Glad to see you're still reading this, it only gets better.
Chapter 3: Burthorpe
Dear James,
This letter is to be given to no one, if we find out anyone else has seen this letter, we will kill you, you will also be killed if you do not agree to what this letter states, or if you try to stop us. But, it's not just your life that you could endanger. We have your friend.
I believe his name is Sakir, a strong young fellow, from the desert land of Al Kharid, correct? We captured him that horrible day that you killed our leader. He now fights for us, we told him that we had you and you'd only live if he agreed to our demands. As of now, we have him, and this time it's no lie. We would like you to come to our side, for your sake, and his.
We also believe it would be in your best interest. The tide of this war is changing. Varrock has become weak, they no longer see us as a threat, they will be easy to dispose of. Have you ever heard of the Burthorpe army? They are lightning quick and very strong, they fight with claws of steel attached to their hands, and for years have been able to keep an army of trolls at bay. They also have allied themselves with us, and we can make quick work of Varrock. If you were to join us you'd actually live to see the end of this war, not to mention you'd probably get a nice reward. If you agree, meet the man in black robes in the Lumbridge swamps, tonight!
White Knight Commander
Taleka
James stared at the letter in disbelief; it took awhile for everything to seep in. His first expression was of joy, he was happy to know Sakir was alive, but that didn't last long. "Sakir was my best friend," he whispered to himself.
James had returned to his home in Lumbridge to find it just the way he left it, which was better than he could say for some. Most of the homes were destroyed. His father told him that a few days after he had left Lumbridge was attack by wizards. They had successfully fended off the attack, but were greatly damaged. James recalled this as the same day he fought in the battle of Draynor, which would explain why no Lumbridge reinforcements came.
The letter had arrived magically on his table. That is being said literally, he was eating his breakfast and it appeared there in a puff of smoke, obviously from the wizards work. It had been two months since his return from Varrock, he had stayed there for a week, he had many things to do there. They even made a statue of his unit around the fountain in the center of town, they made Sakir's statue at the south point, and it was largest and nicest of all.
During his stay there he began to have a wonderful time, even if he was always thinking of his lost friend. Mark and Merk got into a lot of trouble, while Haddlin headed home right away. He spent most of his time with a man named Urantan, a wizard from a land called Yanille. That was supposed to be the magic city. Urantan wasn't always there though; he could teleport to almost anywhere. Despite what Haddlin had said, he found the mage to be very skilled.
During his stay Urantan taught him how to read. It was hard, but he said he picked up surprisingly quick. Although he wasn't that good even when he left Lumbridge, Urantan continued to visit him and teach him. In fact, he was supposed to come today, very soon too. James considered showing him the letter, but decided not, he didn't want to trifle with other wizards.
"I am going tonight though, I have to."
"What was that?" said a man in blue robes and a long gray beard. He walked out of the shadows from the corner of the room.
James spun around and eyed the man. "How did you get in here?"
"I all ready told you before, I made it so that with the necessary runes I can teleport to your house, did I come at a bad time?"
"No, not at all. We may have to cut today's lesson a little short; I have, uh, business, to take care of, later tonight."
"Makes no difference," said Urantan clapping his hands and pulling out an enormous tome from his robes. "This book is called 'Gnome Battle Tactics' I got it as a gift. From a fellow wizard, all though he wouldn't tell me how he came across it, supposedly it's the only one in the world like it!"
James paused. The name sounded familiar, he though Danik or Haddlin mentioned it once. Nevertheless he began to read and was quite fascinated. For their small stature, the gnomes won many battles because of their superior strategies. He became so fascinated he didn't even notice Urantan say,
"Oh, it seems it's time for me to leave, you just give me that book some time tomorrow, see you tonight!" And James didn't even notice. He didn't notice how strange Urantan's farewell truly was.
James finally thought to look out the window for a moment and noticed how dark it was. After a second he remembered where it was he should be and quickly ran out the door, only stopping to grab his old sword.
He didn't know where exactly in the swamps, but he was guessing somewhere in the center, where no one would be. He ran past the old church, the bells were ringing to signify the late mass. He completely ignored it and ran into the graveyard, past his mother's grave, and into the swamp. Right away he veered from the path and began to slow to a walk.
"I'm so very glad you showed up! Although I'd be dreadfully sorry if you try to resist." The voice seemed much too happy for the man he should be meeting. Then he remembered he'd really be meeting with someone from the wizard tower, so why the black robes?
"I'm sure my attire seems strange to you. Well, if I came here dressed like I normally do walking this close to Lumbridge wouldn't be the best idea." James finally turned around. The man was young, for a wizard anyway, maybe early thirties. His face was clean shaven. All he wore were the black robes, no hat, necklace, or anything; just the black robes which made him blend into the night.
"Where's Sakir?"
"You'll find out soon if you join us, don't worry."
James was fighting back his emotions. It would kill his father, everyone he'd ever known, to join Falador, but Sakir was actually his friend. His father would never have to know, and he'd make sure that if he won the war, his father would only be a slave. James obviously didn't realize how horrible that really was.
"Alright, it seems I don't have much of a choice. Can we get on with it? What do I do now?"
"Ahh, perfect, they told me you may try to put up a fight. Come, come, we shall rest at the wizard's tower." And with that, he started off. James followed him, hoping to be out of the smelly swamp soon, especially in the night. He saw the familiar wreckage of Draynor. Citizens were doing their best to rebuild the town.
At once he recognized some of the villagers. He tried to hide his face, but it was to no avail. As they walked towards the bridge, someone approached him.
"'Ey, what are you doing going to the wizard tower, aren't you James, part of the unit that not only defended the town, killed Sir Amik Varze?" James just put his head down.
"Now now, I think everyone deserves to know what's going on, don't they." The wizard clapped and his voice was magnified several times. "I am traveling with Sir James Farmer of Varrock, and he is indeed traveling of his own free will. He thought you should all know that he has decided to join Falador in this war, the war that is not quite as over as you think it is. Aren't you James?" The wizard smiled a terrible smile. James kept his mouth shut; the whole town stopped what they were doing and crowded around him. The wizard put his hand up to James's chest so that the others couldn't see, and created a small fireball. "Aren't you James?" he repeated in a sly whisper, for only James to hear.
"Yes." James mumbled, his gaze transfixed on the ground.
"What was that?" asked the wizard, edging the fire closer to his chest.
"Yes, yes, yes! It's me, James Farmer of Lumbridge, of Varrock, I am a traitor, and I have deserted all of you." Tears began to flood down his cheeks; he couldn't believe his own words. The wizard just gave another sly smile.
"I'd suggest," he boomed, "That you get this news right to Lumbridge, then Varrock. It's especially important for all of James's friends to know. Also, if any of you have a chance, stop by Al Kharid, tell them that Sakir is alive and well!" He gave another toothy smile, and in the clap of his hands, James and he had teleported to the other side of the bridge, and quickly entered the wizard's tower.
"I'd get some sleep if I were you, big day tomorrow!" said the wizard, and with an evil laugh, locked James's door behind him. The room was very plain, some magic runes lay in the corner, and an empty bookcase and desk were next to the window. He sat down in the uncomfortable mattress and put his head in his hands.
"May I come in?" said a familiar voice with a knock. James merely grunted.
"I'll take that as a yes. Well then," and the door swung open. In stepped a very old wise looking man.
"Urantan!" said James, finally recognizing him.
"Quite, I heard about your predicament and infiltrated here. Truly, what made you follow the directions given to you in a strange letter?"
"Well, they said that, wait a second, how'd you know I received a strange letter?"
"A wizard has very sharp eyes and ears. Never mind that, it would be wise to escape soon."
"Where will we go?" James noticed Urantan's voice was rather calm. It was comforting, but also strange for someone who just infiltrated the wizard's tower.
"The one place where we can have salvation, Burthorpe."
"But the letter said that they're in control of…"
"Exactly what they wanted you to think, for it's the one place where we can find protection. If you knew that and made it safely there, that would be quite a problem. You are very important to them. One of the greatest heroes of Varrock, betraying them. You are a favorite amongst most people; you were just a farm boy who became something much greater. Stealing you would have the biggest impact on enemy morale."
"Oh, that makes sense, I guess," said James, wanting to be anywhere but where he was now. The whole idea made him feel worse and worse about being where he was.
He looked up to see Urantan, who was rummaging through the pile of runes and took a few random ones.
"All right then," he said, pulling out a gold necklace with a large sapphire in the center. He put it up to the runes and a glowing light emerged from the two objects. When the light faded, the runes were gone, and the necklace seemed to glow. "Rub this and think about the Burthorpe games room."
"But I don't know what the games room is like!"
"That is not a problem. Have you ever played rune link?"
"Yes once or twice with my father."
"Then as you rub the necklace, think of a game of rune link."
He didn't quite understand it, but did as he was told. As he put his hand over the gem he felt power enter his body. He began to rub it back and fourth and thought of playing games with his father.
His reminiscing was interrupted though by a horrible feeling. He felt as if he was being turned into a liquid. He let out a scream of anguish then as soon as it began, he started to feel himself again, although in a very different place. Urantan showed up behind him looking very casual.
"How can you stand doing that?"
"You get used to it," he said with a shrug and began up the steps. James quickly followed. They climbed yet another set of steps and walked out of the building they were in.
"I see you brought the boy. Very good."
James spun his head to the left to see a man in all black approaching. At first glance his hands looked to be made of metal, but James then noticed that he was wearing gauntlets that were a lot like claws as a weapon.
"You have done most well, here you are," said the man, shoving some rather powerful looking runes into Urantan's hands. Urantan smiled happily and stuffed them into his robes. The man continued walking as if nothing had happened.
"Would you come with me?" asked the man, grabbing a hold of James arm. Obviously it wasn't a question. He looked desperately at Urantan, who was paying no attention to either of them.
"He's not your friend little boy, and he never was. Now why don't you come with me eh?" And with a toothy smile that reminded James a lot of they wizard that had brought him to the Wizard Tower, he was dragged away towards a very large tent.
"What's going on?" asked James nervously. His only reply was being thrown inside a tent and the tent itself being close magically.
"You think I can't get out of here!" yelled James, kicking and clawing at the walls.
"Don't bother, it won't work."
James spun around in an instant and froze. His eyes began to water so he looked away again.
"I lost a lot of respect for you James. I was hoping to never see you here."
"But…"
"No buts. They told me they were going to try and lure you here by using me as bait. I told them you would never fall for such a stupid trick. Seems like I was wrong. I'm amazed you even thought I was alive."
"But…but…but Sakir!" yelled James, now fully in tears. "You are alive, and you need rescuing!"
"I don't want to be rescued by you anymore. All you are is a traitor, the worst kind of scum. I'd rather die then be rescued by the likes of you! You've obviously never heard of a thing called honor!" yelled Sakir, his voice beginning to rise.
"But! But!" stuttered James, amazed by what he was hearing. Sakir however had already turned his back on him and began pretending to snore, obviously to show that he was no longer interested in the conversation, or in talking to James. James crawled over to his bed and began to weep for a long time.
"Wake up, Wake up!" James opened his eyes to see a menacing looking guard at the tent opening. The metallic claws glinted in the sunlight as he raised them up. James had a horrific vision of them coming straight down at him, but instead the guard merely grabbed his arm and pulled him out. Sakir was still asleep, which James figured was better; he didn't want to talk to him now.
"Come with me!" James slowly followed. He was lead past the training soldiers to another tent, which was closed securely. He looked at James, as if sizing him up, and then bent over and reached into a chest. He picked out a few pairs of black clothes that James recognized as the ones they were wearing. He threw them to James and ordered him to put it on. He did so, and was surprised to find that they fit well.
"Keep the extras with you, just in case. Here, take this." He threw him a large brown sack that James recognized as something you attached to your belt. He clipped it on and shoved all of the extra uniforms in it, nearly filling it completely. "Don't forget the hood; you need to wear this at all times." James complied, putting on the black hood that fit more like a mask.
"It looks like you're preparing me for battle," said James, hoping he wasn't right. The guard didn't say anything, but rummaged around in another chest. He pulled out a pair of claws, like the ones he was wearing.
"Take these, wear them at all times." James obliged. They fit rather well, and were able to give him excellent maneuverability. He repeated his question, but the guard walked out of the tent. James followed close by.
"You have a choice," said the guard, who had stopped to watch all the men training. "You may join the Burthorpe army, or you may die. Choose."
James didn't speak for a second. Was Sakir right? Was honor more important than living? No, James would live, and prove to Sakir that he wasn't a different. "I'll… I'll join you."
"All right then. Men," all the soldiers stopped to look at him. "Impugnatio." James didn't understand what he said, but the soldiers did. They looked at James for a second. Finally, one of them walked up. He raised his fist up in the air, the metal gleaming. James stared at him, wondering what he was about to do. The soldier brought his fist down fast and brought it into James's thigh. He withdrew the claws instantly and lunged again. This time, James was able to dodge it. As he watched the soldier in total confusion, he was caught with a slash to the back. He whipped around to see another soldier there, his right claw dripping with blood. When he looked to his left, he saw two more soldiers running towards him.
"The only way for those who aren't born in Burthorpe to join our army is, well, to kill one of the already born soldiers. We don't want a large amount of inexperienced men slowing us down, so this is a test, if you can kill one, you're in, if you fail to kill one, or end up killing more then one, you die."
The voice belonged to the guard that had given him his clothes and claws. James didn't have time to look though; he was too busy dodging blows. Every time he tried to land a hit it was expertly dodged, and then he would barely have enough time to jump away from the next attack. He was constantly getting hit with punches and kicks; he realized they weren't using their claws as much. He thought back to what Urantan said, and realized that they didn't really want him to die, so they were giving him a better chance.
After a long time of trying to just dodge and hit, he realized it wouldn't work, he needed a strategy. It was at the same time he noticed he was being surrounded. By the time he finished the very though, one last soldier ran up to close the last gap in the circle around him.
Thinking quickly, he lunged at the seemingly weakest one in the group. The enemy pushed to the side to dodge the attack, which gave James a small opening to go through. The guard clapped in back of the crowd, apparently amused by his tactics. James knew it still wasn't over yet though.
James surveyed the group, who were now standing in a straight line, shoulder to shoulder. He tried to figure out who was the weakest, and tried to remember any of their tactics, if possible. It was at this moment an arrow zipped by his ear and landed in the ground. He turned around to see that there were two archers on the wall, and they were getting read to attack again.
It was at the same time the other soldiers ran towards him. He ran towards his tent and dived into it. He quickly cut a hole through the back and ran out. The other soldiers didn't even see him outside.
The archers did though. As he ran, they continuously shot at him. Luckily, the Burthorpe army wasn't known for exceptional archers, none of them hit their mark.
As James ran, he circled around, trying to make himself a harder target. At this point the rest of the soldiers already had seen him and were running towards him. He was also seen by the guard, who decided it was time to join in. The guard was much more experienced than the rest of the soldiers, and faster too. He was almost completely caught up with James when he tripped over a very large rock and fell forward, into the spot that James had been a second before. That was the same spot that one of the bowmen had shot at, the arrow hit the guard square in the back.
James rolled him over and felt his heart beat, it was faint. That was good. The guard began to take heavy breaths, a wave of relief swept through the soldiers, he was still alive. It was at this moment James thrust his claws into his heart. His breathing immediately stopped. James withdrew his hand and slowly stood up. He had killed again, and he still didn't like it.
One of the soldiers was about to charge at him, but another one put up a hand to stop him. James realized he had won the challenge.
"I am now part of the Burthorpe army; I finished your challenge fairly." No one else said anything. Disgusted with himself for killing again, he merely walked into his tent and slept, ignoring Sakir.
