Story Arc #1: The Castle of Shadows

A Cautious Approach

A chapter of a ‘choose your own’ story.

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You feel nervous about these people. They seem to know more than they are letting on, and they are armed and probably dangerous.

You decide not to be too direct.

“Oh, just looking around for ancient ruins,” you say. “I’m a scientist and an archaeologist. My partner and I have been investigating the area, but we are not looking for anything in particular.”

The family peer at you for a moment, then all of them look back towards the old man. He licks his lips, then shrugs. “Well, that’s not a capital offence, is it,” he says with at sly grin, “but I can tell you, the folks up here would rather not have scientists wandering around, disrupting our land and farming.”

“Understandable…” you begin.

As you speak, the young girl moves towards the door. The two men open it, and she peeks out. “The devil-cat has gone,” calls out the girl.

You look around at her, unsure whether to trust this youngster. “You’re sure?” you say.

It is the woman with the spear who replies. “Gazeema is never wrong,” she replies quietly, and now walks towards the door, gesturing to you. “Come. I can take you to the most important set of ruins in this area. Maybe that will be enough to sate your curiosity.”

“Just be respectful,” growls the old man, his hands thrust into the pockets of his baggy smock as he speaks. “Our clan has lived in this area for centuries. This is our heritage.”

“I will be,” you reply. “As I say, I’m a scientist. I’m not some crazy looter or grave robber. I just want to study things.”

You decide once again not to mention your true goal — the Sword of Light. If you find that artefact, you know you won’t be leaving without it!

You take one further glance around the group of villagers, and then look towards the concrete wall and its metal panel once more. It seems to be made of solid bronze, and you now see that it has a small black square to its right — a switch perhaps? It all feels very incongruous, and you are pretty sure these people are hiding something.

But that is for another time.

“Come on,” says the woman with the spear, now lifting up a black object from a chest at the side of the area, and stepping out of the open door. “It’s time.”

Continue — click here.

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