Story arc #1: The Castle of Shadows
To the Mountain Village
A ‘choose your own’ story
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After a moment’s pause, you decide that there is really no choice. You have to press on further into the mountains. Your friend-slash-partner is very resourceful, clearly capable of looking after herself. And you’ve really had enough of caves — the other options just looked far too dangerous.
Instead, you hurry on along the path towards the mountain village, glancing around at the cliffs and small caves on either side. This mountainside really is riddled with all kinds of tunnels, it appears.
There could be anything hidden here.
It has clouded over now, and the breeze continues to rise as you go. Soon, a shrill wind is whistling between the gap on both sides, and you are forced to lower your head and struggle on.
You cross a fence, and stop at an area that you have been to before. Ahead lies a mountain village in the pass between two great mountains. It is formed of a simple cluster of houses, no more than a dozen, with fields around them, some with crops and others with goats.
You have been here before — but this time, to your surprise, there is nobody around. No sign of any farmers.
Cautiously, you press on. The weather is getting gradually worse as you make your way towards the cluster of houses, and a few snowflakes whistle past. You wonder if perhaps all the mountain folk have gone indoors, anticipating a storm.
Well, they probably have a better idea of the threats of the mountainside than you do.
It’s good. Hopefully they will all be inside, making something warming to eat. They can’t get many visitors this high up, in such a remote mountain pass. They’ll surely be delighted to see you! And perhaps they can give some clues to help you locate the Sword of Light.
The snow is falling heavily as you cross the last few yards of ground towards the small village. At least, you hear voices from inside the buildings — but they are hushed, nervous.
“Hello!” you call out. “Can I come in?”
There is no response. But just then, you hear something moving behind you. You turn around, only to see a huge panther-like creature, snow on its fur, stalking towards you. Its head and jaws are huge and powerful, and it has you in its sights…
Will you:
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