Chapter 1 – A Surprise Thieving

The intense rays of light began to dim across Varrock, long shadows formed in the back alleys and behind buildings. Across the city, banks, general stores and blacksmiths were closing. The few adventurers left outside sought out shelter in the Blue Moon Inn, those who were turned away reluctantly went north-east to the unfavourable, rough Jolly Boar inn on the edge of the wilderness. As the last few weak, slivers of yellowy glow vanished over the distant Lumbridge castle, Varrock was engulfed into an unnatural shadowy silence.

Thessalia opened her shop door. Instantly, a lengthy patch of light appeared, lighting up the wall surrounding Merchants setting up their stools in the square paused as they entered the square. Captain Rovin emerged from the centre and stood before the fountain flanked by guards. He announced that the librarian, Reldo, had Josh!” He said “If anyone can help us you can”

“As you may well know, Reldo was taken last night. Could you help us hunt for clues?”

Agreeing, Josh began to search through the bookcase, drawers, even the suits of armour in the corner. After nearly an hour of anguish, the hero found a note pasted onto the wall. It read:

‘Reldo is been kept for little time,

The sooner he tells us all he know,

The faster you will get him back.

- The Dark Ones’

After everyone in the library had read this, they discussed who the dark ones could possibly be. However, Josh was not paying attention. He was examining the book next to which the message had been discovered. It was entitled “Weapons through the Ages” A page was missing at the open pages. But, the heading on the page before headed the next 3 pages as ‘The Mystical Items’ Perplexed, Josh asked anyone is they knew of these items. Everyone shook their heads.

“Maybe these ‘Dark Ones’ want the mystical items’ He said, with a note of optimism in his voice. Most people agreed, and began to wonder who needed such items. Minutes passed, and a guard appeared in the door way accompanied by…RELDO!

After much fuss and hassle, Josh asked Reldo a question, and Reldo obligingly sat down and began to explain what had happened

Chapter 2 – Where is Reldo?

The hero of our story stood in the square as Captain Rovin declared that Reldo was missing. Josh considered where he would go if he were a palace librarian. Jerking himself moments later, he rushed towards the palace. Two guards stood either side of the entrance but hastily stood aside when they saw the hero who slayed Delrith, the demon approaching. Josh was quite well reputed throughout Misthalin because of this.

The kind, and Captain Rovin stood in the door of the library. Josh could see behind them books strewn across the floor and a few tables and chairs upturned. They were talking hurriedly, but when the King saw Josh he cried out in happiness.

“Josh!" He said “If anyone can help us you can”

“As you may well know, Reldo was taken last night. Could you help us hunt for clues?”

Agreeing, Josh began to search through the bookcase, drawers, even the suits of armour in the corner. After nearly an hour of anguish, the hero found a note pasted onto the wall. It read:

 

‘Reldo is been kept for little time,

The sooner he tells us all he know,

The faster you will get him back.

- The Dark Ones’

 

After everyone in the library had read this, they discussed who the dark ones could possibly be. However, Josh was not paying attention. He was examining the book next to which the message had been discovered. It was entitled “Weapons through the Ages” A page was missing at the open pages. But, the heading on the page before headed the next 3 pages as ‘The Mystical Items’ Perplexed, Josh asked anyone is they knew of these items. Everyone shook their heads.

“Maybe these ‘Dark Ones’ want the mystical items’ He said, with a note of optimism in his voice. Most people agreed, and began to wonder who needed such items. Minutes passed, and a guard appeared in the door way accompanied by…RELDO!

After much fuss and hassle, Josh asked Reldo a question, and Reldo obligingly  sat down and began to explain what had happened

Chapter 3 – Reldo’s story

Reldo, who was tired and hungry, sat at the long dining table with a large plate of food in front of him. He began to shove food greedily into his mouth. The king and other spectators averted their eyes.

“So?” Josh inquired. “What happened last night?”

Reldo, who was still eating speedily, placed his food back on the plate thoughtfully and considered the matter.

“Well” He began. Everybody leaned in.

“I was reading and cataloguing books, mainly just reading though. At a bout a 11 O’clock i heard muffled footsteps in the corridor. I assumed it must be the King getting a drink again. However, they stopped outside my library door. Whispering was now audible on the other side of the wood. I got up. The door creaked slowly open, and four people in long, black flowing robes stood on the threshold. They slowly entered one by one and stood in a line facing me.

One of them asked me everything i knew about certain items. I explained there was a book. They told me to get it, and i did. Then after leafing through the pages, they tore a page out. I began to protest, and they threw something over me, and hit me over the head. Then i don’t remember anything until i awoke at a table.

Upon the table was a sheet of parchment, it told me to tell them everything else i knew about the ‘Mystic Items’ and then i would be allowed on my way. A man entered and i did tell him. And then i was hit over the head again. I awoke just east of Varrock.” Reldo Finished and looked around

“What do these Mystic Items do?” Josh Inquired.

“Terrible things if used wrongly. The page they tore i believe was instructions on how to find the instructions to make them” He gulped

“Then i must stop them!” Cried Josh.

Not so far away, in a hidden temple, 4 cloaked persons poured over a sheet of paper.

Chapter 4 –The Mystical Items

The 4 cloaked men were reading a page, that was torn at the edges. Every so often they would look at each other and then return their gaze to the sheet again. After about twenty minutes, they began to talk in a low whisper. One-by-one three of the people dispersed on orders from the remaining one, who continued to pour over the sheet, and sat down thinking. Presently, one of the cloaked figures re-appeared. And whispered into the others ear.

“Doom essence?” Josh repeated.

“Yes, this is the main ingredient to the mystical items”

All 4 of the hooded men crouched to enter a small tunnel. The one in the lead, who held a large flaming torch, directed, turning left, right, right, left, and presently they stopped in front of a tall, dark wall, which glittered in the feeble light of the torch. Studying the wall with all the concentration they possessed they began searching. Finally, one of the yelled, and the others stood back. A surge of green power issued from the hands of the leader and a small tunnel appeared in the wall. In a line, they processed in.

“That’s ridiculous. I’ve never heard of it!”

“The reserves have been lost since the time of Zamorak hidden under rock and earth.”

The narrow tunnel suddenly opened up into a large cave.The men gasped. Staring.

“Where are these reserves?”

“Supposedly under Varrock”

The men removed their cloaks and moved closer to an eerie purple glow that emanated from the centre of the cave. Gingerly, he reached out, hands wrapped in robe and touched the purple crystals that stood in the middle emitting that horrible light. Successfully breaking a piece off, he threw it into a bag the others carried, and continued.

“How do you make them then?”

“The book said that a piece of this Doom Essence would have to be place in, on, or attached to any object. That object would then be infused with the power of evil.”

Satisfied, the men turned and exited the cave, sealing it as they left…

Chapter 5 – Before it’s too late!

“But how long will it take them to make them?”

Reldo, who was deeply interested in the plate stacked high with food again by now, without paying much attention told him they should almost be done. Josh, thinking Reldo should of told him this information earlier, stood up, deciding to leave Reldo gorging he left the palace and stood out in

the square.

Josh stood there in the warm, humid air and called. Called out to the thieves of Reldo to show their selves. Unknown to Josh, a hooded figure had heard this and look around the corner at the bank towards the square. As Josh finished calling into the packed square, the cloaked man turned and ran to the south of Varrock.

Giving up Josh turned towards Zaff’s Fine Staves and entered.

At the south of Varrock, a hooded figure ran into a small house and talked quickly to a group of identical figures in the storeroom. After a moments thought, one of them said “Let us act now”

Josh began to question the shop owners around Varrock square. All to no avail…

The four men fished Doom Essence out of their bag, and chose their items…

Chapter 6 – A powerful Villain emerges…

Josh, who had now been questioning shop keepers for a while now, turned back to the palace and wearily began trudging towards the entrance. As he ascended up the steps into the palace courtyard, he heard yelling and screaming back over his shoulder, turning he saw men and women fleeing Varrock square from an invisible danger. Josh hesitated, however, an extra loud scream made him turn back to the square and head for it. Upon standing by the fountain and looking around, there appeared to be no threat. Felling foolish he doubled back, but not before his eyes caught something. Looking down the path to Varrock’s south gate, he saw a shadow gliding silently further towards him.

Interested, he moved towards it, meeting it at the weapon shop. It passed over him, and then he realised. The shadow wasn’t moving. Its owner was!

Looking up, he saw a pulsing purple mass slowly covering Varrock. It pulsed with energy and lightening was seen shooting in the purple haze that was so dense it was almost impenetrable. When Josh jerked himself out of his mixture of shock and awe he began, once again, to shoot towards the palace. But by the time he got there, the whole of Varrock was encased. From the back of the palace to the south gate, from the east entrance to the west one.

People were looking up fearfully at their pulsing prison, and some even dared venture out into the square for a better look, and Josh stood among many people gazing at the angry purple clouds over them and around them. From nowhere, as strong, harsh voice shattered the silence.

“Varrock finally gives in to the power of despair. You are trapped forever in my doom-trap!” Looking round, Josh saw a man in dark robes standing by the weapon shop. On either side of him were 2 identical people and one behind. They were all clutching an array of items in one of their hands. Josh rounded on the man at the front. “Who are you” he demanded.

“Your new master” he said in amusement, and he raised the long stick in his right hand, which was topped with a glass crystal and pulsed with the same colour the orb around them was. Everyone, including Josh, fell to their knees in a bow. The hooded figures picked their way through them towards the palace. Josh struggled against the force keeping him down, but it was futile.

The cloaked men entered the palace, and the great oak doors slammed shut. The townsfolk and Josh could suddenly move freely again. Immediately, Josh charged the Oaken doors, but all to no avail. He banged on the doors, yelling, but no one heard him, or were either too busy to worry about letting him in. Josh suddenly became aware of a small noise near him. Someone was behind him. Before he could turn he had been clubbed over the head, blindfolded and gagged.

Chapter 7 – A Glimmer of Hope

Josh lay on a cold marble floor. A figure was sitting behind him, fingers together. Waiting… Finally, Josh stirred, and the person swooped down on him.

“Who is…?” Josh began but stopped as a small Saradomin symbol swung and knocked into his face. A monk helped him to his feet, and before Josh could utter another word, the short monk marched him over to a table and sat him down in front of a small collection of food.

Josh ate…and ate…and ate! At least – until the table was empty anyway. It must have been many long hours. Finally, with an almighty burp the monk took Josh over to a fireplace where they sat and spoke to each other.

“Who are you and why am i here!” Josh Began with two questions that were already apparent to the monk who had already began to answer.

“I am Father Urhney. We are in my house in Lumbridge Swamps. I have saved you from almost certain death by removing you from the doors of Varrock palace.”

“Ok…so, what do you want?”

“The spirits have been restless lately with the re-creation of the mystical items. You see, as well as doom essence the items grow in strength increase in power by capturing souls. However! they can be stopped. The Items of Destiny!”

“Ooooo” said josh encapsulated by Father Urhney’s words.

“You must find these items! to save Varrock! AND RUNESCAPE!”

Father Urhney handed Josh a scroll of parchment. Upon it was a map of Glienior. On the reverse, instructions.

“This map will guide you to the resting place of the Destiny Items. The instructions will aid you in your attempt to retrieve them.”

“Attempt? Errrr…….Right…”

Josh left the small shack stumbling into the smelling swap aroma. Wishing Father Urhney had not brought him so far from the location of the items, he began to trudge slowly North towards Draynor…

Chapter 8 – Off to Destiny!

Josh walked North. On the way he began mumbling when he got lost “’Why haven’t they invented the compass yet?’ After a while he arrived in the small logging village of Draynor. Upon entering the town he was passed by a stream of eager loggers. Commencing into the town square he inquired what way it was to Falador of a man named Diango. After being pointed the right direction he set off once again.

At last, he was walking through soldier-flanked gates and was in Falador.

“Finally” he puffed

Following the path he was led around the moat of a white washed castle. When he came to the square (and the castle entrance) he was torn between heroistic thoughts and that of curiosity. Pulling his eyes from the castle his eyes gazed rebelliously at the map in his hands. He was meant to exit Falador’s north gate and immediately west. And so, doing just that, he walked west outside the walls.

Looking at the map again, then the landscape he saw what he was looking for! A fence, and inside the fence – a ring of stones. He entered. Standing in the middle he saw a small pebble. Bending down, he pulled it and instantly the earth in the circle of stones melted away to reveal stone steps. Of course Josh had fell down quite a few of them by now. After picking himself up and dusting off, he continued down the steps – on his feet this time!

Dark tunnels weaved away from the main one, which was flooded with light that came from nowhere. Nearing the end of the tunnel, a door stood wide open. The door appeared to be the source of all the light that had gone on for the last 10 minutes.

Shielding his eyes on entry he began to make out a totally white room. Gold was sparkling on the walls. A tall pedestal stood in the centre of the cavern. On top was the light source – but he could not see what it was.

A sharp pain was felt on his neck! and as he fell to the floor, the only thought that crossed his mind was “Oh no – not again”

Picking himself up, he say a hazy figure in white and gold standing between him and the plinth.
“Who are you” asked the figure in a booming voice that echoed around the cavern.

“I am Josh, Hero extraordinaire. I have come for the Destiny item”

“Well Josh, you will never get it. Why would i let you have that much power?”

“To stop evil mages taking over Runescape with the Mystic Items!”

“WHAT!” Cried the man taken aback “My brother guards the essence of them like i guard mine!”

“Well, they’ve got it” Josh said gleefully

“Well hero, i cannot just let you take it. You must prove your worth! FIGHT ME!”

In a swift movement the silver sword in his belt was drawn and cutting through the air directly to Josh. He dodged quickly and moved few meters away. Drawing his rather less impressive sword as well, he murmured

“It’s ON!”

Chapter 9 – The Guardian

Josh, who’s neck and other limbs were aching, charged swiping his blade through the air. The silver sword of his adversary appeared from nowhere coming to meet his. Upon connection their swords let out sharp cries that echoed through the cave systems. Both of them were putting enormous amounts of effort in to overcome the resistance from the others sword that were before them against each other in mid air. Slowly, the mysterious stranger’s sword began pushing our hero’s back! struggling against this new pressure, Josh tried to oppose it. However hard he tried to counter it the silver blade inched closer to him. The stranger gave one last push and Josh fell back slammed into the wall and slumped on the floor.

Wearily Josh pulled himself to his feet using his sword that he dug into the ground. He was still standing between the platform and Josh. Opening his mouth to speak, Josh released just how much the journey here has taken out of him before this fight.

“I don’t want to fight, i just want to save Varrock”

“A likely story! You still haven’t proved to me you are worthy”

“Well…” Struggled Josh “How about a Quest?”

“Hmmmm…Well…I don’t Know”

“Oh, come on! You know you need something done!” Urged Josh

“Very well! You must find me my favourite rare dish! Cooked Mole Claws!”

“Oh, isn’t that members only?”

“YES! It is!” Boomed the giant man with laughter

Josh thought for a while, and then agreed to this seemingly impossible task. Leaving the cavern he quickly hurried back into Falador. Upon entering Falador, he saw an elaborately dressed person wearing a hunting skill cape. Hurrying over Josh asked if he had any Mole claws in his bank.

“Yes, but they will only appear as ‘Members Item’ for you…”

Regardless, Josh asked for them and swiftly ran over to the other side of town where he found a stove in an abandoned house. Using it he hoped. And yes! He got ‘Cooked members item’
Running excitedly back, he showed ‘Cooked members item’ to the guardian. Who looked at it in amazement.

“How did you get this so quickly?” He gawped

“Oh…Err…I….Err….Teleported around to find the information out…”

“Yes, but how did you get down the MEMBERS ONLY hole and find the Mole? It took me ages last time i went!”

“Oh, yes, well. I…Dug my own Free hole! and I…err…Fell on top of the hole and i just cut its claw off and ran! Yes…”

“Very Well! You have proved yourself. Please help yourself to the destiny Items.”

Curiously Josh stepped past the now Gorging guardian. Up to the Plinth. On the plinth lay 3 weapons that shone brightly despite the lack of sunlight. They seemed to radiate warmth. Tenderly Josh picked up the long sword and examined it. “A Mythical sword of Light and Truth” Yielded the chat box. Satisfied, Josh staggered back up the tunnel for hopefully the last time. And started on his journey back to Varrock.

To Be Continued!

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