Part 112: Trying to Fly

Chapter 19: Trying to Fly


Rakeesh is unconscious, but he will live. He was struck by the poison, and without your antidote, he would be dead. You acted wisely and quickly.
There was only one way to act.
I suppose. Rakeesh is a paladin, and does not believe in revenge. However, we all believe in justice. This assassin must be found, and pay the price for his actions. Find the assassin, Prince Nike. Make him face justice.


You know what? Fuck it. Fuck everything. I am going to win the Rites of Rulership. I am going to find that assassin. And I am going to kill him. For Rakeesh’s sake, I am going to save Silmaria from whatever asshole is trying to destroy it.


There are a few new updates on the city billboard. Current events now shows the standings after the Rite of Conquest, with Nike on top over Elsa and Gort, island news carries the notice of Magnum’s murder, the Rites of Rulership lists the Hydra challenge, and Silmaria news mentions the assassination attempt that almost got Rakeesh.


Greetings, Nike. I cannot thank you enough for saving my father’s life.
How is he?
The poison remains in his system. Julanar and Salim are trying to find a cure. Until they do, Rakeesh is being kept alive by antidote pills.
So one isn’t enough?
It is enough to stave off death, but it wears off, and the poison does not. I’m taking care of him in my quarters for now. When he regains consciousness, I will let you know. I’m certain he will want to speak with you.
Same here. You take care of him now, alright?
I will. You take care of yourself, though. The next assassin’s blade might not miss you.


Hey, guys.
You sure had a close call there, man. That cool lion guy is still alive, but it’ll be a while before he’s up and around. This poison is a real bad trip. It’s got snake spit and spider bite and toad oil mixed with arsenic and belladonna and some plant we’ve never even seen before. We still don’t have a real antidote yet.
Not for lack of trying, sadly. We are doing everything we can to aid the victims, but little has helped them. However, we have narrowed down what the missing ingredient could be. It is probably a rare flowering plant, but it’s one we do not know of.
And we know a lot of plants. There are the pretty flowering ones, the common garden variety herbs, and of course, trees are our best friends.
I’m pretty sure there’s more than just that.
Yeah, well, that’s just the basic idea. You know, people are really lucky to have you for a friend. You save their lives and find them wives, and all sorts of really neat things.
But the only reason Ugarte and Rakeesh are in comas is because they were trying to help me.
Kokeeno and Magnum weren’t trying to help you, and they didn’t get the benefit of a coma. And what about that Andre kid? I saw how happy he was when Julanar came to talk to him. Face it, man, you’re a cool cat to have around.
Fine, I won’t argue about it. How’s Rakeesh doing?
Rakeesh is a really tough lion, man. There was enough poison in his system to kill five men, but he managed to survive, thanks to the poison cure pills. He’d be dead for sure without them.
Thanks for trying, at least.
No sweat, man. Come back soon.


Heard the news about that liontaur. That’s a tragedy. Rakeesh was supposed to be a real warrior, even if he was a goody-goody. Someone’s got to stop that assassin before there’s no one left in Silmaria.
You are the last person I expected to be sympathetic.
Hey, Rakeesh had a good reputation as a fighter, although I never saw him use that big sword he carries. Supposed to be a magical sword of some sort. Didn’t buy it from me, that’s all I know.
He sets it on fire with Honor or something. I never quite understood it myself. So, get anything new in?
You already got my Dragon Slayer, which will be pretty good against that Hydra. Personally, I wouldn’t go after that thing unless I had an army to help take it on. Damn thing’s immune to most damage. You got to go for the heads, according to the old stories. Even then, it heals rapidly. Plus I got no idea how you’re going to get to Hydra Island.
I’ll figure it out. You think I should take the Ice sword for insurance?
It’s your money. With Magnum dead, my money’s riding on you. Win this Rite, and I’ll make a few drachmas off my bet.
Yes, and I’d hate to disappoint you of all people. See you later, Pholus.


Hero Nike do last Rite good.
Hi, Toro. Did you here the news?
Bad things happen Silmaria. Not like bad things. Not like Magnum man. Not like Magnum man dead. Killer man get Magnum. Bad thing.
Is Elsa around?
Not see Elsa since Rite over. Worry about Elsa. Worry killer man get Elsa.
Great, one thing on top of another. I think I’ll just go for now, Toro.
Hero Nike be careful. Not want hero Nike not come back.

The adventurers’ guild board has also updated a few notices. The Rite of Conquest notice has been posted, as well as a few new updates to the assassin’s poster under Wanted Help:




It’s nice to know Rakeesh’s attempted murder was worth an extra 2000, at least.


Hi, sugar-pie. Well, make that bye-bye, pretty soon. The mortgage is due, and I’m out of moolah.
What? You can’t pay Ferrari?
I’m singing the blues, boy, for I’m going to lose. I’ve sunk all my savings, and “loan” behold, the inn will be repossessed and I’ll be depressed. That louse gets the house, and I get ousted. Old Fez Head will probably turn it into another saloon. This gnome’s on her own with no home.
To be fair, his saloon’s doing pretty well.
Yeah, but his place is a waste with no taste! If I had more time, or more money, or knew someone who could paint good, I’d fix this place up and show Fez Face a thing or two. I’d give him some real competition. Say, Ferrari knows you. He dropped your name when he came by. Maybe if you talked to him, you could get him to extend the deadline. Would you do me this teensy little favor? I’d be very thankful, and I’m sure the cooks will be grateful you saved their jobs for them. They’ll fix your favorite food and everything!
He came by and dropped my name, huh? Hmm. Hey, but I do know someone who can paint! You see this balloon painting I’ve got?
Ooh, pretty. Reminds me of an ice cream cone.
Well, the guy who painted it’s name is Wolfie. He’s got a stall up in the market.
He painted the flying ice cream cone? Anyone who could paint like that could certainly paint my inn. I’ll have to talk to him about it.

To make this work, you have to show Ann the painting, then click the new dialogue option that shows up. No other sequence works.

Oh, and I’ve got something a friend gave me to try and cheer me up. I don’t exactly have any land to plant them on, so I think you should have them.
Seeds? Are these the “grow to the clouds, steal from a giant, Jack-and-the-Beanstalk” sort of seeds? Cool, I could really use these.
What? No, they just grow fast.
Well, so much for that get-rich-quick scheme. Still, it is a nice gift. Thanks.
Sure, Ann. See you later.
Pretty please with strawberries, will you talk to Ferrari about my loan, Ranger? I’d be happy to refund every penny of rent you’ve paid so far.
Heh. And the “talking rat’s” money?
Well, I gotta live on something.


Hi there! Hear you’re out for a little monster mashing soon. That Hydra is impossible to kill, you realize.
I heard about that, yeah. But when did you hear about the Rites?
I’m starting to get out more now. Got to build up some muscles before I go adventuring again. Besides, the women like a man with muscles. I’m starting slow at the moment, climbing up to the Hall of Kings a few times a day. I read about you and the Rites on the announcement board. Doing pretty well for yourself, it seems.
Yeah, but Rakeesh isn’t doing too hot.
What, something happen?
You haven’t been up yet today? Rakeesh was hit by the assassin’s dagger. He’s in a coma now, since the poison won’t wear off.
Now that’s a shame. He really was a great adventurer back in his day, you know? But you can’t let a thing like that stop you. The hero must go on and all. Besides, how can you find the true antidote if you don’t get out there and look for it?
That’s a pretty good point, actually. And yeah, I was going to finish the Rites now for Rakeesh’s sake. So, do you have any tips about the Hydra?
The Hydra is immortal. Can’t be destroyed, but it can be defeated. The only parts that can be damaged are its heads. Unfortunately, they grow back as soon as they’re cut off unless you burn the stumps. Once all the heads have been taken off, the thing takes a long time to heal back up. So for all intents and purposes, it may as well be dead. Fighting the Hydra goes back to the days of Heracles. It takes a great hero to take that monster out.
Didn’t he need help to take it out, though?
He sure did. See if either of the other contestants will be good sports and help you out.
I guess I’ll figure it out when I get there. If I can get there. See you later, FA.
Hold up, didn’t you want to ask me about my name again?
Why? It’s Dave, right?
Oh, come on, I’ve been working on this one all week.
Fine. So what’s your real name, FA?
Here’s one I was called a bit before your time.
She called me Silvertongue when I seduced the Ocean Queen,
And I favored her with flowers which my love had never seen.
Though I loved her, soon I left her, for our love could never be,
For I needed air to breathe in, and she ruled beneath the sea.
Alright, I’ve had my fun. Off with you now!


How’s the island today?
Ah, it’s another beautiful day for scientific discovery. Did you know that preliminary research indicates that the moon might NOT be made of green cheese after all?
I thought it was more yellow-orangeish, myself.
That is just the sort of personal observation that drives scientific research! You know, science is the ultimate solution to every problem confronting the cosmos. Of course, the goal of the scientist is to find the solutions of science. Why cannot man fly like a bird? Because he doesn’t have wings and feathers. That’s an obvious scientific conclusion.
Well, yeah, duh. But what’s the solution?
To invent wings that work on a human’s scale. It’s theoretically possible, you know…Daedalus and Icarus even managed it once, although with somewhat unfortunate results. We still have the survivor’s set of artificial wings on display. Sadly, they would fall apart if anyone actually tried to fly with them again. Pity. I should like to try it sometime.


This set, right? How fast would they break apart?
Oh, that depends on a number of variables. Wind speed, direction of flight, height, directness of sunlight, ambient temperature, strength of materials used…
If I feathered the frame up and strapped myself in, do you think I could reach Hydra Island?
I…I believe that may just be possible. What exactly do you have planned, my boy?
You ever get one of those ideas so crazy you think it just might work?
Quite frequently. Does this mean you’re planning what I think you’re planning?
Oh yeah.


Yeah, this looks perfect. But first, I need some feathers.


Salim, do you still have some Pegasus feathers left?
Sure, man, you got a ton of those things for me. But what do you need them for?
A crazy idea. Thanks for the bundle.
Anytime, dude.


Getting late. Maybe I should see Ferrari first.


Greetings, my friend. How can I assist you this evening?
I believe there is a little gnome with a little problem that we should be talking about.
Ah yes, I had a feeling that her property would come up in a discussion tonight. Since you are probably wondering, allow me to explain my position. I am first and foremost a businessman, and I need to make a profit off my deals. The Gnome Inn is a very valuable property, and I stand to lose a lot of money if poor Ann cannot pay for it. Thus I intend to take the Gnome Inn back, to spare Ann the financial burden.
Bullshit. You chose this moment to try and collect on the payments, and then you mentioned me so that you knew Ann would ask me to intercede. Why?
As I said, I am first and foremost a businessman. I am willing to hold off on collecting my money, if that is what you wish. And if you bring me something of great value, I might even consider giving the deed to you.
The Blackbird. I should have known.
I have great trust that you will find the Blackbird. When you do, I will reward you greatly. Perhaps a reward equivalent to a valuable property? Then there is the little matter of your rather…unsavory profession. It would be most unfortunate if your membership in the thieves’ guild were to be made common knowledge. Few would want a known thief as king of Silmaria. Bring me the Blackbird, and I will make certain that your illegal activities remain a secret.
Great, so you’re going to blackmail me, too?
The Blackbird is important to me. I simply want my greatest asset in obtaining it to have as many incentives as I can provide him.
Fucknut.
I’m very glad we could have this discussion. I will be seeing you soon, I hope.

As of this point, the blackmail ending is in effect. If I eventually become king and Ferrari doesn’t have the Blackbird, there will be an addendum that pops up and explains that you got ousted once “someone” spread word of your night job. You also can’t get Gnome Ann’s deed as a thief if you don’t get him the Blackbird, something the other three classes have a much easier time getting (he accepts something far simpler to get from them). Interestingly, the other way to avoid the blackmail ending is simply to not have this conversation with Ferrari, although that means you can’t help out Ann either. Luckily, I’ve already set the wheels in motion to get the bird, and now it’s only a matter of time until I get my chance.


Hello there. Oooh…what can we do for you?
What can we do to you?
Ladies. You’re both looking lovely as always.
I’ve got ample measure to show men pleasure.
Budar not only kept her girlish figure—she doubled it.
You enjoy teasing each other? I could never do that, especially to anyone I enjoyed looking at so much.
Running after women never hurt anyone. It’s the catching that does the damage.
Did you want to play the game? Or are you here for the Wheel of Fortune?
Nawar, did I ever tell you how much I like to look into your…eyes? Could I…would you let me kiss you?
I…I’m open to such suggestions. But not yet, I think. Not just yet.
Are you certain? I’m sure it would be a…it would be a pleasant experience. I think we would both enjoy where it could take us.
Mm, I’m sure you are a man of many talents. I, too, have many skills. And we may just have to have a talent contest some night, just you and I. But not yet. Not until I know something for certain.
What?
You’ll simply have to guess. We should talk more later. See you then.
I’ll look forward to that. Until then, there’s one last thing I need to do tonight.

But I don’t have to do it until tomorrow! Bwa ha ha ha ha!