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

heard nothing from Kara, for it had been Arisha who had forwarded word of her plans. He looked quickly behind him to Doric and Ebenezer, to ask their advice, and as he did so the motion caused him to step forward.
    A sharp intake of breath caught his attention, followed by several more.
    He turned and saw angry gazes from the members of court who were aligned along the opposite wall, facing him.
    He felt the blood drain from his face.
    “Do you approach me without my leave?” the King declared.
    Castimir glanced down.
    His foot was upon the yellow rug.
    “Well?” the King continued. “Speak, wizard.”
    Theodore gave him a resigned glare and stepped back, clearing his way. Casitimir moved forward.
    “My name is Castimir, my King,” he mumbled.
    Speak louder. You are a wizard , he thought furiously. A famous one, at that. Not a mouse in a room of cats. Marshalling his wits, he raised his head and spoke again.
    “I am a wizard of Saradomin who fought at Kara’s side in theunrest in Asgarnia last year,” he said. “She and two others have undertaken an expedition into The Wilderness in pursuit of an evil that remained at large after the siege of Falador.”
    A murmur ran around the chamber.
    “Two others?” someone said.
    “Just the three of them?” another voice added.
    “Into The Wilderness, you say?” the King asked, standing in surprise. “Such recklessness borders on madness. For how long have they been gone?”
    Castimir looked back to Theodore, and when he spoke, though still clear, his voice was lower than before.
    “They have been gone too long, my King. My last communication from them clearly stated that they intended to be here in time for today’s celebrations. Truth be told Sire, their absence makes me fear for them.”
    “A fear I share, Castimir. As do we all,” King Roald said. “Yet I suppose we must trust that Kara-Meir is indeed as skilled as the tales say she is.” He turned to address the crowd. “In the meantime, anyone claiming to be her must be brought to the palace immediately, by force if necessary, and presented to Theodore or his companions for identification. Now I will take my private council.”
    With that he stepped down from the marble dais and exited through a door to his left, followed by Lord Despaard and two others. The first, an ancient man, was hidden under a black fur coat, the other was an elderly nobleman with sharp features that reminded Castimir of a hawk. Only when they had gone did the audience break up, to swarm throughout the narrow chamber in a buzz of voices, a hundred feet crumpling the yellow rug—for now the King had left its power had gone.
    Castimir’s heart beat quicker as Lady Anne approached Theodore.
    “So the King takes guidance from the librarian Papelford and the Lords Despaard and Ruthven,” she said. “Perhaps I should be included amongst such august company? Don’t you think so, Theodore?”
    As she teased the squire, Castimir sensed Theodore’s anger build. He knew his friend as few others did. But the squire mastered his irritation.
    “Good day, Lady Anne,” he said brusquely. “I have work to do, and time is running short.” He turned and gave a nod to his friends as he left the throne room.
    From the look on Lady Anne’s face, if the insult had meant to wound, it had failed.
    “He can be a bore, can’t he?” she said to no one in particular. “But I suppose that’s what makes him such a challenge.” Moving in their direction, she skipped by Castimir, ignoring him entirely as she put her arm through William’s. “Now William de Adlard, I want you to do something for me. When Theodore finishes his morning drill with his young men, I want you to lead him by the galleries. I will be waiting.”
    “And why should I do this thing?” William asked, making no attempt to hide his own irritation.
    “Because if you do as I say, I will put a good word in for you to Lady Caroline.”
    Castimir saw Lady Anne’s spell work its