Book Three Chapter Sixty Six: WR_Choice

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Book Three Chapter Sixty Six: WR_Choice

The Chosen One gave the Bard a flickering smile.

I choose to ask the people affected by the decision, of course, he said. Hey, you two. He looked at the ghosts sitting at the table. I got a nectar thatll put your spirits to rest. Do you want me to use it on you, or nah?

If you can end this agony, then Ill consider forgiving you for your stupidity, Warwicks spirit said haughtily.

Finish this sick joke played on me, and were square, Ruth replied.

What do you think? the Chosen One asked Qube, his gaze sweeping over the group to include them in his question. We might come across another restless spirit in pain. Should we save a nectar, just in case?

One of us might be hit by the same curse and need help, Sencha Bard interjected, almost angrily. He seemed to be directing his statement towards Qube. Which, given she was the Healer of the party, made sense.

We cant leave someone to suffer on the off chance we might need something later, Qube said. That goes against everything a Healer stands for.

But youve already had one curse laid on you, Sencha Bard rebutted. Qube didnt think he needed to be bringing up a topic like that in front of Ruth and Warwick, not that the pair could probably see her. What if the Evil Emperor uses his power to deepen the curse?

Qube reached out and touched one of the Bards flowing sleeves.

Please dont let the Chosen One infect you with his need to hoard loot, she said earnestly. If such a situation arises, then well deal with it as it comes. I couldnt stand to deny anyone help for such a selfish reason, never mind leaving two of my childhood friends to suffer on such a flimsy chance.

Theres your answer, the Chosen One said to Sencha Bard. Not a lot you can argue against there, eh?

The other man gritted his teeth for a second, before relaxing. How is it that even when youre doing the thing I usually want you to, you manage to vex me? the Bard asked, giving the Hero a bemused look.

Sheer talent, the Chosen One replied with a grin. His expression shifted slightly as he continued looking at the Bard. What are you worried about with the Golden Prophecy?

Its merely a theory, the Bard said, narrowing his eyes at the Hero. Ive read many an ancient text, and find the layers of meaning can be quite revealing.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Well, any theories you got, let me know, the Chosen One said casually. Maybe not while dealing with ghosts of friends in a lot of pain, though.

I just might, once weve reached a safe place to rest. Im sure you would be most helpful in clarifying a few questions I have, the Bard replied, equally casually.

As long as its in everyones best interest, and I can, then sure, the Hero said.

I look forward to it.

The rest of the party watched this interplay between the two, not even Qube daring to intervene. Despite Sencha Bards outright stating that the Chosen One had annoyed him, there really seemed to be a bond forming between the two men. While different from the (admittedly sometimes worrying) connection Sencha Bard and Definitely Bad Guy had forged over their mutual love of spell and song craft, or the Bards (hopefully) play-flirting with Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, it still gave Qube joy.

He may, nevertheless, have layered spells upon you, rendering him capable of using you as a spy even without your knowing, Sencha Bard said. Neither he nor Sexy Screamy Spider Briar had attempted to flirt with Warwick and Ruth, which Qube was rather proud of them for. We must be cautious, and assume the tyrant knows as much as we do.

If he knew we were coming, why wouldnt he stop us? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar asked. Sencha Bard hesitated.

I suspect he wants a final showdown with us, he said. And a man as proud as he seems to be would find it more satisfying to defeat us face-to-face.

But then why have any obstacles at all? the Hunter asked, her many faces frowning. Why not face us in the streets or, if he wants to use the castles protection, why not just let us directly into his chamber and take us down there?

The Bard, knower of many sagas, and believer in a greater narrative, was stumped.

I fear I have not the answers, wild rose, he said at last. Its simply the way its done.

Its probably part of a ploy, to wear down our spirits! Qube said indignantly. I think hes trying to break us, by making us do all these things, so were weak when we arrive before him. It was like hed learned of the trials of the Temples, possibly through spying on his Mage Advisor, but reached the totally wrong conclusion. The difficulties of the Temples were designed to make sure that only the worthy would receive the items and gems, while this was just a sick facsimile of those noble places.

He didnt even get the moral choices right, she continued, forgetting shed neglected to mention the Temple part out loud. His arrogance will be his undoing!

The anger of her inner self exalted as she contemplated how she was going to make the Evil Emperor pay for both his crimes, and his hubris. She wasnt sure how, exactly, she was going to do it, but when she faced him, there would be a reckoning!

---

In all this, the Chosen One and Squiggles had been hanging out by the ghost-death-powered entrance. The Hero, who still hadnt explained why he was confused by the doorway, was looking between the dark tunnel it opened into, then back at the mascot.

Why, he asked the attentively listening pet, is there only one corridor?

Squiggles nudged him, and looked up, wagging her sharks tail slightly.

Yeah, Im guessing theres gonna be a big mess down there, he agreed. The sharktopus, however, didnt seem pleased with his statement. Instead she nudged him again, harder.

Its not the best time for it, he replied.

She started climbing him, hooking her tentacles around his backpack and tugging.

Fine, the Hero sighed, unslinging his backpack and rummaging around in it. But no chewing on it. Yes, even just nibbling the edges counts. I saw those teeth marks, young lady.

So it was that, just as shed finished swearing terrible but unspecified vengeance on the man whod murdered her entire village, Qube looked up to see Squiggles, carefully balanced on the Chosen Ones shoulder, gently using her tentacles to turn the pages on her hungry caterpillar book.

Qube felt the hard rage within her melt slightly as she stepped up next to the Hero, taking her rightful place by his side, ready for whatever horrors lurked ahead. Not even more dead friends would stop them from saving the world!