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

house’s grey wall ran a red streak.
    Theodore himself felt suddenly nauseous. He had been in battle before this, and had seen all the horrors of men mutilated and dying, but this was different somehow.
    This is a spectacle.
    “But how did it get up there?” a man cried out. “How was this done?”
    “This is nothing human!” someone else added.
    Instantly the crowd bristled with a collective anger. Quickly, Lord Despaard’s men took up discreet positions, preparing to subdue the mob should it turn violent.
    Lights shone from the opposite rooftop, illuminating the corpse.
    All eyes were fixed upon the hideous sight. The man’s throat had been torn out, and his abdomen—revealed to the onlookers through his torn shirt—had been viciously clawed.
    “Gods! All that blood,” William moaned from Theodore’s side, having left his horse with the squire’s mare. The noble staggered on his feet, unable to take his eyes off the red streak that seemed so similar to an arrow on the dirty grey stone.
    “I’ve got you, William,” Theodore said, reaching out as his friend swayed. Doric assisted him.
    “Here, have some of this, lad,” he said, offering William his hip flask. “It’s stronger than water but it’ll do the trick.” The dwarf peered again at the rooftop. “And when you’re done, pass it back. Think I’ll need some too.” William nodded as he took a generous swig before coughing violently.
    “Look to the left of him—look!” someone shouted. “There’s writing!”
    The lanterns above shifted to follow the anonymous instruction.
    And there it was. Written in the man’s blood.
    “What does it say? What does it say?” cried an onlooker.
    “Pay it no mind,” Lord Despaard shouted in reply. “It is designed to cause fear in all of us, and we cannot allow it to do so.” His words silenced the crowd, but then someone spoke up again, his voice heard by all.
    “It says, ‘I am coming.’”
    Pandemonium erupted as everyone spoke at once, every other person asking his neighbour what such a message could mean. Some wailed in fear, others cursed loudly. Theodore, seeingWilliam regain his calm, moved away quickly and approached Lord Despaard.
    “We can’t conceal this, Lord Despaard,” he said. “This Wyrd...”
    “Just you remember your promise to me, boy,” the man in black replied angrily. “This is my business, and has been since before you were born. Now go back to the palace and enjoy a dance with a pretty girl, or a glass of wine—I care not. But keep the silence, or so help me I will have you returned to Falador in chains!” Hearing the exchange, Father Lawrence stepped up.
    “You must do as he says, Theodore,” the priest said. “As must I. There is a survivor, a child, a witness in fact.” The old man lowered his voice. “I will take her to the others, and care for her as best I can with my meagre skills.” He hastened off toward a group of black-cloaked soldiers stood in a loose circle. Meanwhile, Lord Despaard’s eyes never left Theodore.
    “You know far more than I would like,” he said. “But I trust you. I know your reputation for honesty and I know that your word is your bond. Everyone who would know confirms it. But do not interfere in my business.” Despaard followed in Father Lawrence’s footsteps as Doric appeared at his side.
    “Come, Theodore,” the dwarf said. “We can do nothing here. Who ever this murderer is, it’s the duty of the guards to bring him to justice.”
    Theodore smiled grimly and shook his head.
    “Not he , Doric, she . And not human,” he muttered. “I shall explain when we return to the palace.” Together they headed back to their steeds. Theodore mounted his mare and helped Doric up behind him. As he did so he turned in his saddle, suddenly aware that he was being watched.
    “You!” he cried suddenly.
    It was the woman who had hurled the stone at him the night before. She held his gaze for a long second as a crowd of peoplebustled