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Indexing tasks...The Curse of DragonShrine

Pulling your overcoat tight around you neck gives you little comfort in the unforgiving weather.  In these parts the weather can take a turn for the worse in an instant, and has done so on this very night.  The horses try to keep a steady pace in the face of the howling wind, while you tuck your face low to lessen the sting of the bladed rain that pelts your rigid face.  It's a long ride back home, and you realize you should have cut your trip to the lake short hours ago.  

	 The lake was beautiful, as usual.  Often times you pick a nicely shaded area under a tree near the shore to clear your mind.  Writing comes natural, but every so often the words seem to be less fluent than usual.  Going to the lake helps to clear your mind.  It's always been your dream to get published, and you think you just might have something to shoot for this time.

	Lifting your eyes to the road ahead you can barely make out the silhouettes of two men, who are nearly impossible to see through the dense rain.  Youre not certain, but it looks like one has a pitchfork and they seem distraught.  Thinking they might be in need of help, you quickly pull the reins, ringing your team to a full stop.

"Aye, whats your trouble?" You ask, pulling your coat tight around the nape to keep the pelting rain from soaking you to the core.

"Were looking for my daughter.  She went off to the lake earlier and the storm came in and she hasnt made it back.  Her name is Jenny O'Brian, ave you seen her?" The shorter of the two men asks with streams of icy rain melting down his aged and wrinkled skin, while tightly gripping a torch that is barely keeping it's flame in the damp weather.

More

"No, sir.  Im just returning from the lake. Havent seen a soul.  Ill keep an eye out for ye though."  Startled by a nearby lightning strike you struggle to hold the horses steady.

	With a quick and sunned lurch, the taller of the men brings a pitchfork just inches from your rain soaked face.  With eyes wide you keep yourself still, "What it is the meaning of this?"

	The man reaches for a gold chain that dangles from your breast pocket and hands it to the other man. "This looks like Jennys necklace.  Whered you get this?!" The shorter of the two men yells over the thunder that echoes through the dark wood.

"Found it by the lake, sir.  I told you I hadnt seen anyone."

	The men are extremely agitated and it is clear they think youve harmed their daughter.  With a swipe of the pitchfork cutting the arm of your overcoat, you quickly yell, "Heeya! Heeyah," and strike the horses into motion with a lightning quick crack of your whip.

	The men are knocked into the mud and are barely able to clear themselves from the carriage, as the horses wildly set loose in the intense rain that beats the dark road and surrounding wood.

	"Well get you!" You hear faintly under the rumble of thunder as the horses carry you away from the two strangers that now give chase after you on the muddy road.

CRACK! 

	 Before you have time to react, the carriage bounces about wildly as the horses become disoriented after a nearby lightning strike just ahead brings a tree down in the road.  Unable to regain control the carriage is tossed on its side, throwing you off into the blackened woods.

"Stop! Youre going to tell me where my daughter is if it is your last breath!" A man yells, and it is clear they are getting closer.  You had better make your way to safety fast!  "Youre a dead man, Mister!"

In the woods

	
The sound of the pouring rain all but drowns out the yells of the two angry men that accuse you of knowing something about the missing girl.  The torch carried by one of the men is dimly visible through the thick growth of trees, struggling to stay lit under the abusive weather that beats the surroundings.  The trees creak and grown in displeasure as the chilling wind gusts, sending leaves astray and small twigs and branches tumbling to the ground.  It is really too dark to make out which directions are clear for passing, but you can barely make out that the muddy road is back to the east.  


 n
You move north.

Somewhere in the dark woods


	Tall trees surround you in every direction, towering above, seeming frightening in the face of lightning that threatens to reach down and strike once again.  The rain is pelting down like sharp shards of glass cutting at your already waterlogged skin.  Through the trees to the north, some sort of structure is visible when the sky lights.

 n
You move north.

Near an old castle wall


	A castle towers up above, but no entrance is seemingly visible on this side. It appears that this is the base of a tower that holds a large crack, showing its age.  The trees are thick all around, straining to keep upright in the powerful wind.  Beating down like stones falling from the heavens, the rain beats down on your drenched and clammy skin.  

Streaking across the sky like fiery dragons breath, the lighting allows the men on the road to gain your position and quickly break into a run in your direction.

"Get back here!  Where's my daughter....." his voice overtaken by a splitting crack of thunder.


 in
You quickly shove your body into a crack that creases along the edge of a tall tower, but quickly realise that your overcoat prevents your access.  Removing it as fast as you can, you toss your over coat into the woods and slide into the dark crack and feel along the wall until you are clear of the crack and the sound of the angry storm that hammers the land.

 feel wall
Feeling along the wall in darkness, you find nothing.

You feel around some more and discover a lever of some sort.

 pull lever
You pull the lever, but it doesn't seem to budge.  Using your body weight, you lean as hard as you can on the old lever.  With a loud crack, you feel it give way and cover your face as falling dust and bits of rock fall from the wall. A moment later the wall opens up to the east and you are able to move through, assumingly into the large castle.

Emerging into a dimly lit corridor, the wall closes behind you, leaving no trace of the passage you just occupied.



West Corridor


Flickering light from infrequently placed torches dance about the old walls of the stone corridor that runs north and south from here.  The western wall, from whence you entered the castle, shows no sign of being opened.  Easily visible from the placement of a nearby torch, a door lies to the east.  

 z
Time passes...

 z
Time passes...


A chilling rush of air moves past you as you catch a glimpse of something just around the corner.

Following what you believe to be is a person, who may be able to help you, you find yourself standing in the well lit kitchen of the castle.  A white figure hovers nearby, looking at you curiously.  In a state of shock, you are unable to move because you have never seen such a thing in all the days of your life.  She is a ghost.

You must save Dragon Shrine.  That is your only hope.

You get the distinct impression that the figure is well aware of your circumstances.

 x table

Two long tables run halfway across the large kitchen.  It is likely they could hold enough food for a couple hundred people.  A small candle is on the table.

 take candle
You take the small candle from the table.  

A long time ago, two worlds existed side by side in peace.  A world of magical dragons, and the world of man.  Unrest and evil in the world of man forced the dragon world to conjure a great spell that would hide them from the world of man.  The spell was so great, it left the dragon world weak and many of the dragons died because of this.  The woman hovers around you for a moment, seeking your undivided attention.

The father of a young man had discovered this secret world, but was unable to gain the secrets that would break the spell.  After his death, his son, Master Dracon, continued the work of his father.  He was to build a shrine to the dragon world and offer a sacrifice.  This would give him immortality and power to rule over the dragon world.

The dragons had enough strength to place a  curse on the lake of Loch-Be-Dracon.  The first sacrifice would summon the first born daughters of every family across the land, at the age of sixteen, to the lake, where they would die- and their spirits would haunt the lake, luring the next.  Saddened with her own words, the young spirit turns away.


 light candle

Using a nearby torch, you light the small candle.

 s
You move south.

Great Hall



A flurry of movement on the long table that runs the length of the Great Hall draws your attention.  Benches replace chairs along side the drawn-out  table, likely able to hold nearly a hundred guests.  Toward the north end of the long table sits an ornate chair, carved of some kind of exotic wood.  Tapestries and paintings line the walls to either side, torches placed between to light the massive room.  Open doorways lead north and south from the Great Hall.



The ghost of a young woman hovers nearby; now and then parts of her disappear through the wall.  A ghost hovers in from the north.

 x table
The table is quite long, running the length of the Great Hall.  Large rats scurry about the table, searching for any remnants of feed that may have been left behind.  Though the carcass of  a fowl sits, picked clean, the rats are hopeful that it still holds some nourishment to contain their appetite.   The green potion is on the long table.  

As the spirits of Loch-Bel-Dracon grow, so does the restlessness of the dragon world. They are weak.  The had hoped that by placing a curse on the lake that someone would discover the curse and stop it.  By using the same potion and a special ingredient, and following the steps that Master Dracon had to become immortal, the curse could be lifted, and Master Dracon brought to justice.

The body of the last victim must be placed on the shrine.  She must then be given the correct potion.  Then reading from the scroll, Master Dracon will be forced back to the world of man.  He can only return and the curse continued if he is able to kill the victim that was brought back to life a second time.  This will merge the two worlds, giving Master Dracon eternal immortality and allow him to rule over both worlds.

If the victim is given the correct potion and regains consciousness before Master Dracon is able to kill her, he will become full mortal-assuming the age he was at the time the curse was fist placed.  He will be at the mercy of man, and his fate decided by his peers.


 take potion
You take the green potion from the long table.

 s
You move south.

Gallery


A large ornate rug runs the length of the long gallery, ending at the large archway to the north and to the south.  To each side there are six marble pedestals topped with a dragon statue, each one different from the next.  Above each statue a torch mounts the wall, giving the room ample light.  Between each torch is a painting, most of which appear to be of the castle or surrounding areas. Only one of the paintings appears to be a portrait.  

The ghost of a young woman hovers nearby; now and then parts of her disappear through the wall.  A ghost hovers in from the north.

 s
You move south.

Entrance Hall


Magnificent stone staircases rise up from both the eastern and western walls to meet a balcony at the top that overlooks the Entrance Hall.  A large open archway leads north, while smaller arched doorways lead east and west, just under the stone steps.  At the bottom of each staircase is a very large Wyvern dragon statue, nearly twice the height of the average man.  Beneath the balcony, near the open archway to the north, is a suit of armor standing guard to what lies beyond.  The large main door to the castle lies to the south.  

The ghost of a young woman hovers nearby; now and then parts of her disappear through the wall.  A ghost hovers in from the north.  

You must bring the body of the last victim to the shrine and give her the potion.  Read the incantation from the scroll.   I must return to the lake, for I am too weak to stay.  Your fate is sealed.  If you leave the castle, you will die.  If you want to live, you must end the curse of Dragon Shrine.  You will find a candle in the kitchen.  It will bring light to your dark world.

With a blast of freezing air, the young woman disappears through the wall.


 w
You move west.

South Corridor West


Leading east and northwest, the corridor is fairly dark, lit by a couple of widely spaced torches.  Enough light is present to make a narrow wooden door on the north wall visible.

 n
You move north.

SW Chamber


The chamber is completely empty. It looks like one of the stone tiles is loose in the far corner of the chamber. There is a door to the west and to the south.  Also here is a clear bottle.

 take bottle
You take the clear bottle.

 move tile

You scrape away the edges of the tile and are able to move it far enough to see something is hidden beneath.  Unable to get the tile completely free, you reach in with the tip of your fingers and pull out something.  In the light, you can see that it is an old note.

 i
You are carrying a small candle, a poem, the green potion and a clear bottle.

 w
You move west.

SW Corridor


Leading to the southeast and north, the outer walls of the corridor house a few widely spaced torches that leave small patches of darkness.  A door on the eastern wall is visible.

 n
You move north.

West Corridor


Flickering light from infrequently placed torches dance about the old walls of the stone corridor that runs north and south from here.  The western wall, from whence you entered the castle, shows no sign of being opened.  Easily visible from the placement of a nearby torch, a door lies to the east.

 e
You move east.

Chapel


The chapel looks in disrepair.  The benches that would make seating have all been busted up and are now strewn about the room.  Their only purpose now would be for firewood.  On the far side of the room, a very large stained glass window fills the eastern wall. It appears to be illuminated somehow, but by what is unknown. The door is to the west.  Also here is the wood.

 take wood
You take the wood.

 w
You move west.

West Corridor


Flickering light from infrequently placed torches dance about the old walls of the stone corridor that runs north and south from here.  The western wall, from whence you entered the castle, shows no sign of being opened.  Easily visible from the placement of a nearby torch, a door lies to the east.

 s
You move south.

SW Corridor


Leading to the southeast and north, the outer walls of the corridor house a few widely spaced torches that leave small patches of darkness.  A door on the eastern wall is visible.

 se
You move southeast.

South Corridor West


Leading east and northwest, the corridor is fairly dark, lit by a couple of widely spaced torches.  Enough light is present to make a narrow wooden door on the north wall visible.

 e
You move east.

Entrance Hall


Magnificent stone staircases rise up from both the eastern and western walls to meet a balcony at the top that overlooks the Entrance Hall.  A large open archway leads north, while smaller arched doorways lead east and west, just under the stone steps.  At the bottom of each staircase is a very large Wyvern dragon statue, nearly twice the height of the average man.  Beneath the balcony, near the open archway to the north, is a suit of armor standing guard to what lies beyond.  The large main door to the castle lies to the south.

 up
You move up.

Balcony


The balcony overlooks the Entrance Hall below.  The pattern in the floor is quite visible now.  Two stone staircases wind their way down to the main floor, coming to a stop beside two very large wyvern dragon statues  A couple of torches are located on either side of the corridor, which leads north from here.

 read floor
It reads:

Seante livento morecado entern 

 n
You move north.

Corridor South


Torches line the wide corridor that runs north, and leads to the balcony to the south.  A tall, narrow door leads east while a open doorway lies west.

 e
You move east.

Bed Chamber


The bedchamber has long since been abandoned.  All that is left of the room's furnishing is an old bed that has been stripped of its coverings, and now lies in the center of the room with the remainder of a pile of straw that was left behind.  The door is to the west.

 x straw
The straw that is piled within the bedframe is old, dried, and very brittle.  A blue potion is inside the pile of straw.

 take potion
You take the blue potion from the pile of straw.

 w
You move west.

Corridor South


Torches line the wide corridor that runs north, and leads to the balcony to the south.  A tall, narrow door leads east while a open doorway lies west.

 n
You move north.

Corridor

The torch lined corridor leads north and south from here.  A tall, narrow door is to the west, while a wide door leads east.

 w
You move west.

Bed Chamber


The bedchamber is quite small, holding a nothing but an old bed frame.  A door to the east is the only exit.  An old piece of linen is lying on the floor.

 take linen
You take the old piece of linen.

 e
You move east.

Corridor

The torch lined corridor leads north and south from here.  A tall, narrow door is to the west, while a wide door leads east.

 n
You move north.

Corridor North

The corridor seems to end here, leading back to the south.  A ornately carved door leads to the west, while a tall, wide door leads east.  Torches line the corridor, providing ample light.

 e
You move east.

Storage


Large crates fill a good portion of the room, also accompanied by a couple of chests.  A large painting in tucked back in the corner is partially visible by the light of your candle. The door is to the west.

 wipe painting
You wipe the painting with the old piece of linen.  Beneath, you can make out letters, but they make no sense to you.  They read:

Draconian esland tumock oshure
Randoch leslonget omas venstark
Archmach grandurel hemite dongambi
Gorgon almit barnoch sentual
Omanta venuel resoch mortali
Noomant vitali echon soman


 w
You move west.

Corridor North

The corridor seems to end here, leading back to the south.  A ornately carved door leads to the west, while a tall, wide door leads east.  Torches line the corridor, providing ample light.

 w
You move west.

Master Chamber


The chamber is in perfect order.  A small bedtable and a large bed sits off to one wall, made up as if it has never been slept in.  A long writing desk is off to the side, across from a large wardrobe.  The room is unusually clean, with not a speck of dust in the entire place.  The door is to the east.

 x table
The table sits beside the bed, and is in excellent condition.  A wash bowl is on the bedside table.

 take bowl
You take the wash bowl from the bedside table.

 open wardrobe
You open the wardrobe.  A black cloak is inside the wardrobe.

 take cloak
You take the black cloak from the wardrobe.

 wear cloak
You put on the black cloak.

 x desk
The long desk sits along the wall and looks almost brand new, though you are certain it is over a hundred years old.  There are no drawers.  A glass vase is on the writing desk.

 look under desk
Looking under the desk, you discover a journal tucked up on a small ledge.  You pull it out and place it on the desk.

 x vase
The vase is bulbous at the base, narrowing as it extends to the lip.  A purple flower is inside the glass vase.

 take flower
You take the purple flower from the glass vase.

 e
You move east.

Corridor North

The corridor seems to end here, leading back to the south.  A ornately carved door leads to the west, while a tall, wide door leads east.  Torches line the corridor, providing ample light.

 s
You move south.

Corridor

The torch lined corridor leads north and south from here.  A tall, narrow door is to the west, while a wide door leads east.

 s
You move south.

Corridor South


Torches line the wide corridor that runs north, and leads to the balcony to the south.  A tall, narrow door leads east while a open doorway lies west.

 s
You move south.

Balcony


The balcony overlooks the Entrance Hall below.  The pattern in the floor is quite visible now.  Two stone staircases wind their way down to the main floor, coming to a stop beside two very large wyvern dragon statues  A couple of torches are located on either side of the corridor, which leads north from here.

 d
You move down.

Entrance Hall


Magnificent stone staircases rise up from both the eastern and western walls to meet a balcony at the top that overlooks the Entrance Hall.  A large open archway leads north, while smaller arched doorways lead east and west, just under the stone steps.  At the bottom of each staircase is a very large Wyvern dragon statue, nearly twice the height of the average man.  Beneath the balcony, near the open archway to the north, is a suit of armor standing guard to what lies beyond.  The large main door to the castle lies to the south.

 e
You move east.

South Corridor East


Leading to the northeast and west, the corridor is faintly lit by widely spaced torches mounted to the outer walls.  A glint of light reflecting off a metal hinge indicates the presence of a door on the north wall.

 ne
You move northeast.

SE Corridor


The outer walls hold widely spaced torches that leave areas of darkness that nearly conceal a door on the western wall.  The corridor extends to the north and curves around to the southwest from here.

 n
You move north.

East Corridor


The corridor runs north and south from here.  The stone walls hold widely spaced torches that leave patches of darkness, nearly concealing a door on the west wall.

 w
You move west.

The Library


This is the castle library.  A vast amount of books line the shelves that cover the entire western wall. Something about the shelves catches your interest.  Two high-back chairs sit to one side of a very large wooden desk.  Some of the books are carelessly tossed about the floor, desk, and chairs.  It looks as if someone may have been looking for something.  A narrow door leads east.  There is a large book sitting all by itself on one of the shelves.

 x shelf
The bookshelves line the entire western wall and are filled with many books on various subjects.  Some of the books have been removed from the shelves and are scattered about the room.  A red potion is on the shelves.

 take potion
You take the red potion from the shelves.

 pull book

You grab a book from the bookshelf, but it doesn't budge.  Pulling on it a little harder, you hear a loud pop and the bookcase begins to shake and rumble.  Slowly the center unit of the library bookcase opens, revealing a dark passage.

 in
You move in.

Library Passage


The passage is filled with cobwebs, and quite dark.  It smells musty and damp. It looks like the passage leads down and another leads out, back into the library.

 d
You move down.

Secret Passage


The passage is narrow and dark.  It leads up and east from here.

 e
You move east.

The cave by the lake

You are in a small cave that is well hidden with thick shrubs that grow along the bank of the misty lake.  Sobbing town folk are gathered a short distance from what appears to be the body of a young woman, lying at lakeside.  There are also several men and women armed with pitchforks, clubs, and swords.  They are searching for you.  For the moment, you are safely hidden. The passage leads back to the west, while all other directions lead outside the cave.  Also here is the young woman's body.

 take body


You carefully watch the people that are lurking about.  Their tears of anguish occupy them long enough for you to pull the sneak over and take the body of the young woman.  Hiding her white gown beneath that of the cloak, keeps both of you concealed in darkness.  You return to the cave.

 w
You move west.

Secret Passage


The passage is narrow and dark.  It leads up and east from here.

 up
You move up.

Library Passage


The passage is filled with cobwebs, and quite dark.  It smells musty and damp. It looks like the passage leads down and another leads out, back into the library.

 out
You move out.

The Library


This is the castle library.  Shelves partially filled with books line the western wall.  The shelves catch your interest for some reason. The center part of the bookcase is turned to the side, revealing a secret passage.  Two high-back chairs sit to one side of a very large wooden desk.  Some of the books are carelessly tossed about the floor, desk, and chairs.  It looks as if someone may have been looking for something.  A narrow door leads east.  There is a large book sitting all by itself on one of the shelves.

 e
You move east.

East Corridor


The corridor runs north and south from here.  The stone walls hold widely spaced torches that leave patches of darkness, nearly concealing a door on the west wall.

 n
You move north.

NE Corridor


Curving to the northwest, the corridor is faintly lit by widely spaced torches on the outer wall.  A door on the west wall would be very well hidden in the darkness if not for a slight glint of light reflected from the metal hinges that hold it in place.

 nw
You move northwest.

North Corridor East


The darkened corridor holds two widely spaced torches, leaving patches of darkness between them.  It appears that the corridor leads west and curves around to the southeast.  In the dim light, a narrow door is visible on the southern wall.

 w
You move west.

North Corridor


Leading both east and west, the corridor is a little better lit here; the outer stone wall lined with several torches.  An open archway is clearly visible in the south wall.

 s
You move south.

Kitchen


The kitchen is quite large, consisting of two very large stone sinks, a very large cauldron, a large spit, and a couple of very long tables that run the length of the room.  A doorway leads north, while a large, wide doorway leads to the south. The kitchen is well lit, with moderately spaced torches throughout.


 put blue potion in pot
You put the blue potion inside the cauldron.  

 put green potion in pot
You put the green potion inside the cauldron.  

 put red potion in pot
You put the red potion inside the cauldron.  

 put flower in pot
You put the purple flower inside the cauldron.  

 put wood in pit
You put the wood inside the pit.  

 x cauldron
The cauldron hangs at one of the spit, over a large pit.  Inside the cauldron is a purple flower, a red potion, a blue potion and the green potion.

 light fire

You hold the candle under the dried wood for several minutes.  It smokes furiously, burning your eyes.  With a couple of puffs, you manage to ignite the wood. Moments later, the fire beings to come to life, filling the room with light and warmth.

 x sink
Two stone sinks take up a large area on the eastern wall of the kitchen.  It looks like they haven't been used in quite a long time.  A long, wooden spoon is inside the stone sink.

 take spoon
You take the long, wooden spoon from the stone sink.

 stir potion

You stir the potion continuously until it begins to boil.  It appears to be ready after only a couple of minutes.  Being very careful, you use the washbowl to scoop out some potion. It begins to cool almost instantly.  You pour the potion into an empty bottle.  You now have a new potion.  

 i
You are wearing a black cloak, and you are carrying a small candle, a poem, an old piece of linen, the young woman's body, a long, wooden spoon and a purple potion.

 drop lined, drop spoon
Drop what?
You drop the long, wooden spoon.  

 drop linen
You drop the old piece of linen.  

 s
You move south.

Great Hall



A flurry of movement on the long table that runs the length of the Great Hall draws your attention.  Benches replace chairs along side the drawn-out  table, likely able to hold nearly a hundred guests.  Toward the north end of the long table sits an ornate chair, carved of some kind of exotic wood.  Tapestries and paintings line the walls to either side, torches placed between to light the massive room.  Open doorways lead north and south from the Great Hall.



 s
You move south.

Gallery


A large ornate rug runs the length of the long gallery, ending at the large archway to the north and to the south.  To each side there are six marble pedestals topped with a dragon statue, each one different from the next.  Above each statue a torch mounts the wall, giving the room ample light.  Between each torch is a painting, most of which appear to be of the castle or surrounding areas. Only one of the paintings appears to be a portrait.

 s
You move south.

Entrance Hall


Magnificent stone staircases rise up from both the eastern and western walls to meet a balcony at the top that overlooks the Entrance Hall.  A large open archway leads north, while smaller arched doorways lead east and west, just under the stone steps.  At the bottom of each staircase is a very large Wyvern dragon statue, nearly twice the height of the average man.  Beneath the balcony, near the open archway to the north, is a suit of armor standing guard to what lies beyond.  The large main door to the castle lies to the south.

 x spear
The spear is as tall as the suit of armor, and points to the balcony above.

 pull spear
You grab the spear and pull it towards you.  It moves a little bit, but you are unable to take it as it appears to be stuck.  A loud, long scraping sound comes from north.

 n
You move north.

Gallery


A large ornate rug runs the length of the long gallery, ending at the large archway to the north and to the south.  To each side there are six marble pedestals topped with a dragon statue, each one different from the next.  Above each statue a torch mounts the wall, giving the room ample light.  Between each torch is a painting, most of which appear to be of the castle or surrounding areas. Only one of the paintings appears to be a portrait.

 n
You move north.

Great Hall

A flurry of movement on the long table that runs the length of the Great Hall draws your attention.  Benches replace chairs along side the drawn-out  table, likely able to hold nearly a hundred guests.  Toward the north end of the long table sits an ornate chair, which is now moved to the side, revealing a hidden passage.  Tapestries and paintings line the walls to either side, torches placed between to light the massive room.  Open doorways lead north and south from the Great Hall.



 d
You move down.

Great hidden passage


The passage is narrow and leads to the north and up.

 n
You move north.

The bottom of a stairwell


You are at the bottom of a dark stairwell.  A spiral staircase winds up into the darkness.

 up
You move up.

In the stairwall


You are in a dark stairwell that spirals up and down from here.

 up
You move up.

Top of stairwell


You are at the top of a dark stairwell.  A narrow door lies to the north.

 n
You enter the tower.  

The Tower


The large dragon shrine in the center of the tower is what draws your immediate attention.  It is a very detailed statue of a dragon; so detailed, it almost looks real.  A slab stretches out before the dragon, as if it is being held by its massive claws.  A fantastic orb is mounted at the head of the slab, glowing with a white light that illuminates the room.  A door to the south leads back to the stairwell.

 x dragon

The shrine is a large, stone dragon that appears to be holding a long slab.  Near the head of the slab, a glowing orb illuminates the room.  The dragon is so detailed that it almost looks real.  The incantation scroll is on the dragon shrine.

 take scroll
You take the incantation scroll from the dragon shrine.

 put body on slab
You put the young woman's body onto the dragon shrine.  

 give potion to woman

You part the lips of the young woman an slowly pour the potion into her mouth.  As soon as you are finished, the orb flashes out towards your hand and instantly pulls the bottle of potion into it.

A whisper fills the air.

"You must read the incantation."

 read incantation

You begin reading from the scroll.   The thunder from outside rattles the tower like an earthquake and lightning flashes all around, sending flashes through the tall windows.

Draconian esland tumock oshure
Randoch leslonget omas venstark
Archmach grandurel hemite dongambi
Gorgon almit barnoch sentual
Omanta venuel resoch mortali
Noomant vitali echon soman
Seante livento morecado entern 


As soon as you are able to get the last word out, the tower begins to shake widly.  Bursting into a shower of golden light, the orb rises from it's resting place and hovers over the young woman.  Fantastic rays of light shoot into her body, illuminating the room so brightly you must look away.  What sounds like loud explosion sends you tumbling toward the castle door.

More

You must take her now!  Master Dracon is coming and he will try to kill her.  If he is able to take her life before she regains consciousness, he will once again be immortal, and the curse will remain for all the days of eternity.  Take her! Now!  Get her out of the castle and to the safety of the towns people.

With no time to spare you cradle Jenny in your arms.  There is only one way out of the castle, and that is through the door in the Entrance Hall.  You must get Jenny out before Master Dracon catches you, and takes her life...And yours! 



A loud rumble within the belly of the castle gets your attention fast.  It can only mean that Master Dracon is coming to claim his prize.


 s
You move south.

Top of stairwell


You are at the top of a dark stairwell.  A narrow door lies to the north.  
For a second, you think you see him.  Surely he knows this castle like the back of his hand.


 d
You move down.

In the stairwall


You are in a dark stairwell that spirals up and down from here.  
For a second, you think you see him.  Surely he knows this castle like the back of his hand.


 d
You move down.

The bottom of a stairwell


You are at the bottom of a dark stairwell.  A spiral staircase winds up into the darkness.  
For a second, you think you see him.  Surely he knows this castle like the back of his hand.


 s
You move south.

Great hidden passage


The passage is narrow and leads to the north and up.  
For a second, you think you see him.  Surely he knows this castle like the back of his hand.

Heavy footsteps echo through the castle.  Your heart pounds deep in your chest, knowing that if you cant get Jenny to safety, both of you will die at the hands of a monster.


 up
You move up.

Great Hall

A flurry of movement on the long table that runs the length of the Great Hall draws your attention.  Benches replace chairs along side the drawn-out  table, likely able to hold nearly a hundred guests.  Toward the north end of the long table sits an ornate chair, which is now moved to the side, revealing a hidden passage.  Tapestries and paintings line the walls to either side, torches placed between to light the massive room.  Open doorways lead north and south from the Great Hall.


For a second, you think you see him.  Surely he knows this castle like the back of his hand.


 s
You move south.

Gallery


A large ornate rug runs the length of the long gallery, ending at the large archway to the north and to the south.  To each side there are six marble pedestals topped with a dragon statue, each one different from the next.  Above each statue a torch mounts the wall, giving the room ample light.  Between each torch is a painting, most of which appear to be of the castle or surrounding areas. Only one of the paintings appears to be a portrait.  
For a second, you think you see him.  Surely he knows this castle like the back of his hand.


 s
You move south.

Entrance Hall


Magnificent stone staircases rise up from both the eastern and western walls to meet a balcony at the top that overlooks the Entrance Hall.  A large open archway leads north, while smaller arched doorways lead east and west, just under the stone steps.  At the bottom of each staircase is a very large Wyvern dragon statue, nearly twice the height of the average man.  Beneath the balcony, near the open archway to the north, is a suit of armor standing guard to what lies beyond.  The large main door to the castle lies to the south.  
For a second, you think you see him.  Surely he knows this castle like the back of his hand.

The weight of her limp body is taking its toll on your arms, as the become lower with each passing step.  You try adjusting her weight and continue on.  You have not time to stop.


 open door

You lift the heavy beam from barring the door and heave it open with all your might, drawing the attention of searchers.

I have found Jenny! Yelling out to them, you motion for them to hurry.

Rushing in, several men pin you to the stone wall, while the father of the young girl rushes to her side, stroking her hair, calling her name.

Shes alive! Announces her father, stroking her cheek to arouse her.

Father? She gasps, struggling to open here eyes.

Youre safe now.  Everything is going to fine. Youre safe.

The emotion of the moment brings tears of relief to you eyes.   Jenny is able to tell her father everything that has happened.  Explaining the curse of Dragon Shrine.  You are freed.  

After two hours of searching the castle, Master Dracon is found hiding in a chest in the storage room on the second floor.  The towns people gather, tying the young man between the dragon statues that he so admired.  The castle was then burned to the ground with him inside. 

You are the true hero.  For you have ended the Curse of Dragon Shrine.


The Curse of DragonShrine
written by Mystery

Music Composed by Bjorn Lynne
http://www.lynnemusic.com

Dragon model created by Michael Luscombe

Title image created by Dana Crane using Strata 3d Plus
http://www.strata.com

Special thanks to Stewart J. McAbney
for contribution of the poem

Beta-Testers

Woodfish
ralphmerridew
The Mad Monk
Astridian

Game creation began March 18, 2004


You scored 95 out of the maximum 100!
That is 95% of the game!
You finished 5 points short.

[Press any key to end]