Approach the Carriage

# Summary

A pig, believed to be a transformed human named Edward, approaches a carriage with the hope of finding assistance, only to be unexpectedly recognized as a missing Queen's loved one.

# Abstract

In a choose-your-own-adventure narrative set in a mystical forest, the protagonist, a pig, seeks help from a knight and his squire who are repairing a carriage. The pig, unbeknownst to them, is actually a human named Edward transformed by a curse. As the pig attempts to sneak onto the carriage, it is recognized by a voice from within, calling out "Edward?" The knight and squire react, with the squire readying a crossbow, but the knight prevents an attack. The Queen herself emerges from the carriage, revealing her identity and expressing her belief that the pig is her long-lost loved one, Edward. Faced with this unexpected turn of events, the pig, now potentially recognized as a human, must decide whether to greet the Queen or flee back into the forest.

# Opinions

- The author presents the pig as an intelligent creature capable of planning and understanding human behavior, despite its animal form.
- The knight's decision to hold back the squire's crossbow suggests a theme of compassion and recognition of the extraordinary within the ordinary.
- The Queen's emotional response to the pig indicates a deep-seated belief in the possibility of transformation and the enduring bonds of affection, regardless of outward appearances.
- The narrative invites the reader to engage with the fantasy elements and moral choices, emphasizing the importance of decisions and their consequences in shaping one's journey.

Pick Your Peril: The Hero of Mudtown

(This is part of a series of choose-your-own-adventure articles. If you want to start from the beginning, click here. If you want to revisit the previous chapter, click here.)

All images generated using Midjourney.

Maybe the knights tending the carriage will have a little sympathy for a helpless pig. You can’t speak, but you’re not about to let that stop you from trying to get a ride to civilization.

You approach the carriage and see that what you thought were two knights are actually just one knight and his very young squire. They are preoccupied with repairing the broken wheel and don’t notice you getting closer. The door of the carriage is open, dark interior waiting beyond.

Perhaps it’s possible to sneak onto the carriage while the knight and his squire are busy. You don’t know where it’s going or if it will lead you any closer to your family, but anywhere would be better than the middle of the forest. You cautiously creep forward.

As you place your front leg on the doorway of the carriage and peer into the darkness inside, a shadowy figure suddenly leans forward and you hear a woman’s voice call out.

“Edward?”

You immediately back away and turn to run, but the Knight and his squire have also whirled around to heed the woman’s call. The squire unslings a crossbow from around his shoulder and takes aim, but the older knight holds out an arm and prevents him from taking a shot.

The Knight takes a knee and extends a hand out, palm up. He looks into your eyes and addresses you.

“It’s alright.” The sincerity is plain in his voice. “Come forward and meet your Queen.”

The squire gives a skeptical raise of an eyebrow, but lowers his crossbow. You hear the creak of wagon wheels from the direction of the carriage behind you, and look to see a beautiful woman wearing a crown and a splendid dress emerging from the dark interior.

The Queen

She looks down at you with glistening eyes.

“Edward, it’s me.” She wipes a tear from her eye. “It’s been so long. Let me take a look at you…”

You have no idea what’s happening, but if there was a time to duck out of this situation, this is probably it. There could be a smart way out of here if you’re patient.

What will you do?