The Trick with the Gold Chest

"There are two closed chests and two empty chests," Fred observes. He hobbles toward the golden chest. It is both alluring and frightening. Etched in its metal are abstract, graceful curves. The chest did not show the signs of wear or corruption that he had seen on objects in other parts of the cave. But why had it not already been looted?

"Avia, is there a trap here?"

"I do not know, Fred."

Fred stares at the chest. Avia has an idea. "Fred, if it is trapped, it would be good not to be next to it. I think that you can pry it open with my spear. I am built for flying, and not for heavy lifting, so you might have a better chance with it. If something happens, we are farther away from whatever it is."

Fred can find no fault with her logic. He grabs the light but sturdy spear, and attempts to pry open the chest. However, the lid seems to be welded tight.

Neither Fred nor Avia knows any magic to open the chest. Fred examines the etching on the chest for clues on how to open it. Fred leans against the chest while examining some of the engraving when it slides a bit. This seems odd because if the chest were gold, it should not have slid that easily. It appears that there is a secret compartment under the chest. Fred pushes further against the chest, but the chest moves no further. Fred takes Avia's spear and pokes the compartment under the chest, until he hears a metallic click. He takes the pressure off his ankle by sitting on the ground, and uses the strength of his arms and chest to push the chest along the wall. He exposes a passage with a brass ladder leading down.

"This is interesting," declares Fred. "But can I get down the ladder with this leg?"

1. Fred and Avia try to find a way down the ladder.
2. Fred gives up and tries to open the blue chest.
3. Fred and Avia continue down the corridor.

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