The Blacksmith
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 old Blacksmith is peacefully enjoying a meal by himself when you approach his table. It seems he’s doing his best to ignore you the closer you get, and the urge not to interrupt his meal starts to flare up, but he speaks up before you have a chance to change your mind.
“Yes?” He asks wearily.
You tell him about the disappearance of Mudtown, and how your family has vanished without a trace. At the mention of your missing loved ones, the Blacksmith stops eating and listens to your story, taking in every word without interruption or sign of contempt. When you ask him to help you find a way to talk to the King, he laughs and shakes his head.
“No.” He gives another sad shake of his head. “The King is beyond talking to. He will not help you.”
As you turn away, feeling rejected by the Blacksmith’s cynicism, he addresses you again.
“In all honesty, it’s likely that the King is the one that took your family and locked them in his dungeons. It’s been happening to people in Stoneville too.” He looks at you steadily. “People like my son. Taken to the castle for no good reason, never to be seen again.”
The Blacksmith’s gaze does not waver, but you can see the tiniest mist forming in the corners of his eyes.
“It’s a travesty.”
He opens the wineskin at his side and takes a long drink.
“There is a way I can get a peasant like you into the castle, but I need you to do a favor for me.” He leans forward and lowers his voice.
“You should know that even discussing a plan like mine is enough to get us both executed for treason. I’ll need to know that you are completely committed against the King and his men before I help you.”
The Blacksmith seems honest enough and willing to help, but this talk of treason has made you feel like there is some real danger in this undertaking.
What will you do?