The dog meets your gaze, listening seriously. Abruptly, he darts forwards. His long tongue lashes out and swipes you between the lips.
(set: $canundo to true)
"Ugh!" You push him away, spitting and wiping. How could you fall for that again? The dog runs to the door and sits down, looking at you expectantly.
[["Okay, fine, get out of here!" ->letDogOut]]
[["What am I, the doorman?" ->ignoreDog]]As soon as the door opens a crack, the dog noses its way out and vanishes.
(display: "rescueByMorael")The dog starts to whine loudly. It's an irritating, high-pitched sound. When that doesn't work, he starts to bark. Loudly.
[[Let the dog out. ->letDogOut]]
[["Go ahead, boy! Do your business! What, haven't you ever peed on a four hundred year old rug before?" ->dogPee]]You sit back down. All is silent. You need a plan. But the best you can come up with is to win Sir Raddibore's trust, work out where he is holding Prince Rain and the outlaws, steal a key and release them. It's a fine plan, as far as it goes, but the lack of details is troubling.
Hearing a knock at the door, you sigh. The very thought of conversing with Yellowtooth makes your skin crawl, let alone flattering him. But you can think of no alternative. And waiting is, if anything, worse.
You open the door.
One tall guard stands there alone. Amber eyes flicker behind the grey-crested helm. You rise, assuming he has come to escort you to Sir Raddibore.
Instead, the stranger steps inside the room and closes the door. Fear lances through you. Surely Sir Raddibore's soldiers would not dare assault a princess! But after his disrespectful words, nothing would surprise you. You look around for a weapon.
The soldier stands by the door, shaking loose auburn locks as he removes his helm. His honey-colored eyes meet yours levelly.
(if: $data's metM is 1)[With a shock, you recognise the naked knight from the wood. Though he is, of course, no longer naked. The guard's uniform is rather too short for him, and narrow across the shoulders.
He bows slightly. "Highness. I must apologise for my appearance -- and for my abrupt departure when last we spoke. My condition..." he pauses, as if unable to find words. "Upon my honour, I will do all I can to assist you. Prince Rain and the others are in the west dungeon, but I have no key. Perhaps we can persuade a jailer to lend us one."
You hesitate. What kind of a trick is this? Does he work for Yellowtooth?] (else:)["Highness," he bows slightly. "You do not know me, but I swear upon my honour, I will do all I can to assist you. Prince Rain and the others are in the west dungeon, but I have no key. Perhaps we can persuade a jailer to lend us one."
His enunciation is precise, the vowels ever-so-slightly unusual, yet you cannot place the accent. The guard's uniform is rather too short for him, and narrow across the shoulders.]
[["Who are you? Why would you help me?" ->whoMoraelRad]]
[["Why are you betraying your master?" ->whyBetrayMaster]]
[["What happened to the guards?" ->whereAreGuards]] "To reveal my name, Highness, would raise more questions than it answers. But you may call me Frog."
He bows slightly. He does not look frog-like; in fact, his features are striking, the jawline delicate yet stern, and his wide amber eyes watch you with calm refinement. The word handsome hardly suffices; he reminds you of the statue of a god.
You realise you've been staring, and a blush creeps upwards in reply to his smile.
"Highness, shall we go? Sir Raddibore's guards are, well, indisposed, but it will not be long before somebody notices and comes to check on you."
[["Okay, let's go find a nice helpful jailor." ->goRadDungeon]]
[["Wait, how do I know I can trust you?" ->whyTrustMoraelRad]]The stranger gives you a cool, dazzling smile. "No man is my master, Highness, and certainly not Sir Raddibore. I merely arrayed myself as a guard that we might move freely about the castle."
[["Who are you? Why are you helping me?" ->whoMoraelRad]]
[["Makes sense. And I imagine we have little time for chit-chat. Shall we go?" ->goRadDungeon]](if: not ((history:) contains "whoMoraelRad"))["Absolutely, Highness. You may call me Frog, by the way."
]You allow Frog to lead you up and down stairs, and through a maze of twisting stone passages. The castle seems designed to mislead, and you find yourselves backtracking repeatedly. At first, your luck holds: you pass a few servants, and a pair of guards, but none challenge you.
Then, rounding a wide corner, you meet Sir Raddibore and three guards.
[[Run. ->runFirstRad]]
[[Try to bluff. ->bluffRad]](set: $data to StrayHeirs["datastore"])(set: $canundo to false)(set: $array_position to 1)(set: $randarray to (a:(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20)))
#Chapter 6
## Yellowtooth's Dungeon
|Recap>[(display: "recap")]
You wait a moment, then try the door. It's unlocked. The two guards stare at you stonily, and your attempts at conversation are met with silence. Closing the door again, you examine the walls and floorboards, but if there are hidden doors or tunnels, they are not obvious. You sit down again, and rest your head in your hands.
Something warm and damp nudges your hands aside. It's the russet dog's nose. Idly, you fondle his silken ears and gaze into his golden eyes.
[["You do actually smell better than Sir Raddibore, you know?" ->dogSmellsBetter]]
[["Why are you always following me around, anyway?" ->dogSmellsBetter]] With Frog at your side, you flee along narrow corridors, up stairs and down. You have no idea where you're going, and it's evident neither does Frog. The sounds of pursuit never cease, and soon you are both panting, your legs burning with effort.
Abruptly, Frog pulls you into a closet in an empty room. "Highness, this is not working. And I fear my time is almost done. I'll draw them away. Make your way to the west dungeon when you can."
He stares into your eyes with a strangely intense, tender expression. He presses your hands tight. Then he leaves, shutting the door behind.
You stare after him in darkness. Questions crowd your mind. Who *is* this man? You cannot help feeling that you know him well. And yet he's virtually a stranger -- one who will risk death for you, apparently, but not tell you his name or purpose, or stick around for more than two hours.
You hear your pursuers pass, and silence ensues: it seems Frog's ruse succeeded.
[[Hesitantly, you peek out of the closet. ->peekout]]Sir Raddibore's eyes bulge as he yells at Frog: "WHAT is going on here? I ordered the Princess to be kept safe. Why is she out wandering the passages?"
Frog glances at you.
[[(set: $difficulty to 14 - $data's likesY)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "Oh, dear Sir Raddibore, please don't blame him. I asked him to escort me to a writing room, that I might convey the happy news to my beloved father. He was kind enough to oblige." ->answerForFrog]]
[[Let Frog handle it. ->letFrogAnswer]]
[[Run away. ->runAwayRad]] (display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 3)
(if: $success is true)[Sir Raddibore puffs visibly, but you sense calculation in the beady little eyes. "Ah, of course, my dear - a most commendable impulse. By all means, write to the King - I shall send your letter along with the prisoner. Your father will be delighted to have this nasty little matter so swiftly and comprehensively resolved."
You open, and then snap shut your mouth, fortunately finding no words to respond to this summary of his proposal.
"In fact... I shall escort you to the scriptorium myself. I have some correspondence I've been meaning to catch up on." Raddibore takes your arm, leading you ahead of the guards. Frog trails after, looking dismayed; as you enter the scriptorium, he slips away.
You spend the next hour at a leather-bound desk, composing a scathing account of Yellowtooth's hospitality for your father's eyes. Sir Raddibore writes a letter also, which he seals and hands to a page immediately. You only glimpse the name on the envelope, and so briefly that you cannot be sure of it. *To Lady Nyora?* It makes no sense.
Raddibore sits, fidgeting, and idly leafs through a stack of papers with frequent sidelong glances in your direction. After you have described each dish at the feast, the tapestries and stonework and every other innocuous feature you can think of, you discretely doodle in the corners of the parchment.
At last Raddibore sighs. "Very well, young lady. I must say, your stamina for penmanship is impressive!" He chuckles. "But my eyesight is not what it used to be, I'm afraid. I shall await you in my late wife's chambers."
He pecks you on the cheek before departing.
[[Read Raddibore's papers. ->readPapers]]
[[Cautiously open the door. ->peekout]]](else:)[Sir Raddibore looks skeptical. "This isn't the way to the scriptorium. And where's the other guard?" He glares up at Frog. "Where were you taking her, knave?"
Frog returns his gaze unflinchingly. "As her Highness explained, we were on our way to the scriptorium. I merely intended to stop by the western guard room to request support, since my partner was indisposed."
Sir Raddibore's eyes grow narrow. He gestures at the men behind him. "That's no guard... Arrest them both!"
The men step forward eagerly, baring their blades.
[[Draw your sword. ->fightRad]]
[[Flee. ->runAwayRad]]]Frog's voice is even, calm, and not the least bit submissive. "Her Highness requested that I escort her to a... dressing-room. She needed to do something to her hair."
Sir Raddibore's eyes grow narrow. He gestures at the men behind him. "That's no guard... Arrest him!"
The men step forward eagerly, baring their blades.
[[Draw your sword. ->fightRad]]
[[Flee. ->runAwayRad]](if: $data's fight < 2)[The men chuckle, and Lord Raddibore gasps in outrage, as you wrestle the blade from its sheath. You really need more practice at this.
Frog has no such difficulties. "Get behind me," he mutters, lowering the point of his blade.](else:)[Lord Raddibore gasps as you whip your sword from its sheath. One of the men snorts derisively, but they back away nonetheless.
Frog flashes you a tight smile. "Stay back," he mutters, lowering the point of his blade.] (set: $data's fight to $data's fight + 1) His eyes flicker between your enemies. He seems unperturbed, but can he truly take on three men at once?
You obey, conscious that you would only hamper him in combat. But you keep your blade ready nonetheless.
Sir Raddibore's aged voice cracks like a whip: "Disarm the Princess without touching her. I'll hang the man who puts a scratch on her hide! Kill the false guard."
You recall that a narrow flight of stairs ascends behind you and to the left.
[[Retreat to fight from the stairs. ->fightFromStairs]]
[[Stand your ground. ->fightInCorridor]]
[[Flee. ->runAwayRad]] "Frog! This way!" you call. He nods without turning, and together you back up the narrow staircase. Now you command the higher ground, and your enemies must approach one by one.
The first guard looks up at you, warily. He makes an exploratory slash; Frog parries almost lazily. The man steps back and mutters something to another guard, who runs off.
"He's going around the back to trap us," says Frog. "Let's press our advantage while we may."
He steps forward, broadsword flashing in the torchlight.
You wave your sword at the men, but their attention is entirely on Frog.
[[Let Frog handle the fighting. ->letFrogFight]]
[[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Fight")(display: "makeDice"): Attack. ->attackWithFrog]]The guards attack as one, hacking and slashing. You can barely keep track of the flashing blades in the torchlight. One man falls, clutching his stomach, but Frog is pressed back against the wall with you beside him. You wave your sword at the men, but their attention is entirely on Frog.
[[Let Frog handle the fighting. ->letFrogFight]]
[[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Fight")(display: "makeDice"): Attack. ->attackWithFrog]]Frog steps lightly over the dying man, sword held low.
The last guard looks at the corpse, then at Frog's face. He looks very young. He turns to Sir Raddibore, eyes wide. "Sir, I can't --"
"I said, kill him!" snarls Sir Raddibore.
The guard looks at Frog, gripping his sword so tight his knuckles turn white. His lower lip is trembling.
"I have no desire to kill you, boy," says Frog. "But I also have no time to waste."
The young guard hesitates, looking from Frog to Sir Raddibore.
"Run," suggests Frog. The boy runs.
Sir Raddibore scowls after him. "Cowards, fools and traitors!" he mutters.
Frog points his blade at the old man's chest. "Do you expect more mercy than you would have showed me?"
Sir Raddibore's snowy eyebrows descend into a furious V. "Put that blade away, you moron."
Frog doesn't. "Your Highness, would you be so kind as to tie Sir Raddibore's hands with his belt?"
Reluctantly, you approach Sir Raddibore, wrinkling your nose at the acrid smell of sweat. You slide the belt through the buckle, trying to avoid touching the flesh that bulges around it.
His pale eyes watch you. Suddenly he gives you a lecherous smile. "I look forward to repeating this experience under happier circumstances, Highness."
You wrench the belt free and wrap it around his plump white wrists.
"Not so tight, Highness," he grumbles.
[[Tighten it more. ->tightenRadBelt]]
[[Loosen it. ->loosenRadBelt]]The women continue to chatter as you creep after them, descending one flight of stairs after another.
"T'is only for tonight though, is it not? The lord will take 'is prizes south tomorrow. He'll be eager to parade 'em in Stelgarte, no?"
"Only the Saragaian princeling, I think. The rest'll be executed."
"Oh, and weren't the Saragaian's men eating and drinking all night at the feast? An' yet Cook sends them more bread... what, does he mean to fatten them and serve them up as spit-roast?"
You must be far underground by now. The air grows dank and chill, the stones slick with moisture, and the scent of mold coats your lungs like a blanket.
"Ha, it's not about where the bread goes. T'is about where it *don't* go. For if it's left in the kitchen, old Nan would be down to hand it out to the beggar-children, and Cook cannot bear to have those vermin in her nice clean kitchen, yet she daren't stand up to Old Nan. No bread, no fight..."
"Vermin, you call 'em? For begging unwanted crusts? What should the little ones do, starve quietly?"
The women's voices go quiet: they've turned into a room and closed the door behind them. Faintly, you still hear their chatter.
"T'was Cook's word, not mine. Must you always be so serious? Anyhow, here we are. Let's see if we can..."
You shrink against the wall as the door opens again, and the women step out just an arms-length from you. Fortunately, they are absorbed in conversation, and their eyes are on the slippery cobbles. They disappear up the stairway, still chatting merrily.
Over the pervasive stench of rot, you detect the scent of smoke, potatoes and onions. You guess that beyond the door lies the dungeon kitchen. Most likely, then, the dungeon itself is a little further down the corridor.
(display: "arriveGuardRoom")You make some strategic rips to your bodice, tousle your hair, and hike up your dress in a way that looks accidental, exposing the tight fit of your leggings. You place one hand upon your hip and lightly push upon the door.
It creaks as it swings open, and the three men turn in their chairs. You flash them a coy smile and wiggle your hips. "Well, *hello* boys. I'm the Crown Princess Seline, and I'm looking for a *real* man now, not some pin-dicked Saragaian bastard."
The men roar with laughter. "Oooh, Your Highness," says one, standing. He puts his hand on his crotch. "I'll show you a real man right now if you want."
You shimmy up to him and gaze deep into his eyes. He's a skinny lad, with protruding teeth that make him look a like a hare. A glance at his belt reveals a heavy, rusted black key ring. "That does sound enticing... but can you boys afford me?"
"Fifty silvers!" shouts a tall, bulky fellow with a beard that flows almost to his belly. His keys sit on the table beside his cup.
"Eighty!" yells the third, a plump-cheeked boy.
[[Move closer to the table. ->stealKeysTable]]
[[Move closer to the hare-faced man with keys on his belt. ->stealKeysBelt]]You draw a deep breath, straighten your back, and push open the guardroom door.
Three men turn in their seats as it swings open. A rusted key-ring rests on the table near a large, bearded guard.
He frowns. "Who're you?" The words are slurred.
[[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "I am nobody of consequence. Please, kind sirs, I beg you -- might I have a few minutes alone with a prisoner before his execution?" ->begGuards]]
[["Do you not recognise your own Crown Princess? I must speak with Prince Rain of Saragai at once!" ->askGuards]]You walk to the table. The bearded man stares up at you, open-mouthed.
You twine your fingers in his beard, and look him up and down. "I've heard rumors about men with long beards," you murmur, meeting his eyes.
"They're true," he assures you, grinning.
The hare-faced man interjects: "Like the one about how they store food in 'em for weeks? That's definitely true of Oliver here."
Oliver's brow creases. "No, she meant the one about our vi --"
"Violent temperaments?" interrupts the hare-faced man.
"I thought she was going to say prolonged virginity," adds the plump boy, swigging from a flagon.
(display: "provokeMen")You walk close to thin hare-faced man, trying not to cough at the odor of whisky and sweat. Suddenly, he grabs at you, pulling you hard against his legs and aiming a drunken kiss in your direction. You slip away, giggling. "Your friend already said eighty," you remind him.
"You haven't smelled my friend's breath," he replies.
"She also hasn't seen your cock, Peter," points out the plump-faced boy.
"One hundred," says the bearded man still sitting at the table. The other two stare at him.
"There go Oliver's life savings," mutters Peter, with a shrug.
"He has that much?" asks the boy, with mock incredulity.
(display: "provokeMen")"Now, now, boys, please don't fight over little me." You stretch seductively in front of Oliver, then give Calkin a wink as you slither back to Peter, gazing up into his grey eyes with what you hope looks like untrammeled lust. "Please don't provoke Oliver. He looks like such a brute... I couldn't bear it if you got hurt."
Calkin's cheeks dimple as he giggles. "Aww, poor little darling Peter. Even the girl wants to protect him from the big mean bully."
Peter puffs up like an angry lizard. "Don't worry, girl. Oliver's just a big drunken idiot. Look at him, he can hardly stand. And as for Calkin, he'd better watch his mouth..."
Oliver's heavy scowl deepens. "Who are you calling an idiot, boy?"
"Hey, calm down, mate," says Peter, backing away. He pushes you behind him as Oliver approaches, flexing his bull-like shoulders.
(display: "gotKeys")"Now, now, boys, please don't fight over little me." You stretch seductively in front of Oliver, then give Peter a wink as you slither back to Calkin, gazing up into his dull hazel eyes with what you hope looks like untrammeled lust. "Please don't provoke Oliver. He looks like such a brute... I couldn't bear it if you got hurt."
Peter chuckles. "Aww, poor little darling Calkin. Even the lass wants to protect him from the big mean bully."
Calkin puffs up like an angry lizard. "Don't worry, girl. Oliver's just a big drunken idiot. Look at him, he can hardly stand. And as for Peter, he'd better watch his mouth..."
Oliver's scowl deepens. "Who are you calling an idiot, boy?"
"Hey, calm down, mate," says Calkin, backing away. He pushes you behind him as Oliver approaches, flexing his bull-like shoulders.
(display: "gotKeys")"Now, now, boys, please don't fight over little me." You stretch seductively in front of Calkin, then give Peter a wink as you slither back to Oliver, gazing up into his muddy eyes with what you hope looks like untrammeled lust. "It's very mean of them to tease you so. I'm sure nothing they say about you is true."
Oliver's scowl deepens. "Of course it's not true, damn them." He pushes you behind him, and moves past you to confront Peter and Calkin, flexing his bull-like shoulders.
"Hey, calm down, mate," says Calkin, backing away. Oliver does not calm down.
(display: "gotKeys")Rain flinches at your words. "I can understand why you're angry, Seline. But she's your friend. She's always been your friend. Everything she did was meant to protect you... And she's here now because she came with me to rescue you. Are you really going to throw that away over one fight?"
[["You're right, Rain. I'm sorry... I was just shocked to see her here." ->freeTertia]]
[["Forget it, Rain. She betrayed my trust. All of this is her fault. She's not our friend. She's nothing to me, now, and I hope Sir Raddibore lets her rot down here until she sprouts mushrooms." ->notFreeTertiaAgain]]Tertia holds up her shackled hands in mute appeal. When the heavy cuffs fall to the ground, a foul smell emanates from her blackened, lacerated wrists.(set: $data's likesT to it + 1)
Her brow is damp with sweat, and her cheeks are pale.
Together, you and Rain lift her to her feet. She sways, but manages to stay standing.
[["Let's get out of here!" ->letsGetOutRain]]
[["What happened to you?" ->whatHappened]]Rain turns away from you, facing Tertia. "Very well. Then you had better go now, Seline."
You hold the door open. "Come on, Rain. What are you doing?"
Rain kneels beside Tertia, holding her hands. "I'm standing by my friend, who needs me. I don't know what you're doing."
Your lip curls in disgust, but you have to get him out of there. And apparently that means getting Tertia out too.
[["Fine." ->freeTertia]]Rain gives you a searching look. "I see," he says, coolly. "Sounds like we have quite some catching up to do."
(set: $data's likesA to it + 1)
You bite your lip. Explaining Andreas to Rain is not going to be easy. Luckily, right now there's no time to even try.
[["I'll tell you everything later. Promise!" ->quietCorridor]] The stranger inclines his head. "They're... indisposed, Highness. I did my best to avoid hurting them, but I was obliged to silence them swiftly."
[["Who are you? Why would you help me?" ->whoMoraelRad]]
[["Why are you betraying your master?" ->whyBetrayMaster]]You pull the belt tighter. Raddibore gasps. "I said --"
"She heard you." Frog nods in approval of your work.
(display: "soldiersArriveRad")You loosen the belt a notch, but now you fear he may wriggle out.
(display: "soldiersArriveRad")Soldiers' boots clatter in the hall. Many boots. Raddibore's expression morphs into triumph. "Kneel, boy!"
Frog looks at you. "Shall we be going now, Highness?"
You nod, and run.
(display: "runAwayRad")You giggle, and give the hare-faced man a daring glance whilst sidling toward the boy.
Oliver swings to his feet, swaying as he looks from one to the other. "Eh, Calkin. I've about had enough o' you ribbin' at me."
Calkin raises an eyebrow. "*He* started it."
"An' you, Peter, you was cheating at dice." Oliver flexes his shoulders, looking now at the remaining man.
"It's not my fault you don't know how to play." Peter shrugs.
You look from one to another.
[[Move toward Peter. ->sideWithPeter]]
[[Move toward the plump-faced boy. ->sideWithCalkin]]
[[Move toward Oliver. ->sideWithOliver]]None of the men are paying the least attention to you. You sidle to the table, and slip Oliver's keys into the fold of your dress.
Oliver swings a punch at Calkin. Peter grabs his arm. Calkin lurches aside, then returns the punch. All three men are sufficiently drunk that the combat appears sluggish to your eyes. You watch each blow for seconds before it arrives, and after each exchange there is a period of confusion as the men sway, off-balance and undecided.
It appears they may be occupied for some time. Unnoticed, you slip silently out the door and return to the iron-barred gate.
(display: "openGates")You wait until the women are gone, then follow the faint scent of bread downstairs into ever-darker, danker and twistier passages. You soon realise you are hopelessly lost, and sweat gathers in your gown despite the chill. Perhaps you have discovered passages even Sir Raddibore's men know nothing of. Perhaps you will die down here.
Your path ends in an unlit staircase slick with moisture. The smell of mold wafts up from below like cold steam.
[[Take the stair down. ->takeStairDownRad]]
[[Take the stair up. ->takeStairUp]]You creep onwards, rolling the soles of your feet carefully to avoid any sound. The corridor ends in a barred gate, beyond which you glimpse damp iron-clad cells. Somewhere, water drips. You shiver.
To the right, the door of a small guardroom stands ajar. Light spills out, and the clatter of dice and cups. Voices are raised inside. Judging by the slurring, they've been playing for some time. Nobody mans the gate itself. Apparently Raddibore's prison guards are no more dutiful than his other servants. You cannot blame them; if you had to remain in this dank, fetid place, you too would while away the time however you could.
You creep to the gate, and quietly pull on it, but it is, of course, locked. You have no lockpicks, and the keys are presumably inside the guardroom.
That leaves few options. Attack is not one of them; your sword skills would not suffice for even a single warrior.
[[Open the door. ->persuadeGuards]]You steel yourself. Surely the deepest tunnels here will lead to Sir Raddibore's dungeon -- or possibly down to the sewers. Into the darkness you plunge, clinging to the slick wall to avoid slipping upon the rough, sloping stones.
The stairway ends in a rough tunnel. Soon after, you come to an iron-bound door. Faint voices echo from ahead. (display: "arriveGuardRoom")You shudder at the stench emanating from the dark stairway. Surely even Sir Raddibore would not keep his prisoners in such a noxious place.
In fact, these lower levels are all so foul that they must be disused. If anything, they must lead to the sewer system you vaguely recall Raddibore rambling about. You head up the staircase.
The air grows sweeter and brighter as you ascend, until you come to a narrow slit window. Above the window, the stairs wind on into darkness.
You continue more nervously. Strange sounds echo through the narrow space: a faint whistling like a distant, unending scream, a low, regular clash and grind, as of machinery far off, and the drip, drip, drip of water somewhere.
It's pitch black, and the climb seems endless. You move hesitantly; the stones are damp with foul-smelling slime, and you can't help imagining sliding backwards into the depths. The darkness is dizzying; you find yourself unsure which way is down, and the stones slope to the side, growing ever-steeper until you are forced to cling to them or fall.
At last a faint light illuminates the hallway. The stairs flatten out, though the path still slopes sideways, and the walls abruptly end. Two round holes in the rock wall above you let in faint starlight: one near, one far. You feel carefully at the edges of the stone bridge, but find only air. The light does not reach the depths. The path continues beyond the void, sloping less as it proceeds, but in between, the bridge is shadowed.
You blink. On your side, the sideways slant of the bridge grows steeper and steeper until it disappears in darkness.
Why on earth would anyone design a bridge like that?
[[Go back down the stair. ->backDownStairRad]]
[[Try to cross the bridge. ->climbPastTwistRad]]Reluctantly, you head back down the stairs, clinging to the slimy walls. More than once, you barely catch yourself as your feet slip from under you on the sloping stones. It's a long way down, and your dress is soaked in sweat by the time you reach the bottom.
The stairway ends in a rough tunnel. Soon after, you come to an iron-bound door. Faint voices echo from ahead. (display: "arriveGuardRoom")Resolutely, you clamber forward on hands and knees. The slick stones give little purchase, and as the slope grows steeper, you find yourself wondering how spiders make walking on walls look so easy. The void below calls to you.
Your muscles ache from clinging to damp rock, and sweat trickles into your eyes, stinging and blurring the twisted path ahead.
You can proceed no further. The slope is almost vertical; you hold your position only by wedging your feet and hands into the rough mortar. You would go back, but turning is impossible.
Instead, you force yourself upwards, hand over hand, until you are perched upon the narrow side of the bridge, which is, thankfully, now almost flat. It's not wide enough for you to stand; instead, you straddle it, clinging with arms and feet like a monkey, and inch forward, trying not to think about the abyss below.
To your horror, as you move forward you realise the bridge's side is now starting to slope downward as well. You close your eyes. The world seems to sway around you. You have no idea which way is up or down, and the rocks squirm like wet clay in your desperate grip.
You bite your lip, hard. The sudden pain clears your head; the rocks are solid again. Your heart pounds, loud as a drum in the echoing vault.
Forward. You slither onwards, feeling the bridge's side twist steeper and steeper, until you are forced to climb onto the top -- or bottom -- of the bridge. Now the slope rapidly evens out, the void ends and the stairway plunges down into foul-smelling darkness.
You wrinkle your nose. If anything, this side of the stair smells worse than the other. But a glance back at the twisted bridge suffices to convince you that retreat is not an option.
You take a deep breath, and head down the slippery stairs. They're slick and uneven, but after crossing the bridge, you feel like you could skip all the way.
The stairway ends in a rough tunnel. Soon after, you come to an iron-bound door. Faint voices echo ahead. (display: "arriveGuardRoom")"Oh, don't concern yourself with *him*," Andreas scoffs. "As soon as Yellowtooth had you out of the room, he excused himself. He said he was going to sleep in the stables, but nobody's seen him since. The guards were quite irate." (set: $data's likesK to it + 1)
You eye him dubiously, conscious of his disdain for the green-eyed bard. But surely, no matter his feelings, he would not be so callous as to leave a companion in danger.
Norvidge pats your shoulder. "Don't you worry about Kiaru, m'lady. Truly, 'e's like a bad penny."
[["How can you be certain he wasn't captured after you? We should at least look for him!" ->howKnowNotCaptured]]
[["Very well, we've no time to waste. If he's here, he must fend for himself." ->leaveCells]]You creep back through the dark, echoing stone tunnels. That is, you try to creep, but your party is now six people, half limping, and two of whom have never in their lives attempted creeping before.
Yet, other than the stumbling, cursing and whispering behind you, all remains quiet. You are scarcely able to believe your luck; have the guards still noticed nothing?
As you approach the iron gate, the silence seems increasingly ominous. Are the guards planning an ambush? You hand your sword to Rain; it looks like a toothpick in his grip. Andreas and the other men remain unarmed; you'll have to trust in their skill as brawlers.
Andreas, moving panther-soft in the lead, holds up his hand. "Norvidge," he murmurs, "would you be so kind as to scout ahead? I mistrust this silence."
Norvidge nods. The scrawny man slips ahead, soundless as a shadow. You wait in the dark hall.
Rain catches your eye and pulls you aside. "Seline," he mutters, "these are rough men. I don't know what happened to you, out there in the forest, but their manner is far too familiar."
[["Just trust me, Rain. There's no time to explain." ->noTimeExplainRain]]
[["They may be rough, but they're decent men, Rain. And we're all on the same side." ->noTimeExplainRain]]He frowns. "I don't like it, Seline. How can we know --" Seeing your expression, he stops. "Okay, okay. I'll try not to judge until we have time to talk."
Andreas eyes the two of you, but says nothing.
As quietly as he left, Norvidge slips back amongst you. "We're locked in," he murmurs. "There's a guard right outside the gate; probably more are waiting in the guardhouse. No way we can open it without alerting them."
You chew your lip, thinking. Presumably the guards will not attack you. You could walk up to the gate alone and open it, and perhaps distract the guard until your companions are free. It's unlikely you can prevent him calling for reinforcements, though. Another possibility would be to release the other prisoners and try to overrun the guards with sheer numbers. But can you rely upon the criminals' support?
Both plans seem desperate, but the longer you hesitate, the more chance reinforcements will arrive.
[["I'll try and get the guard to open the gate, then the rest of you rush him." ->openGate]]
[["We could let the other prisoners out and try to overrun the guards." ->prisonBreak]]You stand back, giving Frog room to fight.
One guard pushes forward to face Frog; for a moment, both hesitate, eyes locked together. Then Frog makes a feint. The guard raises his sword to block the blow, but in one smooth motion Frog's sword slides beneath it. The metal flashes in torchlight; the man yelps and crumples, clutching at his gut as dark blood pools beneath him.
Frog's eyes turn at once to the last remaining guard. (display: "finishFightRad")(display: "dice")(set: $data's fight to it + 3)
Conscious that you lack the strength to strike through armor, you hesitate. The nearest man raises his arm to thrust at Frog. As their swords clash, you note the thin, flexible mail around the joints. You've seen warriors seek such vulnerable areas in your father's tournaments.
(if: $success is true)[As the guard raises his sword, you dash forward and plunge your sword directly into his exposed armpit. To your shock, the blade sinks deep, piercing almost to the bone. You pull it back, red and dripping, and watch the man collapse upon the stones, giving a feeble cough that sprays blood. His eyes meet yours for a moment, then look beyond you.
Frog gives you a startled glance. "I had no idea the maids of Thronheim were such doughty warriors."
Your stomach turns over, and your hands begin to shake. You've never killed a man before. The knowledge opens a chasm in your mind. Yet even more shocking is the sharp fascination you feel awakening. You should be repulsed by the red warmth welling and trickling down the man's still-shuddering torso. Yet instead you want to...
You shake your head. What were you thinking?
It was him or Frog, you tell yourself. You had no choice, and no time to hesitate. You clench your teeth, clamp your hands upon the swordhilt, and fix a hard stare upon the second man, refusing to contemplate the matter further.](else:)[As the guard raises his sword, you lunge at his exposed armpit. But even as you move, he's turning; instead of striking thin mail, your sword clangs against smooth plate armor. You overbalance, and, as you catch yourself, feel a hand grip your forearm.
The guard's knee slams into your chest; you hit the floor, then roll, gasping, just in time to see Frog's blade slide between the plates. The man crumples to the ground, clutching at the blood welling from his abdomen.
Frog grabs your hand and pulls you to your feet, then gestures for you to stay back.]
(display: "finishFightRad")"Arrest them!" Yellowtooth yells as you turn and bolt back along the corridor, with Frog at your side. The guards' footsteps pound the flagstones almost on your heels. You choose turns and side-tunnels at random, hoping to throw them off, but your echoes betray you, and they know these paths well.
At last the footsteps die away. You slow to a creep; even the pounding of your heart seems deafening.
Just when you dare hope you've escaped, men leap from the shadows and surround you, swords ready. You wrestle your blade from its sheath, provoking a chuckle from your attackers. They do not strike yet, but there's no way you can break past them.
After a minute, Lord Raddibore arrives, huffing and panting. His flabby cheeks are flushed a deep rose-pink with effort, and sweat beads upon his lined forehead. For a moment, he stands puffing and glaring wordlessly. Then his voice cracks like a whip: "Kill the false guard, but leave the Princess to me. I'll hang the man who puts even a scratch upon her hide!"
"Get behind me," Frog mutters, lowering the point of his blade. His eyes flicker between your enemies. He seems unperturbed, but can he truly take on three men at once?
You obey, conscious that you would only hamper him in combat. But you keep your blade ready nonetheless.
The guards attack as one, hacking and slashing. You can barely track the flashing blades in the torchlight. One man falls, clutching his stomach, but Frog is pressed back against the wall with you beside him. You wave your sword at the men, but their attention is entirely on Frog.
[[Let Frog handle the fighting. ->letFrogFight]]
[[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Fight")(display: "makeDice"): Attack. ->attackWithFrog]](display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 3)
(if: $success is true)["T'aint regular at all..." The hare-faced guard looks troubled.
But another, a bulky fellow with a flowing beard, shrugs. "Can't do no 'arm, I guess. Poor lass."
"Who are you 'ere to see, anyway?" asks the third.
[["The bard, Kiaru." ->seeKiaru]]
[["The bandit, Andreas." ->seeAndreas]]](else:)[The men's faces remain hard. One stands up, scowling. "Nobody of consequence? Why're you dressed so fancy-like then, eh? Where'd you get them rags?"
A second one leans forward. "Wait a minute. I recognise 'er. That's the Crown Princess Seline, that is."
[[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "No, no, I get that all the time. Really, I just happen to look like her." ->notPrincessGuards]]
[["Indeed I am. Now, would you you please let me in to see Prince Rain? I will only be a few minutes." ->askGuards]]]The guards look at one another, eyes narrowed and frowning. One shakes his head. "Sorry, m'lady. We only take orders from Sir Raddibore 'imself."
[["Please, good sirs! I only wish to see my beloved one more time, to beg him to repent his sins and throw himself upon the King's mercy. I fear it is his only hope of salvation." ->begAsPrincess]]
[[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Will")(display: "makeDice"): "Fools! Do you think Sir Raddibore's displeasure more potent than the future Queen's wrath? Obey at once, or your skulls shall rot on spikes above the gates of Castle Stelgarte ere the week is out!" ->threatenGuards]](display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 3)
(if: $success is true)["Really?" The guard looks skeptical. "So, who are you 'ere to see, then?"
[["The bard, Kiaru." ->seeKiaru]]
[["The bandit, Andreas." ->seeAndreas]]](else:)[(display: "askGuards")]One of the guards a bulky fellow with a flowing beard, shrugs. "Can't do no 'arm, I guess. Poor lass."
Another shakes his head. "Yellowtooth'll have our 'eads off if 'e finds out we let the Princess in 'ere."
The third nods, eyeing you speculatively. "Seems to me, your 'ighness, that as Calkin 'ere points out, you're askin' us to take a significant risk. Now, me, I'm loyal to the Crown, make no mistake. We all are. Your obedient servants, 'ave no fear. Even so, I'm thinkin', perhaps a small token of royal appreciation might, so to speak, ease our minds about this unconventional situation."
[["Thank you for your understanding, sir. When you report to Castle Stelgarte, each man here shall receive a bag of fifty silvers in gratitude for your compassion and presence of mind." ->bribeGuards]]
[["You dare ask payment to comply with a royal command? Be grateful I do not have your heads off for this insolence! Now, open the dungeon at once, or your skulls shall rot on spikes above the gates of Castle Stelgarte ere the week is out!" ->threatenGuards]](display: "dice")(set: $data's will to it + 3)
(if: $success is true)[The men back away, ashen-faced. "Yer 'ighness, we didn't mean no disrespect. Of course... you wants the keys, you gets the keys. Right away, yer 'ighness..." One snatches the keys from the table and drops to his knees, proffering them with trembling hands.
Straight-backed, you graciously accept the keys and march out of the room. Only when you're almost to the gates do you permit yourself a sigh of relief.
(display: "openGates")](else:)[The men flinch at your harsh words, and exchange uneasy glances, but do not move.
One of them shakes his head. "Yellowtooth'll have our 'eads off if 'e finds out we let the Princess in 'ere."
Another nods, eyeing you speculatively. "Seems to me, your 'ighness, that as Calkin 'ere points out, you're askin' us to take a significant risk. Now, me, I'm loyal to the Crown, make no mistake. We all are. Your obedient servants, 'ave no fear. Even so, I'm thinkin', perhaps a small token of royal appreciation might, so to speak, ease our minds about this unconventional situation."
[["You dare ask payment to comply with a royal command? Be grateful I do not have your heads off for this insolence! Now, open the dungeon at once, or your skulls shall rot on spikes above the gates of Castle Stelgarte ere the week is out!" ->yellAtGuards]]
[["A reasonable request. When you report to Castle Stelgarte, each man here shall receive a bag of fifty silvers in gratitude for your compassion and presence of mind." ->bribeGuards]]]The hare-faced guard bows, and tosses the keys in your direction; you snatch them jingling from the air.
"Thank ye for yer understanding, m'lady," he drawls. The others shrug. "Take yer time in there."
Light-headed with relief, you march out of the guardroom and back to the iron gates.
(display: "openGates")The guard chuckles. "So, yer boyfriend's a bard, eh? You'd be better off fallin' in love with Oliver here." He gestures at a heavy-set guard with a flowing beard.
Oliver nods.
The guard continues. "Sure, 'e's not the sharpest weapon on the rack, but at least 'e's honest. Won't catch 'im runnin' around with other women. Not even if 'e wanted to."
Oliver's brows descend into a thunderous frown. "Now, see 'ere, Calkin. I don' like yer tone, mate."
The third guard speaks up. "Ah, my friend, don't be so touchy. Calkin was only hoping to turn the girl's affections upon a more worthy target. Come, m'lady, is 'e not a fine, strapping young man?"
[["Indeed he is. But please, sirs, I have little time. Will you not allow me these last precious moments with my beloved?" ->pleadVisitKiaru]]
[["Sorry, gentlemen, he's not my type." ->notMyType]]The biggest guard spits on the ground, and another makes a face. "The ugly one, with the scar? Why d'you want to see 'im? Don' try an' convince us you're in love with 'im."
[["Bastard owes me money. I want to spit in his face before they hang him." ->spitInFace]]
[["Please! He's my boyfriend's oldest friend. If anyone knows where he might have run to, it's Andreas." ->pleaseVisitAndreas]]"Aww." The hare-faced man, Peter, stands up. "M'lady, we would be glad to oblige, but I'm afraid I 'as some bad news for ye. Or maybe ye'll consider it good news, under the circumstances. Ain't no bards in this dungeon. Not tonight."
The other men chortle and slap their knees at your expression. "We'd be more than happy to share our wine an' console ye. Damned bards. Slippery fellows, the lot. Always runnin' off an' breakin' the 'earts of innocent young girls."
[["He's not here? Then let me speak with the outlaw Andreas, instead." ->seeAndreas]]
[["He's gone? He left me and fled Sir Raddibore's justice? But he swore he wouldn't... Oh, oh, oh, how could he? He has dishonored himself forever! I can hardly believe it... I was a fool for trusting him." ->foolTrustBard]]Oliver flushes a deep purplish-red at your words, and turns his bitter stare upon Calkin, who shrugs. "Sorry, mate. I tried."
The third man, skinny and bucktoothed, with a face like a hare, eyes you up and down. "So, then, if I may be so bold, m'lady, what is your type?"
[["Maybe you are, my friend. Why don't we discuss that after I've visited my boyfriend? I am expecting that position to be, err, vacated shortly." ->talkAfterVisit]]
[["In truth I have eyes for only one man, my friends. And his time on earth grows short. Will you not have pity upon a love-lorn maid?" ->pleadVisitKiaru]]The hare-faced man, Peter, stands up. "M'lady, we would be glad to oblige, but I fear I've some bad news for ye. Or maybe ye'll consider it good news, under the circumstances. Ain't no bards in this dungeon. Not tonight."
The other men chortle and slap their knees at your expression. "We'd be more than happy to share our wine an' console ye. Damned bards. Slippery fellows, the lot. Always runnin' off an' breakin' the 'earts of innocent young girls."
[["He's not here? Then let me speak with the outlaw Andreas, instead." ->seeAndreas]]
[["He's gone? He left me and fled Sir Raddibore's justice? But he swore he wouldn't... Oh, oh, oh, how could he? He has dishonored himself forever! I can hardly believe it... I was a fool for trusting him." ->foolTrustBard]]"There, there, m'lady." The nearest guard edges closer to you. You notice a large, rusted key-ring dangling from his belt. "Come an' 'ave some ale. Forget that rotten fly-by-night, girl."
You move closer to the table. The big, bearded guard looks up at you appreciatively, his eyes soft. "I 'ad a girl cheat on me one time, m'lady. Weren't nice at all."
He shifts his chair outward, exposing a well-padded lap, and reaches for you. "Come 'ere, girl, you'll forget all about 'im."
"Eh, not so fast, Oliver!" The hare-faced guard interposes a bony arm. Turning to you, he adds: "'E means well, m'lady, but 'e's inexperienced with ladies, you know. I recommend you sit 'ere."
Oliver scowls.
(display: "provokeMen"){
(print: "<script>$('html').removeClass(\)</script>")
(if: (passage:)'s tags's length > 0)[
(print: "<script>$('html').addClass('" + (passage:)'s tags.join(' ') + "'\)</script>")
]
}You can't process it. How can she be here? Did she follow Rain to the Twisted Forest? Why would she do that?
Rain gestures. "What are you waiting for? Release her, Seline."
[["Oh, Tertia! I can't believe you're here... Are you okay?" ->freeTertia]]
[["Why? I don't know why Raddibore imprisoned her. Maybe she deserves it, for instance, for being a treacherous little viper." ->whyFreeTertia]]Andreas tugs your arm. "Seline, we must leave now!"
(set: $data's likesK to it + 1)
You pull your hand away.
You search the corridors, peeking into each cell, but find only disheveled criminals.
Andreas shakes his head at you. "Have we wasted enough time, Highness? Or would you like to tour the prison one more time?" His tone is pure acid.
[["You were right, sorry. I should have believed you." ->sorryAndreas]]
[["Wasted? You had no way to know he wasn't there. Had it been you who was missing, should I have abandoned you?" ->abandonedAndreas]]
[["Do not think you can make me regret an honorable deed, Andreas." ->regretHonor]]"Forget it," he snarls, moving ahead of you.
(display: "leaveCells")"In an instant. Seline, the fate of both our nations depends on you getting Prince Rain out of here. We've no time for moral squeamishness."
You bite your lip, infuriated. How does he manage to twist your most noble choices into childish ones?
(display: "leaveCells")"Nor a foolish one, apparently," he growls.
You clench your teeth. No point wasting more time on arguing.
(display: "leaveCells")You walk to the gate with your hands in the air.
"Halt!" yells the guard.
"Please, let me out!" you call.
"As you wish, Highness." The voice is rich and warm as molasses, coming from the darkness behind the guard.
The guard turns, tugging his blade from its sheath. As he moves a hooded shadow detaches from the wall. You cannot see what lies beneath the hood, but the guard stumbles back with a shriek. The shadow, thin as bones beneath unkempt robes, moves forward; the guard is still staring as if unable to look away. He's backed up against the wall, eyes wide, face blanched.
The hooded creature reaches out a skeletal claw, caresses the guard's face. The man's eyes roll back and he slumps to the stone floor.
Then it turns to you, and pushes back its hood, revealing a shock of sun-yellow hair and emerald eyes that sparkle even in the torchlight.
Kiaru. For a moment, superimposed upon the bard's innocent features, you glimpse something wholly different, a sentience cold and dead-eyed as a serpent. And then it's gone, leaving only a wide, sardonic smile. Kiaru bows. "Surely you did not think I would abandon you, Highness."
[["Um, of course not. Thank you, Kiaru, your, err, services are greatly valued by the Crown." ->thanksKiaru]]
[["Holy crap, did you just kill a man by looking at him?" ->killManByLookingKiaru]]Andreas nods. "It'll be a bloodbath, but it's probably the only way we stand a chance. I'll go open the cells. You stay in the shadows until the criminals have engaged the soldiers. Norvidge and Grimvold will protect you."
[["Certainly not! Do you think I'm some kind of coward?" ->noWay]]
[["Okay, that makes sense. ->makesSense]]"It's my pleasure to assist you, Highness." Kiaru gives you a dazzling smile; you blink, seeing for a moment only his long green eyes.
(display: "getOutNow")Kiaru glances back at the crumpled heap on the floor. He purses his lips reprovingly. "Of course not. He's merely resting. Why would I harm him?"
You give the resting man another uneasy look. He's awfully still.
Kiaru smiles at you.
[[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Will")(display: "makeDice"): Examine the body. ->lookRestingMan]]
[[Get out of here. ->getOutNow]]Kiaru nods. "They're sleeping. But let's move quick and silent; they'll awaken soon."
(display: "getOutNow")
(display: "dice")(set: $data's will to it + 1)
(if: $success is true)[You open the gate, slip through and lean down to examine the body of the guard. Kiaru watches, eyebrows raised.
Even close, you hear no breath, and see no rising of the man's chest. His eyes are closed, the cheeks blood-drained and pallid. At last you reach out and feel the soft skin of his throat. His skin is cool, but deep and slow you feel the heart beating.
You're a little ashamed of the relief you feel. What did you expect? And why should you care if the man lives, anyway? He's your enemy; you were prepared to kill him yourself.
Kiaru's long emerald eyes watch with shameless amusement. He meets your glare with an eloquent shrug.
Clearly, you are not going to win this one.](else:)[You open the gate and slip through, sparing the body only a brief glance as you reflect on your good fortune in meeting Kiaru here. He's clearly a man of exceptional talents.] (display: "getOutNow")Softly, you call to your companions. Andreas seems unsurprised to see Kiaru, giving him only a stiff nod. His eyes narrow at the sight of the unmoving guard; others barely seem to notice.
(display: "fightInPassage")You dash toward the knot of men. For a moment, Andreas's eyes flicker toward you.
You toss the sword in his direction, hilt first. A burly guard swings an axe in his direction. His eyes widen as he sees the flying sword.
Andreas snatches the blade from the air, letting the momentum carry it onwards, and guides it down to slash against the guard's chest. The blade doesn't penetrate the armor, but the man staggers back, off-balance, and Andreas's next blow knocks him from his feet. The sword descends with brutal efficiency; the guard's body jerks and lies still.
Rain moves to Andreas's side, fending off a new attacker, even as Andreas pulls back his sword. The two men, though strangers, move together as naturally as dancers, anticipating and balancing one anothers' moves.
You have no time to reflect on that observation, as your arms are roughly jerked behind your back; before you can scream, a hand clamps over your mouth, and you're dragged backwards into the dark.
(display: "chapter7")You dash toward the knot of men. For a moment, Andreas's eyes flicker toward you.
A burly guard swings an axe in his direction, but Andreas easily evades the clumsy blow. (if: $data's fight < 10)[You slash at the guard's armored back. Though your blow connects, he barely notices. With one hand, he swipes your blade aside and hurls it out of reach.
Rain parries a blow from another enemy, then stoops, picks up a fallen sword and tosses it hilt-first toward Andreas.
Andreas snatches the blade from the air, letting the momentum carry it onwards, and guides it down to slash the guard's chest. The blade doesn't penetrate the armor, but the man staggers back, off-balance, and Andreas's next blow knocks him from his feet. The sword descends with brutal efficiency; the man's body jerks and lies still.
Rain moves to Andreas's side, fending off his first attacker, even as Andreas pulls back his sword. The two men, though strangers, move together as naturally as dancers, anticipating and balancing one anothers' moves.](else:)[Something about the man's movement is off. He's favoring his right leg. One of the greaves is loose at the knee. Feet firmly planted, his attention is solely on Andreas as he strikes again.
You dart toward him, and slide your blade beneath the loose plate. He gives an enraged yelp, but you're already dashing away; the axe clangs upon the flagstones. Turning, you see the axe-man stagger; Andreas hurls his weight against him. As the man falls, Andreas snatches up the axe and brings it down upon the back of his neck with a sickening crunch.
A moment later, Rain is at his side. The two men, though strangers, move together as naturally as dancers, anticipating and balancing one anothers' moves.] (set: $data's fight to $data's fight + 1)
But you have no time to reflect on that observation, as your arms are roughly jerked behind your back. A sack is pulled over your head; before you can scream, a hand clamps over your mouth, and you're dragged backwards into the dark.
(display: "chapter7")Before the drunken guards can react, you step forward, snatch up the keys and march out of the room with your head held high. You don't dare look back, but hear no footsteps behind. It seems your intimidation has worked -- for now, at least.
You return to the iron-barred gates. (display: "openGates")Your screeching yell echoes in the windowless stone room. The guards cower wide-eyed, clapping their hands over their ears; the hare-faced one snatches the keys from the table and drops to his knees, proffering them with trembling hands.
Straight-backed, you graciously accept the keys and march out of the room. Only when you're almost to the gates do you permit yourself a sigh of relief.
(display: "openGates")The biggest key slides into the lock and turns with a pleasing click. As the great gate opens, it screeches with rust: you slam it shut and dash down the hallway. Your footsteps echo amid the ever-present dripping of water. Somewhere ahead, somebody coughs, a drawn-out, hacking that makes your lungs hurt just listening to it.
You reach the cells. Each has a small grate on the door.
[[Look inside. ->lookInCell]]The guards roar with laughter. "Here," says the bucktoothed one, tossing a heavy key-ring in your direction. It clatters against the stones; you stoop to snatch it up.
"Don't be too long, okay?" says the bearded man. "If Sir Raddibore finds out we let ye through, 'e'll 'ave our balls for breakfast."
You assure the men you'll be quick as a flash, and make your way out, curtseying graciously. Only when you're at the iron gates do you allow yourself a sigh of relief.
(display: "openGates")The bucktoothed man shakes his head. "I dunno, m'lady. Seems to me that when a man runs, ye gain only grief by runnin' after 'im."
"Aw, 'ave a heart, Peter," rumbles the bearded man, his large face creased with pity. "Ain't you ever been in love before?"
"Nope," replies Peter proudly. He looks you up and down. "Though, ye never knows. Could be I'm just waitin' for the right lass."
[["My friend, I'd be more than happy to talk about that after I've made my peace with Andreas." ->afterAndreas]]
[["Why don't you let me go see Andreas, and then we can spend some time getting to know each other?" ->afterAndreas]]The bearded man scratches his head. "M'lady, t'is best to give yerself time to heal. Ye cannot soothe a broken heart in one night."
Peter elbows him in the side. "Don't contradict the girl, Oliver. She merely wishes some light distraction to help 'er through 'er grief, an' who are we to refuse comfort to a lady?"
"That would be ungentlemanly," agrees the third guard.
Peter picks up the keys from the table and offers them to you with a formal bow. "M'lady," he says, "we wish ye all the best with yer enquiries. May yer soul find peace soon, an' we 'ope ye'll join us fer some light refreshments when ye're done."
[["Thank you, Peter. That sounds delightful." ->leaveWithKeys]]
[[Just take the keys and leave. ->leaveWithKeys]]You march out of the guardroom, head held high. Behind you, the sounds of drunken dicing resume. Only when you reach the iron gates do you allow yourself a sigh of relief.
(display: "openGates")"Oh, don't concern yourself with *him*," Andreas scoffs. "As soon as Yellowtooth had you out of the room, he excused himself. He said he was going to sleep in the stables, but nobody's seen him since. The guards were quite irate." (set: $data's likesK to it + 1)
Norvidge pats your shoulder. "Don't you worry about Kiaru, m'lady. Truly, 'e's like a bad penny."
(display: "leaveCells")One by one, your companions creep along the passage, toward the guard room and then past. It's darker than you remembered. Where are the torches?
A hiss of steel, then a thump. Tertia screams. Shadows move between your men, and metal clatters on stone. A shape looms above you; rough hands reach out, but Rain's there, blade dancing, and the guard collapses toward you, shoving you backwards onto the flagstones.
You roll against something wet and warm and still. The dead man's hand flops over your shoulder, and his blade clatters to the ground.
Grimvold and Norvidge stand back to back, surrounded. Norvidge has seized a fallen blade; Grimvold swings a weighty chain and shackles taken from the prison.
Andreas, unarmed, is pressed against the wall by two swordsmen. Ducking, he evades a thrust, then smoothly spins and kicks. One man falls, but the other takes the chance to slam his blade down toward Andreas's unprotected neck.
Steel clashes as Rain darts into the fray. With a swipe of his sabre, Rain sends the guard's sword flying. The man yelps, clutching his hand. Three more guards descend upon them.
You lift the dead man's sword and struggle to your feet.
[[Give the sword to Andreas. ->giveSwordAndreas]]
[[Attack. ->attackGuards]]He shakes his head. "I'm not being chivalrous, Seline. These prisoners belong to the King. Let's not rely on them being friendly to his daughter."
You nod reluctantly. As much as you'd like to play the hero, it would take only one deranged prisoner to kill you and send your country to war.
Andreas vanishes into the dark.
(display: "makesSense")He vanishes into the dark. You wait tensely, feeling Rain and Tertia's eyes on you. Though you've just rescued them from certain death, you feel strangely guilty.
Footsteps and whispers echo down the hall, then a ragged shape rushes by. Another follows; then a flood. Your companions follow them warily, keeping to the sides. You hang back, hoping not to be recognised.
The prisoners mutter and yell as they run, wild-eyed, and pile against the gate. Metal glints in one man's hand; the key. But as he reaches for the lock, the guard's long sword slams between the bars. Blood arcs; the man yells and crumples. Another man seizes the key from his hand and thrusts it into the lock; before he can turn it, the guard slashes at his wrist. The man leaps back, but another has already taken his place, and the gate swings open with a screech. The guard leans against it, yelling for help, but the prisoners swarm over and past him, trampling him.
More guards are arriving; the dim hall is filled with confusion as the prisoners riot. The guards slice and hammer at them, until each is surrounded by fallen men. But the prisoners are too many; one by one, the guards are overwhelmed, their blades seized, until the hall is slick with blood and the survivors rush out, heading up the stairs.
Andreas jerks his head. "Let's go!" You hurry to catch up as the others break into a run.
With a jolt, your arms are roughly jerked behind your back. A sack is thrust over your head; before you can scream, a hand clamps over your mouth, and you're dragged backwards into the dark.
(display: "chapter7")<script>window.StrayHeirs.createChapter(7)</script>
(print: "<a href=\"ch7.html\">Chapter 7</a>")"Does my oath mean nothing, Highness? Among my people, a man's word is his bond."
Frog's amber eyes hold yours, steady and calm. He doesn't appear to be lying. And even if this is some kind of cruel trick by Sir Raddibore, you see little to be gained by avoiding it.
(display: "goRadDungeon")The barking turns into to high-pitched, desperate yelps.
The dog is shivering and slavering now, rolling its eyes and yelling at the top of its lungs. It looks demented.
The door cracks open. The guard shouts through the door, but the dog is already thrusting its way through the crack. It vanishes down the hall, and the door slams shut.
(display: "rescueByMorael")Her voice is pitifully thin. "I don't know... the rope was rough, and then the damp, I think, got inside."
(set: $data's likesT to it + 2)
(display: "letsGetOutRain")A pungent reek of urine, excrement and unwashed human wafts through the grate. Peeking in, you glimpse a gaunt, shackled figure sitting against the wall. Bloodshot eyes meet yours, expressionless.
You move on.
The next cell smells of vomit. One occupant lies curled on the stone floor in a fetal position. Another is chained to the wall, head hanging. Neither moves.
In the third cell, an emaciated crone sits in the far corner, arms wrapped around her knees, muttering feverishly. She doesn't notice you.
You turn away, fighting down nausea. What crime did she commit? Can anyone truly deserve to be locked indefinitely in a place like this?
Are the dungeons at Stelgarte any better?
You turn one corner after another. Each corridor is the same, each door and grate the same. Even the prisoners look the same after a while.
Is Rain is even here? Maybe Sir Raddibore has another dungeon.
[[Keep looking. ->findRain]]You glimpse a heap of ragged blue. Your heart leaps. You recognise that velvet.
But you're not sure you recognise the man.
[["...Rain?" ->hiRain]]Rain gives you a sharp look. "Who's Andreas?"
(set: $data's likesT to it + 1)
[["He's the outlaw who kidnapped me, but now he's helping me to rescue you so that we can, umm, stop Saragai declaring war on Thronheim." ->whoAndreasRain]]
[["He's... he's a friend. Don't worry about it." ->whoAndreasRainFriend]]Rain frowns. "Seline, I don't think Tertia can walk far. I can carry her... maybe... but I'm afraid we'll slow you down."
To you, he looks nearly as much in need of carrying as Tertia.
[["Don't worry. We just need to find Andreas and his men. They'll help Tertia." ->mustFindAndreas]]
[["Just follow me, Rain. I've got a plan." ->gotAPlan]]"Where have I heard *that* before?" he mutters, following you out of the cell with Tertia on his arm.
You bite your lip. Explaining Andreas to Rain is not going to be easy. Luckily, right now there's no time to even try.
[["I'll tell you everything later. Promise!" ->quietCorridor]] The corridor is still quiet -- for now. It can't be long until the guards come in pursuit.
"Seline!" Andreas's harsh voice echoes from a cell two doors down. You run to the door, biting your lip to suppress the rush of emotion. Thankfully, it's too dark for Rain to see the color in your cheeks.
Andreas leans casually against a pillar, arms crossed. Though you notice a dark gash above one brow, his expression is undaunted. His dark eyes glitter when they meet yours.
You wrench the door open.
"Highness," he offers you a half-bow, hampered by manacles. "Forgive my informality -- my new jewelry is a touch cumbersome."
[[Toss him the key. ->lookAwayAndreas]]
[[Run to free him. ->hurryToAndreas]]He catches the key nimbly with chained hands, and grips it between his teeth. The manacles clatter to the ground.
Norvidge and Grimvold are chained nearby, but Kiaru is nowhere to be seen.
(if: (history:) contains "seeKiaru")[[["How did Kiaru escape? Should we try to find him?" ->howKiaruEscape]]](else:)[[["What happened to Kiaru? Did they put him in a different cell?" ->whereKiaruCell]]]
[[Just leave. ->leaveCells]]As the chains fall with a clatter, he grips your hands, making your heart pound. You gaze up into his face, wincing at the fresh bruises on his bronzed skin.
(set: $data's likesA to it + 3)
His eyes, liquid darkness warm as firecoals, do not release you. Leaning close to you, he murmurs: "This time, I won't say that you surprise me."
Conscious of Rain and Tertia's eyes, you wrench yourself away.
Norvidge and Grimvold are chained nearby, but Kiaru is nowhere to be seen.
(if: (history:) contains "seeKiaru")[[["How did Kiaru escape? Should we try to find him?" ->howKiaruEscape]]](else:)[[["What happened to Kiaru? Did they put him in a different cell?" ->whereKiaruCell]]]
[[Just leave. ->leaveCells]]He looks up at you, and something snaps inside you. One side of his face is dark and puffy with bruises, the eye livid with fresh blood. But it's the fear in his eyes that makes you want to cry out. You've never seen Rain scared, let alone cowering like a beaten dog.
He sways to his feet, peering at you. "S... Seline?" He raises his hands before him, weighted by heavy iron shackles.
You nod, swiping at the tears that blur your vision. You stab at the lock with different keys until one turns, glad to briefly escape the broken look in his eyes.
The door swings inward, Rain stumbles toward you, and you throw your arms around him. He grunts in pain; you loosen your grip anxiously. Raddibore would want him well enough to survive the journey to Stelgarte, but that wouldn't stop him breaking a few ribs.
As you release his shackles, Rain starts to speak, but you put your finger to your lips and gesture toward the door.
He points behind him, to a bundle of rags lying in the darkest corner of the cell. That's when you realise he was not alone. Two fear-widened eyes follow you, pale grey and sparkling with unshed tears.
[[*Tertia?*->tertia]]"Okay then," Rain sounds puzzled, but he doesn't question you further.
[["I'll tell you everything later. Promise!" ->quietCorridor]] (if: $canundo)[
(link-undo:"Undo")]{
(if: $recap is 1)[*Accompanied by bandits and the russet dog, Seline set out in search of Prince Rain. They were joined by a manipulative bard, Kiaru, who told them Rain was taken to Castle Greyshard by Sir Raddibore Yellowtooth, an ally of Seline's father, King Torveld. They tricked their way into the castle, but Raddibore imprisoned Andreas and attempted to blackmail Seline into marrying him. For now, he has left her in a guarded room.*
<p style="color:red">Skills: Deceive (print: ($data's deceive/10).toFixed(1)) | Persuade (print: ($data's persuade/10).toFixed(1)) | Charm (print: ($data's charm/10).toFixed(1)) | Will (print: ($data's will/10).toFixed(1)) | Fight (print: ($data's fight/10).toFixed(1))</p style>
<p style="color:red">Relationships: Tertia (print: ($data's likesT/10).toFixed(1)) | Andreas (print: ($data's likesA/10).toFixed(1)) | Rain (print: ($data's likesR/10).toFixed(1)) | Nyora (print: ($data's likesN/10).toFixed(1)) | Kiaru (print: ($data's likesK/10).toFixed(1)) | Yellowtooth (print: ($data's likesY/10).toFixed(1)) </p style>
-----]
(else:)[
(link: "Show recap")[
(set: $recap to 1)
(replace: ?recap)[(display: "recap")]
]
]
}You (if: $scriptorium is true)[slip quietly](else:)[creep] out into the corridor. Nothing moves.
You have no idea where you are, so you simply head back down the hall(if: $scriptorium is false)[, away from your pursuers]. You stick to the darkest and quietest passages, and move downwards when you can: presumably the dungeon is somewhere in the depths.
Voices approach. You dart into an alcove and conceal yourself behind a wall hanging.
Two serving-women pass by, gossiping as they carry baskets of old, dry bread. "Aye," says one. "They'll be needin' extra supplies downstairs, now the gaol's filled up."
[[Follow the women at once. ->followServants]]
[[Wait a little. ->waitSearchGaol]](set: $roll to $randarray's ($array_position))(set: $array_position to it + 1)(set: $total to $ability + $roll)(set: $recorded_difficulty to $difficulty)(set: $recorded_ability to $ability)(set: $recorded_skill_name to $skill_name)(if: true)[(set: $success to true)Success!](else:)[(set: $success to false)Failure :(] |roll_details>[(display: "Roll_details")](set: $show_roll_details to 0){
(if: $show_roll_details is 1)[$skill_name: $recorded_ability | Difficulty: $recorded_difficulty | Roll: $roll | Total = (print: ($recorded_ability).toFixed(1)) + $roll = $total | (if: $success is true)[$total >= $recorded_difficulty: Success!](else:)[$total < $recorded_difficulty: Failure :(]
]
(else:)[
(link: "Show roll details?")[(set: $show_roll_details to 1)
(replace: ?roll_details)[(display: "Roll_details")]
]
]
}(if: $skill_name is "Deceive")[(set: $ability to $data's deceive/10)](elseif: $skill_name is "Fight")[(set: $ability to $data's fight/10)](elseif: $skill_name is "Charm")[(set: $ability to $data's charm/10)](elseif: $skill_name is "Will")[(set: $ability to $data's will/10)](elseif: $skill_name is "Persuade")[(set: $ability to $data's persuade/10)](else:)[Error: unknown skill] $skill_name (Skill $ability)You peer over at Raddibore's desk, noticing an ornate inkwell in the shape of a vegetable, with a quill made from a peacock feather.
An unsigned note catches your eye. (if: $data's sawLetter is 1)[You've seen this handwriting before. Nyora.]
*Remember our agreement. You know my master keeps his contracts. So have your girl prepared, and do not be tempted into deviation. Our path is clear. For the glory of Thronheim, and the cleansing of the lineage!*
You frown. Evidently Nyora's plans run deeper than the outlaws guessed. Raddibore is one of your father's closest friends - why would he consort with a criminal gang leader? And she has a *master*?
Also, *cleansing the lineage*? Now that's just plain offensive.
Though your mind boils with questions, you repress further rumination, for your quest is urgent.
[[Cautiously open the door. ->peekout]]