."

"As I said, some monks found you about a week ago. However, estimating from your condition our doctors assume you were lying unconscions for many weeks. How this is possible…well, you're very lucky, my friend."

This just made me feel worse.

The abbot continued on. "I have some worse news for you. Messengers passing from Varrock into Asgarnia have told us some terrible things. The city has become a haven for thieves, and many gangs have arisen. Varrock has become vulnerable to attack, its troop count being decreased. Economic stability is crumbling. Rumors have passed that the entire city is being left. King Roald himself might just pass by soon, seeking help in Falador."

My kingdom was falling into serious disrepair. And I was one of the few left…

I spoke up. "I think I will head south. Perhaps I will meet up with the king. Find a new life in Asgarnia."

Langley seemed deep in thought. "That sounds good, Ralladin. I have some weapons and armor stored in the basement of the monastery. They are in good condition, so they should keep you safe on your travels."