Part 57: Chapter 14 - 01

I'll try and get the other update up today. It's just a cutscene, but I wanted it separated from the rest of Chapter 14 to emphasize the importance of it.

Chapter 14 - 01





In Fionnaoch's chamber, Mackay urgently ran up to his master.

"Lord Fionnaoch! Lord Fionnaoch, a strange flying beast approaches the tower," Mackay panted.

"I am aware. I sensed it approaching," Fionnaoch said.

He looked at Caleigh, who was smiling a cold smile at her captor.

"It's the Bard," Fionnaoch said, "He's here."

FLASHBACK: Opening Cutscene


Chapter 14 - Introduction



The Bard saw that the journey had ended, so he got off the back of the firey beast, and walked into the courtyard.





The courtyard was empty, but the Bard knew it wouldn't remain that way for long. He began summoning his bond-servants.













: It had come to this, at last. One man on his own, A poet and a rogue, with no friends to speak of, no one to mourn his passing, should it come to that. Even those beside him are no more boon companions than bond-servants, summoned by sorcery and song, as cold and indifferent to him as the light of a wandering star.





: But to know where he is, and what may yet come to pass, we need to know who he is and where he's from...












Mackay: You've made a mistake coming here Bard. You have no chance to make it past me, turn around and leave.
: If I have no chance, then why are you offering me a way out? Are you scared without your big beastie backing you up?
Mackay: This time I'll take care of you myself, Bard.



: ...and to know that, we've got to begin elsewhere...



: I am not going through all of that again! Can we please just get on with it?
: Err, sorry... Got caught up in the moment... As you were...


Courtyard Fight






The Druids fought frantically, desperately, knowing that this was the last chance to stop the Bard. But it was not enough.





The Bard was about to step into the doorway, when he felt a familiar compulsion once more.

It's Bad Luck to be You - The Bard






Oh, it's bad luck to be you.
A chosen one of many isn't new
When you think you're full of luck
in the bullock's you'll get struck
Oh, it's bad luck to be you.



It's time to face you're own reality.
There's one thing we can say with certainty.
That it's you that has been chosen
Even though you've been opposin'
I guess you were the only nominee.

Oh, it's bad luck to be you.
The prophecy is never coming true
In a pickle you'll be stuck
Like a chicken you'll cluck
Oh, it's bad luck to be you.



We've come to the end of our tale
We've sung a lot and drank up all the ale.
You are pretty much a fraud
And for that we do applaud.
Even though we all were hoping you would fail.

Oh, it's bad luck to be you.
Don't think for just a second it's not true
When your life has run amuck
You'll see that you're the schmuck.
Oh, it's bad luck to be
Really bad luck to be
Nobody could disagree.
It's a freaking guarantee.
Oh, it's bad luck to be you.
Diddly doo.



: Their song finished, the Trow that had taunted and infuriated the Bard throughout his journey ran off, and the Bard... just stood there? Aren't you going to chase after them?
: Why bother. They'll just vanish like all the other times. I... I just want to get this over with.

***

The Bard walked down the echoing corridors of Dounby Tower. They seemed to be deserted, but the Bard knew he was being watched. He came to a point where the hall branched off in two directions. The sign over the left-hand passage read "To Lord Fionnaoch's Chambers." The sign over the right-hand passage read "Danger! Do not Enter!"

The Bard read both signs, then snorted.

"Ha! Do you take me for some kind of a fool?" the Bard shouted to the unseen watchers, "I'm not falling for your tricks again!"

The Bard confidently strode down the right-hand passage.

***

A Druid came to see Fionnaoch.

Druid: Master, Mackay is dead. The Bard has entered Dounby Tower.

Fionnaoch was slumped in his chair. He looked tired, older.

Fionnaoch: Yes, I know.
Druid: But for some reason, he's heading to the Prison Tower.
Fionnaoch:What? But that's just 12 floors of the nastiest creatures in the world. Why isn't he taking the normal elevator?
Druid: Who can say, master? This one is strange.
Fionnaoch: Just as well. In case my gambit fails, I must gather all my energies, and the delay will help. But I will speak with this Bard in person.


***



The Bard meets Fionnaoch



The Bard entered a large room. The door slammed shut behind him, and there was no obvious way to open it. But the Bard saw someone was waiting for him.



Fionnaoch: We finally meet.
: Finally? Do I know you?
Fionnaoch: No, but I know you... and might I say-



: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. I've been through all this before. 'You're not getting by me, I will kill you where you stand. You're an idiot. Blah, blah, blah.' I've heard it all before. Can we just skip that part and get right down to it?
Fionnaoch: I agree, the sooner you are dead the better.
: Heard that one before too.
Fionnaoch: In that case, I won't waste any more of your time.

Fionnaoch teleported away.



Then the Bard heard movement in the room, and he was beset by... Kunal Trow.



: The Bard quickly leapt into action and... sheathed his weapons?
: There's no point in getting them all dinged up. My compatriots can handle a bunch of Kunal Trow without breaking a sweat... well, if insubstantial creations of magical music actually do sweat, that is.

The Bard was correct. The Kunal Tow quickly died, and the cage around the elevator lowered. The Bard summoned the Crone to replace the Gouger and stepped into the elevator.

Dounby Tower, level 2 was just as small as level 1.

Once the Bard stepped off the elevator, a cage raised behind it, sealing it off.



: Undead skeletal-things? No problem!

The Bard disposed of the beasts, and the gate around the elevator lowered, allowing the Bard to ascend.



The third level had scarecrows.

: Nothing like a light workout to get limbered up.



: That's enough work with the dirk, I think. Time to switch things up a bit. I need more practice with this bow anyway



Shadow Axe Tunes




Ego Sword Tunes





On the seventh level of the tower, the Bard came across four chests. Each contained a single Adderstone.

: These'll go nicely with my collection.



The next level had Draughr.

I'll demonstrate the various artifacts I've acquired form the Tower guardians. I haven't used them because there hasn't been any need, and they weren't any good, and worse of all, they keep me from using the healing amulet while the other effect is in play.

Herne's Amulet Demonstration


: Time to get more serious.






Lugh's Amulet Demonstration




Mannanan's Amulet Demonstration










Ego Sword: Swing a little harder!

Finally, the Bard reached level 12 and was beset not by more creatures, but by Druids.





: I suspect that the next level up is where I'll find Fionnaoch himself.

The Bard's Tale - Outtakes



Next Update: The Bard has a Dilemma.

All Movies:

FLASHBACK: Opening Cutscene


Chapter 14 Introduction


Courtyard Fight


It's Bad Luck to be you - Bard



The Bard meets Fionnaoch


Shadow Axe Tunes


Ego Sword Tunes


Herne's Amulet


Lugh's Amulet


Mannanan's Amulet


The Bard's Tale - Outtakes