Tasteful and Elegant

"My masterpiece!" he exclaims, handing Astra a robe. "You can go to the last room on the left down that hall and take whatever clothes you like. My grand-daughter should have some things that fit you. You can even take a travelling bag from the hall closet and pack a change of clothes and some food and drink. " He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small sack of coins.

Astra is shocked as he tosses her the whole sack. "Should be about thirty gold pieces in there," the old man says, "and worth every one." That was an unbelievable sum of money to receive for what she had done. She opens her mouth to object, but is shushed right away. "I don't want to hear a word about it," insists the old man. "I am very rich, and you have made me the happiest I have been since my beloved Claire died. Now, go get dressed and pack you a bag. I have one more thing to give you, I think," and he walks out of the room, whistling a tune.

Before Astra leaves the room, she cannot help but take a peek at the painting. "Oh my," says Astra, for the painting...

1. is unbelievably gorgeous. It is a true masterpiece.
2. is basically just splattered paint. The man is either a synthetic cubist or off his rocker.
3. is unremarkable, but pretty.
4. is of Astra, dead. She looks up from the painting to see the old man re-entering the room with a sword. He speaks with Fred's voice. "Time to pay the price of defying me," he says, and advances.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree