AliceCamp_WritingTest3

{(set:$untied to 0) (set:$trustsyou to 0) (set:$suspectwitch to 0) (set:$persuasionroll to 0)(set:$intimidationroll to 0)(set:$insightroll to 0) (set:$insight to 0)(set:$intimidation to 0)(set:$persuasion to 0)}Your home is in the midst of a civil war. The rightful heir to the throne, Prince Edward, was deposed in a coup before his coronation—but thanks to your assistance, he has begun rallying a small resistance in the countryside. Who are you? [[The Knight->knight]] [[The Witch->witch]]

(set:$char to "knight")(set:$insight to 0)(set:$intimidation to 3)(set:$persuasion to 2)You are The Knight, Prince Edward's sworn protector. Your liege is renowned for his honor and chivalry, in no small part thanks to your efforts to keep his hands clean. You have served as a faithful companion and trusted confidant to the prince since you were boys, and you've grown into an unparalleled swordsman. You have thwarted his assassins, commanded his cavalry, and provided him counsel in war. When failure is not an option, he turns to you. [[Continue.->exposition]]

(set:$char to "witch")(set:$insight to 3)(set:$intimidation to 0)(set:$persuasion to 2)You are The Witch, the so-called left hand of the prince. Your liege is renowned as a pious man and a genius general -- but his unblemished battlefield record is neither the product of his strategic prowess, nor the divine will of God. It's you. In your guise as a humble woman of the cloth, you hide in plain sight. While you've long passed off your close proximity to the crown as religious counsel, the forces from which you derive your powers are anything but holy. Were the realm's subjects to learn the true provenance of Edward's success, it would devastate his legitimacy. But there is no guidance the prince values more than yours. [[Continue.->exposition]]

In your latest skirmish, you happen upon an unexpected windfall: Helena, the false king's daughter, waded into the battle and surrendered herself. Why she chose to do so is not clear; is her capture a valuable bargaining chip, or the prelude to trap? Either way, her presence could alter the course of the war entirely. Your liege has commanded you to escort this pretender princess to the nearest town under his control and guard her there until his forces can regroup. The prisoner is not to be harmed, and no one can learn of her identity. You are the only person the prince trusts to carry out this important mission. You must travel alone. [[Begin.->begin]]

`*`You ride half a day with your captive bound and gagged on the back of your horse. When time comes for you to rest, you find a secluded clearing deep in the woods to set up camp.`*` `*`While you're binding the young woman to the trunk of a tree, she manages to spit the gag from her mouth.`*` HELENA: (calm) What do you intend to do with me? 1. [[I am taking you somewhere safe to wait for word from the prince.->honest]] 2. [[I plan to butcher you for supper.->butcher]] 3. [[Keep your mouth shut.->shutup]] 4. [[I haven't decided yet. What would you suggest?->idk]] 5. [[*Don't answer.*->continue3]]

`*`Helena carefully scrutinizes your face as you answer, but doesn't respond.`*` 1. [[Continue.->continue3]]

`*`Helena narrows her eyes, but seems to take the command to heart for now.`*` 1. [[Continue.->continue3]]

HELENA: Let me go. 1. [[I can't. I have orders that I must follow.->continue3]] 2. [[Very funny.->continue3]] 3. [[Don't waste your breath.->continue3]] 4. [[*Ignore her.*->continue3]]

`*`With Helena securely tied to the tree, you go about the motions of setting up camp for the night. The young woman watches you almost unblinkingly as you start a small fire in the center of the clearing and begin preparing your rations to eat.`*` 1. [[Continue.->continue4]]

`*`Helena stares back at you with a blank expression, neither amused nor afraid.`*` 1. [[Continue.->continue3]]

`*`Your prisoner's carefully-guarded expression finally cracks when the smell of your dinner reaches her nose.`*` HELENA: I've not had a scrap to eat since dawn... 1. [[Then you must be terribly hungry.->refuse1]] 2. [[I have only supplies enough for myself.->refuse1]] 3. [[I can replace the gag, if you'd like.->refuse1]] 4. [[*Offer her half your meal.*->halfration]] 5. [[*Give her your entire ration.*->allration]] 6. [[*Pretend you didn't hear her.*->refuse1]]

`*`You portion out half of your dinner supplies and offer your prisoner something to eat.`*` HELENA: How generous. Thank you. *`[`She lifts up her bound wrists.`]`* Would you be so kind as to untie me? I wouldn't trouble you to feed me by hand. 1. [[*Untie her hands.*->untie]] 2. [[*Hand-feed her.*->handfeed1]] 3. [[Do you think I'm stupid? Just eat.->handfeed1]] 4. [[On second thought, I think I'll keep this for myself.->refuse2]]

`*`You offer your prisoner all the supplies you intended to eat for dinner.`*` HELENA: How generous. Thank you. *`[`She lifts up her bound wrists.`]`* Would you be so kind as to untie me? I wouldn't trouble you to feed me by hand. 1. [[*Untie her hands.*->untie]] 2. [[*Hand-feed her.*->handfeed1]] 3. [[Do you think I'm stupid? Just eat.->handfeed1]] 4. [[On second thought, I think I'll keep this for myself.->refuse2]]

`*`Helena stares at you so intently you can practically feel her eyes burning holes through your skull.`*` 1. [[*Offer her half your meal.*->halfration]] 2. [[*Give her your entire ration.*->allration]] 3. [[Stop that.->refuse2]] 4. [[*Ignore her.*->refuse2]] 5. [[I'm sorry, but I need my strength.->refuse2]]

`*`You disregard your prisoner's plaintive stare and eat your meal.`*` 1. [[Continue.->continue5]]

HELENA: That is true. 1. [[Then think twice before you test my patience again.->shutup2]] 2. [[Why did you surrender yourself to us?->questioning]] 3. [[It's time for bed.->ignore]]

HELENA: I have fallen into your captivity because it was the only path I saw to freedom. I preferred my chances as a prisoner of war to another day wasting away in the tower of the palace. 1. [[You wish to defect to our cause?->defect]] 2. [[What do you have to offer?->offerwhat]] 3. [[I'm not interested in your sob story.->refuseafterQ]] 4. [[What is so awful about your life at the palace?->questioning2]] 5. [[You can save whatever it is you have to say for the prince.->telltheprince]]

`*`You attempt to lift food to Helena's mouth. She looks *pissed*.`*` HELENA: You *cannot* be serious. 1. [[It's this or nothing.->handfeed2]] 2. [[Fine. I'll let you starve, then.->refuse2]] 3. [[All right, I'll untie you.->untie]]

(set:$untied to 1)`*`Helena rubs at her wrists gratefully, then reaches for the food. She wolfs it down voraciously.`*` 1. [[Continue.->continue5]]

`*`After dinner, you tidy up the campsite. Helena watches you, still bound securely to the trunk of a tree.`*` HELENA: (if:$char is "knight")[Your prince must have tremendous faith in you, sending you to escort a young woman all alone.](else:)[Your prince must think very little of my capabilities, if you're all he's sent to escort me.] 1. (if:$char is "knight")[[[He does. And I would never betray that trust.->honorable]]](else:)[[[You've given him little reason to think you capable of anything.->underestimate]]] 2. (if:$char is "knight")[[[Yes. Do not forget you are at my mercy.->incapable]]](else:)[[[You underestimate me yourself.->underestimate]]] 3. [[Don't make me tell you to be quiet again.->shutup2]] 4. [[Why did you surrender yourself to us?->questioning]] 5. [[*Ignore her.*->ignore]]

HELENA: How noble. 1. [[Don't make me tell you to be quiet again.->shutup2]] 2. [[Why did you surrender yourself to us?->questioning]] 3. [[*Ignore her.*->ignore]]

HELENA: You may assume me frail and sheltered, but I'll have you know that I received as rigorous a martial tutelage as any of my brothers. I am no ordinary woman. 1. [[Neither am I.->underestimate2]] 2. [[I've certainly never seen an ordinary woman so inclined to throw herself to the wolves.->questioning]] 3. [[Then why did you surrender yourself to us?->questioning]] 4. [[Hold your tongue, or I'll silence you myself.->shutup2]]

HELENA: ... You don't care to ask why I gave myself over? 1. [[No.->ignore2]] 2. [[Tell me, then, if you wish me to know so badly.->questioning]] 3. [[*Ignore her.*->ignore2]]

`*`Helena glares up at you with an utterly hateful expression as you feed her dinner piece by piece.`*` 1. [[Continue.->continue5]]

HELENA: (smiling) Or you'll do... what? I can't imagine your honorable young prince would be pleased to learn I've been harmed. 1. [[You're right. He wouldn't be.->backdown]] 2. [[Why did you surrender yourself to us?->questioning]] 3. [[*Ignore her.*->ignore]] 4. [[The prince isn't here. I can do whatever I wish to you.->threaten1]]

`*`Your prisoner grows frustrated with your disinterest.`*` HELENA: I would bargain for my freedom, if you'll hear what I have to say. 1. [[Listening to you was not one of my orders.->refuse]] 2. [[What do you have to say, then?->questioning]] 3. [[*Ignore her.*->refuse]] 4. [[I don't trust you.->refuse]] 5. [[No.->refuse]]

`*`Helena thrashes against the rope binding her to the tree, but it does her little good.`*` HELENA: I won't suffer life as a prisoner any longer. Let me go, or I'll bite my own tongue and free myself. 1. [[Be my guest.->bitetongue]] 2. [[Please don't do that.->stopit]] 3. [[All right, fine. I'll hear you out.->questioning]] 4. [[You can make your case to the prince when we reach town in the morning.->telltheprince]] 5. [[No need to go through all that trouble. *(Stab her)*->stab]] 6. [[*Ignore her.*->bitetongue]] 7. [[*Gag her.*->gag]] 8. [[*Free her.*->release]] (if:$char is "witch")[9. [[(Magic) *Put her to sleep.*->witchsleep]]]

(if:$untied is 0)[`*`She wasn't bluffing. Helena bites down on her own tongue, hard. It takes a long time for her to bleed to death, but she's so determined to die that there's not much you can do to stop her.`*` `*`This is going to be very difficult to explain to the prince.`*` [[Start over.->choosechar]]](else:)[`*`...But she doesn't do anything. You called her bluff.`*` HELENA: ... 1. [[I'm going to sleep. Goodnight.->rest]] 2. [[*Gag her.*->gag]] 3. [[Worthless coward. *(Kill her)*->stab]] 4. [[Release her.->release]]]

HELENA: Then listen to me! 1. [[No.->bitetongue]] 2. [[Fine. I'll hear you out.->questioning]] 3. [[*Ignore her.*->bitetongue]] 4. [[*Gag her.*->gag]] 5. [[You can make your case to the prince when we reach town in the morning.->telltheprince]] 6. [[*Release her.*->release]] (if:$char is "witch")[7. [[(Magic) *Put her to sleep.*->witchsleep]]]

HELENA: `(`laughs`)` Oh, is that so? Has God blessed those thin wrists of yours, good sister? 1. [[Yes.->backdown]] 2. [[Quite the opposite.->underestimate3]] 3. [[Do not mock me. I can hurt you in ways you cannot even imagine.->threaten1]] 4. [[*Say nothing.*->backdown]] 5. [[(Magic) *Show her what you're capable of.*->magicthreat1]]

`*`Helena's smile gets even bigger.`*` HELENA: Oh? And what is it you'll do to me? 1. [[Kill you. Easily.->threaten2]] 2. [[*Back down.*->backdown]] 3. [[*Draw a blade and approach her.*->threaten2]] 4. (if:$untied is 1)[[[I could make you my *plaything*.->sketchy1]]](else:)[[[I could make you my *plaything*.->sketchytied]]] (if:$char is "witch")[5. [[(Magic) *Show her what you're capable of.*->magicthreat1]]]

`*`Helena's grin falters as she puts two and two together.`*` HELENA: You don't mean... 1. [[I meant nothing. Don't let your imagination run wild.->suspectwitch]] 2. [[Think what you will.->suspectwitch]] 3. [[Yes. I am a wicked demoness, come to sow pestilence throughout God's kingdom.->suspectwitch]] 4. [[*Say nothing.*->suspectwitch]] 5. [[(Magic) *Show her what you're capable of.*->magicthreat1]]

`*`You've had enough. You mutter an incantation under your breath, rendering Helena unconscious immediately.`*` `*`You've bought yourself some peace and quiet until the morning.`*` (if:$untied is 1)[`*`...Or so you think.`*` 1. [[Continue.->untiedescape]]](else:)[[[Start over.->choosechar]]]

`*`Helena's eyes grow to the size of saucers as you project howling gales of dark energy into the air. The young woman's bravado evaporates in an instant, replaced by pure terror.`*` HELENA: Wh-What? I -- Y-You're -- you -- you're a -- *witch!* 1. [[Think twice before you test my patience again.->witchexposed]] 2. [[Astute observation.->witchexposed]] 3. [[Yes, I am.->witchexposed]] 4. [[*Back down.*->witchexposed]]

`*`Helena's grin twists into a crazed rictus.`*` HELENA: Do it. Do it. *Do it. Kill me!* 1. [[Good Lord, what is wrong with you?->backdown]] 2. [[*Stab her to death.*->stab]] 3. [[*Back down.*->backdown]] 4. [[*Cut her loose.*->release]] (if:$char is "witch")[5. [[(Magic) *Show her what you're capable of.*->magicthreat1]]]

`*`The way Helena smiles back at you is very discomforting.`*` HELENA: I would bargain for my freedom, if you'll hear what I have to say. 1. [[No.->refuse]] 2. [[All right. I'm listening.->questioning]] 3. [[It's not my decision. Make your case to the prince when we reach town in the morning.->telltheprince]]

`*`You stab your captive a dozen times with your blade. She cries out in pain, but there is no one around to hear her pleas. Before long, the light is gone from her eyes.`*` `*`The prince is *not* going to be happy about this.`*` [[Start over.->choosechar]]

`*`You've had enough. You stuff another gag into Helena's mouth -- and this time, you make sure she can't spit it out.`*` `*`Eventually, she gives up groaning and thrashing and falls asleep. You've bought yourself some peace and quiet until the morning.`*` (if:$untied is 1)[`*`...Or so you think.`*` 1. [[Continue.->untiedescape]]](else:)[[[Start over.->choosechar]]]

(set:$suspectwitch to 2)`*`Helena narrows her eyes.`*` `*`Arousing her suspicion may not have been the wisest of your decisions. If anyone were to learn that Prince Edward heeds counsel from a practitioner of the black arts...`*` 1. [[*You have no choice but to silence her. Permanently.*->stab]] 2. [[*She has no proof of anything. Let it drop.*->backdown]] 3. [[(Magic) *Put her to sleep and hope she remembers what she's seen as a nightmare.*->witchsleep]]

`*`Helena twists and thrashes against the rope binding her to the tree, crazed with fear. There's no hope of conversing with her any further in this state.`*` `*`Threatening her in this way may not have been the wisest of your decisions. If anyone were to learn that Prince Edward heeds counsel from a practitioner of the black arts...`*` 1. [[*You have no choice but to silence her. Permanently.*->stab]] 2. [[*She'll sound like a madwoman. Let her tire herself out and go to bed.*->witchrest]] 3. [[(Magic) *Put her to sleep and hope she writes it off as a nightmare.*->witchsleep]]

`*`You leave Helena to her howling and thrashing. Eventually, she runs out of steam and falls asleep. You've bought yourself some peace and quiet until the morning.`*` (if:$untied is 1)[`*`...Or so you think.`*` 1. [[Continue.->untiedescape]]](else:)[[[Start over.->choosechar]]]

`*`When next you wake, you find that your prisoner has slipped her restraints and disappeared entirely. Perhaps you should've thought twice about unbinding her hands.`*` [[Start over.->choosechar]]

`*`Helena withdraws.`*` HELENA: ... My father is every bit the tyrant he seems. 1. [[Whose father isn't?->rude]] 2. [[Does he hurt you?->goon]] 3. [[I'm sorry. I won't push if you don't wish to say more.->nice]] 4. [[Hurry up and get to the point already.->rude]] 5. [[*Let her talk.*->goon]]

HELENA: There is no price I would not pay. I could tell you my father's schedules, map the patrol routes of his guards. I would be an invaluable asset to your campaign. 1. [[Why do you despise your father so?->questioning2]] 2. [[I'm not interested in bargaining with you.->refuseafterQ]] 3. [[I'm sure the prince would be pleased. But what will you give *me*?->offerme]] 4. [[You can let the prince know when you meet. Don't bother trying to persuade me.->telltheprince]]

HELENA: *Defect?* No. Do not mistake my desperation for love for your master. 1. [[What is it that's pushed you to such desperation?->questioning2]] 2. [[What do you have to offer?->offerwhat]] 3. [[I'm not interested in your sob story.->refuseafterQ]]

(set:$persuasionroll to (random:1,6) - $suspectwitch + $persuasion)HELENA: You expect me to believe he'll set me free? 1. (if:$persuasionroll > 5)[[[(Persuasion) Yes. Prince Edward is a good man.->persuasionwin]]](else:)[[[(Persuasion) Yes. Prince Edward is a good man.->persuasionfail]]] 2. [[Only if you aren't more use to him as a captive.->hewont]] 3. [[I can't know what he'll do.->hewont]] 4. [[I don't care what he does with you, frankly.->hewont]] 5. [[Of course he won't. But he will not be cruel to you.->hewont]]

(set:$intimidationroll to (random:1,6) + $suspectwitch + $intimidation)HELENA: Coin, if you want it. I stole from the coffers and stashed my take before I fled the palace -- free me now and I'll tell you where I've left it. If you choose to keep it to yourself... Well, your prince need not ever know. 1. (if:$intimidationroll > 5)[[[(Intimidation) Tell me where the coin is first, or I'll beat it out of you.->intimidationwin]]](else:)[[[(Intimidation) Tell me where the coin is first, or I'll beat it out of you.->intimidationfail]]] 2. [[You have a deal.->deal]] 3. [[I have no interest in coin.->nodeal]] 4. [[No.->refuseafterQ]] 5. [[What is it that's pushed you to such desperation?->questioning2]]

(FAILURE!) `*`Helena withdraws, guarded. She doesn't believe you.`*` HELENA: I can't bear to depend upon the benevolence of men any longer. If you don't let me go now, I'll bite my tongue and end it myself. 1. [[Be my guest.->bitetongue]] 2. [[No need to go through all that trouble. *(Stab her)*->stab]] 3. [[*Gag her.*->gag]] 4. [[*Free her.*->release]] (if:$char is "witch")[5. [[(Magic) *Put her to sleep.*->witchsleep]]]

(set:$trustsyou to 1)(SUCCESS!) `*`Helena falls silent for a time, carefully considering her options.`*` HELENA: ... All right. I'll go along quietly and hear what your liege has to say, then. 1. [[Good. Now we should both get some rest.->rest]] 2. [[You don't have a choice either way.->nochoice]] 3. [[*Go to bed without saying anything more.*->rest]]

`*`Helena withdraws, guarded. She doesn't trust you.`*` HELENA: I can't bear to depend upon the benevolence of men any longer. If you won't let me go now, I'll end my suffering myself. 1. [[Be my guest.->bitetongue]] 2. [[No need to go through all that trouble. *(Stab her)*->stab]] 3. [[*Gag her.*->gag]] 4. [[*Free her.*->release]] (if:$char is "witch")[5. [[(Magic) *Put her to sleep.*->witchsleep]]]

`*`Helena grows increasingly agitated, squirming against the ropes binding her to the tree.`*` HELENA: I've had enough. If you don't free me now, I'll end my own suffering! 1. [[Be my guest.->bitetongue]] 2. [[Please don't do that.->stopitalt]] 3. [[You can make your case to the prince when we reach town in the morning.->telltheprince]] 4. [[Fine, fine. Tell me what's so bad about the palace.->questioning2]] 5. [[No need to go through all that trouble. *(Stab her)*->stab]] 6. [[*Gag her.*->gag]] 7. [[*Free her.*->release]] (if:$char is "witch")[8. [[(Magic) *Put her to sleep.*->witchsleep]]]

HELENA: Then release me! 1. [[No.->bitetongue]] 2. [[*Gag her.*->gag]] 3. [[*Set her free.*->release]] 4. [[Fine, fine. Tell me what's so bad about the palace.->questioning2]] (if:$char is "witch")[5. [[(Magic) Put her to sleep.->witchsleep]]]

`*`You cut the ropes binding your captive to the tree. Helena is initially too shocked to react.`*` HELENA: What? You're really... `*`But she thinks better of dawdling for long. She's on her feet and running for the trees before you can say another word.`*` [[Start over.->choosechar]]

`*`You leave Helena to turn in for the night. You've bought yourself some peace and quiet until the morning.`*` (if:$untied is 1 and $trustsyou is 0)[`*`...Or so you think.`*` 1. [[Continue.->untiedescape]]](else:)[[[Start over.->choosechar]]]

(set:$trustsyou to 0)`*`Helena frowns at your response, but says nothing else in return.`*` 1. [[Continue.->rest]]

`*`You step forward and draw a blade to cut through the ropes binding your captive. She seems genuinely grateful.`*` HELENA: I buried the cache beneath the magnolia tree in the palace garden and marked the spot with a dark stone. It won't be hard to spot if you know to look for it. 1. [[Thanks. *(Stab her)*->stabuntied]] 2. [[Thanks. *(Let her go)*->releasedeal]]

HELENA: Then perhaps there is... *something else* I could do for you? 1. [[What? I'm not a monster.->nodeal2]] 2. [[No thank you.->nodeal2]] 3. (if:$untied is 1)[[[Well, if you're offering...->sketchy1]]](else:)[[[Well, if you're offering...->sketchytied]]] 4. [[Disgusting. Don't embarrass yourself.->nodeal2]]

`*`You take Helena by surprise, impaling her with your blade. She stares dumbstruck at the wound in her belly, then collapses to the ground. Another few stabs and it's not long before she's dead.`*` `*`Well, now you're going to have to figure out how to explain this to the prince.`*` [[Start over.->choosechar]]

(SUCCESS!) `*`Helena flinches away at your threat.`*` HELENA: I buried the cache beneath the magnolia tree in the palace garden and marked the spot with a dark stone. It won't be hard to spot if you know to look for it. 1. [[I can't just take you at your word.->nodeal]] 2. [[Eh? Then it can't be that much. I'm not interested in that.->nodeal]] 3. [[Thanks. I won't be releasing you, though.->refuseafterQ]] 4. [[*Let her go.*->release]]

HELENA: (scowling) Do you believe me to be an utter dimwit? 1. [[Yes.->refuseafterQ]] 2. [[Fine, I'll free you if you tell me.->deal]] 3. [[I'm not interested in your coin anyway.->nodeal2]] 4. [[I meant no offense.->refuseafterQ]] 5. [[*Hit her.*->refuseafterQ]]

`*`Freed, Helena runs for the trees.`*` [[Start over.->choosechar]]

`*`Helena huffs in exasperation.`*` HELENA: Then tell me what *will* persuade you to release me! 1. [[Nothing.->refuseafterQ]] 2. [[Tell me why you wish to flee the palace so badly.->questioning2]] 3. [[My opinion is irrelevant. You can make your case to the prince.->telltheprince]]

(set:$insightroll to (random:1,6) + $insight)(set:$untied to 1)`*`Helena smiles and bats her eyelashes.`*` HELENA: My, my... Come here, darling. I'll take good care of you. (if:$insightroll >5)[`(`Insight: SUCCESS!`)` (if:$char is "knight")[She's going to bite your todger off. Don't do it.](else:)[This is NOT a good idea. Don't do it.]](else:)[`(`Insight: FAILURE!`)`] 1. [[*Let her have at it.*->sketchy2]] 2. [[Wait, what? You mean... Whoa, hold on a minute.->dumb]] 3. [[Pfft, I wasn't being serious. Don't flatter yourself.->nodeal2]] 4. [[On second thought, no thank you.->nodeal2]] (if:$insightroll >5)[5. (if:$char is "knight")[[[Forget about it. I know you're going to bite my todger off.->nodeal2]]](else:)[[[I'm not *stupid.*->nodeal2]]]]

`*`Your captive lifts up her bound wrists.`*` HELENA: Oh, you want me? Then cut these ropes. I'll make it worth your while. 1. [[*Cut the rope tied around her wrists.*->sketchy1]] 2. [[No.->refuseafterQ]] 3. [[Wait, what? You mean... Whoa, hold on a minute.->dumb]]

HELENA: Eh? What the hell did you *think* we were talking about, then? 1. [[Sorry. I'm not very perceptive.->nodeal2]] 2. [[I was just messing with you.->nodeal2]] 3. [[*Shrug.*->nodeal2]] 4. [[Nevermind. Tell me why you wish to flee the palace so badly.->questioning2]]

`*`Helena fixes you with a sultry leer as she draws you in and works you out of your trousers. You close your eyes and prepare to enjoy yourself...`*` 1. [[Continue.->bitoff]]

`*`...And then blinding pain erupts between your legs.`*` (if:$char is "knight")[`*`You look down to find your prisoner spitting a bloody chunk of *something* onto the ground.`*` `*`You're in too much shock to react. Helena manages to steal away your blade, and before the next thought can pass through your skull, she drives it right into your ribs.`*`](else:)[`*`You look down to find that your prisoner has managed to steal away your hidden knife and stick it inside just about the last place you would like to find such an object.`*` `*`You're in too much shock to react. Before the next thought can pass through your skull, Helena drives the blade right into your ribs.`*`] `*`It's over for you.`*` [[Start over.->choosechar]]

HELENA: (dry) I appreciate your sympathy. 1. [[Continue.->goon]]

HELENA: No, no, it's all right. Though I appreciate your concern. 1. [[Continue.->goon]]

HELENA: My father subjects all his children to unbearable torment. Beatings, humiliation, and worse. But I am his *"favorite,"* a distinction which does not privilege me with what I would describe as *preferential treatment*. 1. [[That's terrible. I'm sorry.->sorry]] 2. [[How do I know this isn't just some tall tale?->doubt]] 3. [[That's too bad. But I'm not releasing you.->refuseafterQ2]] 4. [[The prince isn't like that. You have nothing to fear from him.->telltheprince]] 5. [[Did your father send you to try to trick us?->trick]] (if:$wheregoread is 1)[6. [[If I release you, what will you do?->thenwhat]]]

HELENA: Thank you for your sympathy. Now I beg for your mercy. Release me. 1. [[I'm sorry, but I can't let you go.->refuseafterQ2]] 2. [[Tell the prince your story. He will help you.->telltheprince]] 3. [[*Set her free.*->release]] 4. [[I need some kind of proof of your story.->doubt2]] 5. [[If I release you, what will you do?->thenwhat]]

`*`Helena stares back at you unflinchingly.`*` HELENA: You don't. 1. [[I'm sorry, but I can't let you go.->refuseafterQ2]] 2. [[Tell the prince your story. He will help you.->telltheprince]] 3. [[You're going to have to give me something better than that.->doubt2]] 4. [[Fine. I'll release you.->release]] 5. [[If I release you, what will you do?->thenwhat]]

HELENA: (laughs) No, no. I assure you that my dear father would never trust me with such a delicate task. Far beyond my simple ability, he would no doubt insist. 1. [[I'm sorry, but I can't let you go.->refuseafterQ2]] 2. [[Tell the prince your story. He will help you.->telltheprince]] 3. [[You're going to have to give me something better than that.->doubt2]] 4. [[I don't believe you.->doubt2]] 5. [[Fine. I'll release you.->release]] 6. [[If I release you, what will you do?->thenwhat]]

`*`Your prisoner has reached the limit of her patience. She's fighting hard against the ropes, accomplishing little but hurting herself in the process.`*` HELENA: Let me go! Let me go *now*, or I'll end it myself! 1. [[No. I'm not letting you go.->bitetongue]] 2. [[Tell your story to the prince when we reach town in the morning.->telltheprince]] 3. [[No need to go through all that trouble. *(Stab her)*->stab]] 4. [[*Gag her.*->gag]] 5. [[*Free her.*->release]] (if:$char is "witch")[6. [[(Magic) *Put her to sleep.*->witchsleep]]]

HELENA: Shall I strip and show you the scars? 1. [[Any sort of evidence that what you've told me is true would help, yes.->doubt3]] 2. [[Forget it. I'll free you.->release]] 3. [[That won't be necessary. I can't let you go.->refuseafterQ2]] 4. [[You should show the prince instead.->telltheprince]]

HELENA: Then cut away the top of my blouse. You'll see. `*`You draw a blade and step forward to slice through the ties holding her shirt closed. The fabric slips off her shoulder to reveal a gruesome expanse of scar tissue crawling across her collar.`*` HELENA: So? Do you believe I have faked this as well? 1. [[You look like you've been mauled by an animal.->animal]] 2. [[I'm sorry I that doubted you.->sorry2]] 3. [[I still can't let you go.->refuseafterQ2]] 4. [[Show this to the prince. He'll help you.->telltheprince]] 5. [[Those could be from anything.->refuseafterQ2]]

HELENA: One of the many indignities to which I have been subjected. 1. [[That's monstrous!->monstrous]] 2. [[I'm sorry I that doubted you.->sorry2]] 3. [[I still can't let you go.->refuseafterQ2]] 4. [[Show this to the prince. He'll help you.->telltheprince]] 5. [[I've seen worse. Get over it.->refuseafterQ2]] 6. [[*Release her.*->release]]

HELENA: What I do or where I go is of no consequence to you. Your prince is free to spread word of my death, if that will settle the question of my claim to the throne—I'll be as good as a ghost. 1. [[How do I know this isn't a trick?->doubt2]] 2. [[I don't believe you.->doubt2]] 3. [[No. I won't free you.->refuseafterQ2]] 4. [[Argue your case to the prince.->telltheprince]] 5. [[Fine. I'll release you.->release]]

HELENA: Thank you for saying so. I promise that I will forget anything you have done to insult me the moment you set me free. 1. [[I still can't let you go.->refuseafterQ2]] 2. [[Show this to the prince. He'll help you.->telltheprince]] 3. [[I've seen worse. Get over it.->refuseafterQ2]] 4. [[*Release her.*->release]]

HELENA: Yes, it is. *Now* do you understand why I wish to flee so badly? 1. [[I'm sorry I that doubted you.->sorry2]] 2. [[I still can't let you go.->refuseafterQ2]] 3. [[Show this to the prince. He'll help you.->telltheprince]] 4. [[I've seen worse. Get over it.->refuseafterQ2]] 5. [[*Release her.*->release]]