The Path of Riches

The question remained: which of the four paths would he choose? For some time, Fred stood at the crossroads, pondering. Finally, he stepped forward onto the red path.

"Well, well, well," said a voice behind him. Fred turned around and saw the same gnarled old man who had greeted him earlier. "So you have chosen the path of riches. What led you to make this choice?"

"I do not desire death, nor do I desire love or power. Women and kingdoms alike are fickle and lead to trouble. I would rather have honest gold any day. Besides, surely treasure could help me find power and love, should I come to wish these things?"

The wizard shook his head. "All of these paths are dangerous, young one, but you have chosen perhaps the most dangerous. Love of wealth consumes a man all too easily, burrowing into his heart like a worm, until there is no other passion left. And even if you do not lose your soul, it shall never know another day of contentment until it reaches its end. Nevertheless, it is the path you have chosen, and you may continue on it if you wish." Cackling, the old man seemed to gradually fade away.

Fred turned around as soon as he disappeared. He would not forsake his treasure for the rantings of a madman, he decided. He stepped forward onto the red road.

As he walked onward, he saw that the mist that permeated this region was fading away. At the same time, the lands were becoming both brighter and more indistinct. Finally, he no longer felt as if he was walking and merely saw the light growing brighter around him. Finally, he opened his eyes.

1. He found himself in lying a chamber in the caves of the Dragon, filled with gold and jewels.
2. He found himself lying in a carriage outside a small city, in the clothes of a merchant.

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