Part 111: :smith:

Chapter 18:


You don’t know how glad I am to see you here safely. Magnum Opus is dead, and Erasmus has been poisoned. I knew that the Rites would be dangerous, but I didn’t realize just how dangerous they would become.
WHAT?! I was just gone for a day! What the hell happened?!
You haven’t heard? Magnum Opus was found murdered near a broken Pillar to the west, killed by a dagger in the back, the same as Kokeeno [and he doesn’t even get the dignity of having you find his body]. And Erasmus has been drugged, and is sleeping so deeply he cannot be awakened. He may seem harmless and humorous, but Erasmus is a powerful wizard and not easy to deceive.
First Ugarte, and now this…what’s going on here?
I only wish I knew. I have never felt so helpless and useless! People are dying all around me, and I cannot stop it. My only comfort is that you are here and safe. You are as much my son as Shakra to me.
More like a prodigal son, at best.
Perhaps, but I recall that at the end of the story you are thinking of, the father forgave his son for all his faults and welcomed him back with open arms. You are much more of a hero than you let yourself believe, Nike.
You wouldn’t say that if you saw what I was up to two nights ago. Not that anyone saw what I was up to, of course.
You have saved four lands from brigands, elementals, demons, and even a Dark One. Even now, you are ridding Silmaria of invaders and assassins. You may act selfishly at times, but you have always helped others in the end.
Helped them selfishly! Being a hero gets me praise, fame, power, money! I don’t want the pressure, I hate being the only one who can save the day, and I can’t stand it when people assume I’d rather be helping them than enjoying myself! Oh, and General Claudius attacked me as soon as he saw me knocking out the guards in his fortress. I guess you were wrong about him, too.
That is a shame, but I don’t believe you. There are other paths to money and power, and you didn’t take them. Even a master thief does not need to adventure to gain his status, but you did.
That wasn’t even my fault half the time. Forget this; I’m not going to bother arguing with you anymore.
As you wish.


The hell? Is this thing not working any more? Maybe I should Trigger it myself.

As far as I know, only heroes with Magic can teleport up after Erasmus gets drugged. There’s nothing absolutely important up there, at least.


Well, that sure is a bad sign.


So you’re just up here alone? Where’s Erasmus?
Hey, Nike. There’s something wrong with Erasmus. He was staying up late practicing the Wizard Whirl game, and now he won’t wake up. Before, he was wired. Now, he’s unplugged.
What happened to him?
Erasmus seemed fine—a little obsessed with that game, but that’s normal, for him. Then he had a snack and he fell asleep and he hasn’t woken up since. I’d expect him to be playing the game, sleep or no. I’m starting to get really worried. I’ve tried every thing and spell I know trying to wake Erasmus, but nothing works. And it’s taking a lot of magic to keep this house up here! I never expected to do this on my own. It’s a real drain on my resources, let me tell you.
Wait a second, what snack?
He was just eating those chocolates you sent him, then he zonked out. He’s not even snoring! I’ve never seen him so…quiet!
I didn’t sent you any chocolates.
But the box said that they were from you! We found them on the platform in Silmaria, and Erasmus assumed you’d left them for him.
I never left anything on the platform. Are there any chocolates left I can look at?
I know the box is around here somewhere. Go ahead and take it.



Thanks. Hopefully I’ll be able to work with this.
I’m really worried about the old coot. I’m not sure what I would do without Erasmus. If you think of a way to help him, let me know, okay? Bye.


I suppose you two know all about the latest news.
Yeah, man, it’s getting to be a real bummer out there. Ugarte is really lucky to be alive right now, even if he is still unconscious. That poison is nasty stuff. It sure was a good thing that you happened to have poison cure pills handy. Too bad you weren’t there to save Magnum.
We are also aware of Erasmus’s state. We fear he has been drugged in some manner.
And here you guys have to worry about them both. So, one thing at a time: do you guys know how Ugarte is doing?
I have been tending Ugarte. It is most sad that with all my knowledge of healing, he’s not getting any better. As healers, we’re used to dealing with many rare plants and minerals, but I have never before encountered the main ingredient of the assassin’s poison. It must be a very rare plant.
Oh, man. Using a sweet, innocent little plant to make a nasty poison—that’s, like, really mean!
You said before that the poison cure pills could help. Shouldn’t he get better after a while?
Even after the pills, the poison remains in Ugarte’s system. He is alive, but he won’t be well until we can find the antidote.
I’m trying to find a true antidote to that really freaky poison, but it’s tough. It’s got some rare kind of stuff that I’ve never seen before.
Dearest, we told him that already.
What? Oh, sorry, man. Anyway, it’s, like, really important that we get the stuff that did it, so if you can find any, like, rare plants that look kinda deadly somehow, you just get it to us, okay?
Fair enough. So what about Erasmus?
Yeah, man, Julanar and I were teleported to this really cool place by a talking mouse. It sounds wild, but we weren’t tripping, honest. It was so mellow there, we just sort of floated around. We couldn’t get the wiz to wake, but other than that, it was totally neat.
It disturbs me, the drug that struck the archmage. I have heard of sickness from which the victim will fall asleep, but not one from which they will not awaken. He appears to sleep peacefully, but it’s just so strange. Like the coma that Ugarte suffers in, it is a sleep that brings no healing to the body. It is a sleep without rest.
We’re trying to figure out what kind of drug has Erasmus out of it, but we really need to get a sample to tell for sure. Let me know if you happen to score any of it.
Actually, I did. Fenris tells me Erasmus ate from this suspicious box of chocolates before he fell asleep.
What, you’re giving me these? Thanks! I bet this will really hit the spot for the late night munchies.
What? No! You should analyze this for whatever knocked Erasmus out.
Really? Oh, then I guess they’d give me the munchies instead of fixing them. That’s not so good. I’ll have to check these things out. I’ll let you know what I learn about them.
Great, maybe we can finally make some progress on this.
I know that you grieve for your wizard friend. Here, take these magical flower seeds. The grow almost overnight and spread great beauty and fragrance. I hope that this will make your journey less sad.
Yeah, man, flowers soothe the soul.
Thanks. Could I maybe get two sets, though?
I don’t see why not.

You get the seeds by saying “goodbye” to Julanar when you’re talking about Erasmus’s illness. Since we can use them on two different occasions, I’m getting two sets by saying “goodbye” twice.

Hey, with all the murders going on here, I bet I know who did it. It must have been the Druggist in the Apothecary with the Poison!
Beloved, YOU are the druggist.
Oh, that’s right, I’ve got an alibi. Sorry, dude, I’ve been hitting the “stress relievers” pretty hard lately what with all the murders and everything.
Ah. That explains a few things.
Righteous. Hey, and if Colonel Mustard comes up to you carrying the lead pipe, don’t trust him. I suspect he eats meat and has other nasty habits.
Who?
Don’t worry, Nike, I can handle Salim. Now, dear, you know that mustard is just a plant seed…


Morning.
Hmm? Oh. Forgive my lack of manners today. I am distracted by what happened to Erasmus. As always, you are very welcome here.
Have you been to see him?
Yes, and I tried many spells to awaken Erasmus, but he remains asleep. I don’t understand what is going on here. Why harm Erasmus this way? It bothers me that I can’t seem to do anything about the situation. I don’t like feeling helpless.
No one does. But how’s the house doing, now that Erasmus is asleep? Fenris seems a little stressed out right now.
Well, fortunately for Erasmus, Fenris usually casts most of the household spells himself. He may be upset, but he can keep the house afloat as long as Erasmus is alive. Neither Fenris nor I want to think of what will happen if Erasmus does die.
Do you know much about the drug?
Fenris suspected that Erasmus was drugged when Erasmus fell asleep in the middle of drinking tea while playing a magical game. Erasmus loves games and is a keen competitor, so Fenris knew something was wrong with the tea. Fortunately, Fenris prefers root beer.
It wasn’t the tea, actually, it was a set of chocolates. I’ve already got what was left over to Salim and Julanar.
Really? I’m glad you are on top of things, then.
By the way, I’m trying a new fighting strategy lately. Could I get a spare ton of magic daggers? I’m not short on cash.
Certainly, although I’ve heard that the bank was robbed again lately. Are you sure your money is still there?
Oh, I got my money, don’t worry. In fact, I think I may go there next to check up on it.
Be careful. There are many forms of danger, and some may be as innocent in appearance as a cup of tea or a box of chocolates. Farewell.


Again! Again the bank was robbed! What do they think this place is, made of money? To think, I left a successful career as a beggar, only to be robbed blind!
Things not going too well, Sam?
Oh, I’m having a wonderful day today, let me tell you. I love having my bank robbed.
You aren’t feeling very good, then?
I’m broke, that’s what I am. Well, maybe not entirely broke. The bank is still in business, you know. If you were to make a substantial deposit, I’d feel a lot better.
Good news then, because here’s most of the money I took out of my account the other day.
Oh my, thank you. The investment not pan out?
I lost a little money in…entertainment costs, but no. No, my money is definitely safer here than anywhere else.

Especially since trying to rob the bank a third time gets you automatically caught, since they position a fourth guard inside the building itself. No new ending screen, though.

Well, thanks for giving us that sort of trust. We should be getting some more money soon, and I’ve got a loan from the government to cover immediate debts. Still, one more theft like that and this bank is bankrupt.
Still no leads on the burglar?
It’s got to be a gang. They cased the joint. They knocked out the guard outside, broke into the safe, and ran away before the patrol guard saw what was going on. They are slick, got to hand them that.
Well then, let’s hope they don’t bother coming again.
We’ll be ready for them if they try, be sure about that.



The shield of General Claudius has been brought back by Prince Nike of Shapeir. The invader base has been destroyed, and our kingdom shall remain free from their menace. Behold the winner of the Rite of Conquest! However, again, tragedy has struck the Rites of Rulership. Magnum Opus was found dead outside the city beside the Dragon Pillar to the west. This was not a noble death. This was murder, pure and simple. All of your lives are in great danger. Take care, and be wary always. Go now, mourn our fallen comrade. You will all be summoned to the next Rite of Rulership.

*Time Passes*


The Hesperian mercenaries were vanquished, and Silmaria stands proudly. General Claudius was defeated. There is one enemy of this kingdom that has long been a foe for centuries. It has the soul of Evil, and thus draws Evil to it. While it lives, there is fear. While it breathes, there is anguish. You’ll have to journey to the heart of terror and pain. You will face fire and fury and above all, death. Journey to Hydra, there to face the creature that gives the island its name. Teach it the fear and pain it has given others, and destroy it. Return with its teeth to prove your word. This is the Rite of Valor!

*You are escorted by guards through the corridors of the Hall of Kings, and eventually led out of the gate.*


Then what’s the big deal? I hadn’t even heard about him until today.
Logos insisted that the Hydra would be the Rite of Valor. He thought that it would get you, Elsa, and Gort away from Marete, and thus you would be safer from the assassin. I argued that by turning your back to a murderer, you only get struck from behind. You should be seeking the assassin, not fighting some fabulous beast. Minos sided with Logos, and so you are seeking a monster rather than a madman.
Logos made it out to be some great big evil thing that needs killing.
Defeating the Hydra is such an old tradition that his speech for the Rite was written down over a century ago. The Hydra is a three-headed dragon, almost entirely immune to magical spells. It can only be injured by a magical weapon. Not even the legendary heroes of yore could defeat the Hydra by themselves. However, your greatest challenge will be getting to Hydra Island. It is beyond the area where the fishing boats can safely travel.
What do you suggest?
I don’t know what you could use. Perhaps you might be able to travel above the water somehow? But it is your Rite to complete, and you should be the one to figure it out.
Great. But is sending us to kill an unkillable dragon really “safer” than sticking around here?
You’ve already heard my opinion on that. Rrrrr, I am so tired of feeling helpless! The assassin is waiting somewhere nearby, I can feel it! I’m afraid I’m not the calm paladin I should be right now. Forgive me, my friend. The assassin is just a tool, and his master is the one that enrages me. I want vengeance rather than justice for the wrongs he caused.
Yeah, actually, I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean-
No. NO! Nike, get down!
What? Shit!






Rakeesh? Fuck! FUCK!
_{Nike…are you…safe?}
Yeah, Rakeesh, I’m fine, the assassin left after he missed. Now come on, you need to take this pill. Come on and eat the pill, Rakeesh.
_{I’m glad. Nike…please…it’s up to you…now…}


Don’t die, Rakeesh. Please don’t die…

Unlike the other conversations with Rakeesh and the meeting with Ugarte, it is not possible to miss this scene. And if you don’t have poison cure pills, it is possible for Rakeesh to die here. Make sure you have poison cure pills.