The Warlock of Firetop Mountain: 399, 218, 3, 272, 7: Ferrytale

Damn you, Splash Mountain!

     I try my best, but I just can't fight the current. I go under into the water. My lantern is buffeted about, but I cling desperately to it. It goes dark as water slides into it. I flail blindly in the darkness of the water. No idea which way is up or down. My arms reach out, to grab anything. 

     My knee scrapes against deep sand. I push against it, and my head surfaces. I take a deep breath of air and haul myself cautiously through the darkness up shore. I listen carefully. I don't hear anything save the water rushing past.

     I open my lantern. I pluck the candle out and pour the water onto the sand. Then I fumble open my haversack. The water proof seal held. I wish you could waterproof a lantern without suffocating the candle. I reach into the haversack and find the candle I took from that room with the snake in the box and a match. I light the candle and then set it into the lantern.

     Holding it up, I look around.

Choice: Don't Drown!: 218

... the sigh is bigger than the bell...

     I sigh with relief at the sign for the ferryman.

Kick the boat! Kick the boat!

     You know, I don't know if I'd have known what 'punt' meant if I'd have read this at seven. I don't think I'd even know the American definition of kicking. I do now, however, and that's the first thing that came to my mind.

     This is a pretty good example of where an illustration can help. The description of the rickety old bridge is short, it's just that after all, so an image of what exactly we're looking at is nice. I read Rumours, however.

     I wring myself out, and then ring the ferryman in.

Choice: Ring the Bell: 3

     Inflation? I almost ask aloud what he means by that. No, no. Don't look a fool in front of the ferryman. He might take exception and choose not to take me.

     "Well, it's your boat," I say, "You can charge what you like." I hand him 3 Gold Pieces.

     I am genuinely tickled by the changing price joke. It's dumb, but it makes me smile.

Choice: Pay the Man: 272

     I am relieved to see the old man calm himself. It makes me think to much of old Mr. Fisher, who died while red faced and screaming. Ever since I've feared old men angering themselves to death.

     I ask him about the Warlock, and why he makes a living here inside a monster-infested mountain. He isn't much of a talker, however. The passage is slow. Partly because the ferryman is slow in is motions, but mostly because he is careful when navigating the strange and subtle eddies of the river.

     I thank him when we reach the other side, and then hop off into the mountains again. "I hope the gold serves you well!" I tell him, "Hopefully I will be back to pay for the way home!"

     The man smiles, like I've said something very funny, and rather sad.

Gold: 6-3=3

Choice: Landed: 7

     Such lush description!

Choice: Standing Around!: 214

Skill: 7/7

Stamina: 19/19

Luck: 11/11

1 Fortune Potion (2 Measures)

7 Meals of Provisions

"99" Key

3 Gold Pieces

Silk Glove

1 Potion Invisibility (1 Dose)

1 Sweet Smelling Cheese