Fred Fiddles with Fickle Friction

Fred observed that the screw on the right had a tilted line. Thinking that this might tilt the floor slightly, and push the hapless Belboz to the far end, Fred rotated the screw toward the right. Belboz was now able to get to his knees before sliding again. The trecherous floor was now a little more managable!

"What happened?" asked the mage.

"I turned this screw a little to the right."

"Turn it more!"

Fred turned the screw all the way to the right. Belboz tried to get up, but his hands, cloak and boots were now joined to the floor.

"Left!" shouted Belboz

Fred obligingly turned the left screw. Now the wizard was able to rise. However, if he attempted to stand up, the floor would get very slippery and he lost control. However, as he started to slip, the floor seemed to get tackier and he was able to regain control until attempted to stand up again. The wizard was rocking back and forth comically, slowly making his way toward the far end of the wall.

Menifee decided to try the treacherous floor. He took a running start, and slid onto the floor. He managed to make it about two meters before he slowed down and the floor shot him gently back out the entrance!

"Fred," shouted Belboz, as he fought to maintain his balance. "Try (whoa) to reverse whatever you did.(whoops)"

Fred turned the left screw back to its original position. Belboz's boots were stuck to the floor.

"Fred, please move the right screw a little to the left."

Fred obliged. Belboz struggled against the tacky floor. It more difficult than trying to walk across a clay field after a rain, but Belboz did not want to ask Fred to make any more adjustments.

Once Belboz made it across, Menifee had a request - rotate the right screw further to the left. After Fred followed his orders, Menifee walked to the edge of the white marble, and sat, legs extended, with his palms down. He then forced a mighty push, and his body slid across the slate, with enough momentum to mount the little rise and go through the opening on the opposite side.

Fred thought a bit. It seemed that rotating the screw far to the left was slippery, and toward the right was tacky. If he adjusted the screw just right, perhaps he could get across without the difficulty that Belboz and Menifee had.

1. Fred tries to slide across like Menifee.
2. Fred tries to adjust the screw and walk across.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree