The Orb of Judgement

"Women who asked too many questions."

Frederica gulped. She had been going to try to delay matters with a further question, concerning what could have brought Crucius such a long way from home, but it would obviously be unwise to ask it now.

Perhaps Crucius's sadistic nature meant that he was enjoying keeping her in suspense, for he seemed in no hurry to implement his threat of converting her into a skeleton. To her surprise - given his last remark - he even volunteered some more information, which happened to answer the question which she had intended to ask: "You're probably wondering what I'm doing here. Well, this is my bolt-hole, in case things should ever go badly wrong back home. It's also a pleasant place in which to spend a relaxing week or two every now and again. Being a wizard can be very stressful, you know."

"I'm sure it must be," Frederica said.

"Well, I've enjoyed our little chat, but now I'm afraid it's time for you to meet your maker," Crucius said.

"Wait!" Frederica cried, desperately trying to think of a plausible excuse to delay the seemingly inevitable. "Were you aware that I know where the legendary priceless heirloom of the royal house, the Orb of Judgement, is hidden? I could guide you to it in exchange for my life." In actual fact, she had no idea where the Orb was hidden, or even if it was anything more than a myth.

Crucius replied:

1. "Very well, then. I shall transport us back home, You will have one week to lead me to it."
2. "Pah! That old legend! I doubt that the Orb ever existed. Nice try, though."
3. "You can draw me a map. You will stay here whilst I search for it. If you are lying, and I don't find it, I will return and your fate will be more unpleasant than death would have been.

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