RuneScape: Return to Canifis by T. S. Church Read Free Book Online

citizens were amazed. The steam engine drew nearly ten gallons of water from the moat each minute. It must have been the first time in its history that it was drained, for a great many objects were recovered that didn’t match any descriptions offered by the citizens.”
    “And my work was well rewarded,” Ebenezer said. He gave a satisfied smile and returned his pipe to his mouth, exchanging a knowing glance with his travelling companion.
    “And what of you Doric?” Theodore asked.
    “I remained in Falador for nearly two months, helping the dwarfs under Commander Blenheim strengthen the walls and open the mining guild, and I also pursued my claim against those who burned my cabin. The magistrates ruled in my favour, and the guilty were ordered to help rebuild what they had destroyed.”
    The old dwarf stirred his feet in the steaming tub.
    “That was enough for me, for I was not looking for revenge.And those who had done the damage admitted their ignorance and offered me their assistance and their friendship, both of which I accepted.” He looked furtively to Ebenezer. “And I have done something else, something which has taken me some time and no small expense. Something which will be a gift to my friends.”
    With that, Doric yawned.
    “Well?” Theodore prompted.
    The dwarf gave a low laugh.
    “All in good time,” he said. “When we are all gathered.”
    “Very well Doric, you may keep your secrets,” Theodore said. “William has had rooms prepared for you both, here in the palace. All your needs will be met during your stay, for as companions to Kara-Meir you are honoured guests.”
    The alchemist and the dwarf exchanged wary looks.
    “Have you had any news of Kara?” Doric asked.
    Theodore lowered his gaze to the floor.
    “Apparently she is here, in Varrock,” he answered, unable to keep the bitterness from his voice. “But Gar’rth and Arisha are not.”
    Ebenezer took the pipe from his mouth. Doric frowned in worry.
    “They went into The Wilderness together,” Theodore continued angrily. “It might be that only Kara returned. And she has refused to see me.”
    For a time no one spoke. Both of Theodore’s friends knew how he felt about Kara, and how hurt he must have been by her refusal.
    Doric lifted his feet from the tub, water splashing onto the flagstones. He was about to speak when a commotion sounded outside in the passageway, of men running and giving commands in anxious tones.
    Suddenly William burst into the room.
    “There’s been a killing, Theodore!” he shouted. “They are no longer just rumours—the creature has entered the city!”
    * * *
    Theodore rode hard to the south of the city, to where the poorer inhabitants dwelt. Doric clung to his waist with his eyes shut, yet the mare easily outpaced William’s gelding. Even Ebenezer—had he decided to accompany them from the palace—could have outpaced the young nobleman on his horse.
    But William is fearful, Theodore realised. I have never noticed it so acutely before. Even walking down stairs he is always unnaturally careful. And his behaviour at the inn today. His fear!
    Thoughts of his friend evaporated as he saw a crowd gathered before him in the darkened street. Some held lanterns, and in the light he saw Lord Despaard and his black-clad men, already present. The yellow-cloaked city guard helped them in keeping order. He also saw Father Lawrence, the old priest at the head of the crowd, his four-pointed silver star held before him as he invoked Saradomin’s mercy.
    As Theodore reined his mare in and dismounted he saw the anxious looks of the citizens. One was vomiting into the gutter.
    The crowd surrounded a merchant’s house that had seen more prosperous times. Following their gaze, Theodore looked up and saw that upon the slanted lead roof lay a dead body—that of a man whose collar was wrapped about an iron peg that held the tiles in place, his feet hanging over the edge into empty space.
    And down the side of the