The Future Revealed?

“You know what they say,” said Belboz V, “Power corrupts. And absolute power corrupts absolutely. After a failed assassination attempt you become paranoid and afraid. Anybody who questions your judgement is executed. Many innocent people die in your reign of terror, which includes horrific atrocities that you probably should not hear.”

”I’m not sure if I should believe you or not,” said Fred. “But I suppose this tale is why you are here.”

”Very astute,” noted Belboz. “My research has determined that the chain of events leading to the terrible future in which I live began today… with you slaying the Dragon. That event must not occur! The future…my present…depends on it!” Belboz gesticulated dramatically.

Fred shook his head skeptically. “I’ll assume for the moment that everything you say is true. But what’s to say that you aren’t dooming the world to a worse fate by allowing The Dragon to live?”

”That is a risk I am willing to take. If you fail in your quest, no doubt the King will send another one of his knights…such as Sir Toby Plain and Tall, or Sir Paulito the Handsome.”

”Ah,” countered Lord Fred, “but whose to say that they won’t be named heirs to the throne and spawn a reign even more heinous than mine, hmm?”

”That doesn’t concern you or me. That is the problem of the Belboz V that will live in the new, alternate future created if you don’t slay the Dragon. Your only worry right now is if you’ll come along with me now and agree not to slay him.”

Fred cocked an eyebrow. ”And if I refuse?”

”Than you shall die. I may not look powerful, but I assure you I have been specially trained in all of your fighting techniques, and could kill you quite easily.

Fred pondered his situation carefully. Even if Belboz was telling the truth, agreeing not to slay the dragon may not be the best course of action. Abandoning his quest was not to be taken lightly, and would likely result in the loss of Lord Fred’s title, land…and even his life! Of course, this supposed “time traveler” could be lying. Whose to say that he wasn’t an agent of the Dragon…or worse?

1. Fred agrees to abandon his quest.
2. Fred rejects Belboz’s proposal, and prepares for battle.
3. Fred and Belboz are unexpectedly interrupted!

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