"YOU are the hero" : The Fate of Faraway 101

101

You are part of the queen's elite guard, selected from among the finest female warriors of the noble houses.

Having learned that her husband had sent one of his knights to deal with the dragon problem, your liege ordered you to get there first and retrieve the treasure—or rather, eliminate the threat before your rival. This way, the prestige (and the treasure) would belong to the queen's house, a feat her proud husband would be forced to acknowledge and honor.

The political leverage thus gained would allow your liege to pressure the assembly and the king to oust the Grand Vizier Jafpalpar, whom she despised.

Unfortunately, it was impossible to have you accompanied without arousing suspicion, but the queen has no doubt that your exceptional skills will ensure the success of your mission.

You take a postal goat to the relay station near Faraway, the human kingdom under the lizard's control. Taking care to conceal your signet ring, whose parallel coats of arms—those of your noble family and your liege lord—would reveal your identity, you enter the dining hall.

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A dozen soldiers and a few travelers are seated happily, drinking beers while awaiting the arrival of their als. They don't hesitate to boast about their upcoming title of dragon slayer, and you realize you've caught up to your rivals.

Under the pretext of seeking out the restrooms, you leave the common area. Instead of taking the indicated door, you stealthily slip into the kitchen, taking advantage of a mont when it's empty.

Spotting an enormous cauldron where whole quarters of at are boiling, you pour in the contents of a vial the queen had entrusted to you for such an occasion: morvablan, a harmless poison capable of confining an entire legion to bed for a month. The berries were scarce, but their use was worthwhile because their effect would give you enough ti to complete your mission before the king's henchn. It might not be entirely fair, but since there are several of them and you are alone, it's justifiable.

Satisfied, you discreetly leave the inn, taking a piece of bread with you for your al.

Continue on foot to 19.