Warrior of Misthalin
Chapter 9
While they walked south, Ragnoroth told Roshinda and Aidan of some tactics that they might use to cancel out the elves. Because Roshinda was not part of Lord Zamorak's army, she was to be guard.
When they finally got to Seers' village, they bought three full black robe sets and dressed in them. The quest was about to begin.
"Ragnoroth, do you know where Guthix's prize elf is?" Aidan whispered.
"No, of course I don't," he replied back with a snarl. "But I do know he or she is heavily guarded, and it's at Tree Gnome Stronghold."
"We're ready then," Aidan said with a grimace. Then he whispered to Ragnoroth, "How did I get a set of Fourth Age Armor when I wanted it?"
"Lord Zamorak knows your every wish," he whispered back. "He can get you anything at all."
Aidan looked impressed, but tried not to show it. He had studied the Gods' mystical powers, especially Lord Draken and Lord Draynor. He kept his mouth shut and swam in his mind of thoughts, while Ragnoroth explained to Roshinda what Guthix's elves most likely tactics were, and how to avoid being captured. Roshinda, of course, paid attention to the tiniest detail, and occasionally asked one or two questions about the layout of the stronghold. Next, Ragnoroth moved to Aidan. He spent longer time explaining things to him, for he was going to capture the elf. Aidan, who didn't listen as intently as Roshinda, but he heard a few things about tortoises, the riders, those kangaroo like things that normally had a deadly poison, all the basics. Of course, the training with Bloodlustian back at Varrock Castle was the best of the best, and quite impressive. Aidan's praying level was up to scale also, being able to do all of the prayers at once and not waste many points. When Ragnoroth's lecture had subsided, the party traveled over a bridge and Aidan could make out a tiny gate with miniscule rosebushes, and in the distance, and kangaroo like thing, with a rider on guard. It was then Ragnoroth spoke again.
"We've reached the Tree Gnome Stronghold. Remember what we discussed, Aidan, Roshinda," he said with a nod to both of them. "And incase we cannot find the prize elf, we shall regroup at the zoo in East Ardougne, near the penguins."
Aidan said nothing. He worried for Roshinda, and most importantly, himself. He had studied the scrolls and many foolish adventurers had died painfully from the elves. Of course, Guthix was sort of the peaceful type, but most of the invaders were from either Saradomin or Zamorak. And then, think about the danger Roshinda would be in! Standing guard would probably be the most risky part, because many elves would come in for reinforcements.
Ragnoroth stopped. He looked thoughtfully at the Tree Gnome Stronghold, and said, "This is riskier than we thought. Guthix must've known a few of Lord Zamorak's would've come, and they situated more guards. I think we'll have to put up a fight."
"Not unless we can't help it," Roshinda sighed. "They can overpower us quickly."
They sat down, in silence. Ragnoroth was whispering to himself, while Roshinda lay on her back, staring at the clouds. Aidan was devising up a plan. He knew he was forced to study scrolls back in Misthalin, including gnomes' history. There was something that made them weak, something they craved…it was some sort of an addiction to something…
Aidan bolt up. That was it! "Ragnoroth," he said, "We can distract most of the elves inside on Gnomeball!"
Ragnoroth and Roshinda sat up. They were wide eyed, paying Aidan their full attention.
"Look, if we could get most of the gnomes to play Gnomeball with a cash reward, they'll have to come and play. It'll keep some of the guards distracted and Ragnoroth can steal the prize elf!"
"What do you mean 'Ragnoroth'?" he demanded. "I can't steal it by myself, some guards are still posted!"
"And we don't have much cash," Roshinda added. "There are many flaws in your plan,"
"Well, it's better than any idea you've come up with!" Aidan bit his lip. "Fine. Whatever. We'll devise another plan."
Roshinda paused. She said, "Well, I could tell all the elves and I do have a gnome ball one person gave me from Seers' village. I guess we could do it."
Aidan had a look of relief, and something else in his eyes. His red eyes. Roshinda couldn't tell, but that looked like a sign of relief that she was no longer put in danger! Did Aidan have the same feelings as she did?
"Alright," Ragnoroth grunted. "We'll get a good night's sleep, devise our plan during the day, eat, and hunt them during the night. Anyone have food?"
"Well, I was being pursued by a level 100 clan, so I had to eat," Aidan said.
"I gave my lobsters and swordfish to Rune Lightning, he needed it," Roshinda whispered.
"Holy smokes!" Ragnoroth retorted. "What the hell is wrong with you people? You never leave without food!"
"Well, we were in Seers' village!" Aidan yelled back. "I don't understand your crappy tactics, but you could've withdrawed some food!"
"We'll head back to Seers' village," Roshinda said, pulling the two men who had their fists clenched away. "We can grab the necessary items we need, after all, we could've come better prepared."
"Fine," Ragnoroth agreed. "We'll need horses too."
"Whatever for?"
"We have to get there by tomorrow's nightfall. The elves know when danger is coming, and they'll act fast."
"Then where'll we put the horses?"
"We'll leave them with you," Ragnoroth said to Roshinda, "for our quick getaway."
"Alright," Aidan said, wrapping up the conversation. "Let's get to Seers', and we have to travel fast." No one said a word, just packed up the cloth that was used to polish their sword.
Finally, when they got to McGrubor's Wood, they stopped and rested. There was a tiny water fountain there that spat out clean, healthy water, and the pack eagerly drank it. Roshinda closed her eyes and took a sip, Ragnoroth had a deep purr in his voice when he swallowed, but Aidan had a different reaction. Shock. He had heard a voice, a woman's voice.
Follow your heart Aidan. Where does it lie? You may discover that your loyalty and faith lies in a young woman that you may have found the closest to you…
The words echoed in Aidan's mind. He stood there, motionless, for a few seconds when Roshinda said, "Aidan? You alright?"
The confused knight nodded his head slowly, and whispered, "Yeah, I guess."
Aidan suddenly felt dreamy. The words 'Aidan? You alright?' was mystical, like a force of love. Aidan suddenly felt odd feelings toward Roshinda. A deep thought urged him to kiss her, wrap her in his arms, while the other kept screaming at him, She's your half sister!
"Let's go," Ragnoroth said, pulling on Aidan's sleeve. "We're nearly there!"
The young man agreed and trudge on back to Seers' village. It was still a long walk, even though it was very close on the world map. Aidan's shoulders felt heavy with thoughts, and his own strength giving way. He could rest at Seers' village for a while…
"We're there!" Ragnoroth beamed. "Let's go get horses, food, a drink, and all other necessary items."
"Hold up," warned Roshinda. "Aidan looks tired, and so do you. In fact, we could all use a good night's sleep."
"Fine," Ragnoroth groaned. "Watch out for the seers though. I've had a bit of a run in with them before."
Aidan and Roshinda exchanged concerned looks but said nothing and went to the bank. They withdrawed all the necessary items; food, water, anti poison potions, prayer potions, strength potions, dragon scimitar, dragon battleaxe, dragon longsword, dragon mace, and money. They joined Ragnoroth who was yelling, "Buying horses! 500gp each!" over and over again in red and in wave.
When they finally got horses, Ragnoroth made a checklist and wore a black mask, so the seer's couldn't see his face. They went to the rest area, settled on a bed, and fell asleep.