Drink with the Mercenary
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.)
The Mercenary smirks down at you, raising his tankard in challenge.
“Ready?” He nods at the flagon next to you, full of ale. “You keep up with me, and we’ll go find your family.”
You agree and grab the flagon, raising your cup to accept his dare.
“Good!” The warrior says with a roguish grin. “Bottom’s up!”
The first drink goes down easy enough, but the Mercenary is already handing you another brimming tankard by the time you finish. He grabs his own drink and clinks it against your flagon.
“Cheers.”
This drink is more difficult to put away. The taste seems to have gone a little funny, but you push through and finally finish it. Another tankard is shoved into your hands as your balance begins to waver.
Liquid spills down the side of your mouth and onto your clothes. The laughter of the Mercenary’s friends sounds distant as you feel a muscled arm wrap around your shoulders. A masculine voice booms in your ear.
“Everything alright?”
You would be on the floor if it weren’t for the towering warrior propping you up. The Mercenary is holding you close enough to feel his deep laughter rumble through your body as everything becomes hazy.
A gaggle of jeers and chuckles surround you as you drag your feet along the cobblestones, guided by the Mercenary’s strong arm and the rabble at your back. The fresh night air and sudden realization that you’ve ended up on the streets triggers a faint sputter of urgency. You look around groggily and inquire about your family.
The Mercenary laughs but does not answer. One of his cronies behind you says something to the guffaws of his comrades, but you can’t quite make out what was spoken. Your mind and your senses have been dulled by whatever it is you’ve ingested. You ask where you’re going.
“Don’t worry,” The Mercenary crushes you in his one-armed embrace. “We’re just making a quick stop, and then we’ll go find your family.”
Despite your tipsy state, you manage to squirm out of the warrior’s grip and stumble a few steps away from the group. You take a moment to regain your footing, and the Mercenary raises an open hand in an attempt to calm you.
“Woah… relax.” His voice is gentle, almost soothing. His blue eyes stare at you coolly. The laughing of his goons has ceased, and they glare at you tensely. The Mercenary takes a step forward.
“You got carried away in the drinking contest, we’re taking you to a place to sleep it off.”
He continues to move forward, arms open.
“I’ll help you out in the morning, once you’re feeling better.” The Mercenary smiles. “Promise.”
If there was ever a chance to run, this would be it.
What will you do?
- Run away
- Demand answers
- Trust the Mercenary