Return to Canifis

“The justice of Varrock is not usually open to negotiation,” King Roald said, though his mood still seemed light. “However, in consideration of your reputation and the honesty of your friend, Squire Theodore, and of the gift of justice that you have delivered here today, we shall hear what you offer, and consider it with a generous heart.”

He saw Kara look toward him and nod in greeting, and suddenly he felt Lady Anne move close behind him. Very close indeed.

Too close. An obvious ploy to state her intention to Kara.

If Kara noticed, she gave no sign, and turned aside to sit on an empty chair at King Roald’s side. Quickly, both Arisha and then Gar’rth were presented to him and dismissed, for the monarch’s attention was entirely held captive by Kara.

As Arisha approached, Castimir advanced to meet her. Theodore caught her smile as they drew together in a long embrace.

“Well, Gar’rth, you are looking well.” Ebenezer’s first words to their friend were hesitant.

Can he now speak the common tongue? Theodore wondered. If he can, there is much I would ask him. When Gar’rth responded, it was plain how far he had come.

“Ebenezer, I am happy to see you. I have learned your language since Falador, thanks to the monks of the monastery. And with Arisha’s help.”

“Then we must sit and speak, Gar’rth,” Doric said. “For I have much to ask you, as I know we all have.”

“Some of your questions must wait,” Gar’rth replied. “I will answer those in private. Alone. But Arisha will tell you of The Wilderness.”

Gar’rth gave Theodore a long look, his dark eyes settling on Lady Anne next to him. He frowned slightly. Lady Anne laughed.

“Your friend is not from these parts, is he?” she said. “We must welcome him to Varrock, Theodore. Tell me, where do you hail from?”

For a cold second no one spoke.

“He comes from the southern islands, Lady Anne,” Castimir answered quickly. “You have heard of Gar’rth, have you not?”

“As I have heard of you all, save this young woman.” Her blue eyes focused on Arisha, who spoke without hesitation.

“My name is Arisha,” she said. “I am a priestess of the tribes to the west of here, across the River Lum.” She bowed gracefully, and Castimir beamed.

“A barbarian? I have known people from your tribes before, yet I cannot recall one ever as civil as yourself- nor so beautiful.” Before Arisha could reply, Lady Anne nodded in the direction of King Roald. “Ah, it appears that I am needed by His Majesty. I suspect I will be asked to find Kara and yourself something appropriate to wear for tonight.” She took two steps before turning back again. “I am so looking forward to our dance, Theodore.”

Suddenly it felt as if the eyes of all of his friends were upon him.

The occupants of the royal box thankfully left them alone, and very quickly news was shared and questions posed.

“It was at the monastery of Saradomin when we first heard word of Sulla and Jerrod,” Arisha explained. “An injured man was brought to us from The Wilderness, and he identified them. We set out some weeks ago, travelling northward in pursuit.” She shivered. “Everyone hears tales of The Wilderness, but it is a land of desolation beyond anything I would have imagined. Often, for miles and miles, day after day, there is nothing that grows there. Nothing thrives. It seems as if nature herself has given up in that land.

“On at least two occasions we missed them by misfortune alone.” Arisha and Gar’rth shared a look. “Or at least we thought it was misfortune. But we now believe that Jerrod is receiving help. It may be from his master.” She smiled grimly. “We do not know why he is doing so now, and didn’t before. We may never know. But Jerrod and Sulla are now in Varrock.”

What? Why? Theodore opened his mouth to give voice to his questions but Doric and Castimir both spoke first. Arisha put her hands up for calm.

“We don’t know why, though Pia told Kara that Sulla plans to blackmail wealthy individuals with some coded documents he has in his possession. It is dangerous of them to come here, yet they have taken that risk. We informed the city guard this afternoon, although we didn’t tell them the truth about Jerrod. That is a decision that should be made by the King and his councillors.”

“But I don’t understand,” Ebenezer said thoughtfully. “How is this Pia girl linked to Sulla?”

Arisha shook her head.

“She isn’t. The fraud she committed was of her own initiative, but she grew greedy and attempted to run without paying the gangs their dues. They sent her to Sulla as an amusing gift, aware she resembled Kara. When we first entered Varrock, this morning, we heard stories that ‘Kara-Meir’ was already here, and then later of the fraud she had committed. Kara insisted that we hunt the imposter down. Gar’rth tracked them from the Flying Donkey Inn, and this led us to Jack, who had followed his sister’s abductors.

“By the time we arrived at the barn they were using as a hideout, Sulla and Jerrod had left.”

“Can you track Sulla, Gar’rth?” Doric asked.

Gar’rth shook his head.

“No. Not in a crowded city, without a trail to follow. Not with Jerrod, who knows how to mask himself.”

Suddenly Theodore stifled a yawn. The relief at seeing his friends in good health had given him a momentary burst of energy, but it was not enough to keep him going for much longer. As he did so, William approached, and was introduced to Arisha and Gar’rth.

“Ah, Theodore,” the young noble said, “I am sorry to interrupt your well-earned reunion, but I am afraid your presence is required by King Roald.”

Theodore yawned again as he stood. His body ached in protest and, as ever, his back burned from his old wound.

“He’s been boar-hunting,” William explained to Arisha, who noted his fatigue. Before she could ask for an explanation, he turned to the squire. “Now, come along.”

William led Theodore quickly forward as the trumpets sounded. The squire saw King Roald stand, and he saw Kara’s smiling face.

“Come on, Sir Theodore. It’s time.” William muttered so quickly that Theodore thought he had imagined the words.

“What did you call-?”

But William pushed him before the King and stepped back as the trumpets ended their cry. Then the King spoke.

“Squire Theodore, of the Knights of Falador, kneel,” came the command

He did so, his legs stiff and heavy.

What is happening here?

He cast his eyes sideways to where he could just see Kara’s beaming face. Her dark eyes were filled with pride.

Is that all there is? he wondered. Pride and honest friendship? No chance of anything more?

Then he saw the vermilion cloak of King Roald swish gently as the monarch moved above him. Suddenly he felt the light tap of a thin blade upon his right shoulder, and then again upon his left.

What is he doing?

He looked to Kara again, and suddenly the look on her face made sense. Elation mixed with fear and, inexplicably, a sense of loss.

This is where I forsake all worldly passions.

King Roald’s voice sounded above him. He was a messenger ordained by god.

“Rise, Sir Theodore Kassel, Knight of Falador. And let all who stand here this day bear witness to his ascension.”

Knighted by a King of Misthalin! Few of my order have ever had such an honour! But where is the oath?

Sir Theodore stood as the crowd exploded with cheers. Trumpets sounded, and Kara jumped up to wrap her