For a couple of heartbeats I feel disoriented. All I see around me is a mass of swirling lights and colors. Then I'm suddenly falling! I hit something, and there's a loud bang!
Ouch! I blink and look around. I'm sitting on the floor, amongst a pile of wooden debris that seems to have been a desk a couple of moments ago, before it crashed under the impact of Pia and me.
Youch! Uh..
Pia rubs her bottom, glancing about with a confused look on her face.
What the..?
A man clad in a long, black robe disbelievingly looks back and forth between Pia and me and the remains of his desk.
Uh, greetings.
I stand up and brush off the debris.
Look at what you done! My desk!
The man moves over to me, grabs my arm and drags me off my feet.
Who the hell are you?!
My name is Aisha, and I'm really sorry about this little incident..
Little incident? Look at it! All I can do with it now is turn it into firewood!
I said I was sorry...
It's not like we killed your precious desk on purpose, you know.
Pia staggers to her feet, brushing the debris off her clothes. The man glares at her.
I think I'll turn you two into frogs right now!
I don't think you can do that.
Figures, another wizard to beat.
Look, we're really sorry. We didn't mean to do this. Promise.
That's what you say!
The man glares at us both.
She speaks the truth!
Pia puts her halter top back in place, then glances at the man again.
We'll get you a new desk, okay? But, for a start, could you tell us where we are?
The man briefly eyes Pia's breasts.
In my study, apparently. I don't think I've ever seen you around before. How the hell did you two get here?
A wizard cast a spell on us.
He shakes his head.
I'm taking you to Baron Ravenstower. Follow me.
Ravenstower! That cannot be true! It would mean that we're more than a thousand miles from home!
But we were just...damn!
You'll explain yourselves to the Baron. Come.
LP Comment: Oh joy. More detours. This is excellent storytelling. It allows us to delve deeper into a relationship with Pia...surviving hardships together, allowing it to crystallize into something more pure. Fuck.
Are we under arrest?
No, though you can be damn sure I'll demand compensation for my desk. Now come.
We walk down a set of stairs and a few twisted corridors, finally reaching a large hall crowded with people. Everybody goes quiet when we enter, curious glances follow us while the wizard leads us to an older man sitting on a big, wooden throne. Baron Ravenstower, I would guess.
The older man eyes Pia and me closely as we approach him. Some of the court attendants follow us, forming a circle around the Baron, Pia, me, and the wizard. The Baron frowns at his wizard.
What is this, Terek? Why do you bring these two...wenches to me?
Forgive me, my liege. *He bows* But these women suddenly appeared in my room. Destroying my desk when they did, as I'd like to add.
Is that so? *The Baron glances at my chest, laughing* Well, I certainly know what I'd have done with this one, had she appeared on MY desk.
He's a perv. What a surprise.
M'lord.
I curtsy at him.
I hope you have searched them for weapons before bringing them here?
The man raises an eyebrow at the wizard.
Search them for weapon! Dear Gods, Captain!
The young man next to the Baron shakes his head in disbelief.
These two are women! One of the barely old enough to be called an adult!
He points at me.
So what if they are women?
The blond woman clad in armor gives the young man a disapproving look.
You know what I mean.
I'm afraid I do. But looks can be deceiving. I say the Captain is right for being suspicious.
The young woman turns to the Baron and clears his throat.
Uncle, is that how we welcome visitors from afar to our halls...?
These are MY halls still, Castias!
The Baron flushes in anger, banging his fist on his throne.
And I shall welcome these wenches as I see fit.
I meant no offense, Uncle. But if I'm not mistaken, this young lady here is of noble birth.
I raise an eyebrow at him. He knows? The Baron gives me a casual glance.
She looks arrogant enough to be one of those noble bitches from the city, that much I give you.
The woman standing a little in the back, wearing a bright dress, whispers something to the man in purple standing next to her.
M'lord...
Pia drops a deep curtsy, almost sliding her breasts free.
Ah, this one knows her manners, at least.
The Baron gazes at Pia's charms.
Well, speak up.
M'lord, my name is Pia, and she's Aisha. We're from Betancuria, and we have no idea how we got here. Ten minutes ago we were at the Betancuria's Academy, fighting an evil wizard who threatened our lives. With his dying breath, he cast a final spell, which engulfed Aisha and me, sending us into your wizard's room as it seems.
Hear that, Terek? They fought a wizard. Don't tell me you two are crusaders or wizard hunters.
I'm a bard, M'lord.
A bard, indeed? You two look more like those wenches from the Ice Princess who fuck people for money.
We're no whores.
The Baron sneers at me.
A wizard sending them here, all the way from Betancuria? With a single spell? I don't buy that, your Lordship.
The blond woman gives us a doubtful look as well. Terek, the wizard, addresses Pia, stroking his chin.
That spell that has been cast. Describe it to me.
Well, it all happened very fast, but it looked like a vortex spinning around us. It was yellow in color, as far as I could see.
Terek nods slowly.
Sounds like an implosion spell. One that went wrong, apparently. I've never heard of an implosion spell behaving like that, but taking into account that teleportation magic include an implosion magic component, it might be possible that the spell that brought you here indeed...
Wouldn't an implosion spell have killed them, rather?
It should have, yes. But as I said, this one obviously didn't work like it was intended.
Fortunately.
The young man smiles at me. I ignore him.
Whatever. A bard, hm? How about you sing us a song, in that case?
I'm afraid I do not have my lute with me, M'lord.
That shouldn't be a problem.
The Baron motions at one of the guards, who leaves the room and returns shortly with a collection of musical instruments.
There, I'm sure you'll be able to work with one of these.
He sits back on his throne, watching Pia with interest. Pia picks up a lute, nodding slowly.
This one will do, yes.
So sing me the bawdiest song you know, bard. I trust you do know bawdy songs?
He smirks.
Why, yes, I do. Let me think...
She idly plucks the strings of her lute. I listen.
The Baron laughs, applauding.
Milking and catching birds, eh? Yeah, right! But I enjoyed that song, bard.
He smiles at Pia appreciatively.
I'm glad you did, M'lord.
Though I'm sure you can be more bawdy than that. Sing me another! And someone bring me a flagon of wine! What about you? *He points at me* Do you know any bawdy songs as well.
I'm afraid not, M'lord.
Bah! *He turns his attention back to Pia* Sing me another one, bard! *He empties his flagon, wiping his mouth* And someone get me more wine!
For the next couple of hours, Pia keeps singing bawdy songs for the Baron, in the end, he's so drunk that he doesn't notice Pia only repeats the last song over and over again. Finally the Baron's head sinks on his chest and his hands fall from his armrests, dangling limply while he begins to snore. The blond woman clears her throat.
I think it's best if we take my uncle to his rooms. *She looks at the wizard* Terek, would you show our visitors to one of the guestrooms, please?
Of course, Lady Dana.
Lady Dana nods at us briefly, then picks up her uncle, dragging him from the room with the help of a guard.
Well, alright. *He motions at Pia and me* Follow me. I'll take you to a room for the night.
The wizard leads us out of the hall, downs a set of stairs and through some corridors. Finally we reach a small, windowless room.
Okay, you'll here for the night.
Here? *She looks about* How about a room with two beds?
You should be glad you get a room with a bed at all.
Fine, we won't impose on your hospitality. We'll be on our way to Betancuria as soon as possible.
That may take a while. Snow has begun to fall heavily. It is already about ten feet deep outside, making all the mountain passes impassable. I suppose we'll have to endure your presence until spring.
Oh that's just great!
Surely there must be some way to travel south.
*He shakes his head* I'm afraid no. Ravenstower's like an enclave, surrounded by vast mountains on all its sides. The only ways in and out are the mountain passes to the north and south, and as I said, it's not possible to use them during the winter.
Blast! But we can't stay here.
Most likely you don't have any other choice. But it's getting late, and I need to rest. I'm sure everything will be explained to you tomorrow. For now, you'll be two proper ladies and stay in this room until the Baron sends for you. You hear me?
I nod in agreement.
Good.
He turns around and leaves the room, but I hear him locking the door from the other side.
Oh darn, trapped in the castle of a lewd Baron a thousand miles from home, and no way out. This is really great.
Pia sighs, sitting down on the bed.
I don't like that Baron a lot.
Yes, me neither. Ugly old drunkard. Have you heard of Ravenstower before? Are they perhaps allies to Betancuria?
She gives me a hopeful look. I try my best to recall anything...Hm. Ravenstower. I don't think I've heard of that barony. Which is somewhat disconcerting. My parents made sure that I learned all the names of the lands and nobles of the civilized world. And I don't think that there was a Ravenstower Baron or King or anything amongst them.
So either this Baron just recently came into power, which seems unlikely as I didn't see the signs of a recent battle anywhere in the castle. Or his lands are so tiny that my teachers decided they were negligible. Of course there's also the possibility that we're so far away from Betancuria that my teachers deemed it unnecessary to mention Ravenstower. Maybe they didn't even known it existed! In any case, I'm rather sure Baron Ravenstower was no vassal of my father, King Hussein. I just hope he isn't one of the Dhorn, either..
LP Comment: What is this shit? Why, Valine? Why send us here?!
Aisha? Is everything alright?
Pia glances at me with a worried expression.
Oh, yes. Sorry. Just thinking.
And? Do you know Ravenstower?
No...
I only knew the name because it's mentioned in a book I was reading a while ago. It was the story of a group of adventurers seeking the treasures of a giant, white dragon. They apparently passed through Ravenstower, though they only mentioned it was an inhospitable place. There was a map in the book, too. If it's the same Ravenstower we're at right now, we're way up to the north. Even beyond the northern Dhorn border.
That's not good.
*She sighs* No, not at all. Besides, I don't think the Baron would let us go. He probably thinks we're the perfect diversion for his long winter evenings.
We'll have to sneak off in that case.
I've been thinking about that, too. But not tonight. *She stifles a yawn* Sorry. It's been a long day.
Let's get some rest.
*She nods* I'm too tired to come up with a good plan right now. *She makes herself comfortable on the floor*
Why are you sitting on the floor?
Well, there's only one bed.
Don't be silly. There's enough room for two in it.
*She gives the bed a doubtful look* It's really small, and there's only a single blanket.
We're not that big.
Well, okay...
I keep my clothes on and lie down, trying to make myself comfortable. Pia eyes the bed dubiously once more, then takes off her shoes and stretches herself out next to me. The bed is really tiny and not exactly comfortable, but at least it feels clean, and the blanket covers us both.
Well, good night then, Aisha...
She blows out the candle light.
Good night, Pia.
I feel her shifting, probably trying to find a comfortable position, then she lies still. The room is all silent but for her soft breathing, and my own.
LP Comment: We're not pursuing a lesbian romance. No. No. No.
I wake when somebody opens the door to our room and walks in. It's Terek, the wizard. Pia blinks sleepily and yawns.
Good morning, ladies.
You could've knocked.
Baron Ravenstower wishes to speak to you. Come.
Terek leads us up to the Baron's room. The Baron sits behind a huge wooden desk, a wet cloth draped across his forehead.
Here I bring the two girls, M'lord. *He bows*
The Baron nods, putting the wet cloth away, then gazes at Pia's chest, his expression brightening visibly.
Good morning, M'lord.
Pia drops a quick curtsy. I do the same as well. The Baron addresses the wizard.
Well, Terek? Did you find out anything new?
I did some research, M'lord. And it only affirms me in my belief that it is an accident that the two girls are here.
Hm. That accident has provided us with some pretty women, at the very least. *He glances at Pia* Nevertheless, I'd like to hear the whole story again, Pia.
Of course, M'lord.
She gives him a summary of the events at the academy, our fight with the wizard, and the spell that was cast on us with his dying breath. The Baron props his chin on his hand, listening with interest.
And why had that wizard put you in that cage, bard?
He was a pervert, notorious for snatching people off the street, in most cases never to be seen again. I had been looking for him, but when I found his hideout, he managed to take me by surprise.
The Baron raises his eyebrow.
Did he violate you?
LP Comment: Does the pope shit in the woods?
Uh, no, he didn't.
So your young friend here rescued you just in time, hm?
The Baron smiles at me.
Yes, she did.
Interesting. Especially as she doesn't exactly look like a guard or something.
I remain silent.
You're not going to tell me it was pure chance that you found the bard in the wizard's cage, I hope?
A friend of Pia's and mine suspected she was in the Academy, so I went to look.
This all rings hollow. A wizard holding people captive in a cage, perhaps even torturing them, and nobody at your Academy would have heard their cries and pleas?
Betancuria's Academy has been closed down a few months ago, M'lord. The building stands, empty, more or less.
The Baron leans back on his chair.
And what are you planning to do now?
We were hoping to travel back to Betancuria as soon as possible, M'lord.
On foot? Do you know that it is a journey of over a thousand miles?
We do, yes.
I already told them that the passes will be inaccessible for months yet, M'lord.
The Baron nods, glancing at Pia.
You're not going anywhere, for the moment. It looks like you'll be my guests for a while.
M'lord, we'll of course gladly pay for our safe return to Betancuria, if necessary.
It's not the question of money.
We've each got a family at Betancuria which relies on us, M'lord. We can't stay.
Are you married, bard? I don't see a ring on your finger. And neither one on hers.
I'm not married, no.
Well, I cannot force you to stay at my castle, of course. However, it seems unlikely that my people are going to help you out if they hear that you refused to be my guests. And as there's currently no way out of my Barony, I'd say you would be wise to stay on my good side.
We of course wouldn't wish to anger you, M'lord.
Good. *He folds his hands over his belly* I offer you this, I'll assign one of my rangers to you, who'll help you cross one of the passes as soon as the weather allows it. In return, you'll stay with me and entertain me with your singing and your other...talents that I'm sure I'll find most satisfying.
That pig! He smiles, glancing pointedly at Pia's breasts. Pia blushes, then gives me an unsure look.
You have no right to ask that!
The same goes for you as well, of course.
No way.
*He flushes with anger* You DARE saying that to my face? I'll have your tongue removed for that!
No, M'lord, please! I agree, but please do not hurt Aisha. She has been raped not so long ago. Please do not ask this of her.
Raped, huh? *He eyes me coldly* Serves her right, big mouth she has.
Fuck you.
Shh! *Pia interrupts me, whispering* Don't anger him, Aisha. He'll never let us go if we-
The Baron bangs his fist on the table.
You wenches will NOT speak under your breath in my presence!
I'm sorry, Milord.
I tire of this. Play me a couple of songs now, bard.
Yes, M'lord.
Not here. Come.
He motions for her to follow him. I watch helplessly as that pig take Pia into his room. No doubt he wish to ravish her.
The wizard leaves. As soon as the door closes behind him, the guards approach me with hungry looks on their faces.
Well, looks like the Baron and the bard are going to busy for a while. So, what do you think we should do in the meantime, little girl...?
The man smirks, glancing at my chest.
I am NOT going to do anything with you, that's for sure.
The North is such a cold place...*He sheathes his weapon, then runs his fingers along my arm* How about you warm us a bit...?
Forget it. Leave me alone.
And if we don't? I don't think calling the guards will work for you, little slut. *He laughs*
Maybe not, but I'll cut off your prick.
Tsk tsk. What kind of behavior is that? Threatening the guard? You WILL spend the next couple of weeks on your back, and you're not going to have a say in it. What you CAN choose is whether you'll give it to us willingly or whether you'll be tired to the stocks.
Fuck you.
A little hot headed, huh? I'm so going to enjoy making you squirm. We're going to wait and see if the Baron wants you first, but as soon as he's done with you...
Suddenly, Pia bursts into the room, naked!
The Baron! He...he's dead!
The guards quickly enter the Baron's chambers to investigate. I tell Pia to dress up before they return.
The guards return, pointing their swords at us.
What did you do to the Baron?
He...he asked me to undress, and then I was supposed to play a song for him...But when I picked up my lute, I suddenly heard a choking noise from behind me, and when I turned around to look, the Baron was on the floor, thrashing about wildly. And then he was dead.
Oh, shit. Are you sure he's dead?
Yes..his heart didn't beat and ...he soiled himself.
We don't believe a word of that bullshit! Baron Ravenstower is...was ...a healthy man in his prime! And the last we've seen of him was when you went into his bedroom together!
The man points his sword at Pia.
Please, I didn't do anything! You have to believe me!
Too late, Pia. Here they come!
The guards swings his sword at Pia, I quickly parried his blow away and strikes at his chest. Pia recovered from her shock and joined the fight.
It's over. The two guards lay dead on the carpet. We're in trouble now...
I cannot believe this.
She glances about and shakes her head while she wipes some blood off her arm.
Don't say you're sorry that this pig is dead.
No, not exactly, but ...I don't know what to think. Damn, damn it!
We'd better clean this up and get out of here as quickly as possible...
Yes...the others will discover what's happened, and they'll blame us. We've also killed two guardsmen...I..I cannot say how sorry I am.
She gives me a miserable look.
It wasn't your fault...
It was. This all only happened because I let that stupid wizard catch me...
No, please, don't blame yourself. Let's just get out of here in one piece, and back home, okay?
She calms down and nod. I grab a tower shield from the dead guard and pass it to Pia.
The enter the Baron's chamber to examine his body. Finding no wounds on him. He's really dead. I snag his gold necklace and ring before leaving his body alone.
As we turn to leave, we found a secret door.
A secret door, in the back of the Baron's private quarters? How strange.
Maybe it's a secret route of escape?
Perhaps, I wonder where it leads to.
Unfortunately the door hides no escape. Only treasures to be head.
I pick the first chest and eye the gold within.
You want to take that money?
You bet.
Well, I suppose the Baron won't need those coins anymore.
We cleaned the secret vault and found some magic items within.
Sastisfied, we make our way down.
Rushing down the stairs, I almost bump into the young man named Castias, who is accompanied by three guards!
Oops, sorry. Uhm, is everything alright? I heard shouts, and something breaking.
Shit!
I reach for my weapons.
The Baron is dead! But we didn't do anything to him, you have to believe us. Please!
LP Comment: What the fuck, you stupid cow!
What?! Dead? But how...? You must be kidding!
See for yourself, he's upstairs...in his...bedroom.
Castias nods briefly and runs up the stairs. The guards point their weapon at us, willing us to follow after Castias.
LP Comment: Cutscene paralysis. Bull fucking shit.
Oh, dear Gods, no...
Castias kneels beside the Baron, carefully running his hand over the Baron's chest. Suddenly the rest of the royal court rushes into the bedroom!
What in the nine hells is going on here?!
Noooo!!!!!
The blond woman runs up to the Baron, kneeling next to him as well.
I'm not sure what happened. I heard shouts...
Oh my God! Is he hurt?
I'm sure he's just lying there for your entertainment, dear.
The man sniffs at the woman. Terek bends over the baron's body, examining him briefly, then shakes his head.
He's dead. His heart isn't beating. But I see no wounds that may have caused his death.
Okay, will somebody explain to me what is going on here?
As I said, I heard shouts, and when I was about to see what they were about I bumped into the two girls...
We didn't do anything to the Baron.
Lady Dana slowly stands up, turning an icy glare at Pia and me.
I think it is about time you two explain yourselves.
I already explained...Baron Ravenstower wanted me to join him in his bedroom. I was told to sing him a song, but when I picked up my lute I heard a choking sound behind me. He was on the floor, thrashing and kicking. Then he lay still. I have no idea why he died.
Why would you turn your back on his Lordship, bard?
He, uhm...He had asked me to undress myself, and he wanted to see my butt...
That's outrageous! His Lordship would never do such a thing!
Actually, that sounds exactly like what he would do, Timin. And where were you when that happened.
I was in the Baron's office.
Doing what?
Just waiting, I wasn't invited into his bedroom.
And how do you explain that my men who were guarding the Baron are dead?
We tried to explain that we didn't harm him...We'd have gladly surrendered but they didn't listen! They tried to kill us!
Take them to their room. And guard them well.
Well, that didn't go so bad. At least they didn't outright kill us.
I wish I share your optimism.
Lady Dana makes a rather sensible impression. I just wish we hadn't taken the Baron's stuff from his secret room. That's going to make the whole thing look bad.
I don't think it's going to matter much if they decide that we're responsible for his death.
Probably not. Oh well. Guess all we can do at the moment is sit and wait.
I lie down on the bed to rest. This is a disaster! We should've escaped! Stupid wizard spell!
The guards wake us in the morning and after a brief breakfast of dry bread and cheese, we are escorted to the castle's main hall. All the nobles are already there, their faces serious.
Lady Dana gazes at us for a few moments before she speaks.
Baron Ravenstower remains dead. All our efforts to reanimate him were in vain.
We are very sorry for your loss M'lady.
We still do not know what caused his demise. Terek has examined the body, but there are no wounds. No clues. Nothing.
Nothing at all?
We cannot prove that it was you two who killed the Baron. On the other hand it is a strange coincidence that you show up right at this time. Even more so as you were the last ones to be with the Baron before he died.
But we didn't kill him!
She raises her hand.
That is not up to us to decide. We have also found evidence that you broke into Baron Ravenstower's private rooms and stole some of his belongings.
We panicked and didn't know what we did....
LP Comment: Right...
Liars!
It is custom to burn the murderer of a nobleman together with his victim. However, as nobody actually has seen you commit the deed, your fate will be put into the hands of the Gods.
*She whispers* Somehow I don't like the sound of that...
Me neither.
Two weeks ago, our soldiers have caught a giant ice wyrm that was preying upon our cattle. You will enter the beast's pit and battle it.
LP Comment: What God? It's a fucking wyrm fight!
Should you prevail, we will take that as a sign of the Gods that you are innocent, indeed. If not, we shall consider your deaths a just punishment.
What kind of trial is this? Pia gives me an unsure look.
Will you accept this verdict?
Do we have a choice?
The alternative would be to be burnt at the stake.
Fucking zealots.
That's not really an alternative.
So be it. You will be taken to the beast's pit right away.
They take us out of the castle and into the castle yard where a couple of horses are already waiting. Pia and I are put on two separate horses, wit ha guard mounted behind each of us, and off we go.
There's an icy wind blowing firmly, and by the time we reach our destination, my fingers and toes are numb with cold. We dismount, and the guards lead Pia and me to a pit with a huge reptilian creature in it.
Lady Dana points at the creature.
This is the ice wyrm I had spoken of. It will determine your fate.
LP Comment: A persuade check to declare myself Princess of Betancuria and is therefore immune from this trial...or silently go into battle...Hmmmmmm.
I remain silent.
Any last words?
We are innocent. No matter how this battle ends.
You are getting a fair chance to prove your innocence. It is more than most people who find themselves in your position get.
*She glances at the ice wyrm* Yeah, thanks sooo much.
Cast them down.
Looks like this is it...
for Bioware.
