Ch17 Into Isholme

TODO: Check Te Sharah has been renamed Isholme throughout. TODO: Rename ship Leviathan, reference throughout The chapter opens with Seline arriving at the Saragaian capital with Rain, Morael, Tertia, Norvidge and Grimvold, after Andreas has disappeared. They discover that the King is dead and the city has been taken by Thronheim. Seline and Morael enter the city seeking information, with Morael in the form of a dog. BAD PATH (canon): Seline is captured, and brought before Yellowtooth, who explains that the misinformation of Seline's death provided a perfect excuse for the invasion. He does not intend to allow her father to suffer the embarrassment of discovering that she is, in fact, still alive. Seline is rescued by Nyora, who explains that she has been sent to protect and serve Seline. She gives Seline a letter from the Sorcerer. It says that he is pleased with her choices, and intends to help her... for now... They spend the night at a local whorehouse, where Seline may try to seduce Morael in order to break the curse. They discover that in fact, breaking the curse requires not sex but blood-drinking, which, if they proceed, leaves Morael apparently dead. Seline confronts her father at a coronation ceremony for the new puppet King of Saragai, and reveals Yellowtooth's treachery. Yellowtooth tries to kill the King. BAD END: Seline may/may not save her father, but they are forced to flee. Yellowtooth declares himself king of both Thronheim and Saragai. OR GOOD END: Seline succeeds in liberating the King and defeats Yellowtooth. Seeing her strength and wisdom, he realizes that she deserves power in her own right, and agrees that she can marry whomever she pleases, or nobody if she prefers. THE END Consequences of previous chapters: Seline may thinks about / flirt with whomever she has slept with. Rain trumps Andreas if she has had sex with both. If she has not revealed that Andreas is a Prince, she may do so here, or choose not to; if she doesn't reveal it, then he will not have an opportunity to become King and it will be much harder to persuade him to marry her. Skills: The good end requires that Seline either avoids capture or has very high combat skill. Skills are: combat, lying, kindness -Seline is reliant on her personal strengths for influence. -If she marries Morael, or marries Rain without breaking the curse, she may unify the nations and become Empress of Thorogai. -If she marries Rain AND breaks the curse, she cements peace with Saragai, and Morael becomes King there. -Morael can break the curse by drinking Seline's blood, but he will become a vampire. -If she does NOT marry a Saragaian prince, she will have to find some other way to convince her father to let her rule Thronheim instead of marrying Yellowtooth. -She can persuade Nyora to incriminate Yellowtooth to avoid marrying him. -She can try to persude Andreas to become King of Saragai, marry her, and unify the lands. If she fails in this, Andreas leaves, but returns at her wedding. She can then elope with him, or recruit him as her Master of Spies. - it's harder work, but it should be clear that Seline is on track to create an empire that is just as good as if she had played the game, and she keeps her soul.

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- Some minor paths are empty - Some paths lack minor options - Check consistency with persistent variables

The guards march you up the main street, between tall, narrow, terraces with brightly painted facades and lace-railed balconies. Their lower floors are shops, dark and shuttered now. In some, you catch glimpses of candlelight in the upper stories. In others, the shutters have been torn off their hinges, and the windswept rain puddles inside among broken furniture and goods. The buildings here are wider, their facades decorated with elaborate tiled frescoes. Manicured plants bloom in large ceramic pots. Ahead, the road rises into a great bridge guarded by stone lions. Up on the bridge, the cold wind catches in your hair, driving the rain inside your clothes. The river rushes below, steel-grey and opaque. On the other side, you see the gold-domed palace, massive yet graceful, its tall columns spiraling skywards like shoots yearning for sun. But you are not taken to the palace. even the palace is dark, but for a few curtained windows. You half expect to be taken there, but your captors turn away from it. Instead you are marched back across the great stone bridge, past its guardian lions. They lead you down a stairway by the riverside, into a dank rough-walled tunnel. Two days later a messenger informed us that King Estevan of Saragai had passed away." "Have you ever experienced a severe wound? Do you know how there is a moment when you understand what has happened, and that the pain will be terrible, and yet you feel nothing? Do you know how that moment lasts not even a full second, but it seems forever? How the waiting is more unbearable than agony? I keep waiting for the pain, Seline, and it does not answer. I almost crave it..." "King Torveld plans a ceremony tomorrow in the square before the Palace to crown my cousin, young Sir Pristan, King of Saragai. The boy will be king in name only; Yellowtooth's army will remain stationed here. Officially, they're here in friendship to support the young King, but in reality, they're an occupying force ready to slit his throat the moment he shows himself as anything but a puppet."

(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 17 # Into Isholme |Recap>[(display: "recap")] You step out onto the cobbled street, into (if: $data's vampire is 0)[chill] darkness. A street lamp makes the puddles glint(if: $data's vampire is 1)[ with a strange rippling, shimmering luminance. The night seems brighter than it should]. You guess that you have little over an hour before dawn. Nyora did not return - and you cannot wait longer. (if: $data's vampire is 0)[The dog's shadowy form trots by your side. You woke a few minutes ago to his nudging paw and anxious amber eyes. (if: $data's sedM is 1)[If he's disappointed at the failure of your experiment, he shows no sign of it. He refused your offer of transformation. Which, you tell yourself, makes sense. You've no time to waste, and his canine form can better evade Torveld's men. Still. You can't help wondering what he feels right now - and what he thinks of you.] Now you slip silently between alleyways, avoiding lighted streets. Soon, you reach the fringes of the village. Nothing moves but you. Though you trust Morael's senses before your own, the sightless dark is oppressive. Out of the night, a Saragaian voice cries, "Halt! Who goes there?" A lantern blooms suddenly to your left, held by a cloaked rider. You shrink into the shadows, but Morael darts forward, snarling and snapping at the horse's heels. It balks, rearing and kicking out. The russet hound nimbly evades the flying hooves and leaps to nip the rider's calf. "Damned cur!" the rider swears, struggling to control his mount. He pulls a sabre from his belt and slashes at the dog. Your eyes meet Morael's for one frantic second. Then the dog springs away into the village streets, and the rider gallops in pursuit. [[Continue alone. ->abandonMorael]] [[Follow the rider. ->fightMorael]]](elseif: $data's knowsWay is 1)[Barely enough time to get to the rendezvous point. If that's where you're going. (display:"dilemma")](else:)[Your steps slow as the futility of your situation hits home. You know no way of entering the city alone to contact Estevan. You have no way of finding Rain and Tertia, or Nyora for that matter. And as for Morael... you shudder. You could try to flee the encampment, but if Yellowtooth captures you, he'll have you killed, and even if you escape you'll be alone in enemy territory in the middle of a war. (display:"dilemma")]

radchat -> morael -> torchat -> estchat -> square ->Isholme saved -> fail: Isholme falls -> imprisoned with Nyora, Isholme falls -> escape with princes +/- Tor -> stay with Tor -> estchat -> square ->Isholme saved -> fail: Isholme falls torchat -> morael -> torchat -> estchat -> square ->Isholme saved -> fail: Isholme falls -> imprisoned with Nyora, Isholme falls -> escape with princes +/- Tor -> stay with Tor -> estchat -> square ->Isholme saved -> fail: Isholme falls nochat -> morael -> estchat -> square ->Isholme falls -> escape with princes +/- Tor -> stay with Tor Key variables: - Seline knows Rad's plans? Yes - she may save Isholme. No - Ishome falls. - Seline convinces Est about Rad's plans? Yes - she saves Isholme. No - Isholme falls. - Torveld convinced that Rad is a traitor? Yes - he executes Rad. No - if Isholme falls Rad deposes him & Seline may rescue him while fleeing. - Seline tells Torveld about Nyora? Yes - he imprisons them both. No - Nyora frees Seline. Endings (1) Isholme falls. (1a) If she has not convinced Torveld of Raddibore's treachery, Raddibore will then depose Torveld. Seline flees with Nyora and the Princes of Saragai (and perhaps Torveld, who is otherwise killed). (1b) Otherwise, Torveld plans to execute the Princes; Seline can join Andreas in freeing them, and flee with them, or (1c) remain as Crown Princess and inherit both lands. (2) Isholme stands. Seline helps Torveld and Estevan negotiate a treaty. She may wed one of the Princes.

The hooded boatman stares at you. You give the passphrase in your best Saragaian. [["The osprey hunts on the open waves." ->ospreyHunts]]

In Chapter 16, Seline goes alone to try to find her father, or into Isholme. If she goes to Isholme, she tries to tell Estevan about Yellowtooth's plans. If she goes to find her father, she is trapped by Raddibore. Either way, she ends up imprisoned overnight. If she fails to convince Estevan, Leviathan sinks. That night, Raddibore may be killed by vampire Morael. Next day, Seline is about to be executed by Saragai, but is freed by Andreas as Torveld conquers Isholme. That evening, the people gather in the square to witness Saragai's surrender. Either (1) Vampire Morael appears and kidnaps Seline or (2) Raddibore tries to kill Torveld. Seline may kill him and Torveld wins, or she may flee with Torveld and Raddibore wins. If she convinces Estevan, he saves Isholme. That night, Raddibore may be killed by vampire Morael, who afterwards visits Seline in her room and asks her to marry him. Next day, the Kings meet under a flag of truce. If Raddibore is alive and Torveld knows he is a traitor, Torveld executes him. Otherwise he may try to kill Torveld. DAY 1: Leviathan sinks? NIGHT 1: Seline trapped. Raddibore dies & Morael visits? DAY 2: Estevan dies & Isholme falls? Seline rescued from burning? NIGHT 2: Kings meet. Morael kidnaps Seline? Raddibore kills Torveld? Seline kills Raddibore? Treaty made.

The houses peter out, and the cobbled road fades to a muddy track, its verges eaten by grass. Dense clouds shroud the moon(if: $data's vampire is 0)[; you can see almost nothing, and dare not light a torch. You know that the great stone wall still towers to your left, yet in the dark, even its bulk seems insubstantial.](else:)[, but their luminous edges suffice to cast a ghostly sheen upon the bay, and sharply outline the great stone wall that towers to your left.] (set: $atPier to 1)(set: $canundo to true) Something distant glimmers(if: $data's vampire is 0)[. In a few minutes, it becomes clear: a ripple of reflected torchlight on water. Faint voices drift across the slap and gurgle of the bay; soldiers whiling away the small hours of their watch with a game of cards or dice.](else:)[ - a golden ripple of reflected torchlight. Voices mingle with the slap and gurgle of the bay; four watchmen, whiling away the small hours with a game of dice.] You give them a wide berth. The city wall looms to your left, running down to the sea. You follow the narrow strip of sand beyond its end, to the far point of the peninsula. Several islands breach the large bay, with the gold-domed temple crowning the nearest. Lanterns hang by the harbor's edge, illuminating a variety of tethered watercraft bobbing in the current - small rowboats, skiffs and coracles, and flat-bottomed barges heavy with cargo. All are dwarfed by a mighty warship, painted red and gold with emerald sails. She sits low in the water, her cannons barely clearing the waves. An old wooden pier juts into the water, its skeletal planks half broken and fallen down. (if: $data's vampire is 1 or $data's knowsWay is 1)[You find the dark lantern swathed in cloth beneath the pier, along with flint and steel. Everything so far is just as Morael (if: $data's vampire is 1)[remembered. Your spine tingles with shame and dread. These are stolen memories, riven from him in an act of violence that may have damned his very soul. Surely there will be a reckoning. Yet what else can you do? The ](else:)[described. Even so, your spine itches with dread. He should have been here with you. Now the ]fate of kingdoms rests on your ability to convince a bedridden old man to trust the daughter of the enemy besieging his city.(if: $data's vampire is 1)[ You'll need all the help you can get.] [[Strike the flint. ->strikeFlint]]](else:)[Wearily, you seat yourself at the edge of the pier, gazing out over the dark water. It's hopeless. You've no idea what to do next. Footsteps approaching, soft on the shifting sand. [[Hide. ->hideUnderPier]] [[Wave. ->waveToSpies]]]

This was a fool's errand from the beginning. Nobody in their right mind would persist with such a worthless plan. Rain will understand. He never expected you to be a hero. (if: $data's rToldSGoHome is 1)[In fact, he as good as told you to run back to your father.](if: $data's mToldSGoHome is 1)[ Even Morael tried to dissuade you from attempting this alone.] You turn and trudge resolutely back the way you came. As you walk, your resolve strengthens. Everything will be fine. Your father will keep you safe, and you'll persuade him to have mercy on Saragai. (if: $data's marryR is 1)[Once Saragai is firmly subjugated, he'll understand that it makes sense to let you marry Rain. (if: $data's marryM is 1)[Or, perhaps, Morael? A more compliant partner might better meet your needs.]] You see it now; the world needs setting in order. Your nations have fought for generations - any resolution to that bitter cycle must require unity, and in that unity, only one will can prevail. (if: $data's vampire is 1)[Yours, naturally. You lick your lips, trying not to smile, but harsh laughter bubbles up anyway, and you run your tongue against the hard curve of your fangs, letting that bitter tide cleanse the sentiment from your heart.](else:)[A harsh chuckle emanates from your throat, painful as a sob.] The Sorcerer was right. At least you came to your senses in time. (display: "ch18")

(if: $data's knowsWay is 0)[You have very little idea of where to go. Did Morael say something about walking around the peninsula? And sending a signal? ]Even if you succeed in getting into the city, the danger will only compound. Without Morael or Rain to support you, Estevan has no reason to trust you. You'll be relying on wits and charm alone to persuade him. If he you fail, he could take you hostage, or worse. And would it even be right? You'd be working against your own nation and family. Many would call that treason. (if: $data's mostpowerful is 1)[Morael's words, and Kiaru's before him, tumble through your mind. *The most powerful monarch west of the ocean.*](else:)[Kiaru's words - words you thought forgotten - tumble through your mind.] You could weld Saragai and Thronheim into a single empire, the mightiest ever seen. You wouldn't be like your father, you would treat your Saragaian subjects with fairness and generosity. Your justice would earn their trust. All you need do is... nothing. Let the war proceed. Let your father have his victory. Yes, there will be blood, but nobody could say it was your fault. You'll talk him out of the worst carnage. And has any empire ever been forged without blood? (if: $data's vampire is 0)[Is it wrong?](else:)[A strange shiver runs through you. You recall an aversion to the thought of *blood*, but your current feelings don't seem to reflect it. Quite the reverse.] [[Return to your father. ->finalchoice]] (if: $data's vampire is 0)[[[Continue to Isholme. ->noVampContinue]]](else:)[[[Continue to Isholme. ->vampContinue]]]

You silently wish him luck as you hurl yourself into the dark. Behind you, hooves clatter. Morael yelps, and your heart clenches, but you hurry on. Whatever is happening back there, the fate of Saragai depends on you continuing. Morael would want that, wouldn't he? Hearing no pursuit, you let your footsteps slow. It's safer in the dark, and quieter. You walk onwards, hoping every second to hear the patter of paws behind you. But all is silent. The further you walk, the more your doubts grow. (display: "dilemma")

You hurry after the rider, but the hoofbeats soon fade into silence, and you slow to a walk, heart pounding, then halt altogether at a crossroads. A barely legible sign points back to the village square. Which way would Morael have chosen? Surely he would have tried to lead the rider away before circling back to you. Perhaps the solution is to retrace your steps and wait where he left you - but in the dark and unfamiliar streets that will be difficult as well. And sunrise is rapidly approaching. As the light grows, your hopes fade. (display: "dilemma")

"The fledglings call her home," replies the man. He moves closer, edging behind you. A blade flashes in his hand. He gestures toward the boat. "Get in." [[Say nothing. ->noRude]] [["Fine, that's what I wanted to do anyway. Why else would I have signaled you?" ->fineWhatevs]]

The boatman never takes his eyes off you. To your surprise, he does not row to the opposite shore, but instead makes directly for the looming warship. Its shadow soon engulfs your little craft. You stare up at the massive, gleaming sides of the ship, smelling fresh paint, tar and sawdust over the seaweed. The boatman hollers in Saragaian, too rapid for your ears; a knotted rope as thick as your wrist is thrown down. "Ladies first," he snarls. He still has his knife bared. [[Climb up. ->upRope]]

"Just shut up," he suggests. He sounds tired, presumably from being up all night rowing spies across the bay. Or maybe you've annoyed him. (display: "noRude")

You grit your teeth, and strike the flint. The lantern flares. Holding it up to face the temple, you raise the lantern's panel. A yellow ray shoots across the water, catching sea-mist in its beam. One short, two long, three short. Minutes pass. Then, high up on the flank of the distant hill, an answering lantern winks. More waiting. You huddle inside your coat, listening to the slap and gurgle of small waves against the pier. Dank cold twines itself around your bones. Ghost-like in the mist, a rowboat emerges. [[Wave. ->boatOn]] [["Hello there!" ->hello]]

You scramble up the rough rope, banging your knee on the ship's side in the process, and land on the wooden deck. The boards sway only slightly with the waves, and the rigging looms above you, taller than an oak. The boatman mutters something to a sailor. Soon after, two soldiers lead you to the quarterdeck, where a tall, balding nobleman stands with folded arms, barking orders. His military uniform and admiral's hat are ornate, with silver piping and prominent badges on deep green. The soldiers kneel. "Lord Paravas! This is the spy." The admiral stares down at you coldly. (if: $saidNothing is 0)["Where did you learn that signal?" he demands. (set: $cap_convinced to 3) [["Prince Morael of Saragai himself told me the passphrase. I have urgent information for King Estevan." ->moraelToldMe]]](else:)["Explain yourself, wench!" he demands. [["Sir, I bear an urgent message to King Estevan, from Prince Morael himself." ->moraelToldMe]]] [[(set: $difficulty to 18-$cap_convinced)(set: $skill_name to "Charm")(display: "makeDice"): "My Lord, I beg you, escort me to His Royal Highness, King Estevan. For I bring news that cannot wait - nor should it be heard by other ears." ->newsCharm]] [["I am Princess Seline of Thronheim. I swear by all the Gods, my mission is peaceful. I must speak with King Estevan at once, for the good of both our people!" ->mustSpeakEstevan]]

"Silence!" the boatman snaps in Saragaian. He stares around, one hand on his knife-hilt. "What are you doing here?" You give the passphrase in your best Saragaian. [["The osprey hunts on the open waves." ->ospreyHunts]]

"That's wrong." The man swears. "I'm supposed to kill you for that, I think. Shit. Nobody's ever got it wrong before." [["I mean, the osprey hunts on the open waves." ->ospreyHunts]] [["Look, just take me to King Estevan, will you? Please? I have something really important to tell him. And you can see I'm no threat." ->grumble]]

The man scowls at you. "Bloody hell. I've never killed a woman before, neither." (set: $saidNothing to 1) He sighs, then draws his knife and waves it toward the boat. "Get in. Now!" [[Say nothing. ->noRude]] [["Fine, that's what I wanted to do anyway. Why else would I have signaled you?" ->fineWhatevs]]

Paravas shrugs. "Oh, good. I always prefer quiet prisoners." (display: "lockHerUp")

"Prince Morael?" The men turn to stare at you. "You've *seen* Morael? When?" (set: $claimMorael to 1) [["I'll say no more until you take me to King Estevan. Morael's words are for his ears alone!" ->takeMeToEstevan1]] [[(set: $difficulty to 13)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "I met him in Thronheim a week ago, and he told me the story of his quest. That quest is ended now, and he asked me to bring word to Estevan. And I also have news of your enemies' plans. But these are sensitive matters; I can say no more until you take me to the King!" ->takeMeToEstevanDice]]

"Yeah, and I'm the god of monkeys," snorts Paravas. (set: $claimSeline to 1) (display: "lockHerUp")

"Actually, I don't," replies the admiral pleasantly. "Put her out of earshot, please." (display: "goQuietly")

The other soldier inclines his head gruffly. "This way, lady." He seems disinclined to manhandle you, but his tone indicates he will brook no defiance. You plod ahead of him across the long foredeck, down a short flight of stairs and through a door into the stern cabin. Three brief, steep floors down, you reach your new prison: a windowless closet that's not tall enough to stand up in, nor wide enough to lie down. You share it with several barrels smelling of dried fish. The soldier turns the lock, leaving you in darkness but for the slit of grey light that seeps beneath the door. Well, it makes a change from being locked in a tower. But it feels as cramped as a coffin(if: $data's knowsShip is 1)[ - and may shortly become one]. [[Try to open the door. ->tryDoor]] [[Wait. ->relax]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1) (if: $success is true)["Indeed. And speaking of evidence, what's yours?" (if: $data's gotRing is 1)[Your fingers touch the small circle of gold in your pocket. Would Andreas understand? Anyway, he's gone. Who cares what he would think? [["I told you Morael completed his quest. Take this to King Estevan." ->takeRingToKing]]](else:)[[["I... I can't prove it! Please, you have to take me to the King!" ->pleaseTakeMe]]] [[(set: $difficulty to 13)(set: $skill_name to "Charm")(display: "makeDice"): "You're right. I can't prove anything, and I can see you're far too busy to follow up on every rumor of treachery." ->rumor]]](else:)["Enough, wench. I did not grant you license to speculate upon this matter either." (display: "lieByTraitors")]

Lord Paravas sighs, and turns to the guard. "Back in my day, we used to get a better class of liar." (display: "lockHerUp")

You raise the ring on your palm. Paravas squints down at it. "What's this?" [["King Estevan will know. Just take it to him, please. Tell him I have news that cannot wait." ->takeRing]] [[(set: $difficulty to 16)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "It is one of the royal treasures of Saragai, lost during the last war. It's the only proof I have that Morael succeeded in his quest. Please, take it to the King, and tell him I have news that cannot wait." ->royalTreasure]]

Paravas shakes his head. (if: $gaveRing is 1)[He hands the ring back. (set: $gaveRing to 0)]"Sorry, lady. The King's really busy right now. But on the bright side, you'll be part of history. This ship is taking her maiden voyage today to destroy Thronheim's fleet. I hope you don't get seasick - we can't spare a man to row you back to shore." (display: "lockHerUp")

The door is locked, but not barred. Apparently the Saragaian navy has little experience with imprisoning princesses. Now all you need is a piece of wire. [[Check your bodice. ->checkBodice]] [[Relax for a bit. ->relax]]

Lord Paravas looks uneasy. "The King has no time for trifles." (set: $cap_convinced to it + 3) [[(set: $difficulty to 16)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "This is no trifle! It's one of the royal treasures of Saragai, lost during the last war. And it's the only proof I have that Morael succeeded in his quest. Please, take it to the King, and tell him I have news that cannot wait." ->royalTreasure]] [["I can say no more. Please, just take it to King Estevan!" ->pleaseTakeMe]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1) (if: $success is true)["A treasure, huh?" He picks up the ring and lifts the ring to the lantern, examining the twined gold setting and glittering gems. "Fine workmanship, indeed. Where did you say you found it?" (set: $gaveRing to 1)(set: $cap_convinced to it + 3) [[(set: $difficulty to 16)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "I told you, it's proof that Morael's quest succeeded. It was given to me by the object of that quest. More than that, I cannot say. But the King will understand." ->kingWillKnow]] [["I can say no more. Please, just take it to King Estevan!" ->pleaseTakeMe]]](else:)[(display: "pleaseTakeMe")]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[He sighs, twisting the ring between his fingers. "I can't make any promises. The King's really busy right now. But on the bright side, you'll be part of history. This ship is taking her maiden voyage today to destroy Thronheim's fleet." (set: $data's gotRing to 0)(set: $gaveRing to 1)(set: $cap_convinced to it + 5) (display: "lockHerUp")](else:)[(display: "pleaseTakeMe")]

Paravas hesitates. "Don't be absurd. *Leviathan* was designed by our greatest engineers. She's unsinkable!" (set: $cap_convinced to it + 1) [["There's a traitor in the King's court. Please, you have to believe me!" ->byTraitors]] (if: $data's knowsShip is 1)[[[(set: $difficulty to 20 - $cap_convinced)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "Her boards are short, and her decks overloaded. Haven't you seen how low she sits? Even anchored in the harbor, her cannons barely clear the waves. What do you think will happen on the open sea?" ->shipLow]]](else:)[[["I don't know how, but she's going to sink, I swear." ->swearSink]]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1)(set: $warnedShip to 1) (if: $success is true)[Paravas frowns, peering at you curiously(if: $gaveRing is 1)[ as he pockets Andreas's ring]. "A grave allegation to add to your strange tales. I'll look into it."(set: $officerConvinced to 1) (display: "repliesToOfficer")](else:)[(display: "swearSink")]

"What a lot of wild accusations you make. But you'll have to excuse me." The admiral turns his back on you. (if: $data's knowsShip is 1)[[[(set: $difficulty to 30 - $cap_convinced)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "Her boards are short, and her decks overloaded. Haven't you seen how low she sits? Even anchored in the harbor, her cannons barely clear the waves. What do you think will happen on the open sea?" ->shipLow]] ](display: "repliesToOfficer")

He gestures to the other man. "Lock her up out of the way somewhere." [["No, wait! You have to listen to me!" ->haveToListen]] [["Sir, you mustn't sail *Leviathan*! The ship will sink!" ->willSink]] [[Go quietly. ->goQuietly]]

A small tear in the corset suffices to wiggle out the underwire. You bend it into a hook and fish around within the lock. After a few minutes, it catches. You pull downwards; it slides off. Again, you find the catch; again it slips off. Then you get the angle. A satisfying click, and the door swings open. [[Go out. ->outShip]] [[Put the wire back first. ->putBackWire]]

You sit with your back against a barrel, your legs angled to stretch as much as possible. But you can't get comfortable enough to rest. After a few minutes, footsteps approach down the hall. The lock clicks. A young sailor pokes his head in. "You're to come with me, ma'am. Captain's orders." You follow the boy up the narrow stairs to the deck. A rowboat waits by *Leviathan*'s tall sides. Two soldiers in green uniforms are seated in it, along with the boatman from the dock. (if: $officerConvinced is 0)["Get in," he orders.](else:)["Go ahead, ma'am." He gestures to the ladder.] [[Obey. ->getInBoat]] [["Where are you taking me?" ->whereBoat]]

You hurry along the narrow corridor. This floor seems to be just miscellaneous ship supplies. A rack of uniforms gives you pause. Anybody who sees you in peasant dress is likely to detain you. But can you pass as a Saragaian soldier? Most of the uniforms are much too large. But there's one that seems to be for a ship's boy. [[Get changed. ->changeClothes]] [[Stay as you are. ->keepClothes]]

You carefully restore the underwire to its original position. Even lacking a mirror, it's surely much more flattering like this. (display: "outShip")

The boy's uniform is dark blue, with gold buttons, white piping and a cute cap. You knot your hair in a bun beneath it. In an alcove by the wall stands a rack of weapons. [[Steal a sword. ->stealSword]] [[Just go! ->nextfloor]]

It's risky, but there's no time to lose. (set: $keptClothes to 1) But as you hurry past, you notice a rack of weapons in an alcove by the wall. *That* might be worth stopping for. [[Steal a sword. ->stealSword]] [[Just go! ->nextfloor]]

You gallop up the stairs and burst out onto the deck. (if: $data's vampire is 1)[Dawn has come. Though the sky is overcast, the morning seems almost unbearably bright after the dimness of the ship's belly. You squint eastward into the roiling clouds, feeling a moment's anxiety when an errant sun-ray touches your arm - but the sensation is only pleasant warmth. The sea is choppy.](else:)[The sky is grey, the sea choppy.] Little flags of foam toss on the restless waves, but *Leviathan* does not rock. Her deck is a hive of activity, as men dash back and forth with gear and weapons. Nobody seems to notice you panting in the doorway. (if: $keptClothes is 1)[But as you cross the deck, a deep voice hollers. "What's *she* doing here?" You keep your eyes on the deck, and find yourself confronting a pair of sailor's boots. Rough hands drag you by the collar to the captain. You open your mouth to protest your innocence, but a knee hits you in the guts. As you sputter and gasp, you look up into the captain's cold stare. "Clearly I overestimated my men's diligence." He turns to the sailor holding your collar. "Never mind how it happened. She's no longer our problem." He jerks his head to someone behind you. Two soldiers in green uniforms take your arms and lead you to *Leviathan*'s cliff-like side, where a rowboat rocks on the waves. The boatman from the dock peers up at you with an expression of distaste. "Get in," he orders. [[Obey. ->getInBoat]] [["Where are you taking me?" ->whereBoat]] ](else:)[Peering over the side, you see boat after boat bringing soldiers from the shore. One, having disgorged its passengers, is just about to leave. [["Wait!" ->climbInBoat]]]

The oarsman looks around. "What do you want?" You clamber down the ladder and drop clumsily into the boat, making it rock. Ignoring the twang of your ankle, you get to your feet and touch your cap politely. [["Captain's orders, sir. I'm to report shoreside." ->shoreside]] [["Please, can you take me to the shore?" ->pleaseShore]]

The man frowns at your accent, but doesn't ask questions. "Sit down then," he orders you. "And grab an oar." You sit down on a faded bench, putting your feet on a tangle of nets resting in bilge-water. You grab an oar and attempt to match the oarsman's broad strokes, but after a few minutes, your heart is hammering, your breath gasps and the oar seems heavy as lead. The boatman glances at you and chuckles. "Ease up, lad. It's not a race." You rest the oar, not daring to thank him. Now the harbor looms close, the hillside behind it crowded with buildings peering over one another's shoulders at the open sea. Knots of soldiers wait by the harbor. Their mood seems lighthearted; some kick a ball between them, others stand around joking and chatting. Occasionally they glance out to sea at *Leviathan*. The boat glides smoothly to the pier, and the boatman leaps lightly out. A group of soldiers come along the pier to meet it. [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "Sir, where can I find the King? The Captain has an urgent message for him." ->whereKing]] [[Just leave. ->leftDock]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's deceive to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[He frowns at you. But one of the passing soldiers laughs. "Hoping to catch a look at him, are you, lad? I was just the same at your age. But you won't find him down by the docks. He's not left the palace in weeks." You feign a disappointed expression. "Cheer up, boy. Your best chance to get a glimpse would be from the main square. After the ball today, I bet he'll be watching *Leviathan*'s launch from the palace balcony with the other nobility." [["There's a ball?" ->ball]] [["Thanks!" ->thanks]]](else:)[(display: "sureIs")]

The soldier seizes your arm and turns you back toward the sea where *Leviathan* looms above the waves, a graceful titan at rest. In the morning light, her fresh colors seem to glow.(if: $data's vampire is 1)[Their brilliance is almost painful to behold.] She looks ready for anything - but you cannot help but notice how near the waves lap her gunports. "Look at her, lad! Don't you think that's something to celebrate? We'll clear out that rabble from Thronheim and be home in time for supper." [[Nod. ->nodSoldier]] [["It sure is, sir." ->sureIs]]

"Get along now, lad." The man grins, and cuffs you playfully across the ear. Suppressing a yelp, you hurry off. (display: "leftDock")

He claps a hand on your shoulder. "Run along, lad." You hurry away into the dockside crowd. (display: "leftDock")

He frowns. "That's a curious accent you've got. Where are you from, lad?" You think quickly. The language of Saragai's remote north is somewhat similar to your own. [[Run. ->runFromDock]] [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "Uh, I'm from the northern provinces." ->northernProvince]]

A big soldier steps in front of you. "Here, where are you going, lad?" You duck beneath his hands, but he snatches at you. "Come back here!" (if: $sword is 1)[(set: $difficulty to 7)](else:)[(set: $difficulty to 12)] [[(set: $skill_name to "Fight")(display: "makeDice"): Fight. ->fightOnPier]] [["Let me go! I have an urgent message for the King!" ->urgentMessage]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's deceive to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[The soldier nods. "Ah, my cousin's from those parts. Almost took you for a spy of Thronheim for a second!" He gives a hearty chuckle. "Now be off with you, lad!" You hurry away into the dockside crowd. (display: "leftDock")](else:)[The soldier nods. "Ah, my cousin's from those parts." But another soldier stops, frowning. "That's a Thronheim accent!" [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "Is not! I know it sounds a bit the same, but we're nothing like those foreigners!" ->isNot]] [[Run. ->runFromDock]]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's deceive to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[The soldiers laugh. You hurry away, feigning embarrassment. (display: "leftDock")](else:)[The soldiers look at one another. You read growing suspicion in their eyes.(display: "runFromDock")]

Crossing beneath an arched gate entwined in stone sea-serpents, you make your way uphill. The cobbled streets are crooked and haphazard, wandering this way and that, intersecting at odd angles, and occasionally widening into plazas where buskers play, stray dogs bask and beg, and children crowd around frothing fountains. The streets are bustling with traffic, shops are open and brightly-lit, and you hear several languages spoken. Neither trade nor spirits seem affected by the siege. The larger roads, suitable for horse traffic, wind along the hillside rather than up. You take one of the narrow foot-paths which run directly toward the peak, with stone stairs at their steepest sections. The ancient houses, painted in pastel shades, lean so close their balconies almost kiss. The alley abruptly spits you into a broad, tiered public square. Opposite, a wide staircase leads up to a graceful palace of white marble gazing down upon the plaza, the city, and the bay beyond. A broad terrace is supported by columns that dwarf the green-clad ceremonial guards stationed neatly along the stairs. The square itself is crowded with street vendors, musicians and common folk. Everybody keeps a respectful distance from the palace stairs. As you watch, the crowd parts along a large road that enters the square from the west. A large carriage approaches, drawn by four chestnut horses. Scarlet plumes toss upon their heads, and the carriage gleams with scarlet enameled paint. The carriage draws up at the bottom of the steps, and a footman dismounts, shooing away the crowd. He holds out his hand; two ladies in outrageously elegant dresses emerge, followed by a young man. The crowd ripples and murmurs; people push forward and peer over shoulders. With steady dignity, the nobility ascend and disappear inside the great golden doors. The carriage clip-clops away. Another arrives. This one is black and white, drawn by glossy black horses with stars on their foreheads. Another appears behind it, even more ornate; soon, a line forms. Evidently the party is about to begin. But there's no obvious way to get inside. Dressed as you are, you don't stand a chance. [[Sneak around the back of the palace. ->sneakBackPalace]] [[Examine the carriages more closely. ->carriages]]

You circumnavigate the palace, but its walls ascend smoothly for at least two stories all around. It's puzzling. Surely the servants don't enter via the grand staircase. Then it occurs to you to look, not upward, but down. On the road below the palace, you find a building that recedes into the hill. Two palace guards stand outside the entrance. People are coming and going. Some are dressed in neat but plain uniforms. Others wear peasant clothes and carry trays or carts of supplies. The guards speak briefly to each person, then let them pass. Voices mutter in an alley behind you. Glancing around, you see a peasant woman and a girl arguing in hushed tones. The girl wears the uniform of the palace servants. "But I have to go!" hisses the girl. "I'll lose my job if I don't." "You can't!" replies the woman fiercely. "Your brother is sick, and I must mind the shop." "Leave the shop, Mother! It's only one day!" "The shop makes more money in a day than your job does in a week. And besides, the city is crawling with thieves. Your uncle's market stall was robbed just the other day!" "But Mother, please! Cook said I'm in line for promotion. Think about it! One day I could get a position with a court lady." "One day? While you're dreaming of one day, I have to think of tomorrow! No, you'll do as your told, and that's the end of it." The woman marches away. The girl bursts into tears. [["Hey..." ->sayHey]] [[Leave. ->leaveGirl]]

(set: $sword to 1) You select a small but well-balanced blade and give it a few experimental swings. Good. (display: "nextfloor")

The girl looks up, frowning. Her eyes are red-rimmed. "Who are you?" [["I couldn't help overhearing... I think I can help! I'll take your place in the palace just for today, and you can stay home and look after your brother." ->takePlace]] [["Never mind... I'd better go." ->leaveGirl]]

The girl shakes her head. "Oh, I couldn't ask that of you! And besides, I'm expected. Cook says I have the steadiest hands for icing cakes." You've never iced a cake in your life. But it can't be that hard, can it? Commoners do it all the time. [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "Icing cakes! But I used to do that for a living in my home town. I know all the tricks. Don't worry, it'll be fine!" ->icing]] [["Don't worry, I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon enough." ->notHardCover]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's deceive to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[Her eyes widen. "D... do you mean it? Oh, wow..." She wipes her eyes dry with her sleeve. [["Just lend me your uniform, and I'll go right away. And tell me your name, so I can let them know I'm covering for you?" ->covering]] [["Actually... I don't think I can do this. Sorry. I'd better go." ->leaveGirl]]](else:)[(display: "notHardCover")]

"It's Emily," she says, sniffing. "Here!" You slip between two carriages and exchange clothes. She offers you a brilliant smile. "Thanks so much! Between Dad shipping out on *Leviathan* today, and my brother sick, Mother's been frantic." (set: $dress to "servant") [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "Listen, Emily. I can't tell you how I know this, but you need to stop your Dad boarding that ship. Whatever it takes." ->stopDad]] [["No problem, Emily. See you later!" ->seeYa]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's deceive to it + 1) Emily looks puzzled. "What do you mean?" You meet her eyes frankly, willing her to believe. (if: $success is true)[Slowly, she nods. "Uh... okay. You really think - something's going to happen, isn't it? Oh no... I've got to warn him!" She hurries away, her expression troubled. (display: "seeYa")](else:)[But her suspicion only seems to deepen. "Who are you, anyway?" [["I can't say any more, I'm sorry. Just stop him, Emily." ->stopHim]] [["Never mind. It was just a thought. See you later!" ->seeYa]]]

The guard's expression does not change as you approach. His uniform is emerald green with golden piping and tassels. He stands very straight. "State your business, ma'am." [["The kitchen staff are expecting me. I'm standing in for Emily, who ices the cakes. She's got a family emergency." ->standInForEmily]]

She shakes her head, still staring at you with narrowing eyes. "I... I don't understand. And why do you know about this, anyway?" Suddenly she yells: "Guards! Guards!" You dash away into the depths of the alleyway, and lose yourself in a maze of backstreets until the hubbub behind you dies down. At last you wander back to the square. Your eye is drawn once more to the ornate carriages queueing before the palace. (display: "carriages")

The guard looks you over. His frown deepens. "You look like you spent the night in a dustbin." [[(set: $difficulty to 13)(set: $skill_name to "Charm")(display: "makeDice"):"Sorry. Emily called me up on short notice. But I'll get cleaned up, and I'll do the finest job on those cakes your Cook has ever seen. Promise!" ->promise]] [["It was a perfectly respectable brothel, thank you very much." ->noBrothel]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's charm to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[The guard scowls at you, his skepticism plain. (if: $data's vampire is 1)[Yet as his eyes meet yours the tension seems to flow out of him, and he starts to smile despite himself. "Well... you seem like a trustworthy lass. And if it's for Emily's sake..."](else:)[But then he sighs. "I suppose Emily must be going through a rough time if she's asking for help from such as you."] He hesitates, then gruffly adds: "Go on with you then! Before I change my mind!" [["Thanks! You won't regret this, I promise." ->thankGuard]]](else:)[The guard looks skeptical. "We don't allow just anybody to stand in, you know." [["I told you, they're expecting me! It's all arranged. Why, back home I used to ice cakes for the biggest bakery in town!" ->skepticGuard]] [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "I'm not just anybody. I'm a friend of Emily's. Don't you know how much this job means to her? She wouldn't let you down, and I won't either. Why, back home I used to ice cakes for the biggest bakery in town!" ->greatIcer]]]

The guard grimaces humorlessly. "Ugh. We don't employ your kind here. In any capacity. Now please get out of the way, you're blocking the queue." There's no queue, but you surmise that pointing this out will not endear you to him. (display: "leaveGirl")

(display: "dice")(set: $data's deceive to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[The guard bites his lip, eyeing you. "They *are* short-staffed in the kitchen today. And Cook is most particular about the icing. Very well. But you'll have to get yourself cleaned up first, or she'll send you straight back out. There's a bathroom on the second floor of the servants quarters." [["Thanks! You won't regret this, I promise." ->thankGuard]]](else:)[(display: "skepticGuard")]

"I already do." The guard turns away, waving you past resignedly. You hurry through the narrow doorway before he changes his mind. Upstairs, you find a musty-smelling tiled bathroom with harsh scrubbing soap, a bucket of cold water, and a rusted tub. (set: $data's enteredPalace to 1) [[Clean yourself up. ->cleanUp]] [[Just go. ->noClean]]

You find a greyish rag hanging on a rack. That, combined with the gritty soap and icy water, suffices for an invigorating cat-bath. You can do little with your hair, other than run your fingers through it and knot it in the tightest bun achievable. (set: $clean to 1) Refreshed and shivering, you continue up the stairs. (display: "noClean")

Up four flights of stairs and down a hallway, you guess that you are now in the palace proper. Other servants hurry past, ignoring you. In a wider hallway, an ant-line of servants carries silver trays laden with pastries. [[Follow them. ->followServants]] [[Find out where they're coming from. ->kitchen]]

The flow of traffic leads out into an enormous ballroom. It is, you note with some chagrin, significantly larger than Castle Stelgarte's. Sunlight glimmers through large windows of colored glass, and the ceiling is painted with elegant patterns of birds and flowers. The room is thronged with Saragai's fashion-conscious nobility. Gowns and robes of silk and velvet flutter, flow and shimmer across the floor. Jewels sparkle beneath glittering chandeliers. As you watch, an orchestra starts to play, and some of the couples begin to dance. Others sip wine or graciously accept bite-size hors d'oeuvres from silver platters held by circulating staff. Somebody shoves you in the back. "Don't just stand there gawking! Pass these around, will you?" You turn to see a plump, red-faced woman glaring at you. (if: $clean is 0)[Seeing your disheveled state, she recoils. "Ugh! You're not one of the servants. Guards!" [["But I'm here to ice the cakes, ma'am! I'm standing in for Emily!" ->pleadWithCookCakes]] [["I'm sorry ma'am, I'll go wash at once." ->pleadWithCook]]](else:)[She pushes a tray of smoked salmon and cheese pastries into your arms and marches away. (if: $data's vampire is 0)[They smell delicious. You haven't eaten since yesterday.](else:)[When did you last eat? Somewhat to your relief, you realise you are at least mildly hungry.] [[Eat one. ->eatPastry]] [[Offer the pastries to the nobility. ->passPastries]]]

You follow the line of servants back to its source, an enormous, noisy kitchen where cauldrons bubble, roasts turn over glowing coals, and fresh-baked loaves and cakes cool on racks. Cooks and maids rush back and forth in the chaos. (if: $data's vampire is 0)[Wonderful aromas make your stomach murmur; how long is it since you've eaten?](else:)[The aromas are pleasant, though not compelling. When did you last eat? Somewhat to your relief, you realise you are at least mildly hungry.] As you hesitate before a tray of smoked salmon and cheese pastries, somebody shoves you in the back. "Don't just stand there gawking! Take them out to the great hall, will you?" You turn to see a plump, red-faced woman glaring at you. (if: $clean is 0)[Seeing your disheveled state, she recoils. "Ugh! You're not one of the servants. Guards!" [["But I'm here to ice the cakes, ma'am! I'm standing in for Emily!" ->pleadWithCookCakes]] [["I'm sorry ma'am, I'll go wash at once." ->pleadWithCook]]](else:)[She pushes the tray into your arms and marches away. Meekly, you follow the line of servants out into an enormous ballroom. It is, you note with some chagrin, significantly larger than Castle Stelgarte's. Sunlight glimmers through large windows of colored glass, and the ceiling is painted with elegant patterns of birds and flowers. The room is thronged with Saragai's fashion-conscious nobility. Gowns and robes of silk and velvet flutter, flow and shimmer across the floor. Jewels sparkle beneath glittering chandeliers. As you watch, an orchestra starts to play, and some of the couples begin to dance. Others sip wine or graciously accept bite-size hors d'oeuvres from silver platters held by circulating staff. You glance down at the tray of pastries in your arms. (if: $data's vampire is 0)[Their exquisite smell torments you.](else:)[When did you last eat? Somewhat to your relief, you realise you are at least mildly hungry.] [[Eat one. ->eatPastry]] [[Offer the pastries to the nobility. ->passPastries]]]

Edging between the nobility, (if: $data's vampire is 1)[You nibble tentatively at a pastry. It's delicious. Your appetite seems to be reviving.](else:)[you discreetly wolf down a delicious pastry.] The flavour is delicate yet powerful, the texture exquisitely melting and crisp in all the right places. You glance around guiltily, but nobody is looking at you. To the nobility, you might as well be invisible; they are, at most, interested in your hors d'oeuvres. [[Eat more pastries. ->morePastries]] [[Offer pastries to the nobility. ->passPastries]]

You circulate the room, hesitant to approach the noblemen and ladies. Isn't it obvious you are an impostor? A handsome gentleman in a cape of rich crimson velvet smiles at you. You start to greet him, but his eyes have already switched focus. He takes a pastry and turns away, continuing his conversation. Emboldened, you drift around the room. The tray is rapidly being depleted. As you pass near the entrance once more, your gaze is caught by a lady of compelling beauty. Her gleaming nut-brown hair falls in silken ringlets, encased in a net of silver and sapphires. She wears a matching dress, deep blue silk edged in silver lace, plunging at the bosom to reveal skin pale as cream. But it's her eyes, grey and serious, fringed in long dark lashes, that you cannot look away from. There's something awfully familiar about her. But you don't know many Saragaian noblewomen. And surely you could not have forgotten someone so striking. (set: $sawTertia to 1) She turns, and stares directly at you. You gasp, fumble, and catch the tray just before it can fall. Her eyes widen. [[Flee. ->runFromTertia]] [[Gaze back at her. ->gazeTertia]]

You're on your fifth pastry when your gaze is caught by a lady of compelling beauty. Her gleaming nut-brown hair falls in silken ringlets, encased in a net of silver and sapphires. She wears a matching dress, deep blue silk edged in silver lace, plunging at the bosom to reveal skin pale as cream. But it's her eyes, grey and serious, fringed in long dark lashes, that you cannot look away from. There's something awfully familiar about her. But you don't know many Saragaian noblewomen. And surely you could not have forgotten someone so striking. (set: $sawTertia to 1) She turns and stares directly at you. You gasp. The pastry falls from your fingers. Her eyes widen. [[Flee. ->runFromTertia]] [[Gaze back at her. ->gazeTertia]]

You hurry away into the crowd. Attention from a mysterious stranger is the last thing you need right now. Although, you cannot quite convince yourself she *is* a stranger. You can still feel her eyes on you, and can't help glancing around. "Watch it!" You look up - into the startled eyes of a servant carrying a tiered silver tray with four layers of champagne flutes. You barrel into him. He yells and stumbles; the tray teeters and crashes to the ground. Champagne spatters everywhere, drenching skirts and trousers. Ladies scream and recoil. Two burly guards hurry over. "Get her out of here!" snarls a lady. She stares at you in horror, fingering the damp hem of her cream velvet gown. "Yes, ma'am!" The soldiers glare at you. (display: "alcyonArrives")

Her small mouth shapes a word, but it's lost in the babble of the party. Then a hand clamps down on your shoulder. "You're not one of the regular staff." The hefty guard scowls down at you. [["I'm covering for Emily!" ->coveringForEmily]] [[Run. ->runFromTertia]]

"I don't care. You've no clearance to be here!" The guard's grip on your shoulder tightens. (display: "alcyonArrives")

She moves lightly, delicately to your side, smiling. Her lips are bright, her face powdered white and hair curled in ringlets. You blink, looking from her dazzling smile to those grey and serious eyes. Are you dreaming? It's her. Of course it's her. But that's impossible. Briefly, covertly in the crowded room, Tertia's hand grips yours. She gazes urgently into your eyes, her brilliant smile fixed in place as she murmurs, "Meet me in the bathrooms in the west wing." She takes a pastry. "Thank you," she says out loud, and turns away before you can reply. You deposit your tray in a corner and make your way across the room, evading the glance of other staff. You do not bother to avoid the noblemen's gaze; their eyes slide past as if you are a stray chair. The western hallway is empty, lined with gold-framed doors. The carpet is plush scarlet, the walls decorated with gilded friezes of hunters, flowers and war. Your skin prickles. Anyone who sees you is likely to question your business here. But all remains quiet. "Seline!" Tertia's voice hisses; a door cracks open. You slip inside, into an ornate tiled room lit by shimmering lanterns. Tertia's hands grab yours tightly. "Oh, Seline! You're alive! Thank the gods... I was so scared for you!" Hastily, she locks the door, then stands with her back against it, smiling at you. (set: $metTertia to 1) [[Hug her. ->hugTertia]] [["Tertia! I can't believe you're here!" ->cantBelieve]]

She clings to you fiercely. "Oh, Seline... thank goodness you're here." Her smile glows with happiness, but her face is wet with tears. (set: $data's likesT to it + 1) [["Tertia, what happened? How can you be here?" ->cantBelieve]] [["Thank goodness you are! I was so worried about you!" ->nightmare]]

She shakes her head, laughing. "I can hardly believe it myself. (display: "tertiaStory")

She smiles shakily. "Oh, that part was easy! There's a tunnel leading to the city in the basement of that brothel where you spent the night. Apparently it's owned by Lord Alcyon. He's sort of a friend of Nyora's, and he keeps the tunnel open for his smuggling - which the King tolerates in return for quiet help with certain problems - awfully shady-sounding stuff! Anyway, apparently Alcyon owes the Sorcerer some kind of favor - he seemed quite happy to help us! So then it was simply a matter of borrowing Lord Alcyon's carriage, finding some appropriate formal wear and forging an invitation to the ball." (set: $data's likesT to it + 1) She sighs. "The only problem was, I couldn't figure out how to get to King Estevan. They say he hardly ever leaves his quarters." (set: $howcity to 1) (if: $whereny is 0)[[["So where is Nyora now?" ->whereNy]] ][["Then we'll have to go to him." ->goToEstevan]] [["Don't worry. I have a plan!" ->plan]]

She shakes her head. "We'll never get past the guards." [["Do you have any idea how boring it is to be a palace guard? Distracting them will be a piece of cake!" ->pieceOfCake]] [["Don't worry. I have a plan!" ->plan]]

"Seline!" [["Just show me how to get to the Royal Suite." ->toRoyalSuite]] [["Fine! I'll go alone." ->goAlone]]

She groans. "When have I heard that before?" [["Just show me how to get to the Royal Suite." ->toRoyalSuite]] [["Fine! I'll go alone." ->goAlone]]

Tertia rolls her eyes, but she doesn't protest further. (set: $rel to "lady") (display: "toRoyalQuarters")

Tertia grows pale, but you march confidently toward the palace guards. They glare at you. Clearly, your approach is neither welcome nor expected. (if: $friends is 0)[[[(set: $difficulty to 20)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "Excuse me, sir. My lady has an appointment to see His Majesty." ->appoint]]](else:)[[[(set: $difficulty to 20)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "Excuse me, sir. My friend has an appointment to see His Majesty." ->appoint]]] [[Go back to Tertia. ->retreat]]

"*That's* your plan?" Tertia shakes her head. "I can't do this, Seline!" (if: $friends is 0)[[["Of course you can! Just go up to the guard, smile at him, and tell him your idiot servant dropped your diamond necklace in the fountain." ->droppedNecklace]]](else:)[[["Of course you can! Just go up to the guard, smile at him, and tell him your idiot friend dropped your diamond necklace in the fountain." ->droppedNecklace]]]

Tertia frowns. "But he'll know I'm lying!" [["You won't be." ->wontBe]] [["Hmm, what could we possibly do about that?" ->wontBe]]

Before she can react, you sieze her necklace. Tertia gasps. "Seline!" With one quick jerk, the chain snaps. "But it's not mine! I have to give it back!" yelps Tertia. You hold the necklace high, then toss it into the fountain. It flies, sparkling, to land on the protruding appendage of a well-endowed merman twelve feet up. Tertia glares at you. She looks at the fountain, then back at the palace guards. They stare back impassively. Tertia sighs, and marches over to them. "Please, sir," she says to one. "My necklace... it's up there! Could you help me?" "No." The guard folds his arms. Tertia gives you another dirty look. You glare back. Why doesn't she burst into tears? Tears always work. Instead, she just looks frustrated, and her shoulders slump. Then you hear footsteps approaching. "There you are, my darling! I've been looking all over for you!" Lord Alcyon hurries to Tertia's side. "Whatever is the matter?" You step forward. Time is running out. [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "Lord Alcyon, things are not what they seem here. I have an urgent message for King Estevan. Please, I beg you, help me to reach him!" ->begAlcyon]] [["My lord, she's lost her necklace, and the palace guards refuse to help. It's up there!" ->upThere]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1) Lord Alcyon raises a ginger eyebrow. "Curiouser and curiouser!" His pale blue eyes survey you with sudden shrewdness. "It's true!" adds Tertia eagerly. "Please, we must reach him!" (if: $success is true)[(set: $no_paravas to 1)"I find myself inclined to help you. But it's not easy to obtain an audience. Lord Paravas is awfully protective, you see. Especially since the King's been so ill. He's quite the mother hen. And he's not so fond of me." Suddenly, he grins. "That does gives me an idea, though. Wait here." He says something to the guards; they allow him to pass between the gilded serpents. A few minutes later, he emerges with a thin, balding nobleman at his side. You recognise the admiral you met on *Leviathan*. Alcyon seems to be telling Paravas a deeply disturbing story, for admiral looks right past you, scowling at thin air. Alcyon gives you a broad wink as they pass. For a few moments, the guards are distracted, their eyes following the two lords, who continue conversing tensely. [[Dash through the doors. ->royalApartment]] [[Stroll in with dignity. ->royalApartment]]](else:)["I'm afraid I can't help you, though. Lord Paravas is less than fond of me, and he's awfully protective, you see. Especially since the King's been so ill. He's quite the mother hen." Tertia takes his arm. "I understand. But can you at least order the guards to help retrieve my necklace from the fountain? They were terribly rude about it!" "So that while they're distracted, you can slip inside the royal suite?" He considers it, and smiles. "Truthfully, I don't see any harm in that - Paravas is more than enough protection for our king, and frankly, I suspect His Majesty will enjoy the drama." (display: "upThere2")]

Lord Alcyon shakes his head. "Really! This is most embarrassing." (display: "upThere2")

The King's chambers are warm and bright, with white walls, large windows facing the gardens, and a carpet of plush saffron-yellow. Several bookshelves bow under the weight of tomes, but there's little decoration. After the ornate clutter of the palace halls, the simplicity is a relief. A large oaken desk stands on a dais, with a high-backed chair upholstered in green velvet behind. Nobody is there. (if: $no_paravas is 0)[But low voices emanate from a room beyond. The door is open.](else:)[An open door leads to an adjoining room.] [[Go in. ->goIn]] [[Hide. ->hideChambers]]

A wave of stifling heat assaults you as you cross the threshold. Most of the room is occupied by an enormous, canopied bed swathed in cloth of gold. The old man propped at one end near a roaring stove looks as frail as a bunch of sticks, apart from his spider-like distended belly. Despite the heat, he's huddled beneath a mound of blankets. His hair is white, but the eyes that meet yours are as dark as Andreas's. (if: $parout is 0 and $no_paravas is 0)[Beside the bed, a nobleman stands. He's tall and thin, balding, with narrow eyes that stare at you angrily. You recognise Lord Paravas, the admiral you met on *Leviathan*. "Guards!" he snarls. ](else:)[(if: $parout is 0)[As you take in the scene, Lord Paravas bursts into the room. Evidently Alcyon's diversion has been short-lived. "Guards!" he snarls, staring at you furiously with narrowed eyes. (set: $called_guards to 1)](else:)["Your Majesty," Paravas says. "This is the peculiar spy of Thronheim that eluded my men earlier - it seems she has somehow found her way into the palace. So I thought you might wish to question her yourself."] ][[Prostrate yourself. ->kneelBeforeKing]] [["Your Majesty -" ->dontKneel]]

The tall man scoffs. "What nonsense! (if: $parout is 1)[I did not bring you here to waste his Majesty's time with fantasies!]" He turns toward the door and yells, "Guards!" (set: $claimSeline to 1)(set: $called_guards to 1) The King peers at you, frowning. [["Your Majesty, Prince Morael himself asked me to find you!" ->moraelaskedme]] [["Your Majesty, I would gladly tell you all. But you are in immediate danger!" ->traitorPlot]]

"You *lost* him?" [["We were attacked by traitors to both our lands. They know we want to stop the war." ->attackedByTraitor]] [["It's a long story..." ->longStory]]

"Is my grandson ... dead... then?" [["I don't know, your Majesty. He fought bravely, and urged me to continue without him when he was captured. And so I did, for I have tidings that cannot wait." ->tidings]] [["I'm not sure. It's a long story..." ->longStory]]

King Estevan looks away from you, wincing. "Ahhh... my wine, Paravas." "At once, my lord." The tall man pours a glass from a crystal decanter. Kneeling, he holds it gently to the King's lips. (if: $data's knowsPoison is 1)[[["Stop! He mustn't drink the wine." ->stopWine]] ]

You slip behind a curtain to wait. Minutes pass. Then a bell peals outside. The courtyard door opens, and two guards march in, along with a servant. The servant approaches your hiding-place. There's nowhere to run. She tugs on a rope, and the curtain slides away. The servant screams. The guards shout and draw their swords. A tall, balding nobleman (if: $no_paravas is 0)[bursts out of the King's chambers](else:)[charges inside], scowling. You recognise Lord Paravas, the admiral you met on *Leviathan*. "So you are a spy!" he snarls, drawing his sword. [[(set: $difficulty to 15 - $cap_convinced)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "I'm not a spy! I told you, I have to warn the King!" ->pleaseKing]] [["A... a what? Sir! I'm just the maid... I was ordered to dust the window-sills, that's all. Please, don't fire me!" ->dontFireMe]]

You hear a strange, repetitive sound, like the wheezing of a bellows, yet each breath truncated by a strangled grunt. It's several moments before you realize that the King is laughing. (set: $claimMorael to 1) The tall man stalks toward you, glaring. "Morael is *dead*, you fool. (if: $claimSeline is 1)[And if you *are* the princess of Thronheim, which is obviously nonsense, then he died at your father's hands. And his brother Rain, likewise.](else:)[At the hands of your countrymen.] Do you come to mock an old man's grief?" But the King raises a skeletal hand. "Let... her... be," he murmurs. His dark eyes turn to yours, gazing at you for a long time. At last, he says, "How did you meet my grandson, child?" [["I met him in Thronheim. He completed his quest, and we travelled here together." ->questcomplete]] [["Your Majesty, I would gladly tell you all. But Morael sent me to warn you - you are in immediate danger!" ->traitorPlot]]

You drop to your knees and, in case that isn't enough, touch your forehead to the yellow carpet. "Why ...are ...you ...here?" The voice of the bedridden man is very soft, the hiss of breath like a spent balloon. [["King Estevan, I am the Princess Seline, daughter of King Torveld of Thronheim." ->iAmSeline2]] [["Your Majesty, I bring word from Prince Morael." ->moraelaskedme]] [["Your Majesty, I came to warn you. You are in immediate danger!" ->traitorPlot]]

(if: $parout is 0)["An assassin! Guards!" The tall admiral's sword flashes in his hand as he stamps towards you. You stumble backwards. (set: $called_guards to 1) But the bedridden King raises a limp hand a few inches above the blankets. At once, the admiral halts, looking back and forth between you.](else:)[The King's eyes widen slightly. He does not look pleased.] "On your knees before the King!" snaps the admiral. (display: "kneelBeforeKing")

(set: $paravas_gone to 1)(if: $called_guards is 1)[Two guards burst into the room. "Take her away!" snarls Paravas.](else:)[Paravas scowls. "Sire, you need not listen to these ravings any further. I shall have her removed."] But the King raises a skeletal hand. "Wait." He waves a hand at the admiral(if: $called_guards is 1)[ and the guards]. "Leave us!" Paravas's eyes grow even narrower. "Sire..." With a gesture, the King cuts him off. The admiral bows and retreats, giving you an aggrieved look. The door clicks behind them. Estevan turns his dark gaze on you once more. (display: "mergethreads")

Estevan draws breath sharply. "Mirakai's child has been found? Or are you lying to me? It must be true that you met Morael - you can only have heard of the quest from him. Yet why should I believe you were his friend? No, it is surely a lie. Your people tortured the truth from Morael before they killed him. He was ever a poor liar." (if: $data's gotRing is 1)[Your fingers touch the small circle of gold in your pocket. Would Andreas understand? Anyway, he's gone. Who cares what he would think? [["I can prove what I say." ->canProveIt]]](else:)[(display:"infoOptions")] [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Charm")(display: "makeDice"): "No! I mean, yes, he is a bad liar. Like, *really* bad. I remember one time he rescued me from Sir Raddibore, and he was disguised as a guard, and Sir Raddibore caught us and demanded to know why he'd let me out, and Morael blurts out, "she, umm needed to ...do something to her hair!" Of course Raddibore yells, "Arrest them at once!" So we had to fight. He *is* good with a sword, I'll give him that. Anyway, the point is, I'm telling the truth!" ->likeMorael]]

"You must forgive me, child." Estevan's tone is ice-cold. "I am old, and fairytales weary me." The old man's hand shoots up to yank on a rope. Outside, you hear a bell jangle. At once, the balding man returns, with the guards beside him. "Remove her," says the King flatly. (display: "dragToDungeon")

You take the rose gold ring from your pocket and hold it up, sparkling, in the light. The King peers at it, squinting. He waves his hand impatiently. "Closer, child." You put the ring into his gnarled and ancient hand. He turns it in his fingers, eyes widening. His mouth opens, but he says nothing. At last he looks at you once more. (display: "kingring")

(if: $claimMorael is 0)[(set: $claimMorael to 1)His eyes widen. "Morael! I knew in my heart he was not gone... You give me joy, child. But I must hear more of this tale. Why did Mirakai's son entrust you with this ring?"](else:)["Given to you! Why?"] [["As a token of friendship." ->friendship]] [["He wanted me to return it to his family. He believes himself unworthy of the throne, Sire." ->unworthy]]

"Friendship," he repeats, softly. "I can see that one day's telling will not suffice for this tale." (display: "notLying2")

"What do you mean?" [["King Estevan, this war was started by treachery in both our kingdoms. My people were deceived into attacking you by Sir Raddibore of Thronheim. And a traitor in your own court informed Raddibore of your long illness. That traitor plans to assassinate you tomorrow, and sink the *Leviathan* at the same time." ->longStory]]

"Another one," sighs the King. "Tell me, how is it that my grandchildren are all such idealistic idiots?" [["Maybe it's because they've seen how badly the wars hurt your family." ->hurtFamily]] [["Well, to be honest, I don't think he likes the idea of being King much anyway." ->notWantKing]]

Estevan winces, then chuckles, then cries out and starts to cough hoarsely. At last he says, "You've a sharp tongue (if: $claimSeline is 1)[there. Perhaps you *are* the Princess of Thronheim](else:)[for a (if: $dress is "fancy")[court lady](else:)[serving girl]]." He rests for a few moments, taking shallow wheezing breaths. Then his eyes open again. (display: "notLying2")

The King lowers the glass. "Why not, pray tell?"

You yelp in protest as the King's men sieze you by the arms, but they pay no attention. They drag you roughly out, down the servants' staircase, and shove you through the door. You land ignominiously in a puddle. The door-guard sighs. "Why am I not surprised?" (display: "leaveGirl")

Estevan shakes his head. "Such wild lies. Your people tortured some of the truth from Morael before they killed him, that is all. He was ever a poor liar, and you are a worse one." The old man's hand shoots up to yank on a rope. Outside, you hear a bell jangle. At once, the balding man returns, with the guards beside him. "Remove her," says the King flatly. (display: "dragToDungeon")

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[The admiral regards you with a cold glare, which slowly softens. "I suppose it's possible. And you *have* shown some determination and resourcefulness. Perhaps His Majesty will find a use for you after all. But be warned - one wrong move, and I'll have your head!" He ushers you into the inner chamber, blade still bared. (set: $parout to 1)(display: "goIn")](else:)["Didn't I tell you, the King has no time for this lunacy?" snarls the admiral. "Throw her in the dungeon!" he snaps at the guards. (display: "dragToDungeon")]

"Don't bother lying. I recognise you! Throw her in the dungeon!" snaps the nobleman to the guards. (display: "dragToDungeon")

Isn't she adorable? Say hello, Paravas." Lord Paravas's scowl darkens. Slowly, as if talking to a child, he says, "Sire, this cannot be the Princess of Thronheim. She is dead, and we are at war with Thronheim. They murdered your heirs." "Oh, don't be so narrow-minded, Paravas. Our heirs are alive and well - probably, some of them, anyway. Which is better news than I'd expected today. And who else could this possibly be?" Sir Paravas stares back and forth between you and Estevan, eyes bulging. Firmly, the King adds: "So it only remains to identify the traitor. Child, yours is not the first warning we have received. But now my strength fails me. I look forward to hearing the rest of your tale upon the morrow. And I would ask your aid in hunting down this miscreant." [["Don't you have your own spy network?" ->spyNetwork]] (if: $gotLetter is 1 and $incriminatedV is 0)[[["Your Majesty, I found evidence suggesting Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind may have sabotaged the ship." ->incriminated]] ](if: $incriminatedV is 1)[[["Your Majesty, I overheard a conversation between Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind, the Head Shipwright, where they talked about how they were poisoning you, and had sabotaged Leviathan."->incriminated]] ][["Your Majesty, I have tried to warn you. But I can tell you nothing more. I can only suggest you investigate the matter yourself." ->imprisonSeline]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

"Me too." Andreas sits beside you on the step, his long legs jutting upward. He has some new cuts and bruises, but his dark eyes glitter with the usual restless hunger. [[Cry on his shoulder. ->cryAndreas]] [["Where have you been?" ->whereBeen]]

In the desperate whirl of horror, you lose track of individual voices. *Leviathan*'s death is a cacophany of terror and grief. As you sit alone and ignored on the step, hiding your face from the disaster, you suddenly feel a hand on your shoulder. "Well, so much for saving Saragai." The accent is harsh, and the words comfortless, but the voice is strangely gentle. [["...Andreas?" ->andreas]] [["I failed." ->failed]]

As you start to cry, he wraps his strong arms around you, pulling you warm and close against his chest.

He sighs. "Trying to prevent this. I was too slow." [["You could've sent word!" ->sentWord]] [[Burst into tears. ->cryAndreas]]

He meets your eyes. "Yes. I could have. I chose not to." [["But Andreas, why? Why did you abandon me?" ->whyAbandon]] [[Burst into tears. ->cryAndreas]]

"Because it's who I am. Seline, you hated me before. Hate me now. Hate me always. Use it. Make it your armor, and never let another man hurt you thus. It's the only gift I can give you." [["I don't believe you." ->dontBelieve]] [[Burst into tears. ->cryAndreas]]

"Then hate me for my lies, as well." [[Burst into tears. ->cryAndreas]]

The King's eyes meet yours, narrowing shrewdly. At last he says, softly, "Where is Morael, child? If Torveld did not kill him... then *where is my grandson*?" [["I don't know, I'm sorry... We travelled here together, but we got separated." ->separated]] [["We were attacked by traitors to both our lands. They know we want to stop the war." ->attackedByTraitor]]

Lord Paravas taps his pencil on his knee anxiously. He chews his lip. Finally he stands and marches out of the room. You wait in breathless silence.

"It's too late for that!" she scoffs, and yells again for the guards. Two burly men hurry over. (display: "draggedOut")

"Ugh, certainly not!" The cook draws herself up. "You'd drop mud in them, and probably lice too!" She yells again for the guards. Two burly men hurry over. (display: "draggedOut")

She shakes her head, laughing. "Me too, I promise. (set: $data's likesT to it + 1)(display: "tertiaStory")

Where to begin? It was the strangest thing. That awful woman, Nyora, came marching into the cell where Rain and I were imprisoned. We thought she'd come to execute us! But she took us outside instead. She told us Yellowtooth's plans... Then, as she was leading us away, a platoon of Yellowtooth's guards appeared. She shoved us into a dark alley and went out to meet them. They tried to arrest her, but she fought them. They were too many, though. She was on her knees. And Rain - you know Rain - he couldn't let her die for us. He ran out, snatched a dead man's sword, and attacked them. Nyora yelled at him to flee, but he kept running and fighting, and led the battle away from us. And I - I don't know what happened to him after that. They just disappeared into the night - I don't even know if he's alive! So Nyora and I were alone. She took me back to the room where she said she left you - but (if: $data's vampire is 1)[all we found were bloodstains. So much blood..." She shudders.](else:)[there was nobody there."] "We had no idea where you could be, or even if you were still alive. So we thought we'd best come to Isholme ourselves. If you were alive, that's where you'd be going. And if not, somebody has to tell King Estevan the truth." [["So where is Nyora now?" ->whereNy]] [["How did you get into the city?" ->howCity]]

"Are you out of your mind?" Tertia wags a finger at you. "There's no way you're leaving me behind now!" (set: $rel to "lady") (display: "toRoyalQuarters")

She leads you (if: $friends is 0)[back ]into the ballroom, then out through a pair of doors that lead to a lush courtyard garden where fountains play and couples whisper in the foliage. Her demeanor is serene, and you keep your eyes lowered; nobody challenges you. On the other side of the courtyard, two palace guards stand stiffly before a pair of tall, gilded doors painted with an interweaving design of double-headed serpents. You pause, one hand on Tertia's arm. She looks at you. [["If the King has been staying in his quarters, people must be coming and going to meet with him all the time. Let's tell them you have an appointment." ->appointment]] [["You create a diversion while I slip inside." ->diversion]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's deceive to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[The guard's scowl deepens. "Sir Paravas told us the King is not to be disturbed." (if: $friends is 0)[[["Of course! It was Sir Paravas who called on my lady to attend him!" ->paravasCalled]] [["Precisely. He's not to be disturbed during his meeting with my lady." ->paravasCalled]]](else:)[[["Of course! It was Sir Paravas who called on my friend to attend him!" ->paravasCalled]] [["Precisely. He's not to be disturbed during his meeting with my friend." ->paravasCalled]]]](else:)["No. She doesn't," replies the guard bluntly. (display: "retreat")]

Tertia looks dismayed at your return. You force a cheery grin. [["Okay, Plan B. You create a diversion while I slip inside." ->diversion]] (if: $friends is 0)[[["Now, follow my instructions closely. Go up to the guard, smile at him, and tell him your idiot servant dropped your diamond necklace in the fountain." ->droppedNecklace]]](else:)[[["Now, follow my instructions closely. Go up to the guard, smile at him, and tell him your idiot friend dropped your diamond necklace in the fountain." ->droppedNecklace]]]

You clamber down a wet rope ladder and drop into the rocking boat. (if: $officerConvinced is 0)["Sit!" orders the boatman, frowning.](else:)["Have a seat, ma'am," suggests the boatman kindly.] You sit on a faded bench, putting your feet on a tangle of nets resting in bilge-water. The boatman starts to row, pulling long, easy strokes with muscular rhythm. Looking up, you see the harbor looming close, the hillside behind it crowded with buildings peering over one another's shoulders at the open sea. Knots of soldiers wait by the harbor. Their mood seems lighthearted; some kick a ball between them, others stand around joking and chatting. Occasionally they glance out to sea at *Leviathan*. (if: $officerConvinced is 1)[The boat glides smoothly to the pier, and the boatman leaps lightly up, holding out a hand for you. "This way, ma'am," says one soldier. The other marches behind you.](else:)[The boat glides smoothly to the pier, and the boatman pokes you in the back with an oar. "Move!" The soldiers flank you tightly, their eyes steely.] [[Obey. ->obeySoldiers]] [[Run. ->runOnPier]]

(if: $officerConvinced is 0)["No questions!" he barks.](else:)["To the palace, ma'am. And I don't know why, so don't ask."] (display: "getInBoat")

"Rise, child. You may sit in that chair." The voice of the bedridden man is very soft, the hiss of breath like a spent balloon. He smiles toothlessly at you, and gestures toward a gold-brocade chair by the bedside. (display: "hiEstevan")

The ancient King's eyes flicker with curiosity. "Have a seat." His voice is very soft, the hiss of breath like a spent balloon. He gestures toward a gold-brocade chair by the bedside. (display: "hiEstevan")

You sit. Up close, he looks more fragile than ever, and you cannot escape the musty old-man scent of him. (if: $gaveRing is 1)[He holds up Andreas's ring, the rose-gold sparkling in the sunlight. (display: "kingring")](else:)["Captain Paravas tells me you have some information you wish to share with me." Estevan's dark eyes study you with growing intrigue. (display: "mergethreads")]

The King sighs. "A dog, you say? What exciting times you young people have. But where is Morael now? Why did he not come himself?" [["I don't know, I'm sorry... We travelled here together, but we got separated." ->separated1 [["Your Majesty, I would gladly tell you all, but right now there is no time. You and your kingdom are in terrible danger. *Leviathan* must not sail. The carpenters who worked on her were bribed -- its boards are short, and its cannons too heavy. It will not survive its maiden voyage!" ->believeMe4

"Separated? How?" The King reaches for a crystal decanter by the bedside. He pours himself a glass of wine. (set: $wine to 1) (if: $data's knowsPoison is 1)[[["Stop! Your Majesty, you must not drink that! It's poisoned." ->poison2]] ][["Your Majesty, I would gladly tell you all, but right now there is no time. You and your kingdom are in terrible danger. *Leviathan* must not sail. The carpenters who worked on her were bribed -- its boards are short, and its cannons too heavy. It will not survive its maiden voyage!" ->believeMe4]] [["It's a long story, your Majesty. First, I must tell you, Morael believed there to be a traitor in your court, and that the traitor may attempt your assassination tomorrow." ->traitorAtCourt1]]

"Yes, I know. The Captain has already confirmed your claims. That's why he sent me the ring." (if: $wine is 0)[The King reaches for a crystal decanter by the bedside. He pours himself a glass of wine.(set: $wine to 1)](else:)[The King raises the wine-glass to his lips.] (if: $data's knowsPoison is 1)[[["Stop! Your Majesty, you must not drink that! It's poisoned." ->poison2]] ][["Your Majesty, Morael believed there to be a traitor in your court - and that the traitor would attempt to assassinate you tomorrow." ->traitorAtCourt1]]

The King's chambers are warm and bright, with white walls, large windows facing the gardens, and a carpet of plush saffron-yellow. But the soldiers usher you forward, alone, to the inner room. (set: $paravas_gone to 1) A wave of stifling heat assaults you as you cross the threshold. Most of the room is occupied by an enormous, canopied bed swathed in cloth of gold. The old man propped at one end near a roaring stove looks as frail as a bunch of sticks, apart from his spider-like distended belly. Despite the heat, he's huddled beneath a mound of blankets. His hair is white, but the eyes that meet yours are as dark as Andreas's. [[Kneel. ->kneelEstevan]] [[Curtsey. ->curtseyEstevan]]

They lead you uphill beneath an arched gate from which stone sea-serpents gaze fiercely down. The cobbled streets are crooked and haphazard, wandering this way and that, intersecting at odd angles, and occasionally widening into plazas where buskers play, stray dogs bask and beg, and children crowd around frothing fountains. The streets are bustling with traffic, shops are open and brightly-lit, and you hear several languages spoken. Neither trade nor spirits seem affected by the siege. The larger roads, suitable for horse traffic, wind along the hillside rather than up. But the soldiers choose one of the narrow foot-paths which run directly toward the peak, with stone stairs at their steepest sections. The ancient houses, painted in pastel shades, lean so close their balconies almost kiss. At last the alley ends abruptly, spitting you into a broad, tiered public square. Opposite, a wide staircase leads up to a graceful palace of white marble gazing down upon the plaza, the city, and the bay beyond. A broad terrace is supported by columns that dwarf the green-clad ceremonial guards stationed neatly along the stairs. The square itself is crowded with street vendors, musicians and common folk. Everybody keeps a respectful distance from the palace stairs. The soldiers do not approach the stairs. Instead, they head for a lower building that recedes into the hill. Two palace guards stand outside the entrance. The soldiers push ahead of a short queue waiting there. They say something to the guards(if: $officerConvinced is 1)[. One gives you a baffled look and shakes his head. But both step aside. The soldiers march you up several flights of stairs, along a hallway, then out through a pair of doors that lead to a lush courtyard garden where fountains play and couples whisper in the foliage. You are taken to an antechamber, where a maid bathes and dresses you in Saragaian fashions fit for a ball. On the other side of the courtyard, two palace guards stand stiffly before a pair of tall, gilded doors painted with an interweaving design of double-headed serpents. They step aside as you approach. Evidently you are expected. [[Enter the King's chambers. ->enterEstevanRooms]]](else:)[, who step aside impassively. You're dragged down a long flight of stairs into a grimy, windowless dungeon. They chain you to a sturdy ring protruding from the wall and leave you in silence. You have just enough latitude to sit with your back against the cold stone. [[Hours pass... or is it days? ->dungeon]]]

(if: $warnedWine is 0)[The King stares at the wine. His hand trembles as he sets it down. "Really? There are few who could be responsible for such a thing." He shakes his head. "Such treachery! First they sabotage *Leviathan*, and now this! Once again I owe you my gratitude, child."](else:)[The King smiles. "Again you would save me! I feel quite pampered. But have no fear, child. I took your earlier warning to heart - this is an untainted vintage."] He straightens. (display: "idTraitor")

You stand at the window of a palace suite, glaring disconsolately between thick iron bars. It's a lovely view across sunlit rooftops and cobbled streets of Isholme, all the way down to the harbor where Leviathan disgorges boat-load after boat-load of puzzled soldiers. (if: $data's vampire is 1)[You squint at the glittering sun-reflections. Their brilliance makes your eyes ache.](set: $data's savedSaragai to 1) You pace back and forth on plush carpet, and try to distract yourself with a hot bath and a tray of fresh-baked loaves, butter and oysters. Finally, as darkness falls, you comb your hair and curl beneath the quilt of crimson silk that covers your soft bed. Your thoughts are still hurtling in circles, and you don't expect to sleep. But exhaustion rises like a whale from the depths, and swallows you whole. (display: "ch18")

The men stare at you suspiciously. "You're from Thronheim! What do you want with the King?" [["Please! I carry a vital message to the King!" ->capturedWhatMessage]] (if: $data's gotRing is 1)[[["Show this ring to King Estevan! He'll know what it means." ->showRingCaptured]] ](else:)[[[Say nothing. ->capturedNothing]]]

"T'is just a girl!" exclaims the nearer soldier, peering down at you.(set: $saidNothing to 1) "Nonetheless. What's she doing, snooping around out here, alone at night? I say we take her with us." "We haven't time! T'is nigh dawn!" (if: $mengotlantern is 0)[The man rummages beneath the pier, emerges with a black lantern in hand.] But the other man is already turning to you. "Get up!" he says roughly. [[Obey. ->capturedToBoat]]

The man ties your wrists and relieves you of your sword. "Keep quiet," he mutters. "One wrong move, and my friend here will run you through." He strikes the lantern. A small flame flares behind its blacked-out glass. Holding it up to face the temple, he raises the lantern's panel. A yellow ray shoots across the water, catching sea-mist in its beam. One short, two long, three short. Minutes pass. Then, high up on the flank of the distant hill, an answering lantern winks. You huddle inside your coat, listening to the slap and gurgle of small waves against the pier. Dank cold twines itself around your bones. Ghost-like in the mist, a rowboat emerges. The men exchange passphrases; you're ushered aboard. To your surprise, the boatman does not row to the opposite shore, but instead makes directly for the looming warship. Its shadow soon engulfs your little craft. You stare up at the massive, gleaming sides of the ship, smelling fresh paint, tar and sawdust over the seaweed. The boatman hollers in Saragaian, too rapid for your ears; a knotted rope as thick as your wrist is thrown down. "Ladies first," he snarls, staring at you suspiciously. [[Climb up. ->upRope]]

The man's eyes narrow. "Okay. What is it, then?" [["It's for the King's ears alone!" ->kingAlone]](if: $data's knowsPoison is 1)[ [["He's been betrayed. Someone's trying to poison him." ->kingAlone]]](if: $data's knowsShip is 1)[ [["The ship... Leviathan... she must not sail. She's sure to sink!" ->kingAlone]]]

"No need to listen to this nonsense," snaps the man. "Gag her." But the other man shakes his head. (display: "capturedNothing")

The men peer down at the rose gold ring. "Nice try," sneers one. But the other snatches it up. "What are you doing? That's a bribe!" yelps his companion. "If we don't take it, the city guard will." The other man shrugs, pocketing the ring. (set: $data's gotRing to 0) (display: "capturedNothing")

"Spoken like a born diplomat. (display: "checkLeviathan")

"Quite so." The King laughs again, turning to Paravas. "(display: "checkLeviathan")

He tugs at a bell-pull. "Child, I do not wish to seem ungrateful, but I think you had best remain under the protection of my guards until all this is resolved." Two guards appear in the doorway. The King motions that you are to accompany them. "We owe this young lady our gratitude. She is to be provided with all possible comfort. Do *not* permit her to depart." [[Follow the guards. ->savedLeviathan]]

(if: $claimMorael is 1)[(display: "tellQuest")](else:)[(if: $claimSeline is 1)[(display: "wildClaims")](else:)["It seems to me I have seen your likeness before, child. Yet I cannot think where." [["Your Majesty, I am the Princess Seline, daughter of King Torveld of Thronheim." ->wildClaims]] [["Your Majesty, I am a friend of Prince Morael. He sent me to warn you." ->friendMorael]]]]

(if: $claimMorael is 0)[(set: $claimMorael to 1)His eyes widen. "Morael! I knew in my heart he was not gone... You give me joy, and in the same breath, despair." ]Estevan closes his eyes. Lying back, he grips the sheets between his hands, twisting them convulsively. When at last he looks at you again, his face is grey. "So they are truly gone," he says. "All these years, I somehow hoped..." A tear trickles down his withered cheek. "I never got the chance to tell her I was sorry." Then he shakes his head. "What's done is done." Thoughts chase themselves like passing clouds across his pallid brow. (display: "notLying2")

"You have made some wild claims, child. My eyes detect no lie in yours. Yet, as Paravas reminds me daily, mine are not as sharp as they once were. Tell me, why should I believe you?" [["Your Majesty, I am a friend of Prince Morael. He sent me to warn you." ->friendMorael]] (display:"infoOptions")

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1)(set: $warnedWine to 1)(set: $warnedShip to 1) (set: $check to 1)(if: $claimMorael is 0)[(if: $paravas_gone is 0)[The King stares at you. "These are grievous claims," he mutters. His gaze is piercing. (if: $success is true)["Yet I do not think the maid lies... or if she does, not knowingly."] "But it's absurd!" retorts the other man. "She's obviously a spy, sent to sow confusion and division." (if: $success is true)["No, Paravas. She knows too much, and there's truth in her eyes. Look!" Lord Paravas gazes at you coldly, sizing you up with reptilian calculation. "Perhaps you are right, my King," he says, softly. ](else:)["I quite agree." ]Estevan nods, though his eyes linger on you. "In any case, her story is quite specific. Why don't you conduct the tests she proposed? Meanwhile, I shall question her further." Paravas hesitates. His eyes dart anxiously between you and the King. "Majesty - " "Go, Paravas," says the King firmly. Paravas bows his head and leaves, glaring at you. (set: $paravas_gone to 1) Estevan turns his dark eyes upon you once more. "Now, child. Where did you hear this tale?"](else:)[The King stares at you. "These are grievous claims," he mutters. His gaze is piercing. (if: $success is true)["Yet I do not think you lie... or if you do, not knowingly. So tell me, child. Where did you hear this story?"](else:)[And I will be frank; I see no reason I should believe you. Why did you come here?"]] [["Prince Morael sent me to warn you, your Majesty." ->sentByMorael]] [["I can tell you no more, your Majesty." ->noMore]]](else:)[The King stares at you. "These are grievous claims," he mutters. His gaze is piercing. (if: $success is true)["Yet I do not think you lie... or if you do, not knowingly. Now, tell me.](else:)["And frankly, quite unbelievable. But I will set aside my skepticism for Morael's sake.] When did you meet my grandson, and where is he now? Does he still live?" [["Your Majesty, his quest took him to Thronheim. That's how we met. We travelled here together." ->tellQuest]] [["I can tell you no more, your Majesty." ->noMore]]]

"I see. I think you had better start at the beginning, child." King Estevan's dark eyes watch patiently, and you find yourself eager to tell him all you dare. It's a relief to pour out the story at last, though you can't tell how much he believes. He does not call you a liar, at least. At last, the words run out. The King lies back upon his mounded pillows. His face has a greyish tinge, and his eyes are half-closed. Minutes tick by. You start to wonder if he's fallen asleep. A melodious note sounds outside. King Estevan opens his rheumy eyes. "Come in, Paravas!" he calls faintly. The admiral returns. Smiling, the King raises a shaking hand, and makes an expansive gesture. Though his voice still wavers, you sense some renewed brightness in him, as if a flame near-extinguished has found new fuel. (if: $claimSeline is 0)["Look, Paravas. You'll never guess whom we have as guest."](else:)["Tell me, Paravas... have you yet ascertained the identity of our guest?"] He starts to laugh, but it turns into a feeble cough. "Majesty, please don't exert yourself," replies Lord Paravas, giving you a grimly accusing look as he rushes to the old man's side. "Nonsense, boy," Estevan murmurs, recovering his breath. "I haven't been so entertained in years." "What have you done to him?" Paravas demands, turning to glare at you. "Majesty, the physician warned us that over-excitement may bring on another attack. Allow me to remove this madwoman." "Tell him what you told me," the King says. Stammering, you repeat the facts, unnerved by Paravas's cynical stare. "You see," says the King. "There are few who could be responsible for this. In fact, the puzzle pieces fit too well. She is not the first stranger to warn us of treachery. Paravas, do you take my meaning?" Lord Paravas nods. "I do, Highness. We shall soon get to the bottom of this plot!" But his eyes grow narrow as he stares at you. He strides over, glaring down intimidatingly. "And why are *you* telling us this?" [["Because I want to stop the war, you blockhead! Thronheim should never have invaded Saragai, it isn't right." ->impertinence]] [["Because I believe in peace. Somebody has to break the cycle." ->impertinence]]

[["No, wait! You have to listen to me!" ->haveToListen]] [[Go quietly. ->goQuietly]]

Paravas shakes his head in bafflement. (if: $data's vampire is 0)[He turns to his subordinate. "I'm afraid the young lady is mentally disturbed. But we cannot do anything for her now. Take her away, please."](else:)["My gut tells me you believe what you are saying. But I cannot yield to irrational fears - nor divert resources to a wild goose chase over unsubstantiated rumors. My friend Lord Vermank himself supervised *Leviathan's* construction - and he has been most meticulous, reporting every detail to me." He turns to his subordinate. "Detain the young lady, please."] (display: "repliesToOfficer")

"Is that so?" The King does not seem greatly perturbed. "What kind of danger?" (display:"infoOptions") [["I can tell you no more, Your Majesty." ->noMore]]

"Very well, then. I believe that will be all." The King sounds tired. He takes a deep sip of wine, then lies back upon the cushions. When he speaks again, his voice is faint, as if he feels dizzy. "Paravas, do as you think best." Two guards burst into the room. "Take her away!" snarls the nobleman. (display: "dragToDungeon")

"What do you know of Morael's quest?" he demands. His voice quavers. [["He came to Thronheim in search of his lost cousin, the child of Mirakai. And he found him." ->foundHim]] [["Your Majesty, he went to Caer Goroduin in search of his lost cousin, the child of Mirakai. But the Sorcerer transformed him into a dog. Morael did find the missing cousin, but he'd been raised as a thief and hates royalty. Then we discovered that I could turn him back into a human for short periods. We came here to try to stop the war, but his cousin ran off, and I kind of ...lost... Morael." ->mustHaveMet]]

(if: $warnedWine is 0)[[["There's a traitor in your court, who may attempt your assassination tomorrow!"->checkWine]] ](if: $warnedShip is 0)[[["There is a plot to destroy *Leviathan*!"->checkBoards]] ]

The King's gasp quickly becomes a cough. When he recovers, his voice is hoarse and soft. "A friend of *Morael*? Do not mock me. When did you meet my grandson, and where is he now? Does he still live?"(set: $claimMorael to 1) [["Your Majesty, his quest took him to Thronheim. That's how we met. We travelled here together." ->tellQuest]] [["Your Majesty, he went to Caer Goroduin, but the Sorcerer there cast a terrible enchantment that transformed him into a dog, and then abandoned him in the Twisted Forest. After he rescued me from wolves we discovered that I could turn him back into a human for short periods. We came here to try to stop the war, but I kind of ...lost... him." ->notLying]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's charm to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[(if: $data's vampire is 1)[Estevan nods warmly. "A most remarkable tale. But it captures my grandson's likeness.](else:)[Estevan looks thoughtful. "On the one hand, these tales grow ever more wildly implausible. On the other hand, this anecdote captures my grandson's likeness most pointedly.] Tell me, how did you meet?" [["Well, I'd been kidnapped by outlaws in the Twisted Forest, and he was living with the outlaws because a sorcerer had turned him into a dog. But he discovered that he could change back into a human by licking me." ->notLying]] [["He saved me from wolves when I was lost in the Twisted Forest." ->savedFromWolves]]](else:)[(display: "notLying")]

The ghost of a smile crosses Estevan's pale lips. "I would expect no less of him. And then?" [["Prince Rain had been arrested by Sir Raddibore, who baselessly accused him of abducting me. So we went to Raddibore's castle to rescue Rain. That's how Morael ended up trying to impersonate a guard." ->impersonateGuard]] [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Charm")(display: "makeDice"): "Well, after we rescued Prince Rain from Sir Raddibore's castle, we realized the true heir of Saragai had been hiding in the forest all along. He'd been raised as an outlaw, you see. It was he who actually abducted me, but everyone assumed it was Rain." ->raisedOutlaw]]

(if: $claimSeline is 1)["I see." ](else:)["Rain was accused of abducting *you*? Then you must be..." His eyes widen as he stares at you. (set: $claimSeline to 1) You nod slightly, willing him to believe you. ]Estevan starts to chuckle, then cough. "And what of Mirakai's child? You said that Morael found him." [["Yes. He grew up in Zhargai, but moved to Thronheim as a youth. He had been raised poor, unknowing of his lineage. But his heart is true, Sire."->trueHeart]] [["Yes, your Majesty. Or rather, his remains. Years ago, Mirakai fled to Thronheim, your Majesty, and she and her child died in the plague there. We found their graves." ->foundGrave]] [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Charm")(display: "makeDice"): "Yes. After we rescued Prince Rain from Sir Raddibore's castle, we realized the true heir of Saragai had been hiding in the forest all along. He'd been raised as an outlaw, you see. It was he who actually abducted me, but everyone assumed it was Rain." ->raisedOutlaw]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1) The King's eyebrows rise. (if: $success is false)[(if: $claimSeline is 0)["Then you believe you are..." He shakes his head.] "I cannot decide if you are deluded or merely lying." (if: $data's gotRing is 1)[ [["I can prove what I say." ->canProveIt]] ]](else:)[(if: $data's vampire is 1)["Then you must be... by the Gods! And you say you were abducted by the true heir of Saragai? And yet I find I cannot doubt you...](else:)["Then you believe you are... And you say you were abducted by the true heir of Saragai! He shakes his head. "Once again you stretch my patience, child.] Tell me, how did you recognise this heir?" (if: $data's gotRing is 1)[[["By this, your Majesty." ->canProveIt]] ][["We knew it was him when he showed us a ring that had belonged to his mother. It was rose gold, delicately woven in filigree, with two serpent-heads grasping a ruby in their jaws. Their eyes were diamonds, and there were more rubies inset along the serpents' bodies." ->showedRing]] ][["It's all true, I swear!" ->notLying]](set: $claimSeline to 1)(set: $toldAAlive to 1)

"And you found him how, exactly?" [[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Charm")(display: "makeDice"): "Well, as it turned out, he'd been hiding in the forest all along. He'd been raised as an outlaw, you see. In fact it was he who actually abducted me, but everyone assumed it was Rain. Anyway, he's really quite lovely once you get to know him." ->raisedOutlaw]] [["We knew it was him when he showed us a ring that had belonged to his mother. It was rose gold, delicately woven in filigree, with two serpent-heads grasping a ruby in their jaws. Their eyes were diamonds, and there were more rubies inset along the serpents' bodies." ->showedRing]]

Estevan stares at you. "This is a strange mix, secrets intermingled with wildest fantasy. How can you know of Morael's quest? And yet the rest... it is clearly nonsense." He sighs. "Your people must have tortured the truth from Morael before they killed him, and the story has spread by rumor and gossip since." He straightens. (display: "notLying")

"Buried amongst commoners? How can you be certain it was truly them? They lived in hiding, you know." [["There was an old woman who tended the graves. She showed us a ring that had belonged to the mother. It was rose gold, delicately woven in filigree, with two serpent-heads grasping a ruby in their jaws. Their eyes were diamonds, and there were more rubies inset along the serpents' bodies." ->ringGrave]]

King Estevan smiles. "Does not her impertinence intrigue you, Paravas?" "What do you mean?" snaps Lord Paravas, flushing. He glances uncertainly back at the King. (if: $claimSeline is 0)["It is a riddle, is it not? Here we clearly have a highborn maid of Thronheim. One who, ridiculously disguised, is risking her neck on a hare-brained scheme to warn her own enemies. Does that remind you of something, Paravas? The ladies of Thronheim are not, as a rule, known for such derring-do, are they? Yet we have, perhaps, heard of an exception?"](else:)["Her word alone of course means nothing. But her bearing and manners confirm she is indeed a highborn maid of Thronheim. One who has, apparently, journeyed all the way from Stelgarte, risking her neck on a hare-brained scheme to warn her own enemies. Does that not stir some curiosity in you? The ladies of Thronheim are not, as a rule, known for derring-do, are they? Yet we have, perhaps, heard of an exception?"] "Don't be absurd!" Paravas glares, first at Estevan, then at you. "An exception whose disappearance has been a matter of great note recently. If you rummage in my desk drawer, Paravas, you will uncover a framed miniature. Bring it, please." He's back a moment later, holding a small, gold-framed portrait. The two men look back and forth between it and you. Paravas's jaw drops. "The nose is wrong," declares Estevan. "And the brow too heavy. But all in all, not a bad likeness. Wouldn't you say, Paravas?" Paravas's mouth hangs open. He doesn't reply. The King gives a wheezy chuckle, and turns the portrait so that you see yourself seated by a window. You have some embroidery in your hands and a sullen expression that the artist has tried ineffectively to soften. "What say you, Princess Seline?" [["It's quite good!" ->quiteGoodPortrait]] [["Well, if they want me to look meek for portraits, they could at least give me a book to read!" ->notMeekPortrait]]

Estevan turns to stare at you. His dark eyes gleam. "Mirakai's ring!" You nod. "Then where is he now? And Morael? Why did they not return with you?" the King demands. [["Mirakai's son believes himself unworthy of the throne, Sire." ->unworthy]] [["I don't know, Sire. We became separated on the way here." ->separated]]

"Huh." The King scratches his ear thoughtfully. "A wiser lad than most, then." (display: "notLying2")

The King's gasp quickly becomes a cough. When he recovers, his voice is hoarse and soft. "A friend of *Morael*? Do not mock me, wench. When did you meet my grandson, and where is he now? Does he still live?"(set: $claimMorael to 1) [["Your Majesty, his quest took him to Thronheim. That's how we met. We travelled here together." ->tellQuest]] [["He saved me from wolves in the Twisted Forest, your Majesty." ->savedFromWolves]]

The King's expression is stern. You gaze back unflinchingly. "Very well," he says. "I believe you well-intentioned, and the information you have brought me is concerning, to be sure. And yours is not the first warning we have received. Yet I see no proof of your claims, and my men are over-burdened already by the many duties of war. Can you identify this traitor and present evidence of his perfidy? For I cannot justify a full investigation based on what you have told me thus far." (if: $gotLetter is 1 and $incriminatedV is 0)[[["Your Majesty, I found evidence suggesting Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind may have sabotaged the ship." ->incriminated]] ](if: $incriminatedV is 1)[[["Your Majesty, I overheard a conversation between Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind, the Head Shipwright, where they talked about how they were poisoning you, and had sabotaged Leviathan."->incriminated]] ][["Your Majesty, I have tried to warn you. But I can tell you nothing more. I can only suggest you investigate the matter yourself." ->imprisonSeline]]

----- (display: "skills") <script>window.StrayHeirs.createChapter(18)</script>(print: "<a href=\"ch18.html\">Chapter 18</a>")

Double-click this passage to edit it.

(display: "dice")(set: $data's fight to it + 1) (if: $sword is 1)[(if: $success is true)[Jerking your hand away, in one smooth movement you whip your sword from its sheath and slash wildly at the soldiers. They leap backwards, swearing. Around you, the crowd parts in shock. Before they can recover, you dash away. The men hurry after, but you slip between two carts and dart into an alley. After ten breathless minutes, you allow yourself to halt, panting, in a small deserted square. There's no sound of pursuit. [[Continue->leftDock]]](else:)[You pull your hand free and start to wrestle your sword out, but a hand clamps down upon yours. "None of that!" snaps the soldier. "What's that you've got there? Hand it over." Miserably, you pass him the blade. "Nicked it from the Leviathan's armory, I see. So you're a thief as well as a spy." As he holds you back, a pair of green-uniformed guards appear among the crowd watching the scuffle. They speak to the men in a rapid burst of Saragaian, glancing at you. Your captor pushes you forward, nodding, and the guards grab you by the arms and haul you away. (display: "obeySoldiers")]](else:)[(if: $success is true)[A loose cobble catches your eye. You tug it from its hollow and hurl it at the nearest soldier. The cobble flies wide, causing a passing cart-horse to rear. Everyone turns to watch as the cart overturns; barrels tumble into the street and shatter, gushing viscous yellow liquid directly towards you. Leaping nimbly aside, the carter swears at the soldiers. You jump to your feet and dash away. Behind you, a cacophony of cries and thumps rises. You dare a glance backwards - and see the soldiers falling over each other and struggling to rise in a pool of olive oil. Before they can recover, you dash away. After ten breathless minutes, you allow yourself to halt, panting, in a small deserted square. There's no sound of pursuit. [[Continue->leftDock]]](else:)[You examine your captors carefully, but no obvious weaknesses suggest themselves, and you are unarmed. You jerk your arm free, aiming a punch at the soldier who gripped you. But your fist merely slams painfully into hard mail. He doesn't even flinch, but grabs your arm and twists it painfully behind your back. "That's enough!" he snaps. A pair of green-uniformed guards appear among the crowd watching the scuffle. They speak to the men in a rapid burst of Saragaian, glancing at you. Your captor pushes you forward, nodding, and the guards grab you by the arms and haul you away. (display: "obeySoldiers")]]

A raucous scuffle breaks out among the soldiers waiting by the pier. It's merely horseplay, but your captors are momentarily distracted, and you bolt. (if: $officerConvinced is 1)["Ma'am, come back!" You ignore the startled shout behind you, slipping into the densest part of the crowd, and heading uphill through a tangle of alleyways. (display: "leftDock")](else:)[You only make a few steps before a gauntlet slams against the side of your head. You drop like a stone, blinded by pain. "Don't think we're not watching you, felon!" growls a soldier far above you. The sky seems to sway and everything buzzes. "On your feet!" adds the other. (if: $sword is 1)[(set: $difficulty to 7)](else:)[(set: $difficulty to 12)] [[Obey. ->obeyPier]] [[(set: $skill_name to "Fight")(display: "makeDice"): Fight them. ->fight1]]]

You try to stand, but stagger as the ground swirls beneath you. The soldiers grab your arms and haul you between them. (display: "obeySoldiers")]

The oarsman scowls. "What d'ya think this is, a goddamned ferry? Back to your post, boy!" You open your mouth to plead with him, but his eyes narrow. "Wait... you're no boy! Guards!" There's nowhere to run on the crowded deck. Rough hands drag you by the collar to Lord Paravas. You open your mouth to protest your innocence, but a knee hits you in the guts. As you sputter and gasp, you find the admiral staring down at you. "Clearly I overestimated my men's diligence." He turns to the sailor holding your collar. "Never mind how it happened. She's no longer our problem." He jerks his head to someone behind you. Two soldiers in green uniforms take your arms and lead you to *Leviathan*'s cliff-like side, where the rowboat still rocks on the waves. The boatman peers up at you with an expression of distaste. "You again?" he shakes his head. "Well, get in then!" [[Obey. ->getInBoat]] [["Where are you taking me?" ->whereBoat]]

The man scoffs, and mutters some Saragaian slang. Staring wildly around, you catch a glimpse of sympathy in the eyes of one fellow. He puts a hand on the man's shoulder. "Aw, let him be. No doubt he's got some critical mission of a private nature to attend to." "I'll bet it's a girl." Grinning, the other soldier releases you. "But don't be late, lad. You don't want to miss *Leviathan*'s maiden voyage." Before they can change their minds, you dash away. You slip between two carts and dart into an alley. After ten breathless minutes, you allow yourself to halt, panting, in a small deserted square. There's no sound of pursuit. [[Continue->leftDock]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's fight to it + 1) (if: $sword is 1)[(if: $success is true)[Jumping to your feet, in one smooth movement you whip your sword from its sheath and slash wildly at the soldiers. They leap backwards, swearing. Around you, the crowd parts in shock. Before they can recover, you dash away. The men hurry after, but you slip between two carts and dart into an alley. After ten breathless minutes, you allow yourself to halt, panting, in a small deserted square. There's no sound of pursuit. [[Continue->leftDock]]](else:)[You stagger to your feet and start to wrestle your sword out, but a hand clamps down upon yours. "None of that!" snaps the soldier. "What's that you've got there? Hand it over." Miserably, you pass him the blade. "Nicked it from the Leviathan's armory, I see. So you're a thief as well as a spy." (display: "obeySoldiers")]](else:)[(if: $success is true)[Feeling around you, your hand closes upon a loose cobble. You tug it from its hollow and hurl it at the nearest soldier. You miss. The cobble flies wide, causing a passing cart-horse to rear. Everyone turns to watch as the cart overturns; barrels tumble into the street and shatter, gushing viscous yellow liquid directly towards you. Leaping nimbly aside, the carter swears at the soldiers. You jump to your feet and dash away. Behind you, a cacophony of cries and thumps rises. You dare a glance backwards - and see the soldiers falling over each other and struggling to rise in a pool of olive oil. Before they can recover, you dash away. After ten breathless minutes, you allow yourself to halt, panting, in a small deserted square. There's no sound of pursuit. [[Continue->leftDock]]](else:)[From your supine position, you examine your captors carefully, but no obvious weaknesses suggest themselves, and you are unarmed. You jump to your feet, aiming a punch at the nearest guard. But your fist merely slams painfully into hard mail. The guard doesn't even flinch, but grabs your arm and twists it painfully behind your back. "That's enough!" he snaps. (display: "obeySoldiers") ]]

You scurry around the line of carriages, discreetly examining them. They're even more ornate within, their seats plush velvet and leather, their woodwork embossed in gold and mother-of-pearl. And the people! The fashions of Saragai seem strange and even garish in their brilliant silks and furs; both women and men paint their faces and wear high headdresses set with jewels, fur and feathers. You can't resist staring a little. As you lurk in the shadow of an especially ornate crimson vehicle, boots ring on the pavement behind you - alternating with the repeated click of a walking-stick. [[Hide under the carriage. ->hideCarriage]] [[Slip away. ->snoot]]

Lord Paravas's eyes narrow. "Exactly. And we've no time for games. So make it quick." [["I bear an urgent message to King Estevan, from Prince Morael himself." ->moraelToldMe]] [["I am Princess Seline of Thronheim. I swear, my mission is peaceful. I must speak with King Estevan at once, for the good of both our people!" ->mustSpeakEstevan]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's charm to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[(if: $data's vampire is 0)["Treachery? What's this?" demands Lord Paravas.](else:)["Treachery?" Paravas looks shaken, gazing into your eyes. He hesitates, as if doubting his own instincts, then adds - "Tell me more, I beg you."](set: $cap_convinced to it + 1) (if: $data's knowsPoison is 1)[(if: $data's knowsShip is 1)[[["There's a traitor at court. He's poisoning Estevan's wine, and he's sabotaged *Leviathan*." ->warnOfficerWine]]](else:)[[["There's a traitor at court. He's poisoning Estevan's wine." ->warnOfficerWine]]]](else:)[(if: $data's knowsShip is 1)[[["There's a traitor at court. He's sabotaged *Leviathan*, and he will open the gates when she sinks." ->warnOfficer]] ]][["I can't tell you the details, but the King is in terrible danger - and so are you if the traitors aren't stopped!" ->warnOfficer]]](else:)["I certainly have no time for wild accusations." (display: "swearSink")]

Paravas looks torn, and his tone betrays frustration. "I'll look into it. But there's no time for an investigation now. *Leviathan* shall sail with the morning tide." (set: $cap_convinced to it + 3) (if: $data's knowsShip is 1)[[[(set: $difficulty to 15 - $cap_convinced)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "Her boards are short, and her decks overloaded. Haven't you seen how low she sits? Even anchored in the harbor, her cannons barely clear the waves. She won't stand a chance on the open sea." ->shipLow]]](else:)[[["You can't. I don't know how, but she's going to sink." ->swearSink]]] [["You mustn't! She's going to sink." ->swearSink]]

Or did you? Two riders burst forth on the road ahead. They're silent as ghosts, their horses' hooves swathed in rags. As they see you, they rein in; one horse rears, startled. You hear a curse, then the zing of drawn swords. They hurtle toward you again. (display: "ridersCaptureSeline")

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As you start to flee, a slender figure leaps from the silvery carriage, hoisting flounced pale-green skirts to pursue you at a most unladylike pace. Startled, you hesitate - giving enough time for the figure to launch itself into the air at you. She hits you like a brick wall, and you both tumble onto the paving, swearing. (set: $nyoraout to 1) Nyora picks herself up, glaring at you, and adjusts her tiara of golden leaves. "Where in the seven hells have you been?" [["I could ask the same of you." ->sameQues]] [["Never mind that. Where are Rain and Tertia?" ->hesitate]]

The carriage door opens, and a lady of compelling beauty clambers out. Her gleaming nut-brown hair falls in silken ringlets, encased in a net of silver and sapphires. She wears a matching dress, deep blue silk edged in silver lace, plunging at the bosom to reveal skin pale as cream. But it's her eyes, grey and serious, fringed in long dark lashes, that you cannot look away from. There's something awfully familiar about her. It can't be. It is. "Boy," Tertia commands, in tones so deep and imperious you can hardly keep yourself from bursting out laughing, "come here. My sister and I have an errand for you." Numb with amazement, you stumble to her side. She beckons you up into the carriage, and draws the curtains. (if: $nyoraout is 1)[Nyora clambers in beside you. Like Tertia, she's dressed with impossible elegance.](else:)[In the sudden dimness it's a moment before you notice the other lady sitting there. In a dress of pale-green, with a circlet of golden leaves adorning her silver-blond tresses, she looks as lovely and ethereal as a woodland spirit.] But her pose is anything like ladylike: legs apart, she fingers a short sword whose naked point digs into the carriage floor. Seeing your expression, she chuckles merrily, shaking her head. "I was starting to hope you'd finally gotten yourself killed." "Nyora!" Tertia's hands grab yours tightly. "Oh, Seline! You're alive! Thank the gods... I was so scared for you!" [["What the... how..." ->whathow]] [[Hug Tertia. ->huggie]]

"I can hardly believe it myself." She shakes her head. "Where to begin? It was the strangest thing. Rain and I were imprisoned for hours, you see, and then Nyora appeared..." "It took me half the night to find you. Next time, try to get arrested someplace obvious, huh?" Nyora's ice-blue eyes pin Tertia, who shrinks back, blushing. "So I let them out, but halfway up the road we ran into a platoon of Yellowtooth's guards. And that stupid boy of yours -" "Rain saw that there were too many for her -" pipes up Tertia boldly. "- had to interrupt -" Nyora scowls at her. Tertia ducks but, amazingly, persists. "You were on your knees!" "That was a tactical manoever, not that *you'd* understand!" The glint in Nyora's eyes is pure contempt - or is it? Tertia forges onward. "You know Rain, he wouldn't let her die. He snatched up a sword, and attacked them. Nyora yelled at him to flee, but he kept running and fighting, and led the battle away from us. And I - I don't know what happened to him after that. They just disappeared into the night - I don't even know if he's alive!" Tertia grips your arm convulsively, dabbing away tears. "They won't execute him now," says Nyora. "They'll want to use him against Estevan. Idiot." Sniffing, Tertia resumes: "So Nyora and I were alone. She took me back to the room where she said she left you - but (if: $data's vampire is 1)[all we found were bloodstains. So much blood..." She shudders.](else:)[there was nobody there."] "We had no idea where you could be, or even if you were still alive. So we thought we'd best come to Isholme ourselves. If you were alive, that's where you'd be going. And if not, somebody has to tell King Estevan the truth." [["But how did you get into the city?" ->howCityCarriage]] [["I'm dying to hear the rest of the story, but you're right. We must find Estevan! There's no time to lose!" ->goToEstevanCarriage]]

She clings to you fiercely. "Thank goodness you're here." Her smile glows with happiness, but her face is wet with tears. [["But how did you get here?" ->whathow]] [["I'm dying to hear what happened to you, but we must get inside the palace and find Estevan! There's no time to lose!" ->fastStory]]

Nyora shrugs. "That brothel where I left you has a tunnel to the city in its basement. It's run by an old friend of mine, Lord Alcyon, who keeps it open for his smuggling. He was quite happy to help us. So then it was simply a matter of borrowing his carriage, finding some appropriate formal wear and forging an invitation to the ball. Lucky for you we brought extra." She eyes your costume with some disdain. "I take it your journey was rather less comfortable." (display: "dressing")

"Indeed, you'd best get dressed - they'll never let you into the palace like that! And perhaps while you change you can tell us what happened to you. Why did you not wait for my return as we agreed?" (display: "dressing")

You wander back to the square. Your eye is drawn once more to the ornate carriages queueing before the palace. (display: "carriages")

As you explain the night's adventures, glossing over certain discomfiting details, you realize the carriage has almost reached the head of the line. Nyora tosses a gown of teal-green silk at you; hastily, you worm into it. Tertia laces it, slathers powder on your cheeks and mascara on your lashes, pulls a silver comb from somewhere and sinks it into the nest of angry serpents on your head. (set: $dress to "fancy") After a couple of minutes of battle, she gives up and knots it into a tight braid. "You know, Seline, if you would just take care of it properly..." Nyora snorts. That glint in her eye is back. It's unnerving. Maybe she's planning to murder Tertia in her sleep. But all she does is pass you a coronet of glittering peacock feathers, which Tertia pins firmly over the coiled braid. The three of you clamber down from the carriage; you return the driver's curious look with steely dignity. Nyora slips some silver into his hand, and he counts it, shrugs and drives away. A palace guard in green and silver approaches with deferential mien. "Your names, m'ladies?" Nyora steps between you with a warning glance. She flutters her lashes at the guard. "We are the nieces of Lord Veniloquin, sir." He frowns. "The Lord and Lady Veniloquin are not on today's guest list." "Yes, I know." Nyora keeps her head lowered, peeking shyly at the guard. "They're travelling the provinces. But they said we could attend in their place." The guard's frown deepens. "Ahem. They ought to have notified the Palace of that in writing." "Oh, please, sir! You won't shut us out just for that, will you?" "Is this what you need?" Tertia extracts a sheaf of papers from her bosom. Something clinks as she hands them over. The guard runs a gloved finger down the papers, still frowning. "Next time, ask your uncle to ensure the paperwork is completed forty-eight hours in advance." "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Nyora gazes up at the guard, blue eyes brimming with innocent humility. "Get along, then," he grumbles, and waves you through. [[Enter the Palace. ->enterPalace]]

"Indeed. And you'd best get dressed, if there's to be any hope of that." Nyora rummages under her seat. "Long story short, I got Rain and Tertia out of prison, but Rain got himself caught again - idiot! And when we went back to look for you, all we found is bloodstains." Tertia wipes away a tear. "We feared you were dead!" "So we figured we'd best come here and try to warn Estevan ourselves. So where were you? Why didn't you wait for me?" (display: "dressing")

(set: $friends to 1)(set: $rel to "friend")You mount the stairs, which are slightly too tall for ordinary mortals, and ascend to the terrace. Here you join the sluggish flow of nobility through the golden doors, and find yourself in a domed antechamber of glittering white marble. Morning sun twinkles through intricately carved screens, and as your eyes adjust, you see that the walls are also carved from top to bottom with ancient Saragaian scripts. Ahead of you, another set of giant doors opens to an interior courtyard. The whole area is thronged with aristocrats in finery that makes your peacock crown feel quite ordinary. One lady wears no less than three stuffed roosters on her head; another, the head of a jaguar, and a third a silvery candelabra complete with dangling crystals and tiny, burning candles. The palace, you soon realise, is a maze of buildings linked by formal courtyard gardens. Each chamber you enter seems more ornate than the last. Their tall windows are shaded by white stone filigree, and their walls and floors tiled in geometric patterns. Outside, rooms are linked by sheltered paths. Reflecting ponds mirror the arched doorways and columns, their ripples distorted only by the lazy flow of placid fountains and the swish of great red-gold fish. Orange trees shade the gardens, and the air is heavy with the scent of citrus. (if: $data's vampire is 1)[The morning sun is brilliant, the colours saturated to a depth that frays your nerves. You find yourself yearning for soothing dark.] "My dearest Lady Nyora!" You flinch, and turn to see a young red-haired gentleman approaching. He bows deeply, smiling at the three of you. "Lord Alcyon! We were just wondering where you'd got to!" Nyora flutters her eyelashes shamelessly as the Lord kisses her fingertips. "And my lady Tertia!" She blushes as his lips brush her hand. Finally he turns to you. "And this would be your missing friend Lesine, I presume? How delightful to meet you at last!" You meet his clear blue eyes, finding there a mischievous sparkle, and behind it, something very different - though in that instant, you could not say what. Grief? Pain? Or simply resignation? "Forgive me," he says. "I require a private word with the Lady Nyora." Nyora tilts her head. "Very well, Alcyon. Tertia, you remember my directions, don't you? Please show the Lady Lesine around." Tertia nods anxiously. "But Nyora, how will we -" "You'll have to trust to Lesine's ingenuity for that," replies Nyora sweetly. "Good luck!" Tertia gives you a doubtful look. (display: "toRoyalQuarters")

{ (if: $show_roll_details is 1)[$recorded_skill_name: (print: ($recorded_ability).toFixed(1)) | Difficulty: (print: ($recorded_difficulty).toFixed(1)) | Roll: $roll | (if: $roll is 20)[Natural 20 = Automatic success](elseif: $roll is 1)[Natural 1 = Automatic failure](else:)[Total = (print: ($recorded_ability).toFixed(1)) + $roll = (print: ($total).toFixed(1)) | (print: ($total).toFixed(1))(if: $success is true)[ >= ](else:)[ < ](print: ($recorded_difficulty).toFixed(1))]] (else:)[ (link: "Show roll details?")[(set: $show_roll_details to 1) (replace: ?roll_details)[(display: "Roll_details")] ] ] }

You hesitate. Something in your heart warns you. This decision will alter your fate. You sense that if you continue on this path, nothing about your life will ever be the same again. (set: $canundo to true) *Are you sure?* [[Return to your father. ->findTorveld]] (if: $data's vampire is 0)[[[Go to King Estevan. ->walkToPier]]](else:)[[[Go to King Estevan. ->vampContinue]]]

{ (if: $recap is 1)[*Seline spent the night in a brothel with Morael, while Nyora searched for Rain and Tertia. (if: $data's sedM is 1)[She attempted to break the spell on Morael through an act of intimacy, but (if: $data's vampire is 1)[instead discovered a latent bloodlust in her own nature. In the heat of the moment, she succumbed to temptation and drained Morael - then, repenting, offered him her own blood in a desperate attempt to restore him. She lost consciousness, later waking alone in a bloodstained room.](else:)[when they woke in the morning, he was once again a dog.]]* (display: "skills") -----] (else:)[ (link: "Show recap")[ (set: $recap to 1) (replace: ?recap)[(display: "recap")] ] ] }

You clench your teeth. You're not giving up now. You owe it to Morael to try. Even more so after what happened... after what *you* did to him. And Rain. After everything you've been through together, you won't abandon him or his people. You might be a little less sentimental than before, but you still know the meaning of loyalty. Both Rain and Morael risked their lives to get you here - and you don't know if they're alive or dead. Now thousands more lives may depend on you alone. Onward! Uncertain of direction, you can only let instinct guides you. And somehow... it guides you true. In jumbled flashes of deja vu and strange baseless hunches, the path leads you forward. As you walk, you slowly understand. These are Morael's memories and plans, transmitted in the blood you took. Your teeth clench as last night's images stir, rising to a flood of monstrous shame and horror and hunger. Reality fades. You reel, stumble. When you come to yourself again, you're kneeling on the ground, bloodied hands clutching convulsively at bare dirt. You know what to do. And you won't let yourself reflect again. Whatever its source, this is the knowledge you need, for his sake as much as anyone's. [[Continue ->walkToPier]]

Emily frowns. "Oh no, I don't think that would be a good idea. It's my responsibility after all. Thank you though!" (display: "leaveGirl")

"The biggest bakery in town, huh? And you think *that* qualifies you to ice cakes for King Estevan of Saragai?" You open your mouth to respond, but he gives you a peremptory gesture. "Get out of here!" (display: "leaveGirl")

"*I* followed the plan, Highness." (display: "hesitate")

(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)

(set: $show_roll_details to 0)(set: $roll to $randarray's ($array_position))(set: $array_position to it + 1)(set: $total to (num: ($ability + $roll).toFixed(1)))(set: $difficulty to (num:($difficulty.toFixed(1))))(set: $recorded_difficulty to $difficulty)(set: $recorded_ability to $ability)(set: $recorded_skill_name to $skill_name)(if: $roll is 20)[(set: $success to true)Success!](elseif: $roll is 1)[(set: $success to false)Failure :(](elseif: $total >= $difficulty)[(set: $success to true)Success!](else:)[(set: $success to false)Failure :(] |roll_details>[(display: "Roll_details")]

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(set: $canundo to false) ###Info & Settings * **Undo**: Use the link at the bottom. Don't use your browser's back button. To change a choice in an earlier chapter, you need to redo that chapter *and* any subsequent ones. * **Skills**: Some choices can succeed or fail. You succeed if your skill + a D20 roll exceeds the difficulty of the choice, with automatic success/failure on a roll of 20/1 respectively. Skills increase with use. * **Relationships**: Relationships can affect the difficulty of skill-based choices. * **Endings**: The story has up to 20 chapters and a variety of endings. All major endings remain accessible until Chapter 16, after which the story diverges. ####Your data * **Storage**: Local storage is used only to transfer data between chapters. If you change browsers or delete your browser history you will start over. * **Privacy**: No personal data returns to the server. ####Settings * **Content**: Sex scenes are |button>[(display: "Button")] * **Display**: |modeButton>[(display: "DarkModeButton")] * **Font**: |fontButton>[(display: "FontSizeButtons")] (print: "<a href=\"../index.html\">Go to Contents Page</a>")(set: $settings to StrayHeirs["settings"])<script>window.StrayHeirs.applyStyle();</script> ------ (if: $settings's darkmode is 1)[(link-undo:'<img alt="Undo" src="arrow3.png"/>')](else:)[(link-undo:'<img alt="Undo" src="arrow3dark.png"/>')]

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<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: ($data's likesN/10).toFixed(1)) | Morael (print: ($data's likesM/10).toFixed(1)) | Kiaru (print: ($data's likesK/10).toFixed(1)) </p style>

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1) (if: $success is true)[Paravas puts his head on one side, eyes bright with intrigue. "Huh. A most detailed fantasy - if fantasy it is." (set: $cap_convinced to it + 2) "It's nonsense, m'lord! Morael's dead." bursts out one of the soldiers. "Her King had him murdered!" The admiral whips around, scowling at him. "Silence! Don't repeat such baseless rumours!" (if: $data's gotRing is 1)[Your fingers touch the small circle of gold in your pocket. Would Andreas understand? Anyway, he's gone. Who cares what he would think? [["I can prove what I say. I told you Morael completed his quest. Take this to King Estevan." ->takeRingToKing]]](else:)[[["Please, you have to take me to the King!" ->pleaseTakeMe]]] [[(set: $difficulty to 15)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "Exactly. It's a lie, spread by traitors to sow discord between our nations! There was never any evidence!" ->evidence]]](else:)[(display:"lieByTraitors")]

Paravas shakes his head. "You'll have to do better than that. And don't waste my time!" (if: $data's gotRing is 1)[Your fingers touch the small circle of gold in your pocket. Would Andreas understand? Anyway, he's gone. Who cares what he would think? [["Take this to King Estevan." ->takeRingToKing]]](else:)[[["I can say no more for now." ->sayNothingUntil]]] [[(set: $difficulty to 16)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "I met Morael in Thronheim a week ago, and he told me the story of his quest. That quest is ended now, and he asked me to bring word to Estevan. And I also have news of your enemies' plans. But these are sensitive matters; I can say no more until you take me to the King!" ->takeMeToEstevanDice]]

Your heart pounds. But at that moment, a young red-haired gentleman hastily approaches. "Don't be absurd, Hafnor! This girl is on loan from my personal staff." You stare at him, certain you've never seen him in your life. But the guard ducks his head meekly. "My apologies, Lord Alcyon. It's just that we've had word of spies and traitors in the court. Can't be too careful." "Well, do stop bothering the serving-girls. They're all quite harmless, I assure you." Hafnor sighs. "As you say, Lord Alcyon." Reluctantly, he releases your shoulder. He gives you a dark look and stalks away, muttering. Lord Alcyon turns. The lady in blue appears by his side. She smiles at him; he kisses her hand. She leans to whisper something in his ear; he nods, glances at you, and walks away. The lady in blue approaches. Your gaze darts around, but there's nowhere to run. [[Speak to her. ->speakTertia]]

(set: $warnedWine to 1)(display: "warnOfficer")

The ghost of a smile crosses His Majesty's grey-tinged lips. "I would expect no less. I suggest you begin by going down to the ball. Keep your ears open!" The King sinks back upon the pillows, eyes closing. You tiptoe away as he begins to snore. [[Return to the ball. ->backToBall]]

He sighs. "Naturally. But your own revelations should tell you how well they serve me. These plots you describe run deep - I cannot exclude even my spies from investigation. It is a sad moment, that I find myself putting more faith in a stranger than in my trusted advisors. And yet - I must also say, it warms my old bones to find new friendship in such dark days." (if: $gotLetter is 1 and $incriminatedV is 0)[[["Your Majesty, I found evidence suggesting Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind may have sabotaged the ship." ->incriminated]] ](if: $incriminatedV is 1)[[["Your Majesty, I overheard a conversation between Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind, the Head Shipwright, where they talked about how they were poisoning you, and had sabotaged Leviathan."->incriminated]] ][["Your Majesty, I have tried to warn you. But I can tell you nothing more. I can only suggest you investigate the matter yourself." ->imprisonSeline]]

"So it only remains to identify the traitor. Yours is not the first warning we have received. But now my strength fails me. I look forward to hearing the rest of your tale upon the morrow. And I would ask your aid in hunting down this miscreant." (if: $gotLetter is 1 and $incriminatedV is 0)[[["Your Majesty, I have evidence suggesting Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind may have sabotaged the ship." ->incriminated]] ](elseif: $incriminatedV is 1)[[["Your Majesty, I overheard a conversation between Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind, the Head Shipwright, where they talked about how they were poisoning you, and had sabotaged Leviathan."->incriminated]]] [["Your Majesty, I have tried to warn you. But I can tell you nothing more. I can only suggest you investigate the matter yourself." ->imprisonSeline]] [["Don't you have your own spy network?" ->spyNetwork]]

Seline gets to the King alone, having informed Admiral Paravas of (a) nothing (b) only the poison (c) only the ship (d) both. She may or may not have claimed to be Seline. And she may or may not have claimed she met Morael, or given him the ring. Paravas may or may not already be convinced of her claims. She may be dressed in a ball gown or palace servants' uniform. If she convinces the King, he will ask her to help him identify the traitor. She meets with Nyora, Tertia and maybe Andreas and does this. Otherwise, he will put her in a nice prison until the war is over

The darkness of the dungeon is absolute, heightening the scent of mold emanating from the chilly stone walls. An eternity later, lantern-light glimmers beneath the door, and it screeches open. Two servants enter, carrying a comfortable chair. Lord Paravas follows, wrinkling his nose in distaste. He folds his narrow frame into the chair and glares at you with pure hatred. "Now, you are going to tell me everything about the sinking of the *Leviathan*." [["The sinking... you mean, she's ... gone?" ->goneLev]] [["Your King is in danger! Someone's going to try to assassinate him!" ->doomed]]

"I have neither the time nor inclination for games, wench. Feign ignorance, and I will turn you over to my torturers until you are ready to confess." (set: $canundo to true) [["I came here to warn you!" ->doomed]] [["Please! You must listen to me. Your King is in danger! Someone's going to try to assassinate him!" ->triedToSaveHer]]

His eyes flash with anger. "Enough wild tales! Were you not detained this morning aboard *Leviathan*? I don't suppose *that* could possibly have something to do with her destruction, could it?"(set: $canundo to true) [["I was trying to save her!" ->triedToSaveHer]] [["Please! You must listen to me. Your King is in danger! Someone's going to try to assassinate him!" ->triedToSaveHer]]

"Do not lie to me, you worthless slattern! Today I watched a thousand good men drown, after *you* boarded their ship. The King has ordered your execution already. I only asked him to stay his hand long enough to hear the confession from your own lips." [["I didn't do it, I swear!" ->didntDoIt]] [["What the hell is wrong with you? I'm trying to save your King's life!" ->didntDoIt]](if: $data's knowsPoison is 1)[ [[(set: $difficulty to 15 - $cap_convinced)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "The King's wine is poisoned. Test it. You'll see." ->poisonWine]]]

He sighs, and stands. "Your execution is scheduled for midday tomorrow. In the meantime, I can only suggest you consider the fate of your soul." The guards pick up the chair. Giving you one last, chilly stare, Lord Paravas leaves. The door clicks. It's a long wait until morning. [[Morning. ->morningPrison]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's persuade to it + 1) His eyes grow narrow. (if: $success is true)[Then he hesitates. "I suppose it is simple enough to test. But if you are lying to me, wench..."(set: $warnedWine to 1)](else:)["You're just trying to save your own skin. It won't work."] (display: "didntDoIt")

"On your feet!" You jerk from haunted doze to bleak reality. Grey morning light filters between the window-bars. Every muscle feels stiff and achy. A guard is glaring down at you. You stand, shivering. "I hear you're the one who sank the *Leviathan*," he snarls. [["It's not true! I was trying to save her!" ->notTrue]] [["I'm innocent. Please, you have to help me!" ->notTrue]]

The guard merely jerks his head. "Get moving!" He snaps the chain abruptly. You stumble. He chuckles. You are half-led, half-dragged, out of the dungeon into (if: $data's vampire is 0)[pallid daylight](else:)[daylight so brilliant it makes your eyes water]. Most likely you are walking to your execution; even so, the clean air is sweet in your lungs. The guard leads you across a courtyard, through arched halls, up a staircase and into a luxuriously appointed chamber where sunlight slants through large windows. Lord Paravas stands by the window. He turns to gaze at you, unsmiling, cold eyes probing. "It seems I owe you an apology," he says. [["Not at all, naturally you were upset, and my behaviour must have seemed suspicious." ->itsFineParavas]] (if: $warnedWine is 1)[[["You tested the wine! Is the King well?" ->howsKing]]](else:)[[["What happened?" ->whatHappened]]]

Lord Paravas nods stiffly. "I still have questions for you. However, new evidence has come to light, and as it seems you (if: $warnedWine is 1)[have rendered the Crown a significant service](elseif: $claimSeline is 1 or $gaveRing is 1 or $claimMorael is 1)[have attracted the interest of the Crown](else:)[*attempted* to render the Crown a significant service], His Majesty has ordered that you shall be accommodated here until such time as he can meet with you in person," he intones. "I imagine you are hungry, so I have ordered a light meal brought up. If there's anything else you require, the servants will assist you." Paravas turns on his heel and stalks away, not waiting for an answer. You stand at the window of the palace suite, glaring disconsolately between thick iron bars. It's a lovely view across sunlit rooftops and cobbled streets of Isholme, all the way down to the harbor where splintered fragments of timber bob in the blue waters. (if: $data's vampire is 1)[You squint at the glittering sun-reflections. Their brilliance makes your eyes ache.] You pace back and forth on plush carpet, and try to distract yourself with a hot bath and a tray of fresh-baked loaves, butter and oysters. Finally, as darkness falls, you comb your hair and curl beneath the quilt of crimson silk that covers your soft bed. Your thoughts are still hurtling in circles, and you don't expect to sleep. But exhaustion rises like a whale from the depths, and swallows you whole. (set: $data's savedSaragai to 1) (display: "ch18")

"He is well." Lord Paravas's eyes soften, but only for an instant. (display: "itsFineParavas")

"You are not the only informant who has arrived on our doorstep in recent days. Together, the intelligence you provided sufficed to uncover the traitor and thwart his murderous plot - though alas, not before *Leviathan* was lost." [["I did try to warn you..." ->itsFineParavas]] [["My condolences." ->itsFineParavas]]

You're dragged down a long flight of stairs into a grimy, windowless dungeon. The guards chain you to a sturdy ring protruding from the wall and leave you in silence. You have just enough latitude to sit with your back against the cold stone. (display: "dungeon")

"How came you by this, child?" [["It was given to me by Mirakai's son, your Majesty. Prince Morael found him, as was his quest." ->ringGift]] (if: $toldAAlive is 0)[[["Morael asked me to return it to you. Years ago, Mirakai fled to Thronheim, your Majesty, and she and her child died in the plague there. We found this ring in the care of an old woman who tended their graves." ->ringGrave]]]

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"A plot, you say? And what else do you know of this plot?" [["I can tell you no more, Your Majesty." ->noMore]] (if: $data's knowsShip is 1)[[[(set: $difficulty to 15)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "Please, you must listen to me! Check *Leviathan* before she sails. The shipwrights were corrupted, the carpenters bribed -- her boards are short, and her cannons too heavy. She will not survive her maiden voyage!" ->check]] ](if: $gotLetter is 1 and $incriminatedV is 0)[[["Your Majesty, it was Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind. They sabotaged the ship." ->incriminated]] ](elseif: $incriminatedV is 1)[[["Your Majesty, I overheard a conversation between Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind, the Head Shipwright, where they talked about how they were poisoning you, and had sabotaged Leviathan."->incriminated]]]

"A traitor! What do you mean?" [["I can tell you no more, Your Majesty." ->noMore]] (if: $data's knowsPoison is 1)[[[(set: $difficulty to 15)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "Sire, your personal supply of wine is poisoned. Test it, and you'll see! So far, it's been a subtle poison, but tomorrow, the dose is to be increased, so that your sudden death in the midst of siege will cast all Isholme into confusion and despair. Finally, a traitor will open the southern gates, and Thronheim will invade." ->check]] ](if: $gotLetter is 1)[[["Your Majesty, Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind have sabotaged *Leviathan*." ->incriminated]] ](if: $incriminatedV is 1)[[["Your Majesty, I overheard a conversation between Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind, the Head Shipwright, where they talked about how they were poisoning you, and had sabotaged Leviathan."->incriminated]]]

(set: $whereny to 1)"She left me at the ball, trying to find a way into Estevan's chambers, while she went to look for clues that would prove the identity of the traitor. Although something tells me that was just an excuse. I know you said she plotted to become Queen, but she didn't seem to enjoy the royal gala much. Every time a man asked her to dance she looked like she wanted to flay him." [["Well, flaying people *is* Nyora's idea of a party game." ->partyGame]] (if: $howcity is 0)[[["How did you get into the city?" ->howCity]] ][["I'm dying to hear the rest of the story, but you're right. We must find Estevan! There's no time to lose!" ->goToEstevan]]

Tertia shudders. "She's the most terrifying person I've ever met, Seline." She hesitates, eyes cast down for a moment. "And yet..." [["What?" ->whatYet]] (if: $howcity is 0)[[["How did you get into the city?" ->howCity]] ][["I'm dying to hear the rest of the story, but you're right. We must find Estevan! There's no time to lose!" ->goToEstevan]]

A small smile creeps across Tertia's lips. "I don't know, Seline... it's just - there *is* something magnificent about her. I - I didn't know a woman could be so - so..." She trails off, and you realise that under all the powder she's blushing. "Do you know what I mean?" (set: $data's likesT to it + 1) [["Oh, I do. Trust me." ->iKnow]] [["So... fierce?" ->fierceNy]]

She giggles, her blush deepening, and her eyes are momentarily soft and dreamy. Then she shakes her head. "I'm sorry, Seline... this is no time for day-dreaming!" (set: $data's likesT to it + 1) (if: $howcity is 0)[[["How did you get into the city?" ->howCity]] ][["I'm dying to hear more, but you're right. We must find Estevan! There's no time to lose!" ->goToEstevan]]

"Oh, yes. That's what I meant... So very fierce!" (display: "iKnow")

"Seline!" Tertia gives a scandalized little gasp. "But... well, it's true, isn't it?" (display: "iKnow")

The guard shakes his head. "There's obviously been some kind of a mix-up. You'd better go in there and sort this out with Paravas. But don't disturb the King!" He steps aside. The gilded serpents are unguarded. [[Dash through the doors. ->royalApartment]] [[Stroll in with dignity. ->royalApartment]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

He marches over to the guards. "Do you know nothing of chivalry, let alone hospitality? First you harass the staff, and now you refuse to aid a maiden in distress?" The guard frowns uneasily. "It's not our job to fish ornaments out of fountains, m'lord." Lord Alcyon folds his arms sternly. "It is now." His eyes narrow. "In fact, the man who *doesn't* reach the necklace first will be guarding the latrines for the next week." The guards look at each other. Then they both dash toward the fountain. Lord Alcyon turns to watch them, chuckling. Tertia gives you one last look, mouthing "Good luck!" Then she takes his arm, giggling frantically. The gilded serpents are unguarded. [[Dash through the doors. ->royalApartment]] [[Stroll in with dignity. ->royalApartment]]

You hurry onwards and come to a steep ladder. Clambering up, you arrive at a more luxurious corridor, its woodwork ornately carved and varnished, with floors deep-carpeted in Saragaian green. Closed doors line the walls; at the far end, an especially elegant door is marked with a swooping falcon - the insignia of Lord Paravas. [[Snoop around. ->snoop]] [[Leave. ->backOnDeck]]

All is quiet; perhaps these are sleeping quarters. You creep along the corridor and put your eye to the keyhole of the ornate door. The cabin is well-furnished, with a large porthole overlooking the grey sea: you make out a desk laden with documents, with a comfortable chair upholstered in gleaming leather, and an impressively stocked bookshelf behind. It appears to be empty. You try the door handle; to your surprise, it's unlocked. [[Go in. ->enterCabin]] [[Leave. ->backOnDeck]]

You slip inside the cabin, closing the door behind you. In front of you stands the large desk, strewn with documents. To your right, a sturdy chest stands below a wall decorated with framed certificates. [[Examine the certificates. ->certificates]] [[Examine the desk. ->desk]]

They all bear Lord Paravas's name, proclaiming him accomplished in seamanship, archery, astronomy, navigation, falconry and a range of other disciplines. There are no other decorations. [[Examine the desk. ->desk]] [[Leave. ->leavePOffice]]

You start to shuffle through some of the papers, finding notes about construction materials, technical diagrams, inventories and maps. A letter catches your eye, its broken seal shaped like a golden crab. *Dear Lord Paravas, I hope you are feeling well. We missed you last night - Lady Hartswich in particular mentioned your name. I told her that you rarely attend our soirees. It's how you maintain your air of mystery, I said - but she was hardly placated, and I cannot say I blame her! On a less enticing topic, you should know that due to fluctuations in the price of lumber I've made some small adjustments to the schematics submitted by the previous engineering team. The new design will enable us to meet budgetary constraints without delaying the launch. Head Shipwright Aramind's approved it already, and I'm confident His Majesty will be delighted - something we all desire most fervently. Warm regards, Vermank* Then you notice a small leather-bound book with no title. You flip it open. It's Paravas's diary. [[Read it. ->readDiary]] [[Leave. ->leavePOffice]]

You flip back the curtain, and hear a muffled gasp. An elderly nobleman dashes past you with surprising agility, his walking-stick clicking on the floorboards. You snatch at his arm, but he whacks your hand with the stick, crunching the knuckles. You yelp, and your grip loosens; he tugs himself free and slips out the door, slamming it closed behind him before you can react. A single sheet of paper drifts to the ground in his wake. You pick it up. *My Lord Vermank, I have made arrangements with the carpenters as you suggested. Your calculations are correct - do not be aboard when she launches! And be of good heart, young master. Sir Raddibore is a cunning ally - he will not fail us. Together, we'll overturn our enemies' power and bring a new era of glory to our people. Aramind* (set: $gotLetter to 1) You pocket the note, and creep out into the now-deserted corridor. [[Leave. ->backOnDeck]]

The first entry is dated over a year back. "Do they ever suspect me, I wonder? The emptiness behind the mask? What would they do if they knew? Would they allow one such as I to have the King's ear? I think not. Duke Vermank smiled at me today. It made me uneasy. I should take a wife. Have children. Then I need not fear any rumours. But it would be an unkindness to her - and to myself, I think." A later one reads: "Who am I, really? Everyone around me seems to know. At least, they act as if they do. So why do I feel as if I don't? I think I've always felt this way... As if the only thing that makes me real is my service to him. Does everyone feel this way? Do they ever talk about it?" Weeks later, he wrote: "His illness continues. At first I thought it merely an indigestion, but this fever that comes and goes - the darkness of his urine - his constant pallor - and the strange bruising. The physicians seem perturbed, and therefore so am I. And not just for him. I have been complacent. He was always so vibrant, so robust. My lord and master! I never imagined him weakening. The court has never liked me - I've never had a way with people, even if they did not suspect me of incomprehensible perversion. A taste for men, they could understand. But true disinterest in the flesh - that, they presume, must hide some darker hunger. It is no good trying to explain. What will I do if he - No. I will speculate no further. I can only trust in the will of the gods, as Vermank says. He has been so kind to me of late. I did not think well of him before, in truth, but it seems my cynicism was misplaced." You sigh, and flip through the remaining entries, but they continue in the same vein of anxious, rambling introspection. And glancing around the office, you see nothing else of interest. [[Leave. ->leavePOffice]]

As you hurry onwards, you run almost directly into an elderly nobleman. The stranger waves a walking-stick, snapping down his nose at you, "Be off, wretch!" You dart away, but as you flee an imperious voice calls out: "Over here, boy!" It's coming from a silvery carriage further down the line. Though the words are perfect Saragaian, the voice is a woman's - and you know her. [[Run. ->runCarriage]] [[Look. ->hesitate]]

Crouching behind the large wheel, you note that the boots approaching are ornate, fashioned of crimson leather trimmed in lush black fur and bound in silver. The elderly man walks with a slight limp, leaning upon a silver-embossed stick whose head - carved in the form of a crab - is gripped firmly in his pale and manicured hand. He raps upon the carriage door, which creaks open. (set: $incriminatedV to 1) An impatient voice rings out. "For goodness sake, get in, old man. This queue is insufferable enough without your dilly-dallying." The old man clambers into the carriage with surprising alacrity, and replies in a wearily placating tone. "There's no need to be snappish, young man. All is arranged - I saw to the wine myself, and I have the documents right here." "Well, and I should hope so! What else were you going to do, politely ask his Majesty's cellarer to do it for you? Now, hand over those papers!" For a few moments, all you hear is the shuffling of paper. (if: $gotLetter is 1)[Then the young man hisses, in a low accusing voice: "The letter, Uncle Aramind. *Where* is the letter?" The old man sounds flustered. "It's here somewhere, I'm sure of it. Here, I'll look." "If it's not there, you know what you must do!" "It... it must have fallen somewhere. But Vermank - surely you don't mean -" "You'll just have to go back and get it." "Go back? Vermank, I can't! You know what will happen! They won't let me off the ship again - I almost couldn't persuade them to send the boat this time!" "Then you and the letter may go down together for all I care! You never should have written it!" snaps Vermank. "My boy - will you throw away the life of your uncle for nothing? That letter will soon be at the bottom of the bay!" "So we may hope. But do you think I got this far in life without knowing the value of caution? Rumors of treachery are flying everywhere. Should the King call off the launch, that letter will be found, and incriminate us both! It were better that you die than bring such shame upon our family, Uncle." "My boy, what can I say? I am sorry! I don't know what happened. But it is a negligible risk, surely." "You know what? You're right." The young man's tone changes abruptly, becoming sweetly honeyed. "You've served me loyally all this time, Aramind. I mustn't forget to be grateful. And the risk, as you say, is small. We stand on the verge of victory - let's not sour it with squabbling. Here, let's drink to our success." You hear the clink of wineglasses. "I know you worry about loose ends, Vermank. But it's the only one. The](else:)[Then the young man mutters, in a relieved tone, "That's all of them. Well done, Uncle Aramind. There's only one more loose end, and soon that will be ...terminated as well. Here, let's drink to our success!" You hear the clink of wineglasses. "One more, Vermank? But the] shipwrights have been silenced - the lumberyard owner as well. And these are the last of the papers. We have been very thorough, have we not?" "Oh, yes, *we* have, Aramind." The young man's voice has grown softer, reassuring and warm. "And I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me." "My boy, it's been a pleasure. Nothing gives me greater happiness than to see you find your destiny." Aramind's voice is slower now. He sounds drowsy. "Estevan's a fool... gave him every chance to recognise you... should have acknowledged... claim... he knew... Morael... never... return." The last few words are slurred, accompanied by deep and ragged breaths. "Rest, Uncle. All is well." Vermank's tone is hypnotically calm. "I want you to know that without you, I'd never have dared to attempt any of this. You'll always have a special place in my heart. But I'm sure you understand, I need to be free. Free from the past - free from all this sordid history. Free from you, Uncle." Vermank falls silent, and you realise the ragged breaths have also ceased. The carriage door opens, and the young nobleman steps out. He walks toward the palace, whistling cheerfully as he goes. All is quiet. You peek out from beneath the carriage. At once an imperious voice calls out: "Over here, boy!" It's coming from a silvery carriage further down the line. Though the words are perfect Saragaian, the voice is a woman's - and you know her. [[Run. ->runCarriage]] [[Look. ->hesitate]]

You try to force down the ache in your heart, but the pain overflows. Where is Rain? After all you've been through together, how could you lose him again? No. Stop. Wherever he is now, there's still something you can do for him. (if: $data's sedM is 1 and $data's marryR is 1)[But your brain is a traitor still. What happened last night... Would Rain understand? Would you ever tell him?](elseif: $data's sedM is 1)[And then there's what happened last night.](if: $data's sedM is 1)[ You've been trying not to think about it. Tell yourself it was just an experiment. You tried to help Morael, and you failed. There's nothing more to consider. And now... you've lost him too. (if: $data's marryM is 1)[ But that doesn't make the moments that passed between you any less real. You thought he needed you - only now you realise, you needed him too. You've come to rely on him in ways you never could on Rain - or Andreas. And he's relying on you, too.] ]You clench your teeth. You're not giving up now. Both Rain and Morael risked their lives to get you here - and you don't know if they're alive or dead. Now thousands more lives may depend on you alone. Onward! (display: "walkToPier")

You slip into the shadows beneath the pier. Dark shapes move across the sand behind you, making directly for your hiding place. There's nowhere to run. The shapes of two soldiers loom over you - and then past. "Where's that damned lantern now?" mutters one. They grope around in the dark. One moves closer to you, within arm's length. (set: $mengotlantern to 1) You press yourself against the stones, hardly daring to breathe. "Here!" mutters the other, pulling a dark shape from behind a pillar. At that moment, you feel a sharp pinch in the flesh of your buttock. You gasp, snatching at the place - and find yourself gripping a large crab, whose pincers wave menacingly in the air. The man near you jumps back, yelping. "Good grief! Put down the crustacean, woman!" This proves easier said than done, for the crab is now attached to your fingers. At last you manage to shake it off. It scuttles into a crack, and you turn back to the soldiers with all the dignity you can muster. [["Please, good sirs! I must speak to King Estevan!" ->capturedMustSpeak]] [[Say nothing. ->capturedNothing]]

Dark shapes move across the sand behind you. You raise a tentative hand. The footsteps fall silent. "Who goes there? Show yourself!" barks a Saragaian voice. [["Please! I must speak to King Estevan!" ->capturedMustSpeak]] [[Say nothing. ->capturedNothing]]

(display: "dice")(set: $data's charm to it + 1) Paravas glares at you. (if: $success is true)[(set: $cap_convinced to it + 10)(if: $data's vampire is 1)[Yet as his eyes meet yours, a strange softness comes over his expression, as if he glimpses some mystical - almost sacred - power there. He shakes his head as if trying to clear it, but keeps darting glances at you.](else:)[Slowly, his expression softens. He nods stiffly.] "I... I would like to trust you, Madam. But the King is very busy. Is there nothing more you can tell me? No evidence I can offer him?"](else:)["Absolutely not. The King is far too busy to hear every commoner who seeks his ear. Report to me, and anything of importance will be passed to the appropriate agencies."] (if: $data's gotRing is 1)[Your fingers touch the small circle of gold in your pocket. Would Andreas understand? Anyway, he's gone. Who cares what he would think? [["I can prove what I say. Take this to King Estevan." ->takeRingToKing]]](else:)[[["Please, you have to take me to the King!" ->pleaseTakeMe]]] [[(set: $difficulty to 13)(set: $skill_name to "Charm")(display: "makeDice"): "I'm sorry, you're right. I can't prove anything, and I can see you're far too busy to follow up on every rumor of treachery." ->rumor]]

"Vermank!" Estevan gasps, then starts to cough weakly. Paravas hurries to his side, and holds a wine-glass gently to his lips. Paravas scowls at you. "Your Majesty, Vermank's loyalty is beyond question. He is a dear friend of mine - we have talked almost daily during the construction of *Leviathan*." Estevan's eyes narrow. "That, in itself, is curious. You must have heard the rumors of his disaffection with the crown." "I have... But he never said any such thing to me." Estevan shakes his head. "Of course not. He read you well, Paravas, and cultivated your friendship precisely to cloak his ambitions." Paravas paces back and forth, agitated. "How can you be so quick to judge him? Perhaps this girl merely aims to divide us. Your heirs are still lost, Majesty, and Vermank is as near to any as a unifying figure in the court." Estevan gazes at you dubiously. "He has a point, lass." (if: $gotLetter is 0)[[["To cover his tracks, Vermank murdered his uncle - you'll find his body in their crimson carriage! And I believe Vermank is carrying a letter that proves he sabotaged Leviathan." ->searchVermank]] ](else:)[[["I found this letter, which proves that they sabotaged *Leviathan*." ->showLetter]]] [["Your Majesty, I have tried to warn you. But I can tell you nothing more. I can only suggest you investigate the matter yourself." ->imprisonSeline]]

"These accusations grow ever wilder! He *murdered* Chief Shipwright Aramind? His own uncle? But I saw the man just yesterday aboard Leviathan - and he was perfectly well!" "In the carriage, she said. Well, that is easily investigated." The King sighs. "I know he is a friend of yours, Paravas. But I have wondered about him before. He is almost a little too polished... and I never quite saw what you two had in common - beyond a shared interest in *Leviathan* No, this child's allegations - however distasteful, they ring somewhat true to me." "But Your Majesty - you do not know Vermank as I do! He would not - he could not!" "I fear your defense of him speaks more to your own good character than his, Paravas." The King smiles sadly. "But we have no need to wonder when we can verify. Now, here's what you're going to do. You're going to detain Lord Vermank. Quietly, but give him no chance to get away, and search his person as soon as possible. And send men to look in the crimson carriage. As for this young lady..." (display: "imprisonSeline")

Paravas takes the letter from your hand. He peers at it, frowning, reading it over and over. "No... this cannot be... I trusted him! Oh, Estevan! My King!" He drops to his knees. "Your Majesty, I have failed you. Take my life, I beg you. For no other mercy can quell this shame!" Estevan waves a hand irritably. "For goodness sake, Paravas. Get up!" He tries to sit up, but collapses back on the pillows, panting. "Don't be so dramatic. In truth I always found Vermank a bit *too* polished. I would have had him watched earlier, but I didn't want to put a dampener on your friendship. You have so few friends, my boy." "Then it *is* my fault!" groans Paravas. "Nonsense!" Estevan snaps. "You're not an easy man to know, but you've the truest heart in this court. Do you think there's no reason you're my closest confidant?" "But Your Majesty -" "Now, here's what you're going to do. You're going to send men to arrest Lord Vermank. Give him no chance to get away. As for this young lady..." (display: "imprisonSeline")

As you leave Paravas's cabin, you notice a slightly less ornate door. This one has the insignia of a golden crab, and it is locked. [[Pick the lock. ->pickLock]] [[No, there's no time to waste! ->backOnDeck]]

The lock has the same design as the one in the closet, and yields to your underwire with equal ease. This cabin is slightly smaller, but lavishly decorated with plush carpet and silver fittings. It also has a desk, but the papers are scattered about, as if someone has been hastily searching through them. A small onyx figurine lies on its side - you recognise it as an idol of Tlathel. You look the papers over briefly. They seem to be mostly construction schematics and receipts for lumber. Although the room contains numerous decorations, including the portrait of a handsome young nobleman, all the documents you find are entirely impersonal. To your left, the crimson curtains shielding an alcove twitch slightly. [[Look behind the curtain. ->curtain]] [[No, there's no time to waste! ->backOnDeck]]

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"Then continue, child. Tell me all that you know!" [["I can tell you no more, Your Majesty." ->noMore]] (if: $data's knowsShip is 1)[[[(set: $difficulty to 15)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "Please, you must listen to me! Check *Leviathan* before she sails. The shipwrights were corrupted, the carpenters bribed -- her boards are short, and her cannons too heavy. She will not survive her maiden voyage!" ->check]] ](if: $gotLetter is 1 and $incriminatedV is 0)[[["Your Majesty, it was Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind. They sabotaged the ship." ->incriminated]] ](elseif: $incriminatedV is 1)[[["Your Majesty, I overheard a conversation between Lord Vermank and his uncle Aramind, the Head Shipwright, where they talked about how they were poisoning you, and had sabotaged Leviathan."->incriminated]]]