An Inescapable Conclusion

"Haven't you been listening to me, Harry? My quest is to prevent the book from ever being used again. It's too dangerous to use, even in a good cause like yours. The implication from what has happened to you, that it may have been discovered and used already, is very worrying."

"All right," I say. If he feels so strongly then I may have to be a little devious. If he can retrieve the book, then I'll be in with a chance of using it when his back is turned. I go on: "But please take me with you. I may be able to help you."

He looks at me dubiously. "I don't see how. But I can hardly leave you here alone, naked and on foot in the middle of nowhere. You wouldn't last five minutes. So you had better come with me until I can find some safe place where I can leave you. Which in this desolate region may take many days. My horse is over here. There's a spare shirt in my saddle-bag that could serve you as a dress.

Five minutes later I am wearing the shirt. Don is quite a big man, not fat but tall and muscular, so it is far too large on me and also reaches almost to my knees. It is made of coarse, greyish linen, so is none too comfortable. But I'm not complaining. It's far preferable to being naked.

1. Don puts me on his horse, sitting in front of him. He believes that the mercenaries are within a couple of hours journey and doesn't want to waste any time, especially given that he now believes that they may already have the book.
2. "When did you last eat?" Don asks. I reply that it was some time ago. "Then let's have a meal."
3. "You look tired and I'm tired nyself," Don says. "I've had a long day. We'll rest, and hopefully sleep, before moving on."

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree