Will you:
Climb onto the ledge and attack the ant? — 290
Help the captain to fight the beetles? — 327
165
Despite your best efforts, the lid is stuck fast and you cannot open it. A cursory glance towards the portal reminds you that you have more pressing problems – the doorway has started to fade. Not wishing to become trapped in the attic, you push through the remaining junk and step into the portal. Turn to 440.
166
Benin quickly rises to his feet, offering out his hand. ‘My friend, you have made a remarkable recovery. The dean is a powerful healer; I see there is much I could learn from him.’
You take Benin’s hand and shake it warmly. ‘So what brings you here, so far from Carvel?’ you ask, smiling. ‘Have you freed the town of its sinners already?’
The priest laughs. ‘If only that were true. Alas, I left because I believe this is where I belong. The inquisitors may be turning their backs on these troubles, but the monks . . . they believe the Wiccans must be stopped, before it is too late. When I heard I could be of use to the monastery, I left Carvel. I believe it is the One God’s will – this is my test of faith.’ Turn to 197.
167
You scan the room, eyes coming to rest on your belongings heaped on a plush chair. ‘I should be going,’ you state, crossing the room.
Lazlo watches you thoughtfully, as you strap on your belt and weapons. ‘You know, defeating a margoyle is no easy task,’ he says, folding his arms across his chest. ‘You showed some skill back there at the bluff.’
‘I saved your life, you mean?’ You grin, sliding your arms into your backpack.
The prince nods and smiles. ‘Agreed. But I can make you better.’
You start for the door. ‘I’m fine, I’m a fast learner.’
Lazlo puts out a hand, to grab your arm – but you are quicker, anticipating the move and snatching his wrist. You grip it tightly, meeting his surprised gaze. ‘I told you I was fast.’
‘Your body might be – your wits, less so.’ He glances down. You follow his gaze to the dagger he is holding in his other hand, resting against your stomach. ‘I can train both. If you’ll let me.’
You release his wrist, stepping warily away from the point of the dagger.
‘Come,’ smiles the prince, spinning the knife and sliding it back under his sleeve. ‘I have something special to show you. I think you’ll like it.’ Turn to 102.
168
By the time you reach the top of the stairs the witchfinder is stooped over, gasping for breath. He waves away your attempts to help him.
‘I’m fine,’ he snaps hoarsely. ‘I’ll be even better when I find that cure . . .’
Reminded of the urgency of the mission, you hurry towards the double-doors of the church. As you grab hold of the handles to push them apart, the building suddenly trembles with a loud peal of organ music. The doors fly open of their own accord, revealing a narrow nave lined with stone pews and flickering candles.
‘What were you saying about theatrics?’ You smirk, stepping through the arched doorway. Eldias follows behind, his sallow features twisted with pain.
‘Beware the reverend,’ he hisses through fanged teeth. ‘I may not be able to help you.’
At the far end of the church you see an immense reed organ, its wooden pipes rising up to a mountainous peak. Sat at the organ, with his back to you, is a man with wild white hair. He throws back his head, cackling with delight, as his pale fingers play skilfully across the keys.
‘Come! Come!’ he spins round in the chair, the music ending abruptly. ‘And Judah said unto his flock, let the sinners come to me; those who have forsaken the light. For here they will find peace everlasting.’
He rises up off the chair, sending dust motes dancing from his tattered robes. The man is clearly one of the undead, his green-tinged skin stretched tight over ridges of bone. His appearance draws you up short, halting your advance. Eldias slumps into one of the pews, head lowered, breath rasping in his lungs.
‘Do you see them?’ he gasps. ‘Books, scrolls . . . anything?’
You quickly scan behind the reverend, to where a set of stairs lead up to an altar. Piled on top of it are a number of leather-bound books, coated in dirt and cobwebs. ‘I see them,’ you whisper.
Eldias pushes himself to his feet. ‘Then let’s do this.’
A crack of thunder shakes the shattered glass in the windows.
‘Ah, a witchfinder!’ grins the reverend. ‘The fist, the blade, the retribution of the One God.’ He frowns, his eyes twinkling in the lantern light. ‘But you have lost your way, haven’t you? Fallen from the path of the righteous.’ He raises his hands, leaning back to address the heavens. ‘Come to me, my children of the night. Let us test this one’s faith.’
You hear a gibbering, chattering sound coming from outside. It grows in volume, joined by the scrape of claws on stone. Fearful of what you will discover, you run over to one of the broken windows. At first you are met by an impenetrable dark, then a flicker of lightning illuminates the sea of bodies hurtling up the stairs to the church. They look like animals, running on all fours, but their faces are almost human – twisted into bestial shapes.
‘Ghouls!’ you cry out in horror.
Eldias draws his pistols, springing onto the back of the pew. ‘Take out the reverend,’ he orders, fixing his gaze on the doors of the church. ‘I’ll hold back this filth.’
You charge towards the undead priest, as the first of the ghoulish horde pour into the church:
Special abilities
Pest control: Eldias is shooting at the oncoming tide of ghouls. At the end of each combat round, roll 1 die. If the result is or then a ghoul has managed to get past Eldias and is now attacking you with its claws, inflicting 2 damage at the start of every combat round. (Note: You take 2 damage from each ghoul that gets past Eldias.) If the result is or more, then Eldias has fended off the ghouls and destroyed any that are attacking you.
Undead: You may use your ashes, holy water and holy protector abilities against the reverend.
If you manage to defeat the reverend, then any remaining ghouls are automatically destroyed. Turn to 218.
169
The journey becomes an exhausting climb over jumbled boulders and loose, skittering rock. With your map forgotten, you rely on Benin to lead the way through the makeshift valleys and channels, ascending ever higher into the cloud-tipped mountains.
At last, after clambering up yet another treacherous slope, you spy Crow Rock. It is an unmistakable landmark – a huge outcropping of grey limestone that has been weathered by the elements to take on the hunched shape of a brooding crow. Silhouetted against the sky it looks almost lifelike, as if at any moment it might take to the air, cawing and screeching across the plains.
‘Now, do you see?’ asks Benin grimly. ‘This place has long been revered by the Wiccan. As children, we believed that the crow was real – that it came alive at night and hunted for prey.’ He shivers, gripping his staff tighter. ‘I suppose the legend does have a hint of truth.’
You follow Benin towards the rock. Beneath it, you can see the land falling away into a hollow canyon. It is then that the stench hits you.
‘A monster has made its home here. But it is no stone crow.’ Benin grimaces with disgust. ‘And I suspect that’s why you’ve come to Crow Rock. As have I.’
You cover your nose as the pair of you scrabble down the rubble into the basin-like depression. The ground is covered in gravel and dirt – and a graveyard of bones. Flies buzz over the carcasses of animals, while crows peck at the half-eaten remains. The stench is almost overpowering.
‘The manticore,’ you gasp, choking on the rancid air.
Benin points to a cave opening with his staff. ‘That is its lair.’
‘You don’t seem afraid,’ you croak, stepping over the shattered ribcage of some unknown creature. ‘Manticores are savage – ferocious.’
Benin start
s towards the cave. ‘The errand I mentioned earlier – it ends here.’ He looks back over his shoulder. ‘Now, I suggest we work together or else it will be our corpses rotting out here in the cold.’ Turn to 225.
170
You push aside the pillow, only to discover that the strap is actually a leather cord, attached to a small silver whistle. If you wish, you may now take the following item:
Silver whistle
(necklace)
Ability: faithful friend
Outside, you hear the captain’s gruff voice, barking orders once again. Not wishing to be on the receiving end of a tongue-lashing, you quickly leave the cabin. Turn to 220.
171
You slice off the bulb and remove the outer leaves. You then take the main stalk and chop it into thin slices, adding these to the potion base. They spit and hiss as they sink into the milky liquid, releasing a pleasant lemony smell. What ingredient will you add next?
Will you:
Add meadowsweet? — 104
Add white willow? — 310
Add sagewort? — 114
172
As you pass through the tightly-packed crowds, you see that most of the tables and benches are taken, filled with an odd mix of traveller, from pilgrims and young families to gruff-looking mercenaries and sell-swords.
If you have the word Joseph written on your hero sheet, then turn to 332. If you have Dagona’s locket, then turn to 221. Otherwise, your brief scan of the room turns up little of interest. You now contemplate heading over to the bar (turn to 248) or leaving (turn to 199).
173
Your choice was a bad one. The paper monster cannot be harmed by your soldier, for its thin body simply folds or crumples around the attacks, taking no damage. (Remove your soldier from your hero sheet. Then return to 444 to fight this monster yourself.)
174
‘I hope I managed to teach you something back there,’ grins Lazlo, sliding his sword back onto the rack. ‘Else my bruises will have been for naught.’
If you have a high magic score and wish to learn the path of the mage, turn to 3. If you have a high brawn score and wish to learn the path of the warrior or the rogue, turn to 97.
175
‘Ah yes, that little problem.’ Virgil begins pacing up and down, his boots clicking against the panelled floor. ‘Cernos is a demon from ancient times – a demon prince, to be precise.’
‘What’s the difference?’ you ask hoarsely, coughing to clear your throat.
Virgil continues pacing, the pistols and rifles bouncing at his back. ‘He was an ordinary man, once – if the legends are to be believed – before he was gifted extraordinary powers by an Archdemon, transforming him into. . . what you saw in the forest.’ His boot heels snap together as he comes to a halt. His gaze drifts to your wounds. ‘Demons can pass their powers on to others, if they so wish.’
‘How do you know this?’ You frown suspiciously. ‘How did you know we would be there – in the forest?’
The witchfinder tilts his head, gold glittering in his smile. ‘Do you hold me accountable for all that has happened? Masterminding a prison break, before hounding your steps and driving you into the arms of your companions? Do you suspect that I remained in the shadows, putting the pieces in play and then watching and waiting for my perfect moment to pounce and save the day?’ Virgil pauses, grinning through the expectant silence.
When you finally start to reply, the witchfinder holds up a finger, wagging it back and forth. ‘You give me too much credit, prophet. Not all of us are gifted with visions of the future. As to your forest – it was dwarven magic. Created to keep the demon prisoner. An odd punishment, perhaps, but then it has been effective for several thousands of years. Now, sadly, Cernos is free – and he will seek to enact his revenge. He’ll be following in his maker’s footsteps – the Archdemon, Barahar.’
Return to 494 to ask another question, or turn to 433 to continue.
176
Searching through the vault, you find 200 gold crowns. You may also take any/all of the following:
Glyph of power
Rune of healing
Acheron’s tower
(special: glyph)
(special: rune)
(main hand: wand)
Use on any item
Use on any item
+2 speed +4 magic
to add 1 magic
to add the special
Ability: might of stone
ability heal
When you have made your decision, you leave the vault and exit the hall through the open doorway. Turn to 797.
177
‘I am Sir Bastion,’ proclaims the knight with gusto. ‘You must have heard of me. My deeds in these lands often precede my good name.’ He flicks a hand through his golden mane of hair. You spot the farrier rolling his eyes.
‘I must admit, I have not,’ you reply honestly.
The knight glares at you for a moment, then drops his shoulders, visibly deflating. ‘Humph. I should have guessed as much – it’s not for want of trying, I tell you. Unless I lower myself to become some pilgrim’s bodyguard, there’s no glory to be found in this ignoble marsh. I am positively wasted here.’
The farrier snorts, coughing noisily into the back of his hand. ‘Sorry, just some dust,’ he grins in apology.
‘Why did you come here?’ you ask, looking around at the ramshackle settlement. ‘Is this really the place to find heroic adventure?’
The knight grimaces at a passing group of mercenaries. ‘Granted, it is not what I expected. Dear mama used to tell me such wonderful stories of Saint Allam and his knights. They came west to find adventure and spread the word of the One God. I thought perhaps . . . here, at least, I might finally make a name for myself. Do something to be remembered.’
‘There’s always time,’ you smile encouragingly.
The knight pats the neck of his steed. ‘I fear this is not a place for honourable heroes – is it, Wilma? Scoundrels and mercenaries, perhaps. That’s all I see.’ He suddenly catches himself, quickly putting a hand to your arm. ‘Present company excepted, of course.’
Will you:
Ask the knight if he wishes to accompany you? — 356
Explore the rest of the settlement? — 199
178
‘The monastery,’ says the woman, bouncing on her heels with excitement. ‘I can’t wait to see it. Heard so many stories about—’
The man clears his throat noisily, forcing her to silence. They exchange a look, then she lowers her gaze, her shoulders slumping. ‘Ah yes. Not supposed to say, am I? My mouth runs away with me sometimes.’ She turns away glumly.
‘Indeed it does,’ the man glowers angrily. He shoots you a scathing glance. ‘There is nothing you can do here, traveller. So be on your way.’
Will you:
Ask what happened to the wagon? — 274
Ask what is in the wagon? — 223
Ask if you can help? — 141
179
The creatures confronting you are fast, deadlier than they first appear, but they soon fall to your attacks. Leaping over their splintered remains, you hurry to aid the beleaguered traveller. However, it appears he is now on the top of the situation. Having fended off the remaining creatures with his staff, the man raises his palm and utters an arcane command. From his hand, a white light bursts forth – blinding and intense. There is an echoing crack of thunder.
You stagger back, trying to blink through the bright afterimage. When you are finally able to focus again you see that the area around him is charred and blackened, as are the broken bodies of the strange woodland creatures.
The man lowers his hand, which is still glowing with a faint residue of magic. ‘Thank the One God,’ he gasps, his shoulders slumping with exhaustion. He catches your eye and manages a crooked smile. ‘And thank you, too. I thought I was a goner.’
He steps forward, offering out his hand. ‘I’m Benin,’ he grins. ‘Don’t worry, you’re perfectly safe to
shake it.’
Mirroring his grin, you take his hand in friendship.
‘I wasn’t expecting to run across anyone else in these woods,’ he says, sounding grateful for his change of fortune. ‘And certainly not these!’ He kicks at the nearest pile of blackened wood.
Will you:
Ask Benin about his magic? — 80
Ask Benin what he is doing here? — 57
Examine the remains of the creatures? — 133
Continue on your journey? — 157
180
‘There was a man who once lived in this village – Rorus Satch. He was working on a cure for vampirism. He was looking for a way to cure himself.’
‘How do you know all this?’ you ask, bewildered.
Eldias cracks his knuckles. ‘I found his apprentice. And after some persuasion, he was willing to talk.’
You glance over at the scattered papers and the overturned writing desk. ‘And have you found the cure?’
The witchfinder shakes his head. ‘This is not his house, but I have already searched there. . . everywhere. All his books, all his journals, have been taken.’ He walks over to the desk and stoops down, plucking something from the floor. It is a painting of a man, held in a cracked glass frame. He holds it out to you.
Taking the picture, you tilt it towards the light. It shows a middleaged man, thin and gaunt, with pepper-grey eyes and a thick mane of silver hair. ‘Who is this?’ you ask.
Eldias watches you, his jaw clenched. ‘The reverend. The man I am here to kill.’
The Heart of Fire Page 15