One Way Out

"My God, I have to get back! They will send another knight to slay the dragon if I do not return in one week!"

"You can forget about that, sir Knight," Jonesy replied, "no one gets out of here alive. Only people who are born here, have a chance of getting out."

"So how do they get out?" Fred asked.

"They must go through the Gate of Garlik. only people who are born here, can pass the Gate of Garlik."

"What a stupid name!" Fred burst out. "The Gate of Garlic? Why not the Gate of Carrots? Or the Gate of Cauliflower? Or-"

"It's Garlik with a k, you idiot!" Jonesy shouted.

"I-I'm sorry," Fred said. "So how can I pass the Gate of Garlik?"

"You can't," Jonesy said.

Fred started crying. "So I will never get home again? Am I never to see my beloved castle-"

"Alright, alright!" Jonesy said. "There is a way. I'm just messing with you."

"You bastard!" Fred cried. "Tell me! Tell me NOW, or I swear to God I will rip out your guts and hang you with them!"

"There is an artifact in the village that might help you", Jonesy said calmly. "If you have it, the Gate may let you through."

"Where is it?!"
Fred was losing his temper.

"It is hidden somewhere inside the village garrison. It is being guarded by ten men at arms, every day and every night. It is also said that there are other things protecting it: pitfalls and other traps, fell beasts and even a curse. You must bypass all these traps to get hold of the artifact."

"So what kind of an artifact is it anyway?"

"I have no idea," Jonesy answered. "It's just an old bedtime story. But it is your only hope."

"Does the old bedtime story tell why someone would protect it like that?" Fred asked.

"No," Jonesy answered lightly.

1. Fred backed out. ...and lived in the small, boring village for the rest of his life.
2. Fred decided to give it a try.

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