Story Arc #1: The Castle of Shadows
Resolving Matters
A chapter of a ‘choose your own’ story
Click here to return to the previous chapter. Here is the beginning of the adventure written by JF Danskin. Writers, want to join us in writing collaborative choose your own adventure stories? Learn more here!
“Well, Daniela,” you say suspiciously. “So… if what you are saying is true, what was this argument about?”
“Oh, that…” She looks off to the side, and you get the impression that she’d rather not get into it again.
What isn’t she telling you?
You glance again at your blue visage in the hand-held mirror, then throw it down on the bed. “Are you serious that this is my true form?”
“Of course it is, Fiona,” she says. “As I said, we’ve been married for years. You are one of the Eadrom people, here on a very specific mission.”
“To find the Sword of Light…?” you say.
She smiles, and stands, flinging a white robe around her svelte figure. “At least you remember that bit. Yes! You need to find the human named Jade again, too. With her help, we will find the legendary Castle of Shadows, and get the sword for our people.”
“But… isn’t that theft?” you say.
She frowns. “Let’s not start that argument again. Now, shall we get on with the job? I’d like you to go and speak to the mountain villagers. Those peasants are hiding something, I’m sure of it.”
“I can’t go out like this!” you cry, pointing to your blue skin.
“True. And I don’t have the power to transform you to human form again...” Daniela frowns for a moment, then mutters some words, wiggles with a golden bracelet that she is wearing, and a leather helmet appears in her hands. “Don’t worry, hon,” she adds, holding it out. “I got you covered.”
You place the helmet on, reassured that while you will look mysterious, you won’t appear to be an alien. Then, realizing how stupid you must look — being naked with just a helmet on — you get dressed as well.
Moments later, the mysterious bedchamber has vanished, and you find yourself with Daniela on the mountain path. Peaks loom up on either side, and there are caves to the side.
“Don’t you think…” you begin. But before you can formulate a thought, there is a growling from behind. You spin around to see that a rock troll has grabbed Daniela by her gown. Her golden bracelet clatters to the ground as she falls, and the beast begins to drag her off.
“Go, Fiona!” She cries. “Carry on, and seek the sword. I can handle this crea… argh!”
And with that, the troll drags Daniela down into a deep dark hole in the cliffs, off to your right.
You decide to…
- Follow Daniela’s instructions, and proceed to find the villagers (click here).
- Clamber down the deep dark hole after them (click here).
- Try to figure out how the bracelet works (click here).
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