Return to the Ampitheater

Fred replied, "They were small, Astra. I image that I could carry one back easily. I did not look, but they did not seem to be bound in place. I can try to bring back the one of the woman in the block of amber."

"Please do, if you could. I have a feeling that it could be something important. It seems that there is some magic loose - whether it is good or bad remains to be seen, but I am hopeful."

"It is spooky. The other two statues are excellent likenesses of Checkers and myself. Somebody is obviously taking an interest in us. I am being careful not to offend whatever powers those are. They have stocked the area outside the ampitheater with food, so I am hoping that they like us. Do you want me to bring something back to eat?"

"No. Strangely enough, I am not hungry at all. But you know ..." Then Astra paused.

"Yes, Astra?" asked Fred brightly.

"It seems silly, really very vain. I should not ask. But if you could find, say, a dragon sized chain of precious metal, that I could mount this spearpoint on, or some trinket that I could wear, it would be reassuring to me, somehow."

Fred smiled, and nodded. Astra continued, "I know that you might be thinking about the vanity of woman. And I am not normally like that - I have always despised collecting trinkets as an inconvenience - my petty vices have been engaging in activities like the hunt, gambling, or eating fine food. Maybe it has something to do with my new form."

"Well, the statues might be too heavy for Checkers." Fred turned to the Glider.

"Well, I did not see a lot of mobile treasure in the theater, but I could look for something."

Astra thanked them both, and then backed into the passage, allowing them both into the transformed caverns.

On their way into the ampitheater, Checkers noticed a large silver necklace, with turquoise stones. She lifted it.

"This would make a fine bracelet for Astra," she said.

"Do you have a coin to leave? I do not want those that may be behind this to think that we are plunderers."

"I have none," Checkers said. "I find it hard to believe that there is anybody here, but I do not need to take this, so I will leave it behind for now." Checkers thought that perhaps Fred was being superstitious, but what had occured here was well outside of her experience, so she could see the virtues of being careful.

Fred and Checkers entered the ampitheater. Fred went to the niche, and as he had guessed, the statue was mobile, although more difficult to carry than he expected. Checkers noticed, from one of the large statues, what appeared to be a golden rope hanging from its waist. It was quite tempting - it would make a fine necklace for Astra - just what she requested.

Fred called out to her - he was ready to go.

Checkers decided to

1. take the rope.
2. leave the rope.
3. take the rope, and leave an item from her pack behind as payment.

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