No Alternative

"But if we are to succeed, then we are going to need a proper briefing," Astra pointed out. "So far, beyond telling us that we are to go two weeks into the future and bring back this Horace, and that it will be very dangerous and demanding, you have told us nothing. We need to know how we are to find him and what hazards we need to be prepared to meet."

"Yes," Fred said. "Also, I'd like to know why you can't just wait two weeks and then get him yourself."

"Because I don't need Horace in two weeks time," the Snark replied. "I need him by at the latest four days from now. You see, Horace and I have been invited to dinner with the king of the centaurs in four days time. I can't possibly turn up alone without at best incurring a massive loss of face; at worst, I could be suspected of having murdered Horace. And centaur justice works fast. I could easily be tried, convicted and executed before another ten days had passed. That's why my enemies, who don't approve of inter-species relationships, kidnapped him and took him to the future."

"Can't you just tell the king what has happened?" Fred asked.

"He wouldn't believe me. No, you must rescue Horace and bring him back."

"So, how do we get to the future and, having got there, how do we return once we have rescued Horace?" Astra wanted to know.

"You will each be given a magic bracelet that permits time travel in both directions over a two week period. Don't even think of coming back without him, or I shall carry out my threat. Now, as to where he is being held, and the dangers you will face...

1. "I believe that he is being held - will be held - in my enemies' headquarters, a castle not far from here."
2. "I can't be sure where he will be held. You will need to start by doing some reconnaissance."

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