Winter Quiet

{(set: $INCLUDE_SOUND to true)}

{ <script>window.showMenu = true</script> (set: $time to 0) (set: $time_limit to 5) (set: $cabin_fight to false) (set: $wolf_killed_in_cabin to false) (set: $alff_dead to false) (set: $found_book to false) (set: $found_letter to false) (set: $found_notebook to false) (set: $searched_surroundings to false) (set: $investigated_cart to false) (set: $alone to false) (set: $alone_tmp to false) (set: $fp_pronoun to "<first-person>") (set: $FP_Pronoun to "<First-Person>") (set: $trait to "strength") (set: $gave_up_search to false) (set: $default_save_slot to "slotA")  (set: $sound_control to window.initializeSoundControl()) }

{<a class="menu-link"> {(link-repeat: "Save")[\ (if: (save-game: $default_save_slot))[$checkmark]\ (else:)[✕]\ ]} </a> (color: "gray")[|] <a id="load-game-link" class="menu-link"> { (link-repeat: "Load")[ <script>window.showMenu = true;</script> (load-game: $default_save_slot) ] } </a>}

{(if: $INCLUDE_SOUND is true)[\ <span class="right"> (color: "gray")[Sound:] <a class="menu-link"> (link-repeat: "On")[\ <script>window.turnMasterOn()</script>\ (set: $master_sound to true)\ ] </a> (color: "gray")[|] <a class="menu-link"> (link-repeat: "Off")[\ <script>window.turnMasterOff()</script>\ (set: $master_sound to false)\ ] </a> (color: "gray")[|] <a class="menu-link"> {(link-repeat: "Stop!")[\ {<script> window.audioContext.close() // stop the next song from being called clearTimeout(window.ambientTimeout) </script>} ]} </a> </span>]}

(if: (count: (history:), "Menu") is 0)[\ (set: $checkmark to "✓")\ (set: $master_sound to true)\ ]\ (if: (window.showMenu) is true)[\ { <div id='menu' class="header"> (display: "Save_Game_Menu") (display: "Sound_Menu") </div> } ]

(if: window.setPassageSound($sound_control, $INCLUDE_SOUND) is true)[]

(align: "=><=")[\ (if: $INCLUDE_SOUND)[\ (transition: "dissolve")[\ <span class='default-option'>{(link: "Start")[<script>window.showMenu = false</script>(goto: "Title")]}</span> ]\ ](else:)[\ <span class='default-option'>{ (link: "Start")[<script>window.showMenu = false</script>(goto: "Title")] }</span> ]\ ]

{ (set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL) (set: $sound_control's "ambient-music" to true) (live: 0.5s)[ (if: time > 13s)[<script>window.showMenu = true</script>(goto:'Intro_1')] ]} <div align="center" id="title"> <img id="title-image" src="icon.svg"> Winter Quiet </div> <script> // remove the 'undo' icon during the title $('tw-sidebar').remove(); </script>

{ <script> $('tw-link').each(function (index) { this.onclick = function () { try { console.log("link-clicked\t" + this.attributes['passage-name'].nodeValue + "\t" + (new Date()).toISOString()) } catch(error) { console.log(error); } }; }) </script> }

Wind: FULL Ambient: On [[...|Sound_Test_02]]

Wind: Quiet Ambient: On (set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.QUIET) (set: $sound_control's "ambient-music" to true) [[...|Sound_Test_03]]

Wind: FULL Ambient: On (set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL) (set: $sound_control's "ambient-music" to true) [[...|Sound_Test_04]]

Wind: OFF Ambient: OFF (set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.OFF) (set: $sound_control's "ambient-music" to false) [[...|Sound_Test_05]]

Wind: FULL Ambient: OFF (set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL) (set: $sound_control's "ambient-music" to false) [[...|Sound_Test_01]]

{(set: $name to "asdf") (set: $time to 0) (set: $time_limit to 5) (set: $cabin_fight to false) (set: $wolf_killed_in_cabin to false) (set: $alff_dead to false) (set: $found_book to false) (set: $found_letter to false) (set: $searched_surroundings to false) } Travel (link: "alone")[(set: $alone to true)(set: $fp_pronoun to "I")(set: $FP_Pronoun to "I")(goto:"Enter_Cabin_Clearing")], or in a (link: "group")[(set: $alone to false)(set: $fp_pronoun to "we")(set: $FP_Pronoun to "We")(goto:"Enter_Cabin_Clearing")] How many are in the party and what are their names? 4 (including main character (what the hell is his name?)) Alff - young Grior - Older, wiser Ragflinn Destive

{ (display: "Initialize_Variables") (set: $time to 0) (set: $time_limit to 5) (set: $cabin_fight to false) (set: $wolf_killed_in_cabin to false) (set: $alff_dead to false) (set: $found_book to false) (set: $found_letter to false) (set: $searched_surroundings to false) (set: $alone to true) (set: $fp_pronoun to "I")(set: $FP_Pronoun to "I") (set: $trait to "diplomacy") } [[start|Enter_Cabin_Clearing]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)\ (set: $time += 1)\ (if: $time > $time_limit and (not $cabin_fight))[\ As I stepped out of the cabin the wind insinuated itself into every crevice of my clothing. Drawn by some slight movement, I looked out to the (if: $alone)[[[tree line|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Start]]](else:)[[[tree line|Cabin_Fight_Group_Start]]]. ](else:)[\ (if: (history:) contains "Enter_Cabin_Clearing")[\ The wind cut through the clearing with a doleful sound. [[Enter cabin|Search_cabin]] ](else:)[\ Eventually the path opened up onto a clearing with a cabin set back in it. Its windows were dark and no sign of smoke came from the chimney. [[Knock on door|Search_cabin]] ]\ [[Search the surroundings|Search_cabin_surroundings]] (if: $searched_surroundings and $found_letter)[\ [[Return to village|Return_to_village_01]]] ]

{ (if: ($alff_dead or $alone))[ (set: $FP_Pronoun_tmp to "I") (set: $fp_pronoun_tmp to "I") (set: $alone_tmp to true) ](else:)[ (set: $FP_Pronoun_tmp to "We") (set: $fp_pronoun_tmp to "we") (set: $alone_tmp to false) ] } $FP_Pronoun_tmp began moving out from the cabin in a slow spiral, searching for any tracks Destive may have made when leaving his cabin. (if: $cabin_fight)[\ The sweat from the fight now began to evaporate into the wind taking much of my body's heat with it. I had known cold much worse than this, but that made it no less bitter. ]\ A fresh track would've been child's play to [[follow|Search_cabin_surroundings_1]], but there might have been one or many snowfalls since Destive left, so $fp_pronoun_tmp looked for any subtle train of depressions in the snow that would tell of a buried path.

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.QUIET)\ (set: $time += 1)\ (if: (history:) contains "Search_cabin")[\ The muted movement of the wind filtered in from outside as I decided what to do. [[Search the desk|Search_cabin_desk]] [[Search the trunk|Search_cabin_trunk]] (if: $searched_surroundings and $found_letter is true)[[[Go back outside|Exit_Cabin_Done]] ](else:)[[[Go back outside|Enter_Cabin_Clearing]]] \ ](else:)[\ (if: not $wolf_killed_in_cabin)[\ I knocked on the door, but when there was no answer I tried the handle and found it unlocked. I went in(if: not $alone and not $alff_dead)[side and bade the others to wait outside]. ]\ The space was small, and the light from the windows only barely illuminated all of it. It was sparsely furnished, with only a bed, a [[desk|Search_cabin_desk]] covered with papers, and a [[trunk|Search_cabin_trunk]]. (if: $wolf_killed_in_cabin)[\ I could still smell the blood that had been spilled there. ]\ (link: "Go back outside")[(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)(goto: "Enter_Cabin_Clearing")] ]

{(set: $time += 1) (set: $found_letter to true)} Strewn haphazardly on the desk were several papers and books. One of the books was a note book. Flipping through it, I saw that it was a research journal of sorts, with most entries from the past several months. I opened it to the start and read through the [[first page|Search_cabin_desk_01]].

<div class="destivetext">For many years, I have encountered from time to time the legend of a great spirit in the form of a wolf. One man, so the legend goes, was able to tame the wolf and conquered many kingdoms with its power. Eventually, the man died and the wolf spirit became free and wild again, returning to his homeland. The myth is not a common one, but neither is it unheard of.</div> [[...|Search_cabin_desk_02]]

<div class="destivetext">Taking an interest in it, I began cataloging the various re-tellings that I came across. In the spring of this year, I found a book that told the tale of this taming, in particular of the ritual the man used to effect it. It spoke of the wolf and of the ritual with such clarity and detail far beyond any of the incarnations I had heard before, that it greatly intrigued me. More than anything else, what piqued my interest was the assertion that once the one who performs the ritual dies, the spirit is released until the ritual is performed again. Meaning that another could tame the wolf and gain its power.</div> [[...|Search_cabin_desk_03]]

<div class="destivetext">Seeking to learn more, I traveled to the land of the Spur in the north, where most accounts agree the events occurred. I spoke with locals--mostly seasonal trappers and woodsmen--about their own accounts of the legend, and attempted to reconcile details of the story with the region and its history. On every point, I found the book in agreement with my own investigations. Gradually I have come to suspect that the book is not merely fiction, and may have something of truth behind it.</div> [[...|Search_cabin_desk_04]]

My mind reeled, trying to digest Destive's claims. When I finished reading I hesitated for a moment, then pocketed the note book. [[Look around the cabin|Search_cabin]]

(set: $time += 1)\ I opened the trunk and searched through it, but found it only contained some clothes. [[Continue Searching|Search_cabin]]

Out from the trees I saw emerge a wolf. I called for the attention of the others, and as we brought out our blades, five more appeared from various points along the tree-line. Grior said to us, with a small quaver in his voice: "Keep your heads about you, a wolf attacking humans means simply to either see if we'd make good prey or to punish us for trespassing on his territory. If we make a bold show, they should see we're not worth the effort and retreat." (link: "Attack alone")[(set: $fight_choice to 0)(goto:"Cabin_Fight_Group_1")] (link: "Rally the group to attack together")[(set: $fight_choice to 1)(goto:"Cabin_Fight_Group_1")] (set: $cabin_fight to true) (set: $alff_dead to false)

{ (if: ($fight_choice is 0))[ (display: "Cabin_Fight_Group_1_a") ] (elseif: ($fight_choice is 1))[ (display: "Cabin_Fight_Group_1_b") ] }

(set: $alff_dead to not window.check($trait, "strength"))\ I moved first, rushing in to attack the wolf nearest me. The others were close behind and as the groups met, we dissolved into a mass of confused struggles. Soon, I became separated from the others and found myself surrounded by three of the wolves. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_1_a_1]]

Desperate to keep them from combining their strength into one overwhelming effort to tackle me, I made quick, harassing attacks on each. Eventually, with some luck, I was able make a solid enough strike on one of them to incapacitate it. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_1_a_2]]

The remaining two redoubled their assaults, but being only two, I was able to strike them down much quicker than the first. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_1_a_3]]

I took a moment to regain my breath in the silence of the blood-stained forest floor. I looked around, but the others weren't in sight. I stood still, looking around and listening. After a moment I heard some distant barks and yells, and hastened through the trees to them. (if: $alff_dead)[\ [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_Failure_03]] ](else:)[\ [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_1_a_4]] ]

Coming again into the clearing I found Ragflinn and Grior standing over the fallen form of Alff, fending off the three wolves that were left. With three against three, we were able to finally decide the fight. However, the beasts never gave up or ran away, and we had to dispatch each individually. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_1_a_5]]

(if: $alff_dead)[\ With the wolves dead, we all turned to Alff. Grior knelt down and gingerly turned Alff over. They boy was pale, and underneath him was a patch of bloodstained snow. He spoke something under his breath--a prayer or a curse I don't know. Then he got up. ](else:)[\ All of us apprehensively examined Alff, but found he wasn't seriously injured; one of the wolves had tackled him and scored a shallow bite to the boy's scalp, knocking him senseless for a moment. ]\ [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_End]]

"Stay close together." I said. "They cannot overwhelm us if they cannot separate us." [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_1_b_1]]

We stood together, facing outward and, for a moment, the wolves gathered and circled us. Then, as if on a command, they attacked. We tried to respond strongly to show that we would not be easy prey, but our assailents seemed undetered. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_1_b_2]]

For a while, I thought the battle might be decided by attrition. However, suddenly one of them launched himself higher than I'd ever seen one of the beasts jump. He landed directly on Alff, toppling him. (set: $alff_dead to window.check($trait, "diplomacy"))\ (if: $alff_dead)[\ [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_Failure_01]] ](else:)[\ [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_Success_01]] ]

As Alff fended off his bites, I went to the creature's back with my sword, trying to dispatch him as quickly as possible. Meanwhile Grior and Ragflinn held back the ever more ferocious attacks of the other wolves. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_Success_02]]

Soon the beast succumbed to my blows. I brought Alff back to his feet and turned my attention back to the others which had very nearly overwhelmed Grior and Ragflinn. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_Success_03]]

Even with one missing from their ranks, the balance of the fight had shifted and we were now able to strike out at them, and one by one bring them down. None of them ever gave up, such was their inexplicably fueled desperation to kill us. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_End]]

I turned to help him, but the wolves saw their opportunity and all came at once. We could not hold together, and scattered. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_Failure_02]]

Grior and Ragflinn were each pursued by a wolf, and the remaining three turned to me. For a time, their attacks pushed me into the trees further and further away from the others. (display: "Cabin_Fight_Group_1_a_1")

When I got there, I saw Alff's body on the ground and a wolf standing over him. I have no clear memory of what happened immediately after, but I know that Grior and Ragflinn came upon me later standing over the carcass of the wolf. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_Failure_04]]

Ragflinn roused me as Grior knelt by the boy. Ragflinn and I turned and watched Grior gingerly reach down and turn Alff over. The boy was pale and still, and underneath him was a patch of bloodstained snow. Grior spoke something under his breath--a prayer or a curse I don't know. Then he got up. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Group_End]]

Out from the trees I saw emerge a wolf, and as I brought out my blade, two more appeared from other points along the treeline. [[Attack|Cabin_Fight_Alone_1]] [[Retreat to the cabin|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_1]] (set: $wolves_left to 3) (set: $health to 3) (set: $cabin_fight to true) (set: $alff_dead to false)

Both I and they were beginning to tire, but neither gave any ground. (if: window.check($trait, "strength") is false)[\ (set: $health -=1)\ ](if: $health <= 0)[\ Eventually, my strength gave entirely, and I fell to the ground. Without any defense, they were able to savage me and as I grew faint from blood loss, the last thing I knew was their teeth tearing into my flesh. ](else:)[ Summoning on the small reserve of strength I had left, I made a final attack on him. (if: $wolves_left >= 2)[\ The beasts might have saved themselve if they had run, but they did not give up and finally succumbed to my blows. ](elseif: $wolves_left is 1)[\ The beast might have saved itself if he had run, but it did not give up and finally succumbed to my blows. ]\ [[...|Cabin_Fight_Alone_3_End]] ]

I sat down on a stump nearby the cabin and rested for a moment to regain my strength. Then, taking stock of my situation, I [[stood up|Enter_Cabin_Clearing]] again

As they approached, I knew I had to keep them from combining their strength into one overwhelming effort to tackle me, I made quick, harassing attacks on each. (if: window.check($trait, "strength") is true)[\ Eventually, I was able make a solid strike on one of them enough to incapacitate him. The two left were no small task though. {(set: $wolves_left -= 1)}\ ](else:)[\ I tried to keep them away, but one managed to get close and rake my sword arm. {(set: $health -=1)}\ ]\ [[Attack|Cabin_Fight_Alone_2]] [[Retreat to the cabin|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_1]]

Nevertheless, they kept up their attacks and I kept up my attempts to diffuse those attacks. (if: window.check($trait, "strength") is true)[\ Eventually, I was able make a solid strike on one of them enough to incapacitate him. (if: $wolves_left is 3)[\ The two left were no small task though. ](elseif: $wolves_left is 2)[\ Exhausted as I was though, the one left might still cause me grief. ]\ (set: $wolves_left -= 1)\ ](else:)[\ Despite my efforts, one caught me off guard and managed a bite on my side before I knocked him away. (set: $health -= 1)\ ]\ [[Attack|Cabin_Fight_Alone_3]] [[Retreat to the cabin|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_1]]

(set: $wolf_killed_in_cabin to true)\ (if: $wolves_left is 1)[\ (display: "Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_1Wolf_01") ](else:)[\ (display: "Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_NWolves_01") ]

My mind raced. I knew that if I could get my back against something, or retreat into a corner where his avenues of attack would be limited, then I would stand a chance. Without thinking any further, I turned and raced towards the cabin. I knew he would close the distance much faster that I so I held nothing back. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_1Wolf_02]]

Luckily, I had judged the distance well and made the door before him, but not soon enough to close the door before he slammed into it and wedged himself in the crack. Instead of trying to keep him out, I opened it slightly until he was in and then slammed it shut, drawing my dagger. The wolf leapt up, pinning my back against the door. With one hand I kept his snapping jaws from my neck, and with the other shoved the dagger upward below his sternum. He yelped and fell back, not moving. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Alone_End]]

My mind raced. I knew that if they were to surround me, the fight would be over, no matter how valiantly I fought. If I could get my back against something, or retreat into a corner where they could only attack one at a time, then I would stand a chance. Without thinking any further, I turned and raced towards the cabin. I knew the wolves would close the distance much faster than I, so I held nothing back. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_NWolves_02]]

Luckily, I had judged the distance well and made the door before them, but not soon enough to close the door before they slammed into it and one of them wedged himself in the crack. Instead of trying to keep him out, I opened it slightly until he was in and then slammed it shut, drawing my dagger. The wolf leapt up, pinning my back against the door. With one hand I kept his snapping jaws from my neck, and with the other shoved the dagger upward below his sternum. He yelped and fell back, not moving. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_NWolves_03]]

(if: $wolves_left is 2)[\ The other one was still scrabbling at the door. I hoped to wait him out, but he moved his attacks to the nearby window. I feared that once he knew he could, he would simply jump through and take me by surprise Instead of waiting, I decided to [[engage|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_2]] him on my own terms. ](else:)[\ The others were still scrabbling at the door. I hoped to wait them out, but they moved their attacks to the nearby window. I feared that once they knew they could, they would simply jump through. Instead of waiting, I decided to [[engage|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_2]] them on my own terms. ]

Need to get back to town dealing with bodies of wolves (if inside the cabin, need to take them out) dealing with Alff's body (if he died) everyone's probably tired, but still need the option to search the cabin and follow the tracks if you haven't done it yet ("Either I do it now, or tomorrow", "I have a duty. Wolf attacks don't change that") ...Ferocity is certaintly not unknown to the wolf, but this type of blind unwavering savagery was unheard of, and truly disturbing. Nevertheless, I knew I had to carry on and (if not discovered body yet) deliver my message (if discovered body, but not read papers) discover what mission Destive was carrying out for my lord and finish it myself if possible, otherwise report its failure. (if discovered body and papers) finish Destive's mission, if at all possible

(if: $wolves_left is 2)[\ Again I let the door open, but only a crack. As the first had, he wedged himself in crack as deeply as he could. Pinned in the door, he was nearly defenseless and I had only to keep my weight on it. He snapped at my blade as I brought it up to his throat, but could not deflect it. With a quick thrust, he was finished. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Alone_End]] ](else:)[\ Again I let the door open, but only a crack. As before, one of them wedged himself in crack as deeply as he could. Pinned in the door, he was nearly defenseless and I had only to keep my weight on it. He snapped at my blade as I brought it up to his throat, but could not deflect it. With a quick thrust, he was finished. I had only to keep his attack at bay for a moment before he succumbed to the blood loss. I stood, listening for any motion from the other wolf, but heard [[nothing|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Inside_3]]. ]

At that moment, the third wolf jumped through the window, shattering the glass. He looked around and, seeing me, lunged. Just after he started, I opened the door and slammed it into him. Before he could recover, I was upon him, stabbing him repeatedly in the chest. I kept my weight on him until he stopped struggling. I lay like that for a moment catching my breath, then stood. [[...|Cabin_Fight_Alone_End]]

I sheathed my dagger, also picking up my sword. Surveying the carnage that covered the cabin floor, I felt repulsed. (if: $wolves_left > 1)[\ I proceeded to remove the wolf corpses and pile them outside. ](else:)[\ I proceeded to remove the wolf corpse and to mop up the blood that had been spilled. ]\ [[...|Cabin_Fight_Alone_End_01]]

While I did, I thought about the fierceness they had displayed. I knew them to be fierce creatures, but their attacks were seldom without reason and they were practical warriors; they would not endure in a fight merely for honor. (if: $searched_surroundings and $found_letter)[\ [[...|Cabin_Fight_Alone_End_02]] ](else:)[\ [[...|Search_cabin]] ]

Exhausted from the fight and unable to think of another course of action, I turned back down the path I came from. [[...|Return_to_village_01]]

(set: $searched_surroundings to true)\ (if: $alone_tmp)[\ My tracking skills were not the most practiced and I must have blundered across the tracks half a dozen times before realizing what they were. I could just barely make them out; they said nothing about their owner, but I was convinced it was Destive. ](else:)[\ Ragflinn was the first to catch sight of them, heading north away from the cabin. I could just barely make them out myself; they said nothing about their owner, but I was convinced it was Destive. ]\ [[...|Search_cabin_surroundings_2]]

Following the tracks through the trees for a few leagues, the path $fp_pronoun_tmp (if: $alone_tmp)[was](else:)[were] on gradually grew steeper. Soon the trees were left behind and $fp_pronoun_tmp found (if: $alone_tmp)[myself](else:)[ourselves] cresting a large ridge that lead down from the peaks. At the top $fp_pronoun_tmp saw that it gave way to a deep valley beyond. (if: $alone_tmp)[\ The afternoon was still bright, but the sun was nearing toward the double peak of the Spur and I knew that the cold of the night would come as quickly as the sun disappeared. Reluctantly, I turned [[back|Search_cabin_surroundings_3]] the way I had come. ](else:)[\ (if: $alff_dead)[\ **ERROR! THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN!** ](else:)[\ Alff spoke up. "There's not much good logging or trapping out there; hardly anyone ever goes past this ridge. Don't know what the Sire would want up here." ]\ Pointing to the sun that was lowering ever closer to the peaks of the Spur, Grior said "Night falls fast this side of the Spur. If we're caught out here, we'll have more to worry about than wolves...we should head back now". Reluctantly, I turned around and we made our way [[back|Search_cabin_surroundings_3]]. ]

(if: $cabin_fight is true)[\ (if: $found_letter)[\ (if: $alone_tmp and not $alone)[\ I returned to the cabin where I saw Ragflinn and Grior standing silently over a sledge which had been draped with Ragflinn's cloak. As they saw me approach, they turned and began walking back down the trail we had come by, Ragflinn pulling the sledge behind. [[...|Return_to_village_01]] ](else:)[\ (display: "Return_to_village_01") ] ] (else:)[\ (display: "Enter_Cabin_Clearing") ] ](else:)[\ As $fp_pronoun_tmp again reached the clearing, I stopped, listening. I could hear nothing but the wind, yet I couldn't shake a (if: $alone_tmp is true)[[[warning|Cabin_Fight_Alone_Start]]](else:)[[[warning|Cabin_Fight_Group_Start]]] feeling. ]

As $fp_pronoun made (if: $alone)[my](else:)[our] way back to the village, (if: $alff_dead)[each of us took it in turns to pull the sledge which had Alff's body strapped to it. It didn't take long before ]the sun set behind the Spur, plunging (if: $alone)[me](else:)[us] into a gray twilight that would last until it truly set. [[...|Return_to_village_02]]

(if: $alff_dead)[\ "Come Ragflinn, we'll need to make a sledge to bring him back." He spoke to me without looking. "You. Finish your business." I nodded and turned away. ](else:)[\ "I've never seen a pack that set on killing" said Ragflinn. "They should've given up as soon as they saw we weren't easy prey." Grior stayed silent. (if: $searched_surroundings and $found_letter)[\ "We should return" I said. "I've seen all I need to for now." ](else:)[\ After a moment, he continued "We should go back, if another pack came upon us, we would be done for." "Go back if you must" I replied. "I have business to finish." ]\ ]\ [[...|Enter_Cabin_Clearing]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)\ (if: $alone)[\ The afternoon had turned to evening, and the sun had already begun to set behind the Spur, which plunged these eastern hills and valleys into twilight. Deciding to pick up my investigations the next morning, I set out back towards the village. [[...|Return_to_village_02]] ](else:)[\ (if: $alff_dead)[\ As I came out the door, I saw Grior and Ragflinn standing silently over a small sledge, which had been draped with Ragflinn's cloak. Without speaking, or even looking at me, they turned back down the path we had come by, Ragflinn pulling the sledge behind. [[...|Return_to_village_01]] ](else:)[\ As I came out the door, I saw Grior and Ragflinn standing protectively behind Alff, both of them nervously looking around the clearing and into the bordering forest. "We should head back soon" said Gior, "It will be dusk soon." "Just as well." I replied, "I've found all I'll find today." And without delay, we turned back onto the trail that had brought us here. [[...|Return_to_village_01]] ] ]

(display: "Initialize_Variables")\ (set: $alff_dead to false)\ \ [[start|Destives_Notebook]]

(if: $visited_new_entry is 0)[(set: $visited_new_entry to false)]\ (if: ($read_count is 1) and $visited_new_entry)[\ Grior came and sat down at the table. For the moment he let me alone to read and lit his pipe with a brand from the fire. ]\ (if: ($read_count is 2) and $visited_new_entry)[\ Grior pensively drew on the pipe ]\ (if: ($read_count is 3) and $visited_new_entry)[\ Grior mumbled something to himself and took a deep breath. ]\ (if: ($read_count is 4) and $visited_new_entry)[\ Grior tapped out the pipe into the hearth and put it back into his pocket. ](if: $read_count is 5)[\ When I had finished skimming through Destive's notes, I re-read the introduction I had read at the cabin. After that, for a time, Grior and I sat, both gazing into the dying embers. Eventually Grior broke the silence. (if: $alff_dead)[\ [[...|Grior_Talk_01]] ](else:)[\ [[...|Grior_Talk_02]] ]](else:)[\ (set: $visited_here to (history: ) contains ((passage: )'s name))\ (if: not $visited_here)[(set: $read_count to 0)\ I found several entries of interest following the first that I had already seen. ]\ [[5th Pine|Destives_Notebook_01]] [[23rd Pine|Destives_Notebook_02]] [[13th Ash|Destives_Notebook_03]] [[16th Ash|Destives_Notebook_04]] [[18th Ash|Destives_Notebook_05]] ]

(set: $visited_new_entry to not ((history: ) contains ((passage: )'s name))) (if: $visited_new_entry)[(set: $read_count to $read_count + 1)]\ <div class="destivetext">Most accounts of the legend say that performing the ritual required one or more components. Many mention a relic named the sword of the Servant. Others mention words to be spoken as part of the ritual (though few retain the words themselves), and nearly all say that the tamer had to purify himself in order to approach the wolf. The book includes all of these components, but in addition says that the ritual required the Speaker himself. I suppose that simply means that the wolf is bonded to the speaker of the ritual, and is bent to his will as the other legends speak of.</div> [[...|Destives_Notebook]]

(set: $visited_new_entry to not ((history: ) contains ((passage: )'s name))) (if: $visited_new_entry)[(set: $read_count to $read_count + 1)]\ <div class="destivetext">The book says that in order to perform the ritual, the speaker must be purified with 'Caenas'. A plant I have not heard of among the usual sacred species, though I suppose it may be called by a different name, given how old I suspect the book is. My knowledge on this is severely limited however, I will have to consult with some of my colleagues to determine its exact meaning.</div> Below this, Destive had copied the description of the plant. It wrote that Caenas was an evergreen scrub, with dense foliage, a strong scent, and small, white blooms. [[...|Destives_Notebook]]

(set: $visited_new_entry to not ((history: ) contains ((passage: )'s name))) (if: $visited_new_entry)[(set: $read_count to $read_count + 1)]\ <div class="destivetext">I have had the most remarkable experience! Most accounts of the legend agree that the ritual took place on a saddle between two great peaks such as the one found here in the Spur. And so I went to investigate the twin peaks to see where the ritual might have taken place. While I was there, a great cloud came over the mountain. From the cloud I heard a voice speak. It said <div class="destivequote">"Only the worthy weapon may be called the Servant."</div> The cloud became a blizzard and nearly blew me off of the mountain--indeed I am lucky to have made it back--however I am giddy with the implications. What I dared not whisper to myself before I now declare: The legend of the wolf is true! I believe the voice I heard refers to the Servant's sword and the voice itself may be some intermediary spirit of the wolf.</div> [[...|Destives_Notebook]]

(set: $visited_new_entry to not ((history: ) contains ((passage: )'s name))) (if: $visited_new_entry)[(set: $read_count to $read_count + 1)]\ <div class="destivetext">Frustration upon frustration! I have received word from the king that I must return to court. I daren't refuse him, and so I must tolerate the interruption for now. I believe the time for the ritual is drawing close and I fear that when I am able to return I will not have much time to prepare.</div> [[...|Destives_Notebook]]

(set: $visited_new_entry to not ((history: ) contains ((passage: )'s name))) (if: $visited_new_entry)[(set: $read_count to $read_count + 1)]\ <div class="destivetext">I am returned from court. While I was there, I took the opportunity to meet with some fellow scholars and ask them to gather information for me. When my audience with the king came, I told him of what I had found, and brought him to the conclusion that the spirit should be tamed and brought under his control. I had not intended to do so so soon, but I suppose it had to happen at some point. As soon as I had the king's permission to return I set out. And now that I am back I can focus on finding and assembling the components of the ritual. Granted only that I can find the Caenas plant with which to perform the purification, and find the resting place of the Servant's sword (I already have strong suspicions of where it lies), I feel I am on the threshold.</div> [[...|Destives_Notebook]]

"I know that yours is not the blame for Alff's death, it was I who brought him along." I no longer saw reproach in his eyes, but only sorrow. "I just pray that your mission is worth his sacrifice." I looked away, not responding. [[...|Grior_Talk_02]]

"So what does the Sire write?" asked Grior. Collecting my thoughts, I responded: "He says that he can tame the Great Wolf" Grior scowled incredulously. "Taming a spirit seems beyond mortal ken to me." [[...|Grior_Talk_03]]

"Well Destive seems to believe he can complete the ritual from the legend." "And I presume he plans to give this power to the king?" "...I believe so. He reported his findings to the king some weeks ago." "Hmm" mused Grior, "The question remains as to whether it would embolden the king as well though." "I don't know, but regardless, according to Destive, the time for the ritual is drawing close." [[...|Grior_Talk_04]]

Grior thought for a moment. "We've grown weak...not only the king" He looked me directly in the eye, as if challenging me to dispute him. I did not, and he continued "If this would bring back our old strength, I welcome it with open arms." [[...|Late_Night_Research_04]]

{(display: "Initialize_Variables")} (set: $alone to false)\ (set: $alone_tmp to true)\ {(set: $fp_pronoun to "we")(set: $FP_Pronoun to "We") (set: $handwriting to (font: "Tangerine")) } This is some normal texts. <div class="destivetext">This is some indented script text.</div> <div class="destivequote">This is some doubly indented script text.</div> [[start|Return_to_village_02]]

Coming again to the valley in which the village sat, $fp_pronoun could barely see the dim buildings which made it up. (if: $alone)[When they realized I had returned, those I had spoken to that afternoon came out to see me. I briefly told them what had happened, and then we adjourned to the dining hall where I told them the story at greater length over a small meal.](else:)[\ When they realized we had returned, Laurits and some others came out to greet us. We briefly told them what had happened (if: $alff_dead)[and we proceeded to solemnly place the boy's body in a temporary grave (if: $investigated_cart)[next to that of the trapper](else:)[in a large drift near the building]. After a moment of silence, we entered the inn. We had a small meal, but the silence was rarely broken by any talk.](else:)[ as we gathered in the dining room for a small meal.]] [[...|Late_Night_Research_01]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.QUIET)\ After dinner I moved over to the fire, which was nearly burned down to coals, and brought out the note book which I had taken from Destive's desk. It was bound with leather and clasped with a long, thin cord. After fetching a lamp, I unwound the cord, opened up the note book, and [[began to look through it|Destives_Notebook]].

"But" he said, rising, "I'd wager the Spur will fall into the plains before that wild spirit is tamed". I nodded absently as he turned and walked away. [[...|Late_Night_Research_05]]

That night I fell asleep to the sound of the wind battering against the sturdy shutters of my window. I had no dreams that I recall, but my sleep was troubled, as more than a few times the sound of the wind could be mistaken for the howl of a wolf and I was dragged back into consciousness, my heart racing. [[...|The_Next_Day_01]]

{ (set: $investigated_cart to false) }\ The wagon jostled heavily and I steadied myself with a hand on the bench. The wind--which had been tearing at our backs for the past few hours--now began to abate. We were traveling on a long, desolate road that followed the edge of the forest to our left. This had been gradually curving north and now hid us from the full fury of the winter wind that blew from the west. [[...|Intro_2]] <script> $('tw-icon.undo').remove() </script>

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)\ Now that he could be heard, my driver--who had introduced himself as Ragflinn--started to talk. "So kingsman, what takes you to Byrne?" [["The King's business I should imagine" I replied shortly.|Intro_3]]

Ragflinn laughed and continued unfazed. "Fair's fair. Do you make your way this far north often?" [["No, not often" I said...|Intro_4]]

...then relented "I did come up a few years back to settle a trappers' dispute. But that was back west." "Ah, I'm not so familiar with those reaches" Ragflinn replied. [[...|Intro_5]]

In the calmer air, I took the opportunity to look around. Behind us and to the right, which was south, there were a few intrepid trees, but beyond them lay a seemingly endless expanse of frozen plains. To our left lay a thick forest and past it rose a peak that we could see above even the tallest trees. In fact it was a double peak, the southernmost of the spur we were bound to visit. [[...|Intro_6]]

Ragflinn interrupted my reverie, continuing "I suppose the King doesn't often have call to send messages to these lonely corners of his land." "Though I would think when he did" he said, chuckling, "he would be kind enough to give his Voice a horse" I grimaced. Before I had reached the last town, my horse had thrown a shoe. Instead of waiting for him to be re-shoed, I joined Ragflinn, who by luck was just about to leave. [["Indeed," I quipped, "a messenger without a horse is almost as bad as a trader with no goods."|Intro_7]]

The bed behind us was empty but for a single crate and my bag. Nonetheless, Ragflinn took no offense. "Ha! I suppose you're right, kingsman." [[...|Road_To_Town_4]]

"I always wondered how you end up as a voice of the king. Do you have to take a fancy test or somesuch?" People were frequently surprised by the prestige and power of what appeared to be a very simple and even menial position.

(display: "Road_To_Town_4_Text")\ "[[Diplomacy|Road_To_Town_4_Diplomacy]]" "(link: "Strength")[(set: $trait to "strength")(goto: "Road_To_Town_5")]: Anyone can carry a simple message. I ensure that the recipients understand the force of that message. No message is stronger than the sword behind it, and I am a reminder of that." "[[Intelligence|Road_To_Town_4_Intelligence]]"

(display: "Road_To_Town_4_Text") "(link: "Diplomacy")[(set: $trait to "diplomacy")(goto: "Road_To_Town_5")]: I don't merely deliver the king's messages, I ensure that the recipients understand those messages." "[[Strength|Road_To_Town_4_Strength]]" "[[Intelligence|Road_To_Town_4_Intelligence]]"

(display: "Road_To_Town_4_Text") "[[Diplomacy|Road_To_Town_4_Diplomacy]]" "[[Strength|Road_To_Town_4_Strength]]" "(link: "Intelligence")[(set: $trait to "intelligence")(goto: "Road_To_Town_5")]: My king sends me with his message, yes, but also with the understanding of his desired result, and it is my task to lobby for that result in his absence."

(display: "Road_To_Town_4_Text") "[[Diplomacy|Road_To_Town_4_Diplomacy]]" "[[Strength|Road_To_Town_4_Strength]]" "[[Intelligence|Road_To_Town_4_Intelligence]]"

"Of course I don't often have call to put that skill to use for the king as much as when I served his father." "Ha, I suppose not with him cloistered up like a nun." I glared at him and he cowed, but my anger was more toward the truth of his statement than at him for stating it. I stared ahead in a sullen silence for the next few minutes. [[...|Road_To_Town_6]]

Soon the road turned into the forest and started making its way more directly into the foothills of the Spur. As we rounded a switchback, another cart came into view. It had fallen in the ditch by the roadside, and had neither horse nor driver. [[...|Road_To_Town_7]]

As we approached it, Ragflinn slowed down and I put my hand to my hilt. I kept a wary eye on the tree line as I had seen abandoned travelers' detritus used as the lure in more than one ambush. [[Investigate|Road_To_Town_Investigate_1]] [[Pass by|Road_To_Town_Not_Investigate]]

{ (set: $investigated_cart to true) }\ Still keeping an eye out for any sort of movement, I jumped out of our cart and approached the abandoned one. At a closer look I saw that the harness had been cut through. In the bed of the cart was a bale of furs--likely worth no inconsiderable amount. "Look" Ragflinn had come closer too, and was pointing to some tracks that lead away from the cart. "Must've been scared fiercely to abandon his cart and cargo" It indeed appeared as if the driver had cut loose his horse, then mounted it and made into the woods. In addition to the hoof-prints of the horse, there were smaller prints which I recognized immediately: [[wolves|Road_To_Town_Investigate_2]].

(set: $investigated_cart to false)\ "Keep on moving" I advised Ragflinn "We're as like to fall into trouble here as to help anyone out of it." [[...|Road_To_Town_8]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.QUIET)\ Ragflinn looked to me as I began to follow the tracks. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to follow along. Within the trees, the howl of the wind decreased slightly and we could hear the sound of our footfalls in the snow. "The fool should've stuck to the road." said Ragflinn. "What was he thinking riding into here?" Then, below his breath "What are *we* thinking as a matter of fact." I ignored his last comment and said "Every trapper I've known has had an instinct to head for deep forest when trouble strikes; it wouldn't surprise me if he was the same." We continued following the tracks a ways further until we came upon a gruesome sight. [[...|Road_To_Town_Investigate_3]]

On a short ridge lay two corpses, a man and a horse. I stood still for a moment, listening and looking for any sign that the attackers might still be nearby. When nothing appeared, I took a [[closer look|Road_To_Town_Investigate_4]] at the two.

The man's clothes were shredded, and the savaged flesh underneath was black with frozen blood, but it did not appear that the wolves had hunted him down for a meal. Not wanting to leave the poor man to the elements, I suggested that we take him on to Byrne with us, to await a proper burial. The distance was not far, so we simply carried him between us, but still kept wary of the woods around us. We laid him in the back of our cart and gave him a makeshift pall. [[...|Road_To_Town_8]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)\ Shaking the uneasy feeling that had crept up on us, we continued up the road. It slowly made its way up through the foothills and into the Spur proper. This line of peaks, and their surrounding foothills comprising the Spur, struck out down from the great--and uninhabitable--range to the north. Despite its remoteness, it had thriving fur and logging industries and attracted many traders such as Ragflinn. [[...|Town_1]]

Soon, we came into the town of Byrne, the only one in all of the Spur. Though it was early afternoon, the small square was completely empty with only the wind blowing through. (if: not $investigated_cart)[\ "Lively enough place" said Ragflinn. "I suppose no-one's fool enough to be out on a day like today. Ha! Except us of course." He](else:)[ Ragflinn] got out and started unhitching his mare. "I'll fetch someone to stable her" I said. (if: $investigated_cart)[ "And find out what they can do as far as the body."] [[...|Town_2]]

I wanted somewhere I could stand with my back to something so that at least I could not be surrounded. My only thought was to find the tomb Destive had mentioned and hope it offered some shelter. The ridge I was on was narrow and treacherous as it climbed all the way to the northern of the twins. Between the peaks, I saw now that a sunlight-fringed river of fog was just beginning to spill over and down the rocky slope below. That slope was where Destive, and now I as well, hoped the tomb would be. Wasting no more time, I turned down the slope and descended as fast as I dared. [[...|Run_To_Tomb_02]]

Soon I was in the woods of the valley bottom and was able to turn north toward the peaks. The landscape in this valley--in contrast to the northern one--was rough, with many ridges and gullies which slowed me down considerably. Despite this I rushed upwards, spurred by the thought of what the wolves would do to me if they found me exposed here. [[...|Run_To_Tomb_03]]

Eventually the terrain became much steeper, and the trees began to thin, giving way to the slope of loose rock that was now being engulfed by a wave of fog. I spared a moment to look back, but neither saw nor heard any sign of the pack, unnerving me all the more. Now scanning for any sign of an entrance my eyes fell on a cut in the slope a little further up and only a few dozen yards to my left. [[...|Run_To_Tomb_04]]

As I got closer, I saw that it was semicircular, about 10 feet in diameter and six feet deep at the back. It was clearly manmade, but appeared neglected as the floor was covered by the debris of several rockslides. At its back stood an unadorned doorway, about my height. The entrance was uncovered, and beyond the threshold it quickly became pitch black. I slowed, taking another look behind me. This time I could see a vanguard of a few wolves charging out past the edge of the thick forest and could hear their barks echoing up the snowy rocks. [[...|Run_To_Tomb_05]]

Wasting no time, I crossed the cut and entered the dark doorway. The tunnel inside was narrow and impenetrably gloomy. I briefly thought of continuing on inside, but the thought of being pursued through the dark by any of the pack that would brave it stayed me. I turned around to face the entrance and drew my sword, positioning myself far enough in that I was covered on both sides, but not so far that I could not see in front of me. I knew that I could not succeed against the main force of the pack, but I hoped to convince them that the meal was not worth the trouble. [[...|Run_To_Tomb_06]]

The barks grew louder, and behind it I could hear the more distant baying of the bulk of the pack. In a blur, three wolves charged into the cut...but skidded to a halt just a few feet inside it. They gnashed their teeth and snarled, pacing energetically back and forth, but did not advance any farther. More and more arrived, but still none made their way beyond the first few. Soon the entire pack was at and just beyond the cut, melding into ferverous throng. [[...|Run_To_Tomb_07]]

Their barking was furious, and my heart beat as if to explode out of my chest in the agony of waiting for them charge. Gradually though, frustrated by the unseen obstacle, they began to leave. One by one at first, then whole groups at a time turned and trotted back down the slope. Soon the cut was empty again. [[...|Run_To_Tomb_08]]

After a few tense minutes of silence, I collapsed against the wall next to me. I was overheated and sweating and so as soon as I was able I lit a torch and moved deeper into the tomb, where the temperature was more moderate and I would not catch a chill. [[...|The_Tomb_01]]

(display: "Initialize_Variables") [[start|Spirit_Fight_01]]

After the exultation of moment attenuated, the exhaustion from my earlier flight and the renewed bitter cold of the mountain slope asserted themselves. As well, the memory of the pack of wolves returned and I looked around apprehensively. [[...|Spirit_Fight_01B]]

Weighing the decision to return to the cave or stay outside and potentially run across the pack again, I decided to take my chances outside, and descended a little into the valley to seek fuel for a fire. Soon, sitting by the fire and warming my hands and face, I contemplated all the things that had happened. [[...|Spirit_Fight_02]]

After all I had seen, I could no longer question the truth of Destive's discovery, and yet I still struggled with his betrayal. Perhaps if Destive had been true to his word and had been successful, the king might have become the leader he should have been all along. But given that he did not already take the responsibility of kingship seriously, it did not seem likely. [[...|Spirit_Fight_03]]

Unfortunately it did not seem that I had a choice. Either lie to the king about this opportunity, or attempt to take it for him, regardless of whether I might succeed. Nevertheless I was not entirely disheartened. The things I had seen, despite being fearsome, were also amazing and I doubted I would have an opportunity like this again in my life. [[...|Spirit_Fight_04]]

Having a blaze already going, I decided to light the Caenas. After taking the Caenas that I had gathered off my back and feathering it out, I piled it on top of the blaze. Enough to smother the flames, but not enough to starve the coals. As it slowly caught, what started as a thin stream of sweet-smelling smoke soon became a billowing cloud. I hesitated a moment, and then stepped into the smoke. [[...|Spirit_Fight_05]]

The strong, sweet fragrance of the Caenas that I had smelled before became overwhelming and eclipsed all my other senses. I became dizzy and lost all sense of direction and time. It seemed like minutes later that I came out the other side of the cloud. When I did, I was surprised to feel no lingering daze, but in fact a distinct clarity of mind and senses. [[...|Spirit_Fight_06]]

It was only because of this clarity that I believed what my eyes told me stood before me. It was a figure--definite in form, but indistinct in features. It seemed to be made of nothing more than the dense fog that passed into it, gathered, and passed out again. Despite the movement of its substance, it did not move itself. It stood still...looking at me, I knew for certain. [[...|Valley_Fight]]

I looked up toward the west. The cloud that had engulfed the valley was now passing and I could see the two peaks and the saddle between them. They were now dark on this side, but the late evening light still shone from the sky behind them. [[I started to make my way up the slope.|The_Saddle_02]]

Soon the fog had passed completely and was replaced by a stiff wind. The wind's chill fought against the heat of the difficult hike, and I had to be careful not to over-exert myself(if: $gave_up_search)[ again], which might be dangerous in the harsh wind of the exposed rock-face. Several times I stopped to rest, sitting faced out from the slope. I would bring out Destive's notes and find again the page that had the sounding-out of the ritual's words, reciting the foreign sounds in order to commit them to memory for when the time came. [[...|The_Saddle_03]]

Later, as I rested closer to the top, I watched the shadow of the peaks work its way down through the valleys and hills, across the forests filled with trappers' trails and loggers' cuts, and eventually out on to the endless plains beyond. I took out one of the rations I had been given and ate it as I watched, feeling a simple satisfaction with the common fare. Night would be coming soon, and I didn't know what I would do if I was trapped outside without shelter. But I found that I was past concern for that. Whatever would happen tonight, I was sure it would dwarf those more mundane worries. [[...|The_Saddle_04]]

Nearing the top, the slope became almost a sheer cliff and I had to climb it carefully. I kept my eyes on my hand and footholds and slowly made my way up. As I reached the top the slope began to level and I was able to stand straight again. [[...|The_Saddle_05]]

On top of the saddle, the sun came into view again and I stood there for a moment, dazzled, shielding my eyes from the renewed daylight and also the strong wind that funneled through gap between the peaks. Soon, my eyes adjusted. The saddle was smooth at its nadir and almost flat for about the area of a large clearing. On either side it rose into sharper ridges toward each of the peaks. On the opposite side, the saddle fell down a sharp slope similar to the one I had climbed. That side led not to forest, but to the near-barren plain of the more exposed side of the Spur. [[...|The_Saddle_06]]

All of this was lost on me at the moment, for, as soon as I was able to look around, I saw that arrayed about the saddle were dozens of wolves, the entirety of the pack from earlier. Large, small, some sitting, some standing, all still. I knew that to run would invite disaster, but dared not move forward. And so I stood...And so they stood. [[...|The_Saddle_07]]

They were not aggressive, but neither were they calm. They appeared agitated, even nervous(if: $gave_up_search)[, in stark contrast to their behavior before]. [[...|The_Saddle_08]]

It seemed to me that they were waiting for something. I looked around, but aside from the ever-present wind across the peaks, all was still. [[...|The_Saddle_09]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.OFF)\ Except the sun. Instead of dimming as it set, it seemed to be growing sharply brighter. Soon I had to shield my eyes again, but found that the light appeared from all directions. The light became many-hued and it danced around the saddle and its peaks. When the light receeded, it left the saddle dim, and the wind stilled. [[...|The_Saddle_10]]

This time as I raised my eyes, I saw what I could not question was the great spirit. It appeared as an enormous wolf sitting at the south edge of the saddle, its back as tall as I was and its head a good few feet higher. Its eyes glinted like jewels in the reddened sun. I fought the urge to tremble and fall to my knees. [[...|The_Saddle_11]]

Gathering my courage and moving slowly, I brought out the sword I had taken from the tomb. I looked warily at the surrounding wolves and even more slowly drew the blade. I held it out at the towering beast, feeling like boy with a stick. [[...|The_Saddle_12]]

Recalling Destive's instructions, I raised the sword and prepared to speak the words of the ritual. As I did, the setting sun seemed to grow brighter again. For a moment it seemed that the illumination of the sun took my vision beyond the saddle lit all the land beyond it. As I saw it I could sense the people, the creatures, and the living, beating heart of that land. And I could also sense its aimlessness and dissolution. What I had known before only dimly now became tangible fact: this land needed a leader. A true leader. And at that moment I knew I could not be that leader. No mortal could be that leader. But I could serve that leader. [[...|The_Saddle_13]]

My vision returned to the saddle and I still found myself holding the sword outstretched. The voice that had haunted me in the tomb now returned. It said "This is your purpose: to be wielded as I once was, and here is the master who is worthy to wield you." [[...|The_Saddle_14]]

With that I knelt down and laid the sword across my outstretched hands offering it up to the wolf and spoke the words. And as I did so, I understood their meaning. "I pledge my sword, I pledge my wisdom, and I pledge my voice. To you I give these to bring this land's strength and purpose back to it." [[...|The_Saddle_15]]

Across the saddle there was silence. The sun had truly set and darkness was quickly overtaking the landscape. The great wolf stood up. He padded slowly over to me. Up close his gaze was intense, almost overpowering. He lowered his head and sniffed, then exhaled a warm breath across my face. He stood there, as if studying me. Then he turned and walked down towards the valleys of the Spur. I stood, sheathed the sword, and followed him through the darkness. [[...|The_Saddle_16]]

I started by making my way down the ridge into the valley to the south. Soon I was again in the thick forest of the valley floor and turned west toward the peaks. The trek gradually got steeper until the trees gave way to the rocky slope that led to the saddle. As I left the trees behind, I saw that the river of fog had enveloped the slope and was making its way into the forest below. Thankfully, I could still see far enough to make out a cut on the slope not far from me. [[...|Walk_To_Tomb_02]]

As I got closer, I saw that it was semicircular, about ten feet in diameter and six feet deep at its deepest in the back. It was clearly man made, but appeared neglected as the floor was covered by the debris of several rock slides. At its back stood an unadorned doorway, about my height. The entrance was uncovered, and beyond the threshold it quickly became pitch black. I stopped a moment in trepidation, but after regaining my resolve, I entered the doorway. [[...|Walk_To_Tomb_03]]

The inside was black as pitch so, kneeling at the threshold, I lit a torch with my flint and continued on. [[...|The_Tomb_01]]

(set: $sound_control's 'ambient-music' to false)\ (set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.OFF)\ I walked deeper into the tunnel, and soon the light from the entrance faded and all that was left was the halo of torchlight that surrounded me and the darkness before and behind. The only sounds were my footfalls, the sputtering of the torch, and the echo of a low moan from the wind at the entrance behind me. [[...|The_Tomb_02]]

The tunnel had clearly been worked by hand, but it appeared to have been expanded from a natural seam that wandered through the mountain. A path had been cleared where possible, and footholds carved where it ascended and descended, but was still difficult to traverse in some places. Because of the winding route, I soon lost track of how far I had come and gradually even the sound of the wind outside faded to silence. [[...|The_Tomb_03]]

Gradually, my torch burnt lower and lower. I had one more, but did not relish being this far from daylight with a single torch. As it began to sputter, I resolved to return to the entrance and come up with another approach. Lighting my other torch and discarding the first, I turned back. [[...|The_Tomb_04]]

After a minute, I came to an alarming sight. The path clearly diverged to the left and right, but I had no memory of passing any opening on my way in, and had no idea from which I came. I breathed heavily. I could feel panic rising, but I could not find anything to stymie it. I could choose between the two at random, but with only a single torch I might easily become trapped in the dark before I found the entrance. And worse, every moment I delayed compounded my dire circumstance. [[...|The_Tomb_05]]

As my mind raced, I was astonished to hear a voice coming from down the path to the left. "Do you think you can wield it?" The voice was faint, though sonorous and clearly could not be far down the tunnel. [[...|The_Tomb_06]]

In the time it took the echoes of the voice to dissipate, I rushed down the tunnel towards their source. No matter who it was, they were the only way that I could find a sure escape. In my haste, I nearly stumbled several times, slipping on the wet stones of the tunnel floor, but did not slow down. [[...|The_Tomb_07]]

In a few moments, I was farther along than I could have imagined the source of the voice to be, but still had caught sight of no one. I stopped, listening for footsteps or any sign of another person, but I could hear only the beat of my own heart. "Show yourself!", I shouted, astonished that my voice did not quaver. [[...|The_Tomb_08]]

After a few seconds the voice came again. (if:$trait is "diplomacy")[\ "The best weapon is that which wins the battle merely by being unsheathed." ](else-if:$trait is "strength")[\ "It takes an unyielding blade to strike true." ](else-if:$trait is "intelligence")[\ "It takes a keen edge to strike true." ]\ As before, it came from further down the tunnel, as if the speaker was just out of sight around a bend. [[...|The_Tomb_09]]

Again I raced after it, ducking past stalagtites and around stalagmites and at one point leaping over a small pool that blocked the path. Soon I came to a straight section of tunnel the end of which I saw open into darkness. Slowing down, I approached it a little more cautiously. [[...|The_Tomb_10]]

About ten feet away from it I heard the voice call out once more, this time it seemed from just beyond the opening. "A sword is merely a shard of steel. Until it is taken into a warrior's hand and becomes a weapon." [[...|The_Tomb_11]]

I hesitated, but did not halt. Shifting the torch to my left hand and placing my right on my hilt I passed through the opening. [[...|The_Tomb_12]]

Beyond, the tunnel expanded into a chamber. The chamber was only somewhat wider than the passage, but was very tall, such that my torchlight barely reached the vaulted ceiling. And it was empty. [[...|The_Tomb_13]]

On the opposite side of the chamber the passage seemed to continue on into darkness. Carved into the right-hand wall was a raised alcove inside which something rested in the dim shadow cast by the torchlight. [[...|The_Tomb_14]]

I approached the alcove and lowered the torch to examine it. Inside was a body in repose. It was wearing armor and had a shield and sword clutched in its deathly grasp. The body itself was well-decomposed with only a thin layer of weathered flesh clinging to the bones, but the armor had been well prepared before internment and so the leather was still relatively supple and the metal showed only a light sprinkling of rust. After placing my torch in a nearby sconce, I gingerly released the decayed hands' grasp on the sword and brought it free. I unsheathed it from its scabbard and, inspecting it more closely, I found that it was clearly not of modern make, but was otherwise unremarkable. Sheathing it again, I slung it over my shoulder and, after retrieving my torch, left the chamber by the opposite entrance. [[...|The_Tomb_15]]

"The sword that serves only itself cannot be wielded." This time the voice came from behind me. (if: $gave_up_search)[\ "Will you give up on your land and your people as you gave up today?" ]\ I stopped, but did not look back. After a moment of silence I continued on. [[...|The_Tomb_16]]

I carried on with some speed, both because of my eagerness to leave behind whatever was back down the path and also to reach an exit before my torch gave out. However, in the back of my mind I knew that this way might be shorter or much longer than the path I had entered on; I might well have been traveling deeper into the mountain for all I knew. [[...|The_Tomb_17]]

Slowly, my torch burned lower and lower. I tried to go faster, shielding the flame so that it would not be blown out, and looking desperately for any sign of an exit. [[...|The_Tomb_18]]

At last, with the barest blue flicker of flame left, the torch went out. Disoriented and dizzied by my new blindness, I knelt on the floor. I cast around for some spark of hope, some idea or plan to continue on with. [[...|The_Tomb_19]]

No hope came. I knelt there, filled with a dull, empty ache. Gradually, the images of the torchlight that had burned into my eyes faded into the true darkness of the inside of the mountain from which nothing could be discerned. [[...|The_Tomb_20]]

The numbness did not last long, and was soon replaced by a rising tide of anger, fear, and self-pity. I railed like a child against whichever god had brought and left me here. [[...|The_Tomb_21]]

As quick as I saw it come over me, I saw how weak it was and revolted at it. I felt the shame of it as if all my brothers had stood witness to it. Like a teacher reminding a student of a forgotten lesson, I told myself I was not here for myself. And I realized in the moment that I was not here even for the king. I was here for Ragflinn, for Grior(if: $alff_dead)[...for Alff], for every brother I had fought beside. [[...|The_Tomb_22]]

The energy of the declaration rekindled a fire in my breast. Though nothing had changed--I knew my fate as certain as the stone underneath--I was determined that it would not meet the shriveled, base creature that had wailed out a minute ago. It would meet me--or rather I would meet it. Staying on my knees, I began crawling forward. The path was not easily followed, and I had to back out of a false turn once or twice. But I continued on regardless. [[...|The_Tomb_23]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.QUIET)\ Since the torch had gone out, the sounds of the cave had been dominated by the rushing of blood in my ears, the beat of my heart, and small scrapes and skitters of loose stone as I crawled along the cave floor. But now I could pick up a new sound. It was lonely, desolate, and faint, but to my ears it was beautiful. It was the distant wailing of the wind. [[...|The_Tomb_24]]

I felt my way along with more eagerness now, and as I followed the path curving to the right, light came into view. Some hundred feet down the tunnel was an opening into daylight. I stood, moving slowly until I could make out the floor by the light ahead, and then nearly ran towards it, watching it grow larger and larger. [[...|The_Tomb_25]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)\ All at once, I was outside again. I rejoiced in the biting wind and in the comparatively dazzling brightness of the evening fog that still enshrouded the mountainside. After my eyes had adjusted, I found myself, to my surprise, at the threshold of the door where I had entered. The doorway itself, the cut, and the place on the slope were exactly the same. [[...|Spirit_Fight_01]]

(display: "Initialize_Variables") [[start|Town_2]]

Dominating the square was a large public house. Or at least comparatively large, given the few other buildings marking out the square. Like other logging and trapping towns, Byrne had few permanent residents, but dealt with many transient workers that came for their respective seasons. I approached and opened the door to the public house, but, after the dazzling light of the snowy day outside, the interior seemed impenetrably black. [["Welcome"|Inn_1]]

{ (set: $investigated_cart to true) (set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.QUIET) }\ Despite what it said, the voice was not very welcoming. Gradually, my eyes adjusted and I could make out enough to get a sense of the room. Straight across from the door was a large hearth with a half-spent blaze in it. To my left was a hall that led to the private rooms for rent. To my right was a dining area with many tables and a bar. It was from there that the voice came again. [["What's your business here?"|Inn_2]]

I could see now that it came from one of the three men which were sitting at a table in the dining area. It was an odd question to put to someone entering a public house, but regardless I answered in my usual way. [["I am the king's Voice, here on his business. Now tell me, where is the Sire Destive? I have a message for him."|Inn_3]]

The reaction to my introduction was, as it always is, immediate, though it varied in intensity. One nearly jumped out of his seat, another sat up noticeably, and the last merely raised his head. The latter, who had been the speaker, spoke again. "I'm afraid we don't know where he is." I frowned. "I assume he has not left the Spur?" "Not as far as we are aware, though it is certainly possible as we have not seen him for a time. In fact we were discussing this very matter." [[...|Inn_4]]

"Come," he said, rising and drawing up another chair. "I've been a bad host. I'm Grior, Byrne's mayor. Though more pertinently I'm the owner of this establishment. You should be comfortable while we talk. Can I offer you a drink?" I took the chair and sat down with the men. "Thank you, no" I replied. "But I did come with a trader named Ragflinn. His cart is outside and his mare will need to be stabled." "Ah yes, we see him about on occasion. Alff will take care of it." "Alff!" he called, "Go and stable the horse." A young man appeared from behind the counter and wordlessly obeyed. (if: $investigated_cart)[[[...|Inn_5]]](else:)[[[...|Inn_6]]]

"There is another matter before we discuss Destive." I said. "On our way into town, we found a man's body; he appeared to have been attacked by wolves. We brought the body and his goods here with us to see if he could be set aside for burial in the spring." As I said this, the men were taken aback, and even in the dim light I could see one of them grow pale. Grior took a slow breath in, then said "Ah...that is likely Gerhard..." "He left this morning, but didn't say why..." interjected one of the other men, "He looked scared." After another pause, Grior said "No matter. We can deal with the body after we finish here." [[...|Inn_6]]

"So what do you know of Destive?" I asked. "Well, he arrived here a few months back and rented out a trapper's cabin. All he said was that he was a king's scholar here to do 'research', but I suppose you knew that." "After that, we would only see him about once a week when he would come down to buy supplies. He talked little about his work, but he was keen on asking the men about local history and legends--and they're always happy to share whatever nonsense they've picked up, with their own embellishments added on." [[...|Inn_7]]

"He did travel back south a few weeks ago, but returned right soon after that. Since then we've seen nothing of him. When you came in we were just discussing whether or not to send out a search party for him." "And? Had you decided?" "In fact we had decided *not* to. Strange things are happening in the Spur this winter. Normally this season would be the peak for trappers, but Gerhard was the last left. Some left simply because of lack of catch, other were saying they had seen things. Mountain men are always somewhat superstitious, but in these numbers..." "And as far we know" interrupted one of the others, "Destive was responsible for all these happenings." "Indeed, we may be well rid of him" vouched the other. Before I could reproach him, Grior spoke "You'd be wise, Laurits, not to speak ill of a kingsman in front a kingsman. In fact, you'd be wiser still not to speak at all." [[...|Inn_8]]

At that moment, Ragflinn came through the door with the boy Alff trailing behind him. (if: $investigated_cart)[\ Without any greeting he asked "Did you tell them about the..." and nodded towards the door. "Yes, I did. We will take care of it when we are finished here." ]\ To explain the situation to him, I said "It looks as if the man I am to deliver my message to may not be as easy to find as I thought. I was asking these men if they would help." Then turning back to the three "So. What of it? I will ask the king to reward you generously; The King is most intent that this 'research' of Destive's be completed." [["Ragflinn, this offer extends to you as well--beyond your original payment of course."|Inn_9]]

No one said anything, but all looked to Grior. He sucked his mustache and looked into the middle distance. "Kings' favors don't spend well from the grave, and Destive's work did seem unwholesome to me. I doubt we could find him, and I doubt he could be of use to you if we did." [[He thought a moment more...|Inn_10]]

"No", he said finally. "I couldn't leave the village with so little defense on an errand with so much danger. We will give you what help we can while you're here: any supplies or accommodation you need are yours." "I understand. You have my thanks", then saying to Ragflinn "What about you?" He grimaced and said "I know Grior and trust to his wisdom. If he says it's a fool's errand, you can count me out. And if you can see some way to avoid it yourself, I suggest you do." I nodded, "I'm afraid not." Without any further discussion, they gave me some supplies and directions to the cabin where Destive had been staying. [[...|To_Cabin_Alone_01]]

"I will help you", he said. "If this is as important to the king as you say, then I suppose it is my duty." Following his lead, the others, including Ragflinn, voiced their agreement in a staggered chorus. "You two stay here" Grior said to Laurits and the other man. "I would not like to leave the village so wholly undefended. Alff should come with us. He knows the Spur better than anyone, having grown up here." At this, the young man perked up and drew a little closer. "Well" I said, "If you have no objection, I would like to start off immediately. Most of the day's light has already been spent." [[...|To_Cabin_Together_01]]

(set: $alone to window.check("diplomacy", $trait))\ (if: $alone)[\ (display: "Inn_9_Failure") {(set: $fp_pronoun to "I")(set: $FP_Pronoun to "I")} ] (else:)[\ {(set: $fp_pronoun to "we")(set: $FP_Pronoun to "We")} (display: "Inn_9_Success") ]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)\ (if: $investigated_cart)[As I left, they came out with me to bury the trapper's body in a snow drift until the ground thawed in spring.] The afternoon had grown clear and bright--bright enough that I had to wrap my head with only a slit for my eyes to cut the glare of the snow. Leading north away from the small village were a tangle of paths. Some were cut wide by the logging wagons and sleds on their way to and from the stand of timber. Others were thin, and would eventually turn back on themselves to create long loops which the trappers would travel during their season. Following the directions I was given, I eventually found myself on one of the latter, which passed through a thick wood. [[...|Enter_Cabin_Clearing]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)\ (if: $investigated_cart)["Yes, but first we must attend to Gerhard" said Grior. ]Grior instructed Alff to gather some supplies and the rest of us went outside. (if: $investigated_cart)[Laurits and I moved the body from the cart, while Ragflinn and the other man dug a temporary grave for it in a large drift until the ground would thaw. After placing the body in, we refilled the grave in silence, having no one to speak words over it. Afterwards, ]Alff came out and distributed to us some torches, dry biscuits wrapped in cloth, flasks of water, and snow shoes. [[...|To_Cabin_Together_02]]

We headed out to the north and west. Leading out that way from the small village were a tangle of paths. Some were cut wide by the logging wagons and sleds on their way to and from the stands of timber. Others were thin trappers' trails which would eventually turn back on themselves to create long loops which the trappers would travel during their season. Following the lead of Alff, we eventually found ourselves on one of the latter, which passed through a thick wood. [[...|Enter_Cabin_Clearing]]

(display: "Initialize_Variables") (set: $trait to "intelligence") $trait [[start|Valley_Fight]]

(set: $valley_fight_health to 2)\ Though I had no way of reading its intentions, I sensed that it wished to see my reaction before carrying them out. [[Run|Valley_Fight_Run]] (if: $trait is "strength")[\ [[Challenge it|Valley_Fight_Challenge]] ](elseif: (either: true, false))[\ [[Challenge it|Valley_Fight_Challenge]] ](else:)[\ [[Challenge it|Valley_Fight_Challenge_Failure]] ]\ (if: $trait is "diplomacy")[\ [[Pray for safe passage|Valley_Fight_Diplomacy_Success]] ](elseif: (either: true, false))[\ [[Pray for safe passage|Valley_Fight_Diplomacy_Partial_Success]] ](else:)[\ [[Pray for safe passage|Valley_Fight_Diplomacy_Failure]] ]

(set: $valley_fight_health to $valley_fight_health - 1)\ To my shame, I lost my nerve. Unable to stand down this mysterious creature, I turned and fled. I dodged trees and leapt ditches not knowing whether it pursued. Without warning, an icy gust hammered my back and sent me sprawling. It took me a moment to collect my breath and right myself, but when I did, I saw mist swirling and beginning to coalesce into that ghostly form again. I stood up and drew my sword. I knew I had to fight it, but I knew not how. Before it was fully formed, the figure dissipated. I stood for a moment, not knowing whether I should flee again or wait. [[...|Valley_Fight_Attack_1]]

I drew my sword and held it in front of me at the ready, though I felt it might be useless. Looking where I imagined its eyes would be I said "Come if you must; I am ready" The mist the figure was made of then dissipated. I hoped it had no interest in me, but kept my sword up. [[...|Valley_Fight_Attack_1]]

I drew my sword and held it in front of me at the ready, however, seeing the ghostly form shook me. (display: "Valley_Fight_Run")

(display: "Valley_Fight_Diplomacy") The spirit lingered for a moment, then dissipated. I stayed kneeling for a moment, then stood. Shaking off the odd chill of the moment, (display: "The_Saddle_01")

(display: "Valley_Fight_Diplomacy") The spirit lingered for a moment, and then the flurry of fog signifying its form dissipated. I waited a little, but it did not reappear. [[...|Valley_Fight_Diplomacy_02]]

I stayed kneeling for a moment, almost surprised that it had worked. Rising, I looked up toward the west. The cloud that had engulfed the valley was now passing and I could see the two peaks and the saddle between them. They were dark on this side, but the late evening light still shone from the sky behind them. [[I started to make my way up the slope.|The_Saddle_02]]

(set: $valley_fight_health to $valley_fight_health - 1)\ (display: "Valley_Fight_Diplomacy") The spirit lingered for a moment and then the mist that flowed through it dissipated. I waited for a moment, then began to rise. As I did, a ferocious gust of wind tore at me from my left, knocking me over. It took me a moment to collect my breath and right myself, and when I did, I drew my sword. I knew I had to fight it, but I knew not how. [[...|Valley_Fight_Attack_2]]

I knelt and held out my hands in an invisible offering to the spirit and said to it that I came not to disturb him, but only in service of my king. In conclusion I traced out the rune for peace in the snow in case it understood nothing of my speech.

Suddenly, from my left came a fierce, icy blast. (if: window.check($trait, "strength"))[\ Despite its ferocity, I bore down and kept my footing. After it subsided I looked around trying to anticipate where it would attack from next. ](else:)[\ (set: $valley_fight_health to $valley_fight_health - 1)\ Taken unawares, I was bowled over into the snow. I lay stunned for a moment, but soon recovered my sword and stood, keeping a wary eye out for any sign of the spirit. ]\ [[...|Valley_Fight_Attack_2]]

This time I saw it approach. A frenzied cloud of ever-flowing mist barreled toward me from my right. (if: window.check($trait, "strength") )[\ I hunched over and gritted my teeth as the frigid blast tore at every crevice it could find in my clothing. I swung my sword wildly in an attempt to deter it, but it was in vain. When it stopped, my fingers were so stiff that I could not unclasp them from my hilt. (if: not $trait is "intelligence")[\ I planted my feet as firmly as I could and tried to steel my nerves for whatever might come next. ]\ ](else:)[\ (set: $valley_fight_health to $valley_fight_health - 1)\ Despite the warning, I found I could not withstand the blast and was tossed by it into a nearby ditch. This time it took me longer to recover, having been slammed hard into the frozen side of the gully. By the time I was on my feet again, the spirit was charging again. ]\ (if: $trait is "intelligence")[\ [[My mind raced...|Valley_Fight_Think]] ] (else:)[\ [[...|Valley_Fight_Attack_3]] ]

(if: $valley_fight_health > 0)[\ It came much stronger the next time, furiously tearing at my skin and the edges of my cloak. Instead of trying to counter its attack, I simply tried to stand firm against the fearsome wind. Though I'm certain it was only for the space of ten or twenty seconds, it felt like many minutes before its fury abated. [[...|Valley_Fight_Attack_3_1]] ](else:)[\ It came much stronger this time; enough to bodily lift me and pitch me into a tree trunk behind me. With that, my consciousness left me. [[...|Valley_Fight_Loss]] ]

After it did, I fell to my knees and remained in that position. Looking up, I could see that the mist had reformed, but I could not find the strength to rise. Instead of charging as before, it stood still, almost as if it was studying me as I had imagined before. In another moment it dissipated, leaving me cold and exhausted. [[...|Valley_Fight_Attack_4]]

I felt almost like I had back in the tunnels. Except now I did not want to rail at the world, I simply wanted to lie down and go to sleep. [[...|Valley_Fight_Attack_5]]

I exhaled deeply and then breathed in. I almost smelled again the sweetness of the Caenas. As I breathed it in, I felt once again rejuvenated and could soon stand back up. [[...|The_Saddle_01]]

I knew my chances were small if this spirit continued as it did. My sword was formidable against common foes, but was nothing to this thing. Spurred by a sudden thought, I removed the sword I had taken from the tomb and wielded it. As I saw the spirit gather itself again for a sally I readied the sword. I swung against its onslaught with all my remaining strength. Unlike before, my blade now met with resistance as it sliced through the air. A terrible shriek was released and the wind died down. [[...|Valley_Fight_Think_01]]

I stood, breathing heavily and looking around for any sign of the spirit's reappearence. Indeed, in a moment it did reappear and I prepared for another onslaught. Instead, however, it stood still, seeming to study me again for a moment and then disappeared for the last time. [[...|Valley_Fight_Think_02]]

Breathing a sigh of relief, (display: "The_Saddle_01")

The next moment I knew, I was lying down staring up at the sky. I was being jostled and rocked, which gave me great pain in my head. I realized that I was being driven in the back of a wagon. In a minute or two--during which I was unable to speak, or raise my head for the pain--Ragflinn appeared above me, turned around in the driving seat of the wagon. Seeing that I was awake, he explained to me that they had tracked me when I did not return and found me near death, lying at the bottom of that valley. They had decided to leave Byrne, and had taken me with them. Unable to say my thanks to him, I nodded and closed my eyes, silently contemplating my failure. [[Fight again.|Valley_Fight]]

(display: "Initialize_Variables")\ \ [[start|Valley_Read_01]]

The actual text was written in an archaic poetry that I could not make much of, but Destive had filled it with sheets of notes, some placed haphazardly, others marking particular passages. On one near the beginning of the book, Destive had written out his reconstruction of the steps of the ritual. Setting that aside and choosing another, I began to [[read|Valley_Read_02]].

<div class="destivetext">The research I asked the learned Priest Lamont to perform while I was at court has borne fruit. He sends me his work so far on the words of the ritual that I gave to him. He says that he was unable to translate them, but was able to discern their pronunciation. Hopefully that is all that will be needed to complete the ritual.</div> Folded up with the note was a letter signed by Lamont in which he provided a guide to sound out the cryptic glyphs that Destive had sent him. Taking this and the first sheet, I folded them and put them in my pocket. [[...|Valley_Read_03]]

On another sheet the front had been apparently been used as a blotting paper, but the back bore more writing <div class="destivetext">My suspicions of the location of the Servant's tomb have been all but confirmed. The book says that the Servant is laid to rest in the heart of the Spur and that his sword will be buried with him. I spoke with a trapper that said that there is an opening at the eastern foot of the peaks, though he could not tell me of any who had entered it. If true, it is directly below where I encountered the spirit voice. And if this is the resting place of the Servant, then the sword must be there also.</div> [[...|Valley_Read_03-01]]

Elsewhere I found a sheet of paper wrapped around another letter <div class="destivetext">As I requested, the venerable Scholar Gabin has sent some of his notes about purification. I believe these are the salient points: <div class="destivequote">The rites of purification--passing through the smoke and fire of a sacred plant--are as old as any recorded history. They are used in many ceremonies, in diplomacy, as preparation for taking an oath, and lend solemnity and dedication to any proceeding. These ancient rites have always been considered a way to cleanse oneself of the material world and to touch the spirit world.</div> I have not ever performed the rite myself and have always seen it as something for the low born and the mystic, but if this is what is required, I will not shirk it.</div> [[...|Valley_Read_04]]

Leafing through more, I found a note with a mark indicating the passage next to it. <div class="destivetext">It says here that he waited for the great wolf's return until winter's depth. I don't know exactly when he means, but the solstice is approaching and the signs of the spirit are appearing up and down the Spur. I believe the elements for the ritual must be gathered and prepared soon.</div> [[...|Valley_Read_WW]]

Lastly, I found a page that looked to be torn from his notebook <div class="destivetext">Since I first learned of the Great Wolf and discovered that his power could be tamed and wielded, the question has haunted me. Were I to yield this power to the King I believe he would use it for ill or not at all. None can deny that he has shown himself time and time again to be weak-willed and wanton. I know that I must not give this power over to him, to be wasted on a fool. I must be the one to wield the greaqt spirit's power.</div> [[...|Valley_Read_XX]]

I sat stunned by Destive's confession. At once I was revolted by his betrayal, but yet felt a weight to the reason for it that I could not deny. I stared into the coals of the fire trying to think through what I had seen and what I must do. Despite Destive's villainous betrayal, his purported goal was not without merit and might still be pursued. But if I took this information to the king, the time to perform the ritual might already have passed. And yet I had no idea of whether I could see it through by myself. Suddenly, my reverie was interrupted by a sound echoing across the valley: [[howling|Valley_ZZ]].

(set: $gave_up_search to false)\ In the morning, when I rose and unbarred my shutters, I could see the projected dawn crawling slowly down the Spur's peaks. (if: $alff_dead)[Breakfast was silent, as we each sat with our own thoughts of the previous day and anxieties of the coming one.](else:)[The atmosphere at breakfast was slightly tense, but the boy Alff lightened it with a few jokes.] [[...|The_Next_Day_04]]

(if: $alone is false)[\ After breakfast, Ragflinn took me aside and said "I've talked it over with the others, and I think it best that we do not join you today. After yesterday"(if: $alff_dead is true)[--and then a deep sadness passed over his face]... "I understand." I replied, "Likely a company would be more hindrance than help anyway." ](else:)[\ After breakfast, I approached Grior. "I assume you're of the same mind that you were yesterday" I said. "I would not make Destive's fool errand my own, and neither should you. Lofty goals don't make a safe or sane venture. If I were you, I would consider my duty done and report to the king of Destive's failure" "If he indeed failed" I countered. He grunted and said nothing more. ]\ [[...|The_Next_Day_05]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)\ The others gathered some more supplies for me and after some quiet good-byes, I walked out into a bright, sunny day. [[...|Valley_01]]

Retracing (if: $alone)[my](else:)[our] steps from the previous day, I made my way to the cabin. I paused in the clearing, tensing myself and half expecting another pack of wolves to appear...but none did. (if: $alff_dead)[Not far from the cabin I could see a confused tangle of tracks and several black patches in the snow. For a time I was transfixed by them... Eventually I snapped out of my dark contemplation and set out to find Destive's tracks again.] Having already found Destive's tracks before, I was able to find them once again without much issue. Once I had reached the ridge (if: $alone_tmp)[I](else:)[we] had turned back at the day before, I looked out into the valley beyond. I saw that, due to the height of the ridge and the depth of the valley, the latter was completely hidden from the sun, and was likely so throughout the depth of winter. [[...|Valley_02]]

Nonetheless, I began to walk down into it. Slowly, the brightness of the sun receded and was replaced by a gray twilight. Although diffused sunlight shone down from across the sky, it was a wan light such that the landscape seemed to have been drained of all color. [[...|Valley_03]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.QUIET)\ Now nearing the bottom, I found that the snow became deeper and softer so that I needed to use my snowshoes to continue. In addition, Destive's tracks now faded and I lost the trail completely. Walking slower now, I searched for any sign of Destive and--though I did not admit it to myself--of wolves. [[...|Valley_04]]

The valley was almost entirely devoid of trees, but instead was a wide, evergreen brushland that might've been a swamp in warmer climes. I uncertainly moved between the hummocks of shrub, each being just about a head under my own height and which dotted valley bottom. Not knowing where to go, I headed down to the center of the valley. [[...|Valley_05]]

After reaching the valley's center, I started making my way up its gentle slope toward the Spur. As I went, I looked side to side into the alleys between the brush, not knowing quite what to hope for. Soon, the still cold of the sunless bed was seeping into my bones and doubt over what I was doing was seeping into my mind. [[I stopped and built a fire|Valley_05_Fire_01]] [[Regardless, I continued on searching|Valley_05_Continue_01]]

(set: $gave_up_search to true) Now shivering from the cold, I began to collect some material for a fire. My body and my mind had both started to become numb, making it difficult to move and to think. Clumsily, I began cutting boughs from nearby bushes and stripping them of their evergreen leaves in the hope that the branches would catch quickly. [[...|Valley_05_Fire_02]]

I brought my fuel to a nearby hillock that commanded a better view of the valley and would allow me to see anything approaching. As I set about digging a hollow for the fire I uncovered what I first thought was a root, but as my slowed mind made sense of it I recognized it to be an arm and a hand. [[..|Valley_TT]]

Despite the bitter cold and my uncertainty, I carried on. Up ahead I saw a hillock that, though low, commanded a view of the rest of the valley and might allow me a better survey. Mounting it, I found that I could see up and down the length of the valley and though something might hide behind any individual hummock, any movement would be immediately visible. I looked up and down the valley, and as I paced to do so I nearly stumbled over something sticking up out of the snow. Looking down, I saw that it was a boot. [[...|Valley_TT]]

I set about uncovering from the latest layer of powder what was revealed to be a body. (if: $investigated_cart)[As I did I began to see the same marks as I had seen on the trapper along the road into Byrne. [[...|Valley_UU]] ](else:)[As I did, I began to see horrible cuts and gashes that looked to be the cause of his end and I immediately knew their source: [[wolves|Valley_UU]].]

Panic rising, I put a hand to my hilt and looked out across the valley. All around me, up and down its length it was silent and still. Without wind, not a branch in the valley stirred, and the slightest movement could be seen. But there was none to be found. [[...|Valley_VV]]

After some time, my heart slowed. Taking some comfort in the deep snow--which would be immensely difficult for even a light wolf to traverse--I turned my attention again to the body. I did not recognize the face, but brushing off the right hand I saw that it carried a signet ring with Destive's runes on it. I breathed a sigh of what might have been either disappointment or relief, I do not know. Taking his ring so that it could be properly destroyed in court, I looked over the rest of his body. He was also carrying a bag at his side strapped across his shoulder. I cut the strap and lifted the bag free to set it aside. Checking that his body had nothing more of interest, I began to gather snow over it again into a temporary burial mound. I cut a long branch from some nearby brush and packed it upright into the side of the mound as a marker. Taking a solemn moment, I stood next to the grave with my head bowed. With no words in my head or my heart to say about the man, I let it pass in silence. [[...|Valley_XX]]

(if: $gave_up_search)[Spurred again by the cold, I continued to build a fire.](else:)[\ Spurred by the cold, I resolved to build a fire and rest while I decided what to do next. Ranging around the hill, I gathered some of the brush as kindling and fuel.] As I cut boughs away, I noticed the brush had distinctly sweet, pure smell. Taking a closer look, I saw that it inexplicably had white blooms that blended in with the covering of snow. I realized I had stumbled upon the Caenas plant that Destive had described and quite a number of which studded the valley floor. Laughing a hoarse laugh, I gathered more of it into a bundle to take with me. [[...|Valley_XX_1]]

I also gathered some fuel from the other brush, and built a fire. Once the fire was well on its way, I opened Destive's bag and looked through it. Inside I found a coiled length of rope, a flint and steel, a tinderbox, and finally a [[book|Valley_Read_01]], finely bound.

Heart pounding, I stood, frantically searching for its source. Directly across from me on the northern slope of the valley I saw several specks moving, then, as my vision steadied, I saw more and more. All in all there were several dozen. I realized that a pack--a pack larger than any I had ever seen or heard of before--was heading directly for me. [[...|Valley_AA]]

Blindly, I gathered all I had and put on my snowshoes again. Trotting back along the valley floor I began to hear distant barks carrying across the still air. I looked back and saw that the pack had reached the valley floor, but was floundering in the deep snow. I knew my luck would not hold though. If they were determined to follow me, they would catch up quickly after they made the ridge. [[...|Valley_BB]]

(set: $sound_control's wind to window.WindEnum.FULL)\ Soon I reached the edge of the valley where the snow was shallower and, taking off my snowshoes, I began to ascend. By the time I reached the crest, my legs were burning from the exertion. Resting with my hands on my knees, I looked back down into the valley. (if: $gave_up_search)[\ I saw that the pack was now only about half way across the valley floor, but they appeared intent on following me. I looked to the south and saw the few small dots that marked the village. I knew there was no way to make the village before I was caught, and that even if I did, the only result would be to expand the slaughter to the villagers. My only hope was nearer shelter, or some place I could hold myself better against my assailants--though even the thought of the attempt felt laughable. [[Climb a tree|Valley_BB_Tree_01]] [[Head to the tomb|Run_To_Tomb_01]] ] (else:)[\ I saw that the pack had slowed and turned west, apparently not interested in pursuing me. Nevertheless, I was eager to move on and put some distance between us. [[...|Valley_CC]] ]

Looking south, I could see the few small dots that marked the village. I knew I could still go back and(if: not $alff_dead)[, as Grior suggested,] report Destive's venture a failure; even condemn him as the traitor he was. Yet after all I had seen and all that was promised by Destive I could not bring myself to go back yet. According to Destive, the final key to the taming ritual would be the Servant's sword, laid to rest in a tomb. I looked north; between the twin peaks was a wide saddle where I saw now that a sunlight-fringed river of fog was just beginning to spill over and down the rocky slope below. That slope was where Destive believed the entrance to the tomb would be. And so it was where I would go next. [[...|Walk_To_Tomb_01]]

I started down into the valley to find a tree large enough to take shelter in for some time. I could see over the Spur's saddle a thick river of fog that had begun spilling into the valley below. As I descended, the trees became larger and larger, and I eventually found one large enough I thought it safe from even the most agile wolf. [[...|Valley_BB_Tree_02]]

In a minute or two, a vanguard of the fastest wolves arrived at the base of the tree. They skidded to a stop and began barking furiously and several started to try to leap at the branches. Though their jumps were frighteningly high, even the greatest leaps fell short a foot or so. The rest of the pack trickled in and gradually there was a great body of wolves pacing, barking, and howling. However, as if by silent command they fell quiet, standing still, expectant. [[...|Valley_BB_Tree_03]]

The mist was now flowing thickly through the silent body of wolves and for a moment it seemed the beat of my own strained heart was the only sound in the world. To my disbelief I saw an apparition form out of the dense, swirling fog itself. The figure stood still and in my mind I heard the echo of a man's voice say "You are not worthy. The Servant can be no coward." At this, the spirit dissolved in a furious torrent of wind and mist that barreled toward me. The force of its impact threw me from the branches. I flew through the air and slammed against the ground, the breath knocked from my lungs and the consciousness from my mind. [[...|Valley_BB_Tree_04]]

[[...|Valley_01]] (set: $gave_up_search to false)