Chapter 6: Swordsman's fury
" We found him this way at the temples entrance," A man muttered sadly.
" I told you this would happen! That temples and evil place! We cannot go into those cursed grounds!" Peter yelled at Miranda.
" Quiet! WE will choose to proceed with the temples excavation or not! A mage cannot comprehend the secrets that may lie within the stone walls," Miranda replied sharply.
" Very well... But remember this: It is not my affair when you and your friends meet a disturbing end as Vannaka did," Peter said in a cruel voice," For all I care you can rot in HELL!" And with that Peter struck Miranda in the face with the palm of his right hand. She fell back, shocked that the heated conversation had come to violence.
" Peter stop!" Me-Drok who had seen the attack from outside lunged at him and grabbed his arms to keep him from attacking again.
" Let me go!" Peter roared as he struggled in vain to escape Me-Drok's powerful arms.
Miranda shakily got to her feet and stared at Peter in disbelief.
" KILL HIM HE'S LOST IT!" Miranda screamed at Me-Drok.
" No he doesnt deserve death, I understand how it is to lose a cherished one," Me-drok replied calmly.
" I said let me go," Peter muttered quietly, but menacingly to Me-drok.
Me-Drok instinctively whipped out his blade, releasing Peter but with the blade's tip to his neck.
In turn Peter held up his right hand, runestones clutched in it, in the general direction of Me-Drok. Both stared closely at each other, waiting for the attack. The room stood still as the two faced each other. Me-Drok's gaze shifted to Peter's hand, trying to identify the runes were clasped within its fingers. Peter saw the warrior's eyes move and with lightning fast reflexes clasped both hands over the long red blade. There was a blinding flash that lasted all of two seconds. When Me-Drok could see again he realized several things. In his hands, in place of his magnifigant sword was a large amount of coins. And now in place of Peter was air.
" Curse it!" Me-Drok screamed as he cast the gold pieces to the ground, clearly having perfered his blade.
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Peter walked along catherby beach, remembering Khyren, who not so long ago had walked with him on these shores. Despite disagreements they had, Peter still missed him to a great extent, wishin once more they could travel together. Fishers walked by him offering fish for a reasonable price, he simply walked by them not caring for seafood, or any food for that matter. Walking past the ranger's shop he spied a large bow identical to Khyren's. Peter entered the shop and examined the bow carefully. He noticed many knotches in the wood and confirmed his suspision that it was indeed Khyren's treasured bow. He looked at the store owner who's back was turned, fletching arrow shafts. He quickly seized the bow and ran out the door with it. His motivation was not money but the knowledge that Khyren would not wish for someone other than himself to use the weapon. Peter ran all the way to Seer's village, knowing that the store's owner would realize the bow was missing and most likely search for the theif.
As he entered the ruined village a mysterious feeling that made his skin crawl washed over him. He felt as if an unseen presense was watching him, a feeling he could not stand. Despite being uncomfortable he trudged on towards the patch of dirt that was Khyren's resting place. He placed the bow down upon it and said a prayer to Guthix. The creeping malice Peter had detected appeared behind him, and although he didnt see it he sensed it right on his heels. Peter spun around and prepared to attack but was met with an unexpected sight.
Before him stood a faint shadow of the mage, Kollodin. He was
in his human form and was staring at the Khyren's grave.
" You..." Peter began staring at Kollodin with fury. But before Peter could say anything Kollodin spoke.
" I understand you anger but do not vent it on me, although I have caused much pain and was trying to cause more I realize now that I was a fool, one who desired power and nothing more," Kollodin spoke in an extremely calm voice," I met my end at your and Vannaka's hands, such a defeat proves i am not worthy to run the mage arena...Or live. If I could not eliminate my connections to Zaff and eliminate those that knew about his crimes I am also not worthy to be called a magician, for we are supposed to be wise and powerful," Kollodin seemed sad and gentle, something completely uncharachteristic.
" Your a murderer and a scumbag, leave this place now," Peter growled at Kollodin's spirit.
" Yes I am both of those but I have an offer... You are a mage with great power... Greater perhaps than mine when I was your age. So I was wondering if you would like to take over management of the Mage Arena.
I obviously no longer can and you look like you need a God staff, presumably of Guthix,"
" I have heard of this arena and also heard of the disturbing tournaments held there. It would be an honor to run such a place... Nevertheless I would be a fool to accept an offer from a mad man who most likely is plotting my destruction," Peter stood and walked past the spirit.
" Tell me... Why do you care if you live or die? All the people you care about are gone and those that live cannot understand you and thus despise you. There is no hope to balance this cruel world.And there is no hope that without the power of your God that you will survive much longer... And for Zamorak's sake why would I break an already broken man?" Kollodin spoke as Peter vanished into the distance," I simply wouldnt..."