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

between them. Finally, she shook her head in disgust before vanishing into the masses.
    Doric witnessed the exchange.
    “Is there some reason we should go after her?” Doric asked.
    “No, Doric,” the squire answered. “Her only crime is that she knows the truth.”
    With an uneasy feeling, he turned his horse and rode away. William followed at his own speed.
    Have I forfeited the obligations of my order in my promise to keep the silence? Theodore wondered silently. I must ask Saradomin for guidance in this matter.
    Perhaps, indeed, she knows more of the truth than I .
    Theodore’s doubts were interrupted by a nudge from Doric.
    “So tell me what you know,” the dwarf instructed as they left the crowds behind them and rode out of earshot of anyone save William. “Tell me of this woman. This inhuman woman.”
    Ebenezer was sleeping in his chair, his spectacles fallen to his chest, when Theodore and his two friends got back.
    “It was a tiring journey to Varrock,” Doric explained softly, in an effort not to disturb the alchemist. “Even for me, and we are meeting King Roald tomorrow. Perhaps it is best if we got some rest so we can present ourselves in our best possible light, and be neither weary nor frayed?”
    “I will ask a servant to escort you to your rooms, master dwarf, if you care to wake your friend,” William offered. He peered outside and gestured to a man who waited nearby.
    Gently, Doric shook Ebenezer’s shoulder. The old man awoke with a sharp intake of breath.
    “Oh-ho! You’re back,” he said groggily. “What time is it?”
    “It’s half past ten,” Doric said, looking at the intricate clock thathung above the fireplace. “Although it feels a lot later. I for one need rest. Lots of fresh air and being bungled about on a wagon is enough for me. Now I know how a potato feels on its way to market. Come on, alchemist!”
    Ebenezer stood delicately. As he did so a book slipped from his lap and onto the cushion.
    “A history of the lives of the kings of Varrock?” William said as he picked it up. “Well, that’s enough to send anybody to sleep.”
    “Oh, yes. I found it on the shelf over there. I remembered my childhood when I was forced to learn all their names from the Battle of the Salve down to the present day.” The alchemist smiled sorrowfully. “I must have had a better memory then than now, I fear. I had forgotten the names of the four princes who were lost at that battle.” He shook his head. “Never mind. It is ancient history. Now, what happened in Varrock tonight? Were your fears justified?”
    Theodore nodded.
    “They were. Another slaying. I don’t know how many there have been so far, but this time the killer left a message—and it was more public than any so far.”
    “Tell me about it, while we find my bedroom.”
    “We must not talk too freely, my friend,” William cautioned. “This knowledge is prohibited in Varrock by the highest authority.”
    “I will tell you, when we get you to your room,” Doric said. “Theodore told me all on our return to the palace.” The dwarf took the alchemist’s arm and led him from the room, following the servant, while Theodore moved to extinguish the lights.
    “Are you going to bed Theodore?” William asked, rubbing his own eyes and yawning.
    “Not just yet,” the squire answered. “I think I will spend a moment in the chapel, in prayer. Will you join me, to ask for guidance in this matter?”
    William shook his head.
    “No. I am sorry Theodore. I find the chapel to Saradomin a very cold place indeed. I am aware of its importance to your order of course, but I prefer the guise of the roguish nobleman. Goodnight, good knight!”
    The nobleman walked toward the door, then turned before leaving, his eyes holding Theodore’s for several seconds.
    “I am sorry about my outburst at the inn today, Theodore,” he said earnestly. “Truly I am. Please believe me when I say that I will always be your friend.” He closed