The Curse of the Vault - Returning for Help

Note: This is a portion of a multi-blog "Choose Your Own Adventure"-type story. The story begins here!

Making your decision, you secure the parchment in the pouch on your belt, you turn and make your way back down the hill, pausing only momentarily as something almost voice-like wafts down on the breeze. It's an unnerving sound, but time is of the essence, and you feel as though these runes are somehow tied to what's happening in the village.

A few moments later, you step into the village commons. The villagers are out, milling about and completing their daily errands. Twilight is a few hours away, so you know you have some time. The mother of one of the affected children is sobbing next to a cart of produce. You walk over to her and place a hand on her shoulder. She starts, then begins to dry the tears on her face with her apron.

"Ah, dear sir. My apologies for such an unbecoming state," she says, her voice still hitching slightly with barely-contained sobs.

You nod. "Worry not, m'lady. I know this cannot be easy for you. Is there anything you can tell me that might shed light on what's happening to the children of the village?"

She shakes her head, and her eyes well up with fresh tears. "No, sir. I can tell you nothing more than what I'm sure you've already heard: my son went out a few days ago to play with his friends, and when he returned he was alone. Alone and changed. He comes and goes as he pleases, and it's nearly more of a relief when he's gone, as I'm no longer able to sleep for the fear of what he is becoming." She bursts into fresh sobs. Knowing there's nothing you can say to calm or comfort, you press on. Doubtless, the parents of the children of the village are all going to share similar stories. No one seems to know what HAS caused the change to the children...so you need to find someone who knows what CAN.

The library of Heirin the Sage is a few minutes' walk from the village square. Perhaps he can help you. You stride off, determined to speak to the elderly historian, when you see a small form skulking in the shadows next to the village wall.

Do you:

Continue on to Heirin, ignoring the shadowy figure; (unclaimed)

or

Detour from your mission to investigate? (unclaimed)





If you want to join in, post that you will claim one of the links above and it will be flagged as taken on a first come, first served basis. When you have posted your entry, leave a comment and I will link it to your site. Your post should contain two or more hooks at the bottom which can then be claimed be other writers, and so it goes on.