FF - Diamond

FIGHTING FANTASY
The Diamond Key
By Ulysses Ai
CONTENTS
FIGHTING MONSTERS

E!UI"MENT AND "OTIONS

#
AD$ENTURE SHEET
#
MARKET
%
HINTS ON "&AY
'
BACKGROUND
(
THE DIAMOND KEY
)*
)
FF - Diamond
FIGHTING MONSTERS
Be+o,e em-a,.in/ on yo0, ad1en20,e3 yo0 m0s2 de2e,mine yo0, o4n s2,en/2hs and
4ea.nesses5 Yo0 a,e a 4a,,io, -y 2,ade and ha1e 4o,.ed ha,d 2o de1elo6 yo0, s.ills
and +i2ness5
To see ho4 e++e72i1e yo0, 6,e6a,a2ions ha1e -een3 yo0 m0s2 0se di7e 2o de2e,mine
yo0, ini2ial SKI&& and STAMINA s7o,es5 On 6a/e # 2he,e is an Adventure Sheet 2ha2
yo0 may 0se 2o ,e7o,d 2he de2ails o+ yo0, ad1en20,e5 On i2 yo0 4ill +ind -o8es +o,
,e7o,din/ yo0, SKI&& and STAMINA s7o,es5
Skill, Stamina and Luck
Roll one die5 Add % 2o 2his n0m-e, and en2e, 2his 2o2al in 2he SKI&& -o8 on 2he
Ad1en20,e Shee25
Roll -o2h di7e5 Add ) 2o 2his n0m-e, and en2e, 2his 2o2al in 2he STAMINA -o85
The,e is also a &UCK -o85 Roll one die3 add % 2o 2his n0m-e, and en2e, 2his 2o2al in 2he
&UCK -o85
These /i1e 2he ini2ial 1al0es +o, 2hese 90an2i2ies3 4hi7h 4ill only 7han/e on 1e,y ,a,e
o77asions5 The 70,,en2 le1el is li.ely 2o 7han/e 7ons2an2ly5
STAMINA ,e+le72s yo0, /ene,al 7ons2i202ion3 yo0, 4ill 2o s0,1i1e3 yo0, de2e,mina2ion
and o1e,all +i2ness: 2he hi/he, yo0, STAMINA s7o,e3 2he lon/e, yo0 4ill -e a-le 2o
s0,1i1e5
Yo0, &UCK indi7a2es ho4 l07.y a 6e,son yo0 a,e3 and 7o0ld de2e,mine yo0, +a2e a2
7e,2ain 6i1o2al 6oin2s5
Battles
In 2he 7o0,se o+ yo0, ad1en20,e yo0 4ill en7o0n2e, si20a2ions 4he,e yo0 m0s2 +i/h2
-a22les5 The,e a,e 1a,io0s 4ea6ons 2ha2 yo0 may 0se in 7om-a23 ea7h 4i2h i2s o4n
s2,en/2hs and 4ea.nesses
Yo0 may 7hoose any o+ 2he +ollo4in/ 4ea6ons 2o 2a.e 4i2h yo0 on yo0, 90es2;
Weapon SKILL penalty Damage Bonus
A8e -< )=
Ma7e - )*
&on/s4o,d -) %
S6ea, *
DAMAGE BONUS 4ill -e e86lained in 2he ne82 se72ion5
The,e a,e 1a,io0s .inds o+ a,mo0, a1aila-le5 Yo0 -e/in yo0, >o0,ney e90i66ed 4i2h
lea2he, a,mo0,5
Type Armour Rating
&ea2he, )
S20dded &ea2he,

FF - Diamond
S7alemail <
Chainmail =
B,eas26la2e #
F0ll "la2e %
O2he, 6ie7es o+ a,mo0,3 s07h as helme2s 4ill add 2o yo0, amo0, ,a2in/5
Unless yo0 a,e a-le 2o +lee3 o, 4ish 2o +i/h2 any4ay3 2he -a22le sho0ld -e ,esol1ed as
+ollo4s5
Yo0, o66onen2 4ill ha1e i2s? o4n SKI&&3 STAMINA3 Dama/e Bon0s @DBA and
ARMOUR s7o,es3 4hi7h yo0 sho0ld ,e7o,d5 I+ 2he 7,ea20,e o, si20a2ion ,es0l2s in
some ad1an2a/e o, disad1an2a/e3 yo0 4ill -e ins2,072ed in 2he 6assa/e ho4 2o ad>0s2
yo0, SKI&& s7o,e5
Yo0, 4ea6on 4ill ha1e a dama/e -on0s5 Di++e,en2 4ea6ons in+li72 di++e,en2 de/,ees
o+ dama/e5 B02 yo0 and yo0, o66onen2s a,e li.ely 2o 4ea, a,mo0, as 4ell5 In 2he
7om-a2 -o8es 2he,e a,e s6a7es +o, ADBUSTMENT5 This 1al0e is 2he dama/e -on0s
min0s 2he a,mo0, ,a2in/5 Fo, yo0,sel+3 yo0 min0s yo0, o66onen2s a,mo0, ,a2in/ +,om
yo0, o4n dama/e -on0s5 This /i1es yo0 a 1al0e 2ha2 may -e 6osi2i1e o, ne/a2i1e3 o,
e1en *5 Fo, yo0, o66onen2 yo0 min0s yo0, a,mo0, ,a2in/ +,om 2hei, dama/e -on0s5
Yo0 a,e no4 ,eady 2o -e/in 7om-a25
)5 Roll -o2h di7e5 Add 2his n0m-e, 2o yo0, o66onen2?s SKI&& s7o,e5 This is
2hei, A22a7. S2,en/2h5
5 Roll -o2h di7e a/ain5 Add 2his n0m-e, 2o yo0, SKI&& s7o,e5 This is yo0,
A22a7. s2,en/2h5
<5 Com6a,e 2he 24o s7o,es5 The di++e,en7e in 2he s7o,es means 2ha2 2ha2 amo0n2
o+ dama/e has -een in+li72ed -y 4hoe1e, has 2he hi/he, s7o,e5 The amount of
damage inflicted in the difference in the Attack Strengths3 6l0s 2he
ADBUSTMENT 1al0e o+ 2he 7om-a2an2 2ha2 4ins 2he ,o0nd5
=5 I+ -o2h s7o,es a,e 2he same3 -o2h a22a7. and 7o0n2e, a22a7. has -een de+ended5
#5 Re6ea2 2he a-o1e s2e6s 0n2il someone ,ea7hes a STAMINA s7o,e o+ * @dea2hA3
o, 2he STAMINA +alls 2o a 7e,2ain le1el indi7a2ed in 2he 6assa/e5 The 6assa/e
4ill 7on2ain ins2,072ions o+ 4ha2 ha66ens ne82 i+ yo0 o, yo0, o66onen2 is
s0-d0ed 4i2ho02 -ein/ .illed5
Fo, e8am6le3 7onside, 2he +ollo4in/ -a22le;
!" SKI&& )) STAMINA *
Cea6on; ADE @)=A A,mo0,; BREAST"&ATE @#A
Ad>0s2men2; @)=-A )
#!BLI$ SKI&& ( STAMINA )(
Cea6on; S7imi2a, @=A A,mo0,; STUDDED &EATHER@A
Ad>0s2men2; @=-#A -)
Be7a0se yo0 a,e a,med 4i2h an a8e3 yo0 m0s2 min0s < +,om yo0, Com-a2 SKI&&5
Yo0 o66onen2?s s.ill s7o,es 4ill al,eady -e ad>0s2ed +o, 2hei, 4ea6on,y5
)5 Yo0 ,oll die +o, yo0,sel+ @EA and die +o, 2he /o-lin @(A5 @))-<A F E G )'3
7om6a,ed 2o ( F ( G )%5 Yo0 4in 4i2h a di++e,en7e o+ )5 This means yo0
<
FF - Diamond
in+li72 ) 6oin2 o+ dama/e3 6l0s 2he ad>0s2men2 o+ F)3 so yo0 in+li72 )< 6oin2s
o+ dama/e3 and min0s 2his +,om 2he /o-lins STAMINA5
5 Ne82 ,o0nd yo0 ,oll 3 and 2he /o-lin ,olls )5 This /i1es a di++e,en7e o+ )* in
2he /o-lins +a1o0,5 Ci2h 2he ad>0s2men2 o+ H)3 i2 in+li72s E 6oin2s o+ dama/e
on yo05
<5 Ne82 ,o0nd yo0 ,oll a )3 4hile 2he /o-lin ,olls a 5 This /i1es yo0 a
di++e,en7e o+ )*5 Addin/ yo0, ad>0s2men23 yo0 in+li72 6oin2s o+ dama/e5 A
sa1a/e 4o0nd indeedI
In /ene,al hea1y 4ea6ons 4ill al4ays -e a2 a disad1an2a/e a/ains2 a +as2e, 4ea6on
li.e a s4o,d5 Ho4e1e,3 2he a8e 4ill in+li72 /,ea2e, dama/e 4hen i2 does hi25 In
7hoosin/ yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o de7ide 4hi7h is mo,e im6o,2an2; 2o ma.e hi2s3
o, 2o do lo2s o+ dama/e 4hen yo0 do5
"sing %otions and %oison
S.ill 6o2ions 4ill in7,ease 2he current le1el o+ yo0, SKI&& -y )3 e1en a-o1e 2he
initial le1el +o, 2he d0,a2ion o+ one -a22le5 They may -e d,0n. 6,io, 2o any -a22le5 I+
yo0, current SKI&& is -elo4 2he initial le1el3 2hen 2he SKI&& in7,ease is 6e,manen25
"oison 7an -e 0sed on any 4ea6on 2o has2en yo0, enemy?s de+ea25 All 6oisons 4ill
7ome 4i2h a n0m-e, in -,a7.e2s5 This ,e+le72s 2hei, 6o2en7y5 Fo, e8am6le3 2he n0m-e,
# means 2ha2 # ,o0nds after your first hit3 yo0, enemy 4ill die +,om 2he 6oison5
M0l2i6le hi2s ha1e no e++e725 All 6oisons 7ome in sin/le doses
&scaping
Yo0 4ill some2imes -e /i1en 2he o66o,20ni2y 2o es7a6e +,om a -a22le5 I+ yo0 do ,0n3
yo0 4ill e86ose yo0,sel+ 2o yo0, enemy3 4ho 4ill /e2 a +,ee hi25 Ho4 m07h dama/e
2hey do is 6oin2s 6l0s 2hei, ad>0s2men2 1al0e5 Th0s i+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a,mo0,3 yo0
mi/h2 es7a6e 0ns7a2hed5
'ighting (ore Than !ne )reature
I+ yo0 7ome a7,oss m0l2i6le o66onen2s3 yo0 may -e +o,7ed 2o +i/h2 2hem a2 2he same
2ime5 Chen 2his ha66ens yo0 7al70la2e 2he A22a7. S2,en/2h o+ yo0,sel+ and yo0,
o66onen2s as no,mal5 Yo0 7an only a22a7. one o+ yo0, o66onen2s3 and i+ yo0, A22a7.
S2,en/2h is hi/he,3 yo0 4o0nd i2 in 2he no,mal 4ay5 I+ yo0, A22a7. S2,en/2h is hi/he,
2han 2he o2he,s as 4ell3 2hen yo0 ha1e mana/ed 2o de+end yo0,sel+ a/ains2 2hei, -lo4s5
I+ 2hei, A22a7. S2,en/2hs a,e hi/he,3 2hen 2hey 4o0nd yo0 in 2he no,mal 4ay5
Some2imes yo0 4ill -e ins2,072ed 2o +i/h2 m0l2i6le o66onen2s as a sin/le 7,ea20,e5
Luck
A2 1a,io0s 2imes in yo0, ad1en20,e3 yo0 4ill -e 7alled 06on 2o 2es2 yo0 &UCK5 To do
2his3 yo0 ,oll 24o die5 I+ 2he ,es0l2 is e90al 2o o, less 2han yo0, 70,,en2 &UCK s7o,e3
yo0 ha1e -een +o,20na2e5 I+ 2he ,es0l2 is hi/he,3 2hin/s a,e 0n+a1o0,a-le5
E1e,y 2ime yo0 2es2 yo0, &UCK3 yo0 m0s2 min0s one 6oin2 +,om yo0, 70,,en2 &UCK
s7o,e5 Th0s 2he mo,e yo0 ,ely on l07.3 2he ,is.ie, 2his -e7omes5
E!UI"MENT AND "OTIONS
=
FF - Diamond
Yo0 -e/in yo0, ad1en20,e 4i2h yo0, 4ea6on3 a da//e,3 7lo2hes and lea2he, a,mo0,3
6l0s a -a7.6a7.5 In addi2ion yo0 may 7hoose one o+ 2he +ollo4in/ i2ems3 o, ,oll a die
2o de2e,mine 4hi7h yo0 ha1e 4i2h yo0;
)5 Ro6e5 5 Th,ee Healin/ 6o2ions5 <5 SKI&& 6o2ion5 =5 &UCK "o2ion5 #5 Res2o,in/
"o2ion5 %5 &i/h2 C,ys2al5
In 2he 7o0,se o+ 2he ad1en20,e yo0 4ill no do0-2 7ome a7,oss 6o2ions5 These 4ill
mos2ly -e healin/ 6o2ions 2ha2 ,es2o,e STAMINA5 Unli.e many o+ 2he Fi/h2in/
Fan2asy -oo.s3 meals do no2 ,es2o,e STAMINA5 Any time you come across a
passage descri*ing you going to sleep, you may restore + points of STA(I$A,
So i+ 2he 6assa/e 2ells yo0 2ha2 i2 2a.es 2h,ee days 2o ,ea7h 2he ne82 2o4n3 ,emem-e,
2ha2 yo0 a,e en2i2led 2o add % 6oin2s 2o yo0, STAMINA i+ needed5
Healin/ 6o2ions ,es2o,e % 6oin2s o+ STAMINA5
SKI&& 6o2ions in7,ease yo0, current SKI&& -y )5 I+ 2his 2a.es yo0 a-o1e yo0, initial
le1el3 2hen 2he e++e72 is 2em6o,a,y and las2s lon/ eno0/h +o, one -a22le o, one SKI&&
2es25
&UCK 6o2ions ,aise yo0, initial &UCK -y one and ,aise yo0, current &UCK 2o 2ha2
le1el5
Res2o,in/ 6o2ions ,e6lenish yo0, STAMINA 2o i2s initial le1els5
AD$ENTURE SHEET
#
FF - Diamond
MARKET
In 2he 7o0,se o+ yo0, ad1en20,e3 yo0 4ill o+2en 7ome 06on a 2o4n o, 7i2y and -e 2old
2ha2 2he,e is a ma,.e2 2he,e5 Yo0 7an 1isi2 2he ma,.e2 -y 20,nin/ 2o 2his 6a/e5 Yo0 7an
only 1isi2 2he ma,.e2 4hen yo0 +i,s2 a,,i1e in a 2o4n o, 4hen yo0 a,e a-o02 2o lea1e5
I2ems 7an -e -o0/h2 o, sold3 4i2h 2he sale 6,i7e -ein/ hal+ o+ 2he -0yin/ 6,i7es lis2ed
he,e5
Alchemist
Healin/ "o2ion
@F% 2o STAMINAA )# /old
S.ill "o2ion
@F) 2o SKI&& +o,
d0,a2ion o+ -a22le o, 2es2A #* /old
&07. "o2ion
@Raises ini2ial &UCK
-y ) and li+2s
70,,en2 &UCK 2o
ne4 le1elA <* /old
Res2o,in/ "o2ion
@Res2o,es STAMINA
2o ini2ial le1elA #* /old
"oison @EA )* /old
"oison @(A )# /old
"oison @'A * /old
"oison @%A # /old
"oison @#A <* /old
"oison @=A <# /old
"oison @<A =* /old
"oison @A =# /old
"oison @)A #* /old
Slee6in/ "o2ion )* /old
Armourer
B,eas26la2e %* /old
Chainmail (* /old
&ea2he, A,mo0, * /old
"la2email )** /old
S7alemail A,mo0, #* /old
S20dded &ea2he, A,mo0, <* /old
Helm @F) ARA * /old
Fine Helm @F ARA =* /old
Small Shield @F)
Com-a2 SKI&&3
F) ARMOURA * /old
&a,/e Shield @F
Com-a2 SKI&&3
F ARMOURA =* /old
)o**ler
Ridin/ Boo2s E /old
Shoes # /old
Cal.in/ Boo2s ' /old
#eneral
Blan.e2 # /old
Coo.in/ 6o2 # /old
C06 ) /old
Flin2 < /old
G,a66lin/ hoo. )* /old
Ha2 /old
&adle /old
&an2e,n < /old
&o7. 6i7.s # /old
Ro6e )* /old
Ten2 )* /old
To,7h ) /old
Mis7ellaneo0s i2ems -o0/h2 +o, ) /old
-e.eller
Mis7ellaneo0s Gems * /old
&i/h2 C,ys2al #* /old
Be>e4elled da//e, %* /old
Ma/i7al "ea,ls )** /old
Ma/i7al Gems )** /old
(erchant /ouse
Hi,e Me,7han2 G0a,d # /old
@F) /old 6e, dayA
Tailor
Coa2 = /old
Cloa. < /old
Shi,2 /old
So7.s ) /old
"an2s < /old
Bol2 o+ sil. * /old
%
FF - Diamond
Weaponsmith
A8e )# /old
Ba22lea8e <* /old
B,oads4o,d #* /old
Cl0- < /old
Ha27he2 )* /old
&on/s4o,d =* /old
Ma7e )# /old
Ca,hamme, * /old
Sho,2s4o,d <* /old
S6ea, )# /old
S2a++ # /old
T,iden2 # /old
Fine s4o,d (* /old
Fine S6ea, # /old
HINTS ON "&AY
The +ollo4in/ ad1en20,e 7o1e,s )*** ,e+e,en7es5 Ra2he, 2han -ein/ lon/3 i2 sim6ly
has n0me,o0s 6a2hs and side ad1en20,es 2o +ollo45 I2 is no2 desi/ned 2o -e di++i70l23
-02 ,a2he, an en>oya-le e86e,ien7e3 as e1en2s de1elo6 a77o,din/ 2o yo0, 7hoi7es5
The,e is no one 4ay 2o s077eed3 and i2 4ill 2a.e some 2ime +o, 2he 0l2ima2e 60,6ose o+
2he ad1en20,e 2o eme,/e5
The,e a,e a la,/e n0m-e, o+ i2ems a1aila-le in 2he -oo. and no2 all 4ill -e 0se+0l 2o
yo03 o, e1en 0se+0l any4he,e5 Some i2ems 7an only -e +o0nd in s6e7i+i7 6la7es3
o2he,s 7an -e -o0/h2 a2 2he ma,.e2 in any 2o4n o, 7i2y5
The,e a,e % s077ess+0l endin/s3 all o+ 4hi7h a,e 1alid5 The endin/ in ,e+e,en7e )***
sho0ld -e 7onside,ed 2he J2,0e? endin/ only i+ ,eade,s 4an2 a 7hallen/e5
En>oy5
'
FF - Diamond
BACKGROUND
The 2a1e,n is +illed 4i2h smo.e and son/3 ,oa,in/ +i,es ,adia2in/ ho2 am-e, li/h2
on2o 2he me,,y +a7es o+ 2he dan7in/ men3 2h0m6in/ 2he +loo, 4i2h 2hei, -oo2ed +ee25
Tan.a,ds a,e ,aised in ,a07o0s 2oas2s3 -e+o,e 2he 4a,m 7on2en2s a,e 2ossed do4n
2h,oa2s3 o, >0s2 as o+2en s6illin/ on2o 2he +loo, as men s2a//e, and la0/h -e+o,e +allin/
o1e,5
Ca27hin/ 2he 7ele-,a2ion +,om a 90ie2 7o,ne,3 yo0 smile a2 2he 7omi7 dis6lay5 The
men dese,1e 2hei, ,es25 I2 4as a ha,d 2,e. a7,oss 2he a,id lands o+ G,an-o,in3 7alled
2he S0n?s An1il -y 2hose 4ho d4ell a2 i2s 4i2he,in/ ed/e5 Only sand moles and 2he
liKa,ds 2ha2 h0n2 2hem li1e in 2he dese,25 The 7a,a1an had en7o0n2e,ed a +e4 o+ 2he
/ian2 liKa,ds on 2his >o0,ney3 -02 2he 4a,,io,s had -een n0me,o0s eno0/h 2o d,i1e o++
2he -eas2s5 I2 4as 2he hea2 2ha2 had made 2he /oin/ di++i70l23 and 2he sand 2ha2 seemed
2o slide +,om 0nde, 2he +ee2 a2 e1e,y s2e65 Yo0, o4n le/s s2ill +el2 2he 4ea,iness o+ 2he
>o0,ney: only 2he 7o6io0s amo0n2s o+ -ee, /i1e yo0, 7om6anions 2he s2,en/2h 2o
dan7e5
One hand d,i+2in/ 2o yo0, -el23 yo0 /,as6 on7e mo,e 2he small 60,se han/in/ 2he,e5
#* 6ie7es o+ /old3 6aid in +0ll -y 2he me,7han2 F,ellan +o, 2he sa+e 6assa/e o+ his
/oods5 A +ai, 4a/e +o, 2h,ee 4ee.?s 4o,.5 B02 -ein/ a me,7han2?s /0a,d 4as o+2en
mo,e dan/e,o0s 2han -ein/ a soldie,5 Chen 2he,e 4as no 4a,3 soldie,s /,e4 +a2 and
o-no8io0s5 Be22e, 2o -e a me,7han2?s /0a,d3 yo0 ,e+le725 Dan/e,o0s3 6e,ha6s3 -02
6,edi72a-le5 And i+ i2 4en2 -adly yo0 7o0ld al4ays +lee5 Bandi2s ne1e, 60,s0ed yo0 i+
yo0 ,an a4ay5
Re+le72in/ on yo0, +o,20nes3 yo0 loo. 06 as 2he doo, o6ens3 le22in/ on a /0s2 o+
7ool ai, 2ha2 is a ,elie+ a/ains2 2he ho2 in2e,io,5 Mos2 o+ 2he ,e1elle,s do no2 no2i7e 2he
+i/0,e 4ho s2e6s inside3 -02 2he si/h2 is 0n0s0al eno0/h 2o ma.e 2he Kee6e, has2ily
602 do4n a hal+-+0ll 2an.a,d in +,on2 o+ 2he man lollin/ a2 2he -a, and s70,,y +o,4a,d3
i/no,in/ 2he 6,o2es2s 2ha2 7ome a+2e, him5 Yo0 also si2 06 a li22le s2,ai/h2e,5
The 4oman s2andin/ inside 2he doo,4ay is d,essed in a lon/ 7loa. o+ dee6es2
-l0e3 em-,oide,ed a,o0nd 2he -ase 4i2h 4hi2e and /olden 2h,ead5 A 7o4l hides he,
+ea20,es3 -02 i2 is no2 di++i70l2 2o see he, dis2as2e as she loo.s o1e, 2he d,0n.en lo02s
-e+o,e he,5 The Kee6e, has s7,am-led o1e, 2he -odies and dod/ed 2he dan7in/
,e1elle,s 2o -o4 2o 2he lady3 4el7omin/ he, 2o his es2a-lishmen25 By 2his 2ime some
mo,e o+ 2he d,0n.en men ha1e no2i7ed he,3 and 2he ,oom is s2a,2in/ 2o 90ie2en5
The 7o4l mo1es +,om side 2o side as 2he 4oman sha.es he, head a2 2he Kee6e,?s
in1i2a2ion3 2hen she 2h,0s2s a /lo1ed hand in yo0, di,e72ion -e+o,e 20,nin/ a,o0nd and
lea1in/5 The Kee6e, 20,ns and loo.s s2,ai/h2 a2 yo0 -e+o,e 20,nin/ -a7. 2o -o43 -02
2he lady is al,eady /one5 Yo0 s2and as 2he Kee6e, ma.es his 4ay -a7. a7,oss 2he
7ommon ,oom3 4a1in/ a4ay 2hose 4ho 2,y 2o a77os2 him3 ei2he, 2o as. 4ho 2he lady
4as3 o, 2o o,de, mo,e -ee,5
Gi1in/ yo0 a -,ie+ nod3 2he .ee6e, sho02s a-o1e 2he son/ and la0/h2e,5
LThe lady 4an2s 2o see yo0 o02sideMN
LA-o02 4ha2ON yo0 as.5
The .ee6e, sh,0/s3 and /oes -a7. 2o 2he -a,5 "i7.in/ 06 yo0, 4ea6ons and 6a7.
yo0 s2a,2 2o ma.e yo0, 4ay a7,oss 2he ,oom5 The ,oom is almos2 as ho2 as 2he S0n?s
An1ilM I2 is a ,elie+ 2o 4al. o02 in2o 2he ni/h23 em-,a7ed -y 2he 7ool ai,5 Closin/ 2he
doo, -ehind yo03 yo0 inhale dee6ly 2he +,esh ai,5
The lady is s2andin/ nea,-y3 and yo0 a,e s2a,2led 2o see 4i2h he, +o0, a,mo0,ed
men5 They 7a,,y no si/ns o, sym-ols3 -02 ea7h has 2he loo. o+ a 6,o+essional /0a,d5
C0,io0s3 no43 yo0 a66,oa7h3 s2o66in/ many +ee2 a4ay5 One o+ 2he /0a,ds
(
FF - Diamond
si/ni+i7an2ly 2a.es a s2e63 6la7in/ himsel+ 2o in2e,7e62 yo0 i+ yo0 4e,e 2o 2,y and a22a7.
2he lady5 The lady has2ily s2e6s 6as2 2he /0a,d3 4a1in/ him -a7. 4i2h i,,i2a2ion5
"la7in/ he, hands on he, hi6s3 he, +o,m 7lo2hed no4 in shado43 she loo.s yo0
o1e,3 eyes s6a,.lin/ in 2he de62hs o+ he, 7o4l5 LYo0 a,e 2he 7a62ain o+ 2hese menON
She as.s in a lo43 melodi7 1oi7e5 A -ea02i+0l 1oi7e3 -02 he, 2one is im6a2ien25
LNo3N yo0 ,e6ly5 LThe 7a62ain is 0nde, one o+ 2he 2a-les inside5N
Al2ho0/h yo0 7an?2 see he, +a7e3 yo0 sense she is +,0s2,a2ed5 LYo0 a,e no2
d,in.in/ 2oni/h2ON she as.s3 6,o-in/ly5
LI 7an?2 a++o,d 2o /e2 d,0n. and s6end all my money3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LI see3N she ,e6lies 70,2ly5 S2e66in/ a4ay +,om yo03 she 6a7es 2o one side3 2hen
20,ns5 LI need /0a,ds +o, a >o0,ney5 I 4ill 6ay yo0 4ell5 Ho4 many o2he,s 7an yo0
/a2he,O Men 4ho 4ill -e +i2 2o lea1e a2 da4n 2omo,,o4ON
Yo0 sh,0/5 LI?m no2 s0,e5N
The 4oman seems dis6leased5 L$e,y 4ell5 Ge2 lo2s o+ ,es25 Ce 4ill lea1e a2 +i,s2
li/h2 2omo,,o45N
As she 20,ns 2o lea1e3 yo0, 4o,ds hal2 he,5 LI ha1en?2 a/,eed 2o yo0, 2e,ms5 In
+a723 I ha1en?2 hea,d yo0, 2e,ms a2 all5 Che,e a,e 4e /oin/O Cha2 is 2he ,a2e o+ 6ayON
The lady loo.s -a7. a2 yo0 o1e, he, sho0lde,5 LOne /old 7oin 6e, day5 O0,
des2ina2ion isIno2 +o, yo0 2o .no4 a2 2his 2ime5N
LCha2 a-o02 an ini2ial s0mO And a -on0s +o, sa+e deli1e,yON
The lady 20,ns 2o +a7e yo03 6lan2in/ he, hands on he, hi6s5 LFi1e /old no43 and
ano2he, +i1e 4hen 4e a,,i1e5N
Foldin/ yo0, a,ms3 yo0 6,e2end 2o 7onside, 2he o++e,5 I2 is a /ene,o0s amo0n23 -02
some >o0,neys 4e,e mo,e dan/e,o0s 2han o2he,s5 F,ellan 6aid )* /old +o, sa+e
deli1e,y3 and 24o /old 6e, day 2o 7,oss 2he 6e,ilo0s 4as2elands5 LI2 is di++i70l2 2o
.no4 ho4 m07h I dese,1e3 i+ yo0 4ill no2 2ell me 4he,e 4e a,e /oin/5 Cha2 a,e yo0
7a,,yin/ON
LI ha1e made my o++e,3N 2he lady sna6s5 LI+ yo0 a77e62 i23 -e a2 2he No,2he,n Ga2e
a2 da4nM Don?2 6,es0me 2o -a,/ain 4i2h me 4hile yo0 a,e 0n6,o1enMN
S2al.in/ an/,ily a4ay3 2he +o0, /0a,ds has2en 2o +ollo4 he,5
S2andin/ alone in 2he ni/h2 yo0 7on2em6la2e 2he o++e,3 yo0 hand 4ande,in/ on7e
mo,e 2o 2he 60,se on yo0, -el25 Yo0 4o0ld ha1e 6,e+e,,ed 2o ,es2 a 4hile -e+o,e yo0
ne82 >o-5 B02 yo0 4o0ld ne1e, ,e+0se a >o- li/h2ly5 The lady?s >o0,ney smells
dan/e,o0s3 -02 yo0 a,e 70,io0s as 4ell5 Fo, many momen2s yo0 s2and as 2he -,eeKe
7ools yo03 20,nin/ 2hin/s o1e, in yo0, mind5 A2 leas2 she 4ill -e headin/ no,2h3 a4ay
+,om 2he a,id lands5 Cande,in/ 06 2he s2,ee2 in sea,7h o+ an inn3 yo0 7on2em6la2e 2he
idea o+ slee6in/ in3 6e,ha6s in 2he a,ms o+ a 6e,+0med lady5 Ye2 ad1en20,e is
7allin/I
No4 20,n 2o 0
E
FF - Diamond
0
A2 da4n 2he G0a,d a2 2he No,2he,n Ga2e 7han/es5 A s20--le-7hee.ed lie02enan23 s2ill
s7,0--in/ slee6 +,om his eyes /la,es a2 yo0 as he 7omes 2o 2a.e his 6os25
LA,e yo0 7omin/ in o, o02ON he as.s in a ha,sh 2one5
LO023N yo0 ,e6ly5 LCai2in/ +o, my 7om6anions5N
He /,0n2s and /oes in2o 2he /0a,dho0se5 The mo,nin/ 7hill is a720ally 6leasan23
2he memo,y o+ 2he S0n?s An1il s2ill in yo0, -ody5 I2 4ill /e2 m07h 7olde, +0,2he,
No,2h5 As yo0 6onde, 2he s2,an/e lady and he, mys2e,io0s des2ina2ion3 2he slo4
7lom6 o+ s2eel-shod hoo1es on s2one /,o4s nea,5 Ci2hin momen2s a /,o06 o+ +i1e
ho,semen a66ea, a,o0nd a 7o,ne,3 s0,,o0ndin/ a 6lain3 -02 +inely made 7a,,ia/e5
The /0a,ds a,e all d,essed in iden2i7al 0ndyed 4o1en 7loa.s3 7o1e,in/ 7hainmail5
Ea7h has a shea2hed lon/s4o,d h0n/ on 2he 6ommel o+ 2hei, saddle and a lon/ s6ea,
in hand5 Thei, helms a,e 6oin2ed and o6en-+a7ed3 loo.in/ a -i2 li.e a -ell5 &oo.in/ a2
2hem3 yo0 sha.e yo0, head5 They loo. li.e 2hey ha1e some2hin/ 2o hide5 The men a,e
o-1io0sly 0sed 2o ma,7hin/ 0nde, -anne,s and 6,o0dly -ea,in/ some no-le sym-ol
em-laKoned on 2hei, 7hes2s5 The 6lain iss0e 2hey ha1e 7on7ealed 2hemsel1es in is
nondes7,i62 eno0/h3 -02 2he +a72 2hey all 4ea, e8a72ly 2he same a22i,e 7an only d,a4
a22en2ion 2o 2he 0nma,.ed 7a,,ia/e 2hey es7o,25
The /,o06 does no2 6a0se as 2hey 6ass 2h,o0/h 2he /a2e3 4a27hed 4i2h am0semen2
-y 2he Ci2y G0a,d: no do0-2 2he /0a,dsmen?s 2ho0/h2s a,e simila, 2o yo0, o4n5
Fallin/ in -ehind 2he las2 /0a,d3 yo0 4onde, i+ yo0 sho0ld 2,y 2o s6ea. 2o 2he lady5
De7idin/ 2o 4ai2 0n2il yo0 a,e 7lea, o+ 2he 7i2y yo0 se22le in a2 a 7om+o,2a-le 6a7e5
The 7i2y o+ Ta,/a,en si2s in 2he middle o+ s2eamy s4am6s3 2he -loa2ed ,i1e, o+
Ya2e/an i2s li+e-lood5 Cide s2one ,oads ha1e -een -0il2 a-o1e 2he s2a/nan2 4a2e,s3
and yo0, 6a,2y mo1es s2eadily 2h,o0/h 2he s4am6s5 Fe4 6eo6le a,e a66,oa7hin/ 2he
7i2y a2 2his ho0,3 and yo0 a,e 7on2en2 2o 4a27h 2he he,ons and o2he, 4a2e, -i,ds 2ha2
+ish in 2he da4n li/h23 2,eadin/ 2h,o0/h 6ools o+ ,eeds and lilies5 The land e1en20ally
,ises3 on7e 2he 7i2y is a /,ey sm0d/e in 2he dis2an7e3 and 2he s2one-6a1ed ,oad4ay
a-,062ly ends on a d0s2y mo0nd5 As soon as 2he 7a,,ia/e 4heels hi2 2he di,23 2he
ho,semen and 7a,,ia/e 4o,dlessly s2a,2 2o mo1e mo,e 90i7.ly5 D0s2 is s2i,,ed 063
+o,7in/ yo0 2o mo1e o++ 2o 2he side as -illo4in/ 7lo0ds o+ d0s2 a,e .i7.ed 06 -y 2he
2,o22in/ hoo1es5
The 2,o2 is 0ns0s2aina-le +o, a day?s 2,a1el3 -02 yo0 /e2 2he sense 2ha2 2he lady is
2,yin/ 2o mo1e on4a,ds as 90i7.ly as 6ossi-le5 Is she ,0nnin/ +,om some2hin/O Yo0
a,e +o,7ed 2o >o/3 and i2 is no2 lon/ -e+o,e yo0, le/s s2a,2 2o a7he5 I2 ,eally 4as 2oo
soon 2o s2a,2 ano2he, >o-5 As yo0 7on2em6la2e /oin/ -a7. 2o Ta,/a,en3 yo0 see a
7o4led head 6o.e i2sel+ o02 o+ 2he 7a,,ia/e 4indo45
LYo0 2he,eMN 2he 4oman 7alls ha0/h2ily5 LCome he,eMN
Me,7han2s ha1e add,essed yo0 +a, mo,e ,0dely in 2he 6as23 al2ho0/h 2hey no,mally
4ai2 0n2il 2hey ha1e 6aid yo0 -e+o,e 2,ea2in/ yo0 li.e 2hei, 6,o6e,2y5 E1en so3 yo0
.ee6 yo0, 7ool as yo0 h0,,y 06 2o 2he side o+ 2he 7a,,ia/e5
LGe2 in3N 2he lady ins2,072s and 60lls he, head -a7. inside5
I2 is le+2 2o yo0 2o o6en 2he doo, and lea6 inside5 Yo0 mana/e 2o do 2his 4i2h a +ai,
de/,ee o+ ele/an7e and 7lose 2he doo, -ehind yo05 The 7a,,ia/e is small and yo0 ha1e
2o -end o1e, as yo0 s2a//e, 2o4a,ds a sea2 in 2he ,o7.in/ 7a,,ia/e and +all in2o a
70shioned sea25
&oo.in/ a2 2he lady o66osi2e3 yo0 see he, 4,a66ed in 2he same em-,oide,ed 7loa.5
She li+2s he, hands and d,a4s 2he 7o4l -a7. +,om he, head5 She is -ea02i+0l3 4i2h
-,i/h2 /,een eyes and a0-0,n hai,5 A 6ai, o+ i1o,y 7om-s holds he, hai, a4ay +,om a
+a7e 2ha2 is s0,6,isin/ly e86,essi1e5 Yo0 7an see e8a72ly 4ha2 she is 2hin.in/ as she
)*
FF - Diamond
loo.s a2 yo0: 0n7e,2ain i+ she has done 2he ,i/h2 2hin/3 1e,y m07h 2,yin/ 2o ma.e a
meas0,e o+ yo05 All o+ 4hi7h 2ells yo0 he, need is /,ea25
LI?m /lad yo0 de7ided 2o >oin 0s3N she says5 Yo0 see 2ha2 she is /,a2e+0l3 -02 he,
/,a2i20de is +a, o024ei/hed -y he, mis2,0s25 She e82ends a small 7lo2h -a/ 2o yo05
LHe,e is yo0, ini2ial 6ay5N
Yo0 2a.e 2he 60,se3 +eelin/ 2he 7oin inside5 Yo0 don?2 o6en 2he -a/ 2o 7o0n2 i25
Yo0 ha1e a lo2 o+ e86e,ien7e in handlin/ -a/s o+ 7oin and 7an 2ell -y 2he 4ei/h2 2ha2 i2
7on2ains 2he a/,eed # /old 7oins5 Besides3 2he 4oman?s +a7e is no2 2he +a7e o+ a
s4indle,5 On 2he 7on2,a,y3 she loo.s li.e she has s6en2 he, 4hole li+e in a 2em6le3
naP1e 2o 2he 4ays o+ 2he o02side 4o,ld5
LChe,e a,e 4e /oin/ON yo0 as.5
She -i2s he, li63 6a0sin/ +o, se1e,al momen2s5 LNo,2h3N she says a2 las25 LI2
sho0ld only 2a.e a 7o06le o+ 4ee.s5 I+ all /oes 4ell5N
Yo0 7an see 2he 4o,,y in he, +a7e5 LA,e yo0 in dan/e,ON yo0 as.5
She hesi2a2es a/ain3 he, /aKe so+2enin/ as she 6e,7ei1es yo0, 7on7e,n5 LNo5 No2
I3 -02IN The mis2,0s2 s0,+a7es a/ain5 LCe 4ill -e headin/ No,2h +o, no45 My
6,e1io0sI/0ide hasIle+2 0s5 A,e yo0 +amilia, 4i2h 2he No,2he,n ,o02esON
The 4oman is an a66allin/ lia,3 and yo0 7an see 2he /0il2 she +eels5 Ye2 2he
s2,en/2h o+ he, 60,6ose does no2 ma.e he, 4a1e,5 LI am3N yo0 ,e6ly5 Yo0 a,e a
s.il+0l and shameless lia,5
LGood5N She 60lls o02 a ma6 and holds i2 o02 2o4a,ds yo05 LCe 4ill 6ass 2h,o0/h
2he Ro7.y Hills5 My ma6 sho4s 2h,ee ,o02es5 Chi7h sho0ld 4e 2a.eON
Yo0 2a.e 2he ma65 Yo0 a720ally ,emem-e, 4ell yo0, las2 2,i6 no,2h5 The no,2h-
eas2e,n 6a2h 2a.es yo0 2h,o0/h some >0n/le5 I2 is lon/e,3 -02 s.i,2s a,o0nd 2he Ro7.y
Hills3 4hi7h 7an -e dan/e,o0s as 2hey a,e 6,one 2o ,o7. +alls5 The di,e72 No,2he,n
,o02e is an an7ien2 hi/h4ay -0il2 -y lon/-+o,/o22en .in/s5 I2 is 4ide and s2,ai/h23 and
4ill /e2 yo0 2o 2he ne82 2o4n mos2 90i7.ly5 B02 i2 is also 2he ,o02e any 60,s0e,s 4o0ld
e86e72 yo0 2o 2a.e5 The no,2h-4es2 ,oad is no2 as di,e72 as 2he an7ien2 hi/h4ay3 and
2a.es yo0 2h,o0/h mo,e 6e,ilo0s 6a,2s o+ 2he Ro7.y Hills3 -02 mi/h2 -e sa+e, in 2he
end5
Conside,in/ 2he o62ions3 yo0 /i1e yo0, ad1i7e5 The lady nods and 2ells yo0 2o
in+o,m 7a62ain "enma,. 4ho leads he, G0a,d5 She 2hen 2han.s yo0 and indi7a2es +o,
yo0 2o lea1e 2he 7a,,ia/e5
Yo0 6a0se5 L&ady3 I don?2 ha1e a ho,se5N
LAs. one o+ my men 2o le2 yo0 do0-le 063N she ,e6lies5
De7idin/ no2 2o a,/0e 4i2h yo0, ne4 em6loye, a2 2his ea,ly s2a/e3 yo0 e8i2 2he
7a,,ia/e and >0m6 do4n on2o 2he ,oad on7e a/ain5 T,o22in/ 06 2o 2he head o+ 2he
7ol0mn3 yo0 7all o02 2o 2he /0a,d 4ho ,ides on a 4hi2e s2allion5
LA,e yo0 Ca62ain "enma,.ON
T0,nin/ 2o loo.s a2 yo03 2he man?s -,i/h2 -l0e eyes s2a- in2o yo05 The,e is
no-ili2y a-o02 him 2ha2 does no2 7ome +,om 2i2les and 4eal2h5 This is a man s4o,n 2o
a hi/h 60,6ose in li+e5 LI am5N he ,e6lies3 s2,o.in/ his 2hi7.3 lon/ mo0s2a7hes5 LHas
&ady Kianmay 7ons0l2ed yo0 a-o02 o0, ,o02eON
Yo0 ans4e, 2ha2 she has5
Chi7h ,o02e do yo0 ad1iseO
The di,e72 ,o02e alon/ 2he an7ien2 hi/h4ayO T0,n 2o 12
The lon/ ,o02e 2h,o0/h 2he >0n/leO T0,n 2o 00+
The al2e,na2i1e ,o02e 2h,o0/h 2he Ro7.y HillsO T0,n 2o ++3
))
FF - Diamond
+
Un7o,.in/ 2he 6hial o+ /,een li90id3 yo0 sni++ a2 i23 2hen 7a,e+0lly 2as2e i25 I2
2in/les on yo0, 2on/0e3 and en7o0,a/ed3 yo0 2oss 2he lo2 do4n yo0, 2h,oa25 I2 is a
&UCK 6o2ion5 Raise yo0, ini2ial l07. -y one 6oin2 and ,es2o,e yo0, 70,,en2 &UCK 2o
2his ne4 le1el5
Re20,n no4 2o 4
1
The -andi2s se2 only one sen2,y3 and i2 is a sim6le ma22e, 2o 4ai2 +o, him 2o 4ande,
o++ 2o ,elie1e himsel+ and 90ie2ly s2a- him in 2he l0n/5 Yo0 nod 2o "enma,. and mo1e
in2o 2he 7am65 Mos2 o+ 2he men a,e in 2hei, 2en2s3 -02 a 7o06le a,e 4,a66ed in
-lan.e2s nea, 2he +i,e5 Yo0 a66,oa7h 2hem +i,s2 and 2,yin/ 2o .ee6 7alm sin. yo0
da//e, in2o 2hei, 2h,oa2s one -y one3 7lam6in/ a hand o1e, 2hei, mo02hs 2o 6,e1en2
2hem +,om 7,yin/ o025 Yo0 7an see -o22les lyin/ a-o02 and /0ess 2ha2 mos2 ha1e
d,0n. a2 leas2 some al7ohol5
Yo0 -e/in 2o mo1e 2o4a,ds 2he +i,s2 2en2 4hen s0ddenly 2he,e is a sho02 -ehind
yo05 Yo0 ha1e -een dis7o1e,ed5 The s2ill-li1in/ -andi2s s2a//e, 2o 2hei, +ee2 and
se1e,al ,0sh a2 yo05 Yo0 ,0n +o, 2he +o,es25 T,yin/ 2o +i/h2 so many in 2he o6en
4o0ld -e s0i7ide5
Yo0 mo1e in2o 2he da,.ness o+ 2he +o,es2 and 20,n a,o0nd 2o +a7e 2he -andi2s3 4ho
ha1e a,med 2hemsel1es 4i2h 2o,7hes5 I+ 2he 6aladin ha1e 7,oss-o4s 4i2h 2hem3 ,oll
one die5 I+ no23 ,oll 24o5 The ,es0l2in/ n0m-e, is ho4 many o+ 2he -andi2s yo0 4ill
6e,sonally ha1e 2o +a7e in 2he +o,es25 Yo0 7an +i/h2 2hem one a2 a 2ime -y hidin/ in
2he shado4s and +i/h2in/ 2hem in 2he 2hi7. 0nde,/,o42h5
Use 2he +ollo4in/ s2a2is2i7s +o, ea7h -andi2 2ha2 yo0 +a7e3 and -e 2han.+0l some o+
2hem a,e d,0n.;
BANDIT SKI&& ' STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 die3 20,n 2o 125
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 067
3
Yo0 /o -a7. 2o 2he ed/e o+ 2he 2en23 and 7a,e+0lly 6ee. 0nde, 2he 7lo2h5 Yo0 see
no2hin/ and 7,a4l o025 Cas0ally yo0 4al. a7,oss 2he 7am6 and in2o 2he 0nde,/,o42h3
all 2he 4hile yo0, s2oma7h 7len7hed 4i2h 7old a66,ehension5 Ci2h ,elie+ yo0 ma.e i2
in2o 2he +o,es2 and h0,,y 2o ,e6o,2 -a7. 2o Kianmay5
T0,n 2o 80
)
FF - Diamond
7
The +i,s2 4a27h is yo0,s5 Yo0 4al. a,o0nd as 2he o2he,s se22le 2o slee63 7he7.in/
2ha2 all is 4ell5 Yo0 .ee6 2he +i,e -0,nin/ -,i/h23 and yo0, 4a27h 6asses 0ne1en2+0lly5
Yo0 4a.e one o+ 2he 6aladin 2o 2a.e his 4a27h3 2hen head +o, yo0, -lan.e2s5
T0,n 2o +24
8
No2 .no4in/ 4he2he, 2he -andi2 is 4ea,in/ a,mo0, o, no23 yo0 7,ee6 06 -ehind
him and slide yo0 da//e, a,o0nd his ne7.3 d,a4in/ i2 s4i+2ly a7,oss his 2h,oa25 I2 is
6oo,ly done3 and 2he -andi2 s7,am-les 2o his +ee23 sna27hin/ 06 his s4o,d5 He o6ens
his mo02h3 -02 7an only /a,/le as -lood s6ills +,om his 2h,oa2 o1e, his 7hes2 and d,i6s
on2o 2he /,o0nd5 He loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h 022e, ha2,ed and 2he s4o,d +alls +,om his hand3
-e+o,e he +alls 2o his .nees3 s2ill 4a27hin/ yo05 The loo. in his eyes 7han/es 2o +ea,3
and a momen2 la2e, he +alls on2o his +a7e5
Yo0 ,emain s2ill +o, a momen23 0n7e,2ain +eelin/s +illin/ yo0, hea,25 Yo0 ha1e
ne1e, 4a27hed a man die so slo4ly5 Yo0 ha1e ne1e, had 2o 4a27h 2he s0++e,in/ o+
dea2h a2 yo0, hands -e+o,e3 and yo0 +ind i2 does no2 si2 4ell 4i2h yo05 Yo0 7lean yo0,
da//e, on 2he /,ass ,a2he, 2han on 2he dead -andi2?s 7loa. and d,a/ him in2o a small
hollo4 in 2he shade o+ a la,/e ,o7.5 Yo0 +li6 him on2o his -a7. and a,,an/e his lim-s
nea2ly -e+o,e 6a0sin/5 Yo0 .no4 no 6,aye,s3 so yo0 sim6ly a6olo/ise 2o 2he s6i,i2 o+
2he slain3 and 4ish i2 4ell5
Yo0 2,y 2o 7on7eal 2he -lood on 2he hill2o6 -y di//in/ 06 2he soil 2he,e5 E1en
2ho0/h 2he,e is no mo,e si/n o+ -lood3 2he soil is all 7h0,ned 06 and s2ill loo.s
s0s6i7io0s5 &ea1in/ 2he hill2o6 yo0 h0,,y -a7. 2o yo0, ho,se5 Ho6e+0lly no4 2he
4a/on sho0ld -e a-le 2o 6ass 2h,o0/h sa+ely5
T0,n 2o 1+5
4
The lo7. 7li7.s o6en and yo0 li+2 2he lid5 Inside yo0 +ind a -o22le o+ 6oison@#A3 a
small -o8 7on2ainin/ ele1en 6hials o+ ,ed healin/ 6o2ion and a 6hial o+ /,een 6o2ion3 a
ma6 7ase 7on2ainin/ a s7,oll 7o1e,ed in an a,7ane s7,i623 and a sho,2s4o,d 4i2h a
sil1e, hil2 se2 4i2h sa66hi,es3 shea2hed in a sna.es.in s7a--a,d5
Yo0 a,e +,ee 2o d,in. any n0m-e, o+ 6o2ions no43 -02 7an only 2a.e +i1e 4i2h yo0
i+ yo0 also 2a.e 2he a,7ane s7,oll5 Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an lea1e 2he s7,oll -ehind and
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FF - Diamond
6
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a,e 7a,,yin/ -o4s5
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6ain3 2hen +all and 2he da,.ness 7laims yo05
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
5
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say5 Rollin/ a7,oss 2he ,0/3 yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ 0nde, 2he 4all o+ 2he 2en2 and 7lim- 2o
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FF - Diamond
02
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00
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4i2h yo05
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FF - Diamond
doo,3 2hen 90i7.ly and 90ie2ly 2hey mo1e inside5 Yo0 hea, Kianmay /i1e a s2i+led
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men ,0sh he, o02 o+ 2he ,oom5 Yo0 hea, 2he leade, /i1e a /,0++ 7ommand5
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silen25
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01
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03
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s7a--a,d3 and 20,n 2o +a7e 2he o2he,5
KING?S SO&DIER SKI&& ( STAMINA )( DB % ARMOUR #
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 11+
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FF - Diamond
07
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,is. a +i/h2 4hen yo0 7an 2a.e all o+ 2his +o, yo0,sel+ no4O D,o66in/ yo0, 4ea6on3
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soldie,s >ee, a2 yo0 lo0dly3 and 7l0m6s o+ di,2 and +ood and mis7ellaneo0s i2ems a,e
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T0,n 2o +51
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FF - Diamond
08
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,o7.5 Ho4e1e,3 yo0 a,e less 7on7e,ned a-o02 2he dan/e,s o+ 2he en1i,onmen2 2han
yo0 a,e a-o02 Kin/ G,02ne/o2
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h0mans5 Al2ho0/h i2 is 6ossi-le 2ha2 2he o,7s 4ill a22a7. yo03 i2 is mo,e li.ely 2ha2 yo0
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o,7 2,i-es o+ 2he Kilanda, Mo0n2ains3 and +o,/ed a .in/dom o+ so,2s5 Ra2he, 2han
la0n7h a 7on90es2 o+ 2he s0,,o0ndin/ h0man 1illa/es3 G,02ne/o2 es2a-lished a 1enee,
o+ le/i2ima7y 2o his ne4--o,n s2a2e -y imi2a2in/ h0man in+,as2,0720,e5
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,aidin/5 The o,7s 2,y 2o /lean as m07h as 2hey 7an +,om 2he me,7han2s 2ha2 6ass
2h,o0/h: -02 ha1e 2o -e 7a,e+0l no2 2o ,aise i,e 2oo m07h3 les2 one o+ 2he h0man .in/s
o,de,s an a22a7. on 2hem5
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ne7essa,ily 0nsa+e5
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mo0n2ains 6,o6e,5 @"ay yo0, men # /old ea7hA5 In 2he hills yo0 6ass 2h,o0/h a +e4
h0man 1illa/es and a,e s0,6,ised 2o no2i7e 2ha2 2hey ha1e o,7ish /a,,isons5 E1iden2ly3
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o+ R02an/ol3 an o,7ish se22lemen2 2ha2 is 2he /a2e4ay 2o 2he 1a,io0s 6asses 2han lead
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6ea7e and ,ela2i1e 6,os6e,i2y5 A ,i1al 7hie+2ain has +o0nded a mo1emen2 2o 2,y and
2o66le G,02ne/o23 4an2in/ 2o ,e20,n 2o 2he old 4ays o+ ,aidin/ and 7on90es25 So +a, he
has /a2he,ed many +ollo4e,s3 -02 is s2ill in 2he mino,i2y5 E1e,y day mo,e o,7s a,,i1e
+,om dis2an2 lands 2o >oin G,02ne/o2?s 6a,adise5
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2he Kilanda, Mo0n2ains5
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4ill s6eed 2he >o0,ney and 6,o2e72 2,a1elle,s +,om 2he elemen2s5 Ho4e1e,3 2he 7ha,/e
is hi/h and 2he inn.ee6e, .no4s o+ no 2,a1elle, 4ho 4as 4illin/ 2o 2,0s2 2he o,7s and
2a.e 2he da,.ened 6assa/e5
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The ne82 mo,nin/ yo0 se2 o02 and >oin 2he line o+ 2,a1elle,s 4ai2in/ 2o /e2 2h,o0/h
2he /a2e 2ha2 seals 2he 4ay 2o 2he 6assa/es 2h,o0/h 2he mo0n2ains5 A 6alisade seals o++
2he /a6 -e24een 24o 7li++s3 a la,/e 4ooden /a2e in 2he 7en2,e5 T4o 4a27h2o4e,s ha1e
also -een -0il23 in 4hi7h +0,-7lad o,7s si2 4i2h 7,oss-o4s3 eyein/ 2he 2,a1elle,s -elo45
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FF - Diamond
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o++i7e5
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as he 7o0n2s some2hin/5 Finally he 20,ns 2o yo0 and 2ells yo0 2he +ee5
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4heel5 The 4a/on and o8en alone 4ill 7os2 yo0 ) /old5 Ea7h o+ 2he 6aladin and
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Yo0 a,/0e 4i2h 2he o,7 +o, se1e,al min02es5 Yo0 6,omise 2ha2 yo0, 6a,2y 4ill no2
a22a7. any o,7s5 The o,7 7onside,s 2his and a/,ees 2o a77e62 yo0, 6,omise3 and do
a4ay 4i2h 2he 4ea6on-2a83 i+ yo0 .neel do4n and a6olo/ise +o, e1e,y o,7 2ha2 has
-een .illed -y h0mans3 e1e,5 This means yo0 only ha1e 2o 6ay 2he hoo+ 2a8 and 2he
4heel 2a8 @) /old 6l0s = /old 6e, 6aladin and me,7han2 /0a,d 4i2h yo05A Yo0 7an
7hoose 2o +i,e some o, all o+ yo0, me,7han2 /0a,ds5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6ay 2his3 20,n 2o 078
I+ yo0 7an?2 o, don?2 4ish 2o 6ay 2his m07h3 20,n 2o 024
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,is. o++e,in/ 2he Ta8-7olle72o, a -,i-e3 20,n 2o 175
04
Yo0 slay 2he las2 /0a,d and he +alls do4n ne82 2o his +,iend5 Yo0 7lean yo0,
4ea6on and 602 i2 a4ay5 The Diamond Key heals any 4o0nds yo0 may ha1e
,e7ei1ed5
LChy did yo0 a22a7. 2hemON Kianmay as.s5 LThey 4o0ld ha1e le+2 6ea7e+0lly5N
She is 6,o-a-ly ,i/h25 &a,emidan?s se,1an2 has disa66ea,ed3 so yo0 ha1en?2 .e62
2hin/s 90ie2 -y .illin/ 2hem5 Una-le 2o ans4e,3 yo0 d,a/ -o2h -odies in2o 2he
-a2h,oom and d0m6 2hem in 2he 20-5 Yo0 7an 2a.e 2hei, lon/s4o,ds o, s20dded
lea2he, a,mo0, +o, yo0,sel+5 In addi2ion yo0 +ind on 2hem a 2o2al o+ )= /old 7oins3 a
6ai, o+ di7e3 and a da//e, 4i2h a sil1e, -lade5
Yo0 lo7. 2he doo, 2o yo0, 90a,2e,s and /o -a7. 2o d,a/ o02 2he 7o,6se o+
&a,emidan5 Kianmay is 7,o07hed in he, -ed3 4,a66ed in 2he 7o1e,s5
LChy did yo0 .ill himON she as.s sadly as yo0 man handle his -ody5
)E
FF - Diamond
LHe 4as /oin/ 2o ,a6e yo0MN yo0 say5 LAny4ay3 i2 is -e22e, 2his 4ay5 He 7anno2
7hase a+2e, 0s no45N
LI 4as 2o -e his 1i72im3 and I ha1e +o,/i1en him5 Chy 7an?2 yo0ON Kianmay as.s5
Yo0 a,e no2 in 2he mood +o, a dis70ssion so yo0 2ell he, 2o /e2 some ,es2 and d,a/
his -ody in2o 2he -a2h,oom5 Yo0 mo1e yo0, -ed,oll in2o 2he -ed,oom and 7losin/ 2he
doo,3 lie do4n a/ains2 i25 The 6,ies2ess does no2 90es2ion yo0 +0,2he,3 and yo0 +all
aslee65
T0,n 2o 141
06
Yo0 +ollo4 2he 0nde,2a.e, o02 o+ 2he inn and 06 2he s2,ee25 He 20,ns o+2en and
mo2ions yo0 0,/en2ly 2o +ollo45 Yo0, ,el072an2 s2e6 ne1e, .ee6s yo0 06 4i2h him3
and e1en20ally yo0 a,,i1e a2 a small /a2e in 2he 6alisade 2ha2 s0,,o0nds 2he 2o4n5
The 0nde,2a.e, 6,o0dly 6,od07es a .ey and 0nlo7.s 2he /a2e3 in1i2in/ yo0 2o en2e,
4i2h a s4ee6in/ /es20,e5 Yo0 4al. 2h,o0/h and +ind yo0,sel+ in a small 7om6o0nd
a22a7hed 2o 2he 2o4n 4all5 A +en7e 2ha2 4o0ld no2 .ee6 o02 4ol1es o, ma,a0de,s
s0,,o0nds a small /,a1eya,d and a s0,6,isin/ly la,/e ho0se made o+ 4ood5 The,e is a
small i,on 7himney3 o02 o+ 4hi7h smo.e is /en2ly ,isin/5 The /,a1eya,d is 90i2e small
+o, a 2o4n o+ 2his siKe3 and yo0 ,e7all 2ha2 no,2he,ne,s a,e mo,e in +a1o0, o+
7,ema2ion3 d0e 2o 2hei, nomadi7 ,oo2s5
The 0nde,2a.e, leads yo0 06 2o 2he doo,3 4hi7h is +lan.ed -y a 7o06le o+ .ennels5
LI2 is >0s2 I3N he says 2o 2he .ennels5 LAnd a +,iendMN
Yo0 6ee, in2o 2he da,. in2e,io,s and 7an see +0,,y +lan.s in 2he da,. shado4s5 B02
only silen7e and 2he small o+ s2,on/ 7hemi7als 7omes +,om 2he .ennels5 As 2he doo,
2o 2he 0nde,2a.e,?s home o6ens a 4a1e o+ e1en s2,on/e,-smellin/ 7hemi7als 4ashes
o1e, yo03 and yo0 hesi2a2e5 The 0nde,2a.e, smiles -,oadly and /es20,es +o, yo0 2o
en2e,5 Al2ho0/h 2he man seems mo,e 2han a li22le insane3 he doesn?2 seem dan/e,o0s3
so yo0 60sh aside yo0 ,ese,1a2ions and en2e,5
Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in a la,/e ,oom +illed 4i2h 7o++ins and heads2ones on dis6lay5
The 0nde,2a.e, 7loses 2he doo, -ehind him and h0,,ies a7,oss 2he hall3 7allin/ +o, yo0
2o +ollo45 He leads yo0 2h,o0/h a doo, and 6as2 6,i1a2e ,ooms in2o a la,/e .i27hen a2
2he -a7.5 He,e yo0 see a 4oman a2 2he s2o1e5 Al,eady on 2he 2a-le a,e se1e,al dishes5
LMy 4i+eMN 2he 0nde,2a.e, says 6,o0dly and /,ee2s he,3 /i1in/ he, and em-,a7e
and a .iss on 2he 7hee.5 She does no2 ,ea72 a2 all3 and ,emains s2i++ly doin/ he, 2as.s5
The 0nde,2a.e, si2s do4n a2 2he 2a-le and in1i2es yo0 2o 6a,2a.e o+ 2he +ood5 I2
smells /ood3 -02 yo0 ,e+,ain5 The a,oma o+ 2he +ood 7an?2 dis/0ise 2he smell o+
7hemi7als 2ha2 a66ea,s 2o 7ome +,om 2he 4oman a2 2he s2o1e5
The 0nde,2a.e, hel6s himsel+3 2ea,in/ in2o a -,ead ,oll5 LYo0 as.ed me a-o02 2he
Col+5 In 0nde, a yea, he has -e7ome ,0le, o+ all o+ 2hese lands5 He is +ea,ed and
,es6e72ed 4he,e1e, yo0 /o 06on 2he 20nd,a5 B023 ah3 i+ only 2hey .ne4 4ha2 I .ne45N
The 0nde,2a.e, /,ins5 LYo0 see3 I am an e86e,2 in 2he s20dy o+ dea2h5 I .no4 4ha2
.ills a man5 Col1es a,e al4ays a dan/e, on 2he 20nd,a5 I+ 2he lo7als +ind a man
7o1e,ed in s7,a27hes 4i2h his 2h,oa2 2o,n o023 2hey 2hin. i2 is a 4ol+ and i+ 2he de7eased
is 0n.no4n3 2hey deli1e, 2he 7o,6se 2o me5 Mos2ly i2 is 4ol1es: mos2ly5N The
0nde,2a.e, lo4e,s his 1oi7e5 LB02 some2imes i2 4as some2hin/ else3 and al4ays on a
+0ll moon3 and al4ays 4hen 2he Col+ 4as nea,5 He e1en 2ells yo0 his se7,e2 4i2h his
nameMN The 0nde,2a.e, la0/hs5
*
FF - Diamond
LHe is a 4e,e4ol+ON yo0 as.5
LHe isMN 2he 0nde,2a.e, /,ins5 LTha2 is 4hy he 7anno2 -e ma27hed in -a22le5 He is
s4i+2e, and s2,on/e, 2han any man3 and 7anno2 -e 4o0nded 4i2h s2eel5N
As yo0 6onde, 2his3 2he 4oman a2 2he s2o1e 20,ns3 7a,,yin/ a 6o2 +,om 2he s2o1e 2o
a -en7h3 and yo0 s2a,2 in sho7.5 The 4oman?s eyes a,e d0ll and li+eless3 and he, >a4
han/s loosely5 She sh0++les o1e, 2o 2he -en7h and yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 she is dead3
6,ese,1ed 4i2h 7hemi7als and ,eanima2ed 4i2h da,. ma/i75 The 0nde,2a.e, is a
ne7,oman7e,M
The 0nde,2a.e, does no2 no2i7e yo0, ,ea72ion3 loo.in/ a2 his J4i+e? +ondly5 LIn my
4o,. I deal 4i2h many 7,a+2s5 I+ yo0 ha1e a da//e, I 7an 6la2e 2he -lade in sil1e,5 I2
4ill no2 -e 0se+0l +o, m07h e87e62 4o0ndin/ 4e,e4ol1esMN
Do yo0 4an2 2o a77e62 2his o++e,O T0,n 2o 008
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a22a7. and .ill 2his +,ea.3 20,n 2o +42
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e and /o -a7. 2o yo0, ,oom a2 2he JInn?3 20,n 2o 140
05
Yo0 60ll aside yo0, 7loa. 2o sho4 Kianmay 2he sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,5
She 2ells yo0 2ha2 in -a22le i2 4ill 6,o2e72 yo0 no -e22e, 2han lea2he, a,mo0, @AR G )A3
-02 i2 4ill a-so,- all -02 2he mos2 6o4e,+0l o+ s6ells 7as2 on yo05
Re20,n no4 2o +51
+2
A+2e, an ho0,3 a sha1ed headed man 4i2h a sho,2 -la7. -ea,d s2e6s in2o 2he 2en25
He is d,essed in a -la7. ,o-e 2ha2 ends a2 his .nee an enamelled -,eas26la2e 4o,n o1e,
2he 2o65 I2 is enamelled da,. -l0e 4i2h ,ed and /old se,6en2s 06on i25 Tooled -,o4n
lea2he, ,idin/ -oo2s 7o1e,in/ him +,om .nee 2o 2o45 He 4ea,s an i1o,y hil2ed da//e,
a2 his -el2 and 7a,,ies a la,/e3 slim 4ooden 7ase li.e a 7le,.3 and yo0 /,oan5 B02 2he
7ase ,emains 7losed and he as.s yo0 2o +ollo4 him5
Yo0 and Kianmay ,ise and +ollo4 a+2e, him as he leads yo0 2h,o0/h 2he
7om6o0nd5 Yo0 6ass 2h,o0/h ,o4s o+ 2en2s and 7ome s0ddenly 06on a 4ooden
s2,0720,e5 I2 is sim6le and has a 7an1as ,oo+3 -02 is as la,/e as any ho0se5 Yo0 s0s6e72
2ha2 i2 7an -e disman2led5 The /0a,ds on 2he doo,s o6en 2hem 2o le2 2he 7le,. en2e,3
eyein/ yo0 and Kianmay as yo0 6ass5
Inside3 yo0 see 2ha2 2he +loo, is 2he /,ass o+ 2he 20nd,a3 laid o1e, 4i2h 2hi7. ,0/s
de7o,a2ed 4i2h in2,i7a2e 6a22e,ns in ea,2hy 2ones5 The small an2e7ham-e, yo0 a,e in is
em62y e87e62 +o, a small des. and a s2ool and 2he 7le,. o6ens 2he ne82 se2 o+ doo,s
himsel+5 Beyond3 2he,e is a la,/e 7ham-e,3 7on2ainin/ a lon/ 2a-le 2o one side3 on
4hi7h yo0 see all o+ yo0, 6ossessions laid o025 A2 2he +a, end 2he,e is a /,o06 o+ men
si22in/ in a 7i,7le on 2he +loo,5 Behind 2hem is a dais 4i2h a la,/e3 2hi7. 4ooden 7hai,
in2,i7a2ely 7a,1ed in2o +lo4in/ +o,ms5 The ,oom is 4a,med -y -,aKie,s +illed 4i2h
7oals 2ha2 s2and in 2he 7o,ne,s5
The men 4ho si2 on 2he +loo, a,e 1a,io0s a/es3 all no,2he,n 4a,,io,s 4i2h lon/
-ea,ds3 0s0ally -,aided5 Thei, heads a,e sha1ed3 4hi7h is 0n0s0al +o, 2he 0n,0ly
)
FF - Diamond
no,2hmen5 Ra2he, 2han -,eas26la2es3 2hey 4ea, 7hainmail o, lea2he, a,mo0,5 They a,e
smo.in/ and 2al.in/ 90ie2ly in a lan/0a/e yo0 do no2 0nde,s2and5
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a 4in/ed helmO I+ so3 20,n 2o 077
I+ yo0 a,e no2 4ea,in/ a 4in/ed helm3 -02 4e,e 7a,,yin/ a ne7,oman7e,?s 4and 4hen
yo0 4e,e 7a620,ed3 20,n 2o 73
I+ none o+ 2hese a66ly 2o yo03 20,n 2o 12+
+0
As 2he 4a/on heads o++3 yo0 mo1e 2o4a,ds 2he side 20nnel5 A6a,2 +,om 4ha2 yo0
a,e 4ea,in/3 yo0 2a.e only yo0, 4ea6on and a sh022e,ed lan2e,n5 Yo0 don?2 .no4 i+
o,7s 7an see in 2he da,.3 -02 /0ess 2hei, eyes a,e -e22e, 2han yo0,s5
Fo, a lon/ 2ime yo0 head do4n 2he des7endin/ 1a0l25 &ess 7a,e has -een 2a.en
he,e3 as i+ 2he o,7s 4an2ed 2o /e2 2h,o0/h 2he s2one as 90i7.ly as 6ossi-le5 Yo0 see a
+ain2 li/h2 06 ahead and o6en yo0 lan2e,n lon/ eno0/h 2o e82in/0ish i25 Ci2h yo0,
4ea6on a2 2he ,eady3 yo0 mo1e +o,4a,d5 The di//in/ so0nd is 1e,y lo0d no43 and
yo0 e86e72 2o 7a27h si/h2 o+ 2he 4o,.e,s as yo0 a66,oa7h a ,o0/h o6enin/5
Ins2ead3 2he s6a7e yo0 en2e, is em62y and s2ill5 B02 4ha2 yo0 do see s0,6,ises yo05
The 20nnel -,ea.s o02 in2o a +ine hall3 ,e72an/0la, 4i2h a 2iled +loo, and 6illa,s linin/
2he 4alls5 The ,0--le +,om 2he 20nnel is s2,e4n o1e, 2he +loo,5 The li/h2 7omes +,om
a-o1e3 and yo0 loo. 063 seein/ 7handelie,s made o+ a 2ho0sand /lo4in/ 7,ys2als
linin/ 2he 1a0l2ed 7eilin/5
I2 loo.s as +ine as any s0-2e,,anean D4a,1en 6ala7e3 -02 2he s7ale o+ i2 is h0man-
siKed5 Yo0 hide yo0, lan2e,n -ehind some ,0--le and loo. +o, some si/n o+ 4he,e 2o
/o5 The so0nds o+ di//in/ 7ome +,om 2he ,i/h23 -02 2he hall has an o6enin/ 2o 2he le+2
as 4ell5
Chi7h 4ay 4ill yo0 /oO
In1es2i/a2e 2he di//in/O T0,n 2o 186
Go 2o 2he le+2O T0,n 2o 64
++
&a,emidan 2al.s mo,e a-o02 2he Col+3 -02 i2 seems he only .no4s ,0mo0,s5
Chile he 2al.s3 yo0 +eel 2he /olden a,m-and /,o4 4a,m5 Yo0 /la7e do4n a2 i2 and
see 2ha2 2he diamonds a,e -la7.5 They a,e 2,yin/ 2o 6oison yo05
Yo0 7on2in0e 2al.in/ 2o &a,emidan3 a77e62in/ ,e+ills +,om 2he se,1an2 0n2il 2he
-o22le is em62y5 Yo0 see his 4ell-7on7ealed +,0s2,a2ion and 7on+0sion5 On7e 2he
-o22le is em62y3 yo0 2han. him +o, 2he 4ine and his 7om6any5
He s2ands 4i2h yo0 and e82ends his hand5
Do yo0 4an2 2o sha.e his hand and say /oodni/h2O T0,n 2o 113
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, .ill him and his se,1an2 +o, 2,yin/ 2o 6oison yo03 20,n 2o ++2

FF - Diamond
+1
G,i66in/ yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 head in2o Da,.en Cood3 shi1e,in/ as 2he 7old 7loses
a,o0nd yo05 Yo0 mo1e 2o4a,ds 2he +i,e3 4hi7h yo0 see +li7.e,in/ -e24een 2he
7,ea.in/ 2,0n.s5 Yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 2he so0nd is 7omin/ +,om 2he 2,ees 2hemsel1es as
2hey 4,i2he as m07h as a 2,ee 7an5 Cha2 7an 2o,men2 a 2,ee soO
Yo0 mo1e dee6 in2o 2he Cood3 2he +i,e seemin/ 2o al4ays -e >0s2 ahead5 Finally
yo0 s20m-le in2o a 7lea,in/5 The +i,e yo0 ha1e seen is dan7in/ on 2o6 o+ a la,/e +la2
-la7. ,o7.5 A slende, 4oman si2s in a la,/e3 hea1y 7hai, 7a,1ed o+ da,. 4ood5 She is
-ea02i+0l 4i2h 7,eamy 4hi2e s.in3 lon/ -la7. sil.en hai, and -,i/h2 -l0e eyes5 She
4ea,s a lon/ ,o-e o+ 4hi2e 2ha2 s6a,.les in 2he li/h2 o+ 2he +i,e5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 7lea,in/3 2he 4oman s2o6s sin/in/ and s2ands5 She 6ee,s a2 yo03
2hen holds o02 he, hands5 LF,ee me3N she -e/s5
Yo0 7an see no ,es2,ain2s5 LF,om 4ha2ON yo0 as.5
LI am im6,isoned he,e3N she says5 LI ha1e -een im6,isoned he,e +o, many a/es5N
LYo0 don?2 loo. im6,isoned3N yo0 say5
Silen2ly 2he 4oman s2a,2s 2o 4al. 2o4a,ds yo05 The +i,e +la,es and s2a,2s 2o 2a.e
2he +o,m o+ a 2h,ashin/ h0manoid +i/0,e5 She s2e6s -a7. has2ily5 LI+ I lea1e he,e3 2his
demon 4ill -e ,eleased5N
Yo0 +,o4n5 LHo4 did 2his ha66enON
She si2s do4n in 2he 7hai, on7e mo,e5 Yo0 a66,oa7h 2he +i,e3 +indin/ i2 4a,m5
The 4oman 2ells yo0 he, s2o,y5 LI amIa se,1an2 o+ /ood5 I +an7ied mysel+ a
7ham6ion o+ 2he li/h25 So I 7ame he,e 2o des2,oy 2his 6la7e5 This Cood is an7ien23
and e8is2ed e1en in my 2ime5 B02 2he ,0le, o+ 2his 6la7e sa4 2he a,,o/an7e in my
hea,23 and so de1ised 2his 2o 2es2 me5 To -e a 7ham6ion o+ 2he li/h2 I m0s2 no2 des2,oy
e1il3 I m0s2 sim6ly 4ai25 I 7an lea1e a2 any 2ime3 i+ I am 4illin/ 2o 0nleash 2his demon
06on 2he 4o,ld5 So e1e,y day I si2 and I sin/ hymns o+ lo1e3 ho6in/ someone 4ill
7ome 2o aid me5 A,e yo0 4illin/ 2o -e a 7ham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2ON
LCha2 do I ha1e 2o doON yo0 as.5
She 6oin2s a2 2he +i,e5 LI 7an send yo0 in2o hell3 2o 2he dominion o+ 2his demon5
Then yo0 m0s2 +i/h2 and des2,oy i25 B02 -e4a,e3 I ha1e -een he,e +o, 2ho0sands o+
yea,s3 and I ha1e sen2 a 2ho0sand men 2o 2hei, dea2hs5N
Do yo0 4an2 2o a77e62 2he 7hallen/eO T0,n 2o 005
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, lea1e3 20,n 2o 106
I+ yo0 2hin. she is an a/en2 o+ e1il and 4an2 2o a22a7. he,3 20,n 2o ++7
+3
The Col+ is a +ie,7e o66onen23 -02 yo0 6,o1e 2o -e s2,on/e,5 Yo0, sil1e, 4ea6on
hisses in his +lesh3 ma.in/ i2 smo.e3 and +inally he +alls dead a2 yo0, +ee25 The
assem-led soldie,s a,e silen25 Yo0 /lan7e 4i2h 0n7e,2ain2y 2o4a,ds 2he so,7e,e,3 and
see 2ha2 he is 4a27hin/ 2he -ody o+ 2he Col+3 as i+ he e86e72s some2hin/ 2o ha66en5
Yo0 loo. -a7. a2 2he -ody5 S0ddenly 2he 7o,6se inhales and si2s 06 4i2h a /as65 The
soldie,s 4a27hin/ s2a,e in a4e and 0n7e,2ain2y5 The Col+ s2ands and s2,e27hes3 2hen
shea2hs his s4o,d5 He loo.s a2 2he men a,o0nd him5
LDo yo0 no2 .no4 2ha2 yo0, Kin/ is immo,2alO Ho4 else 7an I lead yo0 2o
/,ea2nessO Re20,n no4 2o yo0, d02ies5N
<
FF - Diamond
The men h0,,y a4ay and 2he Col+ 20,ns and lea1es 2he 7om6o0nd5 Yo0 +ollo4
2he Col+ -a7. in2o 2he ho0se5 Yo0 a,e led 2o 2he 2h,one ,oom on7e mo,e5 This 2ime
yo0 +ind a lon/ 2a-le on 4hi7h a,e all o+ yo0, -elon/in/s5 Kianmay is 4ai2in/ 2he,e
a66,ehensi1ely5
The Col+ /es20,es 2o 2he 2a-le5 LYo0 a,e +,ee 2o /o5 All o+ yo0, -elon/in/s a,e
,e20,ned 2o yo05N He 20,ns 2o Kianmay and +,om a,o0nd his ne7. 60lls o02 a 7lo2h -a/
on a 7o,d5 LThis I ,e20,n 2o yo05N
Kianmay 2a.es i2 ea/e,ly and o6ens i25 Yo0 see +,om he, e86,ession o+ ,elie+ and
deli/h2 2ha2 2he Diamond Key is inside5 Tha2 is ho4 he 7ame -a7. 2o li+e5 Yo0 /a2he,
06 all o+ yo0, 2hin/s +,om 2he 2a-le5 E1e,y2hin/ yo0 had is ,e20,ned 2o yo03 and yo0
may .ee6 any2hin/ else yo0 ha1e /ained3 in7l0din/ 2he 4ea6on yo0 0sed in 2he +i/h25
The Col+ /oes o1e, 2o 2he 7a-ine2 and o6ens i2 4i2h a .ey5 He 2a.es a -o8 +,om
inside and 7omes o1e, 2o yo05 The -o8 is la790e,ed -la7. 4ood inlaid 4i2h i1o,y and
>ade in 2he +o,m o+ 24o +ish s4immin/ a,o0nd ea7h o2he,3 +o,min/ a 7i,7le5 LSin7e
yo0 ha1e .illed me3 2hese ,i7hes a,e yo0,s5N
Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 and li+2 2he lid5 Inside 2he,e is a sin/le 7,ys2al 2ha2 is +illed 4i2h
,ain-o4-7olo0,ed li/h23 shi+2in/ as yo0 2il2 2he -o85 Yo0 2a.e o02 2he 7,ys2al and
Kianmay /as6s 4hen she sees i25
LCha2 is i2ON yo0 as. he,5
LA ",imo,dial C,ys2al3N she says5 LI2 is 6,i7eless 2o -e s0,e5N
LCha2 do I do 4i2h i2ON yo0 as.5
Kianmay sha.es he, head5 LThe na20,e o+ s07h 2hin/s isImys2e,io0s5 I .no4 o+
many 4ays in 4hi7h 2hey ha1e -een 0sed5 Some2imes +o, /,ea2 /ood3 some2imes +o,
/,ea2 e1il5N
Yo0 602 2he 7,ys2al -a7. in2o 2he -o8 and 7lose 2he lid5 Yo0 2han. 2he Col+
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see 2he soldie,s all 2al.in/ 0,/en2ly 2o/e2he,3 as ne4s o+ 4ha2 has ha66ened s6,eads5
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yo05 Yo0 +eel hos2ili2y +,om some3 -02 mos2ly 7on+0sion5
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,oad 2o4a,ds A,an2a2o,5
T0,n 2o +51
+7
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&UCK s7o,e3 20,n 2o 14+5 I+ 2he 2o2al is hi/he, 2han yo0 &UCK3 20,n 2o +43
=
FF - Diamond
+8
Yo0 +i/h2 a/ains2 2he Col+5 He mo1es 4i2h inh0man s6eed5
CO&F KING SKI&& )% STAMINA )( DB % ARMOUR =
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o +47
I+ yo0 lose3 20,n 2o 013
+4
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ha1e no 2ime 2o ,es25 Yo0 7an hea, 6o0ndin/ on 2he doo,5 Ha1in/ no 2ime 2o sea,7h
2he 6la7e3 yo0 h0,,y 2o 2he -a7. doo,3 ho6in/ 2he G,i++on Soldie,s ha1en?2 ,ea7hed 2he
s2a-le ya,d ye25
Yo0 o6en 2he doo, and 6ee, o023 seein/ 2he 7oas2 is 7lea,5 B02 as yo0 ,0n a7,oss
2he s2a-le ya,d3 2he o2he, doo, o+ 2he inn o6ens and a sho02 +ollo4s yo0 as yo0 >e,.
o6en 2he s2a-le /a2e and +lee in2o 2he s2,ee25
Yo0 ,0n +o, yo0, li+e3 2a.in/ a +e4 ,andom 20,ns3 2hen hidin/ yo0,sel+ amids2
some /a,-a/e5 Yo0 hea, 2he soldie,s sea,7hin/ +o, yo03 -02 none en2e,s 2he alley5
They s4ea, and e1en20ally /i1e 065 Yo0 4ai2 +o, a lon/ 2ime3 >0s2 2o ma.e s0,e 2hey
a,e /one3 2hen 2a.e 2he lon/ 4ay a,o0nd 2o 2he -a,man?s a6a,2men25
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him his /old 7oin and yo0 and yo0, man lea1e5 Yo0 2a.e ano2he, 7i,70la, ,o02e3
ma.in/ s0,e yo0 a,e no2 +ollo4ed3 and ,e20,n 2o yo0, inn5
Yo0 2hen /o 2o see Kianmay5
T0,n 2o 0+1
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o+ o02ho0ses yo0 s6end a +e4 momen2s s20dyin/ 2he de1i7e 4i2h in2e,es25 Yo0 a,e
mos2 im6,essed 4i2h 2he a-sen7e o+ smell5
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&is2enin/3 yo0 7an hea, 90ie2 7ha22in/ amids2 2he so0nds o+ 6o,7elain and 702le,y3 as i+
se,1an2s a,e se22in/ a 2a-le5 The o2he, doo, o6ens in2o 2he hall on7e mo,e3 and yo0
90ie2ly sli6 2h,o0/h i2 2o sea,7h ano2he, ,oom5
T0,n 2o +11
+5
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many o+ 2he d,in.e,s a,e 4a27hin/ yo03 2he 7ha22e, in 2he ,oom de7,easin/5 Yo0 +eel
li.e yo0 ha1e an a0dien7e as yo0 in2,od07e yo0,sel+ 2o 2he 2hin old man5
#
FF - Diamond
He loo.s 06 and -lin.s3 -02 2hen -eams5 LSi2 do4n3 +,iendM A -o22le o+ 4ine is a
2hin/ 2o -e sha,edMN
Yo0 se2 do4n yo0, m0/ as yo0 si2 and 2he old man li+2s 2he -o22le as i+ 2o 6o0,
4ine in2o yo0, -ee,5 Yo0 60ll yo0 m0/ a4ay5 LI?m all ,i/h23N yo0 2ell him5
He ha66ily ,e+ills his o4n /lass3 2hen ,aises i2 in a 2oas2 2o yo05 LMy name is
G,in-o2 2he Unde,2a.e,5 I 2a.e 7a,e o+ 2he 6oo, sods in 2his 2o4n a+2e, 2hey die5 B02 a
7o,6se is ne1e, a66,e7ia2i1e5 Silen2 and s2ill3 2ha2?s 2he 4ay I 6,e+e, 2hemMN He 6ee,s
a,o0nd 2he ,oom as i+ 7hallen/in/ anyone 2o dis602e his 6,e+e,en7e +o, a1oidin/ 2he
0ndead5 He /,ins a2 yo05 LCha2 is yo0, 7,a+23 +,iendON
LMe,7han2 /0a,d5 B02 no4 I am 2,a1ellin/ 2o A,an2a2o, 4i2h my 4i+e5N
LAh3 I ha1e a 4i+e3N 2he man says3 lo4e,in/ his 1oi7e and /lan7in/ a,o0nd 2he
,oom5 LDon?2 le2 anyone 2ell yo0 any2hin/ di++e,en2MN
Yo0 a,e -e/innin/ 2o 2hin. 2he man mi/h2 -e insane as 4ell as d,0n.5 LKno4 yo0
any2hin/ o+ 2he Col+ON Yo0 as.5
LI .no4 4ha2 he lea1es -ehindMN The 0nde,2a.e, 7h07.les5 LAnd no2 e1e,y2hin/
is 2he 4ay i2 sho0ld -eMN His 1oi7e +alls 2o a 4his6e,5 LI .no4 2he Col+?s se7,e2MN
Yo0 lean +o,4a,d5 LCha2 is i2ON Yo0 as.5
The 0nde,2a.e, loo.s a,o0nd 2he ,oom 0neasily5 LThis is no2 a /ood 6la7e 2o 2al.
a-o02 2his .ind o+ 2hin/5 Come 4i2h me 2o my 6a,lo0,5 Ce 7an 2al. +,eely 2he,e5N He
/e2s 063 do4nin/ 2he 4ine5 He se2s do4n 2he /lass and 6i7.s 06 2he -o22le5 L&e2?s
/oMN He says3 and s2a//e,s 2o4a,ds 2he doo,5 Yo0 s2and as 4ell3 -02 do no2 mo1e5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o +ollo4 him3 20,n 2o 06
I+ yo0 6,e+e, 2o le2 him /o and 2al. 2o someone else3 yo0 7an /o o1e, 2o 2he +a2 man3
20,n 2o +483 o, a66,oa7h 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds -y 20,nin/ 2o 0++
12
De7idin/ no2 2o do0-le 06 4i2h one o+ 2he ,ide,s3 yo0 ins2ead 7lim- 06 -eside 2he
d,i1e, o+ 2he 7a,,ia/e5 The 7ool-eyed /0a,d /i1es yo0 a s0s6i7io0s loo.3 -02 ,es6onds
2o yo0, nod -e+o,e 20,nin/ his eyes -a7. 2o 2he ,oad ahead5
The ,oad soon -,an7hes3 -02 Ca62ain "enma,. .ee6s 2o 2he main ,oad5 By midday
2he ,oad s2a,2s 2o ,ise3 2he hills on 2he ho,iKon s2a,2in/ 2o loom a,o0nd yo05 The
an7ien2 hi/h4ay is 4o,n3 24o de6,essions in 2he 7,a7.ed +la/s2ones sho4in/ 2he
6assa/e o+ a 2ho0sand yea,s o+ 4a/ons5 Miles2ones ma,. 2he len/2h o+ 2he hi/h4ay3
/i1in/ yo0 a /ood idea o+ yo0, 6,o/,ess5
I2 is mid-a+2e,noon3 and many miles in2o 2he hills -e+o,e Ca62ain "enma,. allo4s
2he 6a,2y 2o s2o65 As 2he o2he,s 6,e6a,e 2o s2a,2 a +i,e3 yo0 see Ca62ain "enma,.
s2a,in/ -a7. do4n 2he ,oad5 Someone is o-1io0sly a+2e, 2hem5 Yo0 6,e2end no2 2o
no2i7e and 2a.e a 6la7e -y 2he +i,e5
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2endin/ 2he +i,e so i2 does no2 smo.e5 &ady Kianmay eme,/es3 on7e a/ain 7on7ealed
in he, 7o4l5 She a66,oa7hes 2he +i,e3 -02 does no2 si23 ins2ead 6a7in/ ,es2lessly5
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A7hin/ 4i2h 70,iosi2y3 yo0 20,n 2o 2he /0a,d sea2ed on 2he s2one ne82 2o yo05
LDo yo0 6lay 7a,dsON yo0 as. so+2ly5
%
FF - Diamond
The /0a,d loo.s 063 2hen e87han/es /lan7es 4i2h 2he o2he, +o0,5 A 7o06le loo.
2o4a,ds Ca62ain "enma,.3 4ho is s2ill 2al.in/ 4i2h 2he lady3 -e+o,e one ,ea7hes in2o a
6o7.e2 and 2a.es o02 a s2a7. o+ 7a,ds5 As 2he 6o2 -0--les3 2he /0a,ds /a2he, a,o0nd
and 2he 7a,ds a,e deal25 Yo0 6lay a +e4 hands 4i2h 2he men3 s2ill in silen7e5 E1en so3
yo0 +eel li.e 2hey ha1e a77e62ed yo05
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2he s2e4 is dished 06 in2o 4ooden -o4ls5 Yo0 ea/e,ly 2a.e yo0,s and 2ea,in/ a h0n.
o+ -,ead +,om 2he loa+ 2ha2 is 6assed a,o0nd3 yo0 h0n/,ily -e/in 2o ea25 The s2illness
and silen7e a,o0nd yo0 ma.es yo0 loo. 06 and yo0 see 2he lady and 2he +i1e /0a,ds
6a0sed in 6,aye,5 Yo0 s2o6 7he4in/3 and momen2s la2e, 2he /0a,ds -e/in 2o ea25
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6,ies2ess3 and 2he /0a,ds a,e all 6aladin5 B02 4hi7h /od do 2hey se,1eO Is 2his a holy
mission o+ some so,2O Yo0 4onde, 4ha2 +o,7es o+ e1il a,e lined 06 a/ains2 yo05
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hi/h4ay5 I2 2a.es 24o 0ne1en2+0l days 2o 7,oss 2he Ro7.y Hills3 and ano2he, day
2,a1ellin/ 2h,o0/h 2hi7. +o,es2 -e+o,e yo0 a66,oa7h a 2o4n on 2he 2,ade ,o02e5 I2 is a
la,/e s6,a4lin/ 2o4n 2ha2 some 4o0ld 7all a 7i2y: -02 i2 is s4elled 4i2h 2hose 4ho
see. 2o ma.e 7oin +,om 2,a1elle,s5
T0,n 2o 52
10
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dea2h 7omin/ +o, yo03 and a,e 6a,alysed 4i2h +ea,5 A2 2he las2 momen23 2he o,7 24is2s
2he a8e in his hands and 2he +la2 o+ 2he head smashes in2o 2he side o+ yo0, s.0ll5 Yo0
1ision e86lodes in2o a 2ho0sand s2a,s3 and yo0 sl0m6 0n7ons7io0s5
T0,n 2o 048
1+
LDiamond is 7onside,ed -y mos2 2o -e 2he mos2 6,e7io0s 2hin/ in 2his 4o,ld3N yo0
say5 LTh0s 2he Diamond Key is 2he .ey 2o 2ha2 4hi7h is mos2 6,e7io0s in li+e5 And
2ha2 is li+e i2sel+5N
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+alse5 Yo0 do no2 -elie1e 2his 2ha2 yo0 say5N
LI do no23N yo0 admi25
LSin7e yo0 2,a1el 4i2h a holy lady and do no2 see. 2his 6,iKe +o, yo0,sel+3 I shall
/i1e i2 2o yo05N
The lid 2o 2he 7hes2 +lies o6en and yo0 s2e6 +o,4a,d ea/e,ly5 Inside on 2o6 o+ a
6ile o+ ,in/s and am0le2s and o2he, i2ems3 yo0 see 2he slim 4ooden -o85 Yo0 6i7. i2
'
FF - Diamond
06 and o6en i25 Inside is 2he Diamond Key5 Yo0 90i7.ly 7lose 2he -o8 and 602 i2 in
yo0, 6a7.5 Any o2he, ma/i7al i2ems yo0 4e,e 7a,,yin/ 4hi7h 2he /o-lins s2ole a,e
also in 2he 7hes2 and yo0 7an 2a.e 2hem -a7.5 Yo0 de7ide no2 2o 2a.e any2hin/ 2ha2 is
no2 yo0,s5
Yo0 s2e6 -a7. and 2he lid 7loses on7e mo,e5 Yo0 -o4 2o 2he 7,o45 LThan. yo0
yo0, ma>es2yMN
Yo0 20,n 2o lea1e3 -02 2he 7,o4 s6ea.s3 hal2in/ yo05 LDo yo0 4ish 2o -e7ome a
Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2ON
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, no23 20,n 2o 068
I+ yo0 do3 20,n 2o 55
11
Yo0 sli6 a 7oin 2h,o0/h 2he slo2 in 2he s2,on/-o83 and 2a.e a +e4 s2i7.s o+ in7ense
+,om 2he -as.e25 Yo0 li/h2 2he +,a/,an2 s2i7.s 4i2h 2he 7andle +lame and .neelin/
do4n -e+o,e 2he al7o1e3 yo0 6,ay 2o 2he s6i,i2 o+ 2he D,a/on-slaye, and as. him 2o
6,o2e72 2he Key5
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some2hin/ ha,d 0nde, 2he sand as yo0 2,y 2o 60sh 2he s2i7.s in5 Yo0 mo1e yo0, hands
and inse,2 2he in7ense a2 a di++e,en2 6oin25 Rea7hin/ in2o 2he sand3 yo0, +in/e, 7lose
on 2he ha,d o->e72 and yo0 d,a4 i2 o023 sha.in/ 2he sand loose5 Yo0 a,e sho7.ed 2o
see 2he o->e72 s6a,.lin/ on yo0, 6alm in 2he 7andleli/h25 I2 is a ,in/ 4i2h a 2-sha6ed
6,o2,0sion e82endin/ +,om 2he ed/e3 loo.in/ 1a/0ely li.e a .ey5 I2 s6a,.les -e7a0se i2
is made +,om diamond3 4i2h h0nd,eds o+ small +a7e2s5 I2 is a diamond .eyM
Yo0 sli6 2he +a.e .ey in2o 2he 7lo2h 6o07h and hide i2 0nde, yo0, 7lo2hes on7e
mo,e5 Yo0 silen2ly 2han. A,in/a,a2o,5
T0,n 2o 116
13
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+,om ano2he, side 2a-le smash i2 on 2he -a7. o+ his head5 The man +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd3
2he 706 and >0/ 7la22e,in/ lo0dly 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0 4in7e a2 2he so0nd5 Yo0 sho0ld
6,o-a-ly lea1e no4 2o a1oid someone 7omin/ 2o see 4ha2 2he noise 4as5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e no43 20,n 2o 320
I+ yo0 4an2 2o sea,7h 2he ,oom +o, 6,oo+ 2ha2 2he man 4as no2 Qa,im o, +o, any
1al0a-les3 20,n 2o 373
(
FF - Diamond
17
&ea6in/ +o,4a,d yo0 a22a7. 2he +i,s2 o,7 as i2 s20m-les 2o /e2 o02 o+ i2s 7hai,5 One
s2,o.e +inishes i2 o++ and yo0 mo1e on 2he se7ond3 4ho o6ens i2s mo02h 2o s7,eam5
They a,e -o2h a,med3 -02 2he o,7 s2a//e,s -a7. in +ea, as yo0 a66,oa7h5 I2 2,ies 2o
6a,,y yo0, a22a7.3 -02 +ails mise,a-ly and yo0 s6ill i2s li+e--lood on2o 2he +loo,5
Yo0 +eel a 6an/ o+ /0il2 and 0n7e,2ain2y5 S0,ely 2hey 4e,e +i/h2e,sO A,e no2 all
o,7s +i/h2e,sO I2 is 2oo la2e no45 Yo0 loo. a2 2he 6a6e,s on 2he des. and see 2ha2 2hey
a,e 6a/es ,i66ed +,om a small 2ome5 The 2e82 is inde7i6he,a-le 2o yo05 Yo0 loo. in2o
2he sa,7o6ha/i3 +indin/ ea7h em62y5 A sea,7h o+ 2he s066lies ,e1eals some2hin/ mo,e
0se+0l; a 7,a2e o+ healin/ 6o2ions5 Un+o,20na2ely yo0 do no2 ha1e yo0, 6a7. 4i2h yo05
Yo0 7an +i2 +i1e 6hials in2o one 6o7.e25 Yo0 also 2a.e 2he 2ome and 2he no2es 4i2h
yo0 in yo0, o2he, 6o7.e2 2o sho4 Kianmay5 Yo0 7an 2a.e one o+ 2he o,7s? sho,2
s4o,ds 2o 0se i+ yo0 a,e 4illin/ 2o lea1e yo0, o4n 4ea6on -ehind5
Mo1in/ -a7. o02 in2o 2he small hall3 yo0 7onside, 4ha2 2o do no45
O6en 2he 7losed doo,O T0,n 2o +44
Go -a7. 2o 2he main hall and in1es2i/a2e 2he so0nd o+ 2he di//in/O T0,n 2o 186
T,y 2o 6,y +,ee one o+ 2he li/h2 7,ys2als +,om 2he 4allO T0,n 2o 135
18
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dis7olo0,ed -lade5 Yo0 ,eady yo0, o4n 4ea6on3 -02 do no2 a22a7. him5
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#** yea,s 2o 4in 2he /,a7e o+ 2he S0n3 so 2ha2 i2 4o0ld no2 60nish he,5 No4 in
momen2s yo0 ha1e des2,oyed he,5N
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and 4ho is no2O In 2,02h a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2 has -02 2h,ee enemies; +ea,3 ha2,ed
and /,eed5 And he +inds 2hese enemies 4i2hin his o4n hea,25 A2 leas2 yo0 did no2
7om6o0nd yo0, e,,o, -y .illin/ 2he h0man as 4ell5 Ta.e 2he Golden A,m-and5N Yo0
loo. do4n a2 2he a,m-and and slo4ly 6i7. i2 065 I2 is se2 4i2h o6als and diamonds5
LFa,e4ell3 me,7han2 /0a,dMN C,ies 2he 7,o45
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a,o0nd yo0 is a -l0,5 Yo0 a,e d0m6ed on 2he +loo, o+ 2he Da,.en Cood5 Sha.en3 yo0
s2and 06 and 7he7. yo0, 6a7.5 The Key is s2ill 2he,e3 so yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7.
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FF - Diamond
2o4a,ds Ta66in5 Yo0 4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he Cood +o, ho0,s3 and soon 7ome 2o a ,oad5
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As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
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7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
14
Ma.in/ yo0, 4ay 2o 2he Ele/an2 "ea7o7.3 yo0 602 2he no2e in yo0, 6o7.e2 and
2hen /o 2o 2he 7le,. a2 2he ,e7e62ion des.5
LI ha1e a messa/e +o, Co0n2 Ra0l o+ E,inha,n3N yo0 anno0n7e5
The 7le,. 6oin2s yo0 do4n a hall4ay5 LRoom )5N
Yo0 2han. 2he 7le,. and h0,,y do4n 2he hall5 The ,ooms on 2he /,o0nd +loo, a,e
la,/e3 2he doo,+,ames 2hi7. and o,na2ely 7a,1ed5 Room ) is a2 2he ,ea, and 2he
doo,+,ame is 2he la,/es2 o+ all3 s066o,2in/ do0-le doo,s5 Yo0 0se 2he -,ass .no7.e,
and 6o0nd 0,/en2ly5
A+2e, hal+ a min02e 2he doo, is 60lled a>a,3 and a s7o4lin/ G,i++on Soldie, 6ee,s
o025 LCha2 do yo0 4an2ON he as.s ha,shly5
LI ha1e a messa/e +o, Co0n2 Ra0l o+ E,inha,n5N
Yo0 hea, a 1oi7e +,om 4i2hin5 LCho is i2ON
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LSend him in3 2hen3N says 2he 1oi7e +,om 4i2hin5
The soldie,?s s7o4l dee6ens3 -02 he o6ens 2he doo, and /es20,es 70,2ly +o, yo0 2o
en2e,5 Yo0 -o4 yo0, head 2o him and s70,,y in5 Inside 2he a6a,2men2 2he,e a,e a720al
se1e,al ,ooms5 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd 2he o60len2 en2,an7e hall in 0n7e,2ain2y5 The soldie,
s2e6s 6as2 yo0 and o,de,s yo0 2o +ollo4 him5 He 2a.es 2o yo0 a si22in/ ,oom5
Yo0 +ind 24o men si22in/ on ei2he, side o+ a /ame -oa,d5 Yo0 6i7. o02 Ra0l
immedia2ely5 He is a 2all3 2hin man o+ middle yea,s3 4i2h lon/ish -la7. hai, and a
hoo.ed nose5 He is d,essed in a +ine -la7. 7oa2 em-,oide,ed 4i2h /old5 E1en his
.nee-hi/h -oo2s a,e -la7. 1el1e2 em-,oide,ed 4i2h /old5 Only his -,ee7hes a,e 6lain5
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/lan7es 06 a2 yo03 /i1in/ yo0 a lon/ loo.5 A+2e, all3 yo0 don?2 ,eally loo. li.e a
messen/e,5
LCho is 2he messa/e +,omON he as.s5
LAlyn Mei3N yo0 ,e6ly3 and hold o02 2he le22e,5
Yo0 /e2 2he ,es6onse yo0 a,e ho6in/ +o,3 and Ra0l -o0nds o02 o+ 2he 7hai, in
sho7.3 7omin/ a7,oss 2o sna27h 2he le22e, +,om yo0, hands5 He 0n+olds i2 ea/e,ly and
his 4ide eyes de1o0, 2he 4o,ds5 He is so en/,ossed he doesn?2 ,ea72 2o yo0, da//e,
0n2il a+2e, i2 is -0,ied in his ,i-7a/e5
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and s6in a-o023 2h,o4in/ him o++ yo0, -lade and in2o 2he s7o4lin/ soldie, 4ho is
,0shin/ a2 yo05 The soldie, s2a//e,s3 and 2h,o4s his mas2e, aside a li22le mo,e ,o0/hly
<*
FF - Diamond
2ha2 yo0 4o0ld ha1e e86e72ed5 B02 yo0 0se 2he 2ime 2o 7lose 4i2h him and /e2 inside
his /0a,d5 Yo0 2h,0s2 a2 his ne7.3 and he /,a-s yo0, 4,is25 The 24o o+ yo0 +all 2o 2he
/,o0nd and 4,es2le5 Yo0 mana/e 2o /e2 on 2o6 and s2a,2 2o 60sh 2he da//e, 2o4a,ds
his 2h,oa2I
I+ yo0, initial STAMINA is )( o, less3 20,n 2o 5+
I+ i2 is /,ea2e, 2han )(3 20,n 2o +61
16
Yo0 ,ealise yo0 a,e +a7in/ a 2es2 o+ some .ind3 and 4i2h a snee, ,e+0se 2o 2a.e 6a,2 in
i25 The -ald-headed 4a,,io, 4al.s 06 2o yo0 and slashes a2 yo0 4i2h his s4o,d5 Yo0
+lin7h -a7.3 -02 2he 2i6 702s yo0 a7,oss 2he side o+ yo0, head @lose = STAMINAA5
Yo0 +all -a7. a/ains2 2he 2a-le5
I+ yo0 ha1e -een .illed3 20,n 2o 125
O2he,4ise yo0 /,a- one o+ 2he 4ea6ons;
The s4o,dO T0,n 2o +01
The 4andO T0,n 2o 6
15
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sin/in/ a/ain3 and 4ha2e1e, dan/e, 4as 6,esen2 seems 2o ha1e 6assed5
To 7on2in0e yo0, >o0,ney3 20,n 2o +13
32
Yo0, 6a7. is on 2he +loo, ne82 2o 2he 2a-le and yo0 90i7.ly load i2 4i2h yo0,
-elon/in/s and ,ea,m yo0,sel+5 Yo0 602 2he Diamond Key -a7. in i2s -a/ and ,e6la7e
2he 7o,d a,o0nd yo0, ne7.5 F0lly e90i66ed on7e mo,e3 yo0 h0,,y +,om 2he ,oom and
lea1e 2he ho0se5 Cal.in/ 4i2h a 60,6ose+0l -02 0nh0,,ied s2e63 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay
-a7. 2o 2he 2en25 Yo0 s2e6 inside and +ind Kianmay is s2ill 2he,e 4ai2in/5
She loo.s a2 yo0 and as.s; LCha2 is ha66enin/ON
LI ha1e 2he Key3 4e a,e lea1in/5N
Yo0 60ll he, alon/ -e+o,e she 7an a,/0e and lea1e 2he 2en25 Yo0 le2 he, /o and she
h0,,ies alon/ a2 yo0, side5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2o 2he ed/e o+ 2he 7am6 4he,e 2he,e is
a +en7ed ya,d3 in 4hi7h a,e many ho,ses5 Yo0, o4n ho,ses 4e,e le+2 he,e5 The,e is a
/0a,d he,e3 and no 4ay 2o snea. a4ay 4i2h 2he ho,ses5
Yo0 /o 06 2o 2he /0a,d and smile5 LHello5 Ce ha1e -een ,eleased5 O0, ho,ses
6lease5N
The /0a,d loo.s a2 yo0 s0s6i7io0sly5 LChe,e?s yo0, es7o,25N
Yo0 loo. -ehind yo03 2hen 20,n -a7. and sh,0/5 LHe led 0s he,e3 2hen >0s2 6oin2ed
a2 yo0 and le+25N
<)
FF - Diamond
The /0a,d +,o4ns5 LTha2?s no2 2he 6,o2o7ol5 He?s s066osed 2o /i1e me yo0, 6ass5
Did he /i1e i2 2o yo0ON
Do yo0 ha1e a 6assO I+ yo0 do3 20,n 2o 0+6
I+ yo0 do no23 20,n 2o +62
30
Yo0 lie -a7.3 2,yin/ 2o /e2 7om+o,2a-le and ,e/ain yo0, ene,/y5 I2 seems li.e
ho0,s -e+o,e yo0 hea, +oo2s2e6s a66,oa7hin/5 The doo, is 0nla27hed and yo0 see 2he
silho0e22e o+ 2he o,7 4oman 4ho d,an. yo0, -lood5
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no2i7e she is no4 4ea,in/ only a ,o-e5 She .isses yo0 on7e mo,e3 2his 2ime
lin/e,in/ly5 She 2hen mo1es -a7. and s2a,2s 2o 2a.e o++ he, ,o-e5 She 0n+as2ens i2 and
d,a4s i2 +,om he, sho0lde,s5 Al2ho0/h he, s.in is da,. -l0e3 she loo.s as /ood as any
4oman yo0 ha1e seen as she ,e1eals he, na.ed +o,m 2o yo05
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a,ms a,e momen2a,ily 2,a66ed and yo0 lash o02 s0ddenly3 s2,i.in/ he, in 2he >a45 She
+alls -a7. 4i2h a 7,y5 Yo0 s2a//e, 2o yo0, +ee2 and as she s6,a4ls /,o//ily3 yo0 .i7.
he, in 2he head3 layin/ he, o02 7old5 Yo0 +all 2o yo0, .nees3 s2ill 4ea. +,om 2he e++o,25
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.i27hen5 She had im6,isoned yo0 in a 6an2,yM Yo0 7lose 2he doo, -02 lea1e 2he la27h
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and o6en i2 7a02io0sly5 Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ -ehind a 6illa, in 2he +i,s2 hall yo0 7ame 2o5
&oo.in/ a2 2he doo,3 yo0 see i2 is 6ain2ed 2he same /,ey as 2he s2one a,o0nd i25
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slo4 7lim- -a7. 2o 2he 2o65 I2 seems 2o 2a.e ho0,s3 -02 e1en20ally yo0 ,ea7h 2he 2o63
and 6ass -y 2he s2ill slee6in/ o,7 sen2,y5 H0,,yin/ in2o 2he main 20nnel yo0 slo4 2o a
4al. and /o 2o mee2 06 4i2h 2he ,es2 o+ 2he 6a,2y5
T0,n 2o 020
3+
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doo,s +o, yo0 and yo0 a,e soon o02side3 +indin/ yo0, ho,ses 2he,e3 loaded 4i2h
s066lies5
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/0a,d +a,e4ells yo0 and yo0 s2a,2 alon/ 2he ,oad 2o4a,ds A,an2a2o,5
T0,n 2o +51
<
FF - Diamond
31
Yo0 des6e,a2ely 60sh a/ains2 2he 2hi7. +o/ in yo0, mind5 Yo0 s20m-le a/ains2 2he
7a,2 and s90eeKe yo0 hand on 2he 7o,ne, o+ 2he sea25 Yo0 s90eeKe ha,d eno0/h 2o h0,2
yo0,sel+3 and +o70s on 2he 6ain5 Slo4ly 2he +o/ in yo0, mind +ades3 and yo0 -e7ome
a4a,e o+ 7ha22e,in/ so0nds5 Yo0 also +eel some2hin/ 60llin/ a2 yo0, 7lo2hes5
&oo.in/ do4n yo0 see a /o-lin 4i2h his hand in yo0, 6o7.e25 I2 is a small
7,ea20,e only a-o02 +o0, +ee2 2all3 4i2h da,. -l0e s.in and -,i/h2 ,ed eyes and a
hai,less head5 I2 is d,essed in a /,ey smo7. 4i2h a la,/e -el23 on 4hi7h is a 6o07h in2o
4hi7h i2 is 6ilin/ yo0, 6ossessionsM
The 7,ea20,e loo.s 06 a2 yo0 and s90eals in ala,m5 Yo0 /,a- i2 -e+o,e i2 7an +lee
and s4in/ i2s head a/ains2 2he side o+ 2he 4a/on5 Re2,ie1in/ yo0, 6ossessions3 yo0
h0,,y -a7. 2o 2he 7am6 and see /o-lins e1e,y4he,e5 They a,e sea,7hin/ 2h,o0/h 2he
slee6in/ men?s 6o7.e2s and 6a7.s5
Yo0 d,a4 yo0, 4ea6on and sho02 lo0dly5 Yo0 lea6 on a /o-lin and .ill i25 The
/o-lins 7,y o02 in ala,m and +lee -a7. in2o 2he Cood5 None o+ 2he men ha1e s2i,,ed3
and yo0 sho02 a/ain3 e1en .i7.in/ one o+ yo0, men5 B02 2hey a,e +as2 aslee65
Yo0 ha1e sa1ed yo0, 6ossessions3 -02 2he o2he,s ha1e los2 many o+ 2hei,s5 Yo0
7he7. 2he 4a/on and +ind 2ha2 2he -o8es a,e sa+e5 De2e,mined no2 2o +all aslee6 a/ain3
yo0 .ee6 4a27h +o, 2he ,es2 o+ 2he ni/h23 -02 2he /o-lins do no2 ,e20,n5
As da4n nea,s Kianmay eme,/es +,om 2he inn and si2s -y 2he +i,e5 LHe is dead5N
She anno0n7es sadly5 Yo0 ,e+,ain +,om men2ionin/ 2he /o-lins ye23 and soon 2he men
-e/in 2o s2i,5 Soon 2hey a,e all a4a.e and 6,e6a,in/ -,ea.+as25
The men 4ho 4e,e s066osed 2o 2a.e 2he las2 24o 4a27hes as. 4ha2 ha66ened3 and
yo0 s2and 065 L&as2 ni/h2 d0,in/ 2he Fo0,2h 4a27h 2he,e 4as some .ind o+ slee6in/
s6ell 7as2 o1e, 0s5 I mana/ed 2o ,esis2 i23 and +o0nd 2he 7am6 +0ll o+ /o-lins5 They
4e,e s2ealin/ +,om o0, 6o7.e2s and 6a7.s5 I d,o1e 2hem o++5N Yo0 li+2 yo0, -lan.e2
063 ,e1ealin/ 2he dead /o-lin5 The men all 7he7. 2hei, 6o7.e2s and 6a7.s and yo0
hea, e86le2i1es +,om all a,o0nd yo05
Yo0 loo. 2o Kianmay and see 2ha2 she is dea2hly 6ale3 7l027hin/ a2 he, side5 Yo0
s2e6 o1e, 2o he,5 LCha2 is i2ON
LThe Diamond KeyMN She 4his6e,s5 LI2 is /oneMN
T0,n 2o 066
33
Re20,nin/ 2o 4he,e Kianmay and 2he 4a/on 4e,e hidden3 yo0 +ind he, sa+e5 She
is 1e,y ,elie1ed3 and 6leased 2o hea, o+ yo0 s077ess5 "enma,. des7,i-es 2o ,aid 2o he,3
and she loo.s a2 yo0 sadly5 Yo0 ,e+0se 2o mee2 he, eye5 The s2,a2e/y 4as so0nd5
Hea,in/ a-o02 2he s4o,d3 she as.s +o, i2 2o -e -,o0/h2 2o he,5 The 6aladin lay i2
-e+o,e he, and 0n4,a6 i2 +,om i2s -indin/s5 She loo.s a2 2he s4o,d3 sh0dde,in/ a2
some sensa2ion yo0 7anno2 +eel5 She 7loses he, eyes and 7las6s he, hands in 6,aye,5
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2o07hes 2he s4o,d 4i2h one +in/e,2i65 The,e is a 7,a7.in/ so0nd3 and lines a66ea, in
2he s4o,d3 -,an7hin/ o02 o1e, 2he 4hole 4ea6on 0n2il i2 is -,o.en in2o a 2ho0sand
6ie7es5
<<
FF - Diamond
Kianmay smiles and 2he 7an1as is /a2he,ed 06 on7e mo,e 4i2h 2he 6ie7es inside5
One o+ 2he 6aladin 7a,,ies i2 a4ay 2o -0,y5 E1e,yone is ea/e, +o, 2hei, -lan.e2s 2his
ni/h2 and yo0 +all in2o a dee6 slee65
The ne82 mo,nin/ yo0 se2 o02 on7e mo,e5 The ne82 24o days a,e 0ne1en2+0l and
yo0 a,,i1e in 2he ne82 2o4n5
"ay ea7h o+ yo0, s0,1i1in/ men 2h,ee /old 7oins5
T0,n 2o 034
37
Yo0 slay 2he a1a2a, and i2 -,ea.s in2o a 2hi7. 4hi2e mis2 2ha2 +loa2s 06 and a4ay3
dis6e,sin/ in2o 2he ai, a-o1e5 &oo.in/ 06 a2 Da,m3 yo0 see him smilin/ and 4a27hin/
yo0 +,om 2he 2h,one5 LCell done5 Yo0 a,e a 2,0e 4a,,io,5 I am 6leased 2ha2 I did no2
mee2 yo0 in my yo0n/e, daysM Fo,20na2ely no4 I ha1e o2he, 6o4e,s5 I am a so,7e,e,3
and yo0 4ill no2 -es2 me 4i2ho02 ma/i7MN He s2ands5 L&e2 0s ha1e a 7on2es25 O, 4ill
yo0 -e 4ise and /i1e me 2he Diamond KeyO Da,e yo0 ma27h yo0, 6i2i+0l s.ills
a/ains2 meON
LI 4ill no2 /i1e yo0 2he Diamond Key3N yo0 say +i,mly5
LMany a +ool is 0sed +o, en2e,2ainmen2MN Da,m sna,ls3 -02 2hen 7alms himsel+5
L$e,y 4ellM I shall le2 yo0 /o +i,s25 Do 4ha2 ma/i7 yo0 4ill 2o a22a7. meMN
Cha2 ma/i7 4ill yo0 6e,+o,mO
Read a s7,oll;
Arcane scroll3 20,n 2o 4+7
Fireball3 20,n 2o 603
Lightning3 20,n 2o 61+
Null-magic3 20,n 2o 665
Fungus3 20,n 2o 516
Revelation3 20,n 2o 680
Use a sil1e, /a0n2le23 20,n 2o 635
Use an ea/le ,in/3 20,n 2o 510
Use a 2o6aK-se2 /old ,in/3 20,n 2o 521
Use a Diamond Cand3 20,n 2o 688
I+ yo0 ha1e no ma/i73 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o ,0n a2 him -y 20,nin/ 2o 614
38
The so,7e,e, +alls 2o 2he +loo,3 2he +ie,y 4ea6on disa66ea,in/5 The -a22le 4as
oddly silen23 no 7lash o+ s2eel -e24een 2he -lades o+ +i,e and me2al5 E1en so3 yo0
don?2 4an2 2o han/ a,o0nd5 B02 yo0 ma.e 2ime 2o 90i7.ly sea,7h 2he ,oom3 +indin/
2en /old 7oins3 and a small -o8 in 4hi7h yo0 +ind a 7,ys2al +0ll o+ /lo4in/ ,ain-o4-
7olo0,ed li/h25 I2 loo.s li.e a ",imo,dial C,ys2al: an o->e72 yo0 .no4 only +,om
7hildhood s2o,ies5
<=
FF - Diamond
Yo0 also 90i7.ly sea,7h 2he so,7e,e, and +ind a "ass 4i2h 2he 4a8 seal o+ 2he Col+
on i2 and 2he sen2en7e; NThe Col+ +ea,s no2 +i,eIN Ano2he, sli6 o+ 6a6e, +olded
inside 2he "ass ,eads CEAKNESS5
T0,n 2o 32
34
Una-le 2o 7lim- 2he 6i6e3 yo0 ,es2 +o, a +e4 min02es3 2hen d07. 0nde, 2he 4a2e,
on7e mo,e5 Yo0 le2 2he +lo4 o+ 2he 4a2e, 7a,,y yo03 and mo1e 4i2h i2 2h,o0/h ano2he,
6i6e5 Yo0 7ome 2o ano2he, 7ham-e, and >0m6 064a,ds 2o4a,ds a /limme, o+ li/h25
G,i66in/ 2he ,o0/h sides o+ 2he s2one 6i6e3 yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in 2he -o22om o+ ano2he,
d,ain3 2his one 4ide,3 and 2h,o0/h 2he /,ill a-o1e yo0 see 2he s2a,s shinin/ in 2he dee6
-l0e s.y5
Yo0 /0ess 2ha2 yo0 a,e /e22in/ +0,2he, a4ay +,om 2he 6ala7e3 -02 yo0 no lon/e,
7a,e5 Yo0 >0s2 4an2 2o /e2 o02 o+ he,e5 Yo0 d07. 0nde, 2he 4a2e, a/ain and +ollo4
2he +lo45 Yo0 a,e 4ashed in2o a la,/e 6i6e3 4hi7h is only hal+-+0ll o+ 4a2e, and yo0
a,e a-le 2o -,ea2h5
Yo0 +ollo4 2he 4indin/ 6i6e +o, some 2ime 0n2il i2 4ashes o02 in2o a 7anal5
Cea,ily yo0 mo1e 2o 2he side and 60ll yo0,sel+ o02 o+ 2he 4a2e,5 Finally +,ee3 yo0
7olla6se on 2he s2,ee2 and ,es25
A+2e, many min02es yo0 60ll yo0,sel+ 2o yo0, +ee2 and 4,in/ o02 yo0, 7lo2hes as
-es2 as yo0 7an 0n2il yo0 a,e a2 leas2 no lon/e, d,i66in/5 Yo0 shi1e, in 2he 7hill o+ 2he
ni/h2 and 7onside, yo0, ne82 7o0,se5
I+ yo0 had 2o a-andon yo0, a,mo0,3 6a7. and 4ea6ons 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he s0-me,/ed
6i6e3 20,n 2o 050
I+ yo0 s2ill ha1e all o+ yo0, /ea, 4i2h yo03 20,n 2o 027
36
Di1in/ 0nde, 2he 7a,23 yo0 7,a4l o02 o+ dan/e, and 7,o07h ne82 2o Kianmay5
&oo.in/ o02 on 2he -a22le3 yo0 see i2 is /oin/ 1e,y -adly5 The,e a,e o1e, 24en2y o+ 2he
Raide,s5 &oo.in/ a2 2he s7,0-less land yo0 4onde, ho4 2hey mana/ed 2o snea. 06 on
yo05 S0ddenly "enma,. +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd in +,on2 o+ yo03 -lood 6o0,in/ o02 o+ him5
Kianmay s7,eams in ho,,o,5
The ,aide,s 6ee, 0nde, 2he 7a,2 and la0/h a2 yo03 >a--in/ 2o4a,ds yo0 4i2h 2hei,
s4o,ds5 The ,es2 o+ 2he ,aide,s a,e +inishin/ o++ 2he 6aladin3 yo0, me,7han2 /0a,ds
ha1in/ -ein/ all .illed o, mo,e li.ely +led5 The ,aide,s s0,,o0nd yo0 and s2a,2 2o 2a0n2
yo05 Thei, +0n soon ends as 2he ho,seman ,ides 065 The 7ommands 2hem 2o s2and
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2hen he 7,o07hes and loo.s a2 2he 24o o+ yo0 4i2h a smile5 He is a 6,o0d loo.in/
man3 4i2h lon/3 2hin -la7. mo0s2a7hes 2ha2 ,ea7h his 7hes25 He is 4ea,in/ a /olden
helm and a da,. -l0e 7loa. lined 4i2h -la7. +0,5 Yo0 see 2h,o0/h 2he 7loa. 2ha2 he is
4ea,in/ a sil1e, -,eas26la2e3 inlaid 4i2h a 2o4e, and 2h,ee s2a,s in /old5 I2 is 2he
sym-ol o+ A,an2a2o,5
LG,ee2in/s3 Alyn Mei5 Co0ld yo0 and yo0, 7om6anion 6lease 7ome o02 +,om
2he,eO I 6,omise yo0 2ha2 yo0 4ill 7ome 2o no ha,m5N
<#
FF - Diamond
Kianmay hesi2a2es3 -02 2hen 7,a4ls o02 +,om 0nde, 2he 7a,23 2he no-leman /i1in/
he, his hand and hel6in/ he, 2o he, +ee25 Yo0 +ollo43 and 2he ,aide,s ,o0/hly s2,i6 yo0
o+ yo0, 4ea6ons5
The no-leman iss0es o,de,s5 Yo0, 6a,2y?s ho,ses a,e /a2he,ed 2o/e2he, and
4ha2e1e, 1al0a-les 2he 7a,2 and yo0, dead ha1e a,e loaded on2o 2hem5 Ano2he, ,aide,
leadin/ a line o+ ho,ses a66ea,s in 2he dis2an7e and a66,oa7hes as 2he ,aide,s load 2he
dead in2o 2he 4a/on and se2 i2 on +i,e5 They se2 2he o8en +,ee3 -02 2he -eas2s do no2
4ande, +a, +,om 2he 4a/on and yo0 4onde, 4ha2 4ill -e7ome o+ 2hem5
Yo0 and Kianmay a,e 602 on ho,ses3 2he ,ei/ns held -y a ,aide,3 and yo0 se2 o++ as
7a62i1es3 2he +lames -ehind yo0 sendin/ smo.e in2o 2he s.y5
T0,n 2o 156
35
The /olem is 7,a7.ed in 24o -y yo0, +inal -lo4 and +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 20,n
-a7. 2o 2he 7,o43 and see i2 4i2h i2s head -o4ed5 I2 is aslee6M
LCa.e 06MN yo0 sho023 ma.in/ 2he -i,d >0m65
I2 s90a4.s in ala,m3 2hen loo.s a2 yo05 LOh3 yo0 a,e s2ill ali1eON
LI2 2a.es mo,e 2han a s2one /olem 2o .ill me3N yo0 -oas25
LOh5 A,e yo0 a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2ON 2he -i,d as.s5
Some2hin/ in 2he 2one o+ i2s disem-odied 1oi7e ma.es yo0 6a0se5 Yo0 ,emem-e,
2ha2 yo0 a,e +a7in/ a 7,ea20,e 2han 7an s0mmon s2one /olems o02 o+ 2he +loo,5
"e,ha6s yo0 had -e22e, 2a.e 2his 90es2ion se,io0sly5
A,e yo0 a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2O
Yes3 20,n 2o 150
No3 20,n 2o +65
72
Re20,nin/ 2o 2he 6aladin?s 7am63 yo0 dis7o1e, 2hey ha1e li2 no +i,e5 "enma,. and
Kianmay si2 7lose 2o/e2he,3 4,a66ed in 2hei, 7loa.s3 2al.in/ 90ie2ly5 They s2and as
yo0 ,e20,n5
LCha2 did yo0 seeO Des7,i-e 2hem 2o meMN
LThe,e a,e * soldie,s and a +e4 se,1an2s3 ma,7hin/ 0nde, 2he sym-ol o+ a
G,i++in5N
Kianmay nods /,imly3 sha,in/ a loo. 4i2h "enma,.5 She 2han.s yo0 +o, yo0,
assis2an7e5 &ea1in/ 2he 24o o+ 2hem 2o dis70ss ma22e,s3 yo0 /o 2o yo0, -ed,oll and /e2
a /ood ni/h2?s slee65
<%
FF - Diamond
The ne82 mo,nin/ yo0, 6a,2y mo1es 7a02io0sly on4a,ds5 Yo0 s7o02 2he 4ay
ahead3 -02 +ind no si/n o+ 2he G,i++in Soldie,s3 e1en 1isi2in/ 2hei, no4 a-andoned
7am6-si2e5 Kno4in/ 2he enemy is ahead no43 2he 6a,2y mo1es slo4ly and 7am6s
a/ain as ni/h2 +alls5
The ne82 day a+2e, 2,a1ellin/ 2h,o0/h 2hi7. +o,es23 yo0 a66,oa7h a 2o4n on 2he
2,ade ,o02e5 I2 is a la,/e s6,a4lin/ 2o4n 2ha2 some 4o0ld 7all a 7i2y: -02 i2 is s4elled
4i2h 2hose 4ho see. 2o ma.e 7oin +,om 2,a1elle,s5
T0,n 2o 52
70
A yo0n/ /i,l 6o.es he, head in2o 2he ,oom5 She loo.s a2 yo03 2hen loo.s a2 2he
man on 2he +loo,5 She seems 0n7on7e,ned a-o02 him3 -02 /i1es yo0 a disa66,o1in/
loo.5 She s2e6s in2o 2he ,oom and +olds he, a,ms3 2,yin/ 2o a66ea, -,a1e5
LCha2 a,e yo0 doin/ he,eON she demands5
She 4ea,s a 6lain 4hi2e ,o-e and a66ea,s 2o -e a no1i7e o+ some 2y6e5 Yo0 smile
a2 he, and s2e6 a,o0nd 2he des.5 LThe Hi/h ",ies2 and I had an a,/0men23N yo0
e86lain5
LIs he deadON she as.s5
LNo3N yo0 ,e6ly5
She loo.s disa66oin2ed3 and /la,es a2 2he 7o,6se 4i2h ha2,ed5 LChe,e is Qa,imON
yo0 as.5
She loo.s a2 yo03 he, mo02h 24is2in/5 LHe made 0s s4ea, no2 2o say any2hin/I
-02 I don?2 7a,eM They 2oo. Qa,im a4ay 2o 2he 6ala7e3 2o 7a620,e 2he 7o0,ie, 4hoIN
S0ddenly he, eyes 4iden5 LDo yo0 ha1e 2he Diamond KeyON
LI2 is in a sa+e 6la7e3N yo0 2ell he,5 LA 6,ies2ess named Kianmay is also held
7a62i1e in 2he 6ala7e5 She 4as my 7om6anion5 I m0s2 ,es70e he, and Qa,im5 I need
yo0, hel63 i+ yo0 +eel -,a1e eno0/h5N
He /i,l 60lls he,sel+ 06,i/h2 and /la,es a2 yo05 LI am -,a1eMN
LGood5 Then 2ell me e1e,y2hin/ I need 2o .no4 a-o02 /e22in/ in2o 2he 6ala7e5N
The no1i7e doesn?2 .no4 m07h5 B02 2ells yo0 a-o02 a s2ai,4ay 2ha2 leads 2o 2he
066e,mos2 le1el o+ 2he 6ala7e5 Anyone 4ho as7ends i2 4i2ho02 holdin/ alo+2 a s6e7ial
2o.en is sho2 4i2h 7,oss-o4s5 She does no2 .no4 4ha2 2he 2o.en loo.s li.e5
She also /i1es yo0 2h,ee 6hials o+ healin/ 6o2ion3 and es7o,2s yo0 2o 2he -a7. doo,
on7e mo,e5 Yo0 -id he, 2han.s and +a,e4ell3 and h0,,y a4ay +,om 2he 2em6le5 No4
yo0 m0s2 +ind a 4ay 2o /e2 in2o 2he 6ala7e5 Be+o,e yo0 head in2o 2he lion?s den3 yo0
de7ide 2o hide 2he Diamond Key3 and 7an 2hin. o+ no -e22e, 6la7e 2han 2he sh,ine o+
yo0, 7hildhood he,o A,in/a,a2o, 2he D,a/on-slaye,5
The sh,ine is li2 -y a sin/le 2all 7andle and yo0 sli6 inside5 The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine
is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a
loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/
in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key +,om
2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2
+la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
<'
FF - Diamond
7+
De7idin/ 2ha2 yo0 7an 2,0s2 Qa,im3 yo0 2a.e 2he 7lo2h -a/ +,om a,o0nd yo0, ne7.
and 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key3 yo0 s2and and 6la7e i2 on 2he des.5
LI -elie1e yo0 ha1e -een e86e72in/ 2his5N
Qa,im loo.s a2 2he Key and his eyes 4iden 4i2h ,e7o/ni2ion3 and he loo.s 06 a2
yo0 in sho7. and smiles5 Ci2h a 2,em-lin/ hand he ,ea7hes o02 and 2a.es i25 He /aKes
a2 i2 /,eedily5
LI 4as indeed5 B02 I did no2 e86e72 i2 2o 7ome 2o me so easily5N He loo.s a2 yo0
and la0/hs5
Realisin/ 2ha2 yo0 ha1e made a mis2a.e3 yo0 -,in/ yo0, 4ea6ons 2o hand and
7ha,/e a,o0nd 2he des. a2 him5 The old man 4a1es his hand5 He is 7as2in/ a s6ellM
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a /old a,m-and o, sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,O I+ so3 20,n 2o 070
I+ yo0 a,e no23 20,n 2o 181
71
LThese a,e o0, /0a,dsON Kianmay as.s5
LYes3N yo0 ,e6ly5
She nods in a66,o1al5 LGe2 2hem on 2hei, ho,ses3 4e ha1e a lon/ 4ay 2o /o5N
Yo0 7all 2he men 2o/e2he, and 2ell 2hem 2o +o,m 065 They en7i,7le 2he 4a/on3
.ee6in/ 2hei, dis2an7e +,om 2he 6aladin3 loo.in/ a2 2hem 4i2h 2he same 70,iosi2y and
a66,ehension 2ha2 yo0 on7e +el25 Kianmay 7lim-s 06 on2o 2he 4a/on sea2 ne82 2o yo05
The ,oad ,olls 0nde, 2he 4heels o+ 2he 7,ea.in/ 4a/on3 and yo0, 6a,2y 2,a1els +o,
se1e,al ho0,s -e+o,e "enma,. 7alls +o, a hal2 a2 midday5 Yo0 6a,. 2he 4a/on 0nde, a
la,/e oa. nea, 2he ,oad and 2he 6aladin -e/in 2o se2 06 a 7oo.in/ +i,e5 Yo0 no2i7e 2ha2
2he 6aladin and 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds .ee6 2o 2hemsel1es3 and e1en 2ho0/h 2he
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2al.3 2hey do so in a 4his6e,3 in+l0en7ed -y 2he 90ie2 6ea7e o+ 2he
6aladin5
Kno4in/ 2his 4ill no2 do3 yo0 7la6 yo0, hands5 LAll ,i/h2 e1e,yone3 lis2en 06M?
E1e,yone loo.s a2 yo05 LCe ha1e a lon/ >o0,ney 2o ma.e and 4e need 2o -e 4o,. as
one5 So I 4an2 e1e,yone 2o s2and 06 one -y one5 Tell 0s yo0, name and 4he,e yo0
a,e +,om5 And 2hen some2hin/ else a-o02 yo0 i+ yo0 2hin. i2?ll am0se 0s all 2o hea,5
Yo0 2he,eM Yo0 a,e +i,s25N
Yo0 6oin2 2o one o+ 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds5 Slo4ly he s2ands 065 LMy name is
Ty,en5 I?m +,om Fan/5 E,,II 7an -alan7e a da//e, on my nose5N
This 7laim demands a demons2,a2ion3 so Ty,en d,a4s his da//e, and 2il2s his head
-a7. 4i2h 2he 6ommel on his -,oad nose5 Ci2h a -i2 o+ dan7in/3 he is a-le 2o -alan7e
2he da//e, +o, 2hi,2y se7onds3 d,a4in/ a66la0se and 7hee,s +,om 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds5
The ,es2 o+ 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds s2and 06 one -y one and in2,od07e 2hemsel1es3
2hen ei2he, 6e,+o,m a 2,i7. o, 2ell an am0sin/ s2o,y5 Then 7omes 2he 20,n o+ 2he +i,s2
6aladin5 The li/h2 mood -e7omes sli/h2ly hea1ie,3 and yo0 4ai2 4i2h some
ne,1o0sness5 This 4ill -e 2he 2es25 The 6aladin s2ands 065 Yo0 ,e7o/nise him as 2he
7a,,ia/e d,i1e,5 He /lan7es a2 "enma,.3 -02 does no2 4ai2 +o, 6e,mission -e+o,e
s6ea.in/5
LI am Ha,2e,an3N he says in a 90ie2 1oi7e5 LI am +,om So02he,n A2e,a5 I 7an 6lay
2he 2in +l02e5N He 2a.es o02 a slende, 6i6e o+ 2in and 6osi2ionin/ his +in/e,s on 2he
holes 6lays a sho,2 me,,y 20ne5 The me,7han2 /0a,ds 7hee, and 7la6 4hen he is done5
<(
FF - Diamond
Ha,2e,an loo.s a -i2 em-a,,assed and a1oids loo.in/ a2 "enma,. and lady Kianmay5
The 6,ies2ess is /,innin/ -,oadly3 and he, eyes dan7e 4i2h li/h25 The o2he, 6aladin
in2,od07e 2hemsel1es3 some 4a,m2h -,ea.in/ 2h,o0/h 2hei, dis7i6line5 "aladin 7ome
+,om some4he,e as 4ell3 yo0 ,e+le725
By 2he 2ime 2he meal is ,eady3 all a,e 2al.in/3 and Ha,2e,an is 2a.in/ ,e90es2s on
his +l02e5 "enma,.3 4ho a1oided ha1in/ 2o in2,od07e himsel+ -y .ee6in/ a4ay +,om
2he +i,e /i1es yo0 a smile and a nod o+ a66,o1al5 &ady Kianmay -e7.ons yo0 o1e,
and hands yo0 a small 6endan25
LCha2 is 2hisON Yo0 as.3 e8aminin/ 2he small 7,ys2al in 2he +o,m o+ a ,o-ed
4oman5
LA 6,o2e72i1e 7ha,m +,om o0, /oddess5N She ,e6lies5 LTo 2han. yo0 +o, yo0,
assis2an7e5 I2 4ill -,in/ yo0 l07. and 6,o2e72ion5N
The holy 6endan2 le2s yo0 add ) 2o yo0, ini2ial &UCK3 ) 2o yo0, ini2ial SKI&&
s7o,e and 2o yo0, STAMINA +o, as lon/ as yo0 4ea, i25
I+ yo0 a,e 7a,,yin/ a Holy B,oads4o,d3 yo0 7an sho4 i2 no4 2o Kianmay 2o as. he,
a-o02 i2 @20,n 2o 1533 2hen ,e20,n 2o 2his 6assa/eA5
To 7on2in0e yo0, >o0,ney3 20,n 2o 0+8
73
The 7le,. in1i2es yo0 alone 2o 7ome and s2and ne82 2o 2he 4all o66osi2e 2he la,/e
2a-le 4i2h yo0, -elon/in/s on i25
Yo0 /o 2o 2he indi7a2ed 6osi2ion5 A+2e, a momen23 one o+ 2he 4a,,io,s ,ises +,om
2he 7i,7le holdin/ a 70,1ed s4o,d5 The 7le,. loo.s a2 yo05 LYo0 a,e 2o -e .illed3N he
in+o,ms yo05
The 4a,,io, ad1an7es on yo0 4i2h 7old 6,o+essionalism5 Yo0 loo. a-o02 +o, a
4ea6on3 and see on a small 2a-le in 2he 7o,ne, -enea2h one o+ -,aKie,s 24o i2ems5 One
is 2he ne7,oman7e,?s 4and3 2he o2he, is a lon/s4o,d5 Yo0 ,e2,ea2 2o 2he 2a-le5
Chi7h 4ea6on 4ill yo0 2a.eO
The s4o,dO T0,n 2o +01
The 4andO T0,n 2o 6
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,emain em62y-handed3 20,n 2o 16
77
The dye-ma.e, has a small sho6+,on23 s2,on/ odo0,s 7omin/ +,om 2he la,/e
4o,.sho6 o02 2he -a7.5 A small man 4i2h s6e72a7les eme,/es +,om -ehind a 70,2ain3
,0--in/ hands s6e7.led 4i2h s6o2s o+ ,ed3 -l0e3 60,6le and /,een5 He /i1es yo0 a
s2a,2led loo.3 and ne,1o0sly as.s 4ha2 yo0 4an25
<E
FF - Diamond
His +a7e -,i/h2ens 4hen yo0 e86lain 2ha2 yo0 4an2 2o -0y a la,/e 90an2i2y o+ dye5
He /i1es yo0 a des7,i62ion o+ 4ha2 he has a1aila-le and 2he 6,i7e5
)* >a,s: )* /old 7oin s
)** >a,s: # /old 7oins
<** >a,s: #* /old 7oins
#** >a,s: (* /old 7oins
)*** >a,s: )** /old 7oins
Yo0, 4a/on only has eno0/h s6a7e +o, )*** >a,s3 o, )* -o8es o+ 4ea6ons o, i1o,y
@) -o8 G )** >a,sA5 Yo0 may only 60,7hase eno0/h /oods 2o +ill 2he 4a/on5
On7e yo0 ha1e -o0/h2 all 2he dye yo0 4an23 yo0 may ei2he,;
$isi2 2he i1o,y-7a,1e,3 20,n 2o 022
$isi2 2he 4ea6onsmi2h3 20,n 2o 10+
O, /o 2o hi,e me,7han2 /0a,ds3 20,n 2o +22
78
The demon /,o4ls and slashes a2 yo0 4i2h i2s 7la4s on7e mo,e5 &ose # mo,e
STAMINA 6oin2s5
Yo0 see no si/n o+ i2 7han/in/ i2s 4ays5
I+ yo0 ha1e 7han/ed yo0, mind and 4an2 2o a22a7.3 20,n 2o 063
I+ yo0 4ish 2o .ee6 on /i1in/ 2he 7,ea20,e a 7han7e3 20,n 2o ++1
I+ yo0 a,e dead3 20,n 2o 120
74
Yo0 6,ess e1e,y ,ose in 2he /ilded +,ames3 and +inally one sin.s in 4i2h a 7li7.5
The 6anel s4in/s o6en and ,e1eals a da,. in2e,io,5 Yo0 /o inside and 7lose 2he 6anel
-ehind yo05 I2 is 7om6le2ely da,. inside3 so yo0 2a.e o02 yo0, li/h2 7,ys2al5 The,e is
ano2he, des. he,e a/ains2 a side4all3 as 4ell as a la,/e 7hes2 a/ains2 2he o66osi2e 4all5
Goin/ 2o 2he des.3 yo0 e8amine 2he 6a6e,s on 2o6 and a,e sho7.ed 2o +ind a
li+eli.e s.e27h o+ Kianmay 2he,e3 la-elled 4i2h 2he name Alyn Mei5 The,e is a
des7,i62ion o+ he, o,i/inal 6a,2y3 4hi7h yo0 see 4as 24i7e as many 4hen 2hey le+2
E,inha,n as 4hen yo0 me2 2hem5 Co0n2 Ra0l?s +i,s2 a22a7. m0s2 ha1e -een sa1a/e
indeed5 Yo0 loo. 2h,o0/h 2he o2he, 6a6e,s3 and +ind des7,i62ions o+ 2he 6a,2y and
,e6o,2s +,om s6ies in many 7i2ies3 in7l0din/ some yo0 6assed 2h,o0/h5 Yo0 +ind a +e4
des7,i62ions o+ yo0, 6a,2y in dis/0ise5
=*
FF - Diamond
They .no4 4ha2 Kianmay loo.s li.e3 4hi7h means 2he o4ne, mi/h2 dis7o1e, 2ha2
she is he,e5 Yo0 a,e ,el072an2 2o lea1e 2he inn no43 as 2ha2 4ill a,o0se s0s6i7ion5 B02
yo0 ha1e -es2 .ee6 a 4a27h 2oni/h25
&ea1in/ 2he 2a-le3 yo0 /o a7,oss 2o 2he 7hes25 I2 is lo7.ed5 Yo0 2a.e o02 yo0, lo7.
6i7.s on7e mo,e5
Tes2 yo0, l07.5 I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 4
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 yo0 7an?2 o6en 2he lo7. and /i1e 065 Yo0 ,e20,n 2o 2he hall 2o
sea,7h else4he,e5 T0,n 2o +11
76
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a holy am0le2O I+ so3 20,n 2o 55 I+ no23 20,n 2o 137
75
Yo0 2a.e o02 2he 7,ys2al -all and sho4 i2 2o Kianmay5 She holds i2 in he, hands3
,ollin/ i2 +,om one 2o 2he o2he,5 LThis is a mind-s6he,e5 I2 is 0sed 2o ,ead 2he 2ho0/h2s
o+ sim6le 7,ea20,es5 Yo0 mi/h2 e1en -e a-le 2o 7on2,ol 2he mind o+ some animals i+
yo0, o4n mind is dis7i6lined eno0/h5N
Yo0 2a.e -a7. 2he s6he,e5
Re20,n no4 2o 141
82
The 7le,. in1i2es yo0 alone 2o 7ome and s2and ne82 2o 2he 4all o66osi2e 2he la,/e
2a-le 4i2h yo0, -elon/in/s on i25
Yo0 /o 2o 2he indi7a2ed 6osi2ion5 A+2e, a momen23 one o+ 2he 4a,,io,s ,ises +,om
2he 7i,7le holdin/ a 70,1ed s4o,d5 The 7le,. loo.s a2 yo05 LYo0 a,e 2o -e .illed3N he
in+o,ms yo05
The 4a,,io, ad1an7es on yo0 4i2h 7old 6,o+essionalism5 Yo0 loo. a-o02 +o, a
4ea6on3 and see on a small 2a-le in 2he 7o,ne, -enea2h one o+ -,aKie,s 24o i2ems5 One
is 2he ne7,oman7e,?s 4and3 2he o2he, is a lon/s4o,d5 Yo0 dash o1e, 2o 2he 2a-le5
Chi7h 4ea6on 4ill yo0 2a.eO
The s4o,dO T0,n 2o +25
The 4andO T0,n 2o 6
80
Re20,nin/ 2o 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 6a,2y3 yo0 2ell Kianmay and "enma,. a-o02 Gilmo,e
2he G,oa2 and his 7am65 Kianmay has no2 hea,d o+ Gilmo,e 2he G,oa25 Yo0 2ell he,
4ha2 yo0 .no4 o+ his 6as25 "enma,. men2ions some e82,a de2ails 2ha2 he has hea,d5
Almos2 e1e,y mem-e, o+ 2he 6a,,y 7hi6s in 4i2h some s2o,y3 and -y 2he end
=)
FF - Diamond
Kianmay?s li6s a,e 6,essed 2o/e2he, in a 2i/h2 line3 and he, eyes a,e +illed 4i2h
de2e,mina2ion5
LCe m0s2 des2,oy 2his manMN She says5
LHe has a-o02 #* men3N yo0 ,e6ea25
LDon?2 4e ha1e 2he elemen2 o+ s0,6,iseON She as.s5
LYes3N yo0 say slo4ly5
LThen 4e 4ill des2,oy him5N Kianmay says5 LThis man is e1il and m0s2 no2 -e
le+2 2o 6,ay 06on 2,a1elle,s5N
LChy sho0ld 4e see. o02 a +i/h2ON Yo0 as.ed3 s0,6,ised a2 he, 1ehemen7e5
LA,en?2 yo0-L
Kianmay 6oin2s a2 yo0, 4ea6ons5 LChy do yo0 7a,,y 2hoseON
Ta.en a-a7.3 yo0 6a0se3 2hen say; LTo 6,o2e72 yo0 and yo0, shi6men25N
LTo 6,o2e725N Kianmay nods3 he, eyes so+2enin/5 LI2 is a /,a1e sa7,i+i7e 2ha2 some
m0s2 ma.e3 2o -e7ome .ille,s5 Ye2 in 2his 4o,ld o+ e1il3 s07h sa7,i+i7e is 2he only 4ay
2o .ee6 sa+e 2he 4ea. and inno7en25 Tell me3 do yo0 2,0ly hi,e yo0, sel+ o02 solely +o,
/oldO Is 2his 4ay no sa7,i+i7e a2 all 2o yo0O Is i2 a 6a2h o+ ,i7hes +o, yo0ON
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2he same 4ay as yo0 ,emem-e, i25 The 6aladin des7,i-e sensin/ some e1il in 2he
7am65
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2he -andi2s la0/hin/ and 2al.in/5 Yo0 a,e in +a1o0, o+ 4ai2in/ 0n2il 2hey all +all
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=
FF - Diamond
LCe 4ill no2 .ill any man 4hile he is aslee63N "enma,. ,e6lies5 LI2 only 2a.es a
momen2 +o, a man 2o ,e6en2 his 4ays5 Ce 4ill only .ill a man in 2he momen2 2ha2 he
7hooses e1il5 To ma.e 2his 7hoi7e he m0s2 -e a4a.e5N
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6,a72i7al o62ion5 E1en20ally i2 is de7ided 2ha2 yo0 and any me,7han2 /0a,ds ,emainin/
4i2h yo0 4ill snea. in2o 2he 7am63 2a.e o02 2he sen2,ies and 2hen snea. in and 2,y and
.ill 2he -andi2s in 2hei, slee65 Chen o, i+ 2he ala,m is ,aised3 2he 6aladin 4ill 2hen
a22a7. 2o de+end yo05
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n0m-e, o+ 7,oss-o4s and -ol2s 4i2h yo05 The 6aladin 4ill -e a,med 4i2h 2hese5 Fo,
e1e,y me,7han2 /0a,d yo0 ha1e 4i2h yo0 @in7l0din/ yo0,sel+A3 ,oll one die and add 06
2hese n0m-e,s5
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I+ 2he 2o2al is )) 2o *3 20,n 2o 076
I+ 2he 2o2al is ) 2o <*3 20,n 2o +81
I+ 2he 2o2al is <) 2o =*3 20,n 2o +53
I+ 2he 2o2al is o1e, =*3 20,n 2o 165
8+
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7,ea20,e /i1es a +inal 7,y3 2hen +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd3 4,i2hin/ as 2he +lames 7ons0me i2s
-ody5 Soon i2 is o1e,3 and no2hin/ is le+2 e87e62 a 6ile o+ ashes3 in 4hi7h a,e
s90i,min/ ma//o2s5
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Tes2 yo0 &UCK5 I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 182
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o +77
81
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ne7,oman7e, seems mo,e 06se2 a-o02 2he 4as2e o+ 2he 7o,6se 2han o+ 2he m0,de,5
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lo7. he, in 2he 706-oa,d5 O+ 7o0,se 4hen she 4as ali1e she did mo,e 2han 7oo.3 -02 i2
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no2 >0s2 h0mans 4ho 7an -e anima2ed5N He h0,,ies o1e, 2o a 7a-ine2 and 2a.es o02 a
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=<
FF - Diamond
.in/ m0s2 ha1e many enemiesM This ,a2 4ill 7,ee6 in2o any 6la7e3 as 2he 6e,+e72 s6y5
Yo0 7an see 4ha2 i2 sees3 0sin/ 2his 7,ys2al5N He 6oin2s 2o a ,o0nd 7,ys2al -all on 2he
2o6 o+ 2he >a,5 LYo0 7an also 7on2,ol 2he ,a2 -y +o70sin/ yo0, 2ho0/h2s on 2he 7,ys2al5
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4ill no2 -0,n me o1e, a ,eanima2ed ,a2MN S0ddenly3 2he ne7,oman7e, -,i/h2ens5
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yo0 do 2ha2 +o, meON
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a/,ee 2o 2a.e 2he ,a23 20,n 2o 40
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83
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4a27h5 The Cood has +illed yo0, d,eams 4i2h s2,an/e and dis20,-in/ ima/es5 Yo0
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2a.e his 4a27h3 2hen head -a7. 2o yo0, -lan.e2s5
T0,n 2o +24
87
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a 4o,dON
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2em6le a,e no2 6aladin3N yo0 say5
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,e6la7ed as 4ell5N
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smile5
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d0n/eons o+ 2he 6ala7e5N
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+indin/ 2he 7en2,e +illed 4i2h 1e/e2a-les and a 2an/y sa07e5 I2 is deli7io0s and -lessed3
so yo0 may ,es2o,e STAMINA and &UCK 6oin2s5
==
FF - Diamond
Yo0 /o -a7. 2o 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o, 2o 2hin.5 Yo0 need 2o /e2 in2o 2he 6ala7e
and -e a-le 2o mo1e a,o0nd +,eely5 A se,1an2 dis/0ise 4o0ld -e -es2 +o, 2ha23 -02
se,1an2s don?2 0s0ally 7a,,y 4ea6ons5 Cha2 yo0 need is a /0a,dsman?s 0ni+o,m5
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4i2h yo03 yo0 loo. +o, a 6la7e 2o hide i25 The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine is made o+ s2ones3
and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a loose one5 I2 is only
sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/ in2o 2he ha,d soil
-enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key +,om 2he 7lo2h -a/ and
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20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
88
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-e+o,eI
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5 I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 0745
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84
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6aladin ha1e also +inished o++ 2hei, o66onen2s5 None o+ 2he soldie,s 7a,,ied any2hin/
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o+ 2hei, lon/s4o,ds5
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en2i,e 6a,2y3 and he is no do0-2 4onde,in/ i+ i2 is -es2 2o mo1e -a7. 06 2he 2,ail ,i/h2
a4ay5 Ho4e1e,3 doin/ so 7o0ld lead 2hem in2o 2he >a4s o+ 2he ,es2 o+ 2he 60,s0e,s5
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/ea,3 yo0 mo1e o++ in2o 2he da,.ness5 Findin/ no si/n o+ 2he 60,s0e,s3 yo0 4ai2 a2 2he
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2he An7ien2 Hi/h4ay5
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la,/e s6,a4lin/ 2o4n 2ha2 some 4o0ld 7all a 7i2y: -02 i2 is s4elled 4i2h 2hose 4ho
see. 2o ma.e 7oin +,om 2,a1elle,s5
T0,n 2o 52
86
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o72a/onal 7,ys2al se2 in 2he middle o+ 2he 7hes25 She 2ells yo0 2ha2 i2 is 2he a,mo0, o+ a
=#
FF - Diamond
de1o2ee o+ +i,e-4o,shi66e,s5 The 7,ys2al 7an -e 7ha,/ed 4i2h yo0, o4n li+e+o,7e 2o
/ene,a2e li/h2 o, a -ol2 o+ +i,e5
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o+ STAMINA5 Yo0 7an also +i,e a -ol2 o+ +lame in no,mal 7om-a25 The 7os2 and
dama/e is as +ollo4s;
STA(I$A cost Damage
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.ills yo0, o66onen25 I+ yo0, o66onen2?s A22a7. s2,en/2h is hi/he,3 2hen 2hey mana/e
2o -,ea. yo0, 7on7en2,a2ion and 2hey 4o0nd yo0 in 2he no,mal 4ay5
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85
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4indo45
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4ay5N
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le22e,5N
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=%
FF - Diamond
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LI2I4ha2 i+ 4e ha1e 2o +i/h2 himON
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1o4 7o1e,s yo0 as 4ell5N She /i1es yo0 a 7old3 ha,d s2a,e5 LDo no2 -,ea. -y 1o43
else I shall -e damned5N
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42
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2em6le3 4i2h 2hemsel1es inside3 -indin/ 2hei, -odies 4i2h ma/i7 2o lie in an e2e,nal
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LA d,a/on is a ma/i7al -eas23 and )*** yea,s is -02 a small 6a,2 o+ i2s li+e5 E1en a
se,6en2 m0s2 ea2 only on7e a yea,5 B02 2he 6aladin .ne4 2he d,a/on 4o0ld die
e1en20ally3 so 2hey se2 06 an o,- in 2he 2em6le 2ha2 4as ma/i7ally -o0nd 2o 2he
d,a/on5 As lon/ as 2he d,a/on li1ed3 i2s da,. ene,/y 4o0ld -e 1isi-le in 2he s6he,e5N
LCha2 4ill yo0 doON Yo0 as.5
LOn7e 4e +inish o0, mission3 4e 4ill 7ome -a7. he,e 4i2h an a,my and des2,oy
2hese o,7s5N She s2ands5 LB02 +o, no43 4e had -es2 ,es0me o0, >o0,ney5 I2 seems yo0
7,ea2ed a dis20,-an7e and 4e 7anno2 ha1e 2hose o,7s 7omin/ a+2e, 0s5N
Yo0 a/,ee and ,o0se 2he men5 Soon yo0 a,e on yo0, 4ay a/ain5 Res0min/ yo0,
>o0,ney3 yo0 soon -,ea. o02 in2o 2he s0nshine and +,esh ai, on7e mo,e5 Yo0 +eel 2he
>oy o+ +,eedom and sho02 o02 lo0dly3 no2 7a,in/ 4ho hea,s yo05
Yo0 des7end in2o 2he hills and soon 7ome 2o 2he 2o4n o+ Yo,man5
The >o0,ney has only 2a.en = days5 "ay yo0, men +o0, /old ea7h and 20,n 2o 017
='
FF - Diamond
40
Yo0 a/,ee 2o 2a.e 2he ,a2 and 2he ne7,oman7e, ins2,072s yo0 in i2s 0se so 2ha2 yo0
7an demons2,a2e i2 2o 2he Kin/5 Yo0 lea,n 2ha2 2he ,a2 7an e1en /,as6 small o->e72s
and -,in/ 2hem -a7. 2o yo05
Yo0 lea1e 2he ne7,oman7e, and head -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he small /a2e in2o 2he 2o4n5 I+
yo0 a,e ha1in/ se7ond 2ho0/h2s a-o02 2he ,a23 yo0 7an 2h,o4 i2 a4ay5 O2he,4ise yo0
7a,,y i2 sa+ely 0nde, yo0, 7loa. and ,e20,n 2o 2he Inn5
T0,n 2o 101
4+
Ta.in/ on a slo4 /ai23 yo0 4al. in2o 2he -ed,oom5 Cha2 yo0 see almos2 -,ea.s
yo0, a725 The /0a,ds a,e holdin/ Kianmay do4n3 4hile &a,emidan has ,i66ed he,
ni/h2/o4n a4ay3 and 2h,ea2ens 2o ,a6e he, i+ she does no2 2ell him 4he,e 2he .ey is5
The an/e, -0,ns in yo0 as yo0 s2e6 in2o 2he ,oom and ,aise one hand3 6oin2in/ i2 a2
&a,emidan?s -a7.5
LYo0MN yo0 say3 d,a4in/ 2he a22en2ion o+ all5 The /0a,ds /o 6ale and ,elease
Kianmay3 /,i66in/ 2hei, s4o,d hil2s5 The se,1an2 s2a//e,s -a7. a/ains2 2he 4all5
Yo0, shi,2 is -loods2ained and yo0 m0s2 loo. 2he 6a,25 &a,emidan s4in/s his head
a,o0nd and his mo02h /a6es5 Kianmay .i7.s and s2,0//les no4 2ha2 she is +,ee and
60shes &a,emidan o++ he,5 He +alls on2o 2he +loo, 4i2ho02 his /aKe on yo0 -,ea.in/5
LYo0 .illed meMN yo0 a770se him3 and s2a,2 ad1an7in/5
This is eno0/h +o, 2he se,1an23 4ho ed/es 6as2 yo0 and ,0ns o++ as +as2 as he 7an5
LA22a7. i2MN &a,emidan s7,ee7hes a2 2he 24o 2o4n /0a,ds5
The 24o /0a,ds loo. a2 ea7h o2he,3 2hen one says; LI2?s yo0 he?s a+2e,MN
&a,emidan?s s4o,d is lyin/ on 2he d,esse,3 and yo0 s2e6 o1e, and 6i7. i2 063
20,nin/ -a7. 2o him 4i2h a /,in5 LI shall .ill yo0 4i2h 2he s4o,d 2ha2 .illed meMN
The /0a,d on 2he o66osi2e side o+ 2he -ed 2o yo0 mo1es a7,oss and 4al.s 90i7.ly
o02 o+ 2he ,oom5 A+2e, a momen2 2he o2he, /0a,d lea6s 06 on2o 2he -ed3 >0m6s o1e,
Kianmay and +ollo4s his +,iend5 Soon 2hey a,e /one3 2he doo, 2o yo0, 90a,2e,s
slammin/ sh025
LDon?2 .ill himMN Kianmay 7ommands yo03 -02 yo0 s2,ide +o,4a,d and sin. 2he
-lade in2o his 7hes25 &a,emidan?s dea2h /,ima7e loo.s li22le di++e,en2 2o his +a7e o+
2e,,o, and he dies on 2he end o+ his o4n s4o,d5
Yo0 lea1e 2he 4ea6on in his -ody and d,a/ 2he 7o,6se in2o 2he -a2h,oom3 d0m6in/
i2 in 2he 20-5 Yo0 lo7. 2he doo, 2o yo0, 90a,2e,s and /o -a7. 2o see Kianmay5 She is
7,o07hed in he, -ed3 4,a66ed in 2he 7o1e,s5
LChy did yo0 .ill himON she as.s sadly5
LHe 4as /oin/ 2o ,a6e yo0MN yo0 say5 LAny4ay3 i2 is -e22e, 2his 4ay5 He 7anno2
7hase a+2e, 0s no45N
LI 4as 2o -e his 1i72im3 and I ha1e +o,/i1en him5 Chy 7an?2 yo0ON Kianmay as.s5
Yo0 a,e no2 in 2he mood +o, a dis70ssion so yo0 2ell he, 2o /e2 some ,es25 Yo0
mo1e yo0, -ed,oll in2o he, ,oom and 7losin/ 2he doo,3 lie do4n a/ains2 i25 She does
no2 90es2ion yo0 +0,2he,3 and yo0 +all aslee65
T0,n 2o 141
=(
FF - Diamond
41
Con7en2,a2in/3 yo0 7hannel yo0, li+e+o,7e in2o 2he 7,ys2al on yo0, -,eas25 The
so,7e,e, does no2 no2i7e 0n2il 2oo la2e as 2he 7,ys2al /lo4s -,i/h2ly and +i,es a -ol2 a2
him5 In yo0, des6e,a2ion yo0 in1es2 as m07h o+ yo0, li+e as yo0 7an @,ed07e yo0,
STAMINA 2o )A and a massi1e -ol2 o+ +lame shoo2s o02 and en/0l+s 2he so,7e,e, in
+lame5 He s2a//e,s -a7. 4i2h a ho,,i+yin/ s7,eam3 and 2he s6ell holdin/ yo0
disa66ea,s5 Yo0 7on2in0e yo0, 7ha,/e and slay him3 -,ea2hin/ la,/e /0l6s o+ ho2 ai,5
The -0,nin/ 7o,6se +alls 2o 2he +loo, and yo0 do no2 4ai2 a,o0nd3 2a.in/ only a
momen2 2o 6i7. 06 2he Diamond Key5 Fleein/ 2he s20dy3 yo0 dash 2h,o0/h 2he
2em6le3 ma.in/ +o, 2he -a7. doo, and o02 a7,oss 2he la4ns5 No one seems 2o -e
+ollo4in/ yo03 so yo0, 7i,7le -a7. a,o0nd 2o 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o,5 S2andin/ in
2he shado4ed en2,an7e3 yo0 4a27h 2he 2em6le +o, many min02es3 -02 no2hin/ s2i,s5
Yo0 ,ela83 and ,ealise i2 is no4 2ime 2o /o 2o 2he 6ala7e and 2,y and ,es70e Kianmay5
B02 -e+o,e yo0 /o in2o 2he &ion?s den3 yo0 de7ide 2o hide 2he Diamond Key5
The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he
s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es
2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/ in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02
2he Diamond Key +,om 2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one
and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2 +la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
43
The dye-ma.e, has a small sho6+,on23 s2,on/ odo0,s 7omin/ +,om 2he la,/e
4o,.sho6 o02 2he -a7.5 A small man 4i2h s6e72a7les eme,/es +,om -ehind a 70,2ain3
,0--in/ hands s6e7.led 4i2h s6o2s o+ ,ed and -l0e and 60,6le and /,een5 He /i1es
yo0 a s2a,2led loo.3 and ne,1o0sly as.s 4ha2 yo0 4an25
His +a7e -,i/h2ens 4hen yo0 e86lain 2ha2 yo0 4an2 2o -0y a la,/e 90an2i2y o+ dye5
He /i1es yo0 a des7,i62ion o+ 4ha2 he has a1aila-le and 2he 6,i7e5
)* >a,s: )* /old 7oins
)** >a,s: # /old 7oins
<** >a,s: #* /old 7oins
#** >a,s: (* /old 7oins
)*** >a,s: )** /old 7oins
Yo0, 4a/on only has eno0/h s6a7e +o, )*** >a,s3 o, )* -o8es o+ 4ea6ons o, i1o,y
@) -o8 G )** >a,sA5 Yo0 may only 60,7hase eno0/h /oods 2o +ill 2he 4a/on5
On7e yo0 ha1e -o0/h2 all 2he dye yo0 4an23 yo0 may ei2he,;
$isi2 2he i1o,y-7a,1e,3 20,n 2o 055
$isi2 2he 4ea6on smi2h3 20,n 2o +78
O, /o 2o hi,e me,7han2 /0a,ds3 20,n 2o 122
=E
FF - Diamond
47
Yo0 6oin2 a2 2he doo,5 LGe2 o025N
The 24o /0a,ds loo. a2 ea7h o2he,3 2hen as one lea1e3 eyein/ yo0 7a02io0sly5 Yo0
+ollo4 a+2e, 2hem3 and lo7. 2he doo, 2o yo0, 90a,2e,s -ehind 2hem5 Goin/ -a7. 2o see
Kianmay3 yo0 +ind he, 7,o07hed in he, -ed3 4,a66ed in 2he 7o1e,s5
LChy did yo0 .ill himON she as.s sadly5
LHe 4as /oin/ 2o ,a6e yo0MN yo0 say5 LAny4ay3 i2 is -e22e, 2his 4ay5 He 7anno2
7hase a+2e, 0s no45N
LI 4as 2o -e his 1i72im3 and I ha1e +o,/i1en him5 Chy 7an?2 yo0ON Kianmay as.s5
Yo0 a,e no2 in 2he mood +o, a dis70ssion so yo0 2ell he, 2o /e2 some ,es2 and d,a/
2he 7o,6se in2o 2he -a2h,oom3 d0m6in/ i2 in 2he 20-5 Yo0 mo1e yo0, -ed,oll in2o he,
,oom and 7losin/ 2he doo,3 lie do4n a/ains2 i25 She does no2 90es2ion yo0 +0,2he,3 and
yo0 +all aslee65
T0,n 2o 141
48
The 4ine 2as2es +ine 2o yo03 al2ho0/h yo0 a,e no 7onnoisse0,5 Yo0 7om6limen2
2he 4ine 2o -e 6oli2e5 Yo0 ha1e a 6leasan2 2al. 4i2h &a,emidan3 2ellin/ him 4ha2 yo0
.no4 o+ ne4s in 2he So02h3 2hen yo0 as. him a-o02 4ha2 is o+ in2e,es2 2o yo0
LI hea, 2he,e is a ne4 Kin/ in 2hese lands3N yo0 say5 LA man 7allin/ himsel+ 2he
Col+5 Is he li.ely 2o 6,esen2 any dan/e, 2o 0s as 4e 2,a1el No,2hON
&a,emidan is 2ho0/h2+0l5 LI?m no2 2o s0,e 4ha2 2o ma.e o+ 2his so-7alled .in/ ye25
He seems ha,mless 2o 6ea7e+0l +ol.s li.e mysel+5 I+ I 4as a .in/ I 4o0ld -e 4o,,iedMN
He 7h07.les5 LHe is a66a,en2ly a s.illed 4a,,io, and 2a72i7ian5 Yo0 a,e headin/ 2o
A,an2a2o,ON
LYes5N
LI2 is said he is 1e,y in2e,es2ed in 2he /,ea2 7i2y5 He 4an2s 2o 7on90e, i2M He 4ill
ne1e, s077eed a2 2ha2 +ool?s e,,and5 The,e is a ,eason 2he 7i2y has only e1e, +allen -y
2,ea7he,yM S2ill i2 4ill -e in2e,es2in/ 2o hea, ne4s o+ 4ha2 ha66ens5N
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-andO I+ yo0 a,e3 20,n 2o ++
I+ yo0 a,e no23 20,n 2o +10
44
Yo0 e86e72 2he doo, 2o -e lo7.ed3 -02 2he handle 20,ns and yo0 s2e6 inside a
7o,,ido,5 The +loo, is 2he /,ass o+ 2he 20nd,a laid o1e, 4i2h 2hi7. ,0/s 4o1en 4i2h
o,na2e 6a22e,ns in ea,2hy 2ones5 The 7o,,ido, leads 2o a doo, a2 2he +a, end5 The,e is
also a doo, in ea7h 4all 2o yo0, ,i/h2 and yo0, le+25
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
T,y 2he doo, on 2he ,i/h2O T0,n 2o 085
The doo, o+ 2he le+2O T0,n 2o 054
The doo, a2 2he end o+ 2he 7o,,ido,O T0,n 2o 105
#*
FF - Diamond
46
LThe,e is some2hin/ else I 7an do3N Kianmay says 2ho0/h2+0lly5 LI+ I 0se yo0,
7,ys2al -all and 2he ma/i7al 6ea,l3 2hen 6e,ha6s I 7an enhan7e 2he 7,ys2al -all?s
6,o6e,2ies and s6y in 2he 2em6le mysel+5N
This so0nds li.e a m07h -e22e, idea5 A min02e la2e, Kianmay si2s in a 7om+o,2a-le
7hai,3 holdin/ 2he 6ea,l in one hand3 2he 7,ys2al -all in 2he o2he,5 She 7loses he, eyes
and 7on7en2,a2es5 Yo0 si2 o66osi2e he, and 4a27h he, e86,essi1e +a7e5 Yo0 see he,
smile and .no4 2ha2 i2 is 4o,.in/5 Yo0 see he, sea,7hin/ a-o023 sli/h2ly 4o,,ied -y
4ha2 she sees5 S0ddenly she /as6s and he, eyes o6en5
LTha2 is no2 Qa,imM I2 is so,7e,e,5 I 2hin. he sensed me loo.in/5N
LCho a,e yo0 2al.in/ a-o02ON yo0 as.5
LIn 2he 2em6le3 4ea,in/ 2he Hi/h ",ies2?s ,o-eM I2 is no2 Qa,im5 I 4onde, 4ha2
2hey ha1e done 4i2h himON
Be+o,e yo0 7an ans4e,3 she 7loses he, eyes and 7on7en2,a2es on7e mo,e5 Yo0 see
he, sea,7hin/3 and 2hen a loo. o+ >oy a66ea,s on he, +a7e5 She soon 7on7en2,a2es
a/ain and a66ea,s 2o -e 2al.in/ 2o he,sel+5 Yo0 4a27h he, +0ll li6s ma.in/ 4o,ds and
-end 7lose 2o 2,y and hea, he, 4his6e,s5
A+2e, a +e4 min02es she smiles and o6ens he, eyes5 LHe is 4ell5 He is im6,isoned
in 2he 6ala7e3 -02 is 0nha,med5 He has 2old me 2ha2 4e m0s2 no2 ,es70e him5 Ins2ead
4e a,e 2o 602 2he Key in 6la7e5 I2 need no2 /o in2o 2he 2em6le5 The,e is ano2he, 6la7e
4e may 602 i25 Tomo,,o4 I shall 2a.e i2 and 602 i2 in 2he ea,2h5 Then I shall s0,,ende,
2o 2he Kin/ and 2ell him i2 is +02ile 2o hold Qa,im any +0,2he,5N
LCha2 i+ he 2o,20,es yo0 0n2il yo0 2ell himON yo0 6,o2es25
Kianmay smiles5 LI shall no2 2ell him5 I 4ill s0++e,: 2hen he 4ill s6a,e me o, I
shall die5N
I2 so0nds li.e a 1e,y 6oo, 6lan 2o yo03 -02 Kianmay seems ha66y and heads o++ 2o
-ed5 On7e she has ,e2i,ed3 yo0 6a7e a-o02 ,es2lessly5 He, 6lan seems 022e,ly +oolish5
Yo0 s2ill ha1e 2he Diamond Key 4i2h yo05
Do yo0 4an2 2o a77e62 he, 6lan and /o 2o -edO T0,n 2o 0+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o o02 and do some2hin/ d,as2i73 20,n 2o 0+2
45
C,ee6in/ 7lose, 2o 2he o6en doo,3 yo0 lis2en 7a,e+0lly5 Yo0 7an hea, o77asional
so0nds3 -02 ha1e no idea ho4 many 6eo6le a,e inside5 &oo.in/ 2h,o0/h 2he /a63 yo0
7an see ano2he, s90a,e 7ham-e,3 smalle, 2ha2 2he hall yo0 a,e in no45 I2 is also
domed3 -02 li2 4i2h a sin/le 7handelie,5 Yo0 +,eeKe as yo0 hea, an o,7 s6ea. a/ain5
This 2ime ano2he, one ans4e,s5
Ca,e+0lly layin/ yo0, 4ea6on do4n3 yo0 lie do4n and 2,y 2o 6ea. 0nde, 2he doo,5
The /a6 is small3 -02 yo0 see some +0,ni20,e3 and 2he lo4e, 6a,2s o+ 24o o,7s sea2ed a2
a la,/e 2a-le5 Yo0 s2and 7a,e+0lly3 and 6i7. 06 yo0, 4ea6on5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h
yo0 7as0ally 4al. in2o 2he ,oom5
The 7ham-e, is 7en2,ed 4i2h 2h,ee sa,7o6ha/i se2 in a 2,ian/le a,o0nd an em62y
6edes2al5 A ,o0/hly made 4ooden 2a-le has -een d,a//ed in2o 2he ,oom3 and 24o o,7s
si2 a2 i23 s20dyin/ 6a/es o+ 6a,7hmen23 and s7,i--lin/ no2es 4i2h 6ens on 1ell0m5 They
a,e so in2en2 on 2hei, 4o,. 2ha2 2hey do no2 no2i7e yo0 ,i/h2 a4ay3 /i1in/ yo0 2he
7han7e 2o loo. a,o0nd mo,e5 The 2iled +loo, is -la7.ened 4i2h 4ha2 yo0 s0s6e72 is
-lood5 A /,ea2 sla0/h2e, 2oo. 6la7e he,e5 Mos2 o+ 2he ,oom is +illed 4i2h sa7.s3
#)
FF - Diamond
-a,,els and 7,a2es3 li.e a s2o,e,oom5 The 2h,ee sa,7o6ha/i a,e o6en3 2he 7a,1ed lids
lyin/ -,o.en on 2he +loo,5 The lids de6i72 h0man 4a,,io,s 4ea,in/ 4in/ed helms and
7a,,-
LH0manMN s7,ee7hes one o+ 2he o,7s5
Yo0 loo. -a7. a2 2hem as 2hey /a6e a2 yo05
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
A22a7. 2hemO T0,n 2o 17
Tal. 2o 2hemO T0,n 2o +1+
62
Goin/ 06 2o 2he nea, doo,3 yo0 lis2en 7a,e+0lly3 -02 7an hea, no2hin/5 Slo4ly yo0
2,y 2he handle5 I2 is 0nlo7.ed3 and yo0 s4in/ 2he doo, 2o 2he li/h2ed in2e,io, o6en5
Inside is a s20dy3 2he -a7. 4all lined 4i2h -oo.shel1es5 A la,/e 6olished oa. 4ood
des. si2s in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom on a ,o0nd in2,i7a2ely 6a22e,ned ,0/ in da,. -l0e
and 4hi2e and /,een5 Behind 2he des. is a hi/h--a7.ed 7hai, o+ 2he same da,.
6olished 4ood as 2he des.5 In 2he 7hai, is an elde,ly man 4i2h 6ie,7in/ -l0e eyes and
a lon/ -ea,d5 He is d,essed in a 6lain 4hi2e ,o-e 4i2h a 7,ys2al am0le2 a,o0nd his
ne7.5
LCan I hel6 yo0ON he as.s mildly5
LI am loo.in/ +o, 2he Hi/h ",ies23N yo0 say5
LI am Qa,im3N he says3 ,isin/ +,om his sea2 4i2h a smile5 L"lease 7ome in5N
Can yo0 2,0s2 2his manO
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a >ade ,in/3 20,n 2o 136
I+ yo0 a,e no23 yo0 m0s2 20,n 2o 304
60
Yo0 90i7.ly l0n/e a2 Ra0l3 d,a4in/ yo0, da//e, and 2h,0s2in/ a2 his 2h,oa25 Ra0l
+lin7hes -a7.3 -02 i2 is 2he manse,1an2 4ho mo1es +as2e,5 In +a723 he -e/ins 2o mo1e a
+,a72ion o+ a se7ond -e+o,e yo0 do5 The sil1e, 2,ay de+le72s yo0, -lade3 and 2he 4ine
is h0,led in2o yo0, eyes5 Yo0 s2a//e, -a7.4a,ds3 d,o66in/ 2he da//e, and d,a4in/
yo0, +a1o0,ed 4ea6on5 Ci6in/ 4ine +,om yo0, eyes3 yo0 see 2he manse,1an2 d,a4
+,om his slee1es 24o slim -laded .ni1es5 Yo0 no2i7e 2ha2 2he -lades a,e dis7olo0,ed
4i2h 6oison5 Ra0l s2ands -a7.3 smilin/5
The manse,1an2 is Ra0l?s 6e,sonal assassin5 Be7a0se o+ 2he 6oison3 i+ yo0 a,e
4o0nded -y him3 2he +i/h2 4ill only las2 +o, ano2he, +i1e ,o0nds5 A2 2ha2 2ime 2he
6oison 4ill ,ea7h yo0, hea,2 and yo0 4ill -e dead5 E1en i+ yo0 4in 4i2hin # ,o0nds
yo0 4ill s2ill die 0nless yo0 ha1e a healin/ 6hial 4i2h yo05
GRIFFON ASSASSIN SKI&& ) STAMINA )# DB * ARMOUR *
Un+o,20na2ely yo0 7anno2 +lee 2his -a22le5 I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 064
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
I+ yo0 4in -02 do no2 ha1e a healin/ 6o2ion 2o d,in.3 20,n 2o 5+6
#
FF - Diamond
6+
Ta.in/ 2he slim 4ooden -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 o6en i2 and sho4 2he 1am6i,e
2he da,. s2one5 She o-1io0sly does no2 ,e7o/nise i23 and ,ea7hes 2o 2a.e i2 o02 o+ 2he
-o85 She holds 2he s2one on he, 6alm and he, eyes +ollo4 2he s7,i625 She is ,eadin/
i2M Chen she +inishes3 a loo. o+ 4onde, 7omes on2o he, +a7e5
LDo yo0 .no4 4ha2 2his isON she as.s yo05
LThe Diamond Key3N yo0 ,e6ly5
She smiles5 LA s0i2a-le name5N She 6la7es 2he s2one a/ains2 he, 7hes23 and 7loses
he, eyes5 A momen2 la2e, she s2i++ens and -e/ins 2o sh0dde, as he, s.in s2a,2s 2o /lo45
S0ddenly she +alls 2o he, .nees3 d,o66in/ 2he Key and -e/innin/ 2o 1omi2 -lood5 Yo0
s2e6 -a7.3 dod/in/ a,o0nd 2he 6ool o+ -lood5 Yo0 sna27h 06 2he Diamond Key and
,e2,ea2 2o 2he 4all as she 7on2in0es 2o 1omi2 -lood5 I2 6o0,s +,om he, -ody: many3
many 2imes mo,e 2han is 6ossi-le +o, he, slende, +,ame 2o 7on2ain5 Chen she +inally
7olla6ses in e8ha0s2ion 2he 4hole 7ham-e, is +illed an in7h dee6 4i2h -lood5
Yo0 s2e6 +o,4a,d 2o aid he,3 ,ed ,i66les e82endin/ o02 +,om yo0, +oo2+alls5 B02 he,
-ody s0ddenly 20,ns 2o d0s23 lea1in/ no2hin/ -02 he, /o4n and sli66e,s and /olden
a,m-and5 Yo0 6i7. 06 2he a,m-and5 I2 is /old se2 4i2h diamonds and o6als3 and as
yo0 2o07h i2 yo0 +eel 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 in i25 Yo0 602 i2 in yo0, 6a7. and loo. +o, a 4ay
o02 o+ 2he 2o4e,5 Goin/ -a7. in2o 2he an2e7ham-e,3 yo0 e1en20ally see a s0s6i7io0sly
-lan. se72ion o+ 4all5 "0shin/ 06on i2 ma.es i2 mo1e -a7. and 2hen s4in/ o6en3
,e1ealin/ a 20nnel5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay in2o 2he 20nnel3 ma.in/ +o, 2he s0nli2 e8i2
a-o02 )** +ee2 a4ay5
Yo0 eme,/e in2o Da,.en Cood3 20,nin/ a,o0nd 2o see 2he 4hi2e ma,-le 2o4e,
,isin/ a-o1e 2he 2,ee2o6s5 Yo0 see o2he, s2,0720,es all a,o0nd yo0 s7a22e,ed 2h,o0/h
2he 2,ees3 some 4hole3 o2he,s in ,0ins5 The,e is an en2i,e an7ien2 7i2y he,e in 2he
middle o+ Da,.en Cood5 &oo.in/ +o, 2he 6ala7e3 yo0 +ind i2 on7e mo,e and en2e, 2he
2h,one ,oom5 The 7,o4 is 2he,e3 6e,7hed on 2he 7andela-,a5
LCha2 ha66ened 2o he,ON yo0 as. 4i2ho02 6,eam-le5
LThe Diamond Key 60,i+ied he,3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LShe 4as no lon/e, a
1am6i,e3 2h0s she 6e,ished5 B02 he, so0l 4ill no2 no4 +all do4n 2o a lo4e, 6la7e5
Yo0 ha1e 6,o1en yo0,sel+ 4o,2hy 2o -e a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h25N
LCha2 no43 2henON yo0 as.5
LYo0 ha1e a lon/ 4ay 2o /o -e+o,e yo0 a,e ,eady 2o s4ea, an oa2h 2o a God o+
&i/h25 B02 yo0 ha1e 2a.en 2he +i,s2 s2e65 Ci2h 7om6assion alone may yo0 2,0ly see
#<
FF - Diamond
4ha2 is -e+o,e yo05 Be+o,e yo0 /o3 I 4ill allo4 yo0 2o 2a.e one i2em +,om 2he Kin/ 2o
aid yo0 in yo0, >o0,ney5N
Yo0 loo. a2 2he en2h,oned s.ele2on5 LYo0 mean one o+ his 2hin/sON
LI do3N 2he 7,o4 says5
Cha2 do yo0 7hooseO
The 4in/ed helmO T0,n 2o 021
The -,oads4o,dO T0,n 2o 071
The eme,ald ,in/O T0,n 2o +21
The sa66hi,e ,in/O T0,n 2o +71
The ,0-y ,in/O T0,n 2o 121
61
The /0a,ds a,e in2e,1ie4in/ ano2he, 2,a1elle,3 and as yo0 a66,oa7h3 one o+ 2he
/0a,ds o,de,s him 2o mo1e his don.ey o02 o+ yo0, 6a2h5 Em-oldened3 yo0 7on2in0e
+o,4a,d3 and nod 2o 2he /0a,ds as yo0 6ass 2h,o0/h 4i2h Kianmay a2 yo0, side5
"leasan2ly s0,6,ised3 yo0 7on2in0e on in2o 2he 7i2y as 2he 2,a1elle, -ehind yo0 s6022e,s
and 2,ies 2o e86lain 2he la,/e 90an2i2y o+ ille/al s0-s2an7es in his saddle-a/s5
Kianmay 2a.es 2he lead and 2a.es yo0 2h,o0/h 2he 4ide s2,ee2s5 He,e in 2he o02e,
7i2y 2he 4ide s2,ee2s a,e s0,,o0nded -y o+2en ,i7.e2y s2,0720,es3 small and made o+
4ood mo,e o+2en 2ha2 s2one3 and 6ain2ed in a 1a,ie2y o+ 7olo0,s5 Only 2he da,. sla2e
,oo1es a,e 0ni+o,m5 Sho6s and ,esiden7es as 4ell as 2a1e,ns and -,o2hels si2 side -y
side in 2he o02e, 7i2y3 2he 7haos o+ h0man e8is2en7e +illin/ 2he /a6s -e24een 2he 4ell-
6lanned3 4ell-laid s2,ee2s5
Ano2he,3 less im6osin/ 4all seals o++ 2he inne, 7i2y5 The,e a,e /0a,ds he,e 2oo3
,es6lenden2 in da,. -l0e 7loa.s and -,i/h2 -,eas26la2es em-laKoned 4i2h 2he 2o4e, and
s2a,s o+ 2he 7i2y?s -anne,5 Yo0 sense 2he 1i/ilan2 ai, o+ 2he /0a,ds and s0s6e72 2ha2
2hey a,e loo.in/ +o, yo05 Kianmay is 4ell-7on7ealed in he, hooded 7loa.3 and yo0 2,y
2o loo. 2he 6a,2 o+ a 7a,in/ h0s-and 4i2h a ne4 -,ide -y 6022in/ yo0, a,m a,o0nd he,
and -eamin/ a2 2he /0a,ds as yo0 6ass5
They loo. a2 yo03 -02 do no2 ,ea72 and yo0 6,o7eed 2h,o0/h in2o 2he inne, 7i2y5
He,e 2he,e is /,ea2e, o,de,5 The s2,ee2s a,e na,,o4e,3 -02 all 2he -0ildin/s a,e s2one
and 2he inne, 7i2y is di1ided in2o se72ions5 Yo0 a,e 70,,en2ly in 2he ma,.e2 90a,2e,5
He,e 2he,e is a ma,.e2 and yo0 7an -0y and sell any i2ems yo0 4ish5 Yo0 de7ide 2o
sell 2he ho,ses and /e2 (* /old +o, -o2h 6l0s 2he saddles and o2he, e90i6men25
On7e yo0 a,e done3 Kianmay leads yo0 2h,o0/h ano2he, /a2e3 2his one 0n/0a,ded3
and en2e, an e86anse o+ /a,dens5 Cell-7a,ed +o, la4ns a,e s7a22e,ed 4i2h lone 2,ees
and /,o1es o+ e8o2i7 and -ea02i+0l +lo4e,in/ -0shes5 Ca,e+0lly 2ended +lo4e, -eds a,e
+illed 4i2h -looms o+ all 7olo0,s and sha6es3 +illin/ 2he 7old ai, 4i2h 6e,+0me5 The,e
#=
FF - Diamond
a,e also lam6 6os2s 4hi7h men d,essed in 2he li1e,y o+ 2he 7i2y a,e -0sy li/h2in/3
+illin/ 2he /a,dens 4i2h a so+23 4a,m /lo45
A2 1a,io0s lo7a2ions a,o0nd 2he /a,dens a,e 2em6les and sh,ines o+ all siKes and
s2yles3 dedi7a2ed 2o a 6le2ho,a o+ dei2ies5 The Kin/s o+ A,an2a2o, ha1e al4ays 6,ided
2hemsel1es on 2he di1e,si2y o+ 2he /ods 2ha2 d4ell in 2hei, 7i2y5 Kianmay leads yo0
do4n a 6a2h and yo0 see ahead a la,/e ma,-le 2em6le s0,,o0nded -y oa.s5 A 4ide
s2one s2ai,7ase leads in2o a 2,io o+ de7o,a2ed a,7hes5 A 6lin2h ,ises +,om 2he 7en2,e o+
2he s2ai,4ay3 06on 4hi7h s2ands a li+e-siKed s2a20e o+ a 4oman in a +lo4in/ ,o-e5 He
hands a,e em62y3 held o02 as i+ 2o -less o, em-,a7e 2he 4o,ld5
Yo0, a22en2ion is soon d,a4n 2o some2hin/ else5 The,e a,e 6aladin /0a,din/ 2he
+,on2 o+ 2he 2em6le3 s2andin/ 4a27h -enea2h 2he a,7hes 4hile an o++i7e, s2,olls -a7.
and +o,2h5 Some2hin/ a-o02 2hei, manne, a,o0ses yo0, s0s6i7ion3 and yo0 see
Kianmay s2a,2 2o slo4 he, s2e6s5
LKee6 4al.in/MN Yo0 hiss a2 he,5
She ma27hes yo0, s2e65 LThey a,e no2 6aladin5N
LI .no43N yo0 ,e6ly5 LKee6 on 2he 6a2h3 4e?ll 2a.e 2he 20,n 2o 2he le+25N
As yo0 d,a4 nea,3 yo0 see 2he o++i7e, s2e6 +o,4a,d and loo. do4n a2 yo0 in2en2ly5
Yo0 le2 him see yo0 /lan7e a2 him 4i2h disin2e,es2 as yo0 and Kianmay 20,n 2o 2he le+2
and ma.e yo0, 4ay alon/ 2he 6a2h 2o 2he sh,ine ne82 doo,5
S2e66in/ in2o 2he dim in2e,io,3 yo0 loo. a,o0nd a2 /ilded s2a20es o+ a 4a,,io,
-ea,in/ a h0/e s7imi2a, in one hand3 and a d,a/on?s head in 2he o2he,5 A ma,-le
sa,7o6ha/0s +ills 2he shine3 and a si/n 4,i22en in se1e,al lan/0a/es 2ells yo0 2ha2 yo0
ha1e en2e,ed 2he shine o+ A,in/a,a2o, 2he D,a/on-Slaye,5 Yo0 a,e momen2a,ily
dis2,a72ed as yo0 ,ealise yo0 a,e s2andin/ nea, 2he he,o o+ many o+ yo0, 7hildhood
s2o,ies5 A,in/a,a2o, himsel+M
LCha2 a,e 4e /oin/ 2o doON Kianmay as.s in a 4o,,ied 2one5
Yo0 see a la,/e al7o1e +illed 4i2h a +ine s2a20e o+ 2he D,a/on-slaye,3 a >ade -asin
a2 i2s +ee2 +o, inse,2in/ in7ense5 The,e is a -as.e2 on in7ense 2o one side3 alon/ 4i2h a
s2,on/-o8 4i2h a slo2 in 2he 2o65 "e,ha6s yo0 sho0ld 6,ey +o, a -lessin/5
Kianmay no2i7es yo0, e87i2emen2 and yo0 2ell he, a-o02 A,in/a,a2o,5 Kianmay
does no2 loo. im6,essed5 LI .no4 o+ a2 leas2 +i1e 7i2ies 2ha2 7laim 2o ha1e 2he -ody o+
A,in/a,a2o, en2om-ed 4i2hin 2hei, 4alls5 Ce need 2o s6ea. 2o 2he Hi/h 6,ies2 Qa,im5
I2 is 2oo dan/e,o0s +o, me 2o /o 2he,e5 Yo0 m0s2 /o5N
LThey mi/h2 ,e7o/nise me3 2oo5N Yo0 6,o2es25
LThen yo0 4ill need a dis/0ise5N Kianmay m0ses5 L&e2 0s +ind an inn5N
&ea1in/ 2he sh,ine3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he /a,dens and o02 ano2he,
/a2e in2o 2he 2,a1elle,?s 90a,2e,5 I2 is a small se72ion o+ 2he 7i2y 4i2h many inns3
2a1e,ns and me,7han2 ho0ses5 Yo0 +ind a small -02 +ine-loo.in/ inn 7alled 2he Chi2e
Ga,den5 I2 has a n0m-e, o+ small ,ooms o6enin/ o02 in2o a /a,den +illed 4i2h 4hi2e-
+lo4e,in/ -0shes s0,,o0ndin/ a 6ond +illed 4i2h 4hi2e lilies and a 6ai, o+ s4ans5
The inn 7os2s one /old 6e, ni/h23 and ea7h ,oom has a -a2h,oom5 The 4a2e,
7omes 2h,o0/h 6i6es and yo0 a,e a-le 2o +ill 2he -a2h yo0,sel+ -y 20,nin/ a 1al1e5 Yo0
a,e no2 ,e90i,ed 2o 6ay 06 +,on23 and a,e handed 2he .ey -y an a66le-7hee.ed 4oman
4ho 6,om62ly lea1es yo0 alone5 The main ,oom is a si22in/ ,oom3 4i2h 2he -a2h,oom
2o one side3 a -ed,oom 2o 2he o2he,3 and a small dinin/ ,oom and .i27hen o02 2he -a7.5
On7e yo0 a,e se22led in3 Kianmay 2ells yo0 he, 6lan5 LYo0 m0s2 /o and dis/0ise
yo0,sel+ as a 4eal2hy man5 Go and -0y a +ine ,o-e and a ha25 Then -0y an o++e,in/
+o, 2he 2em6le5 Ei2he, lam6 oil o, in7ense3 2hen /o 2o ma.e an o++e,in/5 On7e yo0 a,e
inside3 as. 2o see 2he Hi/h ",ies25 Chen yo0 s6ea. 2o him3 -e 7a,e+0l5 Don?2 /i1e
##
FF - Diamond
e1e,y2hin/ a4ay5 Qa,im himsel+ 7an -e 2,0s2ed3 -02 2he,e 7o0ld -e s6ies 2he,e3 o,
some ma/i75N
LThe ma,.e2s a,e 6,o-a-ly 7losed no43N yo0 say5 LCe 4ill ha1e 2o 4ai2 0n2il
2omo,,o45N
L",o-a-lyON Kianmay ,aises one eye-,o45 LSo 2he,e is a 7han7e 4e 7an do 2his
2oni/h25N
She is 7lea,ly im6a2ien23 -02 yo0 a,e 2i,ed and don?2 +an7y 4ande,in/ a,o0nd 2he
7i2y a2 ni/h2 on 2he slim 7han7e a 1endo, is s2ill o6en5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o any4ay3 20,n 2o ++4
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a,/0e 4i2h he,3 20,n 2o 134
63
Yo0 6a2ien2ly ans4e, all his 90es2ions3 o+2en ,ollin/ yo0, eyes5 A+2e, i2 is all done3
he /i1es yo0 a 70,2 J2han. yo0? and lea1es5 Yo0 ma.e some >o.es 4i2h 2he o2he,s
2,a1elle,s a-o02 70s2om 7le,.s3 2hen head 06s2ai,s +o, slee65
Yo0 .no7. /en2ly on Kianmay?s doo, -e+o,e en2e,in/5 She is no2 aslee6 ye25 She
is ,eadin/ -y 2he li/h2 o+ a 7andle5 As yo0 7lose 2he doo, -ehind yo03 yo0 see
"enma,. in his -ed,oll on 2he +loo,5 Cell3 yo0 4e,en?2 6lannin/ any2hin/ any4ay5
&ayin/ o02 yo0, o4n -ed,oll3 yo0 se22le in +o, an 0n7om+o,2a-le ni/h2?s slee65
T0,n 2o 188
67
Yo0 sho4 Kianmay 2he >ade ,in/5 She e8amines i2 +o, a +e4 min02es3 2hen 2ells
yo0 i2 is a &o7. o+ T,02h5 As lon/ as yo0 4ea, i2 yo0 4ill -e a-le 2o 2ell i+ someone is
lyin/ 2o yo0 o, no25 B02 as lon/ as i2 is on yo0, +in/e, yo0 4ill no2 -e a-le 2o lie5 She
hands i2 -a7. 2o yo05 Che2he, yo0 4ea, i2 o, no2 is 06 2o yo03 -02 yo0 may no2 ha1e
2he 7han7e 2o 602 i2 on i+ yo0 s0ddenly de7ide yo0 need i25
Re20,n no4 2o +32
68
O6enin/ 2he lid3 yo0 sni++ 2he 4hi2e li90id5 The smell is +ain2 and 6leasan25 Yo0
a,e +ai,ly s0,e i2 is no2 a 6oison and 4onde, 4ha2 6o4e,s i2 4ill -es2o45 Yo0 2a.e a
si65 I2 has li22le +la1o0,5 Yo0 +eel no2hin/3 so yo0 si6 a -i2 mo,e5 S2ill no2i7in/ no
e++e723 yo0 2a.e a mo02h+0l5
Yo0 602 2he lid -a7. on and 4ai2 +o, some2hin/ 2o ha66en5 A+2e, a-o02 a min02e
yo0, eyelids s2a,2 2o /e2 hea1y5 Yo0 sha.e yo0,sel+ and s2and 065 Ra2he, 2han sha.in/
o++ 2he d,o4siness3 yo0 s2a,2 2o +eel 1e,y hea1y5 Yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 yo0 ha1e 2a.en a
slee6in/ 6o2ionM
Yo0 s2,0//le a/ains2 2he 2i,edness3 des6e,a2ely 2,yin/ 2o +ind a 6la7e 2o hide and
slee6 o++ 2he 6o2ion5 Yo0 7olla6se on 2he +loo, and sli6 in2o a dee6 slee65 Yo0 +loa2
+o, a lon/ 2ime on +l0++y 6in. 7lo0ds3 losin/ all sense o+ 2ime5
#%
FF - Diamond
E1en20ally yo0 a4a.e 2o a s2,an/e ,o7.in/ sensa2ion5 As yo0, mind 7lea,s3 yo0
/,ad0ally -e7ome a4a,e 2ha2 yo0 a,e 2ied 2o a ho,se5 Yo0 li+2 yo0 head3 seein/ a
7loa.ed +i/0,e on a ho,se ahead o+ yo03 holdin/ 2he ,ei/ns o+ yo0, mo0n25 Yo0 loo.
a,o0nd3 and see no2hin/ -02 2he ,oad3 4indin/ a7,oss 2he 20nd,a5
LChe,e am ION yo0 as.5
The +i/0,e 20,ns3 and yo0 see 2ha2 i2 is Kianmay5 She /,ins a2 yo0 and d,a4s 2he
ho,ses 2o a s2o65 LA4a.e a2 las2MN She dismo0n2s and -e/ins 2o 0n2ie yo0, hands5
LCha2 ha66enedON yo0 as.5
Kianmay is smilin/5 LYo0 d,an. a slee6in/ 6o2ionM Se,1es yo0 ,i/h2 +o, snea.in/
a-o02 and 2hie1in/MN
He, eyes s6a,.le 4i2h am0semen25 Yo0 ,0- yo0, 4,is2s and si2 065 Yo0, 4hole
-ody is a7hin/ and yo0 /e2 do4n +,om 2he saddle3 and loo. -a7. do4n 2he ,oad5 LThe
Col+ le2 0s /oON
LOh3 yes3N Kianmay says ha66ily5 She 60lls a 7o,d +,om a,o0nd he, ne7.3
,e1ealin/ 2he 7lo2h -a/5 LHe ,e20,ned 2o me 2he Diamond Key5N
LSo he didn?2 .no4 4ha2 i2 4asON yo0 as.5
LOh3 he .ne43N Kianmay ,e6lies5 LA2 leas2 he .ne4 i2 7o0ld ma.e him immo,2al5
He has a so,7e,e, 4i2h him yo0 dis7e,ned i2s na20,e5 The Col+ s2o66ed 0s -e7a0se he
.ne4 2ha2 Kin/ Da,m 4as loo.in/ +o, 0s5 He >0s2 4an2ed 2o .no4 4hy5 I 2old him
4ha2 I 4an2ed 2o do 4i2h 2he Key and he le2 0s /oM He is a no-le and >0s2 man5N
She s2ill seems am0sed a2 some2hin/5 LCha2 is so +0nnyON yo0 as. he,5
Kianmay /,ins5 LHe >0d/ed yo0 2o -e a 2hie+3 so he .e62 all o+ yo0, 2hin/s3 -02
e90i66ed yo0 +o, 2he ,es2 o+ 2he >o0,ney5N
&oo.in/ do4n yo0 see 2ha2 yo0 a,e d,essed in 6lain lea2he, a,mo0, 4i2h an
0ndyed 4oollen 7loa.5 A2 yo0, -el2 is a 60,se3 4hi7h 7on2ains only * /old 7oins3 and
a 6lain3 -02 se,1i7ea-le da//e,5 On 2he saddle o+ yo0, ho,se han/s a simila,ly 6lain
-02 se,1i7ea-le lon/s4o,d in a lea2he, s7a--a,d5 All o+ yo0, o2he, -elon/in/s a,e
/one5
LCha2 is so +0nny a-o02 2hisON Yo0 4an2 2o .no43 lamen2in/ 2he loss o+ yo0,
ma/i7al i2ems5
LOh3 i2 is no2 so +0nny as +i22in/3 I 2hin.5N
She 7lim-s -a7. in2o 2he saddle and yo0 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o +ollo45
T0,n 2o +51
64
T0,nin/ 2o 2he le+23 yo0 en2e, a de7o,a2ed a,7h and 4al. alon/ a sho,2 6assa/e 2o
ano2he,3 smalle, hall5 E1en -e+o,e yo0 en2e, 2he smalle, hall yo0 7an see 2he o66osi2e
en2,an7e is -lo7.ed -y ,0--le3 as i+ 2he 7o,,ido, -eyond 7olla6sed5 The small hall is
s90a,e3 and as yo0 6ee, inside3 yo0 see a dome a-o1e5 I2 a66ea,s 2o -e /old3 ,e+le72in/
-,i/h2ly 2he li/h2 +,om 2he -l0e-4hi2e 7,ys2als 2ha2 2his 2ime a,e se2 in 2he 4alls5
Almos2 all o+ 2he /lo4in/ 7,ys2als a,e /one3 /o0/e ma,.s ne82 2o 2he holes indi7a2ed
2ha2 2hey all -een 6,ised o025 Yo0 a,e 2em62ed 2o do 2he same3 4hen yo0 s0ddenly
he,e a 1oi7e and +,eeKe5
S6o.en in o,7ish3 yo0 don?2 .no4 4ha2 4as said3 -02 i2 so0nded li.e a 7as0al
7ommen25 The a,e 24o doo,4ays3 one in ea7h o+ 2he side 4alls5 The doo, 2o 2he le+2 is
a>a,: 2he 1oi7e 7ame +,om 2he,e5 The doo, 2o 2he ,i/h2 is 7losed5
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /oO
#'
FF - Diamond
The o6en doo, 2o 2he le+2O T0,n 2o 45
The 7losed doo, 2o 2he ,i/h2O T0,n 2o +44
Ba7. in2o 2he main hall 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he di//in/ so0ndsO T0,n 2o 186
66
The las2 ,aide, slides o++ yo0, 4ea6on3 and yo0 and "enma,. h0,,y 2o hel6 +inish
o++ 2he las2 o+ 2he Raide,s5 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd 2o see 2he ho,seman s2ill si22in/ in 2he
dis2an7e5 He ,aises his hand 2o yo0 in some .ind o+ sal02e3 2hen /allo6s a4ay5
Goin/ 2o 2he nea,es2 7o,6se3 yo0 2ea, o6en 2he man?s 20ni75 To yo0, s0,6,ise
ins2ead o+ a 4ol+?s head 2he,e is a 2o4e, s0,,o0nded -y 2h,ee s2a,s5 I2 is 2he si/n o+
A,an2a2o,5 Yo0 90i7.ly 7he7. 2he o2he, ,aide,s and +ind i2 is 2he same5 Yo0 4onde, i+
2he,e is some de7e62ion a+oo25 The ,aide,s 4e,e a-le 2o snea. 06 on yo0 4i2ho02
-ein/ seen on 2he 2,eeless 20nd,a5 The land is no2 6e,+e72ly +la23 -02 # men sho0ld no2
ha1e -een a-le 2o snea. 06 on yo0 0nless 2hey 4e,e -o,n and -,ed on 2he 20nd,a5
A,an2a2o, mi/h2 -e lo7a2ed in 2he 20nd,a3 -02 i2 is a /,ea2 7i2y +0ll o+ so+2 6,in7es3 7i2y-
-o0nd 7,a+2smen and 4omen 4ho .ee6 homes5
The men do seem 2o -e ,ela2i1ely 7lean3 as i+ 2hey had -a2hed ,e7en2ly5 A,an2a2o,
is +amo0s +o, i2s ho2 s6,in/s3 and -a2hin/ in 2he 7i2y is a 70s2om5 A 70s2om 2ha2 is
no2i7ea-ly a-sen2 +o, 2he +ol. 4ho li1e on 2he 20nd,a5 B02 4hy 4o0ld men +,om
A,an2a2o, a22a7. yo0O
LThey a,e a+2e, 2he Diamond Key3N Kianmay anno0n7es5 LI +ea,ed 2his 4o0ld
ha66en5N
LCha2 do yo0 meanON yo0 as.5
She loo.s a2 yo05 LA,an2a2o, is o0, +inal des2ina2ion5 The Diamond Key is 2o /o
2o 2he 2em6le 2he,e5 The Hi/h ",ies2 in E,inha,n 4as 7on1in7ed i2 4as a66,o6,ia2e 2o
in+o,m Kin/ Da,m o+ o0, mission3 sin7e his land 4ill -ene+i2 +,om 2he -lessin/ o+ 2he
Key5 B02 he is an old and am-i2io0s man5 He 4ishes 2he Key +o, himsel+5N
LChy does e1e,yone 4an2 2his Key3N yo0 as.5
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LThe Diamond Key is 2he .ey 2o li+e3N yo0 ,e6ly5 LB02 I .no4 no2 i2s 6a,2i70la,
6o4e,s5N
Kianmay 6a0ses5 LThe Key3 4hen se2 in2o 2he ea,2h3 +ills 2he s0,,o0ndin/ land
4i2h 2he essen7e o+ li+e5 "lan2s 4ill +lo0,ish on -a,,en /,o0nd5 Those 4ho ea2 o+ 2he
/,o42h o+ 2he land 4ill /,o4 s2,on/5 No +amine o, na20,al disas2e, 4ill s2,i.e 2he land
2ha2 -ea,s 2he Diamond Key5 Yo0 .no4 4ell 2he +o,20ne 2ha2 E,inha,n has ,e7ei1ed
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Key 7an also -e 0sed sel+ishly5 He 4ho 7a,,ies i2 06on his -ody is +illed 4i2h 2he
essen7e o+ li+e and is immo,2al5 This is 4hy Co0n2 Ra0l 4an2ed i25 Tha2 is 4hy Kin/
Da,m 4an2s i25 Ce needed 2o mo1e 2he Key -e7a0se 2oo many 6eo6le in E,inha,n had
lea,ned o+ i25 I2 4as +oolish 2o in+o,m Kin/ Da,m5 B02 o0, Hi/h ",ies2 ima/ined he
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Yo0 +,o4n5 LI+ Kin/ Da,m is h0n2in/ 0s3 4e 7anno2 /o 2o A,an2a2o, li.e 2his5 The
ho,seman 4ho es7a6ed 4ill ,e1eal o0, iden2i2y5N
"enma,. loo.s a,o0nd5 LCe 7anno2 6ass 0nde2e72ed 2h,o0/h 2hese lands5N
A 4o,,ied e86,ession +ills Kianmay?s +a7e5 LCha2 7an 4e do3 2henON
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FF - Diamond
"enma,. loo.s a2 yo03 his eyes 6ie,7in/ dee6 in2o yo05 LThe,e is only one 6lan
2ha2 may s077eed5 Ce shall 7on2in0e on 2o A,an2a2o, 4i2h 2he 7a,23 4hile 2he 24o o+
yo0 /o yo0, o4n 4ay alone5N
LB02 yo0 mi/h2 -e a22a7.ed a/ainMN Kianmay says 2o "enma,.5
The 6aladin nods5 LI ho6e so3 Blessed One5 Fo, 2hen yo0 and 2he Key 4ill -e
sa+e5N
Kianmay does no2 li.e 2he d,as2i7 6lan3 -02 2he s2,en/2h o+ he, mission ma.es he,
a/,ee5 So i2 is 2ha2 yo0 and Kianmay 6,e6a,e yo0, -elon/in/s and 2a.in/ a ho,se ea7h
se2 o++ a7,oss 2he land3 ma.in/ +o, ano2he, 2o4n yo0 .no4 2o 2he eas25 Yo0 may 2a.e
one o+ 2he ,aide,s -,eas26la2es3 -02 only i+ yo0 4ea, i25 The 6aladin and 2he ,emainin/
/0a,ds 2a.e 2he 7a,2 and ,emain on 2he main ,oad5 Yo0 2a.e all o+ 2he money in 2he
s2,on/-o85
Yo0 ,ide a7,oss 2he 20nd,a3 o+2en loo.in/ o1e, yo0, sho0lde,5 Soon 2he 7a,2 is
/one3 and yo0 loo. 2o 2he 4ay ahead5
T0,n 2o +14
65
LI 4ill no2 4i2hd,a4 my 7hallen/e3N yo0 anno0n7e de+ian2ly5
L$e,y 4ell5 I a77e62 yo0, 7hallen/e5 I+ I 4in3 2hen yo0 m0s2 s4ea, an oa2h o+ my
7hoosin/ 2ha2 yo0 4ill ,e1eal 2o no-one o+ o0, se7,e23 and 2hen /o 6ea7e+0lly on yo0,
4ay5 Is 2his a77e62a-le 2o yo0ON
Yo0 ,e6ly 2ha2 i2 is5
The Col+ 7on2in0es5 LAs yo0 ha1e 7hallen/ed me3 2he 7hoi7e o+ 4ea6ons is
mine5N
He /es20,es 2o 2he 7le,.3 4ho 7omes o1e, and -ends his ea, 2o 2he Col+5 The 7le,.
2hen h0,,ies o02 o+ 2he ,oom5 Yo0 s6end a +e4 min02es /la,in/ a2 2he Col+3 4ho >0s2
4a27hes yo0 as i+ yo0 a,e a 60KKle5
E1en20ally 2he 7le,. ,e20,ns3 and /i1es some2hin/ 2o 2he Col+5 He 2hen 20,ns and
holds o02 some2hin/ 2o yo05 Yo0 li+2 yo0, hand3 and 2he 7le,. d,o6s in2o i2 an a7o,n5
Yo0 loo. a2 2he n02 in 7on+0sion5 LCha2 is 2hisON
LThe 4ea6ons +o, o0, d0el3N 2he Col+ ,e6lies5 LI shall 6lan2 2his a7o,n5 I2 shall
/,o4 in2o a /,ea2 2,ee5 I shall 702 a -,an7h +,om 2he 2,ee and +ashion i2 in2o a 70d/el5
I2 is 4i2h 2his oa.en 70d/el 2ha2 I shall .ill yo0: 0nless yo0 +o,+ei25N
LTha2 4ill 2a.e yea,sMN Yo0 say5
LI2 is my ho6e 2ha2 s07h 2ime 4ill 7han/e yo0, ha2,ed o+ me3N 2he Col+ ,e6lies5
G,i66in/ 2he a7o,n3 i2 seems yo0 ha1e only 24o ,ealis2i7 7hoi7es5
Fo,+ei23 20,n 2o 50
A22a7. him 4i2h a ,eal 4ea6on3 20,n 2o 030
52
The en2,an7e 2o 2he 2o4n o+ Red Ri1e, is no2 /0a,ded3 -02 2he To4n G0a,d is
n0me,o0s and a//,essi1ely .ee6s o,de,5 Inns and 2a1e,ns seem 2o ma.e 06 hal+ o+ 2he
-0ildin/s in 2he 7i2y3 and "enma,. as.s yo0 2o +ind a /ood inn3 -02 no2 2oo e86ensi1e5
#E
FF - Diamond
The,e a,e +a, 2oo many inns in Red Ri1e, +o, yo0 2o .no4 2hem all3 -02 yo0 ha1e
an e86e,ien7ed eye and s2o6 4hen yo0 7ome a7,oss an inn 7alled 2he T,ade,?s Re6ose5
Ta.in/ 2he 7a,,ia/e in2o 2he s2a-leya,d3 yo0 as. 2he s2a-le-oy 4ho 7omes h0,,yin/ o02
i+ 2he,e a,e any 1a7an7ies5 The -oy nods 1i/o,o0sly and yo0 le2 him 2a.e 7ha,/e o+
2he ho,ses5 Kianmay o6ens 2he doo, 2o 2he 7a,,ia/e3 -02 ins2ead o+ /e22in/ o023 she
7a27hes yo0, eye and -e7.ons yo0 2o en2e,5
Cal.in/ o1e, 2o 2he 7a,,ia/e3 yo0 7lim- inside and 7lose 2he doo,5 Kianmay has
on7e a/ain lo4e,ed he, 7o4l5 She has 06on he, la6 a small s2,on/-o85 She -i2s he,
li6 ne,1o0sly and yo0 4ai2 +o, he, 2o s6ea.5
LI -elie1e I 7an 2,0s2 yo0II ho6e I 7anII ha1e li22le 7hoi7e in any 7ase5N She
sha.es he, head as he, eyes +ill 4i2h dis2an2 memo,ies5 A+2e, a momen2 2hey 7lea, and
she loo.s a2 yo0 as i+ she 7an see dee6 in2o yo0, -ein/5 LI need yo0 2o do some2hin/
1e,y im6o,2an25 I2 is no lon/e, sa+e +o, 0s 2o 2,a1el li.e 2his5 Ce need a -e22e,
dis/0ise5 Yo0 ha1e 2,a1elled 4i2h lo2s o+ me,7han2s5 I 4an2 yo0 2o ma.e 0s loo. li.e
any o2he, me,7han25 He,e5N
She ,o0/hly e82ends 2o yo0 2he s2,on/-o85 Yo0 2a.e i23 and seein/ i2 is 0nlo7.ed3
li+2 06 2he lid5 Yo0, eyes 4iden as yo0 see se1e,al 7lo2h -a/s3 -0l/in/ 4i2h 7oin5 Yo0
loo. 06 a2 Kianmay5
LThis is all 2he money 4e ha1e3N she says so+2ly5 LI need yo0 2o /o and -0y a
4a/on3 and o8en o, ho,ses5 Then -0y some2hin/ 2o 602 in i23 some2hin/ 4e 7an 2,ade
inIin 2he No,2he,n lands5 Then yo0 m0s2 hi,e me,7han2 /0a,ds li.e yo0,sel+5 As
many as yo0 7an: -02 no2 2oo many5 Cha2e1e, is no,mal5 Ce 7an?2 loo. s0s6i7io0s5
Ce ha1e 2o -e o,dina,y me,7han2s5N
LCho is 7hasin/ yo0ON yo0 as.5
The 4oman smiles and sha.es he, head5 L"lease don?2 as. me any 90es2ions5 I
am 2,0s2in/ yo0 4ill all o0, money5 "lease 2,0s2 me5N
A/,eein/3 yo0 7on7eal 2he s2,on/-o8 0nde, yo0, 7loa.5
LOne mo,e 2hin/3N Kianmay adds5 LI 4an2 yo0 2o s2ay some4he,e else 2oni/h25
Tomo,,o4 mo,nin/ mee2 0s some4he,e on 2he No,2he,n Road5N Yo0 a/,ee 2o 2he
demands and -e/in 2o e8i2 2he 7a,,ia/e5 Kianmay 2o07hes yo0, a,m5 LT,0s2 no one
4ho 4ea,s 2he si/n o+ 2he /,i++on5N Yo0 nod and lea1e 2he 7a,,ia/e5
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.no4s 4ha2 is 0nde, yo0, 7loa.5 Yo0 a,e no4 in 7ha,/e o+ 2he 6a,2y?s +inan7es5 Yo0
m0s2 .ee6 a 7a,e+0l ,e7o,d o+ ho4 m07h /old yo0 s6end and ,e7ei1e5 Chene1e, yo0
,ead 2ha2 yo0 ha1e s6en2 sil1e, o, 7o66e, 7oins3 yo0 7an i/no,e 2hese amo0n2s3 as i2 is
ass0med yo0 4ill al4ays ha1e a +e4 o+ 2hese 7oins on yo05 I+ a2 any 2ime yo0 7anno2
do any2hin/ -e7a0se yo0 ha1e ,0n o02 o+ money3 yo0 m0s2 20,n immedia2ely 2o 0445
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6la7es 4he,e 2he,e a,e ma,.e2s5 A2 a ma,.e2 yo0 7an sell e1e,y2hin/ e87e62 2he
7lo2hes on yo0, -a7.5 I+ yo0 ,0n o02 o+ 7ash3 2hen yo0 m0s2 sell 4ha2e1e, 6ossessions
yo0 ha1e 0nless yo0 4an2 2o /i1e 065 I2 is a /ood idea 2o al4ays .ee6 an eye o02 +o,
2hin/s 2o sell as lon/ as yo0 ha1e ,oom 2o 7a,,y 2hem5 As yo0 slay +oes3 yo0 4ill
0s0ally -e /i1en 2he o62ion 2o 2a.e 2hei, 4ea6ons and a,mo0,5 E1en i+ yo0 don?2 4an2
2o 0se 2hem yo0,sel+3 yo0 7an 2a.e 2hem 2o sell a2 a la2e, 2ime5
&ea1in/ 2he T,ade,?s Re6ose3 yo0 4al. se1e,al s2,ee2s a4ay 2o a small inn 7alled
2he Ha66y Maid3 2,yin/ no2 2o a66ea, ne,1o0s a-o02 2he s2,on/-o8 0nde, yo0, 7loa.5
As yo0 en2e,3 2he inn.ee6e, /,ee2s yo0 lo0dly a7,oss 2he 7ommon ,oom5 Yo0 ha1e
s2ayed he,e many 2imes in yo0, 2,a1els and ha1e -e7ome /ood +,iends 4i2h 2he
inn.ee6e, and his +amily5
%*
FF - Diamond
Ga,en and his 4i+e .ee6 a 7lean and sa+e es2a-lishmen25 A+2e, 2hei, +i,s2 7hild 4as
-o,n3 Ga,en 4as 7on7e,ned a-o02 2he na20,e o+ his 7lien2ele3 and .e62 o02 2he ,i++,a++
-y in7,easin/ 2he 6,i7e o+ 2he al7ohol he se,1es5 The,e 4as no d,0n.enness any mo,e
in his 7ommon ,oom5
Ga,en sha.es yo0, hand and as.s i+ yo0 need a ,oom5
LB0s2 +o, one ni/h23N yo0 ,e6ly3 sha.in/ his hand 4a,mly5 His yo0n/ son a66ea,s
and sho4s yo0 06s2ai,s3 handin/ yo0 2he .ey 2o 2he doo,5 I2 is a ,oom yo0 ha1e s2ayed
in -e+o,e3 ha1in/ a small 4indo43 a -ed3 a 7a-ine23 a 2a-le and 7hai,5 "022in/ yo0,
s20++ do4n yo0 2han. Ga,en?s son and /i1e him a sil1e, 7oin5 He lea1es ha66ily and
yo0 lo7. and la27h 2he doo, -ehind him5 Kneelin/ ne82 2o 2he -ed3 yo0 o6en 2he
s2,on/-o8 and 7o0n2 2he 7oins5 In 2o2al yo0 ha1e #** /old5 Yo0 2a.e 2he -a/s o+ 7oin3
and 2ie 2hem 2o yo0, -el2 0nde, yo0, shi,2 and 7oa25 Ho6e+0lly any 2hie1es 4ill 2hin.
2ha2 yo0, o4n 60,se on 2he o02side o+ yo0, -el2 is 2he 2o2al o+ yo0, 2,eas0,es5
Yo0 ha1e 4i2h yo0 a 2o2al o+ ##* /old 7oins5 Goin/ do4ns2ai,s on7e mo,e3 yo0
as. Ga,en 4he,e yo0 7an -0y a 4a/on3 and +ollo4in/ his di,e72ions3 se2 o02 +o, 2he
ma,.e2s5
Yo0 7an /o 2o 2he ma,.e2s on 6a/e % and -0y and sell any /oods +,om 2he 1endo,s
2he,e5 Re20,n 2o 2his 6assa/e 4hen yo0 a,e done5
The ma,.e2s a,e h0/e3 and i2 2a.es yo0 hal+ an ho0, 2o +ind a 4heel4,i/h25 Chen
yo0 4al. in2o 2he ya,d3 yo0 a,e 6leased 2o see some ho,ses in an ad>a7en2 ya,d5 The
4heel4,i/h2 is -0sy ,e6ai,in/ a -,o.en s6o.e3 -02 seein/ yo0 en2e,3 se2s do4n his
2ools and a66,oa7hes yo0 4i2h a -,oad smile5
LGood a+2e,noon3 si,M Ho4 may I -e o+ se,1i7eON
Yo0 2ell him yo0 a,e in need o+ a 4a/on3 and he in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o 2he -a7. o+
his sho65 "assin/ 2h,o0/h 2he 4o,.sho63 yo0 7ome 2o ano2he, ya,d in 2he -a7.3 4he,e
2he,e is a sin/le3 7o1e,ed 4a/on5 The 4heel4,i/h2 le2s yo0 ins6e72 2he 4a/on5 Yo0
+ind i2 4ell-made and 4i2ho02 ,o25
LB0s2 ,e7ondi2ioned las2 4ee.MN 2he 4heel4,i/h2 anno0n7es5 LYo0,s +o, >0s2 %*
/oldMN
Yo0 a66ea, 0nim6,essed3 and se1e,al min02es la2e, sha.e hands3 a/,eein/ on =*
/old5 The 4heel4,i/h2 /es20,es 2o 2he ad>a7en2 ya,d5 LMy -,o2he, o4ns 2he ne82
allo2men25 He is a 2,ade, in ho,se and o8en and all manne, o+ -eas2s o+ -0,den5 Tell
him yo0 ha1e -o0/h2 2he old D,andid 4a/on and he is s0,e 2o /i1e yo0 a /ood dealMN
Yo0 2han. him and /o 2o 2he ne82 ya,d5 A man /,ee2s yo0 4i2h a -,oad smile 2ha2
is iden2i7al 2o 2he 4heel4,i/h2?s3 -02 2he man is o2he,4ise 7om6le2ely di++e,en23 a
massi1e -elly s2,ainin/ a/ains2 a 4ide lea2he, -el23 and a ,o0nd head 4i2h only a +e4
4is6s o+ hai, le+25
Yo0 sha.e his 7lammy hand and men2ion 2ha2 yo0 ha1e >0s2 -o0/h2 a 4a/on +,om
his -,o2he,5 LAh3 e87ellen2M E87ellen2MN he e87laims5 LCome 2his 4ay3 I ha1e >0s2 2he
2eam +o, yo05N
Yo0 +ollo4 him and he 2a.es yo0 2o a 6ai, o+ o8en ea2in/ +,om a +eed-o85 LMy
+ines2 6ai,MN he de7la,es5 LA s6e7ial deal +o, yo03 si,5 Only #* /olds +o, 2he 6ai,MN
Yo0 ha1e ne1e, -o0/h2 o8en -e+o,e3 -02 2he 6,i7e seems a li22le hi/h5 E86,essin/
2his3 2he man nods3 0n+aKed5 L&oo. a2 2he /i,2h o+ 2hese +ine -eas2sMN He says3
,0--in/ a hand o1e, 2he ,o0nd sides o+ one o+ 2he o8en5 LTha2 .ind o+ s2,en/2h 4ill
ha1e 2hem 4o,.in/ all dayM These a,e -eas2s -,ed +o, 2he yo.e3 my +,iendM A -a,/ain
a2 # /old 6ie7es ea7h5N
The o8en a,e 1e,y -,oad3 and seem 1e,y 6la7id5 B02 yo0 ,eally do no2 .no4 a-o02
o8en5 Sho0ld yo0 6,e2end 2o -e o++ended in 7ase he is 2,yin/ 2o 2,i7. yo0O His
-,o2he, did 6,omise yo0 he 4o0ld o++e, yo0 a s6e7ial deal5 He mi/h2 -e o++ended i+
%)
FF - Diamond
yo0 a770se him o+ 2,yin/ 2o 2,i7. yo05 Sho0ld yo0 -a,/ain +o, 2hese o8enO I2 is la2e in
2he day3 and 2his 7o0ld yo0, one 7han7e 2o -0y5
B0y 2hese o8enO T0,n 2o +02
A72 o++ended and s2a,2 2o lea1eO T0,n 2o 177
50
LI +o,+ei2MN yo0 say in dis/0s23 2h,o4in/ do4n 2he a7o,n5
The Col+ nods his head in a66,o1al5 The 7le,. mo1es o++ 2o a 7a-ine2 2o 2he side3
2hen ,e20,ns 4i2h a medi0m-siKed -o85 He o6ens i23 ,e1ealin/ a li+e-siKed s2a20e o+ a
7,o4 7a,1ed in ony85 He o6ens i2 -y li+2in/ a4ay 2he head and ne7.3 ,e1ealin/ a
7a1i2y5 He 60lls o02 a da//e,3 and 2a.es yo0, a,m3 holdin/ i2 o1e, 2he 7a1i2y5
The Col+ loo.s a2 yo05 LRe6ea2 a+2e, me5 JI s4ea, I shall ne1e, ,e1eal 2he se7,e2
o+ 2he Col+ o, his 6a7.5?N
Yo0 /,i2 yo0, 2ee2h3 -02 s6ea. 2he 4o,ds5 The 7le,. sli7es yo0, a,m and -lood
d,i6s do4n in2o 2he 7a1i2y5 A+2e, a +e4 momen2s3 2he 7le,. ,eleases yo0, a,m and
,e6la7es 2he lid3 ma.in/ 2he 7,o4 4hole on7e mo,e5
LYo0, 1o4 is .e62 he,e3N 2he 7le,. anno0n7es5
Yo0 a,e +,ee 2o /o5 Kianmay 6a0ses 2o 6i7. 06 2he a7o,n yo0 dis7a,ded3 and 602s
i2 in he, 6o7.e2 4i2h a smile5 She seems 6leased 4i2h 2he 4ay 2hin/s ha1e /one5
T0,n 2o 3+
5+
Yo0 hea1e on 2he da//e, hil25 B02 2he soldie, 60shes -a7. des6e,a2ely3 and hal2s
2he -lade5 He 2hen .i7.s his le/s and +li6s yo0 -o2h o1e,5 S0ddenly 2he si20a2ions
ha1e -een ,e1e,sed3 and 2he -lade is slo4ly des7endin/ 2o 4a,ds yo0, 2h,oa25 Yo0
60sh and .i7.3 -02 2o no a1ail5 The soldie, is 2oo -i/ and s2,on/5 He 60shes 2he -lade
2h,o0/h yo0, 2h,oa2 4i2h a /,0n2 o+ sa2is+a72ion3 and yo0 6e,ish3 2he las2 2hin/ yo0 see
2he soldie,?s +a7e3 no lon/e, s7o4lin/5 He loo.s ha66y3 and yo0 sli6 o++ in2o 2he
da,.ness o+ dea2h3 6l0n/in/ do4n in2o dee6 7old5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE5
51
D,a4in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 4al. on2o 2he /0lly +loo,5 Yo0 s2o6 and 4ai2 +o, 2he
7ele-,a2in/ /o-lins 2o no2i7e yo05 One sees yo0 and s90eals in ala,m5 I2 2a.es a-o02 a
min02e o+ s90ealin/ +o, 2he lo0d 7ele-,a2ion 2o 90ie2en eno0/h +o, 2he /o-lins 2o all
s2o6 and s2a,e a2 yo05
LG,ee2in/s3N yo0 say lo0dly5
The /o-lins all .neel do4n and /,o1el in 2he di,2 4him6e,in/5 Yo0 a,e s0,6,ised3
-02 6leased5 Yo0 s2,ide +o,4a,d5 L&as2 ni/h2 yo0 s2ole +,om my 6a,2yM I 4an2
e1e,y2hin/ ,e20,ned 2o me no4MN
The /o-lins /o in2o a +,enKy3 d0m6in/ 2,eas0,es a2 yo0, +ee25 Yo0 a,e soon -0,ied
2o yo0, an.les in /old and /ems5 Yo0 sha.e yo0, +ee2 +,ee5 The /o-lins /,o1el on7e
%
FF - Diamond
mo,e5 Yo0 7an see 2ha2 2he,e a,e no ma/i7al i2ems a2 all5 LI do no2 4an2 /old and
/emsMN yo0 say5 LChe,e a,e 2he o2he, 2hin/s yo0 s2oleON
LCe /a1e 2hem 2o 2he Kin/MN 7,y se1e,al /o-lins all a2 on7e5
LTa.e me 2o 2he Kin/MN yo0 7ommand5
The 2imid 7,ea20,es >0m6 2o 2hei, +ee2 and 6oin2 2he 4ay5 Yo0 6a0se 2o s7oo6 06 a
hand+0l o+ /ems3 and +ollo4 2he /o-lins? di,e72ions5 As yo0 mo1e 2h,o0/h 2he Cood3
2he /o-lins a77om6any yo0 +,om a sa+e dis2an7e3 some ,0nnin/ ahead3 o2he,s
+ollo4in/ -ehind5
E1en20ally yo0 7ome 2o a la,/e 7lea,in/3 in 4hi7h yo0 see 2he ,emains o+ a ,0ined
6ala7e5 I2 is 7o1e,ed in moss and 7,a7.s5 The /o-lins ma.e a +inal /es20,e 2o 2he
,0ins and s7am6e, -a7. in2o 2he 4oods5 Yo0 7an +eel 2hem 4a27hin/ yo0 as yo0 4al.
slo4ly +o,4a,d5 I2 o770,s 2o yo0 2ha2 i2 mi/h2 -e a 2,a63 so yo0 7on2in0e +o,4a,d 4i2h
7a,e5
En2e,in/ 2he 7ool shado4s3 yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in an an2e7ham-e,5 The,e is a
massi1e se2 o+ doo,s o66osi2e3 2he 4ood inlaid 4i2h >ade and /old ma.in/ 2he si/n o+ a
-0ll on one side3 and a lion on 2he o2he,5 Mo1in/ +o,4a,d3 yo0 60sh 2he on 2he doo,s
and 2hey s4in/ in4a,ds 4i2h a 2i,ed /,oan5
Re1ealed is a 2h,one ,oom5 A2 2he +a, end yo0 7an see a dais o+ 4hi2e s2one3 06on
4hi7h is a sil1e, 2h,one5 In 2he 2h,one si2s a s.ele2on3 s2ill 7lad in 6la2e a,mo0, 4i2h a
-,oads4o,d in hand and a 4in/ed helm on i2s head5 &on/ 4hi2e hai, is s2ill s207. 2o
2he s.0ll and +lo4s +,om 0nde, 2he helm5 The,e a,e e1en ,in/s on 2he s.ele2on?s
+in/e,s5
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4alls and a ,o22ed 7a,6e2 on 2he 2iled +loo,5 The,e is di,2 s7a22e,ed 2h,o0/h 2he ,oom3
+allin/ do4n +,om 7,a7.s in 2he dome a-o1e5 Small 6lan2s a,e /,o4in/ in 2he di,2 on
2he +loo,5 &i/h2 7omes +,om a la,/e ,o0nd o6enin/ a2 2he 2o6 o+ 2he dome3 2he ed/es
s0,,o0nded -y -,o.en /lass5
Yo0 4al. +o,4a,d3 4a27hin/ 2he s.ele2on 7a,e+0lly5 Yo0 ha1e ne1e, +o0/h2 an
0ndead -e+o,e3 -02 2he s2o,ies ma.e i2 so0nd 7hallen/in/5
Yo0 s2o6 -e+o,e 2he dais5 Yo0 s0s6e72 2ha2 2he s.ele2on is 0nanima2ed and ,ela8
sli/h2ly5 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd and s2a,2 in s0,6,ise 4hen yo0 see a 7,o4 6e,7hed on a
sil1e, 7andela-,a ne82 2o 2he 2h,one5 Yo0 4e,e so 7on7e,ned 4i2h 2he s.ele2on 2ha2
yo0 ne1e, no2i7ed i2 si22in/ in 2he shado4s5
LHello3N yo0 say5
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LI 4as 2old 2he Kin/ 4as he,e3N yo0 say5
LYes3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5
LYo0 a,e 2he Kin/ON yo0 as.5
LI 2old yo0 soMN sna6s 2he 7,o45
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2hin/s 06 as 4e 4en2 +o, a 4hile3 2hen I de7ided 2o -e Kin/5N
LKin/ o+ Da,.en CoodON yo0 as.5
The 7,o4 si/hs5 LThis is /oin/ 2o -e a lon/ 7on1e,sa2ion isn?2 i2ON
So +a, yo0, e86e,ien7e o+ Da,.en Cood is no2hin/ li.e 2he s2o,ies5 LI 2ho0/h2 2his
6la7e 4as +0ll o+ mons2e,s3N yo0 say5
LI2 isMN 2he 7,o4 e87laims5 LI 2ho0/h2 I 4as -ein/ ni7e 2o yo05 B02 i+ yo0 a,e
/oin/ 2o 7om6lain3 I?ll /i1e yo0 mons2e,sMN
Yo0 s0ddenly hea, a ,oa, -ehind yo03 and s6innin/ a-o02 yo0 see one o+ 2he
-,o.en s2ones s2a,2 2o s4ell and 7han/e sha6e5 I2 -e/ins 2o -e7ome h0manoid5
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FF - Diamond
I+ yo0 ha1e a ma7e-7lass 4ea6on3 yo0 7an ,0sh +o,4a,d and smash i2 -e+o,e i2 /,o4s
any -i//e,5 T0,n 2o 05+
I+ no23 yo0 had -e22e, a6olo/ise 2o 2he 7,o4: 20,n 2o +64
53
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-e/in 2o 20,n a/ains2 2hem3 2he -andi2s +lee5
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+a,MN
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+,om 2he o2he, side o+ 2he ,oad and /0ess 2ha2 some o+ 2he -andi2s ei2he, 4e,e 2oo slo4
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lon/s4o,ds3 4hi7h yo0 may 2a.e3 yo0 +ind ' /old 7oins5
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yo0 +eel ,e1i2alised @Res2o,e % STAMINA 6oin2s5A Smilin/ a2 he,3 yo0 7on2in0e 2he
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T0,n 2o +13
57
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The noise is 0na1oida-le and 2he slee6e, s2i,sI
I+ yo0 4an2 2o s2o6 no4 and lea1e3 20,n 2o 146
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7on2in0e3 yo0 m0s2 2es2 yo0, l07.5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 321
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 33+
%=
FF - Diamond
58
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2he 4a,m 7,ys2al5 S0ddenly a /olden eye eme,/es +,om 2he mis2y in2e,io, and
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yo05
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hamme,5 I2 sho02s a2 yo03 yo0, 4hole -ody sha.in/5 Finally yo0 sense 2ha2 2he
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T0,n 2o 048
54
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7a,1en o+ i1o,y5 The 7a,1in/s de6i72 4ol1es 06on 2he 20nd,a5
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la790e,ed and 6olished in2o a 2hin shea2h5 The so,7e,e, ass0,es yo0 2ha2 2he -,i/h2
sil1e, is de7o,a2i1ely 6la2ed on 2he o02side3 2he 7o,e -ein/ s2,on/ s2eel5
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made and +0n72ional5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Be>e4elled B,oads4o,d Fine s4o,d )*
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
I1o,y Col+ Blade &on/s4o,d %
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Sil1e, S7imi2a, &on/s4o,d %
I+ yo0 don?2 li.e any o+ 2hese and 4an2 2o as. +o, yo0, o4n 4ea6ons3 20,n 2o +57
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2o an ad>oinin/ 7om6o0nd5
T0,n 2o +76
56
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+0ll 4a.e+0lness5 The lo7. 2o yo0, doo, 7li7.s5 The doo, o6ens slo4ly and yo0 hea,
2he 7a,e+0l s2e6s o+ -oo2ed +ee25
%#
FF - Diamond
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yo0 ,e7o/nise as &a,emidan3 7,ee6in/ in holdin/ a lon/s4o,d5 He is +ollo4ed -y a
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doo, o+ 2he -ed,oom5
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2h,oa25 As he /as6s3 yo0 sho1e him a2 his 7om6anion3 4ho /,a66les 4i2h him in 2he
da,.5 Yo0 s.il+0lly +ollo4 06 and s2a- 2he se7ond /0a,d in 2he ne7. as 2he +i,s2 /0a,d
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4ea6on5 The se,1an2 li/h2s 2he lam6 a2 a hissed 7ommand +,om &a,emidan3 and soon
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-ehind5 &e2?s see ho4 yo0 +a,e a/ains2 a 2,0e 4a,,io,MN
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&AREMIDAN SKI&& )* STAMINA )( DB % ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o +06
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 148
55
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6,essed a/ains2 yo0, 7hee.5 Yo0 loo. 063 +indin/ yo0,sel+ in a 6ala7e o+ 4hi2e ma,-le
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yo05 Cho 4ill yo0 hel6O
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To hel6 2he h0man a/ains2 2he 1am6i,e3 20,n 2o 102
%%
FF - Diamond
022
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a sho6 and en2e, in2o 2he in2e,io,5 Yo0, /aKe is d,a4n immedia2ely 2o 2he massi1e 6ai,
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4oman immedia2ely in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2h,o0/h 2o 2he -a7. o+ 2he sho65 She sho4s
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.ee6 2he ,in/ o, sell i2 a2 2he ma,.e2s +o, ) /old 7oin5 On7e yo0 ha1e -o0/h2 all 2he
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020
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e1e,y2hin/ yo0 sa45
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%'
FF - Diamond
02+
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ima/ined5
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hand3 6,esen2in/ 2he +a.e Diamond Key 2o himI
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20,n 2o 63+
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T0,n 2o +32
023
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0no7706ied 6a,2i2ion5
He,e 2he,e is a small 4,i2in/ 2a-le and a +oldin/ 7hai,3 alon/ 4i2h 2h,ee 7hes2s o+
1a,io0s siKes5 On 2he 2a-le 2he,e is a hal+-4,i22en le22e,5 S2e66in/ o1e, 2he 6a22e,ned
,0/s 2ha2 ha1e -een laid on 2he /,o0nd3 yo0 loo. a2 2he le22e,5
%(
FF - Diamond
Faren
! am no" in #osition and e$#ect to receive your dis#atches
soon% ! have made sure your sister is comfortable "ith us% !f there is
any hint of betrayal from you ! "ill give her to my men to #lay "ith
before ! &ill her in the most #ainful "ay ! can imagine%
! "ant you to &no" that ! have been using her for my #leasures%
No doubt that ma&es you angry' but "hat she "ill suffer if you do not
do as ! "ish is much greater% (hat do you care about more) *he
"ealth of merchants or your s"eet sister) And she is s"eet ! can tell
Yo0, -lood -oils as yo0 ,ead 2he le22e,5 Ca,e+0lly yo0 6ee. 2h,o0/h 2he 70,2ains
2ha2 7,ea2e 2he 6a,2i2ion5 Yo0 a,e 70,,en2ly in one 90a,2e, o+ 2he 2en25 Yo0 +ind
ano2he, da,.ened 90a,2e, -eside 2he Js20dy?3 4i2h 2he +,on2 hal+ o+ 2he 2en2 +0,nished
li.e a si22in/ ,oom 4i2h a 7o07h3 7hai,s and a 2a-le3 on 4hi7h is 2he meal 2,ay5 The
7olla,ed 4oman yo0 sa4 is he,e3 h0n7hed on 70shions in 2he 7o,ne,3 loo.in/ as i+ she
is 2,yin/ 2o sh,in. he,sel+ in2o non-e8is2en7e5 T4o o2he, 0nha66y loo.in/ 4omen
also 7olla,ed 4i2h i,on s2and ,eady 2o se,1e a2 2he 2a-le3 one ne82 2o a s2and holdin/ a
6i27he, and /o-le25
Yo0 mo1e yo0, head -a7. inside as Gilmo,e 2he G,oa2 s2,ides -a7. in5 His -ea,d
is nea2ly 2,immed3 -02 his eyes a,e 4ide and +ie,y5 The man loo.s insane5 He si2s
do4n and s2a,2s 2o ea25 Ci2hd,a4in/3 yo0 ,ealise yo0 a,e sa+e +o, 2he momen25
&oo.in/ a2 2he 7hes2s3 yo0 4onde, i+ yo0 ha1e 2ime 2o sea,7h 2h,o0/h 2hem5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
&oo. inside 2he la,/e 7hes2O T0,n 2o 154
&oo. inside 2he medi0m-siKed 7hes2O T0,n 2o 031
&oo. inside 2he small 7hes2O T0,n 2o +63
B0s2 lea1eO T0,n 2o 3
027
T,0d/in/ -a7. 2o 2he "ala2ial S90a,e3 yo0 7onside, 2he o2he, 6o2en2ial en2,an7es 2o
2he 6ala7e5
To a66,oa7h 2he main /a2e3 20,n 2o 311
To 2,y 2he doo, 2o 2he d0n/eons3 20,n 2o 360
I+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/3 yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he s2a-le doo, -y 20,nin/ 2o 3+3
028
Chile Kianmay 4ai2s o02side 4i2h 2he ho,ses3 yo0 /o in2o 2he +,on2 ,oom o+ 2he
Kin/?s T0-5 The,e is a 7le,. a2 2he des. in 2he middle o+ 2he small ,oom5 He loo.s
yo0 06 and do4n and loo.s 0nim6,essed3 -02 s2ill /i1es yo0 a smile5
LCel7ome3 si,5 Do yo0 ,e90i,e a ,oomON
LHo4 m07hON Yo0 as.3 2oo 4ea,y +o, any2hin/ else5
LTen /old 6e, e1enin/5N
LCha2MN Yo0 e87laim5 LTha2 is ,idi70lo0sMN
%E
FF - Diamond
LAll o0, ,ooms 7ome 4i2h -a2hin/ 6,i1ile/es3 si,3N 2he 7le,. says3 0n+aKed5
The 2o4n is no2 -0il2 on a ho2 s6,in/ li.e A,an2a2o,3 so 2hey ha1e 2o hea2 2he 4a2e,
2he old-+ashioned 4ay5 LCan I /e2 a ,oom 4i2ho02 -a2hin/ON Yo0 as.5
The 7le,. /i1es yo0 a +,os2y loo.5 LThe,e is ano2he, inn ne82 doo,3 si,5N
Yo0 7e,2ainly a,en?2 in2e,es2ed in a -a2h: 2ho0/h i2 mi/h2 do yo0 /ood5 On 2he
o2he, hand3 Kianmay mi/h2 a66,e7ia2e i25 Cam6in/ on 2he 20nd,a has -een ha,d on
he,5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6ay 2he /old +o, a ,oom3 20,n 2o 075
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7he7. o02 2he JInn?3 20,n 2o 107
024
Yo0 7len7h yo0, +is2s3 -02 2he,e is no2hin/ yo0 7an do5 The o,7s a,e 2oo n0me,o0s
and 4ell-a,med +o, yo0 2o a22a7.5 Ci2h no o2he, 7hoi7e3 yo0 20,n -a7. and ,e20,n 2o
2he inn5
Yo0 s6end 2he day 2,yin/ 2o 2hin. o+ a 4ay 2o /e2 2h,o0/h5 The,e is a ma,.e2 he,e3
so i+ yo0 7an sell yo0, /oods and /e2 eno0/h /old3 yo0 7an ,e20,n 2o 2he /a2e and 6ay
2he +ee o, 2he -,i-e5 I+ yo0 do 2his3 20,n 2o 111
@Ga2e Fee is ) /old +o, 2he 4a/on and o8en3 6l0s = /old 6e, 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,d 4i2h yo05 The B,i-e is 2en /old and one o+ 2he +ollo4in/ i2ems; A
holy am0le23 a -e>e4elled da//e,3 a -e>e4elled G,i++on S4o,d3 a 7oa2 o+ Sil1e,
S7alemail3 o, a l07.s2one5A
O2he,4ise ni/h2 +alls3 lea1in/ yo0 +,0s2,a2ed5 Yo0 a,e 0na-le 2o slee63 4o,,yin/
a-o02 4ha2 7an -e done5 Kianmay is de6endin/ on yo03 and yo0 do no2 4an2 2o +ail
he,5 Yo0 s2ill do no2 .no4 4ha2 he, /,ea2 mission is3 -02 yo0 +eel 2ha2 i2 is im6o,2an25
As yo0 lie a4a.e3 yo0 hea, someone 4al.in/ 06 2he hall5 They 4al. so+2ly3 -02
a,e -e2,ayed -y 7lin.in/ o+ a,mo0,5 No li/h2 7omes 0nde, yo0, doo,5 Yo0 si2 06 and
lis2en5 The mo1emen2 s2o6s a li22le 4ay 06 2he 7o,,ido,5 O02side Kianmay?s ,oomM
Yo0 /e2 06 slo4ly3 hea,in/ ano2he, man 7omin/ 06 2he hall5 Ci2h no 2ime 2o 602 on
yo0, a,mo0,3 yo0 /,a- yo0, 4ea6on and 60ll o6en yo0, doo,3 >0m6in/ o02 in2o 2he
hall5
In 2he dim li/h2 yo0 7anno2 see 4ho is in +,on2 o+ yo03 -02 all yo0, ins2in72s 2ell
yo0 2hey ha1e ill in2en25 Yo0 do no2 hesi2a2e 2o a22a7. 2he man nea,es2 2o yo03 and
sho1e him -a7. do4n 2he s2ai,4ell5 He 7,ashes do4n noisily5 Yo0 20,n on 2he o2he,
assailan2 in 2ime 2o mee2 his a22a7.5
The 7o,,ido, is da,.3 so -o2h o+ yo0 a,e disad1an2a/ed5 Remem-e, 2ha2 yo0 a,e
no2 4ea,in/ any a,mo0,3 so yo0, a,mo0, ,a2in/ is * +o, 2his -a22le5
SHADOCY FIGURE SKI&& E STAMINA * DB = AR *
I+ 2he -a22le las2s lon/e, 2han # ,o0nds3 2hen 2he 6aladin and any me,7han2 /0a,ds 2ha2
,emain 2o yo0 >oin in and +inish o++ 2he man and his 7om6anion5 I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o
+0+
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
'*
FF - Diamond
026
Yo0 o6en 2he ma6 7ase and 2a.e o02 2he s7,oll5 Kianmay ,eads i2 4i2h in2e,es25
LThis is a s6ell5 Anyone 4ho 7an ,ead i2 7an 7as2 i25 I2 4ill s0mmon an o2he,4o,ldly
7,ea20,e 2o se,1e yo05N
LCha2 7,ea20,eON Yo0 as.5
LThe,e is no name5N Kianmay ,e6lies5 L",o-a-ly a demon o+ some so,25N She
,olls 06 2he a,7ane s7,oll and /i1es i2 -a7. 2o yo05
Re20,n no4 2o 141
025
Yo0 ,0sh +o,4a,d and a22a7. 2he h0man5 He hea,s yo0 7omin/ and +ends o++ yo0,
-lo4 7l0msily5 He 2hen 20,ns and ,0ns +,om 2he 7ham-e,5 Yo0 le2 him /o3 20,nin/ 2o
+a7e 2he 1am6i,e 4i2h yo0, 4ea6on ,aised5 She sin.s 2o 2he +loo,3 e8ha0s2ed3 and
loo.s 06 a2 yo05
LCill yo0 .ill me no4ON she as.s5
LNo2 i+ I 7an hel6 i23N yo0 ,e6ly5
She sno,2s and a+2e, only a +e4 momen2s s2ands on7e mo,e5 She is al,eady
loo.in/ s2,on/e,3 as he, ma/i7al +lesh heals i2sel+5
LChy a,e yo0 he,eON yo0 as.5
LI am 2,yin/ 2o 7han/e my +a2e3N she says3 and s2,e27hes in 2he s0nli/h23 -a2hin/ in
2he 4a,m li/h25
S0ddenly yo0 see 4ha2 is in +,on2 o+ yo05 LHeyM I+ yo0?,e a 1am6i,e3 ho4 7an
yo0 s2and in 2he s0nli/h2ON yo0 as.5
LI ha1e 4on 2he /,a7e o+ 2he S0n3 so i2 4ill no lon/e, see. 2o des2,oy me3N she
e86lains
Yo0 ha1e ne1e, hea,d o+ s07h a 2hin/5 LDo yo0 +eed on 6eo6leON
LA2 one 2ime I did3N she ,e6lies5 LI 7anno2 do s07h a 2hin/ no45 Tha2 4o0ld -,ea.
my oa2h5 And I do no2 4ish i25 G,ea2 6leas0,e i2 -,in/s me3 -02 i2 -inds me 2o se,1e
my desi,es5 I m0s2 2,ans7end my desi,es i+ I 4ish 2o -,ea. +,ee o+ 2his a770,sed
1esselMN She 2ea,s a2 he, -,eas23 he, lon/ nails d,a4in/ he, o4n -lood5
LCha2 do yo0 need 2o do 2o -e +,eeON yo0 as.5
LI am a 7,ea20,e o+ dea2h5N she ,e6lies5 LI m0s2 dedi7a2e mysel+ 2o li+e5 I s6end
mos2 o+ my 2ime o02side no43 2endin/ 2o 2he /a,den5 I 7a,e +o, 2he si7. and 4o0nded
4ho 7ome 2o me5 My -lood 7an heal any 4o0nd3 any si7.ness5 In 2his 4ay I 7an
ho6e+0lly 2,ans+o,m 2he desi,es 4i2hin me in2o 7om6assion5N
Ra2he, 2han a 1am6i,e3 she 7laims 2o -e a /a,dene, and heale,5 Yo0 4onde, i+ 2he
Diamond Key 7an hel6 he,5
Do yo0 4an2 2o sho4 he, 2he Diamond KeyO T0,n 2o 6+
I+ yo0 2hin. she 7an?2 -e 2,0s2ed and yo0 4an2 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o +15
')
FF - Diamond
002
The assis2an2 as.s 2o see yo0, /old -e+o,e he -o2he,s 2o /e2 a ladde,5 Yo0 sha.e
one o+ yo0, 60,ses a2 him and he /,0n2s -e+o,e disa66ea,in/ o02 2he -a7.5 Momen2s
la22e, he ,e20,ns 4i2h a lon/ ladde,3 and s2ands i2 ne82 2o 2he 6la2+o,m5 A min02e la2e,
2he 4ea6on is in yo0, hands5 The -lade is 4ide -02 no2 2oo lon/3 and 7omin/ 2o a
deadly 6oin25 The hil2 is 6lain s2eel3 4i2h a lead 6ommel 2o hel6 -alan7e 2he hea1y
-lade5 The,e is s7,i62 on ea7h side o+ 2he -lade3 and al2ho0/h yo0 7anno2 ,ead i23 yo0
+eel some2hin/ s2i,,in/ in yo0 as yo0, eyes 6ass o1e, 2he +lo4in/ s7,i625
Yo0 as. 2he assis2an2 4ha2 i2 says3 -02 he >0s2 sh,0/s and 2ells yo0 2ha2 2his s4o,d
4ill 7os2 yo0 #* /old 6ie7es5
Yo0 7an -0y 2he s4o,d i+ yo0 4ish3 2hen ,e20,n 2o +785
000
D,a4in/ yo0, 4ea6on on7e mo,e3 yo0 l0n/e a2 2he /,eedy man and s2,i.e him
do4n -e+o,e he has 2ime 2o ,ea725 He +alls dead5 Yo0 s0,1ey 2he dea2h and
des2,072ion in 2he ,oom3 -lood and d0s2 7o1e,in/ 2he on7e 4hi2e ma,-le5
Yo0 hea, a +l022e, o+ 4in/s and 20,n 2o see 2he 7,o4 land on 2he +loo, ne82 2o 2he
6ile 2ha2 4as 2he head o+ 2he 1am6i,e5 The 7,o4 loo.s 06 a2 yo05 I2s disem-odied
1oi7e is sad5 LChy did yo0 aid in he, des2,072ionON
LShe 4as a 1am6i,e3N yo0 say5
The 7,o4 loo.s 06 2o4a,ds 2he 2o6 o+ 2he 2o4e,5 LAnd ye23 she did no2 -0,n3
2ho0/h she 4as -a2hed in s0nli/h25N
LYo0 mean she 4asn?2 a 1am6i,eON
LShe 4as3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LB02 she 4as -e7omin/ so m07h mo,e5 I2 2oo. he,
#** yea,s 2o 4in 2he /,a7e o+ 2he S0n3 so 2ha2 i2 4o0ld no2 60nish he,5 No4 in
momen2s yo0 ha1e des2,oyed he,5N
LI?m so,,y3N yo0 say3 ,e/,e22in/ yo0, a72ions5
The 7,o4 s.i6s o1e, 2o 2he +,eshly slain h0man5 LChy is he deadON
LI3 0m3 .illed him so he 4o0ldn?2 2a.e he, a,m-and5 I2?s 2he leas2 I 7o0ld do sin7e
I made a mis2a.e5N
LA man m0s2 die -e7a0se yo0 made a mis2a.eON 2he 7,o4 90es2ions yo05 LYo0
7an only s2o6 a 2i,ed3 4o0nded man -y .illin/ himON
LI?m so,,y3N yo0 ,e6ea25
LHo4 7an yo0 -e a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2 i+ yo0 7anno2 see 4ho is yo0, enemy
and 4ho is no2O In 2,02h a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2 has -02 2h,ee enemies; +ea,3 ha2,ed
and /,eed5 And he +inds 2hese enemies 4i2hin his o4n hea,25 Go no43 me,7han2
/0a,dMN
An in1isi-le +o,7e slams in2o yo0 and 7a,,ies yo0 a4ay so 90i7.ly 4ha2e1e, is
a,o0nd yo0 is a -l0,5 Yo0 a,e d0m6ed on 2he +loo, o+ 2he Da,.en Cood5 Sha.en3 yo0
s2and 06 and 7he7. yo0, 6a7.5 The Key is s2ill 2he,e3 so yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7.
2o4a,ds Ta66in5 Yo0 4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he Cood +o, ho0,s3 and soon 7ome 2o a ,oad5
Ta.in/ a /am-le3 yo0 head no,2h and a+2e, an ho0, ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+ Ta66in5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Holy B,oads4o,d Fine s4o,d )*
'
FF - Diamond
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
00+
De7idin/ no2 2o do0-le 06 4i2h one o+ 2he ,ide,s3 yo0 ins2ead 7lim- 06 -eside 2he
d,i1e, o+ 2he 7a,,ia/e5 The 7ool-eyed /0a,d /i1es yo0 a s0s6i7io0s loo.3 -02 ,es6onds
2o yo0, nod -e+o,e 20,nin/ his eyes -a7. 2o 2he ,oad ahead5
The ,oad soon -,an7hes3 and Ca62ain "enma,. leads 2he 6a,2y on2o 2he smalle,
,oad 2o4a,ds 2he No,2h-Eas25 The ,oad 6asses +o, many miles 4i2h 2he hills 2o 2he le+23
and +a,mland 2o 2he ,i/h25 The +a,mland soon ends3 and 2he >0n/le /,o4s 2hi7.e, and
2hi7.e, a,o0nd yo05 Soon 2he ,oad is 7022in/ 2h,o0/h 2he ho23 dam6 shado4s5 The
7alls and 7,ies o+ -i,ds a,e 2hi7. in 2he ai,3 4hile a h0nd,ed 0niden2i+ia-le 7,ea20,es
s70,,y and /,o4l5 The ho,ses ,emain 7alm3 and 2he >o0,ney 6asses 6ea7e+0lly5
Finally Ca62ain "enma,. 7alls +o, a s2o6 in a 7lea,in/3 and 2he /0a,ds se2 a-o02
6,e6a,in/ a meal5 The /0a,ds si2 in silen7e as one o+ 2hei, n0m-e, 6,e6a,es a s2e43
ano2he, 7a,e+0lly 2endin/ 2he +i,e so i2 does no2 smo.e5 &ady Kianmay eme,/es3 on7e
a/ain 7on7ealed in he, 7o4l5 She a66,oa7hes 2he +i,e3 -02 does no2 si23 ins2ead 6a7in/
,es2lessly5
The silen7e is 2he 90ie2 dis7i6line o+ 4ell-2,ained soldie,s3 no2 ma.in/ 0nne7essa,y
so0nds5 Any /,o06 o+ me,7han2?s /0a,ds 4o0ld -e la0/hin/ and >o.in/5 Yo0 4a27h
&ady Kianmay and Ca62ain "enma,. as 2hey s2e6 aside 2o s6ea. 2o/e2he, 90ie2ly5 As
2he smell o+ 2he +ood 6e,1ades 2he ai,3 yo0 no2i7e a /,o06 o+ mon.eys /a2he,in/ in 2he
-,an7hes3 loo.in/ do4n a2 yo05 Yo0 ha1e hea,d s2o,ies o+ mon.eys s2ealin/ 2hin/s
+,om 2,a1elle,s3 so yo0 6oin2 2o 2he mon.eys5
LSee 2he,e3N yo0 say 90ie2ly5 LThe mon.eys a,e .no4n +o, s2ealin/5 Ca27h yo0,
1al0a-les5 Es6e7ially any2hin/ shiny5N
The /0a,ds all loo. a,o0nd3 as does lady Kianmay and Ca62ain "enma,.5 &ady
Kianmay3 a66a,en2ly 7on7e,ned a-o02 some2hin/ -ein/ s2olen3 h0,,ies -a7. 2o 2he
7a,,ia/e: "enma,. s2,ollin/ a+2e, he,5 Be+o,e 2he silen7e 7an se22le -a7. on2o 2he
/,o063 yo0 s6ea. a/ain5
LAny-ody ha1e a 6a7. o+ 7a,dsON
The /0a,ds e87han/es /lan7es 4i2h ea7h o2he,5 A 7o06le loo. 2o4a,ds Ca62ain
"enma,.3 4ho is s2ill 2al.in/ 4i2h 2he lady ne82 2o 2he 7a,,ia/e3 -e+o,e one ,ea7hes
in2o a 6o7.e2 and 2a.es o02 a s2a7. o+ 7a,ds5 As 2he 6o2 -0--les3 2he /0a,ds /a2he,
a,o0nd and 2he 7a,ds a,e deal25 Yo0 6lay a +e4 hands 4i2h 2he men3 s2ill in silen7e5
E1en so3 yo0 +eel li.e 2hey ha1e a77e62ed yo05
On7e 2he meal is ,eady3 &ady Kianmay and Ca62ain "enma,. >oin 2he 7i,7le and
2he s2e4 is dished 06 in2o 4ooden -o4ls5 Yo0 ea/e,ly 2a.es yo0,s and 2ea,in/ a h0n.
o+ -,ead +,om 2he loa+ 2ha2 is 6assed a,o0nd3 yo0 h0n/,ily -e/in 2o ea25 The s2illness
'<
FF - Diamond
and silen7e a,o0nd yo0 ma.es yo0 loo. 06 and yo0 see 2he lady and 2he +i1e /0a,ds
6a0sed in 6,aye,5 Yo0 s2o6 7he4in/3 and momen2s la2e, 2he /0a,ds -e/in 2o ea25
The s2e4 is /ood3 -02 7on2ains no mea25 I2 is o-1io0s no4 2ha2 2he lady is a
6,ies2ess3 and 2he /0a,ds a,e all 6aladin5 B02 4hi7h /od do 2hey se,1eO Is 2his a holy
mission o+ some so,2O Yo0 4onde, 4ha2 +o,7es o+ e1il a,e lined 06 a/ains2 yo05
I2 2a.es +i1e days 2o mo1e 2h,o0/h 2he >0n/le5 The only e87i2emen2 7omes 4hen a
2i/e, eme,/es +,om 2he /,o42h -y 2he ,oad3 ma.in/ 2he ho,ses 6ani75 The 6aladin all
dismo0n2 and +o,min/ a line mo1e 2o4a,ds 2he 2o/e2he,3 4a1in/ 2hei, s4o,ds and
sho02in/ lo0dly5 The 6,eda2o, h0,,ies o++3 and 2he 6a,2y is a-le 2o ,es0me i2s >o0,ney5
Yo0 ,e+le72 on 2he .ind o+ 6eo6le yo0 a,e 2,a1ellin/ 4i2h5 Any me,7han2 4o0ld ha1e
o,de,ed yo0 2o .ill 2he 2i/e, +o, i2s s.in5
On7e +,ee o+ 2he >0n/le3 2he ne82 2o4n is s2ill one day a4ay3 and as yo0 ma.e
7am6 +o, 2he ni/h25 Ca62ain "enma,. a66,oa7hes yo0 and as.s yo0 2o +ollo4 him5
D,o66in/ yo0, -ed,oll3 yo0 +ollo4 a+2e, him 2o a small ,ise3 4he,e lady Kianmay
s2ands 6ee,in/ in2o 2he no,2he,n da,.ness5 Hea,in/ yo0, a66,oa7h3 she 20,ns and
6oin2s5 L&oo. 2he,e3N she says 90ie2ly5
Yo0 7an see in 2he dis2an7e a +e4 +i,es5 Ano2he, 6a,2y o+ 6e,ha6s #* men5 Yo0
loo. a2 lady Kianmay5 LSome 2,a1elle,s5N
LA la,/e 6a,2y o+ 2,a1elle,s5 "e,ha6sI4e ha1e ,eason 2o -elie1e 2ha2 no2
e1e,y-ody on 2he ,oad may -e +,iendly 2o 0s5 A,e yo0 a-le 2o snea. 06 2o 2ha2 7am6
and ha1e a loo. a2 4ho is 2he,eON
She +ea,s 2ha2 2his may -e a 6a,2y o+ he, 60,s0e,s3 4ho 2oo. one o+ 2he mo,e di,e72
,o02es 2h,o0/h 2he hills and ha1e ended 06 in +,on2 o+ yo05 Yo0 .ee6 2his 2o yo0,sel+3
and nod slo4ly5 LI 7an5N
Re20,nin/ 2o yo0, /ea,3 yo0 de7ide 2o lea1e yo0, 4ea6ons -ehind3 e87e62 +o, a
da//e,5 Bein/ 7a,e+0l 2o 7o1e, any2hin/ ,e+le72i1e3 yo0 4,a6 yo0,sel+ in yo0, 7loa.
and 60ll 2he hood o1e, yo0, head3 mo1in/ o++ in2o 2he da,.ness5 Yo0 ma.e a 4ide
7i,70i23 7omin/ 2o4a,ds 2he en7am6men2 +,om 2he so02h-4es25 Yo0 6a0se 2o 7lim- a
2all 2,ee so yo0 7an s0,1ey 2he 7am6 +,om a sa+e dis2an7e5 Yo0 7anno2 see m07h +,om
2his +a, a4ay3 -02 /e2 a /ood idea o+ 2he siKe and 6osi2ion on 2he 7am63 and ma.e
some /0esses a-o02 2he lo7a2ion o+ any 7on7ealed sen2,ies5
Clim-in/ do4n 2he 2,ee yo0 mo1e +o,4a,d slo4ly3 0sin/ 2he s2a,li/h2 and 2he
7o1e, a++o,ded -y 2he s7,0--y -y 2he ,oadside5 D,a4in/ nea,3 yo0 s2o6 2o 4a27h 2he
2,ee yo0 s0s6e72 may ha1e a sen2,y hidden in i25 The,e a,e o2he, sen2,ies 4ho 6a2,ol in
6lain si/h25 Those men ha1e 2he same 6,o+essional dis7i6line as 2he 6aladin3 -02 2he
>o.es and 7on1e,sa2ion 2ha2 7omes +,om 2he +i,es indi7a2es 2ha2 2hese a,e no holy men5
In 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7am6 yo0 7an see a la,/e 2en23 -02 yo0 a,e s2ill no2 7lose eno0/h 2o
-e a-le 2o iden2i+y any2hin/5
A+2e, 2en min02es3 yo0 hea, someone in 2he 2,ee shi+2 0n7om+o,2a-ly3 and yo0
7a27h si/h2 o+ 2he man 4ho has 4ed/ed himsel+ in 2he -,an7hes 2o 4a27h5 No4 2ha2
yo0 .no4 4he,e he is3 yo0 6,o7eed 7a,e+0lly3 and ,ea7h 2he -ase o+ 2he 2,ee
0nde2e72ed5
Un-elie1a-ly3 yo0 soon hea, so+2 sno,es 7omin/ +,om a-o1e yo05 &oo.in/
2o4a,ds 2he 7am63 yo0 7an see no4 2ha2 2he,e a,e only a-o02 24en2y 4a,,io,s5 One
+i,e is a 7oo.in/ +i,e +o, a 7oo. and some se,1an2s3 4hile 2he soldie,s /a2he,
2hemsel1es a,o0nd 24o smalle, +i,es5 On 2he 2en2 yo0 7an no4 ma.e o02 2he sym-ol
o+ a ,am6an2 /,i++on in /old on ,ed3 7l027hin/ an o,- in i2s 2alons5
I+ 2hese a,e 2he lady?s 60,s0e,s3 yo0 no4 ha1e eno0/h in+o,ma2ion 2o iden2i+y
2hem and 2hei, n0m-e,s5 Yo0 7an sli6 a4ay 0nde2e72ed5 B02 yo0 a,e 70,io0s3 and
7onside, 7lim-in/ 06 2he 2,ee 2o s0-d0e 2he sen2,y and sea,7h him5
'=
FF - Diamond
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
Re20,n and ,e6o,2 2o lady KianmayO T0,n 2o 72
Clim- 2he 2,ee and sea,7h 2he sen2,y +o, mo,e in+o,ma2ionO T0,n 2o 00
Snea. +0,2he, in2o 2he 7am6O T0,n 2o 123
001
Yo0 s2e6 +o,4a,d3 -02 .ee6 yo0, 4ea6on lo4e,ed5 Some o+ 2he soldie,s 7hee,3 -02
as yo0 d,a4 7lose, 2o 2he Col+3 2hey /,o4 90ie25 The Col+ also .ee6s his 4ea6on
do4n5
Yo0 s2o6 -e+o,e 2he Col+5 LI ha1e no 7om6lain2 a/ains2 yo05 I 4ill no2 +i/h2 yo0
+o, /old5N
LCha2 4ill yo0 +i/h2 +o,ON he as.s5
LI am a me,7han2 /0a,d5 I 6,o2e72 2he inno7en2 a/ains2 2hose 4ho 4o0ld .ill +o,
/,eed5N
The Col+ nods5 LThen only one 2hin/ ,emains 2o -e de2e,mined5 Yo0 7laim 2o -e
no-le3 ye2 6e,ha6s yo0 a,e a 7o4a,d5 Yo0 7laim 2o ha1e no 7om6lain2 a/ains2 me: -02
6e,ha6s yo0 do no2 ha1e 2he s.ill 2o ma27h me5 &e2 0s see 4ha2 so,2 o+ 4a,,io, yo0
,eally a,eMN
The Col+ a22a7.s yo0 and yo0 90i7.ly ,aise yo0, 4ea6on 2o de+end yo0,sel+5
A,e yo0 0sin/ a sil1e, 4ea6onO I+ so3 20,n 2o +8
I+ no23 20,n 2o 1+4
003
Thin/s a,e /e22in/ des6e,a2e5 Finally yo0 de7ide 2o ,eso,2 2o s2ealin/5 Yo0 +ind a
>e4elle, and en2e, his sho65 Yo0 as. 2o see some 6ea,ls and 2he hel6+0l man ha66ily
sho4s yo0 a /lass 7ase +0ll o+ 2he 1al0a-le s6he,es5
Yo0 4ai2 0n2il an o66o,20ne momen2 2hen .no7. him o02 and lea1e him inside 2he
-a7. o+ his sho65 Yo0 lea1e all 2he >e4els and sea,7h 2h,o0/h his sho6 +o, money5
Yo0 +ind #* /old5 Yo0 lea1e 2he sho6 and h0,,y -a7. yo0, inn5 Ga2he,in/ yo0, 6a,2y
2o/e2he,3 yo0 on7e a/ain a66,oa7h 2he /a2e and ei2he, 6ay 2he Ga2e Fee o, 2he -,i-e5
@Ga2e Fee is ) /old +o, 2he 4a/on and o8en3 6l0s = /old 6e, 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,d 4i2h yo05 The B,i-e is 2en /old and one o+ 2he +ollo4in/ i2ems; A
holy am0le23 a -e>e4elled da//e,3 a -e>e4elled G,i++on S4o,d3 a 7oa2 o+ Sil1e,
S7alemail3 o, a li+es2one5A
Yo0, 7,ime lea1es yo0 +eelin/ 4,e27hed5 &ose hal+ o+ yo0, 70,,en2 &UCK 6oin2s5
T0,n 2o 111
'#
FF - Diamond
007
Ma.in/ yo0,sel+ 7om+o,2a-le3 yo0 se22le in 2o 4a27h Kianmay 6,e6a,e +o, he, -a2h5
She smiles as she di6s a 2oe in2o 2he 4a2e,3 +indin/ i2 2o he, li.in/5 She 2a.es o++ he,
,o-e3 ,e1ealin/ 6lain 4hi2e 0nde,/a,men2s5 She 0n6ins he, hai,3 le22in/ 2he lon/
a0-0,n lo7.s +all do4n 2o he, slende, 4ais25 She ,0ns he, hands 2h,o0/h he, hai,5 She
,emo1es 2he 0nde,/a,men2s one -y one3 as yo0 2,y 2o /e2 as 7lose 2o 2he 6ee6hole as
6ossi-le5
She is a -ea02i+0l 4oman5 He, so+2 7,eamy s.in and sha6ely -ody hidden -y he,
modes2 7lo2hin/5 He, lim-s a,e lon/ and ele/an23 he, hi6s 4ide and he, -,eas2s a,e
,o0nd i+ no2 la,/e5 Yo0, desi,e ,ises5 She +olds he, 0nde,/a,men2s and 20,ns 2o lay
2hem on a s2ool5 Yo0, desi,e s0ddenly /oes 7old5 A sho,2 +leshy 2ail e82ends +,om
a-o1e he, so+23 ,o0nd -o22om5 Folded on he, -a7. yo0 also see a small 6ai, o+ 4in/s5
Momen2s la22e, she s2,e27hes 2hem3 ,e1ealin/ 2hei, -a2-li.e sha6e5 Kianmay is a
demonM Yo0 4a27h 0n2il she s0-me,/es he,sel+ in 2he 4a2e,3 2hen yo0 mo1e a4ay5
Cha2 does 2his meanO May-e she does no2 se,1e 2he /ods o+ li/h2 a2 all5 May-e 2he
Diamond Key is an a,2e+a72 o+ E1il5
No2 .no4in/ 4ha2 else 2o do3 yo0 ,e2,ea2 do4n 2he 6assa/e4ay5 Cha2 do yo0
4an2 2o do no4O
E86lo,e 2he o2he, 6assa/esO T0,n 2o +8+
Go 2h,o0/h 2he .i27hens and ,e20,n 2o yo0, ,oomO T0,n 2o 126
008
Yo0 a/,ee 2o 2he 0nde,2a.e,?s o++e, and he leads yo0 2h,o0/h a side doo, do4n a
+li/h2 o+ s2e6s5 Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in a s0-2e,,anean la-o,a2o,y5 The,e a,e se1e,al
sla-s 4i2h 7o,6ses s2,e27hed o02 on 2hem5 One 7o,6se is /,o4lin/5 I2 has me2al 6la2es
se4n in2o i2s s.in and ins2ead o+ +in/e,s i2 has lon/3 2hi7. -lades +i8ed on2o i2s hands5
Yo0 a,e /lad i2 is 2ied do4n5
LTha2 one s2ill needs a +e4 ad>0s2men2s5N The ne7,oman7e, says3 seein/ yo0,
in2e,es25 He e86lains a-o02 2he o2he, 7o,6ses as he 6,e6a,es e90i6men2 on his
4o,.-en7h5 No2 only soldie,s3 -02 Kom-ies +o, se,1an2s3 7,a+2smen3 +o, any menial
2as.5 He 2al.s ea/e,ly o+ a 4o,ld 4he,e all 7an li1e as .in/s3 se,1ed -y Kom-ies5
Yo0 a,e a66alled -y 2he e1il a,23 -02 7an see some /limme, o+ 6,a72i7ali2y in his
6lans5 As he mel2s sil1e, in a small +0,na7e3 2he ne7,oman7e, lamen2s 2he o-s2a7les he
has +a7ed5
LMany 6eo6le +ea, dea2h5 I 2,ied 2o 7on1in7e 2he Mayo, o+ my 1ision5 He
7o0ldn?2 o1e,7ome his +ea,5 He 4an2ed 2o -0,n do4n my la-o,a2o,y and ha1e me
-0,n2 a2 2he s2a.e5 I had 2o .ill him3 and his 7o,6se 4asn?2 e1en 0se+0l5N The
ne7,oman7e, seems mo,e 06se2 a-o02 2he 4as2e o+ 2he 7o,6se 2han o+ 2he m0,de,5
LYo0 see3 4ha2 2he 6e,son does in li+e de2e,mine 4ha2 2hei, 7o,6se 7an do in dea2h5
Some2imes 2hey /e2 +i8a2ed on one 2as.5 &i.e my 4i+e5 She 7oo.s all day 0nless I
lo7. he, in 2he 706-oa,d5 O+ 7o0,se 4hen she 4as ali1e she did mo,e 2han 7oo.3 -02 i2
is ha,d 2o 6,edi72 4ha2 a 7o,6se 4ill do5 I did ,eanima2e 2he Mayo,3 -02 he .e62 >0s2
2al.in/ a-o02 +i,e3 so I -0,ied him5 May-e I 4ill +ind a 0se +o, him one day5 B02 i2 is
no2 >0s2 h0mans 4ho 7an -e anima2ed5N He h0,,ies o1e, 2o a 7a-ine2 and 2a.es o02 a
>a,3 inside is a ,a25 LI2 is my 6lan 2o /o 2o 2he Kin/ in A,an2a2o, and sho4 him 2his5 A
.in/ m0s2 ha1e many enemiesM This ,a2 4ill 7,ee6 in2o any 6la7e3 as 2he 6e,+e72 s6y5
Yo0 7an see 4ha2 i2 sees3 0sin/ 2his 7,ys2al5N He 6oin2s 2o a ,o0nd 7,ys2al -all on 2he
'%
FF - Diamond
2o6 o+ 2he >a,5 LYo0 7an also 7on2,ol 2he ,a2 -y +o70sin/ yo0, 2ho0/h2s on 2he 7,ys2al5
I+ 2he Kin/ a77e62s 2his3 2hen he mi/h2 -e ,eady 2o see 2he Kom-ie soldie,5 S0,ely he
4ill no2 -0,n me o1e, a ,eanima2ed ,a2MN S0ddenly3 2he ne7,oman7e, -,i/h2ens5
LMay-e yo0 7o0ld 2a.e 2he ,a2 2o 2he Kin/ +o, meM I 7an?2 lea1e he,e ye25 Co0ld yo0
do 2ha2 +o, meON
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a/,ee 2o 2a.e 2he ,a23 20,n 2o 16+
I+ yo0 2hin. 2ha2 2his e1il +,ea. m0s2 die3 20,n 2o +08
004
Yo0 mo1e 2o 2he ,ea, o+ 2he 7om6o0nd3 2o an alley sha,ed -y 2he ,ea, o+ some
sho6s5 The alley is 7lea, and 7lean3 and 2he,e is no2hin/ 2o 7lim- 06 on o, 4i2h5 S2ill3
yo0 7o0ld 2,y5 Yo0 a,e 0nli.ely 2o -e seen i+ yo0 2,y 2o 7lim- he,e5
Clim- 2he 4allO T0,n 2o +70
To /o -a7. 2al. 2o 2he Ca,den3 20,n 2o +34
O, i+ yo0 ha1e al,eady seen 2he Ca,den yo0 7an >0s2 6ay 2he +ee -y 20,nin/ 2o 083
006
Yo0 60ll aside yo0, 7loa. 2o sho4 Kianmay 2he /old-ins7,i-ed sil1e, s7alemail
a,mo0,5 She 2ells yo0 2ha2 i2 is Sea-Kni/h2?s a,mo0,5 I2 is >0s2 as 6,o2e72i1e as no,mal
s7ale-mail3 -02 4hen 2o07hed -y 4a2e, -e7omes li/h2 eno0/h 2o allo4 yo0 2o s4im in
i23 and -,ea2h 0nde,4a2e,5
Re20,n no4 2o +51
005
LI 4ill +,ee yo03N yo0 6,omise5
The 4oman doesn?2 seem 6leased o, e87i2ed5 "e,ha6s she has hea,d i2 said 2oo
many 2imes -e+o,e5 LThe demon is 6o4e,+0l5 Too 6o4e,+0l +o, me 2o des2,oy alone5
Ci2h o0, 6o4e,s 7om-ined3 4e may -e a-le 2o des2,oy i25 Th0s I shall add my 6o4e,
2o yo0,s5N She ,ea7hes o02 and 2o07hes yo0, +a7e5 Yo0 +eel some2hin/ ,0sh in2o yo03
and yo0 +eel a /,ea2 ene,/y 4i2hin yo05 Yo0, -ody 2,em-les and +eels li.e i2 4ill
-,ea. in2o 6ie7es3 -02 2he +eelin/ 6asses a+2e, a momen25
Ci2hd,a4in/ he, hands3 she says; LI ha1e /i1en yo0 as m07h o+ my 6o4e, as yo0,
6hysi7al +o,m 7an 2a.e5N Yo0 may ,es2o,e yo0, SKI&& and STAMINA and &UCK 2o
2hei, ini2ial le1els3 and in7,ease all ini2ial le1els -y ) as lon/ as 2his does no2 2a.e yo0
o1e, )5 Tem6o,a,ily ad>0s2 yo0 current SKI&& and STAMINA 2o 2h,ee 2imes yo0,
ini2ial 1al0es5 Yo0 4ill -e 2old 4hen 2o ,e1e,2 -a7. 2o yo0, ini2ial le1els5
The 4oman 4a1es he, hands in a 7om6le8 /es20,e3 and 2he +i,e on 2he ,o7. ,ises
and +la22ens o02 in2o a shee25 The +i,e 6a,2s and a s4i,lin/ da,. mis2 a66ea,s in a
,e72an/0la, +,ame o+ +i,e5
LThe doo,4ay 2o hell3N she anno0n7es5
''
FF - Diamond
D,a4in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 s2e6 06 on2o 2he ,o7. and in2o 2he doo,4ay5 Yo0 hold
yo0 -,ea2h as yo0 6l0n/e 2h,o0/h 2he mis25 E1en20ally i2 2hins and yo0 +ind yo0,sel+
in a -0ildin/ li.e a 2em6le -0il2 o+ -lood-,ed s2one5 Yo0 le2 yo0, -,ea2h o02 and
inhale5 The ai, is me2alli7 and ma.es yo0 7o0/h5 The hall is lined 4i2h 7losely
s6a7ed 6illa,s3 -e24een 4hi7h yo0 7an see a la.e o+ mol2en ,o7.5 Beyond 2he la.e3 is
a da,.3 dead +o,es2 -enea2h a s.y o+ ,ed +illed 4i2h s4i,lin/ -la7. 7lo0ds5
The 6illa,s a,e so 7lose 2ha2 yo0 7o0ld -a,ely s90eeKe -e24een 2hem5 They a,e
li.e 2he -a,s on a 6,ison5 One end o+ 2he hall yo0 a,e in is +illed 4i2h 2he -la7. mis2
2ha2 7on2in0es 2o si2 li.e a -all on 2he /,o0nd5 O66osi2e 2ha2 2he,e is an a,7h4ay3
-eyond 4hi7h lies a la,/e, hall5
Yo0 a,e a-o02 2o head 2o4a,ds 2he a,7h 4hen yo0 no2i7e a small h02 in 2he
dis2an7e o02side 2he 2em6le5 Yo0 ha1e ne1e, -een 2o hell -e+o,e3 -02 in20i2i1ely .no4
i2 is no2 a /ood idea 2o /o 4ande,in/ a,o0nd5 Ho4e1e,3 4hoe1e, is in 2he h02 7o0ld
2ell yo0 some2hin/ a-o02 2he demon yo0 a,e /oin/ 2o +a7e5
Do yo0 4an2 2o s90eeKe 2h,o0/h 2he 6illa,s and /o 2o 2he h02O T0,n 2o 04+
To /e2 2his demon en7o0n2e, o1e, 4i2h3 20,n 2o 103
0+2
De7idin/ 2ha2 Kianmay is a +ool3 yo0 ,eady yo0, e90i6men23 and a+2e, yo0 a,e s0,e
she is aslee6 yo0 /o o02 in2o 2he ni/h25 The +i,s2 2hin/ 2o do is hide 2he Diamond Key5
Sin7e yo0 7an?2 602 i2 in i2s 6la7e in 2he 2em6le3 yo0 ,e20,n 2o 2he Sh,ine o+
A,in/a,a2o,5 The sh,ine is li2 -y a sin/le 2all 7andle and yo0 sli6 inside5 The +loo, o+
2he sh,ine is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0
+ind a loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5
Yo0 di/ in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond
Key +,om 2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and s2am6 on i2
2o ma.e i2 +la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o 11
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 116
0+0
Yo0 des2,oy 2he 2h,oa2 o+ 2he o,7 and i2 7olla6ses in a /0,/lin/ hea65 Yo0 .i7. i2
a4ay and see 2he las2 o+ 2he o,7s -ein/ +inished o++5 The 1i72o,y did no2 7ome 4i2ho02
7os25 Red07e -y 24o 2he n0m-e, o+ yo0, me,7han2 /0a,ds3 and no2e 2ha2 one o+ 2he
6aladin has -een .illed3 lea1in/ #5
'(
FF - Diamond
Yo0 loo. a2 2he 24o ,emainin/ o,7s3 holdin/ 2he sa1a/e -eas2s on 7hained leashes5
Ci2ho02 dis70ssion 2hey 20,n and h0,,y a4ay5 Yo0 ,eally sho0ld s2o6 2hem3 -02 a,e
2oo 4ea,y5
Yo0 7an 2a.e 2he 2en s0i2s o+ -la7. 7hainmail +,om 2he o,7s i+ yo0 ha1e ,oom on
yo0, 4a/on5 # s0i2s a,e e90al 2o one -o85 Yo0 may also .ee6 one +o, yo0,sel+5 Yo0
7an also 2a.e 2he 2en -a,-ed s6ea,s 2o sell o, 0se yo0,sel+5 They also 6ossess ho,ned
helms5 # helms a,e e90al 2o one -o85 I+ yo0 7hoose 2o 4ea, one o+ 2he helms3 yo0 7an
add ) 2o yo0, a,mo0, ,a2in/5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Ba,-ed S6ea, Fine s6ea, %
Yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay5 Yo0 e1en20ally ma.e yo0, 4ay o02 o+ 2he mo0n2ains
and ,ea7h 2he hill 2o4n o+ Yo,man5 The >o0,ney has 2a.en 2en days3 so 6ay yo0,
s0,1i1in/ men 2en /old ea7h5
T0,n 2o 017
0++
A66,oa7hin/ 2he 2a-le 4he,e 2he 24o /0a,ds si23 yo0 in2,od07e yo0,sel+5 They
in1i2e yo0 2o si2 and 2ell yo0 2hei, names a,e B,ond and Ta/enha,n5 B,ond is a
So02he,ne, li.e yo03 4hile Ta/enha,n is a 2hi7.se2 No,2he,ne, 4i2h an a8e and a lon/
-ea,d5 Yo0 2ell 2hem yo0 a,e /oin/ 2o A,an2a2o,3 and a,e 7on7e,ned a-o02 2he Col+5
LThe Col+ is no dan/e, 2o inno7en2 men3N says Ta/enha,n3 eyein/ yo0 4i2h
s0dden s0s6i7ion5 LHe has 0ni+ied 2hese lands in 6ea7e5N
Ta/enha,n?s eyes almos2 shine as he des7,i-es 2he Col+?s a7hie1emen2s5 Yo0
/lan7e a2 B,ond3 4hom yo0 see is silen2 and no2 /oin/ 2o a,/0e 4i2h Ta/enha,d a-o02
2he ma22e, o+ 2he Col+5
LChy does he 7all himsel+ 2he Col+ON yo0 as.5
LHe is a /,ea2 4a,,io,3N Ta/enha,d says 6,o0dly5 LAs s4i+2 and s2,on/ as a 4ol+5N
Yo0 .ee6 an o-se,1a2ion a-o02 4ol1es 6,eyin/ in 6a7.s on 2he 4ea. 2o yo0,sel+5
LI?1e hea,d many s2o,ies a-o02 2he Col+5 I2 is said he in2ends 2o 7on90e, A,an2a2o,5N
Ta/enha,n nods5 LHe 4ill do i25 He is 2he only man 4ho 7an5 His 6lan is s0-2le
and s0,e5N
LCha2 6lan is 2ha2ON yo0 as.5
Ta/enha,n loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h s0s6i7ion5 LChy is 2ha2 o+ in2e,es2 2o yo0ON
B,ond +inally s6ea.s5 LYo0 -,o0/h2 06 2he 6lan3 Ta/5 Cha2 man 4o0ld no2 as.
a-o02 i2O And yo0 need no2 2hin. 2ha2 Kin/ Da,m .no4s any less 2han yo05N B,ond
loo.s a2 yo05 LFo, 2he las2 mon2h3 2he Col+ has -een ma.in/ 2,a1elle,s deli1e, /oods
2o his a/en2s inside 2he 7i2y5 Yo0 7an?2 .ee6 a 2hin/ li.e 2ha2 se7,e25 And i2 isn?2
mean2 2o -e5 No4 i+ someone ,e7ei1es a deli1e,y +,om 2he Col+3 2he Kin/ doesn?2
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FF - Diamond
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0+1
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(*
FF - Diamond
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0+3
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no one is s2andin/ /0a,d o02side5 Al2ho0/h mos2 o+ 2he 4a,,io,s 4ea, 2he 4ol+?s head
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To de7line and lea1e3 20,n 2o 343
()
FF - Diamond
0+8
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one +lo4e,in/ -0sh 2o ano2he,5 Kianmay is 7hee,ed /,ea2ly -y 2his3 e87laimin/ a2
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yo0 -e/in 2o sense some2hin/ is 4,on/5
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I+ so3 20,n 2o 15
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FF - Diamond
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FF - Diamond
01+
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need 2o ma.e a 90i7. ,e2,ea25 As yo0 mo1e 90i7.ly and 90ie2ly a7,oss 2he hall3 yo0
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has /0es2s5
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a small 2a-le in 2he 7en2,e5 Yo0 see 2he 6ale ,e72an/le o+ a +olded shee2 o+ 6a,7hmen2
on 2he 2a-le5
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011
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FF - Diamond
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inns and 2a1e,ns5 The,e is a ma,.e2 he,e 4he,e yo0 7an -y and sell /oods5 Yo0 7an
also hi,e mo,e me,7han2 /0a,ds a2 2he same ,a2e; # /old 06 +,on23 and one /old 6e,
day5 The 0n0s0al +ea20,e o+ 2he 2o4n is 2he o,7 /a,,ison5 O,7s and o2he, 7hao2i7 ,a7es
ha1e al4ays -een mo,e 7ommon in 2he no,2he,n lands3 so 2he h0mans he,e a,e mo,e
a770s2omed 2o 2hem5 E1en so3 yo0 see mo,e 2han one inn o, 2a1e,n ad1e,2isin/ +o,
h0mans only5
A+2e, yo0 +ind an inn3 yo0 4ande, 2he ma,.e2s in sea,7h o+ 0se+0l i2ems5 As yo0
a,e ins6e72in/ some ,o6e3 yo0 /lan7e a2 2he 70s2ome, 4ho ,ea7hes +o, a 7oil o+ ,o6e
ne82 2o yo05 Yo0, hea,2 lea6s 06 in2o yo0, 2h,oa23 -02 yo0 7a,e+0lly sho4 no o024a,d
si/n3 and 7on2in0e 2o e8amine 2he ,o6e in yo0, hands5 &oo.in/ +,om 2he 7o,ne, o+
yo0, eye3 yo0 s20dy 2he man5 He 4ea,s s7alemail a,mo0, 0nde, a -la7. 7loa.3 and has
(#
FF - Diamond
a helm 4i2h a ,am6an2 /,i++on on 2he +,on25 This is one o+ 2he men 4ho a,e 60,s0in/
Kianmay5 Yo0 602 do4n 2he ,o6e and mo1e a4ay5 Yo0 4a27h +,om 2he 7o1e, o+ a
7o--le,?s s2all as 2he soldie, -a,/ains 4i2h 2he ,o6e-selle, +o, 2he 7oil o+ ,o6e5
E1en20ally 2hey a/,ee and 2he G,i++on Soldie, 4al.s o++ 4i2h 2he ,o6e5 Yo0 +ollo4
him as he 7on2in0es his sho66in/5
He e1en20ally lea1es 2he ma,.e2s and yo0 2,ail him 2h,o0/h 2he s2,ee2s5 He /oes 2o
an 06-ma,.e2 inn and disa66ea,s inside5 Is his mas2e, s2ayin/ he,e3 o, is he >0s2 a+2e, a
d,in.O De7idin/ 2he,e is only one 4ay 2o +ind o023 yo0 en2e, 2he inn and ma.e +o, 2he
7ommon ,oom5 Yo0 head s2,ai/h2 +o, 2he -a,3 7as0ally loo.in/ o1e, 2he o7706an2s o+
2he ,oom as yo0 do so5 Yo0 s6y a /,o06 o+ G,i++on Soldie,s in one o+ 2he -oo2hs3
2al.in/ and d,in.in/ 90ie2ly5
Sli66in/ on2o a sea2 a2 2he -a,3 yo0 o,de, a -ee, +,om 2he -a,man5 He eyes yo0,
2,a1el-s2ained a66a,el dis2as2e+0lly3 -02 -,in/s yo0, o,de,5 Yo0 6ay him ,i/h2 a4ay3
and his mood im6,o1es 7onside,a-ly5
LHo4 is -0sinessON Yo0 as. him5
LGood3 2han. yo03 si,5N The -a,2ende, says 4i2h 2he disin2e,es2 o+ an em6loyee5
LThis is a ni7e 6la7e5 Anyone im6o,2an2 o4n i2ON
The -a,2ende, -e/ins 2o 7lean a /lass and mo1es 7lose,5 LNo5 B0s2 4eal2hy5 A
,e2i,ed me,7han25N
LYo0 m0s2 /e2 a lo2 o+ im6o,2an2 +ol.s s2ayin/ he,e3N yo0 say as yo0 20,n yo0,
head3 loo.in/ 2o4a,ds 2he G,i++on Soldie,s5 LE87e62 +o, 2hem3N yo0 add3 lo4e,in/
yo0, 1oi7e5
The -a,2ende, smiles5 LYes3 si,5 I 7an 2ell yo0 all a-o02 2hem3 4ho 2hey se,1e3
4ha2 ,oom 2hey a,e s2ayin/ in: i+ yo0 6ay me * /oldMN
The -a,man is o-1io0sly e86e,ien7ed 4i2h 6eo6le 2,yin/ 2o /e2 in+o,ma2ion o02 o+
him5 I2 is a he+2y 6,i7e3 -02 2he in+o,ma2ion 7o0ld -e 0se+0l5
To 6ay 2he -a,man3 20,n 2o 1++
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, /o and 2al. 2o 2he soldie,s di,e72ly3 20,n 2o ++0
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e3 no4 2ha2 yo0 .no4 4he,e yo0, 60,s0e,s a,e s2ayin/3 20,n 2o 85
018
S2ayin/ 4he,e yo0 a,e3 yo0 >oin 2he slo4-mo1in/ 7ol0mn5 I2 2a.es a-o02 an ho0,
0nde, 2he ,a6idly da,.enin/ s.y 2o ,ea7h 2he /a2e5 The +,ame o+ 2he /a2e is 7a,1ed
+,om ma,-le in2o ,am6an2 lions3 holdin/ 2he /,ea2 i,on hin/es in 2hei, 6olished 7la4s5
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i,on5 Yo0 /lan7e ne,1o0sly a2 2he /0a,ds as yo0 en2e, 2he 7,am6ed /a2e 6assa/e5
Mos2 o+ 2he /0a,ds a,e o7706ied 4i2h li/h2in/ lam6s3 4hi7h a,e h0n/ all 2h,o0/h
2he /a2e 6assa/e5 Only a lie02enan2 4a27hes 2he 6assin/ 2,a1elle,s en2e,in/ 2he 7i2y5
Yo0 +eel his eyes 6ass o1e, yo03 as yo0 and Kianmay a,e almos2 7,0shed in 2he 6,ess
o+ 6eo6le 2,yin/ 2o /e2 in2o 2he 7i2y -e+o,e da,.5 As 2he 7,0sh o+ 2he 7,o4d ,eleases
yo0 on2o 2he 4ide 7en2,al a1en0e o+ 2he 7i2y3 yo0, hea,2 is also ,eleased o+ i2s 2ension5
Yo0 ha1e made i2 insideM Yo0 .ee6 mo1in/ a4ay +,om 2he /a2e and do no2 6a0se
0n2il yo0 +eel 7om6le2ely sa+e5
Kianmay 2a.es 2he lead and 2a.es yo0 2h,o0/h 2he 4ide s2,ee2s5 He,e in 2he o02e,
7i2y 2he 4ide s2,ee2s a,e s0,,o0nded -y o+2en ,i7.e2y s2,0720,es3 small and made o+
4ood mo,e o+2en 2ha2 s2one3 and 6ain2ed in a 1a,ie2y o+ 7olo0,s5 Only 2he da,. sla2e
,oo1es a,e 0ni+o,m5 Sho6s and ,esiden7es as 4ell as 2a1e,ns and -,o2hels si2 side -y
(%
FF - Diamond
side in 2he o02e, 7i2y3 2he 7haos o+ h0man e8is2en7e +illin/ 2he /a6s -e24een 2he 4ell-
6lanned3 4ell-laid s2,ee2s5
Ano2he,3 less im6osin/ 4all seals o++ 2he inne, 7i2y5 The,e a,e /0a,ds he,e 2oo3
,es6lenden2 in da,. -l0e 7loa.s and -,i/h2 -,eas26la2es em-laKoned 4i2h 2he 2o4e, and
s2a,s o+ 2he 7i2y?s -anne,5 Yo0 sense 2he 1i/ilan2 ai, o+ 2he /0a,ds and s0s6e72 2ha2
2hey a,e loo.in/ +o, yo05 Kianmay is 4ell-7on7ealed in he, hooded 7loa.3 and yo0 2,y
2o loo. 2he 6a,2 o+ a 7a,in/ h0s-and 4i2h a ne4 -,ide -y 6022in/ yo0, a,m a,o0nd he,
and -eamin/ a2 2he /0a,ds as yo0 6ass5
They loo. a2 yo03 -02 do no2 ,ea72 and yo0 6,o7eed 2h,o0/h in2o 2he inne, 7i2y5
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and 2he inne, 7i2y is di1ided in2o se72ions5 Yo0 a,e 70,,en2ly in 2he ma,.e2 90a,2e,5
He,e 2he,e is a ma,.e2 and yo0 7an -0y and sell any i2ems yo0 4ish5 Yo0 de7ide 2o
sell 2he ho,ses and /e2 (* /old +o, -o2h 6l0s 2he saddles and o2he, e90i6men25
On7e yo0 a,e done3 Kianmay leads yo0 2h,o0/h ano2he, /a2e3 2his one 0n/0a,ded3
and yo0 en2e, an e86anse o+ /a,dens5 Cell 7a,ed +o, la4ns a,e s7a22e,ed 4i2h lone
2,ees and /,o1es o+ e8o2i7 and -ea02i+0l +lo4e,in/ -0shes5 Ca,e+0lly 2ended +lo4e,
-eds a,e +illed 4i2h -looms o+ all 7olo0,s and sha6es3 +illin/ 2he 7old ai, 4i2h 6e,+0me5
The,e a,e also lam66os2s 4hi7h men d,essed in 2he li1e,y o+ 2he 7i2y a,e -0sy li/h2in/3
+illin/ 2he /a,dens 4i2h a so+23 4a,m /lo45
A2 1a,io0s lo7a2ions a,o0nd 2he /a,dens a,e 2em6les and sh,ines o+ all siKes and
s2yles3 dedi7a2ed 2o a 6le2ho,a o+ dei2ies5 The Kin/s o+ A,an2a2o, ha1e al4ays 6,ided
2hemsel1es on 2he di1e,si2y o+ 2he /ods 2ha2 d4ell in 2hei, 7i2y5 Kianmay leads yo0
do4n a 6a2h and yo0 see ahead a la,/e ma,-le 2em6le s0,,o0nded -y oa.s5 A 4ide
s2one s2ai,7ase leads in2o a 2,io o+ de7o,a2ed a,7hes5 A 6lin2h ,ises +,om 2he 7en2,e o+
2he s2ai,4ay3 06on 4hi7h s2ands a li+e-siKed s2a20e o+ a 4oman in a +lo4in/ ,o-e5 He,
hands a,e em62y3 held o02 as i+ 2o -less o, em-,a7e 2he 4o,ld5
Yo0, a22en2ion is soon d,a4n 2o some2hin/ else5 The,e a,e 6aladin /0a,din/ 2he
+,on2 o+ 2he 2em6le3 s2andin/ 4a27h -enea2h 2he a,7hes 4hile an o++i7e, s2,olls -a7.
and +o,2h5 Some2hin/ a-o02 2hei, manne, a,o0ses yo0, s0s6i7ion3 and yo0 see
Kianmay s2a,2 2o slo4 he, s2e6s5
LKee6 4al.in/MN Yo0 hiss a2 he,5
She ma27hes yo0, s2e65 LThey a,e no2 6aladin5N
LI .no43N yo0 ,e6ly5 LKee6 on 2he 6a2h3 4e?ll 2a.e 2he 20,n 2o 2he le+25N
As yo0 d,a4 nea,3 yo0 see 2he o++i7e, s2e6 +o,4a,d and loo. do4n a2 yo0 in2en2ly5
Yo0 le2 him see yo0 /lan7e a2 him 4i2h disin2e,es2 as yo0 and Kianmay 20,n 2o 2he le+2
and ma.e yo0, 4ay alon/ 2he 6a2h 2o 2he sh,ine ne82 doo,5
S2e66in/ in2o 2he dim in2e,io,3 yo0 loo. a,o0nd a2 /ilded s2a20es o+ a 4a,,io,
-ea,in/ a h0/e s7imi2a, in one hand3 and a d,a/on?s head in 2he o2he,5 A ma,-le
sa,7o6ha/0s +ills 2he shine3 and a si/n 4,i22en in se1e,al lan/0a/es 2ells yo0 2ha2 yo0
ha1e en2e,ed 2he shine o+ A,in/a,a2o, 2he D,a/on-Slaye,5 Yo0 a,e momen2a,ily
dis2,a72ed as yo0 ,ealise yo0 a,e s2andin/ nea, 2he he,o o+ many o+ yo0, 7hildhood
s2o,ies5 A,in/a,a2o, himsel+M
LCha2 a,e 4e /oin/ 2o doON Kianmay as.s in a 4o,,ied 2one5
Yo0 see a la,/e al7o1e +illed 4i2h a +ine s2a20e o+ 2he D,a/on-slaye,3 a >ade -asin
a2 i2s +ee2 +o, inse,2in/ in7ense5 The,e is a -as.e2 o+ in7ense 2o one side3 alon/ 4i2h a
s2,on/-o8 4i2h a slo2 in 2he 2o65 "e,ha6s yo0 sho0ld 6,ey +o, a -lessin/5
Kianmay no2i7es yo0, e87i2emen2 and yo0 2ell he, a-o02 A,in/a,a2o,5 Kianmay
does no2 loo. im6,essed5 LI .no4 o+ a2 leas2 +i1e 7i2ies 2ha2 7laim 2o ha1e 2he -ody o+
A,in/a,a2o, en2om-ed 4i2hin 2hei, 4alls5 Ce need 2o s6ea. 2o 2he Hi/h 6,ies2 Qa,im5
I2 is 2oo dan/e,o0s +o, me 2o /o 2he,e5 Yo0 m0s2 /o5N
('
FF - Diamond
LThey mi/h2 ,e7o/nise me3 2oo5N Yo0 6,o2es25
LThen yo0 4ill need a dis/0ise5N Kianmay m0ses5 L&e2 0s +ind an inn5N
&ea1in/ 2he sh,ine3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he /a,dens and o02 ano2he,
/a2e in2o 2he 2,a1elle,?s 90a,2e,5 I2 is a small se72ion o+ 2he 7i2y 4i2h many inns3
2a1e,ns and me,7han2 ho0ses5 Yo0 +ind a small -02 +ine-loo.in/ inn 7alled 2he Chi2e
Ga,den5 I2 has a n0m-e, o+ small ,ooms o6enin/ o02 in2o a /a,den +illed 4i2h 4hi2e-
+lo4e,in/ -0shes s0,,o0ndin/ a 6ond +illed 4i2h 4hi2e lilies and a 6ai, o+ s4ans5
The inn 7os2s one /old 6e, ni/h23 and ea7h ,oom has a -a2h,oom5 The 4a2e,
7omes 2h,o0/h 6i6es and yo0 a,e a-le 2o +ill 2he -a2h yo0,sel+ -y 20,nin/ a 1al1e5 Yo0
a,e no2 ,e90i,ed 2o 6ay 06 +,on23 and a,e handed 2he .ey -y an a66le-7hee.ed 4oman
4ho 6,om62ly lea1es yo0 alone5 The main ,oom is a si22in/ ,oom3 4i2h 2he -a2h,oom
2o one side3 a -ed,oom 2o 2he o2he,3 and a small dinin/ ,oom and .i27hen o02 2he -a7.5
On7e yo0 a,e se22led in3 Kianmay 2ells yo0 he, 6lan5 LYo0 m0s2 /o and dis/0ise
yo0,sel+ as a 4eal2hy man5 Go and -0y a +ine ,o-e and a ha25 Then -0y an o++e,in/
+o, 2he 2em6le5 Ei2he, lam6 oil o, in7ense3 2hen /o 2o ma.e an o++e,in/5 On7e yo0 a,e
inside3 as. 2o see 2he Hi/h ",ies25 Chen yo0 s6ea. 2o him3 -e 7a,e+0l5 Don?2 /i1e
e1e,y2hin/ a4ay5 Qa,im himsel+ 7an -e 2,0s2ed3 -02 2he,e 7o0ld -e s6ies 2he,e3 o,
some ma/i75N
LThe ma,.e2s a,e 6,o-a-ly 7losed no43N yo0 say5 LCe 4ill ha1e 2o 4ai2 0n2il
2omo,,o45N
L",o-a-lyON Kianmay ,aises one eye-,o45 LSo 2he,e is a 7han7e 4e 7an do 2his
2oni/h25N
She is 7lea,ly im6a2ien23 -02 yo0 a,e 2i,ed and don?2 +an7y 4ande,in/ a,o0nd 2he
7i2y a2 ni/h2 on 2he slim 7han7e a 1endo, is s2ill o6en5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o any4ay3 20,n 2o ++4
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a,/0e 4i2h he,3 20,n 2o 134
014
Yo0 s6,ead yo0 hands5 LI don?2 ha1e any ma/i7al i2ems 2o /i1e yo05N
The 6,ies2 +,o4ns5 LI 2old yo0 2he 6,i7e -e+o,e yo0 a77e62ed my se,1i7es3N 2he
6,ies2 says5
LCell3 yo0 ha1e done a /ood deed5 Can?2 yo0 -e ha66y 4i2h 2ha2ON yo0 /,in5
LI am a 6,ies2 o+ o,de,3 no2 o+ /ood5 T,ansa72ions m0s2 -e o,de,ly5 De7ei2 is an
a72 o+ 7haosM So -e i2M Go3 -02 .no4 2ha2 yo0 a,e 70,sedMN
He 4a1es his hands and sho02s a 4o,d 2ha2 ma.es yo0, insides 2,em-le5 Yo0
s2a//e, a4ay and +lee +,om 2he ,oom5 Yo0 ,0n 2h,o0/h 2he 2em6le3 losin/ yo0,
-alan7e many 2imes and +allin/ a/ains2 2he 4alls5 Chen yo0 ,ea7h 2he la4ns o02side3
yo0 s20m-le 2h,o0/h 2he /a,dens and in2o 2he ,e+0/e o+ 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o,3
4he,e yo0 7olla6se on 2he +loo,5
Yo0 ha1e -een 70,sed 2e,,i-ly5 &o4e, yo0, initial SKI&& and STAMINA -y )3
and yo0, initial &UCK is no4 Ke,o5 F,om no4 on yo0, 4ill al4ays -e 0nl07.y5 A+2e,
a +e4 min02es yo0 +eel -e22e,3 -02 i2 is la2e no4 and 2he /a,dens a,e a-andoned5 "l0s
yo0 le+2 yo0, oil -ehind5 Yo0 no4 ha1e no o2he, 7hoi7e -02 2o 2,y and -,ea. in2o 2he
2em6le5
T0,n 2o +41
((
FF - Diamond
016
S.ollin/ yo0, -ee,3 yo0 s2and 065
LI 7an?2 -e -o2he,ed ans4e,in/ yo0, 90es2ions no45 Goodni/h25N Yo0 +li6 a
7o66e, 7oin 2o 2he -a,man and /o 06s2ai,s5
Yo0 .no7. /en2ly on Kianmay?s doo, -e+o,e en2e,in/5 She is no2 aslee6 ye25 She
is ,eadin/ -y 2he li/h2 o+ a 7andle5 As yo0 7lose 2he doo, -ehind yo03 yo0 see
"enma,. in his -ed,oll on 2he +loo,5 Cell3 yo0 4e,en?2 6lannin/ any2hin/ any4ay5
&ayin/ o02 yo0, o4n -ed,oll3 yo0 se22le in +o, an 0n7om+o,2a-le ni/h2?s slee65
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 188
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 040
015
Yo0 4a27h in sa+e2y as "enma,. +inishes o++ 2he ,aide,s a2 2he 7a,23 2hen h0,,ies 2o
hel6 +inish o++ 2he ,es2 o+ 2he ,aide,s5 Yo0 eme,/e 2o hel6 4i2h 7lean063 s2a--in/ one
,aide, in 2he -a7. as he s20m-les 2o4a,ds yo05 On7e 2he ,aide,s a,e all dead3 yo0 loo.
a,o0nd 2o see 2he ho,seman s2ill si22in/ in 2he dis2an7e5 He ,aises his hand 2o yo0 in
some .ind o+ sal02e3 and /allo6s a4ay5
Goin/ 2o 2he nea,es2 7o,6se3 yo0 2ea, o6en 2he man?s 20ni75 To yo0, s0,6,ise
ins2ead o+ a 4ol+?s head 2he,e is a 2o4e, s0,,o0nded -y 2h,ee s2a,s5 I2 is 2he si/n o+
A,an2a2o,5 Yo0 90i7.ly 7he7. 2he o2he, ,aide,s and +ind i2 is 2he same5 Yo0 4onde, i+
2he,e is some de7e62ion a+oo25 The ,aide,s 4e,e a-le 2o snea. 06 on yo0 4i2ho02
-ein/ seen on 2he 2,eeless 20nd,a5 The land is no2 6e,+e72ly +la23 -02 # men sho0ld no2
ha1e -een a-le 2o snea. 06 on yo0 0nless 2hey 4e,e -o,n and -,ed on 2he 20nd,a5
A,an2a2o, mi/h2 -e lo7a2ed in 2he 20nd,a3 -02 i2 is a /,ea2 7i2y +0ll o+ so+2 6,in7es3 7i2y-
-o0nd 7,a+2smen and 4omen 4ho .ee6 homes5
The men do seem 2o -e ,ela2i1ely 7lean3 as i+ 2hey had -a2hed ,e7en2ly5 A,an2a2o,
is +amo0s +o, i2s ho2 s6,in/s3 and -a2hin/ in 2he 7i2y is a 70s2om5 A 70s2om 2ha2 is
no2i7ea-ly a-sen2 +o, 2he +ol. 4ho li1e on 2he 20nd,a5 B02 4hy 4o0ld men +,om
A,an2a2o, a22a7. yo0O
LThey a,e a+2e, 2he Diamond Key5N Kianmay anno0n7es5 LI +ea,ed 2his 4o0ld
ha66en5N
LCha2 do yo0 meanON yo0 as.5
She loo.s a2 yo05 LA,an2a2o, is o0, +inal des2ina2ion5 The Diamond Key is 2o /o
2o 2he 2em6le 2he,e5 The Hi/h ",ies2 in E,inha,n 4as 7on1in7ed i2 4as a66,o6,ia2e 2o
in+o,m Kin/ Da,m o+ o0, mission3 sin7e his land 4ill -ene+i2 +,om 2he -lessin/ o+ 2he
Key5 B02 he is an old and am-i2io0s man5 He 4ishes 2he Key +o, himsel+5N
LChy does e1e,yone 4an2 2his Key3N yo0 as.5
Kianmay loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h disa66oin2men25 LHa1e yo0 no2 +i/0,ed i2 o02 ye2ON
LThe Diamond Key is 2he .ey 2o li+e3N yo0 ,e6ly5 LB02 I .no4 no2 i2s 6a,2i70la,
6o4e,s5N
Kianmay 6a0ses5 LThe Key3 4hen se2 in2o 2he ea,2h3 +ills 2he s0,,o0ndin/ land
4i2h 2he essen7e o+ li+e5 "lan2s 4ill +lo0,ish on -a,,en /,o0nd5 Those 4ho ea2 o+ 2he
/,o42h o+ 2he land 4ill /,o4 s2,on/5 No +amine o, na20,al disas2e, 4ill s2,i.e 2he land
2ha2 -ea,s 2he Diamond Key5 Yo0 .no4 4ell 2he +o,20ne 2ha2 E,inha,n has ,e7ei1ed
o1e, 2he las2 #** yea,s5 Tha2 4as -e7a0se o+ 2he Diamond Key5 B02 2he Diamond
Key 7an also -e 0sed sel+ishly5 He 4ho 7a,,ies i2 06on his -ody is +illed 4i2h 2he
(E
FF - Diamond
essen7e o+ li+e and is immo,2al5 This is 4hy Co0n2 Ra0l 4an2ed i25 Tha2 is 4hy Kin/
Da,m 4an2s i25 Ce needed 2o mo1e 2he Key -e7a0se 2oo many 6eo6le in E,inha,n had
lea,ned o+ i25 I2 4as +oolish 2o in+o,m Kin/ Da,m5 B02 o0, Hi/h ",ies2 ima/ined he
4o0ld -e7ome a /0a,dian o+ 2he Key5N
She sha.es he, head5 Yo0 +,o4n5 LI+ Kin/ Da,m is h0n2in/ 0s3 4e 7anno2 /o 2o
A,an2a2o, li.e 2his5 The ho,seman 4ho es7a6ed 4ill ,e1eal o0, iden2i2y5N
"enma,. loo.s a,o0nd5 LCe 7anno2 6ass 0nde2e72ed 2h,o0/h 2hese lands5N
Kianmay loo.s 4o,,ied5 LCha2 7an 4e do3 2henON
"enma,. loo.s a2 yo03 his eyes 6ie,7in/ dee6 in2o yo05 LThe,e is only one 6lan
2ha2 may s077eed5 Ce shall 7on2in0e on 2o A,an2a2o, 4i2h 2he 7a,23 4hile 2he 24o o+
yo0 /o yo0, o4n 4ay alone5N
LB02 yo0 mi/h2 -e a22a7.ed a/ainMN Kianmay says 2o "enma,.5
The 6aladin nods5 LI ho6e so3 Blessed One5 Fo, 2hen yo0 and 2he Key 4ill -e
sa+e5N
Kianmay does no2 li.e 2he d,as2i7 6lan3 -02 2he s2,en/2h o+ he, mission ma.es he,
a/,ee5 So i2 is 2ha2 yo0 and Kianmay 6,e6a,e yo0, -elon/in/s and 2a.in/ a ho,se ea7h
se2 o++ a7,oss 2he land3 ma.in/ +o, ano2he, 2o4n yo0 .no4 2o 2he eas25 Yo0 may 2a.e
one o+ 2he ,aide,s -,eas26la2es3 -02 only i+ yo0 4ea, i25 The 6aladin and 2he ,emainin/
/0a,ds 2a.e 2he 7a,2 and ,emain on 2he main ,oad5 Yo0 2a.e one 90a,2e, o+ 2he money
in 2he s2,on/-o85
Yo0 ,ide a7,oss 2he 20nd,a3 o+2en loo.in/ o1e, yo0, sho0lde,5 Soon 2he 7a,2 is
/one3 and yo0 loo. 2o 2he 4ay ahead5
T0,n 2o +14
032
Yo0 in1i2e 2he o4ne, in and he 2han.s yo05 He and his se,1an2 6,o7eed s2,ai/h2 2o
2he si22in/ ,oom and yo0 +ollo43 >oinin/ &a,emidan -y 2he +i,e6la7e5 Si22in/ o66osi2e
him3 he smiles 7hee,+0lly5 LI hea, 2ha2 2hin/s a,e no2 /oin/ 4ell do4n so02h5 Some
s2,an/e 70,se is 06on 2he land5 Is 2his soON
Yo0 sh,0/5 L"eo6le al4ays 7om6lain5 They say 2he,e is a +amine in E,inha,n3 -02
in 2,02h 2he +ields a,e s2ill +0lle, 2han o2he, lands 7an -oas2 in 2hei, -es2 yea,s5N
The se,1an2 o++e,s yo0 a 2,ay 4i2h 24o /o-le2s o+ 4ine on i25 Yo0 2a.e one and 2he
se,1an2 o++e,s 2he o2he, /o-le2 2o &a,emidan5 The o4ne, si6s 2he 4ine3 2hen ,aises his
/o-le2 2o yo05 LA +ine yea,M Good 4ine is 2,0ly a ,a,i2y in 2hese lands5N He nods +o,
yo0 2o 2,y i2 some5 LYo0 a,e 2,a1ellin/ 4i2h yo0, 4i+eON
LNo3 I am he, /0ide3N yo0 ans4e,5
This 7o0ld -e a /ood o66o,20ni2y 2o +ind o02 a-o02 2he Col+3 i+ he is a dan/e, 2o
yo0 2,a1els5 Ho4e1e,3 &a,emidan mi/h2 -e o++ended i+ yo0 do no2 d,in. his 4ine5
Do yo0 4an2 2o d,in. 2he 4ine 4hile yo0 2al.O I+ so3 20,n 2o 48
I+ yo0 don?2 2,0s2 2he o4ne,3 2hen a1oid d,in.in/ -y 20,nin/ 2o +++
E*
FF - Diamond
030
De2e,mined 2o do a4ay 4i2h 2his -eas23 yo0 lea6 +o,4a,d3 -,in/in/ yo0, 4ea6on 2o
-ea,5 The Col+ mo1es 90i7.ly3 +a, mo,e 90i7.ly 2ha2 yo0 e86e725 He also mo1es in a
di,e72ion yo0 do no2 e86e72; 2o4a,ds yo05 He s2e6s inside yo0, a22a7. and seiKes yo0,
a,m3 h0,lin/ yo0 o1e, in 2he ai, 4i2h 2e,,i+i7 s2,en/2h5 Yo0 land 4i2h a 6ain+0l 2h0m6
in 2he 7i,7le o+ men5 They ,ea7h o02 and hold yo0 2o 2he /,o0nd3 ea7h a,m +illed 4i2h
2he same /,ea2 s2,en/2h as 2he Col+5
The Col+ mo1es 2o 4he,e yo0 7an see him5 LYo0 seem 2o -elie1e a 4e,e4ol+
m0s2 die3 ,e/a,dless o+ hono0,5 Yo0 ha1e m07h 2o lea,n5 The,e+o,e3 I shall -e yo0,
mas2e, and 2ea7h yo05N &oo.in/ 2o one o+ his men3 he says; LBi2e him5N
One o+ 2he 4a,,io,s leans +o,4a,d5 A 7hill o+ +ea, ,0ns 2h,o0/h yo0 as 2he man?s
da,. eyes 20,n /olden3 /leamin/ 4i2h a 4ild 6o4e, 2ha2 seems -a,ely 7on2ained in 2he
h0man +o,m5 He o6ens his >a43 ,e1ealin/ 2ee2h 2ha2 /,o4 lon/ and 6oin2ed5 SeiKin/
yo0, a,m3 he -,in/s i2 2o his mo02h and -i2es yo0 on 2he +o,ea,m5
He ,eleases yo0, a,m and 2he ,es2 o+ 2he 4e,e4ol1es ,elease yo05 Yo0 s7,am-le
a4ay +,om 2he 7i,7le and s20m-le 2o yo0, +ee25 A6a,2 +,om 2he 4o0nd in yo0, a,m3
yo0 +eel no di++e,en25
As i+ ,eadin/ yo0, 2ho0/h2s3 2he Col+ says; LCi2h 2he ne82 +0ll moon3 4hi7h is in
2en days3 yo0 4ill 0nde,/o yo0, +i,s2 2,ans+o,ma2ion5 Then yo0 shall -e 7han/ed5
Then yo0 4ill ,e20,n 2o me5 No4 /o5N
T0,n 2o 3+
03+
Yo0 lea6 o1e, 2o 2he 2a-le and seiKe yo0, 4ea6ons5 Yo0 20,n on 2he man and ,0sh
a2 him5 The man 6,esses his hands 2o/e2he, and s6ea.s a 4o,d 2ha2 ma.es yo0,
insides 1i-,a2e5 F,om -e24een his hands a -lade o+ -laKin/ -l0e-4hi2e +i,e a66ea,s5
He holds 2he -lade o+ +lame in one hand li.e a s4o,d3 and lea6s 2o mee2 yo05
Be7a0se o+ 2he /la,e o+ 2he +i,e3 ,ed07e yo0, SKI&& -y one 6oin2 +o, 2his -a22le5
Yo0 ha1e no 2ime 2o d,in. any SKI&& 6o2ions5
SORCERER SKI&& )* STAMINA * DB )* ARMOUR (
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 38
I+ yo0 a,e losin/ and 4an2 2o ,0n3 20,n 2o 033
E)
FF - Diamond
031
The medi0m-siKed 7hes2 is la790e,ed -lood-,ed3 and 2he 2o6 is inlaid 4i2h a /olden
s.0ll3 4i2h /a,ne2s in 2he eye so7.e2s5 Yo0 o6en i2 and +ind inside a -o4l5 I2 is a 6lain
4ooden -o4l3 -02 i2 ma.es yo0, hand 2in/le 4hen yo0 6i7. i2 065 The inside is
s2ained -la7.5 Yo0 7an 2a.e 2he -o4l 4i2h yo0 i+ yo0 4ish5
Cha2 no4O
&oo. inside one o+ 2he o2he, 7hes2sO T0,n 2o +20
B0s2 lea1eO T0,n 2o 3
033
Una-le 2o ma27h 2he so,7e,e, and his +lamin/ s4o,d3 yo0 ma.e a +inal a22a7.3 2hen
dash +o, 2he e8i25 The so,7e,e, -ehind yo0 7alls o02 ano2he, ma/i7al 4o,d5 As yo0
,ea7h 2he doo,3 some2hin/ slams in2o yo03 and yo0, head is smashed a/ains2 2he doo,5
Yo0 +all 2o 2he /,o0nd 0n7ons7io0s and +loa2 in 6ain+0l -la7.ness +o, 4ha2 seems li.e
an e2e,ni2y5
E1en20ally yo0 a4a.e 2o a s2,an/e ,o7.in/ sensa2ion5 As yo0, mind 7lea,s3 yo0
/,ad0ally -e7ome a4a,e 2ha2 yo0 a,e 2ied 2o a ho,se5 Yo0 li+2 yo0 head3 seein/ a
7loa.ed +i/0,e on a ho,se ahead o+ yo03 holdin/ 2he ,ei/ns o+ yo0, mo0n25 Yo0 loo.
a,o0nd3 and see no2hin/ -02 2he ,oad3 4indin/ a7,oss 2he 20nd,a5
LChe,e am ION yo0 as.5
The +i/0,e 20,ns3 and yo0 see 2ha2 i2 is Kianmay5 She /,ins a2 yo0 and d,a4s 2he
ho,ses 2o a s2o65 LA4a.e a2 las2MN She dismo0n2s and -e/ins 2o 0n2ie yo0, hands5
LCha2 ha66enedON yo0 as.5
Kianmay is smilin/5 LYo0 4e,e hi2 4i2h a ma/i7al >a1elinM Se,1es yo0 ,i/h2 +o,
snea.in/ a-o02 and 2hie1in/MN
He, eyes s6a,.le 4i2h am0semen25 Yo0 ,0- yo0, 4,is2s and si2 065 Yo0, 4hole
-ody is a7hin/ as yo0 /e2 do4n +,om 2he saddle3 and loo. -a7. do4n 2he ,oad5 LThe
Col+ le2 0s /oON
LOh3 yes5N Kianmay says ha66ily5 She 602s a 7o,d +,om a,o0nd he, ne7.3
,e1ealin/ 2he 7lo2h -a/5 LHe ,e20,ned 2o me 2he Diamond Key5N
LSo he didn?2 .no4 4ha2 i2 4asON yo0 as.5
LOh3 he .ne43N Kianmay ,e6lies5 LA2 leas2 he .ne4 i2 7o0ld ma.e him immo,2al5
The so,7e,e, yo0 me2 dis7e,ned i2s na20,e5 The Col+ s2o66ed 0s -e7a0se he .ne4 2ha2
Kin/ Da,m 4as loo.in/ +o, 0s5 He >0s2 4an2ed 2o .no4 4hy5 I 2old him 4ha2 I
4an2ed 2o do 4i2h 2he Key and he le2 0s /oM He is a no-le and >0s2 man5N
She s2ill seems am0sed a2 some2hin/5 LCha2 is so +0nnyON yo0 as. he,5
Kianmay /,ins5 LHe >0d/ed yo0 2o -e a 2hie+3 so he .e62 all o+ yo0, 2hin/s3 -02
e90i66ed yo0 +o, 2he ,es2 o+ 2he >o0,ney5N
&oo.in/ do4n yo0 see 2ha2 yo0 a,e d,essed in 6lain lea2he, a,mo0, 4i2h an
0ndyed 4oollen 7loa.5 A2 yo0, -el2 is a 60,se3 4hi7h 7on2ains only * /old 7oins3 and
a 6lain3 -02 se,1i7ea-le da//e,5 On 2he saddle o+ yo0, ho,se han/s a simila,ly 6lain
-02 se,1i7ea-le lon/s4o,d in a lea2he, s7a--a,d5 All o+ yo0, o2he, -elon/in/s a,e
/one5
E
FF - Diamond
LCha2 is so +0nny a-o02 2hisON yo0 4an2 2o .no43 lamen2in/ 2he loss o+ yo0,
ma/i7al i2ems5
LOh3 i2 is no2 so +0nny as +i22in/3 I 2hin.5N
She 7lim-s -a7. in2o 2he saddle and yo0 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o +ollo45
T0,n 2o +51
037
The assassin +alls dead and yo0 s7oo6 06 2he s2,on/-o8 and 90i7.ly lea1e 2he
a6a,2men2s5 H0,,yin/ a7,oss 2he s2a-le ya,d3 yo0 .ee6 a 4a27h o02 +o, Ra0l?s soldie,s3
-02 2hey all seem 2o s2ill -e 06s2ai,s3 lyin/ in 4ai25 Yo0 ma.e i2 o02 in2o 2he s2,ee2s3
and 7on7ealin/ 2he s2,on/-o8 0nde, yo0, 7loa.3 yo0 2,y 2o 4al. 7as0ally5
Re20,nin/ 2o 2he -a,man?s a6a,2men23 yo0 +li6 2he ,elie1ed man a /old 7oin and
lea1e 4i2h yo0, me,7han2 /0a,d5 Yo0 ,e20,n 2o yo0, inn and /o in2o 2he 7losed
7ommon ,oom5 Se22in/ 2he s2,on/-o8 on a 2a-le yo0 -,ea. 2he lo7. 4i2h yo0, da//e,5
Inside yo0 +ind ** /old 7oins5 Ta.in/ 2he s2ash -a7. 2o yo0, ,oom3 yo0 s2o,e i2
sa+ely and /o 2o see Kianmay5
T0,n 2o 0+1
038
The so,7e,e, leads yo0 o1e, 2o a ,a7. 4he,e 2he,e a,e 2h,ee 4ea6ons5 The +i,s2 is a
lon/--laded s6ea,3 4i2h a sho,2 sha+2 -o0nd in lea2he, 7o,d5 The -lade is sin/le ed/ed
4i2h a 6oin2 +o, 7ho66in/ and s2a--in/3 ins7,i-ed 4i2h de7o,a2i1e desi/ns5
The se7ond is a 2,iden2 4i2h a lon/ 7en2,al 6,on/3 2he o2he, 24o 6,on/s 70,1in/
o024a,ds5 The 6,on/s a,e sil1e,: -02 2he so,7e,e, ass0,es yo0 2he sil1e, is 6la2ed o1e,
s2,on/ s2eel5 The lon/ sha+2 is o+ 6olished 4ood 4i2h -ands o+ sil1e, a2 +oo2 in2e,1als
alon/ i23 and 2he -ase is a sil1e, -all5
The las2 is a 6ole-a8e3 2he s2eel head inlaid 4i2h /old in 2he sha6e o+ ,0nes o+
6o4e,5 E1en 2he 4ooden sha+2 is 7a,1ed 4i2h de7o,a2i1e /,oo1es 2ha2 a,e inlaid 4i2h
/old5
E<
FF - Diamond
All 2he 6ie7es a,e some4ha2 de7o,a2i1e: /i+2s sen2 2o 2he Col+5 B02 ea7h is 4ell-
made and +0n72ional5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Cho66in/ S6ea, Fine S6ea, %
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Sil1e, T,iden2 T,iden2 =
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
R0ne "olea8e Fine S6ea, %
I+ yo0 don?2 li.e any o+ 2hese and 4an2 2o as. +o, yo0, o4n 4ea6ons3 20,n 2o +57
O2he,4ise3 yo0 7hoose yo0, 4ea6on and 2he So,7e,e, leads yo0 2h,o0/h 2he ho0se 2o
an ad>oinin/ 7om6o0nd5
T0,n 2o +76
034
The 2o4n o+ Ho6en4ood is a small 4ays2o6 on 2he 2,ade ,o02e5 B02 any 2o4n is a
4el7ome si/h2 2o a 4ea,y 2,a1elle,5 Yo0, 6a,2y +inds an inn 4i2h 1a7an2 ,ooms3 and
a,e 7ha,/ed 24o /old +o, 2h,ee ,ooms3 and ano2he, /old +o, s2a-lin/ and +eed +o, all o+
yo0, ho,ses and o8en5
The,e is a small ma,.e2 he,e 4he,e yo0 7an -0y and sell any /oods5 The,e a,e
also many 2a1e,ns3 and yo0 7an hi,e as many me,7han2 /0a,ds as yo0 7an a++o,d5 The
ini2ial 6ay is # /old3 4i2h a 4a/e o+ ) /old 6e, day5 Yo0 may also +i,e /0a,ds after
yo0 ha1e 6aid 2hem +o, 2hei, 4o,.
As ni/h2 +alls3 yo0 .no7. on 2he doo, o+ Kianmay?s ,oom5 A+2e, a +e4 momen2s3
yo0 hea, he, 7all +o, yo0 2o en2e,5 O6enin/ 2he doo,3 yo0 loo. inside5 The 6,ies2ess is
4,a66ed in a 4hi2e ,o-e3 s2a,in/ o02 2he small 4indo45 I2 is da,. o02side and she
7anno2 ho6e 2o see any2hin/: e87e62 he, o4n +a7e5
Comin/ inside3 yo0 7lose 2he doo,5 The,e is a small 2a-le 4i2h 24o 7hai,s and yo0
2a.e a sea23 4ai2in/ +o, he,5 A+2e, a min02e she 7omes and 2a.es 2he o2he, sea25 She
seems dis2,a72ed3 and as.s yo0 ho4 2he +inan7es a,e /oin/5 Yo0 2ell he, i2 is all +ine5
She as.s yo0 some mo,e 90es2ions a-o02 2he 4ay ahead and yo0 2ell he, 4ha2 yo0
.no45
E1en20ally she s6ea.s 4ha2 is on he, mind5 LToni/h2 yo0 4ill slee6 in he,e 4i2h
me5N
Yo0 a,e sho7.ed5 LCha2ON
LA man 7ame 2o s6ea. 2o me 4hile yo0 4e,e o025 I -elie1e he is an a/en2 o+I
2hose 4ho 60,s0e 0s5 He as.ed me lo2s o+ 90es2ions3 -02 I said I didn?2 .no4
any2hin/5 I said he 4o0ld ha1e 2o s6ea. 2o my h0s-and5 I am 6,e2endin/ 2ha2 is yo05N
Some 7olo0, 7omes 2o he, 7hee.s a2 las25
LSoII 4ill slee6 on 2he +loo,ON yo0 en90i,e5
He, eyes 4iden5 LO+ 7o0,seMN
I2 4o0ld 6,o-a-ly -e a /ood idea +o, yo0 2o lea1e no45 I+ yo0 ha1e a 4ooden
-o4l yo0 4ish Kianmay 2o 2,y and iden2i+y3 20,n 2o +275 I+ yo0 ha1e a la,/e eme,ald
+o, he, 2o iden2i+y3 20,n 2o 0435 Re20,n 2o 2his 6assa/e 4hen yo0 a,e done5
E=
FF - Diamond
O2he,4ise yo0 head do4ns2ai,s 2o 2he 7ommon ,oom5 O,de,in/ a -ee, +,om 2he
-a,3 yo0 2a.e i2 2o a 2a-le in 2he 7o,ne, and ,ela85 Yo0 4a27h 2he o2he, inha-i2an2s o+
2he 7ommon ,oom +o, a 4hile3 -02 e1e,yone seems 7on2en2 2o .ee6 2o 2hemsel1es5
A+2e, a 4hile a man en2e,s 2he 7ommon ,oom5 He loo.s 2o -e an o++i7ial o+ some
so,23 d,essed in a lon/ 7oa2 4i2h a 7,es2 on 2he -,eas23 and a ,o0nd 7a6 on his -aldin/
head5 He loo.s o1e, 2he inha-i2an2s3 2hen /aKin/ a2 yo0 2ho0/h2+0lly3 a66,oa7hes5
LGood e1enin/3 si,3N he says 4i2h a small -o45 LA,e yo0 4i2h 2he 7a,a1an 2ha2
7ame in la2e 2his a+2e,noonON
LChy does 2ha2 in2e,es2 yo0ON yo0 as. ,0dely5
LI s6o.e 4i2h yo0, 4i+e ea,lie,3N 2he man says5 LShe said yo0 7o0ld ans4e, my
90es2ions5N
LI2 is 0nli.ely 2ha2 I 4o0ld -o2he, 2o do 2ha23N yo0 ,es6ond5
The man smiles mi,2hlessly and 2a.es a sea2 a2 yo0, 2a-le5 LI am 2he 70s2oms
7le,.5 The Royal Chan7ello, in A,min2ine has a66oin2ed me 2o .ee6 a 4a27h he,e +o,
7on2,a-and5 This is me,ely a ,o02ine 7he7.5 O+ 7o0,se i+ I 2hin. 2he,e is someI
i,,e/0la,i2y3 I 7an ha1e 2he To4n Ca,den 7on+is7a2e yo0, 4a/on +o, a 2ho,o0/h
sea,7h5N
C0s2oms Cle,.s a,e 2he -ane o+ me,7han2s e1e,y4he,e5 Some 7i2ies made 2hem
ins6e72 e1e,y shi6men25 O2he,s le2 2he 7le,.s 0se 2hei, dis7,e2ion3 4hi7h some2imes
4as e1en 4o,se5
LI+ yo0 4an2ed a -,i-e3 4hy didn?2 yo0 >0s2 say soMN yo0 7om6lain3 no2 2oo 90ie2ly3
li+2in/ yo0, 60,se on2o 2he 2a-le5 LHo4 m07h 2o yo0 0s0ally as. +o,ON
The 7le,. /lan7es a-o02 in em-a,,assmen23 a720ally -l0shin/5 LI?m no2 as.in/ +o,
a -,i-eMN He /,ins ne,1o0sly a2 2he 6eo6le a2 2he ne82 2a-le5 &o4e,in/ his 1oi7e he
hisses a2 yo05 L"02 2ha2 a4ayM B0s2 2ell me 4ha2 yo0 a,e 7a,,yin/MN
Yo0 2ell him3 and he 60lls o02 a small led/e, and a 6o07h +,om 4hi7h he 2a.es a
small in.6o2 and 6en5 I2 loo.s li.e he is se22lin/ in +o, a lon/ lis2 o+ 90es2ions5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
Ans4e, his 90es2ionsO T0,n 2o 63
&ea1eO T0,n 2o 016
Ma.e +0n o+ him 0n2il he /oes a4ayO T0,n 2o +86
036
"assin/ 2he +i,s2 doo,3 yo0 6ee. a,o0nd 2he end o+ 2he a,7h4ay and see -eyond a
sho,2 6assa/e a 4ell-li2 4o,shi66in/ hall5 Yo0 1en20,e inside 2he 6assa/e5 Yo0 hea,
2he e1e,-so so+2 s4ishin/ o+ s.i,2s and 2he so+2 +all o+ 7lo2h sli66e,s a+2e, i2 is 2oo la2e5
A 6,ies2ess s2e6s in2o 1ie4 in 2he 4o,shi6 hall3 headin/ 2o4a,ds 2he 7o,,ido, yo0
a,e in5 She sees yo0 and s2a,2s 2o smile3 -02 2hen loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h a66,ehension and
s0s6i7ion3 /lan7in/ 2o 2he side as i+ 2o 7all +o, hel6 +,om someone else in 2he 4o,shi6
hall5 Yo0 a,e o02 o+ 6la7e3 and do0-2 yo0 7an 90ie2ly e86lain a4ay he, s0s6i7ions5
T0,nin/ a4ay3 yo0 ,0n -a7. do4n 2he 7o,,ido, as 2he 4oman 7alls a+2e, yo03 2ellin/
yo0 2o s2o65 Yo0 de7ide 2o de+y he, and dash -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he 2em6le3 7,ossin/ 2he
mess hall and ma.in/ i2 o02 in2o 2he /a,dens5 Yo0 +lee 2he 2em6le and 7i,7le a,o0nd
-a7. 2o 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o,5 Yo0 4a27h +,om 2he shado4s in 2he en2,an7e +o,
many min02es5 The,e is no si/n o+ ala,m and yo0 ,ela85
E#
FF - Diamond
C0,sin/ yo0, l07.3 yo0 de7ide no4 2he only 2hin/ 2o do is 2o /o 2o 2he "ala7e and
2,y 2o ,es70e Kianmay5 B02 -e+o,e yo0 s2e6 in2o 2he lion?s den3 yo0 de7ide 2o hide 2he
Diamond Key5
The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he
s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es
2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/ in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02
2he Diamond Key +,om 2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one
and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2 +la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
035
Yo0, +inal a22a7. is so sa1a/e 2ha2 2he demon?s head is se1e,ed and ,olls a7,oss 2he
+loo,5 The -ody s0ddenly 20,ns 2o d0s23 2hi7. 4hi2e 4o,ms li.e /ian2 ma//o2s
s90i,min/ in i2s de62hs5 Dis/0s2ed yo0 s2e6 a4ay 4ea,ily5 Yo0 see some2hin/
/lin2in/ in 2he d0s2 and yo0 0se yo0, 4ea6on 2o +li7. i2 o025 "i7.in/ i2 063 yo0 +ind a
small 7,ys2al -all on a /olden 7hain5 The,e is a ,ed and -la7. li90id s4i,lin/ inside5
Yo0 7an 2a.e 2he hell-o,- 4i2h yo0: o, yo0 may 4ish 2o lea1e i2 -ehind sin7e i2
4as em-edded inside 2he demon?s -ody5
&ea1in/ 2he hall3 yo0 4al. -a7. 2o4a,ds 2he mis2 and en2e, i23 on7e mo,e holdin/
yo0, -,ea2h5 The mis2 a-,062ly 7lea,s as yo0 s2e6 o02 o+ 2he doo,4ay on7e mo,e5 Yo0
s2e6 do4n and 2he 4oman em-,a7es yo05 Yo0 4ea,ily /,as6 he, -a7.5 As yo0
4onde, e8a72ly ho4 /,a2e+0l she is3 yo0 +eel 2he s2,en/2h -ein/ d,ained +,om yo0,
-ody5 @Res2o,e yo0 SKI&& and STAMINA 2o 2hei, ini2ial le1els5A
Yo0 7olla6se on 2he /,o0nd3 +eelin/ 4ea.5 The 4oman smiles a2 yo05 LYo0,
4ea.ness 4ill 6ass5 Yo0 ha1e 4on a /,ea2 1i72o,y +o, /ood5 I am no4 +,ee5N
She 4ai2s +o, yo0 2o +eel s2,on/ eno0/h 2o s2and3 2hen es7o,2s yo0 -a7. 2o yo0,
7am65 LI 4ish 2o ,e4a,d yo03N she says5 LSo I 4ill 2ell yo0 2his; To ,e/ain 2he
Diamond Key3 ans4e, J&IFE?5N
LTo ,e/ain i2O Cha2 do yo0 meanON
She 20,ns a4ay3 and s0ddenly a /,ea2 4hi2e ho,se is 2he,e5 She 7lim-s on2o i2s
-a7.5 LFa,e4ell3N she says and /allo6s a4ay5
Yo0 s6end 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 4a27h in 7on+0sion3 and 4hen 2he 2ime 7omes yo0
4a.e one o+ 2he 6aladin 2o 2a.e 2he 4a27h and 7olla6se in2o yo0, -lan.e2s5
T0,n 2o +24
E%
FF - Diamond
072
The 24o soldie,s s2a,2 in ala,m as yo0 a66ea,3 a +0,io0s shado4y +i/0,e +,amed -y
2he d0ll ,ed li/h2 o+ 2he hea,2h5 Yo0 l0n/e a2 one as he d,a4s his s4o,d3 -02 mana/e
2o only 4o0nd him5 No4 yo0 m0s2 +i/h2 -o2h a2 on7e5
KING?S SO&DIER ) SKI&& ' STAMINA )* DB % ARMOUR #
KING?S SO&DIER SKI&& ' STAMINA )( DB % ARMOUR #
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 11+
I+ yo0 die3 20,n 2o 125
070
Yo0 +eel 2he ai, s2a,2 2o 2hi7.en a,o0nd yo03 -02 s0ddenly i2 2hins a/ain3 and yo0,
7ha,/e is -a,ely 6a0sed as yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ a2 2he old man5 He only has 2ime 2o
loo. s2a,2led -e+o,e yo0 end his li+e5
He +alls +o,4a,d on2o 2he des. 4i2h a 2h0m65 De7idin/ 2ha2 Qa,im m0s2 -e held in
2he 6ala7e3 yo0 2a.e -a7. 2he Diamond Key and sea,7h 2he s20dy +o, any2hin/ 2ha2 7an
aid yo05 On 2he man himsel+ yo0 +ind a /olden ,in/ 2ha2 loo.s ma/i7al5 In 2he
d,a4e,s o+ 2he des. yo0 +ind a da//e, 4i2h ,0nes e27hed on 2he -lade and an i1o,y
dis7 2he siKe o+ yo0, 6alm 4i2h an ony8 lion inlaid in one side5
The,e is also a 7a-ine2 ne82 2o 2he doo, and a sea,7h o+ i2 ,e1eals a -o8 o+ 2en
healin/ 6o2ions and a sin/le 6hial o+ /,een l07. 6o2ion5 Yo0 also +ind a +oo2-hi/h
s2a20e o+ 2he 4hi2e /oddess 2ha2 is e890isi2ely 7a,1ed +,om >ade55
&ea1in/ 2he s20dy -e+o,e 2he dea2h is dis7o1e,ed3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7.
2h,o0/h 2he 2em6le and o02 in2o 2he /a,dens5 No4 yo0 m0s2 ma.e yo0, assa0l2 on 2he
6ala7e5 B02 -e+o,e yo0 4al. in2o 2he lion?s den3 yo0 de7ide 2o hide 2he Diamond Key3
so yo0 head -a7. 2o 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o,5
The sh,ine is li2 -y a sin/le 2all 7andle and yo0 sli6 inside5 The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine
is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a
loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/
in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key +,om
2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2
+la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
E'
FF - Diamond
07+
Yo0 4ai2 a +e4 min02es +o, 2he men 2o se22le3 2hen slo4ly slide o02 +,om 0nde, 2he
7o07h5 Yo0 /,i6 yo0, 4ea6ons and ,eady yo0,sel+5 Yo0 ha1e 2a.en o++ all yo0,
>e4elle,y and o2he, i2ems 2o slee6 and a,e d,essed in only yo0, 7lo2hes5 Yo0 don?2
4an2 2o ,is. sea,7hin/ 2h,o0/h yo0, 6a7.3 so yo0 lea1e i2 -ehind5
Yo0 2a.e a dee6 -,ea2h3 2hen 7ha,/e o02 o+ 2he 7o1e, o+ 2he +0,ni20,e5
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5 I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 03
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 072
071
Yo0 2a.e 2he s4o,d +,om 2he s.ele2al +in/e,s and li+2 i2 in yo0, hands5 Al2ho0/h i2
is a 24o handed 4ea6on3 i2 is ma/i7ally li/h2 in yo0, hands5 I2 has a /olden hil2 se2
4i2h o6als3 and 2he -lade has sil1e, 4o,ds ins7,i-ed on -o2h sides5
Than.in/ 2he 7,o4 on7e mo,e3 yo0 lea1e 2he ,0ined 6ala7e and ma.e yo0, 4ay
-a7. 2h,o0/h Da,.en Cood5 Yo0 4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he Cood +o, ho0,s3 and soon
7ome 2o a ,oad5 Ta.in/ a /am-le3 yo0 head no,2h and a+2e, an ho0, ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+
Ta66in5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
073
As yo0 d,a4 nea,3 2he -andi2 s0ddenly sna27hes 06 his s4o,d and s6ins a-o023
4hi66in/ i2 +,om i2s s7a--a,d5 Yo0 >0m6 -a7. and -,in/ yo0, o4n 4ea6on 2o hand5
The -andi2 /,ins and ad1an7es on yo05
LFoolishMN he snee,s5 LYo0 2hin. I am a 7ommon -andi2O I am a 4a,,io, in 2he
a,my o+ Gilmo,e 2he G,oa2MN
Yo0 7anno2 +lee +,om 2his -a22le5
BANDIT SKI&& E STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR )
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o ++6
I+ yo0, s2amina is ,ed07ed 2o # o, less3 20,n 2o +60
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Kin/?s B,oads4o,d Fine s4o,d )*
E(
FF - Diamond
077
Yo0 +eel 2he helm yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 2in/le a,o0nd yo0, -,o4 and s0ddenly 2he men
-e+o,e yo0 -l0,5 The -l0,s 7lea, and yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ loo.in/ a2 a 7i,7le o+ 4ol1es5
Yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 2he helm has 2he 6o4e, o+ 2,0e si/h25 I2 4ill ,e1eal 2he 2,0e na20,e o+
yo0, enemies5 The Col+ and his 7oho,2s a,e all 4e,e4ol1esM
I+ yo0 4e,e 7a,,yin/ a ne7,oman7e,?s 4and 4hen yo0 4e,e 7a620,ed3 20,n 2o 82
I+ no23 20,n 2o +83
078
G,i22in/ yo0, 2ee2h3 yo0 ,e20,n 2o 2he 4a/on and 7o0n2 o02 2he /old5 Yo0 hand 2he
7oins o1e, 2o 2he /,innin/ o,7 and he ea/e,ly 2a.es 2hem in his 7la4ed hands5 This is
one o,7 4ho doesn?2 6,e+e, a li+e o+ ,aidin/5 Yo0 2hen .neel do4n as 6,omised and
s6i2 o02 2he a6olo/y3 7a0sin/ 2he assem-led o,7s 2o la0/h 06,oa,io0sly5
T0,n 2o 111
074
The lo7. 7li7.s o6en and yo0 ,e20,n 2he 6i7.s 2o yo0, 6o7.e25 Ca,e+0lly yo0 60sh
2he doo, o6en and see a da,. ,oom -eyond5 Yo0 sli6 inside and 7lose 2he doo, -ehind
yo05 The,e is li/h2 7omin/ 0nde, 2he doo,3 and yo0 4ai2 a +e4 momen2s +o, yo0, eyes
2o ad>0s25 The -a2h,oom is +0,nished 4i2h side 2a-les 7o1e,ed 4i2h -o22les and 1ases o+
+lo4e,s5 The,e is also ano2he, doo, in 2he 4all 2o 2he ,i/h23 -02 i2 is se2 in 2he 4all3 and
2he,e is no /a6 0nde, i25 Yo0 6,o7eed a,o0nd 2he 20- and 06 2o 2he main doo,5
&is2enin/ 7a,e+0lly3 yo0 hea, no2hin/ and slo4ly o6en 2he doo,5
Yo0 a,e loo.in/ o02 in2o a hall5 Yo0 .no4 immedia2ely 2ha2 2his in no2 ano2he,
,oom +o, ,en25 This m0s2 -e 2he o4ne,?s 90a,2e,s5 The hall has +o0, doo,s3 2he
-a2h,oom -ein/ 2he +i+2h doo, in 2he end o+ 2he hall5 A2 2he o66osi2e end 2he,e is an
a,7h4ay leadin/ 2o ano2he, hall3 in 2he 4alls o+ 4hi7h yo0 7an see mo,e doo,s5 A se2
o+ do0-le doo,s a2 2he +a, end loo.s li.e 2he en2,an7e 2o 2he 90a,2e,s5
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /oO
The +i,s2 doo, on 2he le+2O T0,n 2o 01+
The se7ond doo, on 2he le+2O T0,n 2o 060
The +i,s2 doo, on 2he ,i/h2O T0,n 2o ++5
The se7ond doo, on 2he ,i/h2O T0,n 2o +46
I+ yo0 4o0ld 6,e+e, 2o s2o6 snea.in/ a,o0nd and /o -a7. 2o yo0, 90a,2e,s +o, dinne,3
20,n 2o 126
076
The -andi2s se2 only one sen2,y3 and i2 is a sim6le ma22e, 2o 4ai2 +o, him 2o 4ande,
o++ 2o ,elie1e himsel+ and 90ie2ly s2a- him in 2he l0n/5 Yo0 nod 2o "enma,. and yo0
and yo0, men mo1e in2o 2he 7am65 Mos2 o+ 2he -andi2s a,e in 2hei, 2en2s3 -02 a 7o06le
a,e 4,a66ed in -lan.e2s nea, 2he +i,e5 Yo0 a66,oa7h 2hem +i,s2 and 2,yin/ 2o .ee6
EE
FF - Diamond
7alm3 sin. yo0 da//e, in2o 2hei, 2h,oa2s one -y one3 7lam6in/ a hand o1e, 2hei,
mo02hs 2o 6,e1en2 2hem +,om 7,yin/ o025 Yo0 7an see -o22les lyin/ a-o02 and /0ess
2ha2 mos2 ha1e d,0n. a2 leas2 some al7ohol5
Yo0 7a,e+0lly a66,oa7h 2he +i,s2 2en25 Yo0 7an hea, so+2 sno,es +,om 4i2hin3 and
as yo0, eyes ad>0s23 yo0 7,a4l o1e, 2he h0ddled +o,ms3 .illin/ 2hem one -y one5 The
/,isly 2as. done3 yo0 lea1e
Yo0 -e/in 2o mo1e 2o4a,ds 2he se7ond 2en2 4hen s0ddenly 2he,e is a sho02 -ehind
yo05 Yo0 ha1e -een dis7o1e,ed5 The -andi2s s7,am-le +o, 2hei, 4ea6ons3 2hen
s2a//e, 2o4a,ds yo05 Yo0 ,0n +o, 2he +o,es25 T,yin/ 2o +i/h2 so many in 2he o6en
4o0ld -e s0i7ide5
Yo0 mo1e in2o 2he da,.ness o+ 2he +o,es2 and 20,n a,o0nd 2o +a7e 2he -andi2s3 4ho
ha1e a,med 2hemsel1es 4i2h 2o,7hes5 I+ 2he 6aladin ha1e 7,oss-o4s 4i2h 2hem3 ,oll
one die5 I+ no23 ,oll 24o5 The ,es0l2in/ n0m-e, is ho4 many o+ 2he -andi2s yo0 4ill
6e,sonally ha1e 2o +a7e in 2he +o,es25 Yo0 7an +i/h2 2hem one a2 a 2ime -y hidin/ in
2he shado4s and +i/h2in/ 2hem in 2he 2hi7. 0nde,/,o42h5
Use 2he +ollo4in/ s2a2is2i7s +o, ea7h -andi2 2ha2 yo0 +a7e3 and -e 2han.+0l some o+
2hem a,e d,0n.;
BANDIT SKI&& # STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 die3 20,n 2o 125
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 067
075
Yo0 6ay 2he as.in/ 6,i7e and 2he 7le,. ,in/s a -ell5 T4o -oys h0,,iedly a66ea,
2h,o0/h a small doo,5 One h0,,ies o02side 2o 2a.e 2he ho,ses3 2he o2he, ,emains 2o lead
yo0 2o yo0, ,oom5 Kianmay 7omes in3 he, +a7e loo.in/ /,ey 4i2h +a2i/0e5 The -oy
leads yo0 2h,o0/h a la,/e doo, and in2o a lon/ 7o,,ido,5 Yo0, ,oom doesn?2 ha1e a
n0m-e,3 i2 has a name3 7alled 2he Auburn +hambers5 Inside 2he 4alls a,e da,. ,ed
6olished 4ood 6anels3 and 2he 6olished +loo, -oa,ds ha1e a simila, h0e5 The -oy
2a.es a 2a6e, and 90i7.ly li/h2s lam6s5 The,e a,e +o0, doo,s in 2he en2,an7e hall3 and
2he -oy /i1es yo0 a 90i7. 2o0,3 sho4in/ yo0 a si22in/ ,oom 4i2h a 4,i2in/ 2a-le3 a
-ed,oom3 a dinin/ ,oom and +inally a -a2h,oom5 In 2he -a2h,oom is a la,/e 7o66e, 20-
se2 in2o a ,aised +loo,5 A small doo, in 2he 4all m0s2 -e 2o le2 -07.e2--ea,in/ se,1an2s
in5
A+2e, 2he -oy lea1es3 Kianmay says 2o yo0; LCan 4e a++o,d 2hisON
LThe o2he, inn didn?2 loo. ,e602a-le5N Yo0 say5 LAll ,ooms 7ome 4i2h +,ee
-a2hin/5 Yo0 sho0ld 2a.e i25N
She loo.s a2 yo0 /,a2e+0lly3 -02 sha.es he, head5 LI?m a 6,ies2ess3 no2 a 6,in7ess5
I sho0ld -e a-le 2o end0,e s07h ha,dshi65N
LCe ha1e al,eady 6aid +o, i23N yo0 6oin2 o025 LAnd yo0 4ill need yo0, s2,en/2h
+o, 4hen 4e a,,i1e in A,an2a2o,5 Yo0 4ill +a7e a lo2 o+ ha,dshi6 2hen5 A2 leas2 ,ela8
2oni/h25N
Kianmay allo4s he,sel+ 2o -e 7on1in7ed5 Yo0 se22le in2o 2he ,ooms3 se22in/ 06
yo0, -ed,oll in 2he si22in/ ,oom5 Yo0 /o 2o 2he dinin/ ,oom and 60ll on 2he 1el1e2
7o,d 2ha2 han/s in 2he 7o,ne,5 A se,1in/ /i,l soon .no7.s on yo0, doo,5 Yo0 2ell he,
2o -,in/ any +ood 2ha2 does no2 7on2ain mea25 She smiles and -o4s3 90i7.ly ,e2,ea2in/
2o h0,,y -a7. 2o 2he .i27hens5
)**
FF - Diamond
The,e is ano2he, 7o,d in 2he 7o,ne, o+ 2he -a2h ,oom3 and yo0 60ll 06on i25 Ci2hin
a min02e 2he small doo, o6ens and a yo02h 6o.es his head in5 LA ho2 -a2h +o, a lady5N
Yo0 say5 He disa66ea,s on7e mo,e5 Tha2 done3 yo0 /o 2o see Kianmay3 .no7.in/ on
2he -ed,oom doo,5 She 7alls +o, yo0 2o 7ome in5
En2e,in/3 yo0 +ind he, si22in/ a2 a d,esse,3 20,ned in he, 7hai, 2o +a7e yo05 She
-e7.ons +o, yo0 2o 7ome o1e,5 Yo0 a66,oa7h3 seein/ 2he Diamond Key on 2he d,esse,
-eside he,5 She also has a small 7lo2h -a/ on a 4o1en 7o,d5 She sli6s 2he Key in2o
2he -a/3 and 60lls 2he 7o,d 2o 7lose 2he -a/5 She hands i2 2o yo05
LF,om no4 on3 I 2hin. i2 is -es2 i+ yo0 7a,,y 2his5N
LMeO ChyON yo0 as.5
LYo0 a,e in mo,e dan/e, 2han I am3N she ,e6lies5 LAnd yo0 4ill 2,y 2o 6,o2e72 me
i+ I am endan/e,ed5 I2 is -es2 +o, yo0 2o 2a.e 2his5 F0,2he,mo,e3 i+ 4e a,e 7hallen/ed
a/ain3 yo0 mi/h2 need 2o lea1e me as 4e ha1e le+2 2he o2he,s3 and 2a.e 2he Key alone
2o i2s des2ina2ion5N
LI don?2 e1en .no4 4he,e 2ha2 is3N yo0 6,o2es25
LThe Tem6le o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess in A,an2a2o,3N she ,e6lies5 LThe Hi/h ",ies2
2he,e is named Qa,im5N
Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o say3 yo0 602 2he 7o,d a,o0nd yo0, ne7. and hide 2he Diamond
Key 0nde, yo0, 7lo2hes and a,mo0,5 LI?1e o,de,ed dinne,3 and yo0, -a2h3N yo0 2ell
he,5
She smiles and 2han.s yo05 Yo0 lea1e 2he ,oom3 and 4ande, in 2o 4a27h 2he
se,1an2s 6,e6a,e 2he -a2h5 A 6,e7ession o+ se,1an2s 6ass -07.e2s o+ s2eamin/ 4a2e, 06
2h,o0/h 2he small doo,4ay and em62y 2hem in2o 2he -a2h3 s.il+0lly 6assin/ 2he em62y
-07.e2s -a7. do4n a/ain5 The -a2h ,a6idly +ills5 The yo02h yo0 sa4 ea,lie, has li+2ed
2he +loo,-oa,ds 2o a77ess a 7ham-e, 0nde, 2he 7o66e, -a2h5 He is s2o.in/ ho2 7oals in
a 7a1i2y -enea2h 2he -a2h 2o .ee6 2he 4a2e, 4a,m as lon/ as 6ossi-le5
Ci2h 6,a72ised e++i7ien7y3 2he -a2h is +illed and 2he se,1an2s 1anish 2h,o0/h 2he
small doo,4ay5 S2andin/ in 2he em62y ,oom3 yo0 loo. a2 2he small doo, 4i2h
70,iosi2y5 O-1io0sly i2 leads 2o 2he .i27hens5 Yo0 also 4onde, ho4 se70,e i2 is5
The,e doesn?2 seem 2o -e any 4ay 2o lo7. 2he doo, +,om 4i2hin5 Goin/ o1e, 2o 2he
doo,3 yo0 mana/e 2o 60ll i2 o6en -y i2s ,im5 Inside is a small 6assa/e5 Yo0 /o inside
and 7lose 2he doo, -ehind yo05 Follo4in/ 2he 6assa/e3 i2 leads 2o a >0n72ion 4he,e
2he,e a,e se1e,al o2he, 6assa/es and a s2ai,4ay leadin/ do4n4a,ds5 Yo0 /o do4n 2he
s2ai,4ay and +ind yo0,sel+ in a -oile, ,oom5 A h0/e 7as2 i,on 2an. si2s o1e, a +i,e 6i23
s2o7.ed -y 2he yo02h yo0 sa4 ea,lie,5 A/ains2 one 4all is a line o+ -ells3 7o,ds
e82endin/ +,om 2hem 2h,o0/h holes in 2he ,oo+5 The -ells a,e n0m-e,ed5
Yo0, 70,iosi2y sa2is+ied3 yo0 /o -a7. 2o 6assa/e 2ha2 leads 2o yo0, ,oom5 As yo0
,ea7h 2he small doo,3 yo0 hea, mo1emen2 4i2hin5 The,e is also li/h2 7omin/ in +,om a
hole in 2he 4all a-o1e 2he doo,5 "022in/ yo0, eye 2o i23 yo0 ,ealise i2 is a 6ee6holeM
Inside yo0 7an see Kianmay 4,a66ed in a ,o-e3 2es2in/ 2he 4a2e, 4i2h he, 2oe5
Do yo0 4an2 2o s2ay and 4a27hO T0,n 2o 007
I+ yo0 a,e a /en2leman3 and de7ide 2o e86lo,e ins2ead3 20,n 2o +8+
082
Yo0 lis2en a2 2he doo,3 hea,in/ 2he m0++led ,ela8ed 1oi7es o+ 2he o4ne, and his
/0es2s5 E1en so3 2he so0nds do no2 seem 2o -e 7omin/ +,om immedia2ely -eyond5
Yo0 o6en 2he doo, 7a,e+0lly and see a small3 dim ,oom +illed 4i2h ,a7.s o+ 4ine
)*)
FF - Diamond
-o22les5 Ano2he, doo, o66osi2e m0s2 lead 2o 4he,e 2he o4ne, is en2e,2ainin/ his
/0es2s5 Yo0 7lose 2he doo, and head -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o sea,7h else4he,e5
T0,n 2o +11
080
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4i2h +ea,+0l an2i7i6a2ion5
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a 2i/h2 line3 and he, eyes a,e +illed 4i2h de2e,mina2ion5
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20,n 2o 034
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06 2he /,ill and see 4a2e, /limme,in/ +a, -elo45 The d,ain is no2 m07h 4ide, 2han
yo03 and yo0 don?2 +an7y d,o66in/ in and /e22in/ 7a0/h2 in 2he,e3 -02 i2 is 2he only
o2he, 4ay o025
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is a .ind o+ >0n72ion5 Yo0 s4im 2o4a,ds an o6enin/ and 2h,o0/h a sho,2 6assa/e5
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current STAMINA3 20,n 2o 7215 I+ i2 is /,ea2e,3 20,n 2o 7+4
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FF - Diamond
081
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2o +inish ea2in/5 Finally he says; LThe Col+ +ea,s no2 +i,e3 he +ea,s 4ea.ness in 2hose
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is d,0n.3 so yo0 head -a7. 06s2ai,s5
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083
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Mo0n2ains5
T0,n 2o 08
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ho,ses -ehind a 2,a1elle, 4i2h a 6ai, o+ don.eys5 The 2,a1elle, has a la,/e 90an2i2y o+
he,-s 4i2h him3 and i2 2a.es a lon/ 2ime 2o 7on1in7e 2he /0a,ds 2ha2 2hey a,e no2
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loo.s a2 Kianmay3 2hen -a7. a2 2he 6a6e,5 He o6ens his mo02h 2o s6ea.5
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2he ,ei/ns5 The ho,se 4hinnies and ,ea,s3 60llin/ 2he -,idle +,om 2he /,as6 o+ 2he
/0a,d 2ha2 holds yo0, ho,se5 Yo0 0,/e yo0, ho,se +o,4a,d3 lashin/ o02 on -o2h sides
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a-o023 loo.in/ -a7. a2 Kianmay5 He, ho,se is held -y +o0, /0a,ds5 The,e 4ill -e no
es7a6e +o, he,5 She mee2s yo0, eye and ma.es a +li7.in/ /es20,e 4i2h one o+ he,
+in/e,s5 She is 2ellin/ yo0 2o ,0n3 and 2a.e 2he Diamond Key yo0 4ea, 4i2h yo05
Yo0 /,i2 yo0, 2ee2h3 -02 2he,e is no2hin/ else yo0 7an do5 Yo0 4heel 2he ho,se
a,o0nd and /allo6 o++ do4n 2he s2,ee2 2o /e2 some dis2an7e -e24een yo0 and 2he /a2e5
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s2,ee2s5 Yo0 ma.e yo0 4ay in2o 2he ma,.e2s and +indin/ a 1endo, 4ho sells 7loa.s3
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FF - Diamond
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Chile in 2he ma,.e2 yo0 7an -0y and sell any /oods yo0 4ish5
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6assed5 He,e in 2he o02e, 7i2y 2he 4ide s2,ee2s a,e s0,,o0nded -y o+2en ,i7.e2y
s2,0720,es3 small and made o+ 4ood mo,e o+2en 2ha2 s2one3 and 6ain2ed in a 1a,ie2y o+
7olo0,s5 Only 2he da,. sla2e ,oo1es a,e 0ni+o,m5 Sho6s and ,esiden7es as 4ell as
2a1e,ns and -,o2hels si2 side -y side in 2he o02e, 7i2y3 2he 7haos o+ h0man e8is2en7e
+illin/ 2he /a6s -e24een 2he 4ell-6lanned3 4ell-laid s2,ee2s5
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i+ in2e,es2ed in 2hei, 4ea6ons and a,mo0,5
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ma,.e2 90a,2e,5
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la4ns a,e s7a22e,ed 4i2h lone 2,ees and /,o1es o+ e8o2i7 and -ea02i+0l +lo4e,in/
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li1e,y o+ 2he 7i2y a,e -0sy li/h2in/3 +illin/ 2he /a,dens 4i2h a so+23 4a,m /lo45
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s2yles3 dedi7a2ed 2o a 6le2ho,a o+ dei2ies5 The Kin/s o+ A,an2a2o, ha1e al4ays 6,ided
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/a,dens and e1en20ally yo0 see ahead a la,/e ma,-le 2em6le s0,,o0nded -y oa.s5 A
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+,on2 o+ 2he 2em6le3 s2andin/ 4a27h -enea2h 2he a,7hes 4hile an o++i7e, s2,olls -a7.
and +o,2h5 Some2hin/ a-o02 2hei, manne, a,o0ses yo0, s0s6i7ion5 Yo0 a,e 2oo 7lose
no4 2o 20,n a4ay3 so yo0 .ee6 4al.in/5
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yo0, 4ay alon/ 2he 6a2h 2o 2he sh,ine ne82 doo,5
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-ea,in/ a h0/e s7imi2a, in one hand3 and a d,a/on?s head in 2he o2he,5 A ma,-le
sa,7o6ha/0s +ills 2he shine3 and a si/n 4,i22en in se1e,al lan/0a/es 2ells yo0 2ha2 yo0
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dis2,a72ed as yo0 ,ealise yo0 a,e s2andin/ nea, 2he he,o o+ many o+ yo0, 7hildhood
s2o,ies5 A,in/a,a2o, himsel+M
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his o4n soldie,s 2o 4a27h 2he 2em6le and a66,ehend yo05 Ci2ho02 Kianmay3 yo0 4ill
need 2o s6ea. 2o 2he Hi/h ",ies23 Qa,im5 He may no2 -e in a 6osi2ion 2o hel6 yo0
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FF - Diamond
2ho0/h5 I2 is la2e3 -02 i2 mi/h2 -e 6ossi-le 2o +ind some 1endo,s in 2he ma,.e2 s2ill
o6en and 2o -0y a dis/0ise o+ some so,25 I+ yo0 don?2 4an2 2o s6end any money3 yo0
7o0ld >0s2 snea. in2o 2he 2em6le5
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T,y 2o snea. in2o 2he 2em6leO T0,n 2o +41
088
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4al. a,o0nd 7he7.in/ 2ha2 all is 4ell3 2hen 2a.e a 6osi2ion nea, 2he +i,e5 Yo0 .ee6 i2
-0,nin/ -,i/h25
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084
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lo7. 2he doo, 2o yo0, 90a,2e,s5 Yo0 mo1e yo0, -ed,oll in2o 2he -ed,oom and 7losin/
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T0,n 2o 141
086
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a lon/ 4ay 2o /oMN
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FF - Diamond
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same 70,iosi2y and a66,ehension 2ha2 yo0 on7e +el25 Kianmay 7lim-s 06 on2o 2he
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la,/e oa. nea, 2he ,oad3 and 2he 6aladin -e/in 2o se2 06 a 7oo.in/ +i,e5 Yo0 no2i7e 2ha2
2he 6aladin and 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds .ee6 2o 2hemsel1es3 and e1en 2ho0/h 2he
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6aladin5
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Ty,en5 I?m +,om Fan/5 E,,II 7an -alan7e a da//e, on my nose5N
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dis7i6line5
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4ai2 se1e,al lon/ momen2s +o, yo0, eyes 2o ad>0s25
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FF - Diamond
Chen yo0 7an +inally see3 yo0 loo. o1e, 2he 4ea6ons and a,mo0, ea/e,ly5 Yo0
,e+le72 2ha2 i2 4o0ld 6,o-a-ly -e a -ad idea 2o +0lly e90i6 yo0,sel+3 -02 yo0 loo. o1e,
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4ish5 The,e a,e many +ine s0i2s o+ a,mo0,3 -02 mos2 a,e 2oo o,na2e3 and 4o0ld d,a4
a22en2ion 2o yo0,sel+5 E1en so yo0 +ind 2h,ee s0i2s o+ a,mo0, 2ha2 yo0 7onside,
s4a66in/ 4i2h 4ha2 yo0 4ea,5
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a,e sil1e,3 no2 s2eel @ARMOUR G )A5 S0,ely 2his a,mo0, m0s2 -e ma/i7al5
The se7ond s0i2 is a s2eel -,eas26la2e @ARMOUR G #A3 and has a la,/e3 7lea,3
o72a/onal 7,ys2al se2 in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7hes25 A 7a,e+0l +old o+ yo0, 7loa. sho0ld
.ee6 2he 7,ys2al +,om 1ie45
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yo0 a,e s0mmoned 2o an a0dien7e 4i2h 2he Col+3 he mi/h2 no2i7e i+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/
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I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o -a7. and e86lo,e else4he,e3 20,n 2o 145
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2o 045
042
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2ells yo0 2ha2 2he -ee2le is a holy 2alisman o+ mani+es2a2ion5 I2 says no2hin/ else
e87e62 2ha2 6,ies2s a,e o+2en .no4n 2o 7a,,y 2hem5
I2 is o+ no 0se 2o yo03 i2 seems5
Cha2 no4O
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
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",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
040
Yo0 4a.e 06 4i2h an a7hin/ ne7.3 70,sin/ 2he ha,d +loo,-oa,ds5 Ma.in/ s0,e
yo0, men a,e 063 yo0 head do4n 2o 2he .i27hen 2o o,de, ea,ly -,ea.+as2s +o, yo0,
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FF - Diamond
6a,2y5 One o+ 2he 7oo.s men2ions some2hin/ a-o02 seein/ G0a,dsmen in 2he
s2a-leya,d and yo0 h0,,y o02side5 The 4a/on is /one3 and 2he,e is no si/n o+ 2he man
yo0 le+2 2o /0a,d i25
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To4n G0a,dho0se5 The G0a,dho0se is a 24o s2o,ey s2one -0ildin/3 4i2h -a22lemen2s
on 2o6 and a la,/e 4alled 7om6o0nd5 The,e is a hea1y 4ooden /a2e leadin/ in2o 2he
7om6o0nd5 Yo0 6a0se 2o 2,y and 6ea. 2h,o0/h 2he /a6s3 and yo0 7a27h a /lim6se o+
yo0, 4a/on inside5 Yo0 s2e6 -a7. and e8amine 2he 4all5 I2 is hi/h and has a >022in/
li6 a2 2he 2o65 I2 4ill -e 1e,y di++i70l2 2o 7lim-5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 4al. a,o0nd 2he 7om6o0nd 2o loo. +o, a 4ay 2o snea. inO T0,n 2o
004
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, /o in and as. 2o s6ea. 2o 2he Ca,den3 20,n 2o +34
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4a,ily a7,oss 2he -las2ed land and e1en20ally a66,oa7h 2he h023 4hi7h is -0il2 o+ /,ey
s2i7.s5 As yo0 nea,3 yo0 see a 6a2h leadin/ do4n 2o a small s2one 6ie,3 a2 4hi7h is
moo,ed a lon/ 4ooden -oa2 4i2h a hi/h -o4 and s2e,n5 I2 +loa2s on 2he la1a 4i2ho02
-0,nin/ 065
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doo,4ay is o6en and yo0 loo. inside5 Inside is >0s2 a hole in 2he /,o0nd5 Ge22in/
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O2he,4ise3 2o /o -a7. 2o 2he 2em6le and see. o02 2he demon3 20,n 2o 103
041
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many 2imes5 He is no2 0n2o07hed -y yo0, -lade3 -02 i2 seems 2o ha1e no e++e72 06on
him5 Yo0 d,a4 -lood3 -02 i2 is as i+ 2he 4o0nds heal 2hemsel1es5
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LI yieldMN yo0 /as65
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hel6s yo0 s2and and leads yo0 -a7. inside5 Yo0 a,e led -a7. in2o 2he 2h,one ,oom3
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2a-le 4i2h all o+ yo0, -elon/in/s on i25
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me5N
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s6ea.s5 LCe 7anno2 lea1e he,e 4i2ho02 o0, one 2,0e 2,eas0,e: +o, i2 is no2 o0,s 2o
lose5N
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LA -la7. s2one ins7,i-ed 4i2h a s6i,al o+ an7ien2 s7,i623N she ,e6lies5
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FF - Diamond
LA sim6le s2one s07h as yo0 des7,i-e 7anno2 -e o+ mo,e 1al0e 2han 2he 7oin and
>e4elled i2ems 06on 2his 2a-le5 Ins2ead 2a.e one i2em5N The Col+ /es20,es 2o yo0 and
yo0 /o o1e, 2o 2he 2a-le and sele72 one o+ yo0, i2ems 2o 2a.e 4i2h yo05
LThe s2one o+ 4hi7h I s6ea. is mo,e 1al0a-le 2han any >e4el and m0s2 -e ,e20,ned
2o me5N
LCha2 4ill yo0 do 4i2h i2ON 2he Col+ as.s5
LI shall 2a.e i2 2o 2he 2em6le in A,an2a2o,5N
Yo0 mo1e 2o s2and ne82 2o Kianmay5 Casn?2 he, mission mean2 2o -e a se7,e2O
LDo yo0 .no4 2ha2 2he Kin/ o+ A,an2a2o, is my enemyON
LI do5N Kianmay ,e6lies5
LChy sho0ld I deli1e, 2his /,ea2 2,eas0,e in2o his handsON 2he Col+ as.s5
LI2 is no2 +o, him3 i2 is +o, 2his land5N
The Col+ ,aises one eye-,o45 LCha2 does 2ha2 meanON
Kianmay e86lains5 LThe s2one m0s2 -e 6la7ed in 2he ea,2h 0nde, 2he 2em6le o+ 2he
Chi2e Goddess in A,an2a2o,5 In 2he hands o+ any one man 2he s2one is 4as2ed5N
LThe s2one ma.es 2he man 4ho -ea,s i2 immo,2al5 Chy is 2his a 4as2eON
Ho4 does he .no4 2ha2O Kianmay does no2 seem s0,6,ised and 7on2in0es5 LThe
6o4e, 4hi7h ma.es one man immo,2al 7an ins2ead +lo4 in2o 2he ea,2h5 The 2em6le in
A,an2a2o, is -0il2 06on one o+ 2he 7hannels o+ 6o4e, in 2he ea,2h3 and so 2he 6o4e, o+
2he s2one shall -e m0l2i6lied /,ea2ly and -,in/ /,ea2 -lessin/s 2o 2his land and all 4ho
d4ell he,e5N
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LI do no2 .no45N Kianmay ,e6lies5
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The so,7e,e, ,ea7hes in2o 2he 6o07h on his -el2 and 2a.es o02 2he Diamond Key in
i2s 7lo2h -a/5 He a66,oa7hes and hands 2he -a/ 2o Kianmay5 She 2a.es i2 ea/e,ly5
She -o4s5 LI 2han. yo03 no-le Col+5 Yo0 a,e a -e22e, man 2han mos25N
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T0,n 2o 3+
043
Kianmay e8amines 2he /em and 2ells yo0 2ha2 i2 is a &07.s2one5 I2 4ill ,e6lenish
yo0 &UCK 2o i2s ini2ial le1el a2 any 2ime e87e62 in -a22le5
Re20,n no4 2o 034
047
Yo0 ad1an7e 4i2h yo0, da//e,5 The manse,1an2 si/hs and d,a4s +,om his slee1es
24o slim -laded .ni1es5 Yo0 no2i7e 2ha2 2he -lades a,e dis7olo0,ed 4i2h 6oison5
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ano2he, +i1e ,o0nds5 A2 2ha2 2ime 2he 6oison 4ill ,ea7h yo0, hea,2 and yo0 4ill -e
)*E
FF - Diamond
dead5 E1en i+ yo0 4in 4i2hin # ,o0nds yo0 4ill s2ill die 0nless yo0 ha1e a healin/
6hial 4i2h yo05
GRIFFON ASSASSIN SKI&& ) STAMINA )# DB * ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 a,e ha1in/ se7ond 2ho0/h2s and 4an2 2o ,0n a4ay3 20,n 2o ++8
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 062
048
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yo0 -e7ome a4a,e o+ is 2ha2 yo0 a,e in /,ea2 6ain5 Yo0 e1en20ally dis7o1e, 2ha2 yo0
a,e -o0nd 2o a 2a-le -y yo0, 4,is2s and an.les5 I2 is a la,/e 2a-le3 so yo0 a,e s2,e27hed
o025 Yo0 ha1e -een s2,i66ed o+ e1e,y2hin/ yo0 had 4i2h yo0 e87e62 yo0, 7lo2hes5
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smellin/ in7ense5 Yo0 60ll a2 2he ,o6es3 -02 yo0 a,e -o0nd se70,ely5
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mind5
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s.i,2 o+ da,. -l0e sil.3 em-,oide,ed 4i2h sil1e, 2h,ead a-o02 2he hem5 She 7a,,ies a
/olden 706 in one hand3 and a lon/ slim da//e, in 2he o2he,5
LCho a,e yo0ON Yo0 as.5
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da//e, 2o 702 o6en yo0 a,m5 She has se1e,ed an a,2e,y3 and -lood s2,eams +,om 2he
4o0nd5 She 7a27hes 2he -lood in 2he 7063 +illin/ i2 2o 2he -,im in a +e4 se7onds5
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-,in/s 2he 706 o+ -lood 2o he, +a7e and inhales dee6ly 4i2h he, eyes 7losed5 She 2hen
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he, li6s 4i2h he, o2he, hand5
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name5 Cha2 -la7. ma/i7 is 2hisO
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7han/es5 LYo0 +ind me -ea02i+0l5N
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a4ay3 la0/hin/5
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FF - Diamond
C0,sin/3 yo0 loo. a2 2he da//e, she has le+2 on 2he 2a-le5 Yo0 2,y 2he ,o6es3 -02
yo0 a,e -o0nd 2i/h2ly5 Min02es la2e,3 ano2he, o,7 7omes3 2his one a /,isly 4a,,io,5
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o+ -lood and 602s 2he -anda/e -a7. in 6la7e5
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lyin/ on 2he +loo, o+ ano2he, small ,oom5 The,e is a sin/le /lo4in/ 7,ys2al si22in/ on
2he +loo, nea, yo03 ill0mina2in/ a -o4l and a 6hial o+ ,ed li90id5 Yo0 d,a/ yo0,sel+
o1e, and o6en 2he 6hial 4i2h 2,em-lin/ hands5 Yo0 20,n o1e, and 2oss 2he li90id do4n
yo0, 2h,oa25 Yo0 +eel i2s ma/i7 s6,ead 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody5 Yo0 lie on 2he +loo, +o,
4ha2 seems li.e ho0,s3 d,i+2in/ in and o02 as yo0 le2 2he 6o2ion do i2s 4o,.5 Finally
yo0 +eel s2,on/e, @Yo0, STAMINA is no4 #5A Yo0 loo. inside 2he -o4l +indin/ some
slo66y s0-s2an7e ,esem-lin/ +ood5 Des6i2e 2he smell o+ i23 yo0 +o,7e yo0,sel+ 2o ea2 i25
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7ell3 yo0 ,ealise i2 is a s2o,e,oom o+ some so,25 The doo, is la27hed +,om 2he o02side
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no 7ondi2ion 2o +i/h2 anyone5
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I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, 4ai2 and ,e/ain yo0, s2,en/2h3 20,n 2o 30
044
Goin/ 2o Kianmay3 yo0 ne,1o0sly o6en yo0, mo02h 2o s6ea.5 LUm3 4e ha1e a
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LCe?1e ,0n o02 o+ money5N
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4ha2 shall 4e do no4O Yo0 ha1e ,0ined 0sM I em6loyed yo0 -e7a0se I 2ho0/h2 yo0
.ne4 4ha2 yo0 4e,e doin/M I-L She -i2es he, li6 and 6a0ses5 LYo0 a,e +i,ed5N She
says a2 las25
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Ci2h no o2he, 7hoi7e yo0 7olle72 yo0, 2hin/s and lea1e5 Yo0 ha1e +ailed5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
046
A small o,7 is assi/ned 2o lead yo0, 6a,2y 2h,o0/h 2he /a2e and alon/ a small ,oad
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FF - Diamond
s2one-h02s si2in/ di,e72ly -y 2he ,oad-side5 This is 4he,e 2he o,7s li1e5 O,7ish
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en/a/ed in 1a,io0s m0ndane 2as.s5 Yo0 ha1e ne1e, seen o,7ish 4omen -e+o,e3
+indin/ some o+ 2hem no2 4i2ho02 -ea02y5
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on 2he o2he, side o+ 2he /a2es5 Yo0, small /0ide leads yo0 6as2 all o+ 2he o,7s and in2o
a ,a1ine5 The ,a1ine -e/ins 2o des7end na20,ally3 -e+o,e yo0 -e/in 2o see 2he si/ns o+
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yo0,sel+ -y 6,e6a,in/ a lan2e,n and li/h2in/ i25 Yo0 hand i2 2o Kianmay and 6a0se
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am-e, li/h25 The 20nnel seems 2o ,0n s2,ai/h23 -02 yo0 7an?2 see +a, eno0/h 2o 2ell +o,
s0,e5 A+2e, a mile o, so 2he 20nnel na,,o4s 7onside,a-ly3 lea1in/ ,oom +o, yo0,
4a/on and no2 m07h mo,e5 The 4o,. is also 7,0de,3 2he 4heels -0m6in/ e1e, so
o+2en5 No one 2al.s as yo0 2,a1el 2h,o0/h 2he 20nnel3 and e1e,yone is 2ense and
4a27h+0l5 B02 -ein/ 4a27h+0l is +,0s2,a2in/ 4hen 2he,e is so li22le 2o see5 I2 seems li.e
an ho0, -e+o,e some2hin/ ha66ens5
A la,/e a,ea s0ddenly o6ens 06 2o one side5 Yo0 6a0se3 and one o+ 2he 6aladin
,ides in2o 2he s6a7e3 holdin/ his lan2e,n alo+25 The semi7i,70la, 1a0l2 seems 2o -e a
,es2in/ a,ea5 The,e is e1en a 7h02e in 2he ,oo+3 a-o1e a small +i,e 6i25 Yo0 4onde,
ho4 lon/ 2he o,7s ha1e -een 4o,.in/ on 2his 20nnel5 O,7s a,e no2 .no4n +o, 2hei,
mason,y s.ills5 B02 2hen a/ain3 yo0 ,e+le723 o,7s a,en?2 .no4 +o, any2hin/ m07h5
They ha1e -een 2he enemy o+ 7i1ilised men +o, so lon/ 2ha2 2he only si/ni+i7an2
7on2a72 has -een 2h,o0/h s2eel5
The 6aladin 4i2h 2he lan2e,n 6a0ses ne82 2o some le22e,s 7a,1ed 7,0dely in2o 2he
4alls5 The,e is a /,ea2 deal o+ 2he o,7ish s7,i623 and a small messa/e in se1e,al h0man
lan/0a/es3 2ellin/ yo0 2ha2 yo0 ha1e 2,a1elled +i1e miles in2o 2he mo0n2ains3 and ha1e
)(E miles 2o /o5
Yo0 loo. a2 Kianmay3 and she smiles in ,elie+5 Yo0 a,e also +eelin/ a li22le -e22e,5
A+2e, all3 2he o,7s 7an -e7ome 4eal2hy 4i2h s07h a 20nnel3 i+ 2hey 7an -e 2,0s2ed5
Yo0, 6a,2y ,es0mes 2he >o0,ney and yo0 6ass on7e mo,e in2o 2he o66,essi1e da,.ness5
Yo0 6ass mo,e o+ 2he ,es2 s2o6s3 4hi7h a,e 6osi2ioned e1e,y +i1e miles5 They /i1e yo0
a /0ide as yo0 ho4 lon/ yo0 ha1e 2,a1elled3 and yo0 ma.e a s2o6 +o, a meal a+2e, <*
miles5 The meal is 90ie2 and 7hee,less3 and e1e,yone is ea/e, 2o /e2 mo1in/ on7e
mo,e3 4an2in/ 2o -e 7lea, o+ 2he 20nnel5 A2 2he %*-mile ,es2 s2o63 yo0 ma.e 7am6 +o,
2he ni/h25 No-ody slee6s 4ell5 Yo0 2oss and 20,n3 yo0, slee6 +illed 4i2h d,eams o+
2he 2ho0sands o+ 2ons o+ ,o7. a-o1e yo03 slo4ly sin.in/ do4n on 2o6 o+ yo03 7,0shin/
yo05 Chen yo0 4a.e 063 2he s2one 7eilin/ is al4ays 4he,e i2 4as3 -02 6,o1ides no
,elie+5
On 2he 2hi,d day3 2he >o0,ney is 6assin/ >0s2 li.e 2he 6,e1io0s 24o days3 4hen yo0
-e/in 2o hea, some2hin/ on 2he 4ay ahead5 I2 is a hi/h 6i27hed 2in.lin/5 I2 /,o4s
lo0de,3 and is e1en20ally >oined -y 2he so0nds o+ /0220,al 1oi7es 7han2in/ and sin/in/5
Finally yo0 ,ealise 4ha2 i2 is; 2he o,7s a,e di//in/ 2h,o0/h s2one s2ill5 Does 2his mean
))
FF - Diamond
2hey ha1en?2 +inished 2he 20nnelO Yo0 +i/h2 do4n 2he i,,a2ional +ea, 2ha2 ,ises in yo05
Yo0 a,en?2 2,a66ed5 Yo0 7an /o -a7.5
S0ddenly 2he 20nnel 4idens o02 in2o a ,o0nd3 domed hall5 On 2he +a, side 2he
20nnel 7on2in0es3 -02 2o 2he ,i/h2 2he,e is ano2he,3 smalle, 20nnel5 I2 is +,om he,e 2ha2
2he di//in/ so0nds a,e 7omin/5 The,e is a sin/le o,7 he,e3 sea2ed in a 7hai, a2 a
-a22e,ed 4ooden 2a-le5 A sin/le 7andle -0,ns on 2he 2a-le3 ne82 2o an em62y -o22le and
a s4o,d5 The o,7 doesn?2 ,ea72 2o yo0, a,,i1al5 I2 is aslee65
Kianmay sh0dde,s so 1iolen2ly 2ha2 yo0 +eel i25 LThe,e is some2hin/ do4n 2he,e3N
she says3 he, 4ide-eyed /aKe di,e72ed a2 2he smalle, 20nnel5 LI ha1e +el2 i2 +o, some
2ime as 4e ha1e 6ene2,a2ed dee6e, in2o 2he mo0n2ain5 Some2hin/Ian7ien2 and e1il5
No do0-2 2hese o,7s +el2 i2 2oo3 no4 2hey a,e see.in/ o02 4ha2e1e, i2 is5 They m0s2 no2
-e allo4ed 2o +ind i2MN
LThe,e a,e /oin/ 2o -e h0nd,eds o+ o,7s do4n 2he,e3 may-e 2ho0sandsM Cha2e1e,
2hey a,e doin/3 4e 7an?2 s2o6 i25N
Kianmay -i2es he, li63 2he 7on+li72 4i2hin he, 6layin/ on he, +a7e5 LI2 is only a
mile o, so 2o 2he ne82 ,es2 s2o65 Ce 7an 4ai2 +o, yo0 2he,e3 4hile yo0 /o and see 4ha2
is do4n 2he,e5 Then 4e 7an ma.e a ,e6o,2 and ,es6ond as 4e m0s25N
Yo0 sha.e yo0, head5 LI am no2 a d4a,+M I 7an?2 /o snea.in/ a-o02 0nde,/,o0nd5
I?ll -e 7a620,ed5N
LB0s2 -e 7a,e+0l3N Kianmay says5 LI+ yo0 a,e in dan/e,3 ,0n -a7. 2o 0s5N
I2 seems li.e a +ool?s e,,and5 B02 Kianmay has no2 7ommanded yo0 2o /o ye25
To 2al. he, o02 o+ i23 20,n 2o 1+7
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7he7. i2 o023 20,n 2o +0
045
Mo1in/ a4ay +,om 2he 4ooden ho0se3 yo0 en2e, a s066ly a,ea5 The,e a,e
h0nd,eds o+ 7a,2s he,e +illed 4i2h all so,2s o+ ma2e,ials and s066lies5 Yo0 4ande,
a-o02 +o, a 4hile3 4hen a hand ,o0/hly /,a-s yo0, sho0lde,5 Yo0 20,n and see
yo0,sel+ loo.in/ in2o 2he small3 s0s6i7io0s eyes o+ a la,/e man d,essed in a di,2y 20ni75
LYo0?1e -een 4ande,in/ a-o02 li.e a daKed 7o4M Cha2 a,e yo0 doin/ he,eON
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 60sh him a4ay and 2ell him 2o mind his o4n -0siness3 20,n 2o 0+4
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6,e2end 2o -e loo.in/ +o, some s066lies3 20,n 2o 112
062
On7e yo0 a,e sa+e +,om 2he assassin and his 6oison3 yo0 loo. a,o0nd 2he Co0n2?s
,oom5 A 90i7. sea,7h ,e1eals * /old 7oins3 and a lo2 o+ >e4elle,y5 Yo0 de7ide 2o
lea1e 2he >e4elle,y5 Sea,7hin/ 2he assassin yo0 +ind a -o22le o+ 6oison@#A3 and a se2 o+
lo7.6i7.s5
De7idin/ 2o lea1e 90i7.ly3 yo0 2a.e no mo,e 2ime 2o sea,7h and lea1e 1ia 2he ,ea,
doo,3 4hi7h o6ens in2o 2he s2a-le ya,d5 H0,,yin/ -a7. 2o yo0, inn3 yo0 6,e6a,e
yo0,sel+ 2o ,e6o,2 2o Kianmay5
T0,n 2o 0+1
))<
FF - Diamond
060
Mo1in/ o02 in2o 2he hall3 yo0 lea1e 2he -a2h,oom doo, sli/h2ly a>a, in 7ase yo0
need 2o ma.e a 90i7. ,e2,ea25 As yo0 mo1e 90i7.ly and 90ie2ly a7,oss 2he hall3 yo0
hea, ,ela8ed 1oi7es 7omin/ +,om 2he ,ooms o++ 2he o2he, hall5 E1iden2ly 2he o4ne,
has /0es2s5
Rea7hin/ 2he doo,3 yo0 lis2en 7a,e+0lly3 and hea,in/ no2hin/3 ease 2he doo, o6en5
The,e is a lam6 inside3 and yo0 7an see 2ha2 yo0 a,e in a 4a2e, 7lose25 Bein/ a 6a2,on
o+ o02ho0ses yo0 s6end a +e4 momen2s s20dyin/ 2he de1i7e 4i2h in2e,es25 Yo0 a,e
mos2 im6,essed 4i2h 2he a-sen7e o+ smell5
The,e a,e 24o mo,e doo,s he,e3 one leadin/ +0,2he, in 2o4a,ds 2he 90a,2e,s5
&is2enin/3 yo0 7an hea, 90ie2 7ha22in/ amids2 2he so0nds o+ 6o,7elain and 702le,y3 as i+
se,1an2s a,e se22in/ a 2a-le5 Goin/ 2o 2he o66osi2e doo,3 yo0 hea, no2hin/5 "ee,in/
0nde, 2he doo,3 yo0 see only da,.ness5
Con+iden2ly3 yo0 o6en 2he doo, and sli6 inside5 Yo0 4ai2 +o, yo0, eyes 2o ad>0s23
and +ind 2ha2 yo0 a,e in a la,/e -ed,oom5 In 2he 7en2,e a/ains2 2he 4all is a la,/e +o0,-
6os2ed -ed5 On 2he nea, side 4he,e yo0 s2and is a 2all 4a,d,o-e and a 7a-ine2 ei2he,
side o+ 2he doo, 2o 2he 4a2e, 7lose25 In 2he s6a7e -e24een 2he -ed and 2he 4a2e, 7lose2
is a la,/e ,o0nd ,0/3 a small 2a-le in 2he 7en2,e5 Yo0 see 2he 6ale ,e72an/le o+ a +olded
shee2 o+ 6a,7hmen2 on 2he 2a-le5 The,e is also ano2he, doo, he,e 2ha2 m0s2 e8i2 in2o
2he hall 2ha2 yo0 +i,s2 7ame +,om5
O66osi2e 2he -ed is a se2 o+ 6ain2ed s7,eens 6a,2i2ionin/ 2he a,ea5 Yo0 7an see
o1e, 2he 2o6 o+ 2he s7,eens ano2he, 4a,d,o-e3 lon/ eno0/h 2o 2a.e 06 2he 4id2h o+ 2he
4all5
I+ yo0 ha1e a li/h2 7,ys2al 4i2h yo0 and 4o0ld li.e 2o sea,7h 2his ,oom3 20,n 2o 1+6
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2o 2he main hall and +ind ano2he, ,oom 2o sea,7h3 20,n 2o +11
06+
Follo4in/ 2he /ene,al di,e72ion o+ 2he -andi2?s 6oin23 yo0 mo1e 2h,o0/h 2he +o,es23
loo.in/ o02 +o, si/ns o+ 2he en7am6men25 E1en20ally yo0 hea, so0nds o+ men?s
7ha22e, and smell ,oas2in/ mea25 C,ee6in/ 4i2h /,ea2e, 7a,e3 yo0 6ee. -e24een 2he
-,an7hes o+ a -0sh and loo. o02 on 2he en7am6men2 o+ Gilmo,e 2he G,oa25
The -andi2 4as no2 e8a//e,a2in/5 Yo0 7o0n2 =% -andi2s si22in/ a-o02 2he 7oo.in/
+i,e o, en/a/ed in small 2as.s a-o02 2he en7am6men23 4hi7h is made 06 o+ di,2y
7an1as 2en2s5 The e87e62ion is a la,/e, 2en2 made o+ oiled 7an1as 6ain2ed dee6 ,ed in
7olo0,5 O02side i2 is a s2anda,d made o+ a h0man s.0ll im6aled on a s6ea,5 R0mo0,
has i2 2ha2 Gilmo,e .illed his o4n mo2he,3 and 2ha2 2he s.0ll is he,s5 Gilmo,e 0sed 2o
-e a sa1a/e assassin in 2he 7i2ies3 4he,e he 4o0ld ma.e a .ill +o, as li22le as a sil1e,
7oin5 S2o,ies o+ his 7,0el2y and de6,a1i2y a,e le/end5 Al2ho0/h yo0 don?2 -elie1e hal+
o+ 4ha2 yo0 ha1e hea,d3 yo0 .no4 2ha2 Gilmo,e is a dan/e,o0s 6e,son 2ha2 yo0 4o0ld
-e 4ise 2o .ee6 a4ay +,om5 Yo0 4onde, 4hy yo0 a,e e1en -o2he,in/ 2o 7o0n2 his
men and s0,1ey 2he 7am6?s de+en7es5 E1en i+ yo0 4an2ed 2o des2,oy him3 yo0 don?2
ha1e 2he ,eso0,7es5
In addi2ion 2o 2he a,med -andi2s3 yo0 see a n0m-e, o+ sla1es5 They ea7h 4ea, a
2hi7. i,on 7olla,5 A +a2 man 4o,.s a2 2he 6o23 4hile se1e,al o2he,s s70,,y a-o02 0nde,
his ha,sh o,de,s5 The 7oo. 4ea,s a 7olla, 2oo3 -02 is 2,ea2ed in a +,iendly 4ay -y 2he
-andi2s3 4ho do no2 hesi2a2e 2o a-0se and la0/h a2 his assis2an2s5
))=
FF - Diamond
Yo0 7an see a s066ly 4a/on on 2he +a, side o+ 2he 7am63 and ano2he, 7olla,ed man
4o,.s nea, a +o,/e 0nde, a 2a,6a0lin ne82 2o i25 He is ,e6ai,in/ some2hin/5 Cha2e1e,
he is doin/3 he 602s i2 do4n 4hen 2he 7oo. holle,s 2ha2 l0n7h is ,eady5 Bandi2s 7ome
+,om all sides o+ 2he 7am6 and si2 do4n a,o0nd 2he +i,e5 The smi2h is 4el7omed -y
2he -andi2s and /i1en a -o4l5 The o2he, sla1es a,e +o,7ed 2o 4ai25
A yo0n/ 4oman3 also 4ea,in/ a 7olla, 4al.s +,om 2he la,/e -lood-,ed 2en25 The
-andi2s 7all o02 2o he,3 ma.in/ s0//es2i1e 7ommen2s3 -02 none 2o07hes he,5
O-1io0sly she is 2he 7hie+?s 4oman5 The 7oo. hands he, a 2,ay and she 4al.s
mise,a-ly -a7. 2o 2he 2en2 4i2h i25 Yo0, 7hes2 -0,ns an/,ily a2 2he si/h25
Chile 2hen -andi2s a,e dis2,a72ed3 yo0 snea. a,o0nd 2o 2he side o+ 2he 7am6 4he,e
2he s066ly 4a/on is5 Yo0 7,ee6 +o,4a,d and ,ea7h 2he 4a/on 0nde2e72ed3 sli66in/
in2o 2he shado4s 0nde, 2he 2a,6a0lin5 Coals -0,n in a 6i2 ne82 2o an an1il5 Yo0 loo. a2
2he -andi2s3 4ho a,e s2ill ea2in/5
Seein/ a 6ai, o+ 2on/s nea, 2he an1il3 yo0 6i7. 2hem 06 and 2a.e a ho2 7oal +,om
2he +i,e5 Yo0 -lo4 on i2 2o ma.e i2 /lo4 and 2hen 6la7e i2 a/ains2 2he side o+ 2he
2a,6a0lin5 The oiled 7an1as 90i7.ly 7a27hes ali/h25 Yo0 2oss 2he 7oal -a7. in2o 2he
+i,e6i2 and +lee -a7. in2o 2he 0nde,/,o42h5 Yo0 mo1e a4ay +,om 2he 7am63 and
a66,oa7h a/ain +,om a di++e,en2 side5 By 2he 2ime yo0 loo. -a7. on 2he 7am63 yo0 see
2ha2 2he 2a,6a0lin and 2he ,oo+ o+ 2he s066ly 4a/on a,e in +lames3 2he -andi2s ,0nnin/
-a7. and +o,2h -e24een 2he small 7,ee. and 2he 4a/on3 h0,lin/ 4a2e, on2o 2he +i,e
+,om -07.e2s3 >a,s and any o2he, 1essels 2o hand5
Yo0 see 2he smi2h -ein/ lo0dly -e,a2ed -y one o+ 2he -andi2s5 The smi2h h0m-ly
a77e62s 2he admonishmen25 O+ /,ea2e, in2e,es2 2o yo0 is 2he man 4ho s2ands in +,on2
o+ 2he ,ed 2en25 I2 7an only -e Gilmo,e 2he G,oa25 He is 7lad in s7alemail a,mo0, 4i2h
a ,ed s0,7oa25 A /olden s.0ll ado,ns 2he +,on2 o+ 2he s0,7oa25 He e1en a66ea,s 2o -e
4ea,in/ a /old 7i,7le2 a,o0nd his head3 lon/ -la7. hai, +lo4in/ do4n his -a7.5
Yo0 4a27h as he 4al.s +o,4a,d3 4a1in/ aside 2he -andi2 4ho is admonishin/ 2he
smi2h5 Ci2ho02 a 4o,d Gilmo,e d,a4s a -lade and s2a-s 2he smi2h in 2he hea,25 Yo0
+eel a 6an/ o+ /0il23 -02 yo0, an/e, is e1en /,ea2e,5
Gilmo,e /oes o1e, 2o ha,ass 2he 6eo6le 6022in/ o02 2he +i,e3 and yo0 see a small
o66o,20ni2y5 The,e is a 7han7e yo0 7an ma.e i2 2o 2he -lood ,ed 2en2 0nde2e72ed5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 2,y and ma.e i2 2o 2he 2en2O T0,n 2o +58
I+ yo0 don?2 4an2 2o ,is. i23 yo0 7an ,e20,n and ,e6o,2 2o Kianmay a-o02 Gilmo,e 2he
G,oa25 T0,n 2o 80
061
Yo0 a22a7. 2he nea,es2 /0a,d5 Fo, 24o ,o0nds yo0 +a7e >0s2 one3 -02 2hen 2he o2he,
7omes a,o0nd 2he -ed and >oins in and yo0 m0s2 +i/h2 -o2h a2 2he same 2ime5
TOCN GUARD ) SKI&& ( STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR
TOCN GUARD SKI&& E STAMINA ) DB % ARMOUR
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 04
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 084
))#
FF - Diamond
063
De7idin/ 2he 7,ea20,e is e1il and m0s2 -e des2,oyed3 yo0 a22a7.5 Yo0 7anno2 +lee
+,om 2his -a22le5
RHE&& DEMON SKI&& ' STAMINA #* DB * ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 8+
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o +00
067
Ci2h all 2he -andi2s dead3 yo0 loo. 2o4a,ds 2he la,/e3 -lood-,ed 2en2 in 2he 7en2,e
o+ 2he 7am65 Yo0 and all o+ 2he 6aladin mo1e in 2o4a,ds 2he 2en23 +o,min/ a 7i,7le
a,o0nd i25 As yo0 nea, 2he en2,an7e3 a +i/0,e eme,/es5
Gilmo,e 2he G,oa2 is a 2all3 4ell--0il2 man 7lad in sil1e,y s7alemail a,mo0,5 He
7l027hes in his hands a lon/ -,oads4o,d3 i2s /olden ,0-y-se2 hil2 lon/ eno0/h +o, 24o
hands3 and 2he +i1e-+oo2 -lade is inlaid 4i2h /olden desi/ns5 His eyes -laKe 4i2h +0,y
as he loo.s o1e, 2he 7a,na/e5
LCho has done 2hisON he as.s3 his 1oi7e hissin/ 4i2h 7on2em625
"enma,. does no2 ans4e,3 so yo0 s2e6 +o,4a,d5 LGilmo,e 2he G,oa2M Yo0 a,e
de+ea2ed5 S0,,ende,5N
Gilmo,e la0/hs5 LI am no2 de+ea2ed5 Do yo0 no2 .no4 I am /,ea2e, 2han all my
men 7om-inedON He /aKes a2 2he s4o,d in his hands 4i2h some2hin/ li.e l0s25 LOn7e
I 4as a 6e22y -andi23 -02 no mo,eMN He /es20,es 2o 2he dead -odies s2,e4n a7,oss 2he
7am65 LAnd 2his is no -and o+ 2hie1esM I2 is 2he -e/innin/s o+ my im6e,ial a,myM
Yo0 4o0ld do 4ell 2o -o4 -e+o,e me no45 Bo4 do4n and s4ea, +eal2y 2o meM I
shall -e em6e,o, o+ 2he 4o,ld5N
Un7e,2ain ho4 2o ,es6ond 2o 2his3 yo0 loo. 2o "enma,.5 The 6aladin nods 2o 2he
s4o,d Gilmo,e 7a,,ies5 LI+ I am no2 mis2a.en3 he -ea,s 2he S4o,d o+ Al/a,an/a,5 A
6o4e,+0l 4ea6on o+ e1il5 I2 is said 2o -ea, i2 one m0s2 ha1e /,ea2 s2,en/2h o+ mind3
else 2hey 4ill -e d,i1en insane5N
LNo2 e1ilMN Gilmo,e 6,o2es2s5 LI2 is a s4o,d o+ >0s2i7eM I2 shall -,in/ o,de, 2o 2he
4o,ld 0nde, my 7ommandM No mo,e shall I s0++e, 2he in>0s2i7e o+ 6e22y .in/sM They
))%
FF - Diamond
de7la,e me an o02la4M Unde, my la4 i2 is they 4ho 4ill -e 7as2 o02M And I shall li1e
in a /olden 6ala7e 4hile 2hey a,e +o,7ed 2o s2eal +o, 2hei, +ood li.e do/sMN
Gilmo,e doesn?2 loo. li.e he is /oin/ 2o s0,,ende,5 I+ yo0 a,e in any 7ondi2ion 2o
+i/h23 yo0 7an 7hallen/e Gilmo,e5 O2he,4ise "enma,. 4ill ha1e 2o do i25
To le2 "enma,. 7hallen/e Gilmo,e3 20,n 2o 053
I+ yo0 4ish 2o +i/h2 Gilmo,e 2he G,oa23 and yo0 ha1e a Holy B,oads4o,d3 no2e 2ha2
yo0 7an add 2o -o2h yo0, SKI&& and yo0, dama/e -on0s +o, 2his ,o0nd5 The s4o,d
has +illed Gilmo,e 4i2h a 6o4e,+0l da,. ene,/y 2ha2 is 7o,,062in/ his mind3 20,nin/
him in2o an a/en2 o+ e1il5
RGI&MORE THE GROAT SKI&& ) STAMINA <* DB )* ARMOUR <
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o +16
I+ yo0 die3 20,n 2o 125
068
Yo0 i/no,e 2he 7,o4 and .ee6 4al.in/5 Yo0 lea1e 2he ,0ined 6ala7e3 seein/ 2ha2
2he /o-lins ha1e /one5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he Coods3 and e1en20ally ,ea7h
a ,oad5 Ho6in/ 2ha2 yo0 a,e /oin/ 2he ,i/h2 4ay3 yo0 head o++ and 4i2hin a +e4
min02es 7ome 2o 2he 2o4n o+ Ta66in5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
064
The assassin +alls dead a2 yo0, +ee25 I+ yo0 4e,e 6oisoned3 yo0 m0s2 no4 2a.e a
healin/ 6o2ion3 4hi7h 4ill 7o0n2e,a72 2he 6oison3 -02 no2 ,es2o,e any STAMINA5 I+
yo0 don?2 ha1e any 4i2h yo03 yo0 .eel o1e, and +all dead ne82 2o 2he assassin5
O2he,4ise3 yo0 20,n yo0, eyes 2o Co0n2 Ra0l3 4ho has 4a27hed 2he -a22le 4i2h
/,ea2 in2e,es25 LCell done3N he says5 LB02 no4 yo0 4ill die5N
He a22a7.s yo03 s4in/in/ his lon/s4o,d sa1a/ely5 Yo0 ha1e no 2ime 2o d,in. any
SKI&& 6o2ions
COUNT RAU& SKI&& E STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR %
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o +4
I+ yo0 lose3 20,n 2o 125
))'
FF - Diamond
066
Kianmay3 "enma,. and yo0,sel+ /o in2o 2he inn 2o dis70ss 90ie2ly 4ha2 7an -e
done5 Kianmay sl0m6s in a 7hai,3 heedless o+ 2he diseased 7o,6se on 2he 2a-le -e+o,e
he,5 He, +a7e is ashen5 LCe m0s2 /e2 i2 -a7.3N she says hoa,sely5 She loo.s a2 yo05
LYo0 m0s2 send all yo0, men 2o sea,7h 2he CoodMN
Yo0 +,o4n5 LI+ 2he s2o,ies I ha1e hea,d a-o02 2his Cood a,e ,i/h23 2hen 4e 7o0ld
all 4ande, in 2he,e and ne1e, ,e20,nM These a,e no2 li.e no,mal 4oods5 They a,e
ma/i7al and hos2ile5N
LCha2 do yo0 s0//es2 2henO Ce 7anno2 lea1e 4i2ho02 i2MN Kianmay demands3 he,
eyes 4ide5
LA small 6a,2y sho0ld /o in5 Ci2h eno0/h le+2 -ehind he,e so 2ha2Ii+ 4e ne1e,
,e20,nIN
LThen /o3N Kianmay 7ommands yo05 LTa.e yo0, me,7han2 /0a,ds 4i2h yo05N
Tha2 se22led3 al2ho0/h yo0 a,e +a, +,om ha66y3 yo0 /o -a7. o02side and anno0n7e
2o yo0, men 2ha2 2hey 4ill a77om6any yo0 in2o Da,.en Cood5 Yo0 7anno2 say yo0
a,e s0,6,ised 4hen 2hey ,e+0se5 Da,.en Cood is 2he s0->e72 o+ many a -a,d?s 2ales o+
2e,,o,3 and e1en i+ only a +,a72ion o+ 2he s2o,ies a,e 2,0e3 i2 is no2 a 6la7e 2o 4ande, in
sea,7h o+ a +e4 2,in.e2s5
Si/hin/3 yo0 ,eady yo0,sel+ and a66,oa7h 2he Cood5 "enma,. s2o6s yo05
LThis is a /allan2 2hin/ yo0 do5 B02 yo0 need no2 /o alone5 I 4ill send some o+
my men 4i2h yo05N
Yo0 4o0ld li.e 2ha23 -02 yo0 sha.e yo0, head5 LShe mi/h2 need all o+ yo0 on 2he
>o0,ney ahead5 I do no2 e86e72 2o s077eed in 2his mission5 I 4ill no2 2a.e any men 2o
2hei, dea2hs5 In +a723 I 2hin. i2 ma22e,s li22le 4he2he, 2he,e is one man o, a h0nd,ed5N
"enma,. 7la6s yo0 on 2he sho0lde,5 LCe shall 6,ay +o, yo05N
Yo0 1al0e his 6,aye,s 1e,y li22le3 -02 2han. him any4ay and s2,ide in2o 2he Cood5
Yo0 s2om6 2h,o0/h 2he 0nde,/,o42h3 loo.in/ +o, si/ns o+ 2he 2hie1es3 -02 seein/
no2hin/5 I2 is 90ie2 a6a,2 +,om 2he 7,ea.in/ o+ 2he 2,ees3 and 7olde, 2han 4o0ld -e
na20,al5 The 2,ees a-o02 yo0 shi+2 sli/h2ly as i+ 2hey a,e 4,i2hin/ in 6ain3 2hei,
mo1emen2s 7a0sin/ 2he 7,ea.in/ yo0 7an no4 hea, all a,o0nd yo05
Yo0 mo1e dee6 in2o 2he 4ood3 loo.in/ +o, si/ns o+ any2hin/3 -02 +indin/ no2hin/5
E1en20ally yo0 do 7ome 2o some2hin/5 D,a4n -y 2he so0nd o+ 4a2e,3 yo0 7ome 2o a
small 7,ee.5 Yo0 de7ide no2 2o 2a.e any 4a2e, +,om inside 2his Cood3 and a,e /oin/
2o 20,n a4ay 4hen yo0 see a la,/e dead 7,o4 s6,a4led on a ,o7. in one o+ 2he +e4
6a27hes o+ s0nli/h25 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd3 -02 see no o2he, animal5 May-e i2 died o+ old
a/e and +ell +,om i2s 6e,7h5
Yo0 s2e6 a7,oss 2he 7,ee. and 4al. 06 2o 2he -i,d5 Yo0 see no 4o0nd3 so yo0
n0d/e i2 4i2h yo0, 2oe5 The sil1e, eyes +la,e o6en and 2he -i,d s90a4.s indi/nan2ly5
I2 +la6s a,o0nd on 2he /,o0nd 2,yin/ 2o /e2 2o i2s +ee23 2hen 2a.es 2o 2he ai,3 +lyin/ o1e,
2o a -,an7h a sho,2 dis2an7e a4ay5
Yo0 a,e a-o02 2o 20,n a4ay 4hen a /,0m6y 1oi7e add,esses yo05 LCha2 did yo0
do 2ha2 +o,ON
The 1oi7e 7omes +,om 2he same di,e72ion as 2he 7,o45 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd +o,
4hoe1e, is 2al.in/3 -02 see no one5 LHelloON yo0 7all o025
LO1e, he,e3 yo0 Des2,oye, o+ Sl0m-e,MN
Yo0 loo. a2 2he 7,o45 I2 is 6ee,in/ a2 yo0 90i2e di,e72ly3 -02 yo0 do no2 see i2s
-ea. mo1e5 LA,e yo0 2al.in/ 2o meON yo0 as. 2he 7,o45
LO+ 7o0,se I amMN 2he 7,o4 seems 2o say5
LHo4 7ome yo0, -ea. isn?2 mo1in/ON yo0 as.5
))(
FF - Diamond
The 7,o4 o6ens i2s -ea. and le2s o02 a 7,y5 A+2e, a momen2 yo0 hea, 2he 1oi7e
a/ain5 LCellO Did yo0 0nde,s2and 2ha2ON
LNo3N yo0 ,e6ly3 a li22le 7on+0sed5
LRi/h2 2hen3 so no4 yo0 .no45 H0,,y 06 and as. +o, my hel65N
The 7,o4 -e/ins 2o 6,een i2sel+3 and yo0 4a27h i2 in 4onde,5 Yo0 ,emind yo0,sel+
2ha2 yo0 a,e in a ma/i7al 4ood5 LDo yo0 .no4 2his 6la7eON yo0 as.5 LCan yo0 /0ide
meON
LO+ 7o0,se3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LI am 2he Kin/ o+ Da,.en Cood5 Che,e do yo0
4an2 2o /oON
I/no,in/ 2he 7laim o+ ,oyal2y3 yo0 say; L&as2 ni/h2 some 7,ea20,es +,om 2his Cood
s2ole some 2hin/s +,om 0s5 Ce 4an2 2o /e2 2hem -a7.5N
LYo0 mean 2he /o-lins3N 2he 7,o4 says 2ho0/h2+0lly5 LThey al4ays do 2ha25 Cell3
4o,,y no2M The,e is /old and sil1e, a6len2y in 2he 4o,ld -eyond 2he Cood5 See. i2
2he,e5 Fa,e4ell5N
The 7,o4 s2a,2s 2o +ly o++5 LCai2MN yo0 7all o023 h0,,yin/ a+2e, i25 The 7,o4 lands
on ano2he, -,an7h and 20,ns a-o025
LCha2 is i2ON i2 as.s in an i,,i2a2ed 2one5
LI2 4as mo,e 2han /old and sil1e, 2ha2 2hey 2oo.5 S6e7ial 2hin/s 2ha2 7anno2 -e
,e6la7ed5 I m0s2 +ind 2hem5N
LCell3 I 7o0ld 2a.e yo0 2o 2hem3N 2he 7,o4 s0//es2s5
LYes3 6lease do3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LB02 on one 7ondi2ion3N 2he 7,o4 says5
LCha2ON yo0 as. 4i2h a +,o4n5
LYo0 7anno2 .ill any o+ 2hem5N
Im6a2ien2ly yo0 a/,ee3 and 2he 7,o4 +lies o++3 landin/ on a dis2an2 -,an7h5 Yo0
h0,,y a+2e, i23 and ,ea7hin/ i2s 6osi2ion3 i2 +lies o++ a/ain5 In 2his 4ay i2 leads yo0
2h,o0/h 2he Coods5 Yo0 -e/in 2o hea, 7ha22e,in/ and la0/hin/ ahead3 and +inally 2he
7,o4 6e,7hes and ,emains as yo0 mo1e 06 2o him5
LIn 2he,e3N 2he 7,o4 says5
LThan. yo03N yo0 ,e6ly and head do4n a 6a2h 2ha2 slo6es dee6ly -e24een 24o
2,ees5 Yo0 a,e in a /0lly in 2he middle o+ 2he Cood5 Yo0 des7end dee6e, and
e1en20ally s6y some dimin02i1e /o-lins ahead5 They a,e a-o02 = +ee2 2all and ha1e
da,. -l0e s.in and ,ed eyes5 Thei, li22le heads a,e -ald3 and 2hey a,e d,essed in
smo7.s 2ha2 seem 2o -e made o+ old 7loa.s5
They also 4ea, ,in/s3 and ne7.la7es and am0le2s3 eno0/h 2o 4ei/h2 2hemsel1es
do4n5 They a,e 7ele-,a2in/ -y d,in.in/ some .ind o+ ale and 2ossin/ /ems and 7oins
a2 ea7h o2he,5
Yo0 7anno2 see 2he Diamond Key any4he,e5
Do yo0 4an2 2o ,0n o02 and a22a7. 2he /o-lins3 2hen sea,7h 2hei, -odies la2e,O T0,n 2o
152
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, ,emem-e, yo0, 6,omise 2o 2he 7,o4 and sim6ly in2,od07e
yo0,sel+3 20,n 2o 51
065
The assis2an2 as.s 2o see yo0, /old -e+o,e he -o2he,s 2o /e2 a ladde,5 Yo0 sha.e
one o+ yo0, 60,ses a2 him and he /,0n2s -e+o,e disa66ea,in/ o02 2he -a7.5 Momen2s
))E
FF - Diamond
la2e, he ,e20,ns 4i2h a lon/ ladde,3 and s2ands i2 ne82 2o 2he 6la2+o,m5 A min02e la2e,
2he 4ea6on is in yo0, hands5 The -lade is 4ide -02 no2 2oo lon/3 and 7omin/ 2o a
deadly 6oin25 The hil2 is 6lain s2eel3 4i2h a lead 6ommel 2o hel6 -alan7e 2he hea1y
-lade5 The,e is s7,i62 on ea7h side o+ 2he -lade3 and al2ho0/h yo0 7anno2 ,ead i23 yo0
+eel some2hin/ s2i,,in/ in yo0 as yo0, eyes 6ass o1e, 2he +lo4in/ s7,i625
Yo0 as. 2he assis2an2 4ha2 i2 says3 -02 he >0s2 sh,0/s and 2ells yo0 2ha2 2his s4o,d
4ill 7os2 yo0 #* /old 6ie7es5
Yo0 7an -0y 2he s4o,d i+ yo0 4ish3 2hen ,e20,n 2o 10+5
052
Yo0 90i7.ly 4al. 6as2 2he a,7h4ay and -a7. 2o 2he 7o1e, o+ 2he 6illa,s5 Yo0 2hen
ma.e yo0, 4ay 2o 2he head o+ 2he hall and mo1e a7,oss 2o 7,o07h -ehind 2he 6edes2al
and 2he 7,ys2al /lo-e3 4hi7h is 24o +ee2 in diame2e,5
Yo0 sense some2hin/ e1il a-o02 2he /lo-e3 an in2elli/en7e 4i2hin i25 Yo0 hesi2a2e
2o 2o07h i25 May-e yo0 sho0ldn?2 meddle 4i2h 2his o-1io0sly ma/i7al i2em5
To /o -a7. and en2e, 2he a,7h4ay3 20,n 2o 151
To 2o07h 2he /lo-e any4ay5 T0,n 2o 58
050
Realisin/ 2ha2 yo0 7an?2 ho6e 2o ,es70e Kianmay 4i2ho02 yo0, /ea,3 yo0 ma.e yo0,
4ay -a7. 2o 2he o2he, se4e, o02le2 on 2he ed/e o+ 2he 6ala2ial S90a,e5 Goin/ in2o 2he
4a2e, a/ain is 2he las2 2hin/ yo0 4an2 2o do3 -02 2he,e is no o2he, o62ion5
A+2e, yo0 ha1e /a2he,ed yo0, s2,en/2h3 yo0 des7end in2o 2he 7anal and 7lim- in2o 2he
6i6e on7e mo,e5 Kno4in/ ho4 lon/ 2he 6i6e is 2his 2ime3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay s2eadily
alon/5 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he /,a2e and d07. 0nde, 2he 4a2e, 2o 60ll yo0,sel+ 2h,o0/h5
Ma.in/ mo,e s2eady 6,o/,ess on 2he o2he, side3 yo0 60ll yo0,sel+ o02 in2o 2he 7ham-e,
on7e mo,e3 2his 2ime in da,.ness e87e62 +o, yo0, li/h2 7,ys2al5 Yo0 s4im 2o 2he side
o+ 2he 6ool and 60ll yo0,sel+ o02 o+ 2he 4a2e,3 ha66y 2o see yo0, /ea, is s2ill 2he,e5
Yo0 ,es2 and 4,in/ o02 yo0, 7lo2hes -e+o,e d,essin/ in yo0, a,mo0, on7e mo,e5
Ga2he,in/ 06 yo0 6a7. and 4ea6ons3 yo0 2hen ma.e yo0, 4ay 2o4a,ds 2he ladde,5
T0,n 2o 315
05+
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Holy B,oads4o,d Fine s4o,d )*
)*
FF - Diamond
Yo0 h0,,y +o,4a,d and -e/in 2o -ea2 2he s2one man 4i2h yo0, 4ea6on5 "ie7es
7ome o++3 -02 i2 7on2in0es 2o /,o4 and 2hen s2a,2s 2o +i/h2 -a7.5
STONE GO&EM SKI&& % STAMINA * DB * ARMOUR E
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 35
I+ yo0 lose3 20,n 2o 051
051
Yo0 s2a//e, 0nde, 2he hea1y -lo4s +,om 2he /olem5 S4in/in/ yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0
smash i2 in 2he head5 S2one -,ea.s o++3 -02 2he /olem doesn?2 6a0se as i2 d,a4s -a7.
i2s +is2 2o land 2he .illin/ -lo45
S0ddenly i2 +,eeKes3 2hen 7,a7.s and +alls a6a,23 7olla6sin/ in2o a 6ile o+ ,0--le5
@Yo0, STAMINA is no4 )A5 Yo0 4ea,ily 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee23 and loo. a,o0nd +o,
4hoe1e, has sa1ed yo05 The,e is no one else 2he,e e87e62 2he s.ele2on in 2he 2h,one
and 2he 7,o4 on 2he 7andela-,a5
LDid yo0 do 2ha2ON yo0 as. 2he 7,o45
LI did3N 2he 7,o4 says3 loo.in/ a2 yo0 7,i2i7ally5 LYo0 a,e no2 a 1e,y /ood 4a,,io,5
I 2ho0/h2 yo0 4e,e s066osed 2o -e a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h25N
LI am no2 a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2MN yo0 ,e6ly3 yo0, an/e, /a2he,in/5
LThen 4hy do yo0 see. 2he Diamond KeyON 2he 7,o4 as.s5
Yo0, an/e, disa66ea,s5 LYo0 .no4 4hy I am he,eON
The 7,o4 6a0ses5 LDo yo0 .no4 4hy 2he Da,.en Cood e8is2sON I2 as.s5
Yo0 sh,0/5 LI2 is a s2,on/hold o+ e1il5N
The 7,o4 loo.s o++ended5 LYo0 2hin. I am e1ilON
LI?m no2 s0,e3N yo0 ,e6ly5
The 7,o4 s6ea.s3 i2s disem-odied 1oi7e -oomin/ an/,ily5 LA 2ho0sand 2ho0sand
2ho0sand yea,s a/o 2he,e 4as /,ea2 e1il in 2he land5 The Kin/s o+ &i/h2 4e,e hel6less
-e+o,e i25 So one s4o,e an oa2h 2o 2a.e 2he -0,den o+ e1il on2o himsel+5 So i2 4as 2ha2
all 2he e1il in 2he 4o,ld 4as d,a4n in2o one 6la7e5 Se1en /,ea2 Ca62ains o+ Da,.ness
4e,e d,a4n and im6,isoned he,e5 Th0s 4as 6ea7e -,o0/h2 2o 2he 4o,ld5 Th0s 4as
Da,.en Cood made5 So i2 is 2oday3 2ha2 2he e1il 2ha2 7o0ld no2 -e des2,oyed is -o0nd3
and all 2ha2 is e1il and 6e,se702ed -y 2he &i/h2 see.s ,e+0/e he,e5N
Yo0 loo. a2 2he s.ele2on5 LThis is 2ha2 Kin/O Cha2 ha66ened 2o himON
LHe 2oo. 2he -0,den o+ e1il on2o himsel+3N 2he 7,o4 says a/ain5 LHe im6,isoned
himsel+ in Hell so 2ha2 2he se1en Ca62ains o+ E1il 4o0ld -e -o0nd he,e5N
LIn hellO And he is s2ill 2he,e3 e1en no4ON
LNo3 I +,eed him lon/ a/o3N 2he 7,o4 says5 LHo4 else 7an I -e Kin/ i+ I do no2
2a.e his 6la7eON
LB02 yo0 a,e he,e3N yo0 say5
LI am a /od3 yo0 +oolMN 2he 7,o4 says5 LI 7an -e in 24o 6la7es a2 on7e5N
Sha.in/ yo0, head3 yo0 ,e20,n 2o 2he ma22e, a2 hand5 LYo0 men2ioned 2he
Diamond Key3N yo0 -e/in5
LAh3 yes3N 2he 7,o4 says5 LDa,.en Cood is a 6la7e 4he,e /,ea2 e1il is 7on2ained5
Con2ained 4i2h 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 2ha2 a++e72s 2he 1e,y +a-,i7 o+ ,eali2y i2sel+5 So i2 is
2ha2 4hen /,eedy men 7ome he,e see.in/ /old3 2he e1il in 2his 6la7e ,es6onds 2o 2hei,
/,eed3 and 2hey en7o0n2e, e1il 2ha2 is o+ 2hei, o4n ma.in/M Then 2he,e a,e many
))
FF - Diamond
7,ea20,es 4ho li1e he,e 4ho 6,ey on 2,a1elle,s in 2hei, o4n manne,3 s07h as 2he
/o-lins5N
LI did no2 en7o0n2e, any2hin/ e1il3N yo0 say5 LAll I en7o0n2e,ed 4as yo05N
LTh0sMN 2he 7,o4 says 2,i0m6han2ly3 Lyo0 m0s2 -e he,e see.in/ 2he Diamond Key
4i2h 2he in2en2 o+ /oodness5N
LDo yo0 ha1e i2ON yo0 as.5
LI ha1e no need o+ 2ha23N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LI 602 i2 in a sa+e 6la7e5N
LCill yo0 sho4 meON yo0 as.5
LI 4ill sho" yo03 yes3N 2he 7,o4 says5 The 7,o4 disa66ea,s -ehind 2he 2h,one3 and
yo0 s2e6 on2o 2he dais3 seein/ ano2he, o6enin/ -ehind 2he /,ea2 sil1e, sea25 Follo4in/
2he 7,o43 yo0 -end 0nde, 2he lo4 doo,+,ame and in2o ano2he, +0ll-siKed 7o,,ido,5 I2
des7ends do4n in2o 2he ea,2h and soon o6ens in2o ano2he, domed 7ham-e,3 2his one
many 2imes la,/e, 2han 2he o2he,5 The dome is da,. -l0e s2one se2 4i2h s2a,s made o+
/lo4in/ 7,ys2als3 +o,min/ 2he 7ons2ella2ions o+ 2he ni/h2 s.y5 Golden 6illa,s line 2he
ma,oon 4alls and 2he +loo, is 7o1e,ed in 2iles o+ -la7. inlaid 4i2h /old5 In 2he 1e,y
7en2,e o+ 2he 7ham-e, is a la,/e 7hes25 Ne82 2o i2 is a 4ooden s2and3 in 4hi7h si2s a
lon/ -la7. s6ea, 4i2h a sil1e, -lade on 2o65 The 7,o4 is 6e,7hed on 2he 2i6 o+ 2he
sil1e, -lade5
LChe,e is 2he Diamond KeyON yo0 as. as yo0 7ome 2o a s2o65
LI2 7on7e,ns me 1e,y m07h 2ha2 yo0 a,e no2 a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h25N 2he 7,o4
,e6lies5 LI 7anno2 /i1e a 2,eas0,e li.e 2he Diamond Key 2o a me,e me,7han2 /0a,d5N
LThen ho4 do I -e7ome a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2ON yo0 as.5
LS4ea, an oa2h3 and +a7e 2he 2es23N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5
LFine5 I s4ea, 2o se,1e 2he Gods o+ &i/h23N yo0 say5 LNo4 2es2 me and /i1e me
2he Diamond Key5N
LYo0, 1o4 is ins0++i7ien23N 2he 7,o4 says5 LYo0 s6ea. as i+ 2his ma22e, is a >o.e
o+ some .ind5 "ossession o+ 2he Diamond Key is no small 2hin/5 Kno4 yo0 4ha2 2he
Diamond Key doesO To 4ha2 is i2 2he .eyO Ans4e, 2his3 and I shall /i1e i2 2o yo05N
Cha2 is 2he Diamond Key 2he .ey 2oO Sin7e i2 is no2 made o02 o+ diamond3
diamond m0s2 ,e6,esen2 4ha2 i2 is 2he .ey 2o5 Con2em6la2e 7a,e+0lly5 I+ yo0 2hin. yo0
.no4 2he ans4e,3 0se 2he al6han0me,i7 7ode -elo4 2o 2,ansla2e yo0, sin/le 4o,d
ans4e, in2o n0m-e,s3 2hen add 2he n0m-e,s 2o/e2he, and 20,n 2o 2ha2 6assa/e5
a * c d e f g h i 9 k l m
) < = # % ' ( E )* )) ) )<
n o p : r s t u ; . < y =
)= )# )% )' )( )E * ) < = # %
I+ yo0 7an?2 +i/0,e i2 o023 20,n 2o 157
053
"enma,. s2e6s +o,4a,d and lo0dly 7hallen/es Gilmo,e3 7allin/ +o, him 2o
s0,,ende,5 The madman >0s2 snee,s and lea6s a2 "enma,.3 2h,0s2in/ 4i2h his s4o,d3
2he -lade s0ddenly -laKin/ 4i2h ,ed +lames5
"enma,. 6a,,ies 2he +lamin/ -lade and 702s a2 Gilmo,e?s ne7.5 The -lo4 sho0ld
ha1e landed3 -02 Gilmo,e -,in/s his o4n 4ea6on -a7. 4i2h in7,edi-le s4i+2ness and
-lo7.s 2he -lo45 The si8-+oo2 4ea6on is as li/h2 as a 4ooden 7ane in his hands5 The
)
FF - Diamond
ma/i7 s4o,d -laKes 4hene1e, Gilmo,e a22a7.s3 seemin/ 2o +eed o++ his a//,ession5
B02 "enma,. seems 2o ha1e some 6o4e, as 4ell3 as he 6a,,ies -lo4s 2ha2 4o0ld 702 a
no,mal man in 24o5 Yo0 see "enma,. slo4ly /ain 2he meas0,e o+ his o66onen23 his
s2yle -e7omin/ less 7a02io0s and mo,e a//,essi1e5 Finally he +ein2s and s6i,als his
s4o,d in3 a1oidin/ Gilmo,e?s des6e,a2e -lo7. and sin.in/ his -lade in2o 2he
madman?s 2h,oa25
The -andi2 leade, +alls 2o his .nees3 d,o66in/ 2he s4o,d and 7l027hin/ a2 his 2h,oa25
He loo.s 06 a2 "enma,. in des6ai,3 2hen sl0m6s3 +allin/ o++ 2he -lade5 "enma,. holds
his s4o,d o023 le22in/ 2he -lood ,0n o++ i25 Yo0 4a27h in 4onde, as 2he -lade is le+2
6e,+e72ly -,i/h2 and 0n-lemished3 no -lood a-le 2o 7lin/ 2o i25
One o+ 2he 6aladin 60lls do4n a 6ie7e o+ 7an1as +,om a 2en2 and 2h,o4s i2 o1e, 2he
s4o,d5 They 6i7. i2 06 and 4,a6 i2 se70,ely3 eyein/ i2 4i2h dis2as2e+0l e86,essions
e1en 4,a66ed in many laye,s o+ 7an1as5
Yo0 en2e, 2he -lood-,ed 2en25 The,e is no si/n o+ any o+ 2he sla1es3 and all o+
Gilmo,e?s 1al0a-les ha1e -een s2olen a4ay5 Yo0 o,/anise a sea,7h o+ 2he 7am6 +o,
any 0sa-le ma2e,ials5 The 6aladin 2a.e some o+ 2he +oods20++s and s066lies +,om 2he
4a/on3 -02 4ill no2 sea,7h 2he dead5 Yo0 ha1e no s07h 6,in7i6les3 -02 "enma,. 2ells
yo0 2o lea1e 2he dead in 6ea7e5
Yo0 4a27h as 2he 6aladin 4,a6 2he dead in 2hei, 2en2s and lay 2hem side -y side5
They 6a0se in a 6,aye, +o, 2he slain3 2hen se2 2he 4hole 2hin/ ali/h25 As 2he +lames
/,o43 yo0, 6a,2y lea1es 2o ,e20,n 2o Kianmay5
Roll one die5 The n0m-e, 2ha2 7omes 06 is 2he n0m-e, o+ me,7han2 /0a,ds yo0 ha1e
los2 in 2his -a22le5
T0,n 2o 33
057
Yo0 -e/in 2o sea,7h 2he ,oom3 -02 ha1e no2 /o22en 1e,y +a, 4hen ano2he, doo, 2o
2he ,oom o6ens and a +i/0,e en2e,s5 He s2o6s and s2a,es a2 yo03 4hile yo0 loo. a2 him
4i2h yo0, hands in his d,a4e,5 He is a sha1ed-headed man 4i2h a sho,2 -la7. -ea,d5
He is d,essed in a -la7. ,o-e 2ha2 ends a2 his .nee3 a-o1e 2ooled lea2he, ,idin/ -oo2s5
O1e, 2he ,o-e he 4ea,s a -,eas26la2e3 enamelled in da,. -l0e 4i2h ,ed and /old
se,6en2s 06on i25 He 4ea,s a -el2 4i2h a da//e,3 -02 is o2he,4ise 0na,med5
LThie+3N he says s7o,n+0lly5
Yo0 /lan7e a2 2he 2a-le 4he,e yo0, 4ea6ons lie5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /,a- yo0, 4ea6ons and a22a7. him3 20,n 2o 03+
I+ yo0 4o0ld 6,e+e, 2o ,0n3 20,n 2o 114
058
Yo0 ma.e a l0n/e a2 2he o,7 4oman3 ma.in/ he, ,e2,ea2: 2hen ma.e a dash +o, 2he
e8i25 Yo0 hea, a lo0d 7,a7.le -ehind yo03 and 2he hai, on 2he -a7. o+ yo0, ne7. ,ises5
Yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ 2o 2he /,o0nd and a li/h2nin/ -ol2 a,7s o1e, yo05 Re/ainin/ yo0,
+ee2 yo0 ,0n on4a,ds5 The 7on+li72 has a22,a72ed a22en2ion and yo0 dash 6as2 o,7s
7omin/ 2o in1es2i/a2e5
)<
FF - Diamond
Sho02s and 7,ies +ollo4 yo0 as yo0 7lim- 06 2he s2ai,4ay3 2hen en2e, 2he 20nnel5
&a-o0,in/ 06 2he slo6e3 yo0 a,e a ,a//ed 4,e7. -y 2he 2ime yo0 ,ea7h 2he 2o65 The
o,7 is s2ill aslee6 and yo0 h0,,y 6as2 and in2o 2he main 20nnel5
Yo0 see no si/ns o+ 60,s0i23 so yo0 slo4 do4n5 By 2he 2ime yo0 ,ea7h 2he o2he,s
yo0 ha1e yo0, -,ea2h -a7.5
T0,n 2o 020
054
Goin/ 06 2o 2he doo,3 yo0 lis2en -02 hea, no2hin/5 Slo4ly yo0 o6en 2he doo, and
6ee. inside5 Yo0 see a ,oom 2ha2 loo.s li.e a s20dy and a la-o,a2o,y5 Shel1es
7on2ainin/ h0nd,eds o+ >a,s and -o8es +ill one 4all3 4hile ano2he, is +illed 4i2h -oo.s5
The,e is a des. 2o one side3 and a la,/e 2a-le in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom5
Yo0 +eel a s0,/e o+ >oy and e87i2emen2 as yo0 see s6,ead on 2he 2a-le all o+ yo0,
-elon/in/s5 Yo0, 4ea6ons3 7oins and ma/i7al i2ems5 Yo0 e1en see 2he Diamond
Key5 Yo0 sli6 +0,2he, in2o 2he ,oom3 -02 6a0se5 "e,ha6s i2 is no2 a /ood idea 2o 2a.e
yo0, s20++ -a7.5 Any2hin/ yo0 2a.e 4ill -e missed5 I+ yo0 do3 2hen yo0 4ill ha1e 2o
2,y and es7a6e ,i/h2 a4ay5
Cha2 4ill yo0 doO
G,a- yo0, s20++3 2hen /o -a7. 2o Kianmay and es7a6eO T0,n 2o 32
Sea,7h 2he ,oom +o, some2hin/ 2ha2 4on?2 -e missedO T0,n 2o 057
B0s2 lea1e 2he ,oomO T0,n 2o 166
056
As yo0 loo. a2 2he small man3 yo0 +eel 2he helm 2in/le a,o0nd yo0, -,o45
S0ddenly yo0, 1ision -l0,s and yo0 see a 4ol+ s2andin/ -e+o,e yo05 Yo0 -lin. and
-o2h man and 4ol+ a,e 2he,e as one5 The helm has 2he 6o4e, o+ 2,0e si/h25 The Col+
is a 4e,e4ol+M
Re20,n no4 2o 105
055
Yo0 no2i7e i2 is /e22in/ 7lose 2o d0s.3 and h0,,y 2o +ind an i1o,y-7a,1e,5 Yo0 +ind
a sho6 and en2e, in2o 2he in2e,io,5 Yo0, /aKe is d,a4n immedia2ely 2o 2he massi1e 6ai,
o+ mammo2h 20s.s han/in/ on 2he -a7. 4all5 The -eas2 m0s2 ha1e -een a 2,0e /ian2M
E1en20ally yo0, /aKe d,o6s 2o a yo0n/ 4oman 4ho smiles a2 yo0 and as.s yo0
4ha2 yo0 a,e in2e,es2ed in5 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd3 seein/ n0me,o0s +ine 6ie7es in /lass
7ases5 Yo0 anno0n7e 2ha2 yo0 a,e in2e,es2ed in a la,/e shi6men23 and 2he yo0n/
4oman immedia2ely in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2h,o0/h 2o 2he -a7. o+ 2he sho65 She sho4s
)=
FF - Diamond
yo0 a sele72ion o+ -o4ls3 706s and s2a20es3 all 7a,1ed in +ine de2ail5 Re/a,dless o+
4he2he, 2he i1o,y is 7a,1ed in2o some2hin/ +0n72ional o, no23 2he 6,i7e is de2e,mined
-y 2he le1el o+ in2,i7a7y in 2he desi/ns5
Yo0 7an 7hoose +,om 2he +ollo4in/;
Sim6le; )* /old 6e, -o85
Fine; <* /old 6e, -o8
In2,i7a2e; #* /old 6e, -o85
Yo0, 4a/on only has eno0/h s6a7e +o, )*** >a,s3 o, )* -o8es o+ 4ea6ons o, i1o,y
@) -o8 G )** >a,sA5 Yo0 may only 60,7hase eno0/h /oods 2o +ill 2he 4a/on5
I+ yo0 -0y i1o,y3 2he yo0n/ 4oman also /i1es yo0 an i1o,y ,in/ as a /i+25 Yo0 7an
.ee6 2he ,in/ o, sell i2 a2 2he ma,.e2s +o, ) /old 7oin5 On7e yo0 ha1e -o0/h2 all 2he
i1o,y yo0 4an23 yo0 may ei2he,;
$isi2 2he Dye-ma.e,3 20,n 2o 43
$isi2 2he 4ea6on smi2h3 20,n 2o +78
O, /o 2o hi,e me,7han2 /0a,ds3 20,n 2o 122
+22
The e1enin/ 7omes as yo0 -e/in yo0, sea,7h +o, me,7han2 /0a,ds5 Red Ri1e, has
7o0n2less 2a1e,ns3 and 2ha2 is 4he,e yo0 4ill +ind /0a,ds 4ho a,e +o, hi,e5 B02 4he,e
2o /oO No,mally yo0 4o0ld /o 2o 2he 2a1e,ns yo0 yo0,sel+ +,e90en25 B02 2hin.in/ o+
2he holy mission and 2he dan/e, 6,esen2ed -y yo0, 60,s0e,s3 yo0 7onside, 2he ma22e,
7a,e+0lly5
E1en20ally yo0 7hoose a 2a1e,n 7alled 2he Em62y "0,se5 I2 is m07h 90ie2e, 2han
mos2 o2he,s3 and yo0 .no4 2ha2 i2 is o4ned -y a 6,ominen2 mem-e, o+ 2he me,7han2
/0ild5 As yo0 s2e6 in2o 2he 4a,m /olden li/h23 yo0 .no4 yo0 a,e in 2he ,i/h2 6la7e5
Many o+ 2he d,in.e,s a,e me,7han2s3 2h,ashin/ o02 deals5 B02 also 2he,e a,e many
me,7han2 /0a,ds5 Yo0, e86e,2 eyes 7an immedia2ely 6i7. o02 2hose 4ho ha1e no
em6loymen25 The em6loyed /0a,ds ha1e a 7on2en23 sa2is+ied ai,3 a-le 2o ind0l/e in
la,/e ales3 -02 no2 2oo m07h5 The 0nem6loyed /0a,ds s0,1ey 2he me,7han2s3 ei2he, in
ho6e3 o, 4ai2in/ +o, 2he ,i/h2 momen2 2o a66,oa7h5
The,e a,e +i+2een 0nem6loyed me,7han2 /0a,ds he,e5 S2e66in/ on2o a -en7h3 yo0
lea6 06 on2o a 2a-le3 yo0, 2h0m6in/ -oo2s d,a4in/ a22en2ion5 Those 4ho see yo0
2h0m6 2he a,ms o+ 2hei, 7om6anions and 6oin2 a2 yo05 In a momen2 yo0 ha1e 2he
a22en2ion o+ all5
LI am loo.in/ +o, me,7han2 /0a,dsMN yo0 anno0n7e5 LCe a,e lea1in/ 2omo,,o4 a2
da4n and headin/ no,2h5 "ay is < /old +o, si/nin/ 063 6l0s < /old 6e, 4ee.5N
Une86e72edly3 i2 is one o+ 2he me,7han2s 4ho ans4e,s yo05 LChe,e a,e yo0
/oin/ON
)#
FF - Diamond
LO0, des2ina2ion is no2 2o -e di10l/ed he,e and no43N yo0 anno0n7e3 7a0sin/
some 2o 7h07.le5
Ano2he, me,7han2 7alls o02 2o yo05 LA se7,e2 des2ina2ionM Tell 0s3 4ha2 a,e yo0
7a,,yin/ON
Yo0 des7,i-e yo0, 7a,/o and 2he same me,7han2 smiles -,oadly5 LAh3 so 2ha2 is
no se7,e2 a2 leas23N 2he 7ommen2 d,a4s la0/h2e,5
The +i,s2 me,7han2 s6ea.s a/ain5 LHo4 lon/ is 2his >o0,ney 2o -eON
LI 7an?2 say3N yo0 ,e6ly3 2,yin/ no2 2o /,i2 yo0, 2ee2h5
The me,7han2s la0/h5 LCell3 2henIN The Me,7han2 s2ands 2o 6a7e5 LYo0 a,e
/oin/Isome4he,eM I2 4ill 2a.eIsome2imeM Is 2he,e any elemen2 o+ dan/e, 2o 2his
>o-ON
Yo0 admi2 2ha2 2he,e is3 and 2he me,7han2s all smile and loo. 2ho0/h2+0l5 Yo0
7ame 2o hi,e me,7han2 /0a,ds and a,e no4 -a,/ainin/ 4i2h me,7han2sM A+2e, a
len/2hy dis70ssion3 2he me,7han2s all de7ide 2ha2 yo0 sho0ld o++e, % /old 6ie7es +o,
si/nin/ 063 /old 6e, day as 4a/e3 and ano2he, % /old +o, sa+e deli1e,y5
A+2e, some a,/0in/3 yo0 /e2 i2 do4n 2o # /old 6ie7es +o, si/nin/ 063 ) /old 6e,
day as 4a/e3 and # /old +o, sa+e deli1e,y5 Al2ho0/h i2 is a li22le -i2 mo,e e86ensi1e
2han no,mal3 yo0 +eel yo0 a,e 2a.in/ 2hese men in2o dan/e,5 E1en so3 yo0 insis2 on
only 2a.in/ men 4i2h mo,e 2han yea,s e86e,ien7e5
All )# 7laim 2o ha1e 4ell o1e, yea,s e86e,ien7e5 Yo0 ,e>e72 2h,ee +o, -ein/ 2oo
yo0n/3 one +o, -ein/ 2oo old3 and one +o, ha1in/ an 0n2,0s24o,2hy /,in5 Yo0 7an hi,e
all 2en i+ yo0 7an a++o,d #* /old he,e and no45
A+2e, yo0 hi,e all o+ yo0, men3 yo0 2ell 2hem 4he,e 2o -e a2 da4n 2he ne82
mo,nin/ and /o -a7. 2o 2he Ha66y Maid5 Remem-e, 2ha2 yo0 4ill need 2o 6ay 2he
men yo0 ha1e hi,ed ea7h day5 I+ yo0 ha1e 2en men3 i2 4ill 7os2 yo0 2en /old 7oin 6e,
day 2o .ee6 2he men on5 Yo0 4ill -e ins2,072ed 4hen 2o 6ay 2he men5 I+ yo0 7anno2
a++o,d 2o 6ay 2hem3 2hey 4ill lea1e5 In -a22les some men 4ill also die3 so .ee6 2,a7. o+
2his as 4ell sin7e yo0 do no2 ha1e 2o 6ay dead men5
Yo0 /e2 a /ood ni/h2?s slee6 and 2he ne82 mo,nin/ /o 2o 6i7. 06 yo0, 4a/on and
2eam5 Yo0, 7a,/o has -een deli1e,ed and loaded and yo0 a,e a-le 2o se2 o++
immedia2ely5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2o 2he no,2he,n /a2e and a,e 6leased 2o see all 2he
men yo0 hi,ed ,eady and 4ai2in/3 al2ho0/h a -i2 /,0m6y and slee6y5 They all ha1e
ho,ses and +o,m 06 a,o0nd 2he 4a/on as yo0 se2 o02 no,2h5 By 2he 2ime 2he s0n is 4ell
o1e, 2he ho,iKon3 2he 7i2y has -een los2 in 2he ,ollin/ lands a,o0nd yo05 Rea7hin/ a
7,oss-,oads in a la,/e 7lea,ed s6a7e3 yo0 de7ide 2o s2o6 and 4ai2 he,e +o, Kianmay and
2he "aladin5 Yo0 2ell 2he men 2o ,ela8 and 4ai2 ne,1o0sly +o, 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 6a,2y5
I2 is no2 2oo lon/ 0n2il 2hey a66ea,5 The,e is no si/n o+ 2he 7a,,ia/e3 and yo0 see
Kianmay 7lin/in/ 2o 2he -a7. o+ a ho,se as 2hey a66,oa7h5 Yo0 ,e7o/nise he, ho,se as
one o+ 2he 7a,,ia/e ho,ses5 The 6aladin ha1e also a790i,ed ne4 7loa.s3 4,a66ed no4
in old and di,2y 7lo2h o+ 1a,io0s d0ll 7olo0,s5 E1en Kianmay no4 4ea,s a 6lain
hooded 7loa. o+ da,. -l0e5
As 2hey 60ll 063 Kianmay nods a2 yo0 and dismo0n2s 7l0msily5
LChe,e is 2he 7a,,ia/eON yo0 as.5
LBa7. in 2he +o,es2 4he,e i2 4ill ho6e+0lly ,emain 0ndis7o1e,ed3N she e86lains and
loo.s o1e, 2he 4a/on and o8en5 She smiles as sees 2he o8en3 dismo0n2in/ 2o e8amine
2he +ine -eas2s5 LMy +a2he, 4as a +a,me,3N she anno0n7es3 ,0nnin/ one hand o1e, 2he
side o+ one o+ 2he o8en5 LThese a,e s2,on/ and heal2hy5 B02 I ho6e yo0 did no2 6ay
2oo m07h5N
)%
FF - Diamond
L=* /old3N yo0 ,e6ly 2en2a2i1ely5 Cho 4o0ld ha1e 2ho0/h2 a 6,ies2ess 4o0ld ha1e
/,o4n 06 on a +a,mM No4 2ha2 yo0 2hin. a-o02 i23 6,ies2esses ha1e 2o 7ome +,om
some4he,e5
LOh3 /oodMN she e87laims5 She 20,ns 2o4a,ds 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds 4ho a,e
6layin/ 7a,ds 0nde, a nea,-y 2,ee5
Ho4 many /0a,ds did yo0 hi,eO
Fi1e o, lessO T0,n 2o +75
Mo,e 2han +i1eO T0,n 2o 71
+20
Closin/ 2he lid3 yo0 s2and 2o o6en one o+ 2he o2he, 7hes2s5 S0ddenly 2he 70,2ain is
d,a4n aside3 and yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ loo.in/ in2o 2he s2a,2led /aKe o+ Gilmo,e 2he
G,oa25 Be+o,e he 7an ,ea723 yo0 di1e 0nde, 2he 2en2 4all5 Rollin/ 2o yo0, +ee2 yo0
dash a7,oss 2he 7am65 Sho02s o+ ala,m +ollo4 yo0 and yo0 6l0n/e in2o 2he
0nde,/,o42h5 Yo0 ,0n all 2he 4ay -a7. 2o yo0, ho,se5 B0m6in/ in2o 2he saddle3 yo0
/allo6 all 2he 4ay -a7. 2o 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 6a,2y5
T0,n 2o 080
+2+
The 7,ea20,e 4ill no2 ha1e a 7han7e 2o o1e,7ome i2s h0n/e, i+ yo0 a22a7. i23 so yo0
,aise 2he s6ea, and s2and 06 s2,ai/h25 The demon /,o4ls and slashes a2 yo0 4i2h i2s
7la4s5 Yo0 lose # STAMINA 6oin2s5
I2 ,oa,s and loo.s ,eady 2o s2,i.e a/ain5
I+ yo0 ha1e 7han/ed yo0, mind and 4an2 2o a22a7.3 20,n 2o 063
I+ yo0 4ish 2o .ee6 on /i1in/ 2he 7,ea20,e a 7han7e3 20,n 2o 78
I+ yo0 a,e dead3 20,n 2o 120
+21
Ca,e+0lly ,emo1in/ 2he eme,ald-se2 ,in/3 yo0 slide i2 on2o yo0, o4n +in/e,5
Immedia2ely yo0 +eel l07.ie,5 Chile 4ea,in/ 2he ,in/3 yo0 may in7,ease yo0, initial
&UCK -y <3 and any 2ime yo0 2es2 yo0, &UCK yo0 do no2 ha1e 2o ,ed07e yo0,
current &UCK -y one5
Than.in/ 2he 7,o4 on7e mo,e3 yo0 lea1e 2he ,0ined 6ala7e and ma.e yo0, 4ay
-a7. 2h,o0/h Da,.en Cood5 Yo0 4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he Cood +o, ho0,s3 and soon
7ome 2o a ,oad5 Ta.in/ a /am-le3 yo0 head no,2h and a+2e, an ho0, ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+
Ta66in5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
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FF - Diamond
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
+23
Goin/ in2o 2he ma,.e2s on7e mo,e3 yo0 +ind 2ha2 mos2 o+ 2he sho6s ha1e 7losed5
Bein/ o6en a+2e, da,. means li/h2in/ lam6 o, 7andles and mos2 sho6.ee6e,s ha1e 2oo
+e4 la2e 70s2ome,s 2o >0s2i+y 2he 7os25 De7idin/ on 2he dis/0ise o+ someone /oin/ 2o
-,in/ an o++e,in/ 2o 2he 2em6le3 yo0 +ind a 7lo2hin/ s2o,e 2ha2 is s2ill o6en5 Yo0 7an
-0y a +ine ,o-e and a ha2 +o, a 2o2al o+ )* /old 7oins5 Ano2he, s2o,e has some lam6 oil
+o, sale and yo0 7an -0y a la,/e sealed >a, +o, # /old5 I+ yo0 7an?2 a++o,d 2his3 yo0 4ill
ha1e 2o /o -a7. and -,ea. in2o 2he 2em6le @20,n 2o +41>,
Yo0 -0y 2he dis/0ise and +ind a small inn in 4hi7h 2o s2o,e yo0, -elon/in/s5 An
inn 7alled 2he Chi2e Ga,den s0++i7es5 The ,ooms a,e -0il2 a,o0nd a 7en2,al /a,den o+
4hi2e-+lo4e,ed -0shes3 and a 6ond +illed 4i2h 4hi2e lilies and a 6ai, o+ 4hi2e s4ans5
Yo0 /e2 a ,oom and hide yo0, 6a7. 0nde, 2he 7o07h5 D,essin/ 4i2h 2he ,o-e o1e,
yo0, a,mo0,3 and 4ea,in/ 2he ha2 on yo0, head ins2ead o+ a helm3 yo0 2a.e 2he >a, o+
oil and ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o 2he 2em6le5
I2 is 2,0ly ni/h2 as yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he s2,ee2s5 Re1elle,s a,e in 2he
s2,ee2s3 and 2a1e,ns a,e lo0d 4i2h 2al.in/ and la0/h2e,5 Yo0 i/no,e all as yo0 ma.e
yo0, 4ay in2o 2he 90ie2 2em6le dis2,i725 Some o+ 2he ,e1elle,s ha1e 7hosen 2o 4al.
2h,o0/h 2he 4ell-li2 /a,dens3 some on 2hei, 4ay 2o 6,ay and ma.e o++e,in/s a+2e, a day
o+ 4o,.5 Yo0 6ass se1e,al /,o06s o+ 6eo6le o, +i/0,es 4al.in/ alone5 No one 6ays
any a22en2ion 2o yo0 and yo0 smile in4a,dly3 6leased 2ha2 yo0, dis/0ise is 4o,.in/5
I+ yo0 ha1e -een -i22en -y a 4e,e4ol+3 20,n 2o 324
I+ yo0 ha1en?23 20,n 2o 343
+27
Kianmay +,o4ns a2 2he 4ooden -o4l in yo0, hands3 -02 does no2 2o07h i25 She
as.s yo0 2o 602 i2 on 2he 2a-le5
LThis is a s7,yin/ -o4l3 -02 i2 has -een 0sed in da,. ma/i75 I2 has -een +illed 4i2h
-lood3 no2 4a2e,5 Someone has -een 0sin/ i2 2o 2,y and 6,o-e in2o 2he se7,e2s o+ hellMN
She 7loses he, eyes and a+2e, a momen2 ,ea7hes o02 and 2o07hes i2 4i2h one +in/e,2i65
The -o4l s6li2s in 24o and she o6ens he, eyes3 sha.in/ he, head5 LI?m so,,y5 I 2,ied
2o 60,i+y i23 -02 i2 is 2oo 7o,,062ed5N
To 7om6ensa2e yo0 +o, 2he loss o+ 2he -o4l3 Kianmay as.s yo0 2o .neel do4n in
+,on2 o+ he,5 She lays he, hands on yo0, head and /i1es yo0 a -lessin/5 Yo0 may
,es2o,e yo0, &UCK 2o i2s ini2ial le1el3 addin/ one 2o yo0, ini2ial le1el i+ 2his n0m-e, is
less 2han )5
Re20,n no4 2o 034
)(
FF - Diamond
+28
Yo0 d,a4 2he s4o,d +,om i2s sna.es.in shea2h and sho4 i2 2o Kianmay5 She 2a.es
i2 and e8amines i2 -,ie+ly5 LI2 is a Se,6en2 S4o,d3N she e86lains5 I2 -elon/ed 2o an
an7ien2 70l2 o+ sna.e 4o,shi66e,s +amo0s +o, 2hei, s6eed5 Chen yo0 0se 2he s4o,d
yo0 7an add # 2o yo0, SKI&&5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Bl0e Se,6en2 S4o,d S4o,d =
Re20,n no4 2o 141
+24
Ci2h 2he mo,nin/ e1e,yone s2i,s and a 6aladin -e/ins 2o 6,e6a,e -,ea.+as25
Kianmay anno0n7es 2ha2 2he si7. man has died3 so e1e,yone 6,e6a,es 2o mo1e on5
S0ddenly one o+ 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds s4ea,s +o0l eno0/h 2o sho7. e1en yo05
LA4 ,i/h25 JC?o?s 2a.en me /old 7ha,mON he demands5
No one o4ns 063 so 2he me,7han2 /0a,d 20,ns on 2he 6aladin 4ho 4as slee6in/
ne82 2o him and a770ses him o+ 2a.in/ i25 The 6aladin 6oin2s 2o his 6a7.5 LI 4o0ld no2
do s07h a 2hin/5 Sea,7h i2 and see5N
The /0a,d does so3 +indin/ no2hin/ o+ 1al0e5 This ma.es 2he 6aladin +,o4n5 LI
had sil1e, in a 6o07h5N
E1e,yone 7he7.s 2hei, -elon/in/s and ,e6o,2s 2ha2 all 2he 1al0a-les ha1e -een
2a.en5 Yo0 +ind 2ha2 yo0,s a,e all /one as 4ell5 Yo0 h0,,y 2o 2he 4a/on and see 2ha2
2he -o8es a,e all s2ill 2he,e3 alon/ 4i2h 2he s2,on/-o8 7on2ainin/ all yo0, money5 B02
all o+ yo0, 1al0a-le 6ossessions a,e /one3 in7l0din/ any small 1al0a-les yo0 4e,e
4ea,in/5 Yo0 s2ill ha1e yo0, 4ea6ons and a,mo0,5
As yo0 7ome -a7. 2o 2he +i,e3 yo0 see Kianmay s2andin/ 7l027hin/ he, side3 he,
+a7e as 6ale as sno45 Yo0 /o 2o he, and as.; LCha2 is 4,on/ON
LThe Diamond KeyMN she says 90ie2ly5 LI2 is missin/MN
T0,n 2o 066
+26
Yo0 2a.e o02 2he -o22le o+ 4hi2e li90id and sho4 i2 2o Kianmay5 She holds 2he
-o22le in he, hands and 7on7en2,a2es5 A+2e, a min02e she 2ells yo0 2ha2 i2 is a slee6in/
6o2ion5
Re20,n no4 2o +51
+25
Yo0 sna27h 06 2he s4o,d and 20,n 2o +a7e 2he 4a,,io,5 He s2o6s and 4i2h a66a,en2
disin2e,es2 20,ns a4ay and /oes -a7. 2o 2he 7i,7le5 The 7le,. s2e6s +o,4a,d ins2ead5
L"lease ,e>oin yo0, 7om6anion3N he says5
)E
FF - Diamond
Yo0 do so5 The 7le,. 2a.es 2he s4o,d +,om yo0, hand /oes o1e, 2o 2he small 2a-le
in 2he 7o,ne,5 Ra2he, 2han 602 2he s4o,d do4n3 he 0ses i2 2o li+2 2he ne7,oman7e,?s
4and and 2oss i2 in2o 2he +i,e5 I2 smo.es 0nna20,ally and 4i2h m07h +iKKin/ and
6o66in/ e1en20ally e86i,es: lea1in/ no2hin/ -02 2he smell o+ -0,n2 +lesh in 2he ai,5
He 2hen /oes 2o s2and -y 2he 7i,7le5
T0,n 2o +83
+02
De7idin/ no2 2o ,is. o++endin/ him yo0 ha//le +o, a +e4 min02es and e1en20ally
a/,ee on =# /olds +o, 2he 6ai,5 Yo0 as. +o, 2he 2eam 2o -e hi27hed and ,eady 2o de6a,2
a2 da4n 2omo,,o45
&ea1in/ 2he ya,d yo0 4al. 2h,o0/h 2he ma,.e2s3 4onde,in/ 4ha2 yo0 7an
60,7hase as 7a,/o5 No2 .no4in/ ho4 +a, yo0 ha1e 2o 2,a1el3 yo0 ,e>e72 any2hin/ 2ha2
is 6e,isha-le3 and e1en20ally na,,o4 2hin/s do4n 2o 2h,ee 7hoi7es; dye3 i1o,y3 o,
4ea6ons5
Yo0 7an 1isi2 any o, all o+ 2he 1endo,s3 -02 7an only s6end as m07h money as yo0
a,e 7a,,yin/ 4i2h yo05
To 1isi2 2he dye-ma.e,3 20,n 2o 43
To 1isi2 2he i1o,y-7a,1e,3 20,n 2o 055
To 1isi2 2he 4ea6on smi2h3 20,n 2o +78
+00
The 7,ea20,e slashes yo0, -ody o6en and yo0 +all 2o 2he /,o0nd3 sli66in/ in2o a sea
o+ -la7.ness5 E1en20ally yo0 a4a.en3 and a,e s0,6,ised 2o dis7o1e, 2ha2 yo0 a,e no2
dead @,es2o,e yo0, STAMINA 2o +0llA5 Yo0 a,e healed o+ all yo0, 4o0nds and lyin/
on 2he +loo, o+ 2he 2h,one ,oom5
Yo0 si2 063 and see 2he 7,o4 loo.in/ do4n a2 yo05 Yo0 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee25 The
s6ea, yo0 4e,e 0sin/ is /one5 LDid yo0 sa1e meON yo0 as.5
LI healed yo03N 2he 7,o4 7on+i,ms5 LThe demon 7hose no2 2o +eed 06on yo03 and
so has -een +,eed +,om i2s 2o,men25 Remem-e, 2his 2he day 2ha2 yo0 -e7ome a
demonMN
LI 4ill no2 -e7ome a demonMN yo0 e87laim5
LYo0 do no2 e1en .no4 4ha2 a demon is3N 2he 7,o4 says 4i2h 7on2em625 LYo0 a,e
no Cham6ion o+ &i/h25 Yo0 a,e a des2,oye, 4ho se,1es +ea, and an/e, and ha2,ed5
Be/one +,om 2his 6la7e5N
LI 7anno2 /o 4i2ho02 2he Diamond Key3N yo0 say5 LI+ no2 +o, me3 2hen +o,
Kianmay5 I2 is +o, he, I see. 2he Diamond Key5N
LAlyn Mei3N 2he 7,o4 m0ses5 LI+ only yo0 .ne4 he, 2,0e na20,e3 /i1en 4ha2 yo0
ha1e done he,e 2oday5N
L"lease /i1e me 2he Key3N yo0 -e/5
The 7,o4 is silen23 2hen says; LDiamond is 2he mos2 6,e7io0s s0-s2an7e in 2he
mo,2al 4o,ld5 Ye2 s0-s2an7e is -02 a 2hin/ +o, 7on2ainin/ 2he 2,0e s20++ o+ li+e5 Cill a
man in 2he dese,2 4ho 7omes 06 a /olden /o-le2 o+ 4a2e, 6o0, 2he 4a2e, on2o 2he sand
so 2ha2 he may 7a,,y a4ay 2he 706O So i2 is in 2his mo,2al 4o,ld5 So i2 is 4i2h yo0M
)<*
FF - Diamond
The Diamond Key is 2he .ey 2o 2he mos2 1al0a-le 2hin/ in li+e3 and 2ha2 is li+e i2sel+5
Yo0 a,e no2 4o,2hy 2o -ea, s07h a 2,eas0,e5 Ta.e yo0, /olden 706 and /oMN
An in1isi-le +o,7e s0ddenly s7oo6s yo0 06 and yo0 +ly -a7.4a,ds so +as2
e1e,y2hin/ -e7omes a -l0,5 Momen2s la2e, yo0 a,e d0m6ed on 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 s2a,e
a2 2he 4ooden +loo,-oa,ds5 Yo0 +eel hands /,as6 yo0 and yo0 +ind "enma,. hel6in/
yo0 s2and5 Yo0 a,e -a7. in 2he inn a2 Ta66in5
LChe,e did yo0 7ome +,om3 manON "enma,. as.s3 a li22le sha.en5
LI don?2 .no43N yo0 ,e6ly5N
Kianmay is s2andin/ nea,-y5 She h0,,ies o1e, and /,i6s yo0, a,m 6ain+0lly5 LDid
yo0 +ind i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
Yo0 7an?2 loo. he, in 2he eye .no4in/ 4ha2 yo0 a,e /oin/ 2o say5 As yo0 loo.
a4ay3 yo0 see a /olden 706 si22in/ on 2he man2le a-o1e 2he +i,e6la7e5 Tha2 4as no2
2he,e -e+o,e5 "0shin/ Kianmay aside in yo0, e87i2emen23 yo0 ,0sh o1e, 2o 2he 706
and sna27h i2 o++ 2he man2le 2o 6ee, inside5 Yo0 20,n 2o Kianmay and 4i2h a /,in 60ll
2he Diamond Key o02 o+ 2he 7065
She ,0shes o1e, and /,as6s i2 /,a2e+0lly3 lea1in/ yo0 holdin/ 2he em62y /olden
7065
I2 is 2ime 2o -e /oin/3 so yo0 head o02side and 2ell e1e,yone 2o 6,e6a,e 2o lea1e5
Yo0 also /i1e o,de,s +o, 2he diseased 2o4n 2o -e -0,ned5 As 2he men 4o,.3 yo0
dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins3 2o 7om6ensa2e 2he men +o, 2he
1al0a-les 2ha2 2hey los25
On7e 2he +i,es a,e es2a-lished3 yo0 7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and ,es0me yo0, >o0,ney
no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
+0+
D,a//in/ -o2h -odies do4n 2o 2he 7ommon ,oom3 yo0 o,de, 2he lam6s 2o -e li23
and min02es la2e, yo0 a,e s2a,in/ a2 2he -odies o+ 24o men5 They a,e 6lain3 da,.
7lo2hin/ 0nde, -la7.3 hooded 7loa.s5 They a,e a,med 4i2h sho,2s4o,ds and da//e,s5
Yo0 sea,7h 2hei, 6o07hes3 and +ind = /old 7oins3 6hials o+ healin/ 6o2ion and a
6hial o+ 6oison@<A5
The,e is no in+o,ma2ion a-o02 4ho 2he men a,e3 -02 Kianmay is 7on1in7ed 2ha2
2hey a,e he, 60,s0e,s5 She 0,/es yo0 2o +ind a 4ay 2o /e2 2h,o0/h 2he /a2e5 A+2e,
loo2in/ 2hese 7o,6ses yo0 may ha1e eno0/h /oods 2o sell a2 2he ma,.e2 in 2he mo,nin/
2o 2hen -e a-le 2o a++o,d 2o 6ay 2he Ga2e Fee o, 2he B,i-e5
@Ga2e Fee is ) /old +o, 2he 4a/on and o8en3 6l0s = /old 6e, 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,d 4i2h yo05 The B,i-e is 2en /old and one o+ 2he +ollo4in/ i2ems; A
holy am0le23 a -e>e4elled da//e,3 a -e>e4elled G,i++on S4o,d3 a 7oa2 o+ Sil1e,
S7alemail3 o, a l07.s2one5A
I+ 2his is so3 2hen on7e yo0 a,e ,eady 2o 6,o7eed 4i2h yo0, >o0,ney3 20,n 2o 111,
O2he,4ise yo0 m0s2 4ai2 a,o0nd ano2he, day5 T0,n 2o 003
)<)
FF - Diamond
+01
Yo0 sna27h 06 2he s4o,d and 20,n 2o +a7e 2he 4a,,io,5 He s2o6s and 4i2h a66a,en2
disin2e,es23 20,ns a4ay and /oes -a7. 2o 2he 7i,7le5 The 7le,. s2e6s +o,4a,d ins2ead5
L"lease ,e>oin yo0, 7om6anion3N he says5
Yo0 do so5 The 7le,. 2a.es 2he s4o,d +,om yo0, hand /oes o1e, 2o 2he small 2a-le
in 2he 7o,ne,5 Ra2he, 2han 602 2he s4o,d do4n3 he 0ses i2 2o li+2 2he ne7,oman7e,?s
4and and 2oss i2 in2o 2he +i,e5 I2 smo.es 0nna20,ally and 4i2h m07h +iKKin/ and
6o66in/ e86i,es5
He 2hen /oes 2o s2and -y 2he 7i,7le5
T0,n 2o 12+
+03
Yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ 4ea.enin/ ,a6idly as yo0 2,y 2o 702 do4n 2he nim-le
ne7,oman7e,5 Yo0 see him s2a,2 2o /,in and yo0 ma.e a las2 des6e,a2e l0n/e5 He
s.i6s aside and yo0 7,0m6le 2o 2he +loo,5
D,ained 2o 4i2hin an in7h o+ yo0, li+e yo0 a,e hel6less as 2he Ne7,oman7e, has a
6ai, o+ his Kom-ies lay yo0 o02 on a sla-5 Yo0 a,e 7hained do4n and 2he ne7,oman7e,
2a.es a .ni+e and 702s in2o yo0, 7hes25 Se1e,al 6ain+0l min02es la2e, 2he ne7,oman7e,
+inishes em-eddin/ a s2,an/e /em in yo0, 7hes25
Slo4ly3 yo0, s2,en/2h 4ill ,e20,n o1e, days and 4ee.s3 -02 2he Royal
Ne7,oman7e,?s ne4 e86e,imen2 is s077ess+0l5 He has 7,ea2ed a li1in/ Kom-ie3 and
yo0 o-ey his ins2,072ions 4i2ho02 90es2ion5
Yo0 se,1e 2he ne7,oman7e, +ai2h+0lly +o, many yea,s3 a 6assen/e, 4i2hin yo0,
o4n -ody3 0n2il a/e s2a,2s 2o 4ea.e,n yo05 And so yo0 a,e .illed and 20,ned in2o a
2,adi2ional Kom-ie: 2he,e-y e82endin/ yo0, 0se+0lness +o, many3 many yea,s5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
+07
Slo4ly yo0 7,ee6 +o,4a,d3 da//e, in handI
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5 Roll 24o die5 I+ 2he 2o2al is 2he same as o, less 2han yo0, 70,,en2
SKI&& s7o,e3 20,n 2o 85 I+ 2he 2o2al is hi/he, 2han yo0 SKI&&3 20,n 2o 073
)<
FF - Diamond
+08
The ne7,oman7e, doesn?2 no2i7e yo0, 7han/e o+ in2e,es2 0n2il 2oo la2e5 The >a, he
is holdin/ +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd and ,olls a/ains2 2he 4all5 Yo0 7an 2a.e i2 4i2h yo0 i+
yo0 4ish5 Yo0 sea,7h 2he la-o,a2o,y3 +indin/ many /has2ly 2hin/s3 4hi7h yo0 lea1e
-ehind5 Yo0 +ind a 7,y2al o,- and a /,ea2 90an2i2y o+ sil1e,3 4o,2h )** /old 7oins5
No2hin/ else is 4o,2h 2a.in/ e87e62 may-e 2he 4and3 sin7e 2he -,a7ele2 and ,in/s a,e
-e>e4elled5 The >e4elle,y 7anno2 -e ,emo1ed +,om 2he a,m 4i2ho02 7022in/ i2 a4ay5
The 4and mi/h2 also ha1e some 0se+0l a-ili2ies i+ .e62 in2a725 Yo0 7an 2a.e 2he 4and
2o 2,y and sell3 o, 2o 2,y and 0se in 2he +020,e5
On7e yo0 ha1e 4ha2 yo0 4an23 yo0 lea1e5 T0,n 2o 140
+04
Yo0 i/no,e 2he 4oman?s 1oi7e and soon i2 s2o6s5 Yo0 si2 -y 2he +i,e and a +e4
min02es la2e, yo0 see some2hin/ mo1e a2 2he ed/e o+ 2he Cood5 Yo0 loo. o1e, 2o see
a -ea02i+0l 4oman3 4i2h lon/ -la7. hai,5 She is s7an2ily 7lad in an o02+i2 made o+
6ea,ls and ,0-ies5 She smiles a2 yo03 and disa66ea,s -a7. in2o 2he Cood5
O1e, 2he ne82 ho0, yo0 see all manne, o+ 2em62a2ions 2,yin/ 2o d,a4 yo0 in2o 2he
Cood5 Yo0 i/no,e all o+ 2hem3 e1en 4hen yo0 hea, a s7,eam and a 1oi7e 6leadin/ +o,
hel65 None o+ 2he o2he, men 4i2h yo0 e1en s2i,3 so yo0 de7ide i2 is no2 ,eal and i/no,e
i25 E1en20ally 2he Cood s2o6s and yo0 4a.e one o+ 2he 6aladin 2o 2a.e 2he ne82
4a27h5 Yo0 head -a7. 2o yo0, -lan.e2s5
T0,n 2o +24
+06
&a,emidan is s.illed3 -02 7anno2 ma27h yo0 and dies ne82 2o 2he 24o a,med men3
4ho a66ea, 2o -e mem-e,s o+ 2he To4n G0a,d5 The se,1an2 has ed/ed a,o0nd 2he
+i/h2 2o 2he doo, and as soon as yo0 land 2he dea2h--lo43 he +lees3 2a.in/ his lam6
4i2h him5
I2 2a.es a momen2 +o, yo0, eyes 2o ad>0s25 Yo0 2hen /o and lo7. 2he +,on2 doo,
on7e mo,e and d,a/ all 2he -odies in2o 2he -a2h,oom3 d0m6in/ 2hem in 2he 20-5 A
sea,7h o+ 2he /0a,d?s -odies yields )= /old 7oins3 a 6ai, o+ di7e and a sil1e, -laded
da//e,5 Goin/ -a7. 2o 2he -ed,oom3 yo0 .no7. /en2ly on 2he doo,5
LCho is i2ON yo0 hea, Kianmay as. a66,ehensi1ely5
LMe3N yo0 say5 LI2?s sa+e no45N
The lo7. 7li7.s and 2he doo, o6ens5 Kianmay 6ee,s o023 loo.in/ a2 2he -lood on
2he +loo,5 LCha2 ha66enedON
LThe o4ne, o+ 2he inn 2,ied 2o snea. in 4i2h a,med men5N
LThey m0s2 ha1e -een a+2e, 2he Diamond KeyMN Kianmay e87laims5 LSho0ld 4e
lea1eON
LNo5 B02 le2 me slee6 a/ains2 2he doo, inside 2he,e3N yo0 s0//es25
She a/,ees and yo0 se2 06 yo0, -lan.e2s a/ains2 2he doo,3 +inally +allin/ in2o a
dee6 slee65
T0,n 2o 141
)<<
FF - Diamond
+05
The las2 o,7 +alls dead3 and yo0 si/n 4i2h ,elie+5 The 7os2 has -een hi/h5 Hal+ o+
yo0, me,7han2 /0a,ds a,e dead @i+ yo0 ha1e an odd n0m-e,3 ,o0nd do4nA3 as 4ell as
24o o+ 2he 6aladin5
The 24o o,7s s2ill 4a27hin/ >e,. 2he leashes o+ 2hei, -eas2s3 ma.in/ 2hem ho4l in
6ain3 2hen h0,,y a4ay5 I2 4o0ld -e -es2 2o s2o6 2hem3 -02 yo0 a,e 2oo 4ea,y 2o 60,s0e
2hem5 &oadin/ yo0, dead on2o 2he 4a/on3 yo0 ha1e no ,oom +o, 2he o,7s a,mo0, o,
4ea6ons3 al2ho0/h yo0 7an 2a.e one o+ 2hei, s6ea,s +o, yo0,sel+ i+ yo0 4ish5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Ba,-ed S6ea, Fine S6ea, %
Yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay5 Yo0 e1en20ally ma.e yo0, 4ay o02 o+ 2he mo0n2ains
and ,ea7h 2he hill 2o4n o+ Yo,man5 The >o0,ney has 2a.en 2en days3 so 6ay yo0,
s0,1i1in/ men )* /old ea7h5 Also ma.e a no2e 2ha2 6aladin ha1e -een .illed3 so
2he,e a,e only = ,emainin/5
T0,n 2o 017
++2
Yo0 sha.e &a,emidan?s hand and -id him /ood ni/h25 He 20,ns his -a7. 2o yo0 2o
lea1e and yo0 d,a4 yo0, da//e,3 sli66in/ i2 in2o his -a7.5 He s2i++ens and +alls 2o his
.nees5 Yo0 90i7.ly l0n/e o1e, 2o 2he se,1an23 4ho is -0sy 4i2h 2he -o22le and 2,ay
and .no7. him on 2he -a7. o+ 2he head 4i2h 2he 6ommel o+ yo0, da//e,5
The se,1an2 sl0m6s 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 2ie him 063 2hen d,a/ &a,emidan?s -ody
in2o 2he -a2h,oom and d0m6 i2 in 2he 20- 4he,e i2 7an -leed +,eely5 Yo0 ,i6 06 his
20ni7 2o 4i6e 06 2he -lood 2,ail5 Yo0 lea1e 2he se,1an2 4he,e he is and /o 2o yo0,
-lan.e2s5
Yo0 slee6 6ea7e+0lly 0n2il 2he mo,nin/5
T0,n 2o 141
++0
Finishin/ yo0, -ee,3 yo0 6,e6a,e 2o lea1e3 and a66,oa7h 2he soldie,s5
LG,ee2in/s3N yo0 say 4i2h a smile5 The soldie,s all loo. a2 yo0 4i2h 0n+,iendly
s2a,es5 Un+aKed3 yo0 7on2in0e5 LCha2 is 2ha2 2hin/ on 2he +,on2 o+ yo0, helme2sON
LI2 is a /,i++on3 yo0 +ool5 No4 -e/oneMN sna6s one o+ 2he soldie,s5
LA,e yo0 7i,70s /0a,dsON yo0 as.5
This ma.es 2he sho,2-2em6e,ed /0a,d s0,/e 2o his +ee25 LCha2 did yo0 sayON
Yo0 -a7. a4ay3 holdin/ 06 yo0, hands5 LI?m so,,yM B02 s0,ely a 7,ea20,e li.e
2ha2 4o0ld -e .e62 in a 7i,70s3 so I 2ho0/h2 yo0 m0s2 -e 7i,70s /0a,ds sin7e yo0 7a,,y
2ha2 sym-ol a,o0ndIN
LThis is 2he sym-ol o+ o0, mas2e,3 yo0 -,i7.-headMN
LCho is heON
LCo0n2 Ra0l o+ E,inha,nMN 2he soldie, says 6,o0dly5
)<=
FF - Diamond
LDoes he o4n a 7i,70sON
The soldie, s2a,2s 2o 20,n ,ed3 so yo0 ,0n +,om 2he 7ommon ,oom as i+ in a 6ani75
On7e o02side3 yo0 see 2ha2 yo0 a,e no2 -ein/ 60,s0ed3 so yo0 slo4 do4n and 4al.
-a7. 2o yo0, inn5 Yo0 +ind Kianmay ,eadin/ in he, ,oom5
LChe,e is "enma,.ON yo0 as.5
L"0,7hasin/ +ood +o, o0, >o0,ney3N she ,e6lies5
LCo0n2 Ra0l is he,e in 2o4n3 s2ayin/ a2 an inn 7alled 2he Ele/an2 "ea7o7.5N
Kianmay almos2 d,o6s he, -oo.5 LHo4 do yo0 .no4 his nameON
LI s6o.e 2o some o+ his men3N yo0 e86lain5 LThis is o0, 7han7e 2o do a4ay 4i2h
him on7e and +o, all5N
Kianmay loo.s a2 yo0 7oldly5 LYo0 4an2 2o -0,n do4n 2he inn 4hile he is
aslee6ON
Cha2 does she 2hin. yo0 a,eO LNo3 o+ 7o0,se no2M B02 4e 7an do some2hin/5N
LYes3 some2hin/5N Kianmay -e7omes 2ho0/h2+0l5 LMany li1es ha1e -een los2
-e7a0se o+ Ra0l5 O0, n0m-e, 4as 24i7e as many 4hen 4e se2 o025 And ho4 many
men has he los2O B0s2 2oI I 4ill send him a messa/e and mee2 4i2h him5N
LCha2ON yo0 e87laim5 LThis is 2he man yo0 a,e 2,yin/ 2o /e2 a4ay +,omMN
LHe is no2 a+2e, me3N Kianmay ,e6lies3 2hen 7loses he, mo02h +i,mly5 LThe
Ele/an2 "ea7o7. yo0 say5 I 4ill 4,i2e him a le22e, and as. him 2o mee2 me5N
LMee2 yo0 4he,eO No2 he,e3N yo0 say5
LNo3 I s066ose no23N she a/,ees 2ho0/h2+0lly5
A66,ehensi1ely3 yo0 4ai2 as she /oes 2o he, 2a-le and 2a.in/ o02 6en and in.3
-e/ins 2o 4,i2e on a shee2 o+ 6a,7hmen25 She +olds 2he shee2 and hands i2 2o yo05
LHe,e3 deli1e, 2his5N
Yo0 2a.e 2he no2e5 LCha2 did yo0 sayON
LI as.ed him 2o mee2 me in 2he ma,.e2 s90a,e in 24o ho0,s5N
LT4o ho0,sO The,e 4ill s2ill -e 6eo6le a,o0nd 2hen5N
LCha2 o+ i2ON she as.s5
LI2I4ha2 i+ 4e ha1e 2o +i/h2 himON
LTha2 4ill no2 ha66en5 I ha1e s4o,n 2he,e 4ill -e no 7on+li72 on my 6a,25 My
1o4 7o1e,s yo0 as 4ell5N She /i1es yo0 a 7old3 ha,d s2a,e5 LDo no2 -,ea. -y 1o43
else I shall -e damned5N
Ci2h 2ha2 di,e ad1i7e3 she dismisses yo03 and yo0 lea1e 2he inn5 As yo0 4al.
2o4a,ds 2he Ele/an2 "ea7o7.3 yo0 loo. a2 2he le22e, in yo0, hand5 Cha2 is she doin/O
Does she ,eally .no4 4ha2 2he 7onse90en7es o+ 2his a72ion 7o0ld -eO
Do yo0 4an2 2o ,ead 2he le22e,O T0,n 2o 127
To do as yo0 ha1e -een ins2,072ed3 20,n 2o 138
+++
Yo0 ha1e a 6leasan2 2al. 4i2h &a,emidan3 2ellin/ him 4ha2 yo0 .no4 o+ ne4s in
2he So02h3 2hen yo0 as. him a-o02 4ha2 is o+ in2e,es2 2o yo0
LI hea, 2he,e is a ne4 Kin/ in 2hese lands3N yo0 say5 LA man 7allin/ himsel+ 2he
Col+5 Is he li.ely 2o 6,esen2 any dan/e, 2o 0s as 4e 2,a1el no,2hON
&a,emidan is 2ho0/h2+0l5 LI?m no2 2o s0,e 4ha2 2o ma.e o+ 2his so-7alled .in/ ye25
He seems ha,mless 2o 6ea7e+0l +ol.s li.e mysel+5 I+ I 4as a .in/ I 4o0ld -e 4o,,iedMN
)<#
FF - Diamond
He 7h07.les5 LHe is a66a,en2ly a s.illed 4a,,io, and 2a72i7ian5 Yo0 a,e headin/ 2o
A,an2a2o,ON
LYes5N
LI2 is said he is 1e,y in2e,es2ed in 2he /,ea2 7i2y5 He 4an2s 2o 7on90e, i2M He 4ill
ne1e, s077eed a2 2ha2 +ool?s e,,and5 The,e is a ,eason 2he 7i2y has only e1e, +allen -y
2,ea7he,yM S2ill i2 4ill -e in2e,es2in/ 2o hea, ne4s o+ 4ha2 ha66ens5N
&a,emidan /lan7es o+2en a2 2he /o-le2 in yo0, hand3 -02 does no2 seem o++ended5
His 2al. o+ 2he Col+ seems 2o -e all ,0mo0,5 Finally yo0 se2 do4n 2he /o-le25 LCe
ha1e an ea,ly s2a,2 2omo,,o45 Than. yo0 +o, yo0, 1isi25N
&a,emidan smiles -,oadly and -ids yo0 a /ood ni/h25 He and his se,1an2 lea1e3
and yo0 +inally ha1e 2he 7han7e 2o ,es25
Do yo0 4an2 2o .ee6 a2 4a27hO I+ so 20,n 2o 56
I+ yo0 2hin. 2hin/s 4ill -e +ine3 20,n 2o +82
++1
The demon slashes yo0 on7e mo,e3 lose # mo,e STAMINA 6oin2s5 Ho4 lon/ 4ill
yo0 -e a-le 2o 7on2in0e 2hisO
I+ yo0 ha1e 7han/ed yo0, mind and 4an2 2o a22a7.3 20,n 2o 063
I+ yo0 4ish 2o .ee6 on /i1in/ 2he 7,ea20,e a 7han7e3 20,n 2o +72
I+ yo0 a,e dead3 20,n 2o 120
++3
De7idin/ no2 2o do0-le 06 4i2h one o+ 2he ,ide,s3 yo0 ins2ead 7lim- 06 -eside 2he
d,i1e, o+ 2he 7a,,ia/e5 The 7ool-eyed /0a,d /i1es yo0 a s0s6i7io0s loo.3 -02 ,es6onds
2o yo0, nod -e+o,e 20,nin/ his eyes -a7. 2o 2he ,oad ahead5
The ,oad soon -,an7hes3 -02 Ca62ain "enma,. .ee6s 2o 2he main ,oad5 By midday
2he ,oad s2a,2s 2o ,ise3 2he hills on 2he ho,iKon s2a,2in/ 2o loom a,o0nd yo05 B0s2 as 2he
en2,an7e 2o 2he an7ien2 s2one hi/h4ay 7omes in2o 1ie43 a 6a2h 4inds o++ 2o 2he no,2h-
4es23 and Ca62ain "enma,. leads 2he 6a,2y 06 2he na,,o4e, 2,ail5 The hillsides ,ise
s2ee6ly ea7h side o+ 2he 2,ail and an ea/le 7i,7les laKily o1e,head5
I2 is mid-a+2e,noon3 and many miles in2o 2he hills -e+o,e Ca62ain "enma,. allo4s
2he 6a,2y 2o s2o65 As 2he o2he,s 6,e6a,e 2o s2a,2 a +i,e3 yo0 see Ca62ain "enma,.
7lim-in/ 06 one o+ 2he hillsides 2o 2,y and see -a7. do4n 2he 4indin/ 2,ail5 Someone
is o-1io0sly a+2e, 2hem5 Yo0 6,e2end no2 2o no2i7e and 2a.e a 6la7e -y 2he +i,e5
)<%
FF - Diamond
The /0a,ds si2 in silen7e as one o+ 2hei, n0m-e, 6,e6a,es a s2e43 ano2he, 7a,e+0lly
2endin/ 2he +i,e so i2 does no2 smo.e5 &ady Kianmay eme,/es3 on7e a/ain 7on7ealed
in he, 7o4l5 She a66,oa7hes 2he +i,e3 -02 does no2 si23 ins2ead 6a7in/ ,es2lessly5
The silen7e is 2he 90ie2 dis7i6line o+ 4ell-2,ained soldie,s3 no2 ma.in/ 0nne7essa,y
so0nds5 Any /,o06 o+ me,7han2?s /0a,ds 4o0ld -e la0/hin/ and >o.in/5 Yo0 4a27h
&ady Kianmay and Ca62ain "enma,. as 2hey s2e6 aside 2o s6ea. 2o/e2he, 90ie2ly5
A7hin/ 4i2h 70,iosi2y3 yo0 20,n 2o 2he /0a,d sea2ed on 2he s2one ne82 2o yo05
LDo yo0 6lay 7a,dsON Yo0 as. so+2ly5
The /0a,d loo.s 063 2hen e87han/es /lan7es 4i2h 2he o2he, +o0,5 A 7o06le loo.
2o4a,ds Ca62ain "enma,.3 4ho is s2ill 2al.in/ 4i2h 2he lady3 -e+o,e one ,ea7hes in2o a
6o7.e2 and 2a.es o02 a s2a7. o+ 7a,ds5 As 2he 6o2 -0--les3 2he /0a,ds /a2he, a,o0nd
and 2he 7a,ds a,e deal25 Yo0 6lay a +e4 hands 4i2h 2he men3 s2ill in silen7e5 E1en so3
yo0 +eel li.e 2hey ha1e a77e62ed yo05
On7e 2he meal is ,eady3 &ady Kianmay and Ca62ain "enma,. >oin 2he 7i,7le and
2he s2e4 is dished 06 in2o 4ooden -o4ls5 Yo0 ea/e,ly 2a.e yo0,s and 2ea,in/ a h0n.
o+ -,ead +,om 2he loa+ 2ha2 is 6assed a,o0nd3 yo0 h0n/,ily -e/in 2o ea25 The s2illness
and silen7e a,o0nd yo0 ma.es yo0 loo. 06 and yo0 see 2he lady and 2he +i1e /0a,ds
6a0sed in 6,aye,5 Yo0 s2o6 7he4in/3 and momen2s la2e, 2he /0a,ds -e/in 2o ea25
The s2e4 is /ood3 -02 7on2ains no mea25 I2 is o-1io0s no4 2ha2 2he lady is a
6,ies2ess3 and 2he /0a,ds a,e all 6aladin5 B02 4hi7h /od do 2hey se,1eO Is 2his a holy
mission o+ some so,2O Yo0 4onde, 4ha2 +o,7es o+ e1il a,e lined 06 a/ains2 yo05
A+2e, 2he meal3 e1e,y2hin/ is 6a7.ed 06 a/ain and 2he >o0,ney ,es0mes5 As 2he
2,ail 4inds -a7. and +o,2h3 yo0 .ee6 an eye on 2he s0n3 ho6in/ yo0 a,e s2ill headin/
mos2ly no,2h4a,d5 A+2e, an ho0, o, so 2he 2,ail ,ea7hes a +o,.3 and Ca62ain "enma,.
6a0ses3 loo.in/ -a7. 2o yo05 Yo0 sh,0/3 2hen 6oin2 2o 2he mos2 no,2h4a,d-+a7in/ 2,ail5
Ca62ain "enma,. +,o4ns a2 yo03 -02 0,/es his ho,se +o,4a,d5 The 2,ail is mo,e
7on2o,2ed 2han a se,6en2 4i2h a s2oma7h-a7he3 o+2en so na,,o4 2ha2 2he 7a,,ia/e 7an
only >0s2 s7,a6 2h,o0/h5 B0s2 as 2he s.y s2a,2s 2o dim 4i2h 2he -e/innin/s o+ d0s.3 an
0n4el7ome si/h2 7omes in2o 1ie4 ahead5 A ,o7.+all has +illed 2he 2,ail 4i2h de-,is3
-lo7.in/ i25 Chile 2he men 7o0ld 7lim- o1e,3 i2 is a dead end +o, 2he ho,ses and 2he
7a,,ia/e5
Glan7in/ a2 2he s.y3 Ca62ain "enma,. o,de,s 7am6 2o -e made5 None o+ 2he
6aladin e1en loo. a2 yo03 -02 yo0 sense 2ha2 2hey a,e no2 6leased -y yo0, /0idan7e5
Yo0 se22le do4n +o, 2he ni/h23 -,ie+ly 7on7e,ned a-o02 mo0n2ain lions5 Yo0 slee6
+i2+0lly on 2he s2ones3 yo0, -ed,oll 2oo 2hin 2o 70shion a/ains2 2he ha,dness5 "e,ha6s
-e7a0se yo0 a,e slee6in/ so -adly3 yo0 a4a.en s0ddenly 4hen yo0 hea, a +ain2 7lin.5
Sensin/ some2hin/ is 1e,y 4,on/3 yo0 90ie2ly 60sh yo0, -lan.e2s a4ay and /,as6
yo0, 4ea6on5 Yo0 ,oll o1e, and -e/in 2o 7,a4l 2o a 1an2a/e 6oin25 Yo0 no2i7e 2han
all 2he 6aladin a,e a4a.e3 -02 lie s2ill in 2hei, -lan.e2s3 hands on 2hei, s4o,ds5 Yo0
s6y 2he sen2,y in 2he li/h2 o+ 2he dyin/ +i,e3 4ho s2ands 7on7ealed o66osi2e5 He 4a1es
a hand a2 yo03 2ellin/ yo0 2o -e s2ill5 He 6oin2s 06 2he 2,ail and holds 06 +i1e +in/e,s3
2hen +o0,5 Nine assailan2s3 snea.in/ 06 on yo05
Ma.in/ s0,e yo0 a,e hidden in 2he shado4s3 yo0 4a27h and see 2he +i,s2 o+ 2he
in2,0de,s5 Ra2he, 2han an o,7 o, a /o-lin3 i2 is a h0man3 d,essed in s7alemail a,mo0,
4i2h a d,a4n s4o,d in hand5 He 4ea,s a hem 4i2h a ,am6an2 /,i++in on 2he -,o45
Yo0 see his eyes +li7. a-o02 ne,1o0sly3 loo.in/ +o, 2he sen2,y5 Seein/ no2hin/3 he
mo1es +o,4a,d3 +ollo4ed -y +i1e mo,e simila,ly 7lad soldie,s5 Yo0 +o,7e yo0,sel+ 2o
-e 7alm3 4ai2in/ +o, 2he sen2,y?s lead5 Yo0 4onde, 4ha2 he is 4ai2in/ +o,M The +i,s2
soldie, is only +ee2 a4ay +,om 2he 7loses2 slee6in/ 6aladin5 Yo0 7an see all nine no43
)<'
FF - Diamond
all s2e66in/ 4i2hin 2he -o0nda,y o+ 2he +i,eli/h25 The soldie,s loo. a2 ea7h o2he,3 2hen
one ,aises his s4o,d5
LA22a7.5N Says 2he sen2,y5 The 7ommand is so 90ie2 2ha2 yo0 a,e le+2 -ehind as
2he 6aladin s0ddenly ,oll o1e, and lea6 063 2a.in/ 2he soldie,s -y s0,6,ise5 The sen2,y
also lea6s o02 -ehind 2he soldie,s3 and yo0 h0,,y 2o +lan. him3 -lo7.in/ o++ ,e2,ea25
S2eel 7lashes as 2he 6aladin and soldie,s +i/h25 Yo0 and 2he sen2,y 7ha,/e +o,4a,d5
Yo0 a,e a-le 2o s2,i.e do4n one soldie, as he s2a//e,s -a7.3 ne1e, e1en seein/ yo05
B02 2hen yo0 a,e +a7ed -y 24o soldie,s3 4ho lea6 a2 yo0 and a22a7. a2 2he same 2ime5
GRIFFIN SO&DIER ) SKI&& ( STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR <
GRIFFIN SO&DIER SKI&& E STAMINA )( DB % ARMOUR <
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 84
I+ yo0 die3 20,n 2o 125
++7
De7idin/ i2 is some 2,i7.3 yo0 ,0sh a2 2he 4oman 2o des2,oy he,5 A s0,6,ised loo.
7omes on2o he, +a7e3 +ollo4ed -y sadness5 She ,aises a hand and yo0 a,e s0ddenly
/as6ed -y some in1isi-le +o,7e 2ha2 smashes yo0 2o a s2o6 and 2hen hois2s yo0 o++ 2he
/,o0nd5
The in1isi-le /,i6 -e/ins 2o 7,0sh yo03 and yo0, mind is s4allo4ed in 2o
-la7.ness5 Chen yo0 ,e/ain 7ons7io0sness3 yo0 a,e lyin/ in 2he ,oad on Ta66in5 Yo0
slo4ly /e2 063 +eelin/ sha.en5 @&ose hal+ yo0, STAMINAA5 Yo0 si2 -y 2he +i,e a7hin/
+o, 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 4a27h3 2hen 4a.e one o+ 2he 6aladin and 7olla6se in2o yo0,
-lan.e2s5
T0,n 2o +24
++8
!0i7.ly lea1in/ 2he ,oom3 yo0 h0,,y 2o 2he -a7. doo,3 4hi7h yo0 dis7o1e, o6ens
2o 2he s2a-leya,d5 Yo0 ma.e i2 o02 in2o 2he s2,ee2s 4i2h no si/n o+ 60,s0i25 Yo0 de7ide
2o -e 7a,e+0l and 2a.e a 7i,70la, ,o02e -a7. 2o yo0, inn5
Yo0 6,e6a,e yo0,sel+ 2o ,e6o,2 2o Kianmay5
T0,n 2o 0+1
++4
Goin/ in2o 2he ma,.e2s on7e mo,e3 yo0 +ind 2ha2 mos2 o+ 2he sho6s ha1e 7losed5
Bein/ o6en a+2e, da,. means li/h2in/ lam6 o, 7andles and mos2 sho6.ee6e,s ha1e 2oo
+e4 la2e 70s2ome,s 2o >0s2i+y 2he 7os25 De7idin/ on 2he dis/0ise o+ someone /oin/ 2o
-,in/ an o++e,in/ 2o 2he 2em6le3 yo0 +ind a 7lo2hin/ s2o,e 2ha2 is s2ill o6en5 Yo0 7an
-0y a +ine ,o-e and a ha2 +o, a 2o2al o+ )* /old 7oins5 Ano2he, s2o,e has some lam6 oil
+o, sale and yo0 7an -0y a la,/e sealed >a, +o, # /old5
)<(
FF - Diamond
Yo0 -0y 2he dis/0ise and ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o 2he Chi2e Ga,den 2o 6,e6a,e
yo0,sel+ +o, 2he ,0se5 Yo0 0nlo7. 2he doo, and s2e6 inside5 As yo0 7lose 2he doo,3
yo0, ins2in72s 2ell yo0 2o d07.I
Tes2 yo0 SKI&& and yo0, &UCK5 Roll = die5 I+ 2he 2o2al is e90al 2o o, less 2han 2he
s0m o+ yo0, 70,,en2 SKI&& and &UCK s7o,es3 20,n 2o 1875
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 366
++6
D,a//in/ 2he dead -andi2 in2o a 7on7ealed hollo4 yo0 sea,7h his -ody3 +indin/ a
-e>e4elled da//e,3 a +las. o+ al7ohol and 2h,ee 4his2les on a lea2he, 7o,d a,o0nd his
ne7.5 F,om 2he 7,0de ima/es 7a,1ed on2o 2he 4his2les3 yo0 see 2ha2 2hey a,e 2h,ee
di++e,en2 -i,d7alls: no do0-2 +o, sendin/ si/nals5 Yo0 7an also 2a.e his lon/s4o,d5
The 4ay ahead sho0ld -e sa+e +o, 2he 4a/on no43 and yo0 lea1e 2he hill2o65
T0,n 2o 1+5
++5
C,ee6in/ a7,oss 2he hall3 yo0 lis2en a2 2he doo,3 2hen o6en i2 and sli6 in2o 2he
li/h2ed in2e,io,5 Yo0 a,e in a s20dy5 The,e is ano2he, doo, 2o yo0, le+25 A massi1e
4ooden des. domina2es 2he ,oom3 +a7in/ 2o4a,ds 4he,e yo0 a,e no43 4i2h a hi/h
-a7.ed 7hai, -ehind i25 On 2he 4all -ehind 2he des. is a shield and a 6ai, o+ 7,ossed
s4o,ds -ehind i25 On ei2he, side a,e small shel1es3 ea7h holdin/ a la,/e /lass >a, in
4hi7h is a 6,ese,1ed head5 An o,7 on 2he ,i/h23 an o/,e on 2he le+25 Someho4 yo0
do0-2 2he o4ne, .illed 2hem himsel+5
The,e a,e some -oo.shel1es and 7a-ine2s s7a22e,ed a,o0nd 2he 4alls3 -02 2he 4all
2o yo0, ,i/h2 is oddly em62y5 This 4all is also m07h +0,2he, +o,4a,d 2han 2he ,ea, 4all
o+ 2he -a2h,oom5
I+ yo0 2hin. 2he,e is a se7,e2 doo, he,e and .no4 4ha2 2o loo. +o,3 0se 2he
al6han0me,i7 .ey -elo4 2o 7on1e,2 2he le22e,s o+ 2he sin/le 4o,d ans4e, in2o n0m-e,s3
and add 2hese n0m-e,s 2o/e2he, 2o 7al70la2e 2he 6assa/e n0m-e, yo0 need5
a * c d e f g h i 9 k l m
) < = # % ' ( E )* )) ) )<
n o p : r s t u ; . < y =
)= )# )% )' )( )E * ) < = # %
Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he o2he, doo, -y 20,nin/ 2o 082
O2he,4ise3 yo0 m0s2 ,e20,n 2o 2he hall and sea,7h else4he,e5 T0,n 2o +11
+12
Yo0 ,ea7h o02 2o sna27h 2he -o83 -02 2he manse,1an2 nim-ly s2e6s -a7. and
,e2,ea2s3 6la7in/ 2he s2,on/-o8 on a side2a-le in 2he en2,an7e hall5 He 20,ns -a7. 2o
)<E
FF - Diamond
yo0 and d,a4s +,om his slee1es 24o slim -laded .ni1es5 Yo0 no2i7e 2ha2 2he -lades
a,e dis7olo0,ed 4i2h 6oison5
The manse,1an2 is Ra0l?s 6e,sonal assassin5 Be7a0se o+ 2he 6oison3 i+ yo0 a,e
4o0nded -y him3 2he +i/h2 4ill only las2 +o, ano2he, +i1e ,o0nds5 A2 2ha2 2ime 2he
6oison 4ill ,ea7h yo0, hea,2 and yo0 4ill -e dead5 E1en i+ yo0 4in 4i2hin # ,o0nds
yo0 4ill s2ill die 0nless yo0 ha1e a healin/ 6hial 4i2h yo05
GRIFFON ASSASSIN SKI&& ) STAMINA )# DB * ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 a,e ha1in/ se7ond 2ho0/h2s and 4an2 2o ,0n a4ay3 20,n 2o +37
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 037
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
I+ yo0 4in -02 don?2 ha1e a healin/ 6o2ion 2o d,in.3 o, i+ 2he -a22le ,ea7hes 2he si82h
,o0nd a+2e, yo0 4e,e +i,s2 4o0nded3 20,n 2o 5+6
+10
&a,emidan 2al.s mo,e a-o02 2he Col+3 -02 i2 seems he only .no4s ,0mo0,s5
Chile he 2al.s3 yo0 -e/in 2o +eel 1e,y d,o4sy5 Yo0, eyelids d,oo6 and a,e 2oo hea1y
2o li+25 Yo0 2,y as ha,d as yo0 7an 2o o6en yo0, eyes3 -02 all yo0 mana/e 2o do is +all
o02 o+ 2he 7hai,5 Yo0 a,e only 1a/0ely a4a,e o+ s2,i.in/ 2he +loo,5 E1e,y2hin/ 20,ns
-la7. and yo0 +loa2 in2o 2he da,.ness o+ dea2h5 A li/h2 -looms and em-,a7es yo03 and
yo0 .no4 2ha2 yo0 a,e +o,/i1en and 2ha2 all 4ill -e 4ell +o, yo0, so0l5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
+1+
LHello3N yo0 say3 smilin/ a2 2he o,7s5 LCha2 is 2his 6la7eON
LHo4 yo0 /e2 he,eON s7,ee7hes one o,73 -o2h mo1in/ 2o 2hei, +ee2 and +0m-lin/ a2
sho,2 s4o,ds a2 2hei, sides5
LCe 7ame 2h,o0/h 2he 20nnel3N yo0 say5 LCe ha1e -een s0s6i7io0s o+ yo0,
a72i1i2ies he,e +o, some 2ime3 so 2he Kin/ has sen2 0s 2o in1es2i/a2e5 I ha1e 4i2h me
)*** soldie,s5N
A2 yo0 7laim o+ )*** soldie,s3 2he o,7s a720ally a66ea, 2o ,ela85 B02 2hey a,e s2ill
ne,1o0s3 and /lan7e 2o4a,ds 2he doo,5
LChe,e -e dees soldie,sON one as.s5
LIn1es2i/a2in/ 2he di//in/3N yo0 ,e6ly5 LCha2 is /oin/ on he,eON
The o,7s /,in5 LYo0, men soon -e deadMN says one3 and 2hey -o2h 7h07.le5
Yo0 see one inhale dee6ly5 I2 is /oin/ 2o 7all +o, hel6M !0i7.ly yo0 >0m6 +o,4a,d
and o6en i2s 2h,oa2 4i2h a sa1a/e a22a7.5 The o2he, o,7 /e2s o02 a 7,y +o, hel6 -e+o,e
yo0 7an 20,n on i25
Tes2 yo0 SKI&& and yo0, &UCK5 Roll = die5
I+ 2he 2o2al is e90al 2o o, less 2han 2he s0m o+ yo0, 70,,en2 SKI&& and &UCK s7o,es3
20,n 2o 1625
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o +40
)=*
FF - Diamond
+11
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /o no4O
The +i,s2 doo, on 2he le+2O T0,n 2o 01+
The se7ond doo, on 2he le+2O T0,n 2o 060
The +i,s2 doo, on 2he ,i/h2O T0,n 2o ++5
The se7ond doo, on 2he ,i/h2O T0,n 2o +46
I+ yo0 4o0ld 6,e+e, 2o s2o6 snea.in/ a,o0nd and /o -a7. 2o yo0, 90a,2e,s +o, dinne,3
20,n 2o 126
+13
Al2ho0/h 2he dan/e, seems 2o -e 6as23 Kianmay -e7omes 7on7e,ned a-o02 2he
4ay ahead and as.s yo0 a-o02 2he li.elihood o+ -andi2 a22a7.s +0,2he, ahead5 Yo0 2ell
he, 2ha2 e1e,y me,7han2 m0s2 2a.e 6,e7a02ions a/ains2 -andi2s3 and 2ha2 i2 is sa+e, 2o
ass0me yo0 4ill -e a22a7.ed5
Hea,in/ 2his3 Kianmay -e7omes 1e,y 7on7e,ned5 She is silen2 in 2ho0/h +o, many
momen2s3 2hen says; LYo0 ha1e -een a22a7.ed -y -andi2s many 2imesON
LYes3N yo0 ,e6ly3 al2ho0/h Jmany? 7o0ld -e s2,e27hin/ 2he 2,02h some4ha25
LThen yo0 .no4 4ell 2he 4ays o+ -andi2s3N she ,easons5 LYo0 7an loo. a2 2he
4ay ahead and 2ell i+ an a22a7. is li.ely5N
LCell3 in 6a,23N yo0 ,e6ly5 LThe,e a,e many 6la7es alon/ any ,oad 2ha2 a,e s0i2ed
2o an am-0sh5 Ye2 a /,o06 o+ -andi2s 4ill no2 al4ays 0se 2he same s6o23 else 2hey -e
am-0shed 2hemsel1es5 Th0s 2hey 4ill mo1e +,om 6la7e 2o 6la7e5N
LCho a,e 2hese -andi2sON Kianmay as.s5
Yo0 6a0se3 2hen sh,0/5 LTha2 I ha1e ne1e, 7onside,ed5 Some a,e 7,iminals 4ho
7anno2 li1e in any 7i2y o, 2o4n +o, +ea, o+ -ein/ a,,es2ed3 so 2hey li1e -y 6,eyin/ 06on
me,7han2s3 and ,aidin/ +a,ms5 O2he,s a,e 6oo,e, 2o4ns+ol. 4ho s066lemen2 2hei,
li1elihood -y a22a7.in/ me,7han2s 2ha2 a,e 6oo,ly /0a,ded5N
Kianmay -i2es he, li65 LI2 is 1e,y im6o,2an2 2hey 4e a,e no2 a22a7.ed3N she says5
A sa,7as2i7 ,es6onse 7omes 2o mind3 -02 yo0 .ee6 yo0, mo02h sh025 LI+ yo0 s7o02
ahead3 7an yo0 ma.e s0,e 2he 4ay ahead is sa+eON
LCellIyes3N yo0 ,e6ly ,el072an2ly5
LThen do so3N Kianmay 7ommands3 and ,ea7hes o02 +o, 2he ,ei/ns5
Slo4ly3 yo0 6la7e 2he ,ei/ns in he, /lo1ed hands5 Readyin/ yo0, e90i6men23 yo0
2a.e one o+ 2he s6a,e ho,ses and 0,/e i2 2o a 7an2e,3 d,a4in/ yo0 ahead o+ 2he 4a/on5
A+2e, yo0 a,e a +ai, dis2an7e ahead3 yo0 le2 yo0, ho,se +all -a7. 2o a 4al.5 As yo0
mo1e alon/ 2he ,oad3 yo0 .ee6 ale,2 4hile sl0m6in/ in yo0, saddle3 2,yin/ 2o a66ea,
li.e a lone3 4ea,y 2,a1elle,5
Yo0 /0ise is a -i2 o+ a /am-le5 Alone3 yo0 a,e an easy 2a,/e25 B02 -andi2s al4ays
need 2o -e 4a,y o+ 2he Kin/?s G0a,d 2ha2 6a2,ols 2he hi/h4ays5 Fo, 2his ,eason 2hey
6,e+e, 2o a22a7. as li22le as 6ossi-le5 I+ no 2,a1elle,s 7o0ld 6ass 2h,o0/h 2he .in/dom3 a
d,as2i7 ,es6onse 4o0ld ens0e5 Th0s 2he -andi2s 7hoose 2hei, 2a,/e2s 7a,e+0lly5 The
6,o-lem is one 7o0ld 7a,e+0lly 7hoose 2o a22a7. yo05 I+ 2hey .ill yo0 and 2a.e yo0,
ho,se3 2hen may-e no one 4ill e1e, .no4 4ha2 ha66ened 2o yo05
Yo0 ha1e 2he ad1an2a/e o+ .no4in/ 2his ,oad5 A+2e, a-o02 24o ho0,s3 yo0 .no4
2ha2 yo0 a,e a66,oa7hin/ a se72ion o+ 2he +o,es2 2ha2 is s2,e4n 4i2h ,o7.s5 Some si22in/
on 2he /,o0nd as i+ s7a22e,ed a-o02 -y a /ian23 o2he,s /,o4in/ o02 o+ 2he /,o0nd5 The
)=)
FF - Diamond
,oad 6asses -e24een 24o ,o7.y o027,o6s ahead5 I2 is an ideal s6o2 +o, an am-0sh3
allo4in/ a small n0m-e, o+ men 2o a22a7. a la,/e 6a,2y 4i2h /,ea2 s077ess5 Yo0 hea,d
on7e 2ha2 a /,o06 o+ -andi2s led -y Gilmo,e 2he G,oa2 a22a7.ed a la,/e me,7han2 2,ain
-y d0m6in/ -o0lde,s do4n on2o 2he ho,ses and o8en d,a4in/ 2he 4a/ons5 The
-o0lde,s .illed 2he 6oo, -eas2s3 and immo-ilised 2he 4a/ons5 The -andi2s 2hen 6i7.ed
o++ 2he /0a,ds 2ha2 did no2 +lee 4i2h a,,o4s5 The Kin/?s G0a,d h0n2ed Gilmo,e 2he
G,oa2 +o, a mon2h in ,es6onse3 -02 he e1aded 7a620,e5
Al2ho0/h yo0 do no2 -elie1e e1e,y 6a,2 o+ 2he s2o,y: s07h as -ein/ a-le 2o
a770,a2ely aim ei/h2 -o0lde,s and d,o6 2hem 4i2ho02 someone -elo4 no2i7in/ yo0
2,yin/ 2o do i2: yo0 a,e s2ill 7on7e,ned a-o02 2he 6ass ahead5 Mo1in/ o++ 2he ,oad3 yo0
2ie yo0 ho,se 2o a 2,ee nea, a 6a27h o+ /,ass and 6o0, some 4a2e, in2o yo0, hand3
le22in/ 2he animal d,in. -e+o,e yo0 head o++ in2o 2he 0nde,/,o42h5 The land soon
7lim-s3 and yo0 -e/in 2o mo1e e1en mo,e 90ie2ly and .ee6 a 4a27h on 2he 2,ees
o1e,head5 The -andi2s 4ill need a loo.o025
The 2,ee 7o1e, soon ends3 and yo0 7,ee6 alon/ 7a,e+0lly3 mo1in/ -ehind ,ises in
2he smoo2h moss-7o1e,ed ,o7.5 As yo0 mo1e ahead3 yo0 hea, someone 7o0/h and
+,eeKe5 Yo0 lis2en and yo0 2hin. yo0 7an hea, someone -,ea2hin/5 As slo4ly as yo0
7an3 yo0 mo1e a,o0nd 2he so0,7e o+ 2he so0nd5 Yo0 7ome 06on a 4o,n 6a2h in 2he
hillside3 4indin/ -e24een 2he -o0lde,s and 06-2h,0s2in/ s2one5 Cal.in/ 06 2he 6a2h
7a,e+0lly3 yo0 7ome 06on 2he -a7. o+ a man ,e7linin/ a/ains2 a ,o7. 4he,e he 7an
loo. o1e, 2he ,oad -elo45 He is 4,a66ed in a da,. /,ey 7loa. 2ha2 is a simila, h0e 2o
2he ,o7.s5 Yo0 s6y his 4ell-made -oo2s and /0ess 2ha2 2his may -e a 6,o+essional
-andi25 His s4o,d is lyin/ ne82 2o him on 2he /,o0nd3 ne82 2o a -o22le5
Con2em6la2in/ 2he o66o,20ni2ies -e+o,e yo03 do yo0 4an2 2o;
T,y 2o .ill him -e+o,e he .no4s yo0 a,e 2he,eO T0,n 2o +07
T,y 2o 2a.e his s4o,d 4i2ho02 him no2i7in/O T0,n 2o +7
+17
Yo0 sho4 Kianmay 2he 7,ys2al o,- on 2he /olden 7hain5 As soon as she 2o07hes i23
2he li90id s4i,lin/ inside 7han/es 7olo0,3 -e7omin/ mil.y 4hi2e3 -02 4i2h a 2h,ead o+
-la7. in i25 She has2ily /i1es i2 -a7. 2o yo05 In yo0, hands 2he o,- +ills 4i2h 2he ,ed
and -la7. li90id on7e mo,e5 She 2ells yo0 i2 is a mani+es2in/ o,-3 and allo4s yo0 2o
see 2he na20,e o+ 2he -ein/ 4ho holds i25 Yo0 as. he, 4ha2 2he 7olo0,s mean3 -02 she
says she does no2 .no45 Yo0 don?2 2hin. she is lyin/3 -02 she is o-1io0sly no2 2ellin/
yo0 e1e,y2hin/5
Re20,n no4 2o +32
+18
As m07h as yo0 2,y3 yo0 7an?2 .ee6 yo0, eyes o6en and yo0 +all do4n on2o 2he
/,o0nd and sli6 in2o a s2,an/e d,eamless slee65 Chen yo0 4a.e3 yo0 +eel ,e+,eshed5
@Res2o,e yo0, STAMINA 2o i2s ini2ial le1el5A Yo0 a,e lyin/ in 2he ,oad nea, 2he 7am63
shi1e,in/5 Yo0 /e2 06 and 4a,m yo0,sel+ -y 2he +i,e +o, 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 4a27h5 Yo0
)=
FF - Diamond
2hen 4a.e one o+ 2he 6aladin 2o 2a.e 2hei, 20,n and ,e20,n 2o yo0, -lan.e2s5 Yo0 a,e
0na-le 2o slee6 and lie a4a.e 0n2il da4n5
T0,n 2o +24
+14
Yo0, >o0,ney a7,oss 2he 20nd,a is 0ne1en2+0l +o, +i1e days3 -e+o,e yo0 ,ea7h
ano2he, ,oad5 T0,nin/ 2o4a,ds 2he no,2h on7e mo,e3 yo0 ,ea7h ano2he, 2o4n -y 2he
end o+ 2he day5 I2 is a small 2o4n s0,,o0nded -y a di27h and 6alisade5 The /0a,ds le2
yo0 in 4i2ho02 7hallen/e and yo0 2,y 2o +ind an inn5 The,e a,e only 24o inns in 2he
2o4n3 7on1enien2ly si22in/ side -y side5
The +i,s2 is la,/e, and in -e22e, 7ondi2ion3 4i2h a /ilded si/n 6,o7laimin/ i2 as The
Kin/?s T0-5 The se7ond has a 7,0de si/n 2ha2 sim6le says JInn?5
Do yo0 4an2 2o /o 2o The Kin/?s T0-O T0,n 2o 028
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y 2he JInn?3 20,n 2o 107
+16
Gilmo,e?s -lood s6ills do4n o1e, his a,mo0, and he -lin.s a2 yo05 Yo0 mo1e
a4ay 2o le2 him 7,ash 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Ki7.in/ his e1il s4o,d a4ay +,om his -ody3 yo0
n0d/e him 2o ma.e s0,e he is dead3 2hen /i1e o,de,s +o, 2he 7am6 2o -e sea,7hed +o,
0se+0l s066lies5
Yo0 hel6 yo0,sel+ 2o Gilmo,e?s +ine Sil1e, S7alemail a,mo0,5 I2 4ill add ) 2o yo0,
SKI&& 4hile 4ea,in/ i25 Yo0 7an .ee6 i2 +o, yo0,sel+3 o, sell la2e,5 Sea,7hin/ o2he,
-odies and 2he 2en2s3 yo0 +ind % /old 7oins5 Sea,7hin/ Gilmo,e?s 2en2 yo0 +ind all 2he
sla1es ha1e +led3 and 2a.en 4i2h 2hem all o+ Gilmo,e?s 1al0a-les5
Chile yo0 ha1e -een 7ond072in/ yo0, /,isly sea,7h3 2he 6aladin ha1e 60lled do4n
shee2s o+ 7an1as +,om 2he 2en2s and 4,a66ed 2he -odies o+ 2he -andi2s3 as 4ell as 2he
e1il s4o,d5 "ilin/ 2he -odies 2o/e2he,3 2hey se2 2hem ali/h25
Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o do3 yo0 /a2he, 06 yo0, /ea, and ,e20,n 2o Kianmay5
Roll one die5 This is 2he n0m-e, o+ me,7han2 /0a,ds 2ha2 died in 2his -a22le5
T0,n 2o 33
+15
Yo0 4ish 2he 1am6i,e l07. and as. he, 4he,e 2he e8i2 is5 She /oes o1e, 2o a
se72ion o+ 4all and 60shes a/ains2 i25 I2 mo1es -a7. and s4in/s o6en3 ,e1ealin/ a
20nnel5
She 2a.es a /olden a,m-and se2 4i2h o6als and diamonds o++ he, a,m and hands i2
2o yo0 4i2h he, 2han.s3 sayin/ 2he a,m-and 4ill 6,o2e72 yo05 Yo0 +a,e4ell he, and
ma.e yo0, 4ay in2o 2he 20nnel3 ma.in/ +o, 2he s0nli2 e8i2 a-o02 )** +ee2 a4ay5
Yo0 eme,/e in Da,.en Cood3 20,nin/ a,o0nd 2o see 2he 4hi2e ma,-le 2o4e, ,isin/
a-o1e 2he 2,ee2o6s5 T0,nin/ a4ay on7e mo,e3 yo0 -e/in yo0, >o0,ney -a7.5 Yo0
)=<
FF - Diamond
4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he Cood +o, ho0,s3 and 2hen 7ome 2o a ,oad5 Ta.in/ a /am-le3 yo0
head no,2h and a+2e, an ho0, ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+ Ta66in5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
+32
Yo0 7on2in0e yo0, >o0,ney no,2h 2h,o0/h 2he /,ea2 +o,es2s5 I+ yo0 ha1e any o+ 2he
+ollo4in/ i2ems3 yo0 7an sho4 2hem 2o Kianmay 2o iden2i+y;
A >ade ,in/ @67A
An o,- am0le2 @+17A
The Kin/?s B,oads4o,d @+67A
A 4in/ed helm @117A
A /olden a,m-and @167A
Yo0 6ass 2h,o0/h a +e4 small 2o4ns and semi-6e,manen2 7am6s -e+o,e yo0
+inally lea1e 2he +o,es2s and 2,a1el a7,oss 20nd,a 2o4a,ds 2he /,ea2 no,2he,n 7i2y o+
A,an2a2o,5
In 2he 4in2e, 2he hi/h /,asslands a,e 7o1e,ed 4i2h sno43 -02 no4 2he l0sh /,een
s2,e27hes as +a, as 2he eyes 7an see5 Yo0 7an also see 2he ,oad 4indin/ alon/ +a, in2o
2he dis2an7e and 7an ,ela8 a2 las23 ha1in/ no +ea, o+ -andi2s5 The,e a,e o2he, dan/e,s
he,e3 -02 2he 20nd,a is 1as2 and a22a7.s -y -,i/ades and 20nd,a -eas2s a,e 0nli.ely5
The +i,s2 ni/h2 yo0 7am6 on 2he 20nd,a3 yo0, 7am6 is 1isi2ed -y a 6a7. o+ 4ol1es5
B02 2hey a,e easily .e62 a2 -ay -y 2he +i,e5 I+ i2 4e,e 4in2e,3 e1en 2he +i,e 4o0ld no2
6,o2e72 yo0 +,om 2hei, h0n/e,5
The ne82 day yo0 ,ea7h a la,/e 2o4n s0,,o0nded -y a di27h and 6alisade5 The /a2e
is 7losed3 -02 me,7han2s a,e 7ommon3 and as i2 is la2e in 2he day3 2he 4a27hman 7alls
+o, 2he /a2e 2o -e o6ened 4i2ho02 7hallen/in/ yo05 The soldie,s he,e 4ea,
-,eas26la2es se2 4i2h a 4ol+?s head o+ -,ass5 E1iden2ly 2he 70,,en2 .in/ o+ 2hese lands
has 4on many ,i7hes 4i2h 2he ed/e o+ his s4o,d5 Yo0 as. one o+ 2he /0a,ds a2 2he
/a2e 4ho 2he 4ol+?s head ,e6,esen2s5
LHe 7alls himsel+ 2he Col+3N 2he /0a,d ,e6lies5 LHe /i1es no name5N
)==
FF - Diamond
LTha2 so0nds 7omi7al3N yo0 s0//es2 7a,e+0lly5 Is he a .in/ o, 2he he,o o+ a 6layO
The /0a,d /i1es yo0 a ha,d loo.5 LMany o2he,s ha1e said so5 "a,2i70la,ly 2he
o2he, .in/s 2ha2 his ma>es2y has /,o0nd in2o 2he di,2 4i2h his heelMN
Yo0 lea1e 2hin/s 2he,e 4i2h 2he /0a,d3 and se2 a-o02 +indin/ an inn5 Yo0 +ind a
6la7e 7alled 2he Cea,y O8en3 and 6ay < /old +o, < ,ooms3 6l0s ) /old +o, s2a-lin/ 2he
o8en5 The >o0,ney +,om Yo,man has 2a.en 2en days3 so 6ay yo0, men 2en /old ea7h5
The,e is a ma,.e2 in 2he 2o4n 4he,e yo0 may -0y and sell /oods5 No4 2ha2 yo0 a,e
+a, eno0/h No,2h3 yo0 7an sell 2he i1o,y and dye +o, 24i7e 2he 6,i7e yo0 6aid 2o -0y i25
The 4ea6ons 4ill sell +o, 2he same 6,i7e5 Yo0 a,e +,ee 2o sell all o+ yo0, /oods he,e3
as 2he,e is no2 m07h +0,2he, no,2h 2o /o5 A,an2a2o, is 2he las2 s2o6 on 2he 2,ade ,o02e5
Goin/ do4n 2o 2he 7ommon ,oom3 yo0 a66,oa7h 2he -a,man and o,de, a -ee,5
Cl027hin/ 2he 4a,m m0/3 yo0 as. him a-o02 2he 70,,en2 .in/5
LCalls himsel+ 2he Col+MN 2he -a,man says3 and 7h07.les3 -02 does so 90ie2ly5
LThese lands 0sed 2o -e ,0led -y E,i/an 2he Red3 i+ yo0 ,e7all5 He 4as 2he +i,s2 2o /o5
The Col+ had -02 a small -and and 7ame ,i/h2 06 2o E,i/an?s +o,2,ess >0s2 nea, he,e
and demanded his s0,,ende,M E,i/an >0s2 la0/hed a2 him3 o+ 7o0,se3 so 2he Col+
7hallen/ed him 2o a d0el5 They me2 a2 da4n 2he ne82 day5 They say 2he Col+ .illed
E,i/an in one s2,o.eM The Red?s men 4e,e so a4ed 2hey >oined him ,i/h2 a4ay5
Cell3 a+2e, 2ha2 s2o,y /o2 o023 none o+ 2he o2he, .in/s 4an2ed 2o 7hallen/e him3 so 2hey
a22a7.ed him on si/h25 B02 2he Col+ is 70nnin/ and one -y one he de+ea2ed 2hem all5N
LAllON yo0 say 4i2h a +,o4n5 LB02 I 4as he,e only a yea, a/o5 Ho4 7an he de+ea2
a doKen .in/s in s07h a 2imeON
LAh3 2ha2?s 2he 6o4e, o+ ,0mo0,3 my +,iend5 He +a7ed only +i1e in -a22le5
De+ea2ed 2hem all5 Ea7h 2ime 2he losin/ .in/ 4as d,a//ed -e+o,e him3 2he 4ol+
em62ied his -lood in2o a -o4l5 B02 a+2e, he 2oo. a si6 he sa2 i2 o02 a/ain3 sayin/ 2o
2a.e in 2he -lood o+ s07h men 4o0ld 4ea.en himM Then he 2i6s 2he -lood o02 on 2he
/,o0nd5 Tha2?s a -i/ deal 2o 2hese no,2he,n 2y6es5 Chen 2he 1i72o, d,in.s 2he -lood3
no2 only does he 2a.e his enemy?s s2,en/2h3 -02 2hen 2he,e is some2hin/ o+ 2he old .in/
in 2he ne43 and 2he oa2h o+ loyal2y is 2,ans+e,,ed5 B02 e1e,y one o+ 2he 1an90ished
4a,,io,s s4o,e a ne4 oa2h 2o Col+3 >0s2 li.e 2ha2M And i2?s a ha,d oa2h 2o ma.e3 my
+,iend5 O02 o+ e1e,y 2en men 4ho s4ea, 2o him3 he 7ommands one 2o .ill himsel+3
,i/h2 2hen and 2he,eM So +a, 2hey?1e all done i2 2oo5 Tha2?s an 0n7ommon .ind o+
6o4e,3 +,iend5 The o2he, .in/s me2 2o >oin +o,7es a/ains2 him3 -02 ins2ead 2hey
de7ided i2 4o0ld -e -es2 2o s0,,ende,MN The -a,man la0/hs5 LSo no4 2hey a,e
allo4ed 2o ,0le as Ba,ons3 as lon/ as 2hey 6ay 2he Col+ 2,i-02eMN
LCha2 a-o02 A,an2a2o,ON yo0 as.5
LAh3 2he /,ea2 7i2y hasn?2 +allen ye25 Co0ld -e 2oo -i/ e1en +o, 2he Col+5 B02 old
Kin/ Da,m 4ill -e 2,em-lin/ in his -oo2ies I?m s0,eMN
LCha2 so,2 o+ Kin/ is 2he Col+ON yo0 as.5
The -a,man sh,0/s5 LNo2 s0,e ye25 Ce ha1en?2 hea,d o+ any ne4 la4s -ein/
6assed5 He a66oin2ed a ma/is2,a2e 2o ,0le 2he 7i2y3 one o+ his .ind5 A -i/ man 4i2h a
2o6.no25 &oo.s li.e he 4o0ld ,esol1e all 6oin2s o+ la4 4i2h his a8eMN
Yo0 2han. 2he -a,man +o, his ne4s5
The ne82 day yo0 lea1e 2he 2o4n5 T,a1ellin/ o02 in2o 2he 20nd,a3 2he mo,nin/
6asses 0ne1en2+0lly5 A2 midday yo0 6a0se +o, a meal5 As yo0, men si2 and 6,e6a,e 2o
ea23 one o+ 2he 6aladin 7alls yo05 Yo0 /o 2o 4he,e he is s2andin/3 "enma,. is al,eady
2he,e3 6ee,in/ in2o 2he dis2an7e5 Yo0 7an see a man on a ho,se si22in/ 2he,e5 He
7a,,ies a lon/ lan7e3 and ,emains mo2ionless3 4a27hin/ yo0, 6a,2y5
Yo0 7all o02 2o him3 -02 he does no2 ,es6ond5 Yo0 and "enma,. dis70ss /oin/ o02
2o him 4hen s0ddenly yo0 hea, a 7,y o+ 6ain and s0,6,ise +,om -ehind yo05 Yo0 s6in
)=#
FF - Diamond
a-o02 and +inally see 2he ho,seman?s 60,6ose5 He has dis2,a72ed yo0 lon/ eno0/h +o,
his 7om6anions 2o snea. 06 on yo05 No,2hmen in a,mo0, and +0,s a,e a22a7.in/ yo0,
7am6 4i2h sho,2 -o4s and s4o,ds5 !0i7.ly yo0 /,a- yo0, 4ea6on and >oin 2he +,ay5
Al,eady yo0 7an see 2oo many o+ yo0, men a,e dead5
"enma,. is a2 yo0, side3 and yo0 6,o2e72 Kianmay3 4ho has ,0n 2o hide 0nde, 2he
7a,25 Ci2h 2he 7a,2 a2 yo0, -a7. and 2he s20,dy 4a,,io, a2 yo0, side3 2he ,aide,s 7an
only a22a7. yo0 one a2 a 2ime5
RAIDER ) SKI&& ( STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR #
RAIDER SKI&& < STAMINA DB )% ARMOUR #
RAIDER < SKI&& ' STAMINA DB % ARMOUR #
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 172
I+ yo0 a,e on 2he 1e,/e o+ dea2h yo0 7an hide 0nde, 2he 7a,2 4i2h Kianmay5
I+ yo0 a-andon 2he +i/h2 and 4ai2 o02 2he -a22le 0nde, 2he 7a,2 4hile 24o o, mo,e o+
2he 2h,ee ,aide,s a,e s2ill ali1e3 20,n 2o 36
I+ yo0 4ai2 o02 2he -a22le3 lea1in/ >0s2 one Raide, ali1e3 20,n 2o +7+
+30
The le+2 hand ,oad 2a.es yo0 dee6 in2o 2he mo0n2ains5 The 7old 20,ns -i22e, and
-i2es in2o yo0 des6i2e 2he hea1y +0,s 2ha2 yo0 4ea,5 Yo0 s6end 2h,ee days 7l027hin/
2he ,ei/ns in +,eeKin/ hands3 yo0, /lo1es 2oo 2hin 2o .ee6 o02 2he 7old5 Than.+0lly
2he,e a,e no -liKKa,ds5
As 2he 2hi,d day 7omes 2o a 7lose3 yo0 see some2hin/ on 2he ,oad ahead5 Yo0,
hea,2 sin.s as yo0 see an a1alan7he has +illed 2he 6ass 4i2h ,o7.s and sno45 Ci2h no
o2he, 7hoi7e yo0 7am6 2ha2 ni/h2 and 2he ne82 day -e/in 2he >o0,ney -a7. 2o 2he
o,i/inal in2e,se72ion5
"ay yo0, men % /old ea7h and 2hen 2a.e a di++e,en2 ,o02e;
S2,ai/h2 onO T0,n 2o 170
Th, ,i/h2-hand ,oadO T0,n 2o 108
+3+
The so,7e,e, leads yo0 o1e, 2o a ,a7. 4he,e 2he,e a,e 2h,ee 4ea6ons5 The +i,s2 is a
hea1y ma7e3 4i2h a sha+2 7a,1ed o+ da,. 4ood 4i2h d,a/ons 06on i25 The head is a
s2eel -all 4i2h lon/ s6i.es on i25
The se7ond is a hamme, 4i2h a la,/e sil1e, head3 2he lon/ sha+2 4o0nd 4i2h -l0e
and sil1e, sil.5 The,e is e1en a 6ea,l se2 in 2he -ase o+ 2he ha+25
The las2 is a do0-le-headed a8e3 2he s2eel head inlaid 4i2h /old in 2he sha6e o+
,0nes o+ 6o4e,5 E1en 2he 4ooden ha+2 is 7a,1ed 4i2h de7o,a2i1e /,oo1es 2ha2 a,e
inlaid 4i2h /old5
)=%
FF - Diamond
All 2he 6ie7es a,e some4ha2 de7o,a2i1e: /i+2s sen2 2o 2he Col+5 B02 ea7h is 4ell-
made and +0n72ional5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
D,a/on Ma7e Fine Ma7e )=
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Sil1e, Hamme, Ca,hamme, )
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
R0ne A8e A8e )=
I+ yo0 don?2 li.e any o+ 2hese and 4an2 2o as. +o, yo0, o4n 4ea6ons3 20,n 2o +57
O2he,4ise3 yo0 7hoose yo0, 4ea6on and 2he So,7e,e, leads yo0 2h,o0/h 2he ho0se 2o
an ad>oinin/ 7om6o0nd5
T0,n 2o +76
+31
Th,0s2in/ a2 2he -andi23 yo0 20,n and -e/in 2o dash do4n 2he slo6e5 Yo0 2a.e a
+e4 s2e6s3 2hen 2,y 2o lea6 2o 2he side3 -02 2he ,o0/h /,o0nd 7a27hes 0nde, yo0, +ee2
and yo0 +all do4n5 Yo0 2,y 2o ,oll a4ay3 and 20m-le do4n a slo6e5 The 4o,ld s6ins
a,o0nd yo03 and yo0 do no2 .no4 4he,e yo0 a,e5 Yo0 +inally 7ome 2o a s2o63 and
7lim- 2o yo0 +ee2 as 90i7.ly as yo0 7an5 Yo0 s6in a,o0nd3 loo.in/ +o, 2he -andi25
Yo0 7anno2 see him3 -02 see a 4ay do4n 2he slo6 2o4a,ds 2he 7o1e, o+ 2he 2,ees5
Yo0 ,0n o++ as 90i7.ly as yo0 7an3 +allin/ o1e, a/ain3 -02 ma.in/ i2 sa+ely 2o 2he
2,ees5 Yo0 hea, no si/ns o+ 60,s0i23 -02 ,0n all 2he 4ay -a7. 2o yo0, ho,se5 B0m6in/
in2o 2he saddle3 yo0 /allo6 o++ 06 2he ,oad -a7. 2o4a,ds 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 6a,2y5
T0,n 2o 080
+33
S2e66in/ +o,4a,d3 yo0 loo. o1e, 2he 7i,7le o+ 4e,e4ol1es5 LI 7anno2 allo4 2his
a-omina2ion 2o 7on2in0e5N
The 4a,,io,s i/no,e yo05 The 7le,. s6ea.s5 LI+ yo0 ha1e a 7om6lain2: s6ea.5
Yo0 4ill -e hea,d5N
LI .no4 2ha2 all o+ 2hese men a,e 4e,e4ol1es3N yo0 anno0n7e5
The s2a2emen2 /ene,a2es less o+ a ,ea72ion 2han yo0 4e,e e86e72in/5 The 7le,.
,e6lies; LCha2 is 2he na20,e o+ yo0, 7on7e,nON
LThe No,2h 7anno2 -e ,0led -y ,a1eno0s -eas2sMN
LCha2 do yo0 in2end 2o do a-o02 2his ma22e,ON
Cha2 indeed5 LI 7hallen/e 2he Col+ 2o a d0elM I+ I 4in3 2he ,es2 o+ yo0 m0s2 lea1e
2his land5N
LChen and 4he,eON 2he 7le,. as.s5
LHe,e and no4MN yo0 de7la,e5
The 4a,,io, a2 2he +oo2 o+ 2he 7i,7le3 4i2h his -a7. 2o yo03 s2ands and 20,ns a,o0nd5
He is a small man3 -02 his da,. eyes a,e -,i/h2 4i2h .een in2elli/en7e5 He 4ea,s
)='
FF - Diamond
7hainmail 0nde, 4hi2e 4ol+ +0,s3 and 4ea,s a s7imi2a, a2 his side5 He has a s2eel -and
a,o0nd his sha1ed head3 and his 2hi7. -,aided -,ead ,ea7hes his 4ais25
He s07.s on his 6i6e and loo.s yo0 o1e,5 LI am 2he Col+5 I ,e90es2 2ha2 yo0
4i2hd,a4 yo0, 7hallen/e5N
I+ yo0 ha1e 7han/ed yo0, mind and 4an2 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 3+
I+ yo0 a,e de2e,mined 2o 7on2in0e3 20,n 2o 65
+37
T0,nin/ a4ay +,om 2he manse,1an23 yo0 o6en 2he -a7. doo, and h0,,y o02 in2o 2he
s2a-le ya,d5 All is 90ie23 and 2he manse,1an2 does no2 ,aise 2he ala,m5 Yo0 do no2
6a0se 2o 4onde, 4hy and h0,,y 2h,o0/h 2he s2,ee2s 2o 2he -a,man?s ho0se5 He is
,elie1ed 2o see yo03 /,ee2in/ yo0 li.e a lon/ los2 +,iend5 Yo0 silen2ly 2oss him a /old
7oin and lea1e 4i2h yo0, me,7han2 /0a,d5
Re20,nin/ 2o yo0, o4n inn3 yo0 7lim- 2he s2ai,s 2o4a,ds Kianmay?s ,oom5
T0,n 2o 0+1
+38
LI?m 2i,ed3N yo0 2ell 2he o4ne,5 LI?m a-o02 2o /o 2o -ed5N
LI?m so,,y 2o hea, 2ha23 si,3N he says5 LCell3 ha1e a /ood ni/h25N
Yo0 4ish him a /ood ni/h2 as 4ell and 7lose 2he doo,5 Yo0 a,e loo.in/ +o,4a,d
2o a /ood ni/h2?s slee65 This is no2 2he so,2 o+ inn 4he,e yo0 7o0ld -e .illed in yo0,
-ed5 Do yo0 4an2 2o 4a27h any4ayO
I+ yo0 do3 20,n 2o 56
I+ yo0 2hin. e1e,y2hin/ 4ill -e +ine3 20,n 2o +82
+34
Cal.in/ in2o 2he G0a,dho0se3 yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in a small ,oom5 The,e is a 2a-le
and 7hai, he,e3 6osi2ioned +a7in/ 2he en2,an7e3 4i2h ano2he, doo, -ehind i25 On 2he
2a-le 2he,e is a small -ell5 Yo0 s2,ide +o,4a,d and 6i7. 06 2he -ell3 h0,lin/ i2 a2 2he
7losed doo,5
Momen2s la2e,3 a lo7. 7li7.s and 2he doo, o6ens5 A s2,an/e-loo.in/ 4omen 60lls
2he doo, o6en and s2e6s o02 2o mee2 yo05 She is 2all3 4i2h a sha6ely -ody 7lad in a
-,i/h2 s2eel -,eas26la2e mo0lded 2o he, +o,m5 She has lon/ 4a1y -londe hai,3 and
-,i/h2 -l0e eyes5 B02 she is one o+ 2he 0/lies2 4omen yo0 ha1e e1e, seen5
LCan I hel6 yo0ON she as.s 7oolly5
LI 4an2 2o see 2he Ca,denMN yo0 demand5
LCon7e,nin/ 4ha2 ma22e,ON she as.s3 one /lo1ed hand ,es2in/ on 2he hil2 o+ he,
s4o,d5
LMy 4a/on 4as 7on+is7a2ed +o, no /ood 7a0seM And one o+ my men has
disa66ea,ed3 6,es0ma-ly a,,es2ed -y yo0MN
)=(
FF - Diamond
LA ,o02ine ins6e72ion3N 2he /0a,ds4oman ,e6lies5 LYo0, man has -een de2ained
+o, 90es2ionin/5 Ce ha1e >0s2 7on7l0ded o0, en90i,ies5 Yo0 7an ha1e yo0, man and
yo0, 4a/on no45 The ,elease +ee +o, 2he man is +i1e /old3 +o, 2he 4a/on3 2en /old5N
LCha2ON yo0 e87laim5 LHe 7ommi22ed no 7,imeM The,e 4as no 7on2,a-and in 2he
4a/onM I demand 2o see 2he Ca,den ,i/h2 no4MN
LYo0, man is d,0n.5 As +o, 2he 4a/on3 i2 is 7on+is7a2ed 6,o6e,2y5 Ten /old is 2he
s2anda,d +ee5N
LThe 4a/on 4as in a s2a-leya,dMN yo0 6,o2es25 LI2 4asn?2 o-s2,072in/ a lane 4ay
o, a-andonedMN
The 4oman 20,ns a4ay5 LI 4ill send o02 a 7le,. 2o 2a.e yo0, 6aymen25 I+ yo0
o->e723 +eel +,ee 2o lea1e in a h0++5N
LI 4an2 2o s6ea. 2o 2he Ca,denMN yo0 sho02 as she is a-o02 2o 7lose 2he doo,5
LYo0 ha1e -een3N she ,e6lies3 and 2he doo, 7li7.s sh025
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
"ay 2he )# /oldO T0,n 2o 083
&ea1e and 2,y 2o snea. in2o 2he 7om6o0ndO T0,n 2o 004
+36
The demons 2alons slash a7,oss yo0, -ody on7e mo,e5 This 2ime i2 is 2oo m07h3
and yo0 +all do4n5 The demon s7oo6s yo0 06 and 7a,,ies yo0 in2o 2he ai,5 He slams
yo0, -ody on2o a +lesh hoo. and -e/ins 2o +eed on yo05 Yo0 +eel 2he sha,6 2ee2h as
2hey sh,ed yo0, +lesh5
Chy a,e yo0 s2ill a4a,eO Do don?2 0nde,s2and 4ha2 is ha66enin/3 -02 s0ddenly
yo0 +eel 2he 6,esen7e o+ /oodness3 li.e a +,esh -,eeKe and yo0, 6ain +ades a4ay5 Yo0
a,e as7endin/3 7a,,ied in 2he a,ms o+ 2he 4oman yo0 2,ied 2o +,ee5 She smiles a2 yo05
He, s.in is l0mino0s and /,ea2 sil1e,y 4in/s e82end +,om he, -ody5
LI?m so,,y3N yo0 say5
LYo0 +o0/h2 as 4ell as yo0 7o0ld3N she ,e6lies5 LI ha1e se2 yo0, so0l +,ee +,om
hell5 Go no45N
She ,eleases yo03 and yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ +loa2in/5 Yo0 d,i+2 /en2ly in2o 2he em-,a7e
o+ li/h2 and .no4 2ha2 yo0 ha1e died in 2he se,1i7e o+ hea1en5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
+35
Kianmay is dis20,-ed -y yo0, s2o,y and +,o4ns3 -i2in/ he, li65 LOn7e o0, mission
is done3 4e m0s2 7ome -a7. he,e 4i2h an a,my and des2,oy 2hese o,7s5 The,e is e1il
)=E
FF - Diamond
he,e3 2ha2 is 7e,2ain3 and o,7s 4ill -e s0s7e62i-le 2o i25 Fo, no4 I 2hin. 4e m0s2 mo1e
on5 F,om 4ha2 yo0 ha1e said I 2hin. 4e 7an e86e72 some 60,s0i25N
Yo0 a/,ee and ,o0se 2he men5 Soon yo0 a,e on yo0, 4ay a/ain5 Res0min/ yo0,
>o0,ney3 yo0 soon -,ea. o02 in2o 2he s0nshine and +,esh ai, on7e mo,e5 Yo0 +eel 2he
>oy o+ +,eedom and sho02 o02 lo0dly3 no2 7a,in/ 4ho hea,s yo05
Yo0 des7end in2o 2he hills and soon 7ome 2o 2he 2o4n o+ Yo,man5
The >o0,ney has only 2a.en = days5 "ay yo0, men +o0, /old ea7h and 20,n 2o 017
+72
&eanin/ 4ea,ily on 2he s6ea,3 yo0 hold yo0,sel+ 06,i/h25 The demon /la,es a2
yo05 Yo0 7an see 7on+0sion 4hi,lin/ in i2s eyes5 I2 ad1an7es on7e mo,e3 -02 2o yo0,
s0,6,ise i2 ,ea7hes o02 and lays i2s hands on yo0, sho0lde,s5 I2 li+2s i2s head and 4ails3
2ea,s s6illin/ +,om i2s eyes5 S0ddenly i2 disin2e/,a2es3 demoni7 +lesh 20,nin/ 2o d0s2
and a /lo4in/ +o,m ,isin/ 06 and disa66ea,in/ 2h,o0/h 2he 7eilin/5 Yo0 hea,
some2hin/ +all on2o 2he +loo, and see 2he Diamond Key -o8 and a slim >ade ,in/ -ein/
-0,ied 0nde, a 7lo0d o+ des7endin/ d0s25 !0i7.ly yo0 s7oo6 06 -o2h 2,eas0,es and
loo. +o, a 4ay o02 o+ 2he 7ham-e,5
5 One o+ 2he -,i7.ed 4alls has 7,a7.ed and yo0 /o o1e, 2o i25 Usin/ 2he 6o4e,+0l
s6ea,3 yo0 -,ea. do4n 2he 4all and see a 20nnel on 2he o2he, side5 To yo0, sho7. and
dismay 2he s6ea, also -,ea.s in2o 6ie7es5 Yo0 +ollo4 2he 20nnel and soon 7ome o02
in2o Da,.en Cood5 Yo0 don?2 .no4 4he,e yo0 a,e3 -02 ha1e no 7hoi7e5 Yo0 4ande,
2h,o0/h 2he Cood +o, ho0,s3 and soon 7ome 2o a ,oad5 Ta.in/ a /am-le3 yo0 head
no,2h and a+2e, an ho0, ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+ Ta66in5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
+70
Findin/ 2he se72ion o+ 4all 4he,e 2he -,i7.s a66ea, 2o ha1e 2he -es2 +oo2- and
hand-holds3 yo0 -e/in 2o 7lim- 2he 4all5 I2 is ha,d /oin/3 and yo0 +all do4n on7e5
E1en20ally yo0 ma.e i2 2o 2he 2o65 Ge22in/ o1e, 2he li6 is a +ea2 in i2sel+3 -02 yo0
mana/e i25 As yo0 7,o07h 2,i0m6han2ly on 2he 2o6 o+ 2he 4all3 yo0 6ee, do4n and see
yo0, 4a/on5 The,e is also an o02ho0se nea, 2he ,ea, 4all3 and yo0 h0,,y alon/ 2o i2
and lo4e, yo0,sel+ do4n inside 2he 4all3 d,o66in/ a 7o06le o+ +ee2 on2o 2he ,oo+5 Yo0
2hen lea6 do4n and h0,,y a7,oss 2o yo0, 4a/on5
No4 2ha2 yo0 a,e he,e3 yo0 4onde, 4ha2 2o do ne825 The,e a,e some ho,ses in a
s2a-le nea,-y5 To mo1e 2he 4a/on yo0 4ill ha1e 2o hi27h some animal 06 2o i25 As
)#*
FF - Diamond
yo0 a,e 7on2em6la2in/ 4ha2 2o do3 yo0 hea, a s0dden 7all 2o ala,m5 Yo0 see a
/0a,dsman h0,,yin/ a4ay +,om 2he o02ho0se5 He ad1an7es on yo0 4i2h a 7l0- and
0n4ashed hands5
O2he, /0a,dsmen 4ill -e he,e in se7onds5
Do yo0 4an2 2o +i/h2 2he G0a,dsman and es7a6eO T0,n 2o +68
A22a7.in/ a G0a,dsman is a se,io0s ma22e,5 I+ yo0 6,e+e, 2o s0,,ende,3 20,n 2o 183
+7+
Una-le 2o +i/h2 any mo,e3 yo0 s7,am-le 0nde, 2he 4a/on5 Do yo0 ha1e )#
+i/h2e,s o, mo,e in yo0, 6a,2yO I+ so3 20,n 2o 0155 I+ no23 20,n 2o 133
+71
Yo0 7a,e+0lly slide 2he sa66hi,e-se2 ,in/ o++ a s.ele2al +in/e,3 and 602 i2 on2o yo0,
o4n5 Immedia2ely yo0 +eel mo,e s.il+0l5 Yo0 may add 2o yo0, SKI&& 4hile yo0
a,e 4ea,in/ 2his ,in/5
Than.in/ 2he 7,o4 on7e mo,e3 yo0 lea1e 2he ,0ined 6ala7e and ma.e yo0, 4ay
-a7. 2h,o0/h Da,.en Cood5 Yo0 4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he Cood +o, ho0,s3 and soon
7ome 2o a ,oad5 Ta.in/ a /am-le3 yo0 head no,2h and a+2e, an ho0, ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+
Ta66in5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
+73
Da,m 6,o1es 2o -e 2oo s2,on/ +o, yo03 and as 2he dea2h--lo4 des7ends3 yo0 7,in/e5
B02 2he -lo4 ne1e, +alls @yo0, STAMINA G )A5 Yo0 o6en yo0, eyes 2o see 2he a1a2a,
has 1anished3 4hi2e mis2 dis6e,sin/ in2o 2he ai,5 Yo0 s2a//e, 2o yo0, +ee2 as 90i7.ly
as yo0 7an5 @I+ yo0 ha1e any healin/ 6o2ions3 yo0 sho0ld d,in. 2hem no4A5
Da,m la0/hs a2 yo0 +,om his 2h,one5 LYo0 7anno2 e1en ma27h me as a 4a,,io,M
Gi1e 06 yo0, +oolish 90es2 and /i1e me 2he Diamond KeyMN
)#)
FF - Diamond
LI 4on?23N yo0 ,e6ly5
LHono0,less do/MN sho02s Da,m3 and s0,/es 2o his +ee25 He li+2s his a,m and a -ol2
o+ li/h2nin/ a,7s +,om his hand3 2oo 90i7. +o, yo0 2o dod/e5 I2 s2,i.es yo0 and .no7.s
yo0 -a7.4a,ds5
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e, s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,3 o, a /olden a,m-andO
I+ so3 20,n 2o 507
I+ no23 20,n 2o 564
+77
Yo0 easily +ind 2he Diamond Key in i2s -o8 and 6la7e i2 in yo0, 6a7.5 Yo0 sea,7h
+o, 4ha2e1e, else 2he 7,ea20,e 4as 7a,,yin/3 -02 +ind no2hin/5 Gi1in/ 063 yo0 loo. +o,
a 4ay o025 One o+ 2he -,i7.ed 4alls has 7,a7.ed and yo0 /o o1e, 2o i25 Usin/ 2he
6o4e,+0l s6ea,3 yo0 -,ea. do4n 2he 4all and see a 20nnel on 2he o2he, side5 To yo0,
sho7. and dismay 2he s6ea, also -,ea.s in2o 6ie7es5 Yo0 +ollo4 2he 20nnel and soon
7ome o02 in2o Da,.en Cood5 Yo0 don?2 .no4 4he,e yo0 a,e3 -02 ha1e no 7hoi7e5
Yo0 4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he Cood +o, ho0,s3 and soon 7ome 2o a ,oad5 Ta.in/ a /am-le3
yo0 head no,2h and a+2e, an ho0, ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+ Ta66in5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
+78
The 7lan/ o+ me2al3 and a h0nd,ed smo.in/ 2end,ils 1anishin/ in2o 2he s.y lead
yo0 2o 2he smi2h?s 90a,2e,5 He,e a h0nd,ed hamme,s 6o0nd i,on3 7o66e,3 s2eel3 /old
and sil1e, in2o e1e,y2hin/ +,om a h0m-le -a,,el hoo6 2o deli7a2e /old lea+5
Yo0 lo7a2e 2he la,/es2 4ea6onsmi2h3 his 2,ade indi7a2ed -y a s4o,d han/in/ on
7hains a-o1e his sho6 en2,an7e5 En2e,in/ inside3 yo0 +ind a sin/le la,/e s6a7e li.e a
-a,n3 4i2h a +o,/e in 2he 7en2,e5 The 4alls a,e lined 4i2h ,a7.s o+ 4ea6ons3 and 2a-les
a2 4hi7h a66,en2i7es and assis2an2s 4o,. ,i1e2in/ s6ea,heads on2o sha+2s3 -indin/
/,i6s o+ s4o,ds3 and +le27hin/ a,,o4s5 "la2+o,ms han/ +,om 2he 7eilin/ hi/h a-o1e3 on
4hi7h yo0 7an see dis6layed 2he +ine, /oods5
The 4ea6onsmi2h is a2 2he +o,/e3 7lad in a 4hi2e ,o-e and a s7a,,ed a6,on5 Yo0
a,e mesme,ised as he hea2s a -lade 4i2h a medi2a2i1e ai,5 E1en 4hen he mo1es 2o 2he
an1il and -e/ins 2o s2,i.e 2he /lo4in/ me2al 4i2h 2he lon/-handled hamme,3 2he
7lan/in/ is li.e a /on/ a2 a 2em6le5
Yo0 almos2 >0m6 4hen an assis2an2 add,esses yo05
LGood a+2e,noon3 si,5 Ho4 may 4e -e o+ se,1i7eON
)#
FF - Diamond
Yo0 e86lain 2ha2 yo0 might -e in2e,es2ed in -0yin/ a la,/e 90an2i2y o+ 4ea6ons5
The assis2an2 nods and leads yo0 o1e, 2o some o+ 2he ,a7.s5 He sho4s yo0 a n0m-e,
o+ 4ea6ons and e86lains 2ha2 2hey a,e sold -y 2he -o8 only5 Yo0 a22em62 2o -a,/ain3
-02 2he assis2an2 ,e+0ses 2o ha//le5 E1iden2ly 2he 4ea6onsmi2h does /ood -0siness5
The 6,i7es a,e ,easona-le any4ay5 Yo0 7an 7hoose +,om 2he +ollo4in/;
Bo8 o+ # S6ea,s; (* /old
Bo8 o+ )* Ba1elins; #* /old
Bo8 o+ # &on/s4o,ds; )** /old
Yo0, 4a/on only has eno0/h s6a7e +o, )*** >a,s3 o, )* -o8es o+ 4ea6ons o, i1o,y
@) -o8 G )** >a,sA5 Yo0 may only 60,7hase eno0/h /oods 2o +ill 2he 4a/on5
A +ine -,oads4o,d on one o+ 2he 6la2+o,ms also 7a27hes yo0, eye5 I2 is 1e,y 6lain
in a66ea,an7e3 no2 en7,0s2ed in >e4els li.e mos2 o+ 2he 4ea6ons on 2he 6la2+o,ms5 I+
yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o 2a.e a loo. a2 i23 20,n 2o 0025
Chen yo0 ha1e +inished he,e3 yo0 7an;
$isi2 2he Dye-ma.e,: 20,n 2o 43
$isi2 2he I1o,y-7a,1e,: 20,n 2o 055
Go 2o hi,e me,7han2 /0a,ds: 20,n 2o 122
+74
Yo0 sho4 Kianmay 2he ele6han2 am0le25 She e8amines i2 -,ie+ly and 2ells yo0 i2s
6,o6e,2ies5 I2 4ill add 2o ea7h o+ yo0, ini2ial SKI&&3 STAMINA and &UCK s7o,es5
Re20,n no4 2o +51
+76
The 7om6o0nd is s0,,o0nded -y +en7es a2 4hi7h a,e 7,o4ded h0nd,eds o+
soldie,s3 4i2h o2he,s -ehind s2andin/ on 4a/ons and -a,,els and 4ha2e1e, 2hey 7an
+ind 2o /ain a 1an2a/e 6oin25 The /,o0nd is 6a7.ed di,23 2he /,ass lon/ sin7e 4o,n
a4ay and 6o0nded +la25 In 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7om6o0nd s2ands 2he Col+3 min0s his
4hi2e 4ol+-+0,s5 He is 7lad in his -,in/ 7hainmail 4i2h his s7imi2a, in hand and a
6lain -ell-sha6ed s2eel helm 06on his head5
The assem-led 4a,,io,s 7hee, and >ee, a2 yo0 as 2he so,7e,e, sho4s yo0 in5 Yo0
4al. in some 4ay -e+o,e 7omin/ 2o a s2o65 The Col+ holds 06 his hand3 and yo0 a,e
sho7.ed as 2he silen7e +alls in an ins2an25 His a02ho,i2y is 0n6a,alleledM
The Col+ /es20,es 2o yo05 LEa,lie, 2his day I +o0nd 2his man in my 2h,one ,oom5 I
as.ed him i+ he had 7ome 2o .ill me3 +o, as yo0 .no43 2he .in/ o+ A,an2a2o, has sen2
many assassins a/ains2 me5 All o+ 4hom ha1e +ailed5 This man did no2 snea. in2o my
hall3 no, did he 7ha,/e in5 In +a72 he 4asn?2 e1en a,medM I 4onde,ed i+ 2his 4as a
ne4 2a72i7 I had no2 seen -e+o,e5N The assem-led men la0/h5 LB02 no5 He said he
had no2 7ome 2o .ill me5 He li.e4ise denied -ein/ a 2hie+5 Ye2 he 7laimed 2o -e a
4a,,io,3 and so I ha1e -,o0/h2 him he,e5 I .no4 no2 i+ he is assassin o, 2hie+5 He
seems no2 2o .no4 ei2he,M As al4ays I shall no2 .ill any man I 7ommand 2o +a7e me
)#<
FF - Diamond
in 2his 6la7e5 B02 i+ he .ills me he shall -e ,i7hly ,e4a,ded5N The 4a,,io,s 7hee, 2hei,
.in/?s no-ili2y5 The Col+ holds 06 his hand on7e mo,e3 7ommandin/ silen7e in an
ins2an25 He lo4e,s his a,m and 6oin2s a2 yo05 LCa,,io,M I+ yo0 +i/h2 +o, ,i7hes3 2hen
.ill me3 +o, yo0, ,e4a,d shall -e /,ea2M I+ yo0 a,e no 4a,,io,3 -02 a 2hie+3 2hen 2a.e
2his +,om me and /o5N He 2a.es +,om his -el2 a -a/ o+ 7oin and 2h,o4s i2 a2 yo0, +ee25
The -a/ s6li2s and /old 7oins s6ill o025 Yo0 es2ima2e 2he,e a,e a-o02 )** 7oins5 The
assem-led soldie,s >ee, and 2h,o4 o02 small 1al0a-les: 7oins3 ,in/s and /ems3 0n2il 2he
/,o0nd is li22e,ed 4i2h 4ha2 is a small +o,20ne in 2,eas0,e5 LI+ yo0 a,e a 2,0e 4a,,io,3
4hose hono0, and 7o0,a/e is no2 +o, sale3 2hen +a7e me5N
&oo.in/ a2 2he ,i7hes in 2he di,2 yo0 es2ima2e i2 is as m07h as yo0 4o0ld ea,n in a
li+e2ime as a me,7han2 /0a,d3 ass0min/ yo0 4e,en?2 .illed li.e hal+ o+ 2hose in yo0,
6,o+ession5 I+ yo0 .ill 2he Col+3 2he ,i7hes mi/h2 -e e1en /,ea2e,5 B02 is 2his 4ha2
yo0 4an2O Cha2 4ill yo0 doO
I+ yo0 4an2 2o d,o6 yo0, 4ea6on and /a2he, 06 all 2he ,i7hes3 20,n 2o 07
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,e+0se 2o +i/h2 2he Col+3 20,n 2o 001
I+ yo0 4an2 2o +i/h2 2he Col+3 20,n 2o 124
+75
LThese a,e o0, /0a,dsON Kianmay as.s 4i2h a +,o4n5
LYes3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LSo +e4M Cell3 /e2 2hem on 2hei, ho,ses3 4e ha1e a lon/ 4ay 2o /o3 she says3 and
ma.es he, 4ay 2o 2he 4a/on5
Yo0 7all 2he men 2o/e2he, and 2ell 2hem 2o +o,m 065 They en7i,7le 2he 4a/on3
.ee6in/ 2hei, dis2an7e +,om 2he 6aladin3 loo.in/ a2 2hem 4i2h 2he same 70,iosi2y and
a66,ehension 2ha2 yo0 on7e +el25 Kianmay 7lim-s 06 on2o 2he 4a/on sea2 ne82 2o yo05
The ,oad ,olls 0nde, 2he 4heels o+ 2he 7,ea.in/ 4a/on3 and yo0, 6a,2y 2,a1els +o,
se1e,al ho0,s -e+o,e "enma,. 7alls +o, a hal2 a2 midday5 Yo0 6a,. 2he 4a/on 0nde, a
la,/e oa. nea, 2he ,oad and 2he 6aladin -e/in 2o se2 06 a 7oo.in/ +i,e5 Yo0 no2i7e 2ha2
2he 6aladin and 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds .ee6 2o 2hemsel1es3 and e1en 2ho0/h 2he
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2al.3 2hey do so in a 4his6e,3 in+l0en7ed -y 2he 90ie2 6ea7e o+ 2he
6aladin5
Kno4in/ 2his 4ill no2 do3 yo0 7la6 yo0, hands5 LAll ,i/h2 e1e,yone3 lis2en 06M?
E1e,yone loo.s a2 yo05 LCe ha1e a lon/ >o0,ney 2o ma.e and 4e need 2o -e 4o,. as
one5 So I 4an2 e1e,yone 2o s2and 06 one -y one5 Tell 0s yo0, name and 4he,e yo0
a,e +,om5 And 2hen some2hin/ else a-o02 yo0 i+ yo0 2hin. i2?ll am0se 0s all 2o hea,5
Yo0 2he,eM Yo0 a,e +i,s25N
Yo0 6oin2 2o one o+ 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds5 Slo4ly he s2ands 065 LMy name is
Ty,en5 I?m +,om Fan/5 E,,II 7an -alan7e a da//e, on my nose5N
This 7laim demands a demons2,a2ion3 so Ty,en d,a4s his da//e, and 2il2s his head
-a7. 4i2h 2he 6ommel on his -,oad nose5 Ci2h a -i2 o+ dan7in/3 he is a-le 2o -alan7e
2he da//e, +o, 2hi,2y se7onds3 d,a4in/ a66la0se and 7hee,s +,om 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds5
On7e 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds ha1e s2ood 06 and in2,od07ed 2hemsel1es3 2hen ei2he,
6e,+o,med a 2,i7. o, 2old an am0sin/ s2o,y: i2 is 2he 20,n o+ 2he +i,s2 6aladin5 The li/h2
mood -e7omes sli/h2ly hea1ie,3 and yo0 4ai2 4i2h some ne,1o0sness5 This 4ill -e
2he 2es25 The 6aladin s2ands 065 Yo0 ,e7o/nise him as 2he 7a,,ia/e d,i1e,5 He /lan7es
a2 "enma,.3 -02 does no2 4ai2 +o, 6e,mission -e+o,e s6ea.in/5
)#=
FF - Diamond
LI am Ha,2e,an5N He says in a 90ie2 1oi7e5 LI am +,om So02he,n A2e,a5 I 7an 6lay
2he 2in +l02e5N He 2a.es o02 a slende, 6i6e o+ 2in and 6osi2ionin/ his +in/e,s on 2he
holes 6lays a sho,2 me,,y 20ne5 The me,7han2 /0a,ds 7hee, and 7la6 4hen he is done5
Ha,2e,an loo.s a -i2 em-a,,assed and a1oids loo.in/ a2 "enma,. and lady Kianmay5
The 6,ies2ess is /,innin/ -,oadly3 and he, eyes dan7e 4i2h li/h25 The o2he, 6aladin
in2,od07e 2hemsel1es3 some 4a,m2h -,ea.in/ 2h,o0/h 2hei, dis7i6line5 "aladin 7ome
+,om some4he,e as 4ell3 yo0 ,e+le725
By 2he 2ime 2he meal is ,eady3 all a,e 2al.in/3 and Ha,2e,an is 2a.in/ ,e90es2s on
his +l02e5 "enma,.3 4ho a1oided ha1in/ 2o in2,od07e himsel+ -y .ee6in/ a4ay +,om
2he +i,e /i1es yo0 a smile and a nod o+ a66,o1al5 &ady Kianmay also seems 6leased
4i2h yo05
I+ yo0 a,e 7a,,yin/ a Holy B,oads4o,d3 yo0 7an sho4 i2 no4 2o Kianmay 2o as. he,
a-o02 i2 @20,n 2o 1533 2hen ,e20,n 2o 2his 6assa/eA5
To 7on2in0e yo0, >o0,ney3 20,n 2o 0+8
+82
Yo0 se22le do4n 2o slee65 Yo0 a,e so e8ha0s2ed 2ha2 yo0 90i7.ly d,o6 o++ in2o a
dee6 slee65 Yo0 a,e s0ddenly a4o.en -y someone /,a--in/ yo05 Yo0 s2,0//le in 2he
da,.ness3 -02 yo0 a,e se70,ely -o0nd and d,a//ed o02 in2o 2he hall5 He,e a se,1an2
s2ands 4i2h a lam6 and yo0 loo. 06 a2 yo0, 7a62o,s3 seein/ 24o mem-e,s o+ 2he 2o4n
/0a,d5 They d,a/ yo0 in2o 2he -ed,oom3 4he,e yo0 see Kianmay si22in/ 06 4ide-eyed
in he, -ed3 +a7ed 4i2h 2he o4ne, &a,emidan 4ho 7a,,ies a lon/s4o,d in his hand5
He /,ins as yo0 a,e d,a//ed in5 LNo4 4e 4ill see i+ yo0 a,e lyin/5N &a,emidan
s2e6s o1e, 2o yo0 and 6la7es 2he 2i6 o+ 2he s4o,d a2 yo0, 2h,oa23 one o+ 2he 2o4n /0a,ds
/,a--in/ yo0, hai, ,o0/hly5 LGi1e me 2he Diamond Key o, I 4ill .ill him5N
LI do no2 ha1e i2MN Kianmay says +i,mly5
The 2i6 o+ 2he s4o,d is ed/ed +o,4a,d3 and d,a4s -lood5 LTell me 4he,e i2 is o, I
4ill .ill himMN
LCo0ld yo0 2,0ly im6e,il yo0, so0l +o, 4o,ldly /ainON Kianmay as.s5
LTell meMN &a,emidan says lo0dly3 2he 2i6 o+ 2he s4o,d s2i7.in/ +0,2he, in2o yo0,
ne7.5
Kianmay s6ea.s -oldly5 LEi2he, yo0 4ill .ill him and yo0, so0l 4ill -e +0,2he,
damned5 O, yo0 4ill s6a,e him and may -e sa1ed5 All else is as d0s2 on 2he 4indM
This Diamond Key is no2 as 6,e7io0s as yo0, o4n so0l5N
&a,emidan looses 6a2ien7e and slides 2he s4o,d 2h,o0/h yo0, 2h,oa25 The 6ain o+
-ein/ 6o.ed 2h,o0/h 2he ne7. is oddly less 2han yo0 4o0ld ha1e e86e72ed5 Yo0,
-lood 6o0,s o02 on2o 2he +loo, and yo0 +ade in2o -la7.ness5
As yo0 +loa2 on 2he sea o+ da,.ness3 yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ held alo+2 -y a shinin/
2h,ead5 Soon yo0 a4a.en on7e mo,e 2o dis7o1e, 2ha2 yo0 a,e no2 dead5 Yo0 a,e lyin/
some4he,e 2ha2 is da,. and ha,d5 Yo0 /e2 063 +indin/ yo0,sel+ 4hole and 0nha,med
@,es2o,e yo0, STAMINA 2o i2s ini2ial le1elA5 Yo0 +eel +o, 2he Diamond Key3 and +ind
i2 s2ill in 2he 7lo2h -a/ a,o0nd yo0, ne7.3 hidden sa+ely 0nde, yo0, shi,25 By 2he li/h2
s2,eamin/ 0nde, 2he doo,3 yo0 see 2ha2 yo0 a,e in 2he 20- in 2he -a2h,oom5 Yo0 7lim-
+,om 2he -a2h and 7,ee6 o1e, 2o 2he doo,5
Yo0 7an s2ill hea, 1oi7es3 and 7a,e+0lly o6en 2he doo,5 All 2he se,1an2s and
/0a,dsmen a66ea, 2o -e inside 2he -ed,oom5 Yo0 7an hea, &a,emidan demandin/
)##
FF - Diamond
Kianmay 2ell him 4he,e 2he Key is5 She is oddly silen25 Yo0 a,e 4i2ho02 yo0, a,mo0,
and 4ea6ons3 4hi7h a,e s2ill in 2he si22in/ ,oom5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
Do yo0 4an2 2o 6,e2end 2o -e a /hos2 and 2,y 2o s7a,e 2hem a4ayO T0,n 2o 4+
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, /e2 yo0, a,mo0, and 4ea6ons and 2hen a22a7. 2hem3 20,n 2o 1+3
+80
De7idin/ no2 2o .no7.3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o yo0, inn5 Yo0 7lim- 2he s2ai,s
and .no7. on Kianmay?s doo,5 "enma,. o6ens 2he doo,3 and yo0 en2e, 2o see
Kianmay s2andin/ 4i2h hands on hi6s5
LChe,e 4e,e yo0ON
LMa.in/ s0,e 2hin/s a,e sa+e3N yo0 ,e6ly5 LI 7an no4 /e2 yo0 2o 2he doo, o+ his
,oom 4i2ho02 dan/e,5N
LGood5N Kianmay 6i7.s 06 a s7a,+ and 4,a6s i2 a,o0nd he, ne7.5 L&e2?s /e2 2his
o1e, 4i2h5N
LCha2 a,e yo0 /oin/ 2o doON yo0 as.5
LYo0 4ill see3N Kianmay ,e6lies3 2h,o4in/ he, 7loa. a,o0nd he, sho0lde,s and
s2,idin/ o02 2he doo,5 LCome on5N
Yo0 has2en 2o +ollo43 no2i7in/ 2ha2 "enma,. is no2 7omin/ 4i2h yo05 I2 seems 2he
24o o+ yo0 alone a,e /oin/ 2o 2a.e on Co0n2 Ra0l5 Yo0 h0,,y 06 2o Kianmay?s side as
she 4al.s o02 in2o 2he s2,ee25 LA2 leas2 2ell me yo0, 6lan so 2ha2 I don?2 /e2 in 2he
4ay5N
LI+ anyone a22a7.s me3 yo0 may 6,o2e72 me3N she ,e6lies5 LO2he, 2han 2ha23 do and
say no2hin/5N
Ci2h 2his ins2,072ion in mind3 yo0 lead he, 2o 2he Ele/an2 "ea7o7. and 60sh o6en
2he /a2e5 She s2,ides in and 6a0ses5 Yo0 7lose 2he /a2e and 6oin2 2o4a,ds 2he -a7.
doo, o+ Room )5 LTha2?s 2he doo,3 -02 i2 is lo7.ed and -ol2ed5N
Kianmay nods 70,2ly and s2al.s 06 2o 2he doo,5 She ,aises one hand and .no7.s
lo0dly5 Yo0 4in7e5 Chy did yo0 e1e, a/,ee 2o 2he 6lan o+ a naP1e 6,ies2essO I2 is 2oo
la2e no43 so yo0 ,eady yo0, 4ea6ons and 2,y 2o a66ea, ha,mless5
The -ol2 slides o6en3 and 2he lo7. 7li7.s5 A momen2 la2e, 2he doo,s a,e o6ened3
s6illin/ lam6-li/h2 a7,oss 2he s2a-le ya,d5 A manse,1an2 in -la7. and /old li1e,y3 a
/,i++on em-laKoned on his 7hes23 s2ands in 2he doo,4ay5 The small man a66ea,s
0n,0++led -y 2he la2e-ni/h2 1isi25 LHo4 may I hel6 yo03 ladyON
L"lease in+o,m Co0n2 Ra0l 2ha2 Alyn Mei is he,e 2o see him5N
LO+ 7o0,se3 my lady3N 2he se,1an2 ,e6lies3 and -o4in/ lo43 in1i2es he, 2o en2e,5
Kianmay 4al.s inside and yo0 +ollo45 The manse,1an2 7loses 2he doo,s and leads
Kianmay in2o a si22in/ ,oom5 He o++e,s he, 4a2e,3 4hi7h she de7lines3 2hen /oes 2o
in+o,m Co0n2 Ra0l o+ he, a,,i1al5 Kianmay si2s do4n in one o+ 2he 7hai,s -e+o,e 2he
+i,e3 +a7in/ 2he doo,4ay5 Yo0 mo1e 2o s2and -ehind he,5
I2 is only a +e4 momen2s la2e, 4hen yo0 hea, ,a6id +oo2s2e6s and a 2all3 2hin man
o+ middle yea,s almos2 ,0ns in2o 2he ,oom5 He 4ea,s 6la2email a,mo0, and has a
lon/s4o,d a2 his side5 He has lon/ish -la7. hai, and a hoo.ed nose3 a +a7e
a770s2omed 2o an a,is2o7,a2?s snee,3 -02 no4 his +a7e is as ea/e, as an e87i2a-le -oy?s5
LAlyn MeiMN he e87laims5 He seems 2o 7alm himsel+3 and 20,ns 2o sna6 a2 his
manse,1an25 LB,in/ he, a /lass o+ 4a2e,MN He 20,ns -a7. and 2a.es 2he sea2 o66osi2e3
ne1e, e1en loo.in/ a2 yo05 LChy a,e yo0 he,eON he as.s di,e72ly5
)#%
FF - Diamond
LYo0 ha1e 7a0sed 2he dea2hs o+ many men5 This is 2he 6,i7e o+ yo0, /,eed3 o+
yo0, +ea,5 I 7anno2 allo4 i2 2o 7on2in0e5 I ha1e 7ome 2o as. yo0 2o /i1e 06 yo0,
60,s0i2 and /o home5N
Ra0l sha.es his head slo4ly5 LI 7anno2 do 2ha23 Alyn Mei5 The Diamond Key is a
2ool o+ des2inyM I am ,eady 2o 2a.e 06 2ha2 des2iny5 Ho4 7an yo0 lea1e 2he .ey lyin/
a-o02 in some d0s2y 1a0l2ON
Kianmay is silen2 +o, a +e4 momen2s5 LThen I 4ill /i1e yo0 4ha2 yo0 4an25 B02 I
4a,n yo0 2ha2 i2 4ill no2 hel6 yo05N
Ra0l loo.s s0,6,ised5 LYo0 4ill /i1e me 2he .eyO Yo0 ha1e i2 4i2h yo0ON
LIs i2 4ha2 yo0 2,0ly 4an2ON Kianmay as.s5
LYesMN Ra0l e87laims3 leanin/ +o,4a,d in his sea25
Kianmay ,ea7hes in2o he, ,o-e and 60lls o02 a small 4ooden -o8 a-o02 2he siKe o+
yo0, hand5 Ra0l ea/e,ly mo1es +o,4a,d3 .neelin/ on one .nee -e+o,e he,5 She holds
2he -o8 o02 2o him and he 2a.es i2 4i2h 2,em-lin/ hands5
He loo.s 063 +inally s6a,in/ a /lan7e +o, yo05 LThe Diamond Key is 2,0ly in
he,eON
LI2 is5N Kianmay ,e6lies5
The 4o,d o+ a 6,ies2ess 7anno2 -e do0-2ed3 and all his 7a02ion +alls a4ay5 Si22in/
-a7. on his heels3 he o6ens 2he lid and his eyes 4iden in 4onde,5 They his eyes
+li7.e, and he +ain2s in deli/h25 Kianmay 90i7.ly s7oo6s 06 2he -o8 and i2 disa66ea,s
-a7. in2o 2he de62hs o+ he, ,o-e5
LCe 7an /o no43N Kianmay ,e6lies3 s2andin/ and 4al.in/ +,om 2he ,oom5
Yo0 sha,e a sho7.ed loo. 4i2h 2he manse,1an23 2hen sh,0/ a2 him and h0,,y a+2e,
he,5 She is al,eady in 2he s2a-le ya,d -y 2he 2ime yo0 7a27h 06 2o he,5
LCha2 ha66ens 4hen he 4a.es 06ON yo0 as.5
LHe 4on?23N Kianmay e86lains5 LI 6la7ed a slee6in/ s6ell 06on him5 He 4ill
slee6 0n2il I li+2 i25 O, a 6o4e,+0l 4iKa,d5N
Yo0 es7o,2 he, -a7. 2o yo0, inn3 2hen /o -a7. 2o 2he -a,man?s a6a,2men2 2o 7olle72
yo0, man and +li6 2he ,elie1ed -a,man a /old 7oin5 Yo0 2hen ,e20,n 2o yo0, inn 2o see
Kianmay5
T0,n 2o +52
+8+
Rea7hin/ 2he in2e,se72ion yo0 2a.e one o+ 2he o2he, 6assa/es5 Mos2 >0s2 end in a
small doo, 2ha2 4hen i2 is 90ie2 -eyond3 yo0 o6en 2o see a -a2h,oom5 De7idin/ no2 2o
7,ee6 a,o0nd o2he, 6eo6le?s ,ooms3 yo0 7lose 2he doo,s a/ain and ,es0me yo0,
e86lo,in/5 One doo, yo0 a66,oa7h has li/h2 s2,eamin/ +,om holes a-o1e 2he doo,5
And in1es2i/a2ion +inds 2ha2 2hey a,e 6ee6holes5 Yo0 loo. 2h,o0/h and see a +a2 man
,ela8in/ in 2he s2eam 20-5
)#'
FF - Diamond
Seein/ no2hin/ o+ in2e,es23 yo0 lea1e and e86lo,e 2he o2he, 6assa/es5 No4 2ha2
yo0 a,e loo.in/3 yo0 +ind 6ee6holes a-o1e all 2he doo,s5 Yo0 sha.e yo0, head3 -02
,e+le72 2ha2 se,1an2s ha1e -o,in/ li1es5 Yo0 6e,sonally don?2 7a,e i+ a yo0n/ se,1in/
/i,l 4an2s 2o 4a27h yo0 -a2hin/5
Rea7hin/ 2he 1e,y ,ea, o+ 2he inn3 yo0 7ome 2o ano2he, doo, 2ha2 loo.s a -i2
di++e,en2 2o 2he o2he,s as i2 is lo7.ed5 Yo0 also +ind no 6ee6holes he,e5 I2 is 90ie2 on
2he o2he, side5
I+ yo0 ha1e lo7.6i7.s3 do yo0 4an2 2o 2,y and 0nlo7. 2he doo,O T0,n 2o 88
I+ no23 2he,e is no2hin/ else 2o do e87e62 /o -a7.5 T0,n 2o 126
+81
The -andi2s se2 only one sen2,y3 and i2 is a sim6le ma22e, 2o 4ai2 +o, him 2o 4ande,
o++ 2o ,elie1e himsel+ and 90ie2ly s2a- him in 2he l0n/5 Yo0 nod 2o "enma,. and yo0
and yo0, men mo1e in2o 2he 7am65 Mos2 o+ 2he -andi2s a,e in 2hei, 2en2s3 -02 a 7o06le
a,e 4,a66ed in -lan.e2s nea, 2he +i,e5 Yo0 a66,oa7h 2hem +i,s2 and 2,yin/ 2o .ee6
7alm3 sin. yo0 da//e, in2o 2hei, 2h,oa2s one -y one3 7lam6in/ a hand o1e, 2hei,
mo02hs 2o 6,e1en2 2hem +,om 7,yin/ o025 Yo0 7an see -o22les lyin/ a-o02 and /0ess
2ha2 mos2 ha1e d,0n. a2 leas2 some al7ohol5
Yo0 7a,e+0lly a66,oa7h 2he +i,s2 2en25 Yo0 7an hea, so+2 sno,es +,om 4i2hin3 and
as yo0, eyes ad>0s23 yo0 7,a4l o1e, 2he h0ddled +o,ms3 .illin/ 2hem one -y one5 The
/,isly 2as. done3 yo0 lea1e
Yo0 -e/in 2o mo1e 2o4a,ds 2he se7ond 2en2 4hen s0ddenly 2he,e is a sho02 -ehind
yo05 Yo0 ha1e -een dis7o1e,ed5 The -andi2s s2a//e, 2o 2hei, +ee2 and se1e,al ,0sh a2
yo05 Yo0 ,0n +o, 2he +o,es25 T,yin/ 2o +i/h2 so many in 2he o6en 4o0ld -e s0i7ide5
Yo0 mo1e in2o 2he da,.ness o+ 2he +o,es2 and 20,n a,o0nd 2o +a7e 2he -andi2s3 4ho
ha1e a,med 2hemsel1es 4i2h 2o,7hes5 Roll one die5 I+ 2he 6aladin ha1e 7,oss-o4s
4i2h 2hem3 hal1e 2his n0m-e,5 The ,es0l2in/ n0m-e, is ho4 many o+ 2he -andi2s yo0
4ill 6e,sonally ha1e 2o +a7e in 2he +o,es25 Yo0 7an +i/h2 2hem one a2 a 2ime -y hidin/
in 2he shado4s and +i/h2in/ 2hem in 2he 2hi7. 0nde,/,o42h5
Use 2he +ollo4in/ s2a2is2i7s +o, ea7h -andi2 2ha2 yo0 +a7e3 and -e 2han.+0l some o+
2hem a,e d,0n.;
BANDIT SKI&& # STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 die3 20,n 2o 125
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 067
+83
The 7le,. /es20,es 2o 2he lon/ 2a-le on 2he side o+ 2he ,oom5 LYo0 may 2a.e yo0,
2hin/s and /o5 The Col+ 4ill 6,o1ide a /0ide 2o A,an2a2o, 2o ens0,e yo0, sa+e
a,,i1al5N
Yo0 90i7.ly /o 2o 2he 2a-le and 6i7. 06 yo0, 6a7.3 2hen ,e/ain all o+ yo0,
6ossessions and 4ea6ons3 e87e62 +o, 2he Diamond Key3 4hi7h is a-sen25 Yo0 ha1e
al,eady no2i7ed 2his3 and yo0 a,e no2 2he only one5 As yo0 ,e-e90i6 yo0,sel+3 yo0 hea,
Kianmay s6ea. 4i2h no 2,a7e o+ 2i,edness5
)#(
FF - Diamond
LCe 7anno2 lea1e he,e 4i2ho02 2he one 2,0e 2,eas0,e5N
LCha2 2,eas0,e do yo0 s6ea. o+ON 2he 7le,. as.s5
LA -la7. s2one ins7,i-ed 4i2h a s6i,al o+ an7ien2 s7,i623N she ,e6lies5
LA sim6le s2one s07h as yo0 des7,i-e 7anno2 -e o+ mo,e 1al0e 2han 2he 7oin and
>e4elled i2ems yo0, 7om6anion is ea/e,ly ,e7laimin/5N
LThe s2one o+ 4hi7h I s6ea. is mo,e 1al0a-le 2han any >e4el and m0s2 -e ,e20,ned
2o me5N
LCha2 4ill yo0 do 4i2h i2ON 2he 7le,. as.s5
LI shall 2a.e i2 2o 2he 2em6le in A,an2a2o,5N
Yo0 mo1e 2o s2and ne82 2o Kianmay5 Casn?2 he, mission mean2 2o -e a se7,e2O
LDo yo0 .no4 2ha2 2he Kin/ o+ A,an2a2o, is o0, enemyON
LI do3N Kianmay ,e6lies5
LChy sho0ld 4e deli1e, 2his /,ea2 2,eas0,e in2o his handsON The 7le,. as.s5
LI2 is no2 +o, him3 i2 is +o, 2his land5N
Fo, 2he +i,s2 2ime3 2he 7le,. loo.s a -i2 0n7e,2ain and /lan7es 2o4a,ds 2he 7i,7le5
LCha2 does 2ha2 meanON
Kianmay e86lains5 LThe s2one m0s2 -e 6la7ed in 2he ea,2h 0nde, 2he 2em6le o+ 2he
Chi2e Goddess in A,an2a2o,5 In 2he hands o+ any one man 2he s2one is 4as2ed5N
LThe s2one ma.es 2he man 4ho -ea,s i2 immo,2al5 Chy is 2his a 4as2eON
Ho4 is i2 2ha2 2hey ha1e dis7e,ned 2hisO Kianmay does no2 seem s0,6,ised and
7on2in0es5 LThe 6o4e, 4hi7h ma.es one man immo,2al 7an ins2ead +lo4 in2o 2he
ea,2h5 The 2em6le in A,an2a2o, is -0il2 06on one o+ 2he 7hannels o+ 6o4e, in 2he ea,2h3
and so 2he 6o4e, o+ 2he s2one shall -e m0l2i6lied /,ea2ly and -,in/ /,ea2 -lessin/s 2o
2his land and all 4ho d4ell he,e5N
LE1en -eyond A,an2a2o,ON 2he 7le,. as.s5
LMen -0ild 4alls and d,a4 lines 06on ma6s5 The ea,2h .no4s no2 s07h 2hin/s5N
LHo4 +a, shall 2his -lessin/ e82endON
LI do no2 .no43N Kianmay ,e6lies5
The 7le,. loo.s 2o4a,ds 2he 7i,7le a/ain3 2his 2ime o6enly5 A si/nal yo0 do no2 see
is 6assed3 and 2he 7le,. -o4s5 LThe Col+ /i1es yo0 yo0, +,eedom and 2he s2one5N
He ,ea7hes in2o 2he 6o07h on his -el2 and 2a.es o02 2he Diamond Key in i2s 7lo2h
-a/5 He a66,oa7hes and hands 2he -a/ 2o Kianmay5 She 2a.es i2 ea/e,ly5 She -o4s
2o4a,ds 2he 7i,7le5 LI 2han. yo03 no-le Col+5 Yo0 a,e a -e22e, man 2han mos25N
She 20,ns and smiles a2 yo05 She loo.s ,eady 2o lea1e5 Yo0 loo. -a7. a2 2he 7i,7le
o+ 4e,e4ol1es5 Can yo0 allo4 2hese 7,ea20,es 2o ,0le 2he No,2hO
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 3+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a770se 2he 4a,,io,s +o, -ein/ 4e,e4ol1es3 20,n 2o +33
+87
The +o0,2h 4a27h is yo0,s5 Yo0 slee6 +i2+0lly 0n2il yo0 a,e 4o.en 2o 2a.e yo0,
4a27h5 The Cood has +illed yo0, d,eams 4i2h s2,an/e and dis20,-in/ ima/es5 Yo0
4al. a,o0nd 7he7.in/ 2ha2 all is 4ell3 2hen 2a.e a 6osi2ion nea, 2he +i,e5 Yo0 .ee6 i2
-0,nin/ -,i/h25 All is 90ie2 and s2ill e87e62 +o, 2he 7,ea.in/ 2ha2 7omes +,om 2he 2,ees5
Yo0, eyelids -e/in 2o d,oo63 so yo0 s2and 06 2o 4al. a,o0nd5
)#E
FF - Diamond
No,mally a 4al. in 2he 7old 4a.es yo0 063 -02 2his 2ime yo0 +eel as i+ e1e,y2hin/
a,o0nd yo0 is -e7omin/ so+23 e1en 2he ai, +eels 2hi7.e, and a66ea,s +o//y -e+o,e yo0
eyes5
Yo0 a,e de2e,mined 2o s2ay a4a.e3 -02 4ha2e1e, is 2,yin/ 2o send yo0 2o slee6 is
6o4e,+0lI
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&3 STAMINA3 and &UCK5 Roll ( die5 I+ 2he 2o2al is 2he same as o,
less 2han 2he s0n o+ yo0, current SKI&&3 STAMINA and &UCK s7o,es3 20,n 2o 31
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o +18
+88
The las2 Kom-ie +alls 2o 2he +loo, and yo0 ad1an7e on 2he ne7,oman7e,5 He
7l027hes a s2,an/e loo.in/ 4and li.e a 4ea6on5 I2 is -la7. and 24is2ed3 and e1en20ally
yo0 ,e7o/nise i2 as 2he -0,n2 a,m o+ a h0man3 4i2he,ed 2o no2 m07h mo,e 2han 2hin
-one5 I2 loo.s li.e a 7hild?s a,m5 I2 s2ill 4ea,s a -e>e4elled -,a7ele2 and ,in/s5
LDo no2 7ome any 7lose,MN The ne7,oman7e, 2h,ea2ens5 His a//,ession +al2e,s
and he 4hines5 L"lease3 lea1e me -eM I do no2 ha,mM And see my 7,ea2ionsM No
lon/e, m0s2 dead +lesh -e 4as2ed5 Ima/ine i+ 2he dead 7an -e made 2o se,1e 2he
li1in/5 Ce 7an all -e .in/sMN
LNe7,oman7y is e1il3N yo0 s2a2e5
The ne7,oman7e, /nashes his 2ee2h in +,0s2,a2ion5 LI sho0ld no2 e86e72 /,ea2
1ision o+ a me,e 2h0/M I+ my Kom-ies 4e,e me,7han2 /0a,ds3 yo0 7o0ld -e 2he
me,7han2M Yo0 4o0ld -e ,i7hM Do yo0 en>oy 2he +,0i2less 2oil o+ yo0, li+eON
He mi/h2 ha1e a 6oin23 2he,e5 Do yo0 4an2 2o lis2en 2o mo,eO I+ so3 20,n 2o 81
I+ yo0 ,emain 0n7on1in7ed o+ 2he im6o,2an7e o+ his 4o,.3 20,n 2o 142
+84
Yo0 4al. do4n 2he 6illa,ed 7o,,ido,5 Yo0 4al. 90i7.ly 6as2 2he li/h2ed a,7h and
06 2o 2he doo, on 2he +a, side5 Yo0 6a0se as yo0 see a s4o,d 7a,1ed in2o 2he doo,5
"e,ha6s i2 is 2he "aladin?s -a,,a7.s5 Yo0 lis2en and 7an hea, sno,in/ inside5
I+ yo0 ,eally 4an2 2o 7on2in0e3 20,n 2o 388
I+ yo0 ha1e 7han/ed yo0, mind and 4an2 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he li/h2ed a,7h4ay ins2ead3
20,n 2o 036
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o -a7. and 2,y 2he +i,s2 doo,3 20,n 2o 62
+86
Rela8in/ 4i2h yo0, -ee,3 yo0 4a27h as 2he 7le,. ,eadies his 6en5
LChe,e a,e yo0 -o0ndON he as.s5
LChy3 4e a,e /oin/ 2o 2he moon3 o+ 7o0,se3N yo0 ,e6ly 4i2h a se,io0s e86,ession5
The 7le,. +,o4ns3 his li6s 6,essed in2o a 2hin line5 LSi,M Do no2 6lay /ames 4i2h
me5 I+ yo0 do no2 ans4e, my 90es2ions I 4ill ha1e 2o 20,n 2his ma22e, o1e, 2o 2he
To4n Ca,denMN
)%*
FF - Diamond
LThe To4n Ca,denON yo0 say3 ,0--in/ yo0, 7hin 4i2h yo0, hand5 LI hea,d 2ha2
yo0, mo2he, 4as 2he To4n Ca,den5 &as2 2ime I 7ame 2h,o0/h he,e she a,,es2ed e1e,y
/ood-loo.in/ yo0n/ me,7han2 2ha2 s2e66ed in2o 2o4n5 Is yo0, mo2he, /oin/Isea,7h
my 4a/onON
The 7le,.?s +a7e 2a.es on a simila, h0e 2o -ee2,oo2 as 2he 7ommon ,oom e,062s in
la0/h2e, and >ee,s5 LMy mo2he, is a 4oman o+ /,ea2 1i,20eMN 2he 7le,. -ello4s3
7len7hin/ his +is2s5
LO+ 7o0,se she is3N yo0 say5 LA 4oman o+ /,ea2 7om6assion and .indness3
7onside,in/I4ell3 yo0 .no4IN
LCha2ON 2he 7le,. demands5
LA-o02 yo0, +a2he,IN yo0 1en20,e5
LCha2 a-o02 himON 2he 7le,. as.s3 +l0s2e,ed and 7on+0sed5
LCell3 i2?s no2 any 4oman 4ho 4ill slee6 4i2h a /o-lin5N
The 7ommon ,oom +ills 4i2h la0/h2e, a/ain3 and 2he 7le,. >0m6s 2o his +ee25 LMy
+a2he, is no2 a /o-linM Yo03 si,3 4ill ,e/,e2 2hisMN
He s2o,ms o++5 LR0nnin/ -a7. 2o yo0, mo2he,ON yo0 7all a+2e, him5 The 7le,.
+lees 2he ,idi70le3 and 2he o2he, d,in.e,s 7hee, and ,aise a 2oas2 2o yo05 One e1en -0ys
yo0 a -ee,5
A 4hile la2e, yo0 /i1e yo0, a6olo/ies and head 06s2ai,s5 Yo0 .no7. /en2ly on
Kianmay?s doo, -e+o,e en2e,in/5 She is no2 aslee6 ye25 She is ,eadin/ -y 2he li/h2 o+
a 7andle5 As yo0 7lose 2he doo, -ehind yo03 yo0 see "enma,. in his -ed,oll on 2he
+loo,5 Cell3 yo0 4e,en?2 6lannin/ any2hin/ any4ay5 &ayin/ o02 yo0, o4n -ed,oll3
yo0 se22le in +o, an 0n7om+o,2a-le ni/h2?s slee65
T0,n 2o 040
+85
LI?m >0s2 /oin/ 2o ha1e a loo. a,o0nd3N yo0 2ell Kianmay5
LA2 4ha2ON she as.s as yo0 d07. o025 Yo0 6,e2end yo0 ha1en?2 hea,d and 4al.
4i2h a 60,6ose+0l s2e6 2o4a,ds 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7am65 Yo0 2h,ead yo0, 4ay -e24een
2en2s as i+ yo0 .no4 4he,e yo0 a,e /oin/5 No one s2o6s yo0 o, e1en loo.s a2 yo05
Al2ho0/h yo0, 4ea6ons ha1e -een 2a.en3 yo0 a,e s2ill 4ea,in/ yo0, a,mo0,5
Yo0 s0ddenly 06on a si/h2 2ha2 ma.es yo0 6a0se5 A la,/e 4ooden s2,0720,e si2s in
2he 1e,y 7en2,e o+ 2he 7am65 I2 has a 7an1as ,oo+ and yo0 s0s6e72 2ha2 i2 7an -e 60lled
a6a,2 and 2,ans6o,2ed5 A se2 o+ do0-le doo,s in 2he +,on2 a,e /0a,ded -y 24o no,2he,n
4a,,io,s 4i2h 6olea8es and /,im e86,essions5 They eye yo0 as yo0 4al. 6as23 -02 yo0
don?2 e1en /lan7e a2 2hem5
Goin/ in 2he +,on2 doo, 4o0ld -e a -ad idea5 So yo0 7i,7le a,o0nd and +ind an
0n/0a,ded side doo,5
Do yo0 4an2 2o en2e, 2he 4ooden ho0seO T0,n 2o 44
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, .ee6 e86lo,in/3 20,n 2o 045
+42
Yo0 s2and 06 and -,in/ yo0, 4ea6on 2o hand5 LYo0 a,e an e1il +,ea.MN yo0
a770se5 LYo0 m0s2 dieMN
)%)
FF - Diamond
The 0nde,2a.e, s90a4.s in ala,m and dashes +o, a side doo,3 disa66ea,in/ 2h,o0/h
i25 He mo1es 90i7.ly +o, a d,0n.en man5 Yo0 dash a+2e, him3 and +ind yo0,sel+ a2 2he
2o6 o+ a na,,o4 s2ai,4ay5 H0,,yin/ do4n i23 yo0 soon +ind yo0,sel+ in a s0-2e,,anean
la-o,a2o,y5 Yo0 see 2he 0nde,2a.e, 4a1in/ his hands and 7han2in/ o1e, a n0m-e, o+
7o,6ses 2ha2 a,e laid o02 on sla-s5 Ea7h one a66ea,s 2o -e 2he s0->e72 o+ a di++e,en2
e86e,imen25 One o+ 2he 7o,6ses is al,eady anima2ed and is sh0++lin/ 2o4a,ds yo05
Yo0 see 2ha2 i2 has small 6la2es o+ s2eel se4n in2o i2s s.in3 and i2s +in/e,s ha1e -een
,e6la7ed 4i2h lon/3 hea1y -lades5
The o2he,s loo. less +ea,some3 -02 2he,e a,e many o+ 2hem5 They a,e mo1in/ so
slo4ly 2ha2 yo0 7an lea1e i+ yo0 4an2 2o and /o -a7. 2o 2he Inn @20,n 2o 140A
I+ no23 yo0 m0s2 +i/h2 i25
RQOMBIE SO&DIER SKI&& ' STAMINA * DB )* ARMOUR #
The o2he, Kom-ies a,e slo4-mo1in/ eno0/h +o, yo0 2o deal 4i2h one -y one5
RQOMBIE ) SKI&& # STAMINA * DB * ARMOUR *
RQOMBIE SKI&& = STAMINA )% DB * ARMOUR *
RQOMBIE < SKI&& # STAMINA DB * ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o +88
I+ yo0 lose3 20,n 2o 184
+40
Yo0 lash o02 a2 2he se7ond o,73 -02 i2 a1oids yo0, a22a7. -y 2h,o4in/ i2sel+ on2o
2he /,o0nd5 I2 s7,ee7hes lo0dly -e+o,e yo0 7an .ill i25 Yo0 hea, 2he doo, 2o 2he o2he,
,oom o6en and +oo2s2e6s h0,,y o025 No 4an2in/ 2o -e 2,a66ed inside3 yo0 dash
o02side3 4ea6ons ,eady5 S2andin/ 2he,e is a h0/e o,75 I2 loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h s0,6,ise
and 70,iosi2y5 I2 is 7lad in a sim6le lon/ 20ni7 o+ 0ndyed 4ool and i2s +ee2 a,e -a,e5
O-1io0sly i2 4as no2 e86e72in/ 2o 4al. in2o 7om-a25 Ho4e1e,3 i2 is 7a,,yin/ a
4i7.ed-loo.in/3 lon/-handled -a22lea8e as 2all as yo0 a,e5
&oo.in/ 06 a2 2he -l0e-s.inned mons2,osi2y3 yo0 a,e no2 ea/e, 2o +i/h2 i25 I2 /,ins
do4n a2 yo0: a /es20,e 2ha2 7anno2 loo. +,iendly 4i2h 2hose 20s.s5 Yo0 ha1e only a
momen2 2o de7ide 4ha2 2o do5
R0n a4ayO T0,n 2o +45
A22a7. 2he /ian2 o,7 -e+o,e i2 a22a7.s yo0O T0,n 2o 0+5
Say hello5 T0,n 2o 143
+4+
&oo.in/ a,o0nd 2he ,oom3 yo0 s6y a /a6 -e24een one o+ 2he ,a+2e,s and 2he
7eilin/5 The 4ood is ,o22ed and 2he /a6 loo.s li.e i2 is >0s2 la,/e eno0/h5 Yo0 s2and
on yo0, 7o2 and ,ea7h 064a,ds5 Yo0 ha1e 2,o0-le s20++in/ 2he 60,se in5 Ta.in/ i2
)%
FF - Diamond
a4ay yo0 ,ea7h in 4i2h yo0, hand and +eel a-o025 Yo0 hand 2o07hes a 7lo2h -0ndle
and yo0 2a.e i2 do4n5
I2 is a ,a/ o+ 4hi2e linen3 dis7olo0,ed 4i2h 4a2e, s2ains5 Yo0 si2 do4n and 0n4,a6
2he linen5 Inside is a la,/e 6ea,l5 I2 2in/les in yo0, hand and yo0 sense 2ha2 i2 is
ma/i7al5 Yo0 602 2he 6ea,l in yo0, 60,se and s20++ 2he 60,se in2o 2he /a65
Yo0 2hen lea1e 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 1+1
+41
&ea1in/ 2he sh,ine3 yo0 +ollo4 2he 6a2hs o+ 2he /a,dens3 ma.in/ a 4ide 7i,70i2 o+
2he 2em6le o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess5 Yo0 see a +e4 o2he, en2,an7es3 0n/0a,ded and
2he,e+o,e li.ely 2o -e lo7.ed5 Yo0 4onde, 4ha2 2o do 4hen yo0 s0ddenly see one o+
2he doo,s o6en5 O02 s2e6s a 4oman d,essed in a 4hi2e ,o-e3 a 4hi2e 7lo2h 4o,n o1e,
he, hai,5 She 7a,,ies a la,/e -a/ on a 4o1en s2,a6 4o,n a7,oss he, -ody5 She 4a1es
/ood-ye 2o someone inside and heads o++3 2he doo, 7losed -ehind he,5
She s2a,2s 2o head in yo0, /ene,al di,e72ion and yo0 s2,oll on a 7o0,se 2ha2 4ill
2a.e yo0 nea, 2o he,5 Yo0 /lan7e a-o02 yo05 The,e a,e +e4 6eo6le a-o02 2he /a,dens3
all a22endin/ 2o 2hei, o4n a++ai,s5 Yo0 s2o6 ne82 2o a /,o1e o+ 2all slende, 2,ees 4i2h
yello4 +lo4e,s5 The 6,ies2ess d,a4s nea,e,5
A2 leas2 she loo.s li.e a 6,ies2ess5 As she a66,oa7hes3 she smiles a2 yo0 4i2h an
o6en 4a,m2h 2ha2 is 1e,y simila, 2o Kianmay?s5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 2al. 2o he, and as. he, a-o02 Qa,imO Then 20,n 2o 87
I+ yo0 2hin. yo0 7an?2 2,0s2 he, and 4an2 2o .no7. he, o02 and sea,7h he, +o, a .ey3
20,n 2o 163
+43
Yo0 ,ea7h o02 +o, 2he s4o,d5 As yo0 hand d,a4s nea,3 2he -andi2 20,ns his head
and s2a,2s in s0,6,ise5 Yo0 2,y 2o sna27h 2he s4o,d3 -02 2he -andi2 is 90i7.e, and
s20m-les 2o his +ee25 Yo0 d,a4 o02 yo0, o4n 4ea6on and a22a7. 2he -andi25
BANDIT SKI&& E STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o ++6
I+ yo0, s2amina is ,ed07ed 2o = o, less3 20,n 2o +60
+47
The Col+ +alls 0nde, yo0 +inal sa1a/e a22a7.3 and yo0 6la7e yo0, 4ea6on a2 his
2h,oa25 LS0,,ende,MN
LKill me and ,i7hes a,e yo0,sMN 2he Col+ 7,ies5
LNo5N Yo0 say3 and 4i2hd,a4 yo0, 4ea6on5
)%<
FF - Diamond
The Col+ s2ands and 4i2h a +li7. o+ his 4,is2 6la7es 2he 2i6 o+ his s7imi2a, a2 yo0,
2h,oa25 He /,ins and shea2hs his s4o,d5 LCell doneM This man has de+ea2ed me in
-a22leM Ye2 has s6a,ed me5 He has 6,o1en -o2h his s.ill and his no-le s6i,i2MN
The soldie,s 7hee, a66,e7ia2i1ely5 The Col+ 7la6s yo0 on 2he sho0lde, and leads
yo0 -a7. inside5 Yo0 /o 2h,o0/h in2o 2he 2h,one ,oom3 4he,e yo0 +ind Kianmay
4ai2in/ a66,ehensi1ely5 Yo0 also see a la,/e 2a-le 4i2h all o+ yo0, -elon/in/s on i25
LYo0 a,e +,ee 2o /o3N 2he Col+ says5
Yo0 /o 2o 2he 2a-le3 4hi7h also has yo0, 6a7. on i23 and load yo0, -elon/in/s -a7.
in2o i25 The Diamond Key is no2 2he,e3 -02 2he so,7e,e, 2a.es 2he 7lo2h -a/ +,om a
6o07h a2 his -el2 and hands i2 2o Kianmay5 She 2a.es i2 ea/e,ly and loo.s inside5 Yo0
see +,om 2he e86,ession o+ deli/h2 and ,elie+ on he, +a7e 2ha2 2he Key is inside5
The Col+ /oes o1e, 2o 2he 7a-ine2 and o6ens i2 4i2h a .ey5 He 2a.es a -o8 +,om
inside and 7omes o1e, 2o yo05 The -o8 is la790e,ed -la7. 4ood inlaid 4i2h i1o,y and
>ade in 2he +o,m o+ 24o +ish s4immin/ a,o0nd ea7h o2he,3 +o,min/ a 7i,7le5 LYo0 /o
in2o /,ea2 6e,il3 +,iend5 "lease 2a.e 2his5 I ho6e i2 4ill aid yo05 I ha1e li22le 0se +o, i23
as 6,e7io0s as i2 is5N
Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 and li+2 2he lid5 Inside 2he,e is a sin/le 7,ys2al 2ha2 is +illed 4i2h
,ain-o4-7olo0,ed li/h23 shi+2in/ as yo0 2il2 2he -o85 Yo0 2a.e o02 2he 7,ys2al and
Kianmay /as6s 4hen she sees i25
LCha2 is i2ON yo0 as. he,5
LA ",imo,dial C,ys2al3N she says5 LI2 is 6,i7eless 2o -e s0,e5N
LCha2 do I do 4i2h i2ON yo0 as.5
Kianmay sha.es he, head5 LThe na20,e o+ s07h 2hin/s isImys2e,io0s5 I .no4 o+
many 4ays in 4hi7h 2hey ha1e -een 0sed5 Some2imes +o, /,ea2 /ood3 some2imes +o,
/,ea2 e1il5N
Yo0 602 2he 7,ys2al -a7. in2o 2he -o8 and 7lose 2he lid5 Be+o,e yo0 lea1e3 24o
/0a,ds en2e, +,om 2he 7om6o0nd 4i2h 24o hea1y sa7.s5 I2 is 2he ,i7hes 2ha2 4e,e
2h,o4n in2o 2he 7om6o0nd3 and is in 2o2al 4o,2h )*** /old 7oins5 Yo0 may lis2 all o+
2he ,i7hes as 7oin on yo0, Ad1en20,e Shee25
Yo0 2han. and +a,e4ell 2he Col+5 O02side yo0 +ind 24o ho,ses loaded 4i2h
s066lies5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he 7am6 and a,e soon on yo0, 4ay 2o4a,ds
A,an2a2o,5
T0,n 2o +51
+48
A66,oa7hin/ 2he +a2 man3 yo0 si2 do4n and in2,od07e yo0,sel+5 He loo.s a2 yo0
s0s6i7io0sly and 60lls an 0n2o07hed dish 7lose, 2o himsel+3 as i+ he 2hin.s yo0 a,e
a+2e, his +ood5 He says some2hin/ 2h,o0/h a mo02h+0l o+ +ood3 a66a,en2ly as.in/ yo0
4ha2 yo0 4an25
LI am 2,a1ellin/ 2o A,an2a2o,3N yo0 2ell him5 LI am loo.in/ +o, in+o,ma2ion a-o02
2he ,oad ahead5N
)%=
FF - Diamond
The +a2 man nods and holds 06 one +in/e, as he +inishes a mo02h+0l5 I2 2a.es a-o02
a min02e 2o /e2 i2 do4n his 2h,oa25 Chen he 7an 2al.3 he says; LI 7an /i1e yo0 4ha2
yo0 need3 -02 i2 4ill 7os2 yo0 )* /old5N
He sho1els +ood in2o his mo02h on7e mo,e5
I+ yo0 ha1e yo0, 60,se 4i2h yo0 and 4an2 2o 6ay him3 20,n 2o 158
The -la7.-,o-ed man is /one3 -02 yo0 7an s2ill 2al. 2o 2he Me,7han2 /0a,ds5 T0,n 2o
0++
O, 2o /o -a7. 06s2ai,s3 20,n 2o 101
+44
Yo0 4al. o1e, 2o 2he 7losed doo,5 Yo0 lis2en3 -02 hea, no2hin/5 Rea7hin/ o02 yo0
/en2ly 2,y 2he doo,handle3 -02 i2 is lo7.ed5 Cha2 no4O
Kno7. on 2he doo,O T0,n 2o 118
Go -a7. 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he di//in/ so0nds5 T0,n 2o 186
+46
C,ee6in/ a7,oss 2he hall3 yo0 lis2en a2 2he doo,3 2hen o6en i2 and sli6 in2o 2he da,.
in2e,io,5 The,e is 90i2e a lo2 o+ li/h2 he,e3 sin7e 2he,e a,e 24o doo,s all le22in/ li/h2
s2,eam in2o 2he small ,oom5 Yo0 a,e in a small ,oom +illed 4i2h ,a7.s o+ 4ine -o22les5
The doo, 2o 2he le+2 leads 2o 2he ,ela8ed 1oi7es o+ 2he o4ne, and his /0es2s5 The o2he,
doo, is silen23 so yo0 7a,e+0lly o6en i2 and s2e6 2h,o0/h5
Yo0 a,e in a s20dy5 The,e is a doo, leadin/ 2o 2he main hall 2o yo0, ,i/h25 A
massi1e 4ooden des. domina2es 2he ,oom3 +a7in/ 2o4a,ds 4he,e yo0 a,e no43 4i2h a
hi/h -a7.ed 7hai, -ehind i25 On 2he 4all -ehind 2he des. is a shield and a 6ai, o+
7,ossed s4o,ds -ehind i25 On ei2he, side a,e small shel1es3 ea7h holdin/ a la,/e /lass
>a, in 4hi7h is a 6,ese,1ed head5 An o,7 on 2he ,i/h23 an o/,e on 2he le+25 Someho4
yo0 do0-2 2he o4ne, .illed 2hem himsel+5
The,e a,e some -oo.shel1es and 7a-ine2s s7a22e,ed a,o0nd 2he 4alls3 -02 2he 4all
o66osi2e 4he,e yo0 s2and is oddly em62y5 This 4all is also m07h +0,2he, +o,4a,d 2han
2he ,ea, 4all o+ 2he -a2h,oom5
I+ yo0 2hin. 2he,e is a se7,e2 doo, he,e and .no4 4ha2 2o loo. +o,3 0se 2he
al6han0me,i7 .ey -elo4 2o 7al70la2e 2he 6assa/e n0m-e, yo0 need5
a * c d e f g h i 9 k l m
) < = # % ' ( E )* )) ) )<
n o p : r s t u ; . < y =
)= )# )% )' )( )E * ) < = # %
O2he,4ise3 yo0 m0s2 ,e20,n 2o 2he hall and sea,7h else4he,e5 T0,n 2o +11
)%#
FF - Diamond
+45
Yo0 smile -a7. a2 2he /ian2 o,7 2hen ma.e a dash +o, 2he e8i25 The o,7 la0/hs in
deli/h2 and yo0 hea, ,0shin/ ai, as 2he a8e s4ee6s 4i2hin in7hes o+ yo0, head5 Yo0
,0n in 2e,,o,3 +ea,in/ 2he lon/-lim-ed o,7 4ill s2,ide 06 and 702 yo0 do4n any se7ond5
Yo0 ma.e i2 2o 2he 20nnel and ,0n inside5 Yo0 la-o0, 06 2he slo6e +o, se1e,al lon/
min02es3 s20m-lin/ in 2he da,.ness5
Yo0 ha1e no idea i+ 2he /ian2 o,7 is s2ill +ollo4in/ o, no23 -02 yo0 do no2 s2o65
Yo0 ,0n o02 6as2 2he s2ill-slee6in/ o,7 a2 2he 2a-le3 and ,0n do4n 2he main 20nnel a+2e,
yo0 6a,2y5 &oo.in/ -a7.3 yo0 see yo0 a,e no2 -ein/ +ollo4ed and slo4 do4n5 By 2he
2ime yo0 ,ea7h 2he ne82 ,es2 s2o6 yo0 ha1e ,e/ained yo0, -,ea2h5
T0,n 2o 020
+62
LHe didn?2 /i1e me one3N yo0 say5
The /0a,d -e7omes 1e,y s0s6i7io0s3 and 7alls +o, some soldie,s 2o de2ain yo03
4hile ano2he, is sen2 2o +ind o02 4ha2 is /oin/ on5 The soldie, soon ,e20,ns and yo0
a,e ma,7hed -a7. 2o 2he 2en2 4he,e yo0 4e,e -e+o,e5 Yo0 a,e s2,i66ed o+ all o+ yo0,
-elon/in/s on7e mo,e3 e87e62 +o, yo0, 7lo2hes and a,mo0,5
Yo0 si2 do4n and 4ai2 on7e mo,e5 This 2ime a /0a,d is 6la7ed o02side5
T0,n 2o +2
+60
As 2he -andi2 s2,i.es do4n a2 yo0 a/ain3 his s4o,d -i2es dee6 in2o yo0, sho0lde,3
+indin/ a /a6 in yo0, a,mo0,5 Yo0 des6e,a2ely ,e2,ea2 on7e mo,e3 s2a//e,in/ +0,2he,
do4n 2he slo6e5 The -andi2 has 2oo m07h o+ an ad1an2a/e3 yo0 +ea, 2o ,0n in 7ase he
is a-le 2o 2h,o4 himsel+ do4n 2he slo6e and 6l0n/e his s4o,d 2h,o0/h yo0, -a7.5
As yo0 des6e,a2ely 6a,,y ano2he, hea1y a22a7.3 yo0 .no4 some2hin/ m0s2 -e
done5 Yo0, only ho6e is 2o 20,n as i+ 2o ,0n3 2hen dod/e aside3 and ho6e 2he -andi2
4ill +all 6as2 yo0 as he +inish yo0 o++5 I2 is ,is.y sin7e yo0 7anno2 see 2he land -ehind
yo05
Tes2 yo0, SKI&& and yo0, &UCK5 Roll = die5 I+ 2he 2o2al is 2he same o, less 2han 2he
s0m o+ yo0, 70,,en2 SKI&& and &UCK s7o,es3 20,n 2o 011
I+ 2he 2o2al is mo,e3 20,n 2o +31
+6+
Yo0 a22a7. 2he Col+ and a +ie,7e d0el -e/ins5 He is 0nna20,ally s2,on/ and +as23
and many 2imes yo0 -a,ely a1oid -ein/ .illed5 Yo0 land se1e,al -lo4s3 -02 yo0,
4ea6on seems 2o ha1e no e++e725 Yo0 +i/h2 as ha,d as yo0 7an3 -02 2he Col+ seems
in10lne,a-le5 Finally yo0 +all 2o yo0, .nees3 and 2he Col+?s s7imi2a, s4ee6s inI
T0,n 2o 041
)%%
FF - Diamond
+61
Yo0 60sh do4n 4i2h all yo0, s2,en/2h and 4ei/h25 The soldie, +lails des6e,a2ely3
-02 yo0 sho1e 2he da//e, 2h,o0/h his 2h,oa25 Rollin/ 2o yo0, +ee23 yo0 loo. a,o0nd3
and a,e s0,6,ised 2o 2he manse,1an2 s2ill in his sea25
Yo0 loo. a2 him mo,e 7losely5 He 4ea,s 2he -la7. and /old li1e,y o+ Co0n2 Ra0l3
-02 is a small and 0nim6,essi1e man5 He ,ises 2o his +ee2 and smiles a2 yo05 LCl0msy5
B02 7on/,a20la2ions5 A,e yo0 an assassin -y 2,adeON
Yo0 don?2 ha1e 2ime 2o s2and a,o0nd and 7ha25 Cha2 4ill yo0 doO
Kill himO T0,n 2o 047
B0s2 lea1eO T0,n 2o ++8
To 2al. 2o him any4ay3 20,n 2o 1+8
+63
The small 7hes2 is a-o02 a +oo2 lon/3 7a,1ed 4i2h +lo4e,s and s2ained da,. -,o4n5
The,e is a small /olden lo7.3 -02 i2 has a .ey in i25 Yo0 slo4ly 20,n 2he .ey3 and 2he
lo7. 7li7.s o6en5 Yo0 lis2en3 and 2he so0nds o+ ea2in/ 7on2in0e +,om -eyond 2he
70,2ain5 The silen2 meal is odd3 -02 yo0 2hin. no2hin/ o+ i2 and li+2 2he led o+ 2he 7hes25
Yo0 eyes almos2 6o6 o02 o+ yo0, head as yo0 see a /ian2 eme,ald3 se2 in a -la7.
1el1e2 linin/3 almos2 < in7hes a7,oss5 I2 is +a, 2oo la,/e 2o ho6e 2o sell 2o anyone
e87e62 2he mos2 4eal2hy o+ /em-7022e,s5 B02 yo0 sli6 2he >e4el in2o yo0, 6o7.e25
Cha2 no4O
&oo. inside one o+ 2he o2he, 7hes2sO T0,n 2o +20
B0s2 lea1eO T0,n 2o 3
+67
Yo0 sho4 Kianmay 2he Kin/?s B,oads4o,d5 She ,eads 2he 4o,ds on 2he -lade3
2,a7in/ 2hem 4i2h one +in/e,5
LThis is a 6o4e,+0l 4ea6on o+ li/h23N she 2ells yo05 In a +i/h2 a/ains2 a demoni7
7,ea20,e3 ma,.ed -y a R3 yo0 may do0-le 2he dama/e -on0s5
Re20,n no4 2o +32
+68
The /0a,dsman e86e,2ly .ee6s yo0 -0sy 0n2il ,ein+o,7emen2s a,,i1e5 They 2hen
disa,m yo0 and 6la7e yo0 0nde, a,,es2 4i2h 6,o+essional ease5 The e86e,ien7e o+
-ein/ s0-d0ed lea1es yo0 4i2h se1e,e -,0isin/ 2o yo0, -ody3 @hal1e yo0, STAMINAA3
and 2o yo0, e/o3 @min0s ) SKI&&A5
Yo0 a,e +o,7ed 2o 6ay 2he +ollo4in/ +ines;
Ea,ly Release Fee +o, D,0n.en Ci2iKen - # /old
Release o+ Con+is7a2ed ",o6e,2y @Class; la,/eA - )* /old
)%'
FF - Diamond
T,es6assin/ H * /old
Assa0l2in/ a G0a,dsman o+ 2he &a4 H =* /old
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
To2al H '# /old
Yo0 a,e allo4ed 2o sell /oods +,om yo0, 4a/on and yo0, 6ossessions 2o 7o1e, 2he
7os2s: -02 d0,in/ 2he 7o0,se o+ 2he G0a,dsmen?s Jins6e72ion?3 hal+ o+ any 4ea6ons o,
i1o,y yo0 6ossessed a,e /one5 Yo0 7an 7hoose no2 2o 6ay 2he ,elease +ee +o, 2he
d,0n.en /0a,d3 in 4hi7h 7ase he is le+2 -ehind5 I+ yo0 s2ill 7anno2 6ay3 2hen 2his
ad1en20,e is o1e, +o, yo05
I+ yo0 7an 6ay 2he +ines3 2hen yo0 and 2he 4a/on a,e ,eleased3 and yo0, 6a,2y is
soon on i2s 4ay no,2h on7e mo,e3 on 2he ,oad 2o4a,ds 2he Kilanda, Mo0n2ains5
T0,n 2o 08
+64
Yo0 20,n -a7. 2o 2he 7,o45 LI?m so,,yM Than. yo0 +o, -ein/ so ni7eMN
LAll ,i/h25 I +o,/i1e yo03N says 2he 7,o45
Yo0 loo. -a7. a2 2he s2one /olem3 4hi7h is 7on2in0in/ 2o /,o45 LCha2 a-o02
2ha2ON yo0 as.5
The 7,o4 loo.s em-a,,assed5 LCell3 I?1e s0mmoned i2 no45 Can yo0I2a.e 7a,e
o+ i2 6leaseON
LI2?s made +,om s2oneMN yo0 e87laim5 LI?ll need a ma7e o, 4a,hamme, 2o +i/h2
2ha25N
L$e,y 4ell3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies3 and a 4a,hamme, s0ddenly ma2e,ialises in 2he ai,
-e+o,e yo05 I2 7la22e,s 2o 2he +loo, and yo0 s7oo6 i2 065 I2 is a +ine 4ea6on3 D4a,1en
made -02 in h0man 6,o6o,2ions5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
D4a,1en Hamme, Ca,hamme, )
Yo0 20,n 2o +a7e 2he no4 +0lly-+o,med /olem5
STONE GO&EM SKI&& % STAMINA <* DB # ARMOUR )*
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 35
I+ yo0, s2amina is ,ed07ed 2o # o, less3 20,n 2o 051
+66
Ci2h a +inal s0,/e o+ ene,/y3 yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ a2 2he o,7 and land 2he .illin/
-lo45 The /ian2 7,ashes 2o 2he /,o0nd3 i2s a8e 7la22e,in/ lo0dly 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0
ha1e no do0-2 2he 4hole 2,i-e hea,d 2he -a22le5 !0i7.ly yo0 en2e, 2he /ian2 o,7?s
,oom5 The la,/e 7ham-e, has a 6ile o+ -ed +0,s in one 7o,ne,3 ne82 2o a s0i2 o+
6la2email in /ian2-o,7 6,o6o,2ions lyin/ on 2he +loo,5
)%(
FF - Diamond
A2 2he +a, side o+ 2he ,oom 2he,e is a la,/e dais3 4i2h a ma,-le 2h,one 06on i25 The
2iled +loo, is 7o1e,ed 4i2h 4ha2 loo.s li.e d,ied -lood3 es6e7ially a,o0nd 2he dais and
s2ainin/ 2he s2e6s5 The 2h,one is em62y no43 e87e62 +o, a la,/e o,na2e shield leanin/
a/ains2 one side5 I2 loo.s -i/ eno0/h +o, 2he /ian2 o,73 -02 2he,e is some2hin/ 0n-
o,7ish a-o02 i25 As yo0 d,a4 7lose,3 yo0 see 2ha2 2he /olden shield is e86e,2ly 4o,.ed
4i2h an in2,i7a2e s7ene5 In 2he 7en2,e is 2he s0n3 s0,,o0nded -y 2he 6hases o+ 2he
moon5 This is s0,,o0nded -y 2he ma>o, 7ons2ella2ions and 2hen -y de6i72ions o+ men
and 4omen a2 4o,. and 6lay3 in e1e,y 7,a+2 ima/ina-le5 Finally3 a,o0nd 2he ,im a,e
4a1y lines de6i72in/ 2he o7ean5
The /,ea2 shield is as hi/h as yo0, 4ais23 -02 2he -,a7e, on 2he ,ea, side is h0man-
siKed5 The /,ea2 shield 7an only -e 0sed -y a 4a,,io, 4hose ini2ial SKI&& is E o,
a-o1e3 and 4hose ini2ial STAMINA is a2 leas2 )(5 O2he,4ise3 yo0 a,e 2oo 4ea. and
7l0msy 2o 0se 2his e++e72i1ely5 Yo0 7an 2a.e 2he /,ea2 shield i+ yo0 a,e a-le5 I2 4ill
add < 2o yo0, s.ill3 and # 2o yo0, a,mo0, ,a2in/5
Al,eady ha1in/ 0sed 2oo m07h 2ime3 yo0 h0,,y o02 o+ 2he ,oom and -a7. 2o4a,ds
2he la,/e hall5 Yo0 hea, ma,7hin/ +ee23 and de7ide 2ha2 yo0 ha1e o02 4o,n yo0,
4el7ome5 H0,,yin/ -a7. 06 2he 20nnel3 yo0 soon ,ea7h 2he 2o6 and 6ass 2he s2ill-
slee6in/ o,75
Yo0 slo4 2o a 4al. as yo0 2,a1el -a7. 2o 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 6a,2y5
T0,n 2o 020
+65
LNo3 I am no23N yo0 say
LThen 4hy do yo0 see. 2he Diamond KeyON 2he 7,o4 as.s5
LYo0 .no4 4hy I am he,eON yo0 as. in s0,6,ise5
LDo yo0 .no4 4hy 2he Da,.en Cood e8is2sON i2 as.s3 i/no,in/ yo0, 90es2ion5
Yo0 sh,0/5 LI2 is a s2,on/hold o+ e1il5N
The 7,o4 loo.s o++ended5 LYo0 2hin. I am e1ilON
LI?m no2 s0,e3N yo0 ,e6ly5
The 7,o4 s6ea.s3 i2s disem-odied 1oi7e -oomin/ an/,ily5 LA 2ho0sand 2ho0sand
2ho0sand yea,s a/o 2he,e 4as /,ea2 e1il in 2he land5 The Kin/s o+ &i/h2 4e,e hel6less
-e+o,e i25 So one s4o,e an oa2h 2o 2a.e 2he -0,den o+ e1il on2o himsel+5 So i2 4as 2ha2
all 2he e1il in 2he 4o,ld 4as d,a4n in2o one 6la7e5 Se1en /,ea2 Ca62ains o+ Da,.ness
4e,e d,a4n and im6,isoned he,e5 Th0s 4as 6ea7e -,o0/h2 2o 2he 4o,ld5 Th0s 4as
Da,.en Cood made5 So i2 is 2oday3 2ha2 2he e1il 2ha2 7o0ld no2 -e des2,oyed is -o0nd3
and all 2ha2 is e1il and 6e,se702ed -y 2he &i/h2 see.s ,e+0/e he,e5N
Yo0 loo. a2 2he s.ele2on5 LThis is 2ha2 Kin/O Cha2 ha66ened 2o himON
LHe 2oo. 2he -0,den o+ e1il on2o himsel+3N 2he 7,o4 says a/ain5 LHe im6,isoned
himsel+ in Hell so 2ha2 2he se1en Ca62ains o+ E1il 4o0ld -e -o0nd he,e5N
LIn hellO And he is s2ill 2he,e3 e1en no4ON
)%E
FF - Diamond
LNo3 I +,eed him lon/ a/o3N 2he 7,o4 says5 LHo4 else 7an I -e Kin/ i+ I do no2
2a.e his 6la7eON
LB02 yo0 a,e he,e3N yo0 say5
LI am a /od3 yo0 +oolMN 2he 7,o4 says5 LI 7an -e in 24o 6la7es a2 on7e5N
Sha.in/ yo0, head3 yo0 ,e20,n 2o 2he ma22e, a2 hand5 LYo0 men2ioned 2he
Diamond Key3N yo0 -e/in5
LAh3 yes3N 2he 7,o4 says5 LDa,.en Cood is a 6la7e 4he,e /,ea2 e1il is 7on2ained5
Con2ained 4i2h 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 2ha2 a++e72s 2he 1e,y +a-,i7 o+ ,eali2y i2sel+5 So i2 is
2ha2 4hen /,eedy men 7ome he,e see.in/ /old3 2he e1il in 2his 6la7e ,es6onds 2o 2hei,
/,eed3 and 2hey en7o0n2e, e1il 2ha2 is o+ 2hei, o4n ma.in/M Then 2he,e a,e many
7,ea20,es 4ho li1e he,e 4ho 6,ey on 2,a1elle,s in 2hei, o4n manne,3 s07h as 2he
/o-lins5N
LI did no2 en7o0n2e, any2hin/ e1il3N yo0 say5 LAll I en7o0n2e,ed 4as yo05N
LTh0sMN The 7,o4 says 2,i0m6han2ly5 LYo0 m0s2 -e he,e see.in/ 2he Diamond
Key 4i2h 2he in2en2 o+ /oodness5N
LDo yo0 ha1e i2ON yo0 as.5
LI ha1e no need o+ 2ha23N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LI 602 i2 in a sa+e 6la7e5N
LCill yo0 sho4 meON yo0 as.5
LI 4ill sho" yo03 yes3N 2he 7,o4 says5 The 7,o4 disa66ea,s -ehind 2he 2h,one3 and
yo0 s2e6 on2o 2he dais3 seein/ ano2he, o6enin/ -ehind 2he /,ea2 sil1e, sea25 Follo4in/
2he 7,o43 yo0 -end 0nde, 2he lo4 doo,+,ame and in2o ano2he, +0ll-siKed 7o,,ido,5 I2
des7ends do4n in2o 2he ea,2h and soon o6ens in2o ano2he, domed 7ham-e,3 2his one
many 2imes la,/e, 2han 2he o2he,5 The dome is da,. -l0e s2one se2 4i2h s2a,s made o+
/lo4in/ 7,ys2als3 +o,min/ 2he 7ons2ella2ions o+ 2he ni/h2 s.y5 Golden 6illa,s line 2he
ma,oon 4alls and 2he +loo, is 7o1e,ed in 2iles o+ -la7. inlaid 4i2h /old5 In 2he 1e,y
7en2,e o+ 2he 7ham-e, is a la,/e 7hes25 Ne82 2o i2 is a 4ooden s2and3 in 4hi7h si2s a
lon/ -la7. s6ea, 4i2h a sil1e, -lade on 2o65 The 7,o4 is 6e,7hed on 2he 2i6 o+ 2he
sil1e, -lade5
LChe,e is 2he Diamond KeyON yo0 as. as yo0 7ome 2o a s2o65
LI2 7on7e,ns me 1e,y m07h 2ha2 yo0 a,e no2 a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h25N The 7,o4
,e6lies5 LI 7anno2 /i1e a 2,eas0,e li.e 2he Diamond Key 2o a me,e me,7han2 /0a,d5N
LThen ho4 do I -e7ome a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2ON Yo0 as.5
LS4ea, an oa2h3 and +a7e 2he 2es25N The 7,o4 ,e6lies5
LFine5 I s4ea, 2o se,1e 2he Gods o+ &i/h23N yo0 say5 LNo4 2es2 me and /i1e me
2he Diamond Key5N
LYo0, 1o4 is ins0++i7ien25N The 7,o4 says5 LYo0 s6ea. as i+ 2his ma22e, is a >o.e
o+ some .ind5 "ossession o+ 2he Diamond Key is no small 2hin/5 Kno4 yo0 4ha2 2he
Diamond Key doesO To 4ha2 is i2 2he .eyO Ans4e, 2his3 and I shall /i1e i2 2o yo05N
Cha2 is 2he Diamond Key 2he .ey 2oO Sin7e i2 is no2 made o02 o+ diamond3
diamond m0s2 ,e6,esen2 4ha2 i2 is 2he .ey 2o5 Con2em6la2e 7a,e+0lly5 I+ yo0 2hin. yo0
.no4 2he ans4e,3 0se 2he al6han0me,i7 7ode -elo4 2o 2,ansla2e yo0, sin/le 4o,d
ans4e, in2o n0m-e,s3 2hen add 2he n0m-e,s 2o/e2he, and 20,n 2o 2ha2 6assa/e5
a * c d e f g h i 9 k l m
) < = # % ' ( E )* )) ) )<
n o p : r s t u ; . < y =
)= )# )% )' )( )E * ) < = # %
I+ yo0 7an?2 +i/0,e i2 o023 20,n 2o 157
)'*
FF - Diamond
+52
Yo0 .no7. on Kianmay?s doo,5 She 7alls +o, yo0 2o 7ome in3 and yo0 do so3
+indin/ he, si22in/ and ,eadin/5 She smiles a2 yo05 She seems 1e,y 6leased 4i2h
he,sel+5 Yo0 2a.e one o+ 2he sea2s a2 2he 2a-le5
LCha2 is 2he Diamond KeyON yo0 as.5
Kianmay -e7omes se,io0s5 Yo0 7an see she is no2 6leased 2ha2 yo0 ha1e
dis7o1e,ed 2he name o+ 2he 2,eas0,e she 7a,,ies5 LCo0ld yo0 li.e 2o see i2ON She as.s
a2 las25
LYes3 o+ 7o0,seMN yo0 ans4e,5
She 602s do4n he, -oo. and 2a.es o02 2he slim 4ooden -o85 She 60shes i2 a7,oss
2he 2a-le and yo0 2a.e i2 7a02io0sly5 Yo0 loo. 06 a2 he,5 LI2?s no2 /oin/ 2o 602 me 2o
slee6 is i2ON yo0 as.5
Kianmay smiles sli/h2ly5 LNo5 Fo, 2he slee6in/ s6ell 2o 4o,. I needed Ra0l 2o -e
7om6le2ely dis2,a72ed5 This 4as 2he only 2hin/ 2ha2 4o0ld allo4 me 2o -e so 7lose3 ye2
so 2o2ally i/no,ed5N
Yo0 loo. -a7. a2 2he 6lain -o8 and slo4ly o6en 2he lid5 Yo0 see no /li22e, o,
shinin/ >e4el5 The inside o+ 2he -o8 is a 7a1i2y 7a,1ed o02 o+ 4ood3 in 4hi7h si2s a
,o0nd -la7. s2one 4i2h ma,.s ins7,i-ed on 2he s0,+a7e5 The ma,.s a,e a deli7a2e
s7,i623 +o,min/ a s6i,al5 The ma,.s a,e na,,o43 -02 1e,y dee65 The s2one is 6olished
and 7,ossed -y +ine lines o+ /,ey and -l0e3 -02 a6a,2 +,om 2he 4,i2in/ loo.s 2o -e o+
li22le 1al0e5 I2 isn?2 diamond3 and i2 isn?2 a .eyM
LIs 2his i2ON yo0 as. in a disa66oin2ed 2one5
Kianmay 2a.es 2he -o8 -a7. and hides i2 on7e mo,e5 LI2 is5N She 6i7.s 06 he,
-oo. and ,es0mes ,eadin/5
LChy does Ra0l 4an2 i2ON
LMan 4ho a,e o-sessed -y 2his mo,2al 4o,ld o+2en ha1e +oolish 60,s0i2s5N
Kianmay ,e6lies3 ne1e, ,aisin/ he, eyes +,om he, -oo.5
LA2 leas2 2ell me 4hy i2 is 7alled 2he Diamond Key3N yo0 say5
Kianmay loo.s a2 yo03 2hen 602s do4n 2he -oo. 4i2h a smile5 L"e,ha6s 2his is a
/ood o66o,20ni2y +o, yo0 2o lea,n5 Con2em6la2e 2his3 and yo0 2ell me 4hy i2 is 7alled
2his5 I 4ill /i1e yo0 2his 7l0e; The name in +a72 des7,i-es 4ha2 i2 does3 -02 is only
7lea, 2o 2hose 4ho do no2 ha1e 7on+0sed minds5 Ha2e3 an/e,3 /,eed: 2hese 2hin/s 7lo0d
2he mind and i2 is no2 7lea,5 Thin. on 2his name3 and yo0 4ill ha1e yo0, ans4e,5N
LCo0n2 Ra0l?s mind 4asn?2 7lea,MN yo0 ,es6ond5
LSomeone else 2old him 4ha2 i2 does3N Kianmay e86lains3 and ,e20,ns 2o he, -oo.
on7e mo,e5
Kno4in/ yo0 a,e no2 /oin/ 2o /e2 any mo,e in+o,ma2ion o02 o+ he,3 yo0 lea1e5
T0,n 2o +55
+50
The 7,oss-o4 -ol2 +i,ed a2 yo0 is 7om6le2ely a770,a2e3 and 2h0m6s in2o 2he sea2
4he,e yo0 4e,e si22in/ only a momen2 -e+o,e5 Yo0 di1e 2o 2he /,o0nd3 4ea6on in
hand5 Follo4in/ 2he 1olley o+ -ol2s3 2he,e is a lo0d 7,y and a la,/e n0m-e, o+ di,2y3
,a//ed men 7ha,/e +,om 2he +o,es23 4ea6ons d,a4n5
)')
FF - Diamond
T4o -andi2s 7ha,/e a2 yo05 Fi/h2 2hem -o2h a2 2he same 2ime5
BANDIT ) SKI&& # STAMINA )( DB % ARMOUR *
BANDIT SKI&& % STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 53
I+ yo0 die3 20,n 2o 125
+5+
Yo0 sli6 a /old 7oin 2h,o0/h 2he slo2 in 2he s2,on/-o83 and 2a.e a +e4 s2i7.s o+
in7ense +,om 2he -as.e25 Yo0 li/h2 2he +,a/,an2 s2i7.s 4i2h 2he 7andle +lame and
.neelin/ do4n -e+o,e 2he al7o1e3 yo0 6,ay 2o 2he s6i,i2 o+ 2he D,a/on-slaye, and as.
him 2o 6,o2e72 2he Key5
Yo0 inse,2 2he -ase o+ 2he in7ense s2i7.s in2o 2he sand in 2he >ade -asin5 Yo0 +eel
some2hin/ ha,d 0nde, 2he sand as yo0 2,y 2o 60sh 2he s2i7.s in5 Yo0 mo1e yo0, hands
and inse,2 2he in7ense a2 a di++e,en2 6oin25 Rea7hin/ in2o 2he sand3 yo0, +in/e, 7lose
on 2he ha,d o->e72 and yo0 d,a4 i2 o023 sha.in/ 2he sand loose5 Yo0 a,e sho7.ed 2o
see 2he o->e72 s6a,.lin/ on yo0, 6alm in 2he 7andleli/h25 I2 is a ,in/ 4i2h a 2-sha6ed
6,o2,0sion e82endin/ +,om 2he ed/e3 loo.in/ 1a/0ely li.e a .ey5 I2 s6a,.les -e7a0se i2
is made +,om diamond3 4i2h h0nd,eds o+ small +a7e2s5 I2 is a diamond .eyM
Yo0 sli6 2he +a.e .ey in2o 2he 7lo2h 6o07h and hide i2 0nde, yo0, 7lo2hes on7e
mo,e5 Yo0 silen2ly 2han. A,in/a,a2o,5
T0,n 2o 18+
+51
The >o0,ney a7,oss 2he 20nd,a has -een a lonely one3 -02 no4 2ha2 yo0 nea, yo0,
des2ina2ion3 2he ,oad -e7omes 4ell-de+ined and yo0 7an see o2he, 2,a1elle,s ahead and
-ehind yo0 as +a,-+l0n/ ,oads /a2he, 2o/e2he, 2o +o,m a /,ea2 hi/h4ay 2o 2he 7i2y o+
A,an2a2o,5
I+ yo0 ha1e any o+ 2he +ollo4in/ i2ems o, e90i6men23 Kianmay 7an no4 iden2i+y
2hem +o, yo05
Sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,3 20,n 2o 05
A 7,ys2al-se2 -,eas26la2e3 20,n 2o 86
Gold-ins7,i-ed sil1e, s7alemail3 20,n 2o 006
A -o22le o+ 4hi2e li90id3 20,n 2o +26
An i1o,y am0le2 in 2he sha6e o+ an ele6han23 20,n 2o +74
I1o,y Col+ Blade3 20,n 2o 104
R0ne "ole-a8e3 20,n 2o 17+
R0ne A8e3 20,n 2o 168
Yo0 .no4 yo0 a,e on 2he +inal le/ 4hen 2he ,oad 0nde, yo0, +ee2 -e7omes 4ide
and 6a1ed5 The /,ea2 7i2y is s2ill o02 o+ si/h23 -02 as 2he ho0,s 6ass3 a da,. sm0d/e on
2he ho,iKon /,o4s in2o 2he ma/ni+i7en2 7i2y-s2a2e5
)'
FF - Diamond
Fo, 2ho0sands o+ yea,s A,an2a2o, 4as 2he only -as2ion o+ 7i1ilisa2ion in 2he 4ild
and -a,-a,i7 no,2he,n lands5 Th0s i2 s4elled as se22le,s so0/h2 6,o2e72ion and
6,os6e,i2y in i2s 6,o8imi2y5 Some say 2ha2 2hose ea,ly .in/s dis7o1e,ed an an7ien2
6o4e, 0nde, 2he ea,2h5 "e,ha6s i2 is 2,0e5 The 7i2y has al4ays 7ommanded /,ea2
4eal2h e1en des6i2e 2he disas2e,s 2ha2 ha1e 7i,7led a,o0nd i25 Yo0 4onde, 4hy s07h a
7i2y needs 2he Diamond Key a2 all5
E1en a2 a dis2an7e yo0 7an see 2he massi1e 4alls 2ha2 s0,,o0nd 2he 7i2y5 H0/e
solid -lo7.s o+ s2one3 ea7h as hi/h as a man is 2all3 a,e lo7.ed 2o/e2he, in2o an
im6ene2,a-le -a,,ie,5 I2 is said 2ha2 #** yea,s a/o a So02he,n Kin/ 7ame 2o 7on90e,
2he 7i2y o1e, an a,/0men2 4i2h i2s ,0le,5 The .in/ -,o0/h2 many 7a2a60l2s 2ha2 4e,e
his 6,ide and >oy5 He +i,ed one 7a2a60l2 a2 2he 4all3 and seein/ ho4 ine++e72i1e i2 4as3
6,om62ly 4en2 home5
E1en20ally yo0 d,a4 nea, 2o 2he 7i2y and s2a,2 2o -e mind+0l o+ 2hose 4ho a,e
sea,7hin/ +o, yo05 One ,eason 4hy A,an2a2o, has ,esis2ed so many a22a7.e,s is 2ha2
2he /a2es in2o 2he 7i2y a,e a2 2he end o+ lon/ 7o,,ido,s3 2he 7i2y 4alls loomin/ ea7h
side5 A,,o4s and s2ones and -oilin/ oil 7as2 +,om a-o1e ha1e 20,ned a4ay many
a,mies -e+o,e 2hey e1en ,ea7hed 2he /a2es5
The ,oad 2ha2 yo0 a,e 70,,en2ly on leads s2,ai/h2 in2o 2he 7o,,ido, 2ha2 4ill 2a.e
yo0 2o 2he main /a2e5 Mos2 o+ 2he 2,a1elle,s a,e mo1in/ 6a2ien2ly in2o 2he /a63 -02
2he,e a,e a +e4 2,a1elle,s on a side ,oad 2ha2 +ollo4s 2he 4all o+ 2he 7i2y5
Sho0ld yo0 s2ay on 2he ,oad and 2,y 2o -lend in 4i2h 2he 2,a1elle,s en2e,in/ 2he
main /a2eO May-e yo0 sho0ld +ollo4 2he side ,oad and 2,y 2o en2e, ano2he, /a2e3 one
2ha2 4on?2 -e 4a27hed so 7losely5
To s2ay on yo0, 70,,en2 7o0,se and en2e, 2he main /a2e3 20,n 2o 018
To 2a.e 2he side ,oad and loo. +o, a smalle, /a2e3 20,n 2o 130
+53
The -andi2s se2 only one sen2,y3 and i2 is a sim6le ma22e, 2o 4ai2 +o, him 2o 4ande,
o++ 2o ,elie1e himsel+ and 90ie2ly s2a- him in 2he l0n/5 Yo0 nod 2o "enma,. and yo0
and yo0, men mo1e in2o 2he 7am65 Mos2 o+ 2he -andi2s a,e in 2hei, 2en2s3 -02 a 7o06le
a,e 4,a66ed in -lan.e2s nea, 2he +i,e5 Yo0 a66,oa7h 2hem +i,s2 and 2,yin/ 2o .ee6
7alm sin. yo0, da//e, in2o 2hei, 2h,oa2s one -y one3 7lam6in/ a hand o1e, 2hei,
mo02hs 2o 6,e1en2 2hem +,om 7,yin/ o025 Yo0 7an see -o22les lyin/ a-o02 and /0ess
2ha2 mos2 ha1e d,0n. a2 leas2 some al7ohol5
Yo0 7a,e+0lly a66,oa7h 2he +i,s2 2en25 Yo0 7an hea, so+2 sno,es +,om 4i2hin3 and
as yo0, eyes ad>0s23 yo0 7,a4l o1e, 2he h0ddled +o,ms3 .illin/ 2hem one -y one5 The
/,isly 2as. done3 yo0 lea1e
Yo0 -e/in 2o mo1e 2o4a,ds 2he se7ond 2en2 4hen s0ddenly 2he,e is a sho02 -ehind
yo05 Yo0 ha1e -een dis7o1e,ed5 The -andi2s all >0m6 06 2o a22a7. and se1e,al ,0sh a2
yo05 Yo0 ,0n +o, 2he +o,es25 T,yin/ 2o +i/h2 so many in 2he o6en 4o0ld -e s0i7ide5
)'<
FF - Diamond
Yo0 mo1e in2o 2he da,.ness o+ 2he +o,es2 and 20,n a,o0nd 2o +a7e 2he -andi2s3 4ho
ha1e a,med 2hemsel1es 4i2h 2o,7hes5 Roll one die5 I+ 2he 6aladin ha1e 7,oss-o4s
4i2h 2hem3 hal1e 2his n0m-e,5 The ,es0l2in/ n0m-e, is ho4 many o+ 2he -andi2s yo0
4ill 6e,sonally ha1e 2o +a7e in 2he +o,es25 Yo0 7an +i/h2 2hem one a2 a 2ime -y hidin/
in 2he shado4s and +i/h2in/ 2hem in 2he 2hi7. 0nde,/,o42h5
Use 2he +ollo4in/ s2a2is2i7s +o, ea7h -andi2 2ha2 yo0 +a7e3 and -e 2han.+0l some o+
2hem a,e d,0n.;
BANDIT SKI&& = STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 die3 20,n 2o 125
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 067
+57
LCan I 0se my o4n 4ea6onsON yo0 as.5
The so,7e,e, 7onside,s 2he ma22e,5 L$e,y 4ell5N
He leads yo0 2h,o0/h a doo, 2o his s20dy 4he,e yo0, -elon/in/s a,e s6,ead o02 on
a 2a-le5 I+ yo0 0se a shield3 yo0 a,e allo4ed 2o 2a.e i2 alon/ 4i2h yo0, main 4ea6on5
Yo0 a,e no2 allo4ed 2o 2a.e any o+ yo0, i2ems5
On7e yo0 a,e e90i66ed3 2he so,7e,e, leads yo0 2h,o0/h 2he ho0se and o02 in2o a
7om6o0nd5
T0,n 2o +76
+58
Yo0 mo1e a,o0nd 0n2il 2he la,/e ,ed 2en2 -lo7.s mos2 o+ 2he 1ie4 o+ 2he -andi2s3
2hen 7as0ally3 -02 90i7.ly and 90ie2ly3 yo0 mo1e +o,4a,d in2o 2he 7am6I
Tes2 yo0, SKI&& and yo0, &UCK5 Roll +o0, die and 7om6a,e 2his 2o2al 2o 2he s0m o+
yo0, current SKI&& and &UCK s7o,es5 I+ 2he 2o2al is e90al 2o o, less 2han yo0,
SKI&& and &UCK3 20,n 2o 0235
I+ 2he 2o2al is hi/he,3 20,n 2o 180
+54
The las2 ,aide, slides o++ yo0, 4ea6on3 and yo0 loo. 06 2o see mo,e ,aide,s 7losin/
in5 The ,es2 o+ 6aladin ha1e all -een .illed: and yo0, men a,e ei2he, dead3 o, mo,e
li.ely +led as soon as i2 a66ea,ed 2o -e /oin/ -adly5 As 2he men 7lose in3 yo0 hea, 2he
2h0d o+ hoo1es and 2he ho,seman ,ides 065 He is 7lad in a lon/ 7loa. o+ da,. -l0e
lined 4i2h -la7. +0,5 He has a /old helm and a sil1e, -,eas26la2e3 inlaid 4i2h a 2o4e,
and 2h,ee s2a,s in /old3 2he sym-ol o+ A,an2a2o,5
LS0,,ende, and yo0 4ill -e s6a,ed3N he says in a -,is. manne,5 Yo0 loo. 06 in2o
his 6,o0d +a7e3 lon/ 2hin mo0s2a7hes -,0shin/ his 7hes25 Yo0 sense 2ha2 he is
hono0,a-le3 and so yo0 d,o6 yo0, 4ea6on5
)'=
FF - Diamond
"enma,. on 2he o2he, hand ,aises his s4o,d and 6oin2s i2 a2 2he no-leman5 LI 4ill
no2 s0,,ende, 0nless yo0 de+ea2 me in a d0elMN
The no-leman is s0,6,ised3 -02 loo.s 6leased5 LYo0 7an -a,ely s2andM Yo0 a,e no
+i2 o66onen2 +o, me5N
He 6i7.s o02 one o+ his men3 -02 "enma,. sha.es his head and ad1an7es on 2he
no-leman5 LI 4ill +i/h2 yo0 and no o2he,MN
The ,aide,s ,aise 2hei, s4o,ds3 -02 2he no-leman 7ommands 2hem -a7.5 He
dismo0n2s5 L$e,y 4ell5 I see 2ha2 yo0 a,e de2e,mined5 B02 allo4 me 2o ma.e 2his
+ai,5N He 7ommands one o+ his men 2o 2ie one o+ his hands -ehind his -a7.5 Tha2
done3 he d,a4s a s4o,d +,om a s7a--a,d on his saddle5 I2 is a s7imi2a, 4i2h an
o,na2ely ins7,i-ed -lade5
The d0el -e/ins5 "enma,. a22a7.s s4i+2ly and sa1a/ely3 as i+ 2,yin/ 2o s7o,e a .ill
as 90i7.ly as 6ossi-le5 I2 is 2he only 4ay he 7an 4in a+2e, ha1in/ al,eady +o0/h2
a/ains2 many o66onen2s and ,e7ei1ed se1e,al 4o0nds5 The no-leman is s.illed 4i2h
his -lade3 and 6a,,ies and -lo7.s as he 7on2in0ally ,e2,ea2s3 le22in/ "enma,. e8ha0s2
himsel+5
Finally "enma,. 7anno2 /o on and sl0m6s3 2he 6oin2 o+ his s4o,d s2i7.in/ in2o 2he
di,2 as he 2,ies 2o hold himsel+ 065 L$alian23N says 2he no-le man in admi,a2ion3 and 2o
yo0, sho7. lashes o02 4i2h his s7imi2a, and 702s "enma,.?s 2h,oa2 o6en5
"enma,. +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd3 his -lood s6illin/ on2o 2he /,o0nd5 The no-leman
/i1es his s4o,d 2o one o+ his men3 ins2,072in/ him 2o 7lean i25 He 2hen 20,ns "enma,.
o1e, and a,,an/es his -ody nea2ly3 6la7in/ his s4o,ds in his hands5 The no-lemen
s2ands5 LCe 4ill no2 lea1e 2hese -odies 2o 2he 4ol1es5 B0,n 2hem all5N
The no-leman in1i2es Kianmay 2o 7ome o02 +,om 0nde, 2he 7a,2 himsel+3
6,omisin/ she 4ill -e sa+e5 She does so3 he, +a7e 4hi2e5 She ,e+0ses 2o loo. 2he
no-leman in 2he eye5
The ,aide,s 2a.e +o, 2hemsel1es any ,emainin/ -o8es in 2he 7a,2 and load 2he dead
in2o i25 The dead a,e s2,i66ed o+ 2hei, 1al0a-les5 Ano2he, ,aide, a,,i1es 4i2h a 2,ain o+
saddled ho,ses5 They 2a.e yo0, 6a,2y?s ho,ses as 4ell3 loadin/ 2hem 4i2h 2hei, -oo2y5
The o8en 2ha2 d,e4 yo0, 7a,2 a,e se2 +,ee3 2ho0/h 2hey do no2 4ande, +a, and yo0
4onde, ho4 2hey 4ill +a,e on 2he 20nd,a5
Soon yo0 and Kianmay a,e ea7h -o0nd 2o a ho,se ea7h and yo0, 7a62i1es 2a.e yo0
a4ay5 Behind yo0 2he 7a,2 -0,ns3 sendin/ smo.e in2o 2he s.y5
T0,n 2o 156
+56
T0,nin/ 2o 2he 7ha62e, on o->e72s o+ >ade3 yo0 -,o4se 2h,o0/h 0n2il yo0 7ome
06on a 6i720,e o+ a slende, ,in/ as 4ide as yo0, ne7.5 Ea/e,ly yo0 ,ead 2he en2,y5 I2
is indeed a 7olla,3 and o6ens and 7loses 4i2h a ma/i7 4o,d5
)'#
FF - Diamond
The 4ea,e, is -lessed 4i2h a ma/i7al a0,a o+ 6,o2e72ion 2ha2 is e90i1alen2 2o a,mo0, o+
,a2in/ #5 This is in addi2ion 2o any 6hysi7al a,mo0, yo0 a,e 4ea,in/5 Yo0 say 2he
ma/i7al 4o,d and o6en 2he 7olla,5 Yo0 6la7e i2 a,o0nd yo0, ne7. and 7lose i23
immedia2ely +eelin/ sa+e,5
Cha2 no4O
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
O,3 lea1e 2his ,oom and /o -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
+55
The ne82 mo,nin/ yo0 se2 o02 on7e mo,e5 On7e 2he 2o4n and Co0n2 Ra0l?s men
a,e -ehind yo03 yo0 +eel a /,ea2 ,elie+5 They 4ill no2 -e 7hasin/ yo0 any mo,e5 B02
2he,e a,e s2ill dan/e,s ahead5 The No,2he,n lands a,e 4ilde,3 ,0led -y .in/s 4ho ha1e
-0il2 2hei, 2h,ones +,om 2he -ones o+ 2hei, enemies and -a2hed 2hei, lands in -lood5
B02 no4 yo0 a,e >0s2 one me,7han2 amon/ many3 2,adin/ +ine So02he,n 4a,es +o,
+0,s and ,a4 ma2e,ials5 Kianmay s2ill ,e+0ses 2o 2ell yo0 4he,e yo0 a,e /oin/3 so yo0
+ollo4 2he ma>o, 2,ade ,o02e no,2h5 As yo0 des7end +,om 2he hills3 yo0 6l0n/e in2o 2he
/,ea2 no,2he,n +o,es2s5 The ,oad 4inds 2h,o0/h 2he 2hi7. +o,es23 s0,,o0nded -y 2he
so0nds o+ -i,ds3 s70,,yin/ animals and o+2en 2he 2h0n.in/ o+ a8es5 O77asionally yo0
6ass -y a l0m-e, 7a,2: lon/ 7a,2s d,a4n -y 2eams o+ si8 o, mo,e o8en3 loaded 4i2h
lo/s5
Be7a0se o+ 2he 4ood-ha,1es2e,s3 2he,e a,e many ,oads 7022in/ 2h,o0/h 2he +o,es2:
li.e a 4e-5 Yo0 o+2en 7ome 2o +o,.s and in2e,se72ions3 and ma.e yo0, 7hoi7es almos2
a2 ,andom3 .ee6in/ 2o a no,2he,ly headin/5
The +i,s2 24o ni/h2s yo0 7am6 -y 2he ,oadside3 -02 as 2he 2hi,d day nea,s i2s end3
yo0 see an old -a22e,ed si/n 2ellin/ yo0 2ha2 2he 2o4n o+ Ta66in is only a 2h,ee miles
a4ay5 Yo0 anno0n7e 2o Kianmay 2ha2 she mi/h2 -e a-le 2o slee6 in a -ed 2oni/h25
She is dis2,a72ed3 and 4hen she ,es6onds3 i2 is no2 2o yo0, 4o,ds5 LThe,e is an e1il
/a2he,in/ a,o0nd 0s5 I ha1e sensed i2 +o, some 2ime3 -02II 7o0ld no2 say 4he2he, i2
4as 2o one side o+ 0s o, 2he o2he,5 No4 i2 is all a-o02 0s and is 7losin/ 06on 0s li.e a
,a1eno0s -eas25N
Yo0 a,e a li22le s2a,2led and say no2hin/ +o, a momen25 LSho0ld 4e 20,n -a7.ON
yo0 as.5
Kianmay sha.es he, head5 LNo5 Cha2e1e, i2 is3 4e 7anno2 es7a6e i25N
Yo0 2,a1el on in silen7e5 I2 is mida+2e,noon 4hen yo0 +inally ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+
Ta66in5 As yo0 a66,oa7h yo0 see i2 is a 2o4n o+ 4ooden ho0ses 7l0s2e,ed ei2he, side
o+ 2he ,oad3 4i2h a 4ooden /a2e a7,oss 2he ,oad a2 ei2he, end5 Yo0 s6y a sin/le inn5
As yo0 nea, 2he /a2e3 yo0 loo. +o, a /a2e.ee6e,3 -02 all yo0 see is a s2i7. 2h,0s2 in
2he /,o0nd 4i2h a -la7. ,a/ 2ied 2o 2he 2o65 Yo0 >e,. 2he ,ei/ns3 -,in/in/ 2he o8en 2o a
hal25
L"la/0e3N yo0 say3 6oin2in/ a2 2he ,a/5
LCe m0s2 hel6 2hem5N Kianmay says immedia2ely5
)'%
FF - Diamond
LYo0 7an heal 6la/0eON yo0 as.5
LNo2 a 4hole 2o4n3 -02II?m no2 s0,e ho4 many ha1e s0,1i1ed5N
The 2o4n does seem a-andoned5 Kianmay 7lim-s do4n +,om 2he 7a,2 and -e/ins
2o s2,ide +o,4a,d5 Si/hin/ yo0 /e2 do4n and +ollo45 "enma,. and a 7o06le o+ 2he
"aladin +ollo4 on 2hei, ho,ses5
Yo0 o6en 2he /a2e and Kianmay 4al.s 2h,o0/h3 headin/ +o, 2he +i,s2 ho0se5 She
.no7.s on 2he doo,3 2hen ,e7ei1in/ no ans4e, 2,ies 2he handle5 I2 o6ens and she s2e6s
inside5 Yo0 4ai2 o02side3 2he s2en7h o+ de7ayin/ -odies eno0/h +o, yo05 Kianmay
soon eme,/es and sha.es he, head5 She /oes 2o 2he ne82 ho0se5 I2 is 2he same all
alon/ one side o+ 2he s2,ee25 The 6eo6le ha1e all died 4i2h si/ns o+ a 6o2en2 disease5
LSome2hin/ is s2,an/e he,e3N Kianmay says as she -e/ins 2he ins6e72ion o+ 2he
o2he, side o+ 2he s2,ee25 LAll 2hese 6eo6le a,e se6a,a2ed in 2hei, o4n homes5 Chy no2
/a2he, 2he si7. 2o/e2he, 2o 7a,e +o, 2hemO I2 seems 2ha2 2his 6la/0e 7ame on 1e,y
s4i+2ly5N
The o2he, side o+ 2he s2,ee2 is 2he same3 0n2il yo0 7ome 2o 2he inn5 Inside 2he,e a,e
-odies lined 06 on 2he 2a-les and +loo, li.e a 4a,d5 A man si2s in a 7hai, nea, 2he -a,3
sl0m6ed o1e,5 His s.in is 6ale and 7o1e,ed in /,ey s6o2s >0s2 li.e 2he dead a,o0nd
him3 -02 as yo0 en2e,3 his eyes o6en5 He is d,essed in 2,a1el-s2ained 7lo2hes and -oo2s3
and loo.s li.e a 2,a1elle,5
Kianmay h0,,ies 06 and .neels -eside him5 The man 2,ies 2o /e2 a4ay +,om he,5
LNoM Ce ha1e 6la/0eM Kee6 a4ayMN
LI am a 6,ies2ess3N Kianmay says5 LI do no2 +ea, dea2h5N She lays a hand on his
+o,ehead5 Yo0 see he, shi1e,3 -02 she does no2 2a.e he, hand a4ay5 LThe,e is 2he
2ain2 o+ e1il in 2his si7.ness5 I2 is no2 na20,al5N
The si7. man la0/hs /en2ly5 LI2 is no23 lady3N he says3 seemin/ s2,on/e,5 He si2s
06 s2,ai/h23 and Kianmay mo1es -a7.3 si22in/ do4n in a 7hai, 4hi7h "enma,. 6la7es
+o, he,5 The si7. man loo.s o1e, yo0 and yo0, 7om6anions and smiles5 LI 4as si22in/
he,e3 4ai2in/ 2o die5 A lonely -0siness5 I did 4ha2 I 7o0ld +o, 2he 6eo6le o+ 2his 2o4n3
-02 I 7ame 2oo la2e5N
LYo0 a,e a 2,a1elle,ON Kianmay as.s5
The man nods5 LMy son and I 4e,e headed +o, A,an2a2o,5 Chen 4e a,,i1ed he,e3
a-o02 hal+ 4e,e dead and 2he ,es2 in+e72ed5 Those s2ill li1in/ 4e,e 2oo 4ea. 2o e1en
-0,n 2he dead5 "e,ha6s 4e sho0ld ha1e +led as soon as 4e sa4 2he disease5 B02 I 4as
7on7e,ned a-o02 o2he, 2,a1elle,s5 So I 7losed 2he /a2es and 602 06 2he si/ns 4a,nin/
o+ 6la/0e5 Ce -,o0/h2 2hose 4ho 4e,e s2ill li1in/ he,e5 I2 4as 2hen 2hey 2old 0s ho4
2his ha66ened5N He shi1e,s and 7o0/hs3 2hen 7on2in0es5 LDa,.en Cood is nea,-y5
Do yo0 .no4 o+ i2ON
Kianmay loo.s a2 yo0 -lan.ly3 so yo0 s6ea.5 LI2 is said 2o -e a ma/i7al 4ood 2ha2
is 6,esen2 4i2hin 2hese +o,es2s3 ye2 i2 7an mo1e a-o025 I2 is a 6la7e o+ e1il5N Yo0 do
no2 -elie1e 2he s2o,ies5 Ho4 7an a 4ood mo1eO B02 2hen yo0 ,e7all Kianmay?s sense
o+ a66,oa7hin/ e1il5
LE1il3 ye2 i2 is said 2he,e a,e ,i7hes 4i2hin as 4ell5 The Cood 7ame 2o 2he 1e,y
ed/e o+ 2he 2o4n3 and 2he 6eo6le 2,em-led5 B02 a yo02h +,om 2he 2o4n de7ided 2o /o
e86lo,in/3 d,a4n -y s2o,ies o+ ,i7hes5 He ,e20,ned3 -,in/in/ 4i2h him a 2,ee o+ all
2hin/s5 A sa6lin/ no hi/he, 2han yo0, 4ais25 I2?s -a,. 4as li.e /old3 and 2ho0/h 2he,e
4e,e no lea1es3 i2 4as 7o1e,ed in 2iny +lo4e,s made +,om /ems5 Yo0 7o0ld 60ll o++
one o+ 2he 6e2als and 2he,e 4as a >e4el in yo0, handM He 2ho0/h2 2o 6lan2 i2 in his o4n
/a,den3 and 4hen i2 /,e43 he 4o0ld -e endlessly ,i7h5
LHe did so5 B02 2hen Da,.en Cood s0,,o0nded 2he 2o4n3 and 2he disease 7ame5
The yo02h 7a0/h2 i2 +i,s2 and 4as dead 4i2hin 24o days5 Then o2he,s s2a,2ed dyin/5
)''
FF - Diamond
Chen 4e a,,i1ed 2he 2,ee 4as s2ill 4he,e 2he yo02h had 6lan2ed i25 I 2old my son 2o
di/ i2 06 and 2a.e i2 -a7. in2o Da,.en Cood3 as +a, inside as he had 2he 7o0,a/e 2o /o3
a4ay +,om 2he 2o4n5 Tha2 4as 24o days a/o5 I /0ess he is dead someho45 And soon
I 4ill -e as 4ell5N
Kianmay leads 2he man 2o lie do4n3 and yo0 see he, 6la7e he, hands on him5 The
man +alls in2o a slee63 his +a7e -e7omin/ less 6ale5 Kianmay s2ands3 +,o4nin/5
LCan yo0 heal himON yo0 as.5
She sha.es he, head sadly5 LHe does no2 4an2 2o li1e5 Ci2ho02 his son he has los2
ho6e5 Ce m0s2 s2ay and 7a,e +o, him 0n2il 2he end5 "e,ha6s his son 4ill ,e20,n soon5N
One o+ 2he 6aladin a66ea,s in 2he doo,4ay5 L&ady3 Ca62ain5 The,e is some2hin/
o02 he,e yo0 4ill 4ish 2o see5N
Kianmay and "enma,. immedia2ely 4al. 2o4a,ds 2he doo, and yo0 +ollo45 As
soon as yo0 s2e6 o02side3 yo0 see 4ha2 i2 is5 The 2,ees a,o0nd 2he 2o4n a,e s0ddenly
7han/ed5 The lea1es a66ea, mo,e /,ey 2han /,een5 The +o,es2 is silen2 e87e62 +o, an
omino0s 7,ea.in/5 The shado4s -e24een 2he 2,0n.s seem 2o d,in. in li/h23 lea1in/
2he ai, 7old5
LDa,.en CoodMN yo0 e87laim3 and 20,n a,o0nd 2o see i2 has en7om6assed 2he
4hole 2o4n5
No one 4an2s 2o 2,a1el on4a,ds 2h,o0/h 2he Cood a2 ni/h23 so yo0 ma.e 7am6 in
2he ,oad5 One o+ 2he men -e/ins 2o -0ild a la,/e -on+i,e3 and no one s2o6s him5 As
ni/h2 +alls i2 is -0,nin/ -,i/h2ly5 Kianmay s2ays in 2he inn 4i2h 2he dyin/ man5 Yo0
ens0,e i2 is lo7.ed se70,ely and a,,an/e a 4a27h +o, 2ha2 ni/h25
To see 4hen yo0, 4a27h is3 ,oll one die5
I+ yo0 ,oll a )3 20,n 2o 7
I+ yo0 ,oll a 3 20,n 2o 83
I+ yo0 ,oll a <3 20,n 2o 088
I+ yo0 ,oll a =3 20,n 2o +87
I+ yo0 ,oll a #3 20,n 2o 100
I+ yo0 ,oll a %3 20,n 2o 173
122
The e1enin/ 7omes as yo0 -e/in yo0, sea,7h +o, me,7han2 /0a,ds5 Red Ri1e, has
7o0n2less 2a1e,ns3 and 2ha2 is 4he,e yo0 4ill +ind /0a,ds 4ho a,e +o, hi,e5 B02 4he,e
2o /oO No,mally yo0 4o0ld /o 2o 2he 2a1e,ns yo0 yo0,sel+ +,e90en25 B02 2hin.in/ o+
2he holy mission and 2he dan/e, 6,esen2ed -y yo0, 60,s0e,s3 yo0 7onside, 2he ma22e,
7a,e+0lly5
E1en20ally yo0 7hoose a 2a1e,n 7alled 2he Em62y "0,se5 I2 is m07h 90ie2e, 2han
mos2 o2he,s3 and yo0 .no4 2ha2 i2 is o4ned -y a 6,ominen2 mem-e, o+ 2he me,7han2
/0ild5 As yo0 s2e6 in2o 2he 4a,m /olden li/h23 yo0 .no4 yo0 a,e in 2he ,i/h2 6la7e5
Many o+ 2he d,in.e,s a,e me,7han2s3 2h,ashin/ o02 deals5 B02 also 2he,e a,e many
me,7han2 /0a,ds5 Yo0, e86e,2 eyes 7an immedia2ely 6i7. o02 2hose 4ho ha1e no
em6loymen25 The em6loyed /0a,ds ha1e a 7on2en23 sa2is+ied ai,3 a-le 2o ind0l/e in
la,/e ales3 -02 no2 2oo m07h5 The 0nem6loyed /0a,ds s0,1ey 2he me,7han2s3 ei2he, in
ho6e3 o, 4ai2in/ +o, 2he ,i/h2 momen2 2o a66,oa7h5
The,e a,e +i+2een 0nem6loyed me,7han2 /0a,ds he,e5 S2e66in/ on2o a -en7h3 yo0
lea6 06 on2o a 2a-le3 yo0, 2h0m6in/ -oo2s d,a4in/ a22en2ion5 Those 4ho see yo0
)'(
FF - Diamond
2h0m6 2he a,ms o+ 2hei, 7om6anions and 6oin2 a2 yo05 In a momen2 yo0 ha1e 2he
a22en2ion o+ all5
LI am loo.in/ +o, me,7han2 /0a,dsMN yo0 anno0n7e5 LCe a,e lea1in/ 2omo,,o4 a2
da4n and headin/ no,2h5 "ay is < /old +o, si/nin/ 063 6l0s < /old 6e, 4ee.5N
Une86e72edly3 i2 is one o+ 2he me,7han2s 4ho ans4e,s yo05 LChe,e a,e yo0
/oin/ON
LO0, des2ina2ion is no2 2o -e di10l/ed he,e and no43N yo0 anno0n7e3 7a0sin/
some 2o 7h07.le5
Ano2he, me,7han2 7alls o02 2o yo05 LA se7,e2 des2ina2ionM Tell 0s3 4ha2 a,e yo0
7a,,yin/ON
Yo0 des7,i-e yo0, 7a,/o and 2he same me,7han2 smiles -,oadly5 LAh3 so 2ha2 is
no se7,e2 a2 leas25N The 7ommen2 d,a4s la0/h2e,5
The +i,s2 me,7han2 s6ea.s a/ain5 LHo4 lon/ is 2his >o0,ney 2o -eON
LI 7an?2 say3N yo0 ,e6ly3 2,yin/ no2 2o /,i2 yo0, 2ee2h5
The me,7han2s la0/h5 LCell3 2henIN The Me,7han2 s2ands 2o 6a7e5 LYo0 a,e
/oin/Isome4he,eM I2 4ill 2a.eIsome2imeM Is 2he,e any elemen2 o+ dan/e, 2o 2his
>o-ON
Yo0 admi2 2ha2 2he,e is3 and 2he me,7han2s all smile and loo. 2ho0/h2+0l5 Yo0
7ame 2o hi,e me,7han2 /0a,ds and a,e no4 -a,/ainin/ 4i2h me,7han2sM A+2e, a
len/2hy dis70ssion3 2he me,7han2s all de7ide 2ha2 yo0 sho0ld o++e, % /old 6ie7es +o,
si/nin/ 063 /old 6e, day as 4a/e3 and ano2he, % /old +o, sa+e deli1e,y5
A+2e, some a,/0in/3 yo0 /e2 i2 do4n 2o # /old 6ie7es +o, si/nin/ 063 ) /old 6e,
day as 4a/e3 and # /old +o, sa+e deli1e,y5 Al2ho0/h i2 is a li22le -i2 mo,e e86ensi1e
2han no,mal3 yo0 +eel yo0 a,e 2a.in/ 2hese men in2o dan/e,5 E1en so3 yo0 insis2 on
only 2a.in/ men 4i2h mo,e 2han yea,s e86e,ien7e5
All )# 7laim 2o ha1e 4ell o1e, yea,s e86e,ien7e5 Yo0 ,e>e72 2h,ee +o, -ein/ 2oo
yo0n/3 one +o, -ein/ 2oo old3 and one +o, ha1in/ an 0n2,0s24o,2hy /,in5 Yo0 7an hi,e
all 2en i+ yo0 7an a++o,d #* /old he,e and no45
A+2e, yo0 hi,e all o+ yo0, men3 yo0 2ell 2hem 4he,e 2o -e a2 da4n 2he ne82
mo,nin/ and /o -a7. 2o 2he Ha66y Maid5 Remem-e, 2ha2 yo0 4ill need 2o 6ay 2he
men yo0 ha1e hi,ed ea7h day5 I+ yo0 ha1e 2en men3 i2 4ill 7os2 yo0 2en /old 7oin 6e,
day 2o .ee6 2he men on5 Yo0 4ill -e ins2,072ed 4hen 2o 6ay 2he men5 I+ yo0 7anno2
a++o,d 2o 6ay 2hem3 2hey 4ill lea1e5 In -a22les some men 4ill also die3 so .ee6 2,a7. o+
2his as 4ell sin7e yo0 do no2 ha1e 2o 6ay dead men5
Yo0 /e2 a /ood ni/h2?s slee6 and 2he ne82 mo,nin/ /o 2o 6i7. 06 yo0, 4a/on and
2eam5 Yo0, 7a,/o has -een deli1e,ed and loaded and yo0 a,e a-le 2o se2 o++
immedia2ely5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2o 2he no,2he,n /a2e and a,e 6leased 2o see all 2he
men yo0 hi,ed ,eady and 4ai2in/3 al2ho0/h a -i2 /,0m6y and slee6y5 They all ha1e
ho,ses and +o,m 06 a,o0nd 2he 4a/on as yo0 se2 o02 no,2h5 By 2he 2ime 2he s0n is 4ell
o1e, 2he ho,iKon3 2he 7i2y has -een los2 in 2he ,ollin/ lands a,o0nd yo05 Rea7hin/ a
7,oss-,oads in a la,/e 7lea,ed s6a7e3 yo0 de7ide 2o s2o6 and 4ai2 he,e +o, Kianmay and
2he "aladin5 Yo0 2ell 2he men 2o ,ela8 and 4ai2 ne,1o0sly +o, 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 6a,2y5
I2 is no2 2oo lon/ 0n2il 2hey a66ea,5 The,e is no si/n o+ 2he 7a,,ia/e3 and yo0 see
Kianmay 7lin/in/ 2o 2he -a7. o+ a ho,se as 2hey a66,oa7h5 Yo0 ,e7o/nise he, ho,se as
one o+ 2he 7a,,ia/e ho,ses5 The 6aladin ha1e also a790i,ed ne4 7loa.s3 4,a66ed no4
in old and di,2y 7lo2h o+ 1a,io0s d0ll 7olo0,s5 E1en Kianmay no4 4ea,s a 6lain
hooded 7loa. o+ da,. -l0e5
As 2hey 60ll 063 Kianmay nods a2 yo0 and dismo0n2s 7l0msily5
LChe,e is 2he 7a,,ia/eON yo0 as.5
)'E
FF - Diamond
LBa7. in 2he +o,es2 4he,e i2 4ill ho6e+0lly ,emain 0ndis7o1e,ed3N she e86lains
and loo.s o1e, 2he 4a/on and o8en5 She +,o4ns as sees 2he o8en3 dismo0n2in/ 2o
e8amine 2he -eas2s5 LMy +a2he, 4as a +a,me,3N she anno0n7es3 ,0nnin/ one hand o1e,
2he side o+ one o+ 2he o8en5 LThese 6oo, -eas2s a,e almos2 in 2hei, /,a1eM And loo.
ho4 +a2 2hey a,eM They sho0ld -e li1in/ in a 6as20,e a+2e, a lon/ li+e o+ +ai2h+0l
se,1i7e5 I ho6e yo0 did no2 6ay 2oo m07h5N
L=# /old3N yo0 ,e6ly 2en2a2i1ely5 Cho 4o0ld ha1e 2ho0/h2 a 6,ies2ess 4o0ld ha1e
/,o4n 06 on a +a,mM No4 2ha2 yo0 2hin. a-o02 i23 2he 6,ies2esses ha1e 2o 7ome +,om
some4he,e5
NFo,2y-+i1e /oldMN she e87laims5 LYo0 022e, +oolM Tha2 /old 7anno2 -e 4as2ed3 i2
7ameIN She -i2s he, li6 +0,io0sly5 She is 1e,y an/,y3 and 20,ns 2o4a,ds 2he
me,7han2 /0a,ds 4ho a,e 6layin/ 7a,ds 0nde, a nea,-y 2,ee5
Ho4 many /0a,ds did yo0 hi,eO
Fi1e o, lessO T0,n 2o 086
Mo,e 2han +i1eO T0,n 2o 155
120
The demons 7la4s ,a.e a7,oss yo0, -ody and yo0 +all 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 sli6 in2o
da,.ness3 and +loa2 +o, a 4hile on a sea o+ -la7.5 B02 2hen yo0 a4a.e3 and a,e
s0,6,ised 2o +ind 2ha2 yo0 a,e no2 dead5 @Res2o,e yo0, STAMINA 2o i2s ini2ial le1el5A
Yo0 si2 063 +indin/ yo0,sel+ in 2he 2h,one ,oom5 Yo0 see 2he Diamond Key -o8
ne82 2o yo0 and yo0 sna27h i2 065 Che7.in/ inside3 yo0 see 2he Key is 2he,e3 and yo0
7lose 2he lid3 6022in/ 2he -o8 in2o yo0, 6a7.5 As yo0 s2and3 yo0 see 2he 7,o4 6e,7hed
on 2he 2o6 o+ 2he 2h,one5
LI 2ho0/h2 I 4as dead3N yo0 say5 LDid yo0 sa1e meON
LI healed yo03N 2he 7,o4 7on+i,ms5 LB02 2he demon ,e+,ained +,om +eedin/ on
yo0, +lesh and /,ie1ed +o, yo0: 2he,e-y ,edeemin/ i2sel+5N
Yo0 -o4 2o 2he 7,o45 LThan. yo03 yo0, ma>es2y5N
Be+o,e yo0 7an lea1e3 2he 7,o4 says; LI2 7on7e,ns me /,ea2ly 2ha2 yo0 a,e so 4ea.
and +,ail5 I2 is no2 /ood +o, Cham6ions o+ 2he &i/h2 2o -e so 6a2he2i75 Ta.e one o+ 2he
old .in/?s 2hin/s5N
Yo0 loo. a2 2he s.ele2al .in/ and as. i+ 2he 7,o4 means him5 He 7on+i,ms 2ha2 he
does5 Cha2 do yo0 4an2O
The 4in/ed helmO T0,n 2o 021
The -,oads4o,dO T0,n 2o 071
The eme,ald ,in/O T0,n 2o +21
The sa66hi,e ,in/O T0,n 2o +71
The ,0-y ,in/O T0,n 2o 121
12+
The 7le,. /es20,es 2o 2he lon/ 2a-le on 2he side o+ 2he ,oom5 LYo0 may 2a.e yo0,
2hin/s and /o5N
)(*
FF - Diamond
Yo0 90i7.ly /o 2o 2he 2a-le and 6i7. 06 yo0, 6a7.3 2hen ,e/ain all o+ yo0,
6ossessions and 4ea6ons3 e87e62 +o, 2he Diamond Key3 4hi7h is a-sen25 Yo0 ha1e
al,eady no2i7ed 2his3 and yo0 a,e no2 2he only one5 As yo0 ,e-e90i6 yo0,sel+3 yo0 hea,
Kianmay s6ea. 4i2h no 2,a7e o+ 2i,edness5
LCe 7anno2 lea1e he,e 4i2ho02 2he one 2,0e 2,eas0,e5N
LCha2 2,eas0,e do yo0 s6ea. o+ON 2he 7le,. as.s5
LA -la7. s2one ins7,i-ed 4i2h a s6i,al o+ an7ien2 s7,i623N she ,e6lies5
LA sim6le s2one s07h as yo0 des7,i-e 7anno2 -e o+ mo,e 1al0e 2han 2he 7oin and
>e4elled i2ems yo0, 7om6anion is ea/e,ly ,e7laimin/5N
LThe s2one o+ 4hi7h I s6ea. is mo,e 1al0a-le 2han any >e4el and m0s2 -e ,e20,ned
2o me5N
LCha2 4ill yo0 do 4i2h i2ON 2he 7le,. as.s5
LI shall 2a.e i2 2o 2he 2em6le in A,an2a2o,5N
Yo0 mo1e 2o s2and ne82 2o Kianmay5 Casn?2 he, mission mean2 2o -e a se7,e2O
LDo yo0 .no4 2ha2 2he Kin/ o+ A,an2a2o, is o0, enemyON
LI do3N Kianmay ,e6lies5
LChy sho0ld 4e deli1e, 2his /,ea2 2,eas0,e in2o his handsON 2he 7le,. as.s5
LI2 is no2 +o, him3 i2 is +o, 2his land5N
Fo, 2he +i,s2 2ime3 2he 7le,. loo.s a -i2 0n7e,2ain and /lan7es 2o4a,ds 2he 7i,7le5
LCha2 does 2ha2 meanON
Kianmay e86lains5 LThe s2one m0s2 -e 6la7ed in 2he ea,2h 0nde, 2he 2em6le o+ 2he
Chi2e Goddess in A,an2a2o,5 In 2he hands o+ any one man 2he s2one is 4as2ed5N
LThe s2one ma.es 2he man 4ho -ea,s i2 immo,2al5 Chy is 2his a 4as2eON
Ho4 is i2 2ha2 2hey ha1e dis7e,ned 2hisO Kianmay does no2 seem s0,6,ised and
7on2in0es5 LThe 6o4e, 4hi7h ma.es one man immo,2al 7an ins2ead +lo4 in2o 2he
ea,2h5 The 2em6le in A,an2a2o, is -0il2 06on one o+ 2he 7hannels o+ 6o4e, in 2he ea,2h3
and so 2he 6o4e, o+ 2he s2one shall -e m0l2i6lied /,ea2ly and -,in/ /,ea2 -lessin/s 2o
2his land and all 4ho d4ell he,e5N
LE1en -eyond A,an2a2o,ON 2he 7le,. as.s5
LMen -0ild 4alls and d,a4 lines 06on ma6s5 The ea,2h .no4s no2 s07h 2hin/s5N
LHo4 +a, shall 2his -lessin/ e82endON
LI do no2 .no43N Kianmay ,e6lies5
The 7le,. loo.s 2o4a,ds 2he 7i,7le a/ain3 2his 2ime o6enly5 A si/nal yo0 do no2 see
is 6assed3 and 2he 7le,. -o4s5 LThe Col+ /i1es yo0 yo0, +,eedom and 2he s2one5N
He ,ea7hes in2o 2he 6o07h on his -el2 and 2a.es o02 2he Diamond Key in i2s 7lo2h
-a/5 He a66,oa7hes and hands 2he -a/ 2o Kianmay5 She 2a.es i2 ea/e,ly5 She -o4s
2o4a,ds 2he 7i,7le5 LI 2han. yo03 no-le Col+5 Yo0 a,e a -e22e, man 2han mos25N
She 20,ns and smiles a2 yo05 She loo.s ,eady 2o lea1e5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 3+
I+ yo0 .no4 4ha2 2he Col+?s se7,e2 and 4an2 2o ma.e an iss0e o+ i23 0se 2he
al6han0me,i7 .ey -elo4 2o 7al70la2e 2he n0m-e, +,om 2he sin/le 4o,d 2ha2
7o,,es6onds 2o 2he Col+?s se7,e23 2hen m0l2i6ly 2his n0m-e, -y < 2o +ind 2he 6assa/e
n0m-e,5
a * c d e f g h i 9 k l m
) < = # % ' ( E )* )) ) )<
n o p : r s t u ; . < y =
)= )# )% )' )( )E * ) < = # %
)()
FF - Diamond
121
Yo0 2a.e 2he ,0-y-se2 ,in/ as yo0, o4n5 As soon as yo0 slide i2 on2o yo0, +in/e,
yo0 +eel s2,on/e,5 Chile 4ea,in/ 2he ,in/3 yo0 may add )* 2o yo0, ini2ial STAMINA5
Than.in/ 2he 7,o4 on7e mo,e3 yo0 lea1e 2he ,0ined 6ala7e and ma.e yo0, 4ay
-a7. 2h,o0/h Da,.en Cood5 Yo0 4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he Cood +o, ho0,s3 and soon
7ome 2o a ,oad5 Ta.in/ a /am-le3 yo0 head no,2h and a+2e, an ho0, ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+
Ta66in5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
123
Mo1in/ 7lose, 2o 2he en7am6men23 yo0 6a0se in -e24een 24o +lo4e,in/ -0shes3
4a27hin/ a sen2,y 6ass only a +e4 +ee2 a4ay5 On7e he is /one3 yo0 7onside, yo0 ne82
mo1e5 The 2h,ee +i,es a,e 6osi2ioned on 2h,ee sides o+ 2he la,/e 2en23 4i2h ho,ses
6i27hed on 2he shado4ed side5 The only 4ay 2o a66,oa7h 2he 2en2 is 2h,o0/h 2he
ho,ses5 Des6i2e 2he 7a,e+0l de+en7es3 2he sen2,ies 4ho 7i,70i2 2he 7am6 do so laKily3
no2 e86e72in/ any a22a7.5
Yo0 se22le in 2o 4ai25 A+2e, a-o02 an ho0,3 2he men ha1e all se22led and 2he +i,es
a,e dyin/5 The ya4nin/ sen2,ies 6a2,ol e1en slo4e,5
The,e is a 6ile o+ s066lies ne82 2o 4he,e 2he ho,ses a,e 6i27hed3 and yo0 4ai2 0n2il
2he sen2,ies? 6a2,ols a,e 6as2 and 2hen 4al. +o,4a,d 7as0ally so as 2o no2 s6oo. 2he
ho,ses5 Yo0 7,o07h in 2he shado4s -e24een 2he 2en2 and 2he s066lies5 The s066lies
a,e 6a7.ed in2o saddle-a/s3 and a,e li.ely 2o -e mos2ly +ood5 De7idin/ no2 2o ma.e a
sea,7h 2he,e3 yo0 +o70s ins2ead on 2he 2en25 &is2enin/ +o, so0nds +,om 4i2hin3 yo0
e1en20ally hea, 2he ,0s2lin/ o+ 6a6e,5 Someone is in 2he,e3 s2ill a4a.e5
&yin/ do4n in 2he shado4s3 yo0 sna.e +o,4a,d and e86e,imen2ally 60ll a2 2he
-o22om ed/e o+ 2he 2en25 Yo0 a,e a-le 2o li+2 2he oiled 7an1as 06 and yo0 6ee,
0nde,nea2h5 Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ loo.in/ a2 si8 +ee25 Fo0, o+ 2hem -elon/ 2o a 7hai,3 and
2he o2he, 24o 2o 2he man 4ho si2s in i23 +a7in/ a4ay +,om yo0 as he si2s a2 a small
2a-le5 A 7andle si2s on 2he 2a-le3 2he only li/h2 in 2he 2en25 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd as m07h
as yo0 7an3 seein/ a 7o06le o+ 7hes2s3 and a lo4 -0n.5 The,e is also an a,mo0, s2and
4i2h a +0ll s0i2 o+ 6la2email and a -e>e4elled s4o,d han/in/ 06on i25
&e22in/ 2he ed/e o+ 2he 2en2 d,o6 as 2he sen2,ies nea,3 yo0 6onde, 4ha2 2o do5 Yo0
lie 2he,e +o, ano2he, hal+ an ho0, -e+o,e yo0 hea, 2he man inside 2he 2en2 si/h and /e2
06 +,om 2he 7hai,5 He mo1es a,o0nd inside 2he 2en23 2hen -e7omes s2ill5 Yo0 4ai2
ano2he, hal+ an ho0,3 2hen li+2 2he -o22om o+ 2he 2en2 a/ain5 Yo0 7an hea, 2he dee63
,e/0la, -,ea2hin/ o+ someone aslee65 C,a4lin/ in2o 2he 2en2 yo0 s2o6 2o lis2en3 and
-elie1in/ yo0,sel+ 0nde2e72ed3 li+2 yo0,sel+ 065
)(
FF - Diamond
A small amo0n2 o+ li/h2 en2e,s 2h,o0/h 2he en2,an7e o+ 2he 2en23 -02 i2 s2ill 2a.es a
min02e +o, yo0, eyes 2o ad>0s2 2o 2he dee6e, da,.ness inside5 &oo.in/ a2 2he 2a-le2o63
yo0 see a lo7.ed -o8 and 7a,e+0lly 6i7. i2 065 A22,a72ed -y 2he s4o,d yo0 ,is.
s2e66in/ a7,oss 2he 2en23 6a0sin/ e1e,y s2e65 Yo0 7lose yo0, hand on 2he s4o,d and
li+2 i2 o++ 2he s2and5 Snea.in/ -a7. 2o 2he ,ea, o+ 2he 2en23 yo0 se70,e yo0, 6,iKes
a/ains2 yo0, -ody and 7,a4l -a7. 0nde, 2he 2en25 Yo0 4ai2 +o, 2he sen2,ies 2o 6ass3
2hen 4i2h 7old e87i2emen2 7len7hin/ yo0, s2oma7h yo0 4al. -a7. in2o 2he shado4s
s0,,o0ndin/ 2he 7am65
T,yin/ no2 2o h0,,y3 yo0 mo1e a4ay +,om 2he 7am63 and ma.e a -i/ 7i,70i2 -a7.
2o4a,ds 2he 6aladin5 Hal+4ay 2he,e yo0 6a0se 2o ins6e72 yo0, 6,iKes5 Unde, 2he
s2a,li/h2 yo0 7an see 2ha2 2he s4o,d is a +ine 4ea6on3 4hi7h yo0 may 0se as yo0, o4n
i+ yo0 4ish5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
G,i++in S4o,d Fine s4o,d )*
The -o8 is lo7.ed3 -02 yo0 mana/e 2o 6,y i2 o6en and +ind 4i2hin a seal3 24o la,/e
/lass 6hials and a shea+ o+ do70men2s 2ha2 yo0 7an?2 ,ead in 2he lo4 li/h25 "o7.e2in/
one o+ 2he /lass 6hials3 yo0 602 2he seal3 2he o2he, 6hial and 2he do70men2s -a7. in 2he
-o8 and h0,,y -a7. 2o 2he en7am6men25
The 6aladin ha1e 7a02io0sly li2 no +i,e3 and Ca62ain "enma,. is s2andin/ 4ai2in/
+o, yo05 LYo0 4e,e /one so lon/3N he ,ema,.s 90ie2ly5 LCe +ea,ed yo0 7a0/h25N
LB0s2 -ein/ 7a,e+0l3N yo0 ,e6ly5
The 7a,,ia/e doo, o6ens and &ady Kianmay s2i7.s he, head o025 LCha2 did yo0
+indO Des7,i-e 2he 6a,2y 2o meMN
Yo0 mo1e 2o4a,ds he, and hold o02 2he -o85 LI 2oo. 2his +,om 2he leade,?s 2en25N
Kianmay is s0,6,ised3 -02 ea/e,ly sna27hes 2he -o83 2a.in/ i2 -a7. inside 2he
7a,,ia/e5 Yo0 20,n 2o "enma,.5 LThey ha1e a-o02 * soldie,s3 6l0s a +e4 se,1an2s5N
A li/h2 +la,es inside 2he 7a,,ia/e3 and yo0 hea, 2he -o8 -ein/ o6ened5 Momen2s
la2e, lady Kianmay eme,/es a/ain3 holdin/ 06 2he seal5 LI2 is as 4e +ea,ed3N she says
2o "enma,.5 T0,nin/ 2o yo0 she a66ea,s /,a2e+0l5 LThan. yo05N She hands yo0 2he
/lass 6hial 2ha2 4as in 2he -o85 LThis is a Res2o,in/ 6o2ion5 "lease 2a.e i255N Yo0
2han. he, and add i2 2o 2he o2he, in yo0, 6o7.e25 Ea7h 6hial 4ill ,es2o,e yo0,
STAMINA 2o i2s ini2ial le1el5
&ea1in/ 2he 24o o+ 2hem 2o dis70ss ma22e,s3 yo0 /o 2o yo0, -ed,oll and /e2 a /ood
ni/h2?s slee65
The ne82 mo,nin/ yo0, 6a,2y mo1es 7a02io0sly ahead5 Yo0 s7o02 2he 4ay ahead3
-02 +ind no si/n o+ 2he G,i++in Soldie,s3 e1en 1isi2in/ 2hei, no4 a-andoned 7am6si2e5
Kno4in/ 2he enemy is ahead no43 2he 6a,2y mo1es slo4ly and 7am6s a/ain as ni/h2
+alls5
The ne82 day a+2e, 2,a1ellin/ 2h,o0/h 2hi7. +o,es23 yo0 a66,oa7h a 2o4n on 2he
2,ade ,o02e5 I2 is a la,/e s6,a4lin/ 2o4n 2ha2 some 4o0ld 7all a 7i2y: -02 i2 is s4elled
4i2h 2hose 4ho see. 2o ma.e 7oin +,om 2,a1elle,s5
T0,n 2o 52
)(<
FF - Diamond
127
S2e66in/ o++ 2he s2,ee23 yo0 0n+old 2he 6a,7hmen2 and -ein/ 2o ,ead5
+ount Raul
*oo many lives have been lost in this conflict bet"een us% !
cannot allo" this to continue% *herefore ! give you t"o choices%
*he first is to go home and forget all about the ,iamond -ey% !t
"ill save your life but already so many have died .ust so you may
have the chance to live beyond your allotted time% ,o not be seduced
by this mortal life% *he true stuff of life is in the s#irit% (hat is the
state of your soul) /e concerned "ith this% 0o home and re#ent%
!f you cannot overcome the fear and greed in your heart then
come to the mar&et s1uare in t"o hours and ! "ill give you the
,iamond -ey% /ut ! "arn you it "ill not hel# you%
! s"ear by my goddess that there "ill be conflict or treachery on
my #art%
-Alyn Mei
Re+oldin/ 2he 6a6e,3 yo0 +,o4n5 Cha2 is 2his Diamond KeyO Some so,2 o+
6o4e,+0l healin/ ma/i7O Co0n2 Ra0l is o-1io0sly des6e,a2e 2o ha1e 2his 2,eas0,e5
And Kianmay is >0s2 /oin/ 2o /i1e i2 2o him3 a+2e, e1e,y2hin/ yo0 ha1e -een 2h,o0/h
2o .ee6 i2 a4ay +,om him5
Cha2 4ill yo0 do no4O
T,0s2 Kianmay and deli1e, 2he le22e,O T0,n 2o 138
Ta.e ma22e,s in2o yo0, o4n handsO T0,n 2o 14
128
S2ayin/ 4he,e yo0 a,e3 yo0 lie 90ie2ly and 4ai2 +o, 2he soldie,s 2o +all aslee65
A+2e, hal+ an ho0, o, so3 one 2a.es o02 a +las. and 2hey sha,e i2 -e24een 2hem3 2a.in/
s4i/s o+ some 6o2en2 li90o,5 Ano2he, hal+-ho0, 6asses and 2hey soldie,s -e/in 2o
m022e, and 7om6lain 2ha2 yo0 a,en?2 7omin/ -a7.5 They de7ide 2o 2a.e 20,ns slee6in/5
One 6,om62ly +alls aslee6 and 2he o2he, ma.es himsel+ 7om+o,2a-le5
De7idin/ yo0 ha1e 4ai2ed lon/ eno0/h3 yo0 sli6 o02 +,om 0nde, 2he 7o07h5
G,i66in/ yo0, 4ea6ons yo0 ,0sh +o,4a,d5 The hal+-d,0n. soldie, 4ho is s2ill a4a.e
+0m-les +o, his 4ea6on and 7alls o02 2he ala,m5 Yo0 slay him and as his 7om6anion
s2a,2s 2o s2i, yo0 end his li+e as 4ell5
T0,n 2o 11+
124
Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 ad1an7e on 2he Col+5 The soldie,s 7hee, and 2he Col+
,aises his s7imi2a,5 Yo0 -e/in 2o s2al. a,o0nd5 Ra2he, 2han 7i,7le 4i2h yo03 2he Col+
,emains 4he,e he is3 20,nin/ 4i2h yo03 s2andin/ is a ,ela8ed s2an7e5
)(=
FF - Diamond
Yo0 a22a7.3 and 2he Col+ s4i+2ly 6a,,ies yo0, -lo45 Soon yo0 a,e +i/h2in/ +o,
yo0, li+e a/ains2 2he s4i+2 and s2,o.e a22a7.s o+ 2he Col+5
A,e yo0 +i/h2in/ 4i2h a 4ea6on made o+ sil1e,O I+ yo0 a,e3 20,n 2o 012
I+ yo0 a,e no23 20,n 2o +6+
126
Headin/ 2h,o0/h 2he 6assa/e yo0 ,e20,n 2o 2he in2e,se72ion and 2a.e 2he s2ai,4ay
do4n 2o 2he -oile, ,oom5 Yo0 smile and nod a2 2he yo02h s2o.in/ 2he +i,e3 2hen ma.e
yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he .i27hens and ,e20,n 2o yo0, ,ooms5
Yo0 +ind 2he meal yo0 o,de,ed se2 06 in 2he dinin/ ,oom5 B,ead3 7heese and
-oiled 1e/e2a-les a,e 6lain +a,e3 -02 yo0 a,e h0n/,y and ea2 a +ai, 6o,2ion -e+o,e
Kianmay a,,i1es5 She loo.s m07h -e22e,3 -02 ea2s li22le -e+o,e ,e2i,in/5
Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o do3 yo0 de7ide 2o ha1e an ea,ly ni/h23 4hen 2he,e is a .no7.
on yo0, doo,5 Yo0 /e2 06 and ans4e, i25 Yo0 see 2he,e a 6o,2ly3 -aldin/3 middle-a/ed
man d,essed in a +ine 20ni73 +lan.ed -y a se,1an2 4i2h a -o22le o+ 4ine and 2h,ee
/olden /o-le2s on a 2,ay5
He smiles 4a,mly a2 yo05 LGood e1enin/ si,5 My name is &a,emidan5 I am 2he
6,o6,ie2o, o+ 2his +ine es2a-lishmen25 I s0s6e72 yo0 ha1e 7ome +,om 2he So02h5 I am
in2e,es2ed in ne4s +,om 2he,e5 May I 7ome inO I ha1e -,o0/h2 4ine5N
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a >ade ,in/3 20,n 2o 174
Do yo0 4an2 2o ha1e 4ine 4i2h 2he o4ne,O
I+ yo0 do3 20,n 2o 032
I+ yo0 don?23 20,n 2o +38
125
Fallin/ 2o 2he /,o0nd3 yo0 +eel 7old -la7.ness s4ee6 o1e, yo05 Yo0, 4o0nds ha1e
6,o1en 2oo /,ea25 As yo0 sli6 +,om li+e in2o dea2h yo0 a,e 7om+o,2ed 2ha2 yo0 +o0/h2
+o, /ood3 and s0ddenly all +ea, o+ dea2h is /one as yo0 +all in2o 2he em-,a7e o+ li/h25
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
102
Yo0 d,a4 yo0 4ea6on and 7ha,/e in5 The 1am6i,e does no2 see yo0 0n2il i2 is 2oo
la2e and yo0 s2,i.e he, do4n5 The o2he, h0man ,0shes in and de7a6i2a2es he, in one
s2,o.e5 He, -ody 20,ns in2o d0s23 and 2he head ,ollin/ a7,oss 2he +loo, disin2e/,a2es
in2o a 2,ain o+ d0s25 The 4a,,io, /,ins and si2s do4n 2o ,es25
LMy 2han.s3 +,iendMN he e87laims5 LShe 4as a 2o0/h oneMN
LCha2 a,e yo0 doin/ he,eON yo0 as.5
L&oo.in/ +o, 2,eas0,e5 This one 2,ied 2o s2o6 0s5N He /lan7es 06 a2 2he s0nli/h2
6o0,in/ do4n 2h,o0/h 2he 7,ys2al dome LS2,an/e one3 2his 1am6i,e5 No,mally
1am6i,es 20,n 2o d0s2 >0s2 -y s0nli/h25 M0s2 ha1e -een some2hin/ s6e7ial a-o02 2his
)(#
FF - Diamond
one5 Any4ay3 she?s dead no43 so 4e a,e +,ee 2o +ind 2he 2,eas0,e5N He loo.s a,o0nd
2he 7ham-e, a2 his +allen 7om6anions and la0/hs5 LAnd i2?s all mineM Doesn?2 loo.
li.e 2he,e?s any2hin/ he,e3 2ho0/h5 Cell3 e87e62 2ha25N He 6oin2s 2o a /olden a,m-and
2ha2 is si22in/ in 2he 6ile o+ d0s23 and -e/ins 2o 7,a4l 2o4a,ds i25
A s6e7ial 1am6i,e5 Yo0 -e/in 2o sense 2ha2 yo0 made a mis2a.e5 This man is
o-1io0sly 2he lo4es2 .ind o+ -,i/adie,5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,e72i+y yo0, mis2a.e and a22a7. him3 20,n 2o 000
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2ell him no2 2o dese7,a2e 2he ,emains and send him on his 4ay3 20,n 2o
18
100
The +i+2h 4a27h is yo0,s5 Yo0 slee6 +i2+0lly 0n2il yo0 a,e 4o.en 2o 2a.e yo0,
4a27h5 The Cood has +illed yo0, d,eams 4i2h s2,an/e and dis20,-in/ ima/es5 Yo0
4al. a,o0nd 7he7.in/ 2ha2 all is 4ell3 2hen 2a.e a 6osi2ion nea, 2he +i,e5 Yo0 .ee6 i2
-0,nin/ -,i/h23 and yo0, 4a27h 6asses 0ne1en2+0lly5 Yo0 4a.e one o+ 2he 6aladin 2o
2a.e his 4a27h3 2hen head -a7. 2o yo0, -lan.e2s5
T0,n 2o +24
10+
The 7lan/ o+ me2al and a h0nd,ed smo.in/ 2end,ils 1anishin/ in2o 2he s.y lead yo0
2o 2he smi2h?s 90a,2e,5 He,e a h0nd,ed hamme,s 6o0nd i,on3 7o66e,3 s2eel3 /old and
sil1e, in2o e1e,y2hin/ +,om a h0m-le -a,,el hoo6 2o deli7a2e /old lea+5
Yo0 lo7a2e 2he la,/es2 4ea6onsmi2h3 his 2,ade indi7a2ed -y a s4o,d han/in/ on
7hains a-o1e his sho6 en2,an7e5 En2e,in/ inside3 yo0 +ind a sin/le la,/e s6a7e li.e a
-a,n3 4i2h a +o,/e in 2he 7en2,e5 The 4alls a,e lined 4i2h ,a7.s o+ 4ea6ons3 and 2a-les
a2 4hi7h a66,en2i7es and assis2an2s 4o,. ,i1e2in/ s6ea,heads on2o sha+2s3 -indin/
/,i6s o+ s4o,ds3 and +le27hin/ a,,o4s5 "la2+o,ms han/ +,om 2he 7eilin/ hi/h a-o1e3 on
4hi7h yo0 7an see +ine, /oods on dis6lay5
The 4ea6onsmi2h is a2 2he +o,/e3 7lad in a 4hi2e ,o-e and a s7a,,ed a6,on5 Yo0
a,e mesme,ised as he hea2s a -lade 4i2h a medi2a2i1e ai,5 E1en 4hen he mo1es 2o 2he
an1il and -e/ins 2o s2,i.e 2he /lo4in/ me2al 4i2h 2he lon/-handled hamme,3 2he
7lan/in/ li.e a /on/ a2 a 2em6le5
Yo0 almos2 >0m6 4hen an assis2an2 add,esses yo05
LGood a+2e,noon3 si,5 Ho4 may 4e -e o+ se,1i7eON
Yo0 e86lain 2ha2 yo0 might -e in2e,es2ed in -0yin/ a la,/e 90an2i2y o+ 4ea6ons5
The assis2an2 nods and leads yo0 o1e, 2o some o+ 2he ,a7.s5 He sho4s yo0 a n0m-e,
o+ 4ea6ons and e86lains 2ha2 2hey a,e sold -y 2he -o8 only5 Yo0 a22em62 2o -a,/ain3
-02 2he assis2an2 ,e+0ses 2o ha//le5 E1iden2ly 2he 4ea6onsmi2h does /ood -0siness5
The 6,i7es a,e ,easona-le any4ay5 Yo0 7an 7hoose +,om 2he +ollo4in/;
Bo8 o+ # S6ea,s; (* /old
Bo8 o+ )* Ba1elins; #* /old
Bo8 o+ # &on/s4o,ds; )** /old
)(%
FF - Diamond
Yo0, 4a/on only has eno0/h s6a7e +o, )*** >a,s3 o, )* -o8es o+ 4ea6ons o, i1o,y
@) -o8 G )** >a,sA5 Yo0 may only 60,7hase eno0/h /oods 2o +ill 2he 4a/on5
A +ine -,oads4o,d on one o+ 2he 6la2+o,ms also 7a27hes yo0, eye5 I2 is 1e,y 6lain
in a66ea,an7e3 no2 en7,0s2ed in >e4els li.e mos2 o+ 2he 4ea6ons on 2he 6la2+o,ms5 I+
yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o 2a.e a loo. a2 i23 20,n 2o 0655
Chen yo0 ha1e +inished he,e3 yo0 7an;
$isi2 2he Dye-ma.e,3 T0,n 2o 77
$isi2 2he I1o,y-7a,1e,3 T0,n 2o 022
Go 2o hi,e me,7han2 /0a,ds3 T0,n 2o +22
101
Yo0 mo1e alon/ 2he hall and ,ea7h 2he doo, 2o yo0, ,oom5 Yo0 2a.e o02 2he .ey
and 0nlo7. 2he doo,5 The old lo7. 7anno2 -e o6ened 90i7.ly o, 90ie2ly3 and yo0 4a.e
Kianmay5 A6olo/isin/3 yo0 7lose and lo7. 2he doo,5 E1en 2ho0/h 2he inn is no2 2he
sa+es2 6la7e 2o s2ay3 no one 4ill -e a-le 2o snea. in3 so yo0 /o 2o -ed and /e2 a /ood
ni/h2?s slee65
T0,n 2o 141
103
Cal.in/ 2o4a,ds 2he a,7h3 yo0 .ee6 an eye o02 +o, 2he demon5 Yo0 do no2 see i2
0n2il yo0 en2e, 2he la,/e hall5 I2 han/s +,om 2he 7eilin/ li.e a -a25 Un+0,lin/ h0/e
4in/s3 i2 s7,ee7hes and d,o6s 2o 2he /,o0nd3 landin/ on i2s 2alons5
I2 loo.s li.e a da,.-/,ey-s.inned h0man3 e87e62 i2 has lon/ 6oin2ed ea,s3 a -ald
head and a mo02h so +0ll o+ 2ee2h i2s >a4 is dis2o,2ed5 I2 also s2ands o1e, ei/h2 +ee2 2all
and i2?s +in/e,s end in lon/ 7la4s5 I2 /,ins a2 yo05
LThe lady has sen2 me mo,e mea2MN i2 says3 i2s 4o,ds so /a,-led yo0 7a,e -a,ely
ma.e 2hem o025 Foldin/ i2s 4in/s -a7.3 i2 a22a7.s yo05
RHE&& DEMON SKI&& ' STAMINA #* DB * ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 035
I+ yo0 lose3 20,n 2o +36
107
Kianmay minds 2he ho,ses 4hile yo0 2,0d/e 4ea,ily in2o 2he inn5 The doo, o6ens
2o a 7ommon ,oom3 6o60la2ed 4i2h 90ie23 s0llen d,in.e,s5 E1en a2 2his ea,ly ho0, 2he
6la7e is hal+ +0ll5 Yo0 a66,oa7h 2he -a,man and as. a-o02 ,ooms5 He 2ells yo0 2he,e
is only one 1a7an2 ,oom le+2: 2he 7ha,/e is one /old5
The 6la7e is di,2y and 2he,e is a 7han7e yo0 7o0ld -e ,o--ed and may-e .illed in
yo0, -ed5 Do yo0 ,eally 4an2 2o -,in/ Kianmay in2o a 6la7e li.e 2hisO
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6ay +o, a ,oom he,e3 20,n 2o 176
)('
FF - Diamond
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7he7. o02 2he Kin/?s T0-3 20,n 2o 028
108
Yo0 2a.e 2he ,i/h2-hand 6a2h5 The 6ass 4inds 2h,o0/h 2he mo0n2ains3 2he 7old
/,o4in/ dee6e,3 seemin/ 2o see6 in2o yo0, -ones no ma22e, ho4 m07h yo0 4ea,5 Fo,
+o0, days yo0 6ene2,a2e dee6e, in2o 2he i7y 6ea.s3 0n2il yo0 7ome a7,oss a disas2,o0s
s7ene5
Th,ee 4a/ons lie -,o.en and o1e,20,ned on 2he ,oadside5 The,e a,e also
n0me,o0s -odies hal+--0,ied in 2he sno45 &i/h2 sno4+all o-s70,es mos2 o+ 2he -lood3
-02 2he,e a,e s2ill 6in. 6a27hes a,o0nd some o+ 2he 7o,6ses5 Yo0 20,n one o1e,3 and
+lin7h a4ay as yo0 see 2he loo. o+ ho,,o, on 2he man?s +a7e5 His 7hes2 has -een 2o,n
o6en 2oo3 des6i2e 2he s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, 2ha2 he 4o,e5
No o,7 did 2his5 Ye2 someone has -een he,e and loo2ed 2he -odies and 2he 7a,2s o+
all 2hei, 1al0a-les5 The,e a,e # -o8es o+ dye s2ill in one o+ 2he 4a/ons5 A >a, 4i2h i2s
4a8 seal -,o.en o6en lies in 2he sno43 -l0e dye 7olo0,in/ 2he sno4 a,o0nd i25 One o+
2he 6aladin also +inds 24o -o8es 7on2ainin/ )* -ol2s o+ +ine sil.5 Yo0 may 2a.e 2hese
-o8es i+ yo0 ha1e ,oom in yo0, 4a/on5
Clim-in/ -a7. in2o 2he 4a/on3 yo0 sna6 2he ,ei/ns and 2he o8en 7on2in0e on 2hei,
4ay5 I2 2a.es ano2he, si8 days 2o 2,ans1e,se 2he mo0n2ains @6ay yo0, men 2en /old
ea7hA5 Finally yo0 a,,i1e in a small hill 2o4n 7alled Yo,men5
T0,n 2o 017
104
Yo0 d,a4 2he -lade and sho4 Kianmay 2he i1o,y-hil2ed s4o,d5 She e8amines i2
and 2ells yo0 2ha2 i2 is a ni/h2--lade5 The -lade is hal+-e2he,eal and 4hen yo0 0se i23
yo0 7an i/no,e yo0, o66onen2?s a,mo0,5 I+ yo0, o66onen2 is no2 4ea,in/ any a,mo0,3
2hen 2he -lade 4o0nds no,mally5
Re20,n no4 2o +51
106
LI?m so,,y3N yo0 ,e6ly5 LI am no2 s2,on/ eno0/h5N
The 4oman nods sadly5 LThen 6lease send 2o me a 7ham6ion5 I sense a /,ea2
/oodness in yo05 Do 2his +o, me3 6lease5N
Yo0 6,omise 2o do 4ha2 yo0 7an and lea1e he,5 I2 2a.es a lon/ 2ime 2o /e2 -a7. 2o
2he 7am63 and 4hen yo0 loo. a2 2he s2a,s3 yo0 see ho4 m07h 2hey ha1e 20,ned5 Yo0,
4a27h is o1e,5 Yo0 4a.e one o+ 2he 6aladin 2o 2a.e 2he ne82 4a27h and ,e20,n 2o yo0,
-lan.e2s5
T0,n 2o +24
)((
FF - Diamond
105
Cal.in/ do4n 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 s2o6 and lis2en a2 2he doo,5 Yo0 hea, no2hin/ and
so yo0 slo4ly en2e,5 Inside is a la,/e hall3 4i2h -,aKie,s in 2he 7o,ne,s and a la,/e
7a,1ed 4ooden 7hai, on a dais a2 2he +a, end5 Yo0 mo1e inside and ha1e a loo.
a,o0nd5 The,e is a 7a-ine2 a/ains2 one 4all3 so yo0 head 2o4a,ds i25
LCha2 a,e yo0 doin/ON yo0 hea, a 1oi7e as. yo05
S2a,2led3 yo0 s6in a-o02 and see a sho,2 man s2andin/ nea,-y5 He is d,essed in
7hianmail and 4hi2e 4ol+ +0,s5 His head is sha1ed 4i2h a 2hin s2eel -and a,o0nd his
head5 He 4ea,s his lon/ -la7. -ea,d in a -,aid5 One hand ,es2s on a s7imi2a, a2 his
side5 I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a 4in/ed helm3 20,n -,ie+ly 2o 0565
LI?m loo.in/ +o, 2he Col+3N yo0 say5
LI am 2he Col+3N he ,e6lies5 LA,e yo0 he,e 2o assassina2e meON
LNo5N
LA,e yo0 a 2hie+ON
LNo2 ,eally3N yo0 say5
LCha2 a,e yo0ON he as.s5
LA me,7han2 /0a,d3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LA 4a,,io,3N he says 4i2h in2e,es25 LYe2 yo0 a,e 0na,med5 Ce shall ha1e 2o do
some2hin/ a-o02 2ha25N
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man 4i2h a sho,2 -la7. -ea,d en2e,s5 He 4ea,s a -la7. ,o-e 2ha2 ,ea7hes his .nee3
s2o66in/ a-o1e 2ooled lea2he, ,idin/ -oo2s5 He 4ea,s o1e, 2he ,o-e a -,eas26la2e o+
enamelled da,. -l0e3 de7o,a2ed 4i2h se,6en2s o+ ,ed and /old5
LI shall +i/h2 2his man in 2he Rin/3N 2he Col+ says5
The man -o4s and 7alls o02 +o, /0a,ds5 They 7ome and 2a.e yo0 a4ay 2o ano2he,
,oom in 2he ho0se5 Yo0 a,e .e62 2he,e +o, almos2 an ho0,3 -e+o,e 2he man in 2he
enamelled -,eas26la2e 7omes 2o yo05
LYo0 a,e 2o +i/h2 2he Col+ in +,on2 o+ his en2i,e a,my5 I+ yo0 4in3 yo0 and yo0,
7om6anion 4ill -e se2 +,ee 4i2h all o+ yo0, -elon/in/s5 I+ yo0 7ome 4i2h me3 I 4ill
hel6 yo0 2o sele72 a 4ea6on5N
Yo0 +ollo4 2he man 2h,o0/h 2he doo, and e1en20ally 7ome 2o an a,mo0,y5 The
,oom is da,.3 -02 2he man s6ea.s a 4o,d and 2he lam6s in 2he ,oom s6,in/ 2o li+e5 The
man is a so,7e,e,5
He 20,ns 2o yo05 LCha2 so,2 o+ 4ea6on do yo0 4ish 2o +i/h2 4i2hON
A s4o,d3 20,n 2o 54
A s6ea,3 20,n 2o 038
A ma7e o, a8e3 20,n 2o +3+
I+ yo0 4an2 as. +o, yo0, o4n 4ea6ons -a7.3 20,n 2o +57
)(E
FF - Diamond
1+2
The 2ension /,o4s 2o a 6ea.3 2hen s0ddenly 2he,e is a 7,a7. o+ 7,oss-o4 s2,in/s
and 2he 4his2lin/ o+ 7,oss-o4 -ol2s5 Yo0 2h,0s2 one a,m 0nde, Kianmay?s le/s and
2h,o4 he, -a7. in2o 2he 4a/on5 She sh,ie.s as she +alls amids2 2he -o8es3 -02 ,emains
sa+e5
As +o, yo0I
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o +50
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 161
1+0
S2e66in/ +o,4a,d3 yo0 loo. o1e, 2he 7i,7le o+ men5 LChi7h one o+ yo0 is 2he
Col+ON
The 4a,,io,s i/no,e yo05 The 7le,. s6ea.s5 LI+ yo0 ha1e a 7om6lain2: s6ea.5
Yo0 4ill -e hea,d5N
LI .no4 2ha2 2he Col+ is a 4e,e4ol+3N yo0 anno0n7e5
The s2a2emen2 /ene,a2es less o+ a ,ea72ion 2han yo0 4e,e e86e72in/5 The 7le,.
,e6lies; LCha2 is 2he na20,e o+ yo0, 7on7e,nON
LThe Kin/ o+ 2he No,2h 7anno2 -e a ,a1eno0s -eas2M I 7hallen/e him 2o a d0el5N
LChen and 4he,eON 2he 7le,. as.s5
LHe,e and no4MN yo0 de7la,e5
The 4a,,io, a2 2he +oo2 o+ 2he 7i,7le3 4i2h his -a7. 2o yo03 s2ands and 20,ns a,o0nd5
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7hainmail 0nde, 4hi2e 4ol+ +0,s3 and 4ea,s a s7imi2a, a2 his side5 He has a s2eel -and
a,o0nd his sha1ed head3 and his 2hi7. -,aided -,ead ,ea7hes his 4ais25
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4i2hd,a4 yo0, 7hallen/e5N
LI 4ill no23N yo0 ,e6ly5
LChy sho0ld I a77e62 2his 7hallen/eON 2he Col+ as.s yo05 LYo0, 7om6anion does
no2 a66,o1e o+ yo0, 7hallen/e5N
Yo0 loo. -a7. a2 Kianmay3 4ho is loo.in/ a2 yo0 4i2h a small +,o4n5 LI .no4
4ell 2ha2 2his man is a 4e,e4ol+5 His 2,0e na20,e is no2 hidden +,om me5 B02 he has
deli1e,ed 2he Diamond Key -a7. in2o my hands5 This ,e1eals him 2o -e a no-le, man
2han mos2 4ho a,e h0man5N
LCe,e4ol1es a,e e1ilMN yo0 6,o2es25
Kianmay sha.es he, head5 LA 4e,e4ol+ is a 7,ea20,e o+ Chaos5 B02 no2 e1il5N
E1en so3 7an yo0 allo4 a 7,ea20,e o+ Chaos 2o ,0le 2he No,2hO Cha2 i+ his
am-i2ions e82end +0,2he,O
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-elie1e yo0, dea2h 4o0ld 06se2 he, /,ea2ly5 The,e+o,e I shall no2 a77e62 yo0,
7hallen/e5 Go in 6ea7e5N
I+ yo0 ha1e 7han/ed yo0, mind and 4an2 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 3+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a22a7. 2he Col+3 20,n 2o 132
)E*
FF - Diamond
1++
Yo0 hand o1e, 2o /old3 and 2he -a,man -e/ins 2o 2al.5
LThey 7ame in 24o days a/o5 The soldie,s 4o,. +o, a 7o0n2 +,om some4he,e in
2he So02h5 The Co0n2 himsel+ is he,e 2oo3 in ,oom <5 His name is Ra0l5 They
4an2ed 2o .no4 i+ I had hea,d o+ a 6,ies2ess and some 6aladin 2,a1ellin/ 2h,o0/h he,e5
I ha1en?23 so 2hey 4an2ed 2o .no4 i+ 2he,e 4e,e any 2em6les in 2his 2o4n5 Tha2?s all I
7an 2ell yo05N
LHo4 many soldie,s a,e 2he,eON yo0 as.5
LB0s2 2en3N 2he -a,2ende, ,e6lies5
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inn3 ma.in/ s0,e 2ha2 yo0 a,e no2 +ollo4ed5 Yo0 +ind Kianmay ,eadin/ in he, ,ooms5
LChe,e is "enma,.ON yo0 as.5
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LCo0n2 Ra0l is he,e in Yo,man3 s2ayin/ a2 an inn 7alled 2he Ele/an2 "ea7o7.5N
Kianmay is sho7.ed5 LHo4 do yo0 .no4 2ha2 nameON
LI sa4 one o+ his soldie,s in 2he ma,.e23 2hen I +ollo4ed him -a7. 2o his inn and
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yo05
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all5N
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LI+ he a22a7.s 0s3 many o+ his men and o0,s 4ill die3N yo0 6oin2 o025
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4ill deal 4i2h him5N
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.illedON
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-e doneON She as.s a momen2 la2e,5
LI s066ose so3N yo0 say5
LThen i2 is se22led5N She nods +i,mly and 6i7.s 06 he, -oo. a/ain5
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Kianmay is in2endin/3 -02 2he,e is 6a,2 o+ 2his 6lan she doesn?2 need 2o .no4 a-o025
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home5 I2 is la2e a2 ni/h2 4hen yo0, man +inally ,e20,ns5
He 2a.es yo0 2h,o0/h 2he 2o4n and s2o6s o02side a -a.e,5 Yo0, man 6oin2s 2o 2he
a6a,2men2 a-o1e 2he -a.e, and leads yo0 2o an alley5 A na,,o4 s2ai,4ay leads 06 2o
2he ,ea, o+ 2he a6a,2men2s a-o1e 2he s2,ee2 -elo4 and yo0 4al. alon/ 0n2il yo0 /e2 2o
2he -a,man?s home5
Yo0 .no7. on 2he doo,3 and a momen2 la2e, a small 4indo4 in 2he doo, is o6ened3
and yo0 ,e7o/nise 2he -a,man 6ee,in/ o02 s0s6i7io0sly5 LCho a,e yo0ON he as.s in a
4his6e,5
Yo0 ha1e 2he hood o+ yo0, 7loa. 60lled lo4 so he 7an?2 ,e7o/nise yo05 LYo0 a,e
a -a,man a2 2he Ele/an2 "ea7o7.3 a,e yo0 no2O I 4an2 2o -0y some in+o,ma2ion5N
LAs.3 2hen3N 2he -a,man says 70,2ly5
LI2 is 7old o02 he,e3 manMN yo0 say3 s2a,2in/ 2o ,aise yo0, 1oi7e5
LAll ,i/h23 all ,i/h23N 2he -a,man says5 LB0s2 .ee6 90ie2MN
The small 4indo4 7loses3 and yo0 hea, a -ol2 slide a7,oss -e+o,e 2he doo, is
o6ened5 Yo0 4al. in2o 2he ,oom3 4hi7h is li2 only -y 2he 7andle in 2he -a,man?s
hand5 The ,oom has a s2o1e and a +i,e6la7e and a la,/e 2a-le 4i2h +o0, 7hai,s5 In one
)E)
FF - Diamond
7o,ne, 2he,e is a 7hes2 4i2h 7hild,en?s 2oys in i25 The sin/le doo, m0s2 lead 2h,o0/h 2o
2he -ed,oom 4he,e 2he man?s +amily slee6s5
Yo0 si2 do4n a2 2he 2a-le3 and a momen2 la2e, 2he -a,man lo4e,s himsel+ in2o 2he
sea2 o66osi2e3 loo.in/ 4i2h a66,ehension a2 yo0, man3 4ho s2ays nea, 2he doo,5 Yo0
d,a4 -a7. yo0, hood3 and 2he -a,man?s +a7e 6ales5
LI -o0/h2 in+o,ma2ion +,om yo0 2oday3N yo0 say slo4ly3 in7,easin/ 2he man?s
ne,1o0sness5 LI 4as >0s2 4onde,in/ i+ yo0 also sold in+o,ma2ion a-o02 me 2o Co0n2
Ra0l o, his menON
The -a,man is 4hi2e 4i2h +ea, and li7.s his li6s5 LI-I am >0s2 2,yin/ 2o ma.e some
e82,a 7oinM I?m so,,y3 -02 I 4as HN
Yo0 hold 06 one hand and he +alls in2o silen7e5 LThe,e is no need 2o e86lain3N yo0
say5 LI .no4 yo0, 2y6e5 I me,ely 4ish 2o ma.e s0,e 2he in+o,ma2ion yo0 /a1e me is
s2ill 7o,,e725 Toni/h2 ei2he, I o, Co0n2 Ra0l 4ill -e dead5 So 2his is yo0, las2 7han7e
2o ma.e any money o02 o+ 2his ma22e,5N Yo0 hold 06 a sin/le /old 7oin5 LCha2 did
yo0 2ell Ra0lON
The -a,man ,ela8es sli/h2ly3 eyein/ 2he 7oin5 LI 2old him yo0 7ame as.in/ a-o02
him and his men5 He 4an2ed a des7,i62ion o+ yo05 I 7o0ldn?2 2ell him m07h3 -02 I 2old
him 2ha2 I had 2old yo0 he 4as s2ayin/ in ,oom <5 Tha2 is a720ally a 1a7an2 ,oom5 I
2hin. he is /oin/ 2o lay a 2,a6 +o, yo05N
LCha2 ,oom is he ,eally s2ayin/ inON Yo0 as.5
LRoom )5 O0, -es2 ,oom5N The -a,man says5
LI am /oin/ 2o lea1e my man he,e3N yo0 e86lain as yo0 s2and5 LThen i+ all /oes
4ell3 I 4ill 7ome -a7. he,e and 7olle72 him3 /i1e yo0 yo0, /old3 and lea1e yo0 in
6ea7e5 Is 2he,e any2hin/ else I sho0ld .no4 2o ens0,e 2ha2 I do ,e20,nON
The -a,man has 6aled on7e mo,e5 LRoom M has i2s o4n en2,an7e3 nea, 2he s2a-les5
B02 i2 4ill -e /0a,ded5N
LThan. yo05N Yo0 20,n 2o lea1e5
LCha2 ha66ens i+ yo0 don?2 7ome -a7.ON 2he -a,man as.s5
LCha2 do yo0 2hin.ON Yo0 as. 7oldly in ,e20,n5
Cha2e1e, he is 2hin.in/ ma.es 2he -a,man -lan7h in +ea,5 Yo0 lea1e and h0,,y
o1e, 2o 2he Ele/an2 "ea7o7.5 As 2he ho0, is la2e3 2he s2a-leya,d is lo7.ed5 Yo0 /lan7e
06 and do4n 2he s2,ee2 2o ma.e s0,e yo0 a,e alone3 2hen as 90ie2ly as 6ossi-le 7lim-
o1e, 2he /a2e5 The /a2e is s066osed 2o s2o6 2hie1es ma.in/ o++ 4i2h 2he /0es2?s ho,ses3
so i2 is no2 di++i70l2 2o 7lim-3 -02 i2 7,ea.s on i2s hin/es3 and 2he -ol2 ,a22les5
B0m6in/ do4n inside 2he ya,d3 yo0 6a0se 2o lis2en as yo0 6ee, in2o 2he da,.ness5
No2hin/ s2i,s5 Gen2ly yo0 slid 2he -ol2 -a7.3 -02 lea1e 2he /a2e 7losed5 The,e a,e
2h,ee doo,s leadin/ +,om 2he inn 2o 2he s2a-le ya,d5 One o+ 2hem is a 6ai, o+ do0-le
doo,s in an o,na2e +,ame5 Yo0 /0ess 2ha2 2ha2 is 2he -a7. doo, 2o Room ) and a,e
6leased 2o see 2ha2 i2 is in +a72 no2 /0a,ded a2 all5 Mo1in/ 7lose,3 yo0 see 4hy i2 needs
no /0a,d5 I2 is a 2hi7. and s20,dy doo,3 4i2h a lo7.3 and no do0-2 a -ol2 on 2he inside5
Yo0 7a,e+0lly 2,y 2he doo,.no- and +ind i2 lo7.ed5
Yo0 7an sa+ely -,in/ Kianmay 2o 2his 6oin23 -02 4ha2 2henO
I+ yo0 4an2 2o .no7. on 2he doo,3 20,n 2o 1715
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, /o -a7. and lea1e 2hin/s 06 2o Kianmay3 20,n 2o +805
)E
FF - Diamond
1+1
&o7.in/ 2he doo, 2o yo0, ,oom3 yo0 head do4ns2ai,s 2o 2he 7ommon ,oom5 The,e
a,e se1e,al d,in.e,s in /,o06s o, si22in/ alone5 Yo0 o,de, a -ee, a2 2he -a, 2hen 2a.e a
loo. a2 yo0, +ello4 d,in.e,s5
The,e is a 2hin old man d,essed in a -la7. ,o-e a2 a 2a-le in 2he 7o,ne,5 The o2he,
d,in.e,s a,e s7a22e,ed almos2 ,andomly a,o0nd 2he small 7ommon ,oom3 -02 2he,e is a
no2i7ea-le /a6 -e24een 2he -la7. ,o-ed man and 2he ,es23 4ho 6oin2edly i/no,e him5
The old man has a 4hole -o22le o+ 4ine 2o himsel+3 and a66ea,s 2o -e 4ell on 2he 4ay
2o 2he -o22om o+ i25
Yo0 no2i7e a 7o06le o+ a,med men 4ho ha1e 2he loo. o+ me,7han2 /0a,ds5 They
2al. 90ie2ly3 also loo.in/ o1e, 2he inha-i2an2s o+ 2he ,oom3 o+2en mee2in/ yo0, eye5
Ano2he, man si2s -y himsel+ ea2in/ a meal5 He is h0/ely o1e,4ei/h23 -02 d,essed
s7,0++ily3 as i+ all his money /oes on +ood5
The ,es2 o+ 2he 6eo6le a,e loo. d,0n. 2o 2ell yo0 any2hin/ yo0 mi/h2 4an2 2o
.no45 Cho do yo0 4an2 2o 2al. 2oO
The 2hin old man in 2he -la7. ,o-eO T0,n 2o +5
The me,7han2 /0a,dsO T0,n 2o 0++
The +a2 manO T0,n 2o +48
1+3
!0ie2ly ,e20,nin/ 2o 2he si2in/ ,oom3 yo0 90i7.ly 602 on yo0, a,mo0, and a,m yo0,
sel+5 Yo0 h0,,y -a7. 2o 2he -ed,oom and -0,s2 in5 The s7ene 2ha2 7on+,on2s yo0
ma.es yo0, -lood -oil5 The 24o 2o4n /0a,ds a,e holdin/ Kianmay do4n3 4hile
&a,emidan has 2o,n he, ni/h2d,ess o6en and is 2h,ea2enin/ 2o ,a6e he, i+ she does no2
2ell him 4he,e 2he Diamond Key is5
The 24o /0a,ds /o 6ale and ,elease Kianmay3 /,a--in/ 2hei, 4ea6on as 2hey see
yo05 Yo0 i/no,e 2he 4il2in/ se,1an2 in 2he 7o,ne, and 7ha,/e +o,4a,d3 lea6in/ 06 on2o
2he -ed5 &a,emidan 20,ns a,o0nd >0s2 in 2ime 2o see yo0, +0,io0s +a7e as yo0 sin. yo0,
4ea6on in2o his s2oma7h5
The /0a,ds loo. ,el072an2 2o a22a7. yo03 and 7l027h 2hei, 4ea6ons de+ensi1ely5
Yo0 sho1e 2he dyin/ 6,o6,ie2o, o++ yo0, 4ea6on and lea6 -a7. do4n on2o 2he +loo,5
Do yo0 4an2 2o a22a7. 2hemO T0,n 2o 061
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7on1in7e 2hem 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 47
1+7
Yo0 2ell Kianmay 2ha2 i2 is a dan/e,o0s idea3 2ha2 she 4o0ld -e sendin/ yo0 2o
yo0, dea2h: and 2hen yo0 ,e+0se 2o /o no ma22e, 4ha2 she says5
She ,elen2s and yo0 0,/e 2he o8en on4a,ds5 Res0min/ yo0, >o0,ney3 yo0 ma.e
one mo,e s2o6 +o, 2he ni/h23 2hen ea,ly 2he ne82 day-,ea. o02 in2o 2he s0nshine and
+,esh ai, on7e mo,e5 Yo0 +eel 2he >oy o+ +,eedom and sho02 o02 lo0dly3 no2 7a,in/ 4ho
hea,s yo05
Yo0 des7end in2o 2he hills and soon 7ome 2o 2he 2o4n o+ Yo,man5 The >o0,ney
has only 2a.en = days5 "ay yo0, men +o0, /old ea7h and 20,n 2o 017
)E<
FF - Diamond
1+8
LOnly -y ne7essi2y3N yo0 ,e6ly5 LDo yo0 in2end 2o a1en/e yo0, mas2e,ON
The manse,1an2 4a1es a hand dismissi1ely5 LNo2 a2 all5 He 4as no2 my mas2e,3
he 4as my em6loye,5 No4 2ha2 he is dead3 he 7anno2 6ay me anymo,e5 So 2hen3 yo0
ha1e no 7on2a72 4i2h assassins in 2his 2o4nON
LNo3N yo0 ,e6ly5 LCha2 is yo0, in2e,es2 in assassinsON
LI am an assassin3N 2he small man ,e6lies5 LI2 4as +o, 2his 2ha2 I 4as em6loyed5
Also 2o -e a -ody/0a,d3 -02 yo0 2oo. me -y s0,6,ise5 Fea, no2M I ha1e +ailed and 4ill
no2 a22a7. yo0 no45 I+ +a723 le2 me in2,od07e mysel+5 I am Ca,iod 2he $i6e,5N
The hai, s2ands 06 on 2he -a7. o+ yo0, ne7.5 This is one assassin 2ha2 is so
s077ess+0l e1en yo0 ha1e hea,d o+ him5 Yo0 had also hea,d 2ha2 he 4as dead5 LChy
did Ra0l need s07h a man as yo0ON
Ca,iod sh,0/s5 LI do no2 .no45 He s6o.e o+2en o+ a di++i70l2 2as. I m0s2 one day
a77om6lish +o, him3 -02 he 4o0ld no2 s6ea. +0,2he, o+ i25 I 2ho0/h2 6e,ha6s yo0 mi/h2
.no45 He 4as 1e,y in2e,es2ed in 2hisIAlyn Mei5N
LThe,e a,e many 2hin/s o+ 4hi7h she does no2 s6ea. ei2he,3N yo0 ,e6ly 4i2h a
smile5
Ca,iod la0/hs5 LCome3 yo0 sho0ld -e /oin/5 Yo0 ha1e made a /ood .ill 2oday5N
Yo0 and 2he assassin lea1e 1ia 2he -a7. doo,3 4hi7h o6ens in2o 2he s2a-les5 Yo0
4al. 2o/e2he, in2o 2he s2,ee23 and Ca,iod in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome ha1e a d,in. 4i2h him5
Yo0 a/,ee3 and 2he 24o o+ yo0 head o++ 2o a small 2a1e,n5 Ca,iod 6ays +o, 4ine3 and
yo0 si2 2o/e2he, in a -oo2h5 He 2ells yo0 mo,e 2han one en2e,2ainin/ s2o,y a-o02
assassina2ion5
Un+o,20na2ely yo0 7an?2 s2ay lon/3 -02 as a +a,e4ell /i+2 he /i1es yo0 a 6oison
,in/5 I2 loo.s li.e a si/ne2 ,in/3 4i2h a /olden 1i6e, se2 in ,ed enamel5 He sho4s yo0
ho4 2o mani60la2e a s0-2le 2,i//e, and e82end a 6oisoned needle5
Yo0 2han. him and lea1e5 Ca,iod is a +,iendly man3 -02 2he dis6assiona2e 4ay he
2al.s a-o02 dea2h 7hills yo05 Yo0 ,e20,n 2o yo0, inn and 6,e6a,e yo0,sel+ 2o ,e6o,2 2o
Kianmay5
T0,n 2o 0+1
1+4
Yo0 -a22le a/ains2 2he Col+ des6e,a2ely5 He is s4i+2 and s2,on/3 and 4o0nds yo0
many 2imes5 He is no2 0n2o07hed -y yo0, -lade3 and 2he sil1e, hisses and smo.es
inside his +lesh5 B02 he is 2oo m07h +o, yo0 and +inally yo0 s2a//e, and +all: and 2he
Col+?s -lade is a2 yo0, 2h,oa25 LYield 2o me3N he says5
LI yieldMN yo0 /as65
The Col+ s2ands and shea2hs his s4o,d3 2hen e82ends a hand 2o yo05 The
assem-led soldie,s 7hee, a66,e7ia2i1ely5 The Col+ 7la6s yo0 on 2he sho0lde, and
leads yo0 -a7. inside5 Yo0 a,e led -a7. in2o 2he 2h,one ,oom3 4he,e yo0 +ind
Kianmay 4ai2in/ a66,ehensi1ely5 The,e is also a 2a-le on 4hi7h yo0 +ind all o+ yo0,
i2ems5
LYo0 a,e +,ee 2o /o3N 2he Col+ anno0n7es5
Yo0 ea/e,ly /o 2o 2he 2a-le and -e/in 2o ,e+ill yo0, 6a7.5 As yo0 ,e-e90i6
yo0,sel+3 yo0 hea, Kianmay5 LCe 7anno2 lea1e he,e 4i2ho02 2he one 2,0e 2,eas0,e5N
LCha2 2,eas0,e do yo0 s6ea. o+ON 2he Col+ as.s5
)E=
FF - Diamond
LA -la7. s2one ins7,i-ed 4i2h a s6i,al o+ an7ien2 s7,i623N she ,e6lies5
LA sim6le s2one s07h as yo0 des7,i-e 7anno2 -e o+ mo,e 1al0e 2han 2he 7oin and
>e4elled i2ems yo0, 7om6anion is ea/e,ly ,e7laimin/5N
LThe s2one o+ 4hi7h I s6ea. is mo,e 1al0a-le 2han any >e4el and m0s2 -e ,e20,ned
2o me5N
LCha2 4ill yo0 do 4i2h i2ON 2he Col+ as.s5
LI shall 2a.e i2 2o 2he 2em6le in A,an2a2o,5N
Yo0 mo1e 2o s2and ne82 2o Kianmay5 Casn?2 he, mission mean2 2o -e a se7,e2O
LDo yo0 .no4 2ha2 2he Kin/ o+ A,an2a2o, is my enemyON
LI do3N Kianmay ,e6lies5
LChy sho0ld I deli1e, 2his /,ea2 2,eas0,e in2o his handsON 2he Col+ as.s5
LI2 is no2 +o, him3 i2 is +o, 2his land5N
The Col+ ,aises one eye-,o45 LCha2 does 2ha2 meanON
Kianmay e86lains5 LThe s2one m0s2 -e 6la7ed in 2he ea,2h 0nde, 2he 2em6le o+ 2he
Chi2e Goddess in A,an2a2o,5 In 2he hands o+ any one man 2he s2one is 4as2ed5N
LThe s2one ma.es 2he man 4ho -ea,s i2 immo,2al5 Chy is 2his a 4as2eON
Ho4 does he .no4 2ha2O Kianmay does no2 seem s0,6,ised and 7on2in0es5 LThe
6o4e, 4hi7h ma.es one man immo,2al 7an ins2ead +lo4 in2o 2he ea,2h5 The 2em6le in
A,an2a2o, is -0il2 06on one o+ 2he 7hannels o+ 6o4e, in 2he ea,2h3 and so 2he 6o4e, o+
2he s2one shall -e m0l2i6lied /,ea2ly and -,in/ /,ea2 -lessin/s 2o 2his land and all 4ho
d4ell he,e5N
LE1en -eyond A,an2a2o,ON 2he Col+ as.s5
LMen -0ild 4alls and d,a4 lines 06on ma6s5 The ea,2h .no4s no2 s07h 2hin/s5N
LHo4 +a, shall 2his -lessin/ e82endON
LI do no2 .no43N Kianmay ,e6lies5
The Col+ nods slo4ly3 2hen /es20,es 2o 2he so,7e,e,5
The so,7e,e, ,ea7hes in2o 2he 6o07h on his -el2 and 2a.es o02 2he Diamond Key in
i2s 7lo2h -a/5 He a66,oa7hes and hands 2he -a/ 2o Kianmay5 She 2a.es i2 ea/e,ly5
She -o4s5 LI 2han. yo03 no-le Col+5 Yo0 a,e a -e22e, man 2han mos25N
LFa,e4ell3 and may yo0 s077eed on yo0, no-le mission3N 2he Col+ says5
T0,n 2o 3+
)E#
FF - Diamond
1+6
Ta.in/ o02 yo0, li/h2 7,ys2al3 2he so+2 li/h2 ill0mina2es 2he o60len2 in2e,io,5 The
,0/ is 7o1e,ed 4i2h an in2,i7a2e 6a22e,n and oil 6ain2in/s han/ on 2he 4ood 6anel
4alls5 Yo0 6i7. 06 2he 6a,7hmen2 on 2he 2a-le and 0n+old i25 I2 is a le22e,5
Laremidan
2ur lord "ishes to remind you of the large re"ard that is
#romised to you if you deliver the item to him% *he time dra"s near
and so he is im#atient and urges you to &ee# "atch over your guests
carefully% *hey may be travelling in disguise so be vigilant% ! &no"
you have the means to 1uietly gain entry to all of your guest3s rooms
in the *ub% ! urge you to use this access! /ut do not forget about the
!nn% !t is more li&ely they "ill stay in the chea#er of your
establishments% Remember that our lord #refers if the lady is not
harmed%
(e a"ait your re#ort%
-R+
So 2he o4ne, has -een 2old 2o 4a27h o02 +o, yo0, 6a,2y5 Can 2he 24o o+ yo0 6ass
4i2ho02 s0s6i7ionO Ca,e+0lly 6022in/ 2he 6a,7hmen2 -a7. in 6la7e3 yo0 -,ie+ly sea,7h
2he 7a-ine23 +indin/ i2 +0ll o+ 6e,sonal i2ems o+ no in2e,es2 o, 4o,2h5 Mo1in/ a,o0nd
2he -ed3 yo0 mo1e -ehind 2he s7,eens3 seein/ a d,esse,5 The,e is a la,/e >e4elle,y
-o8 he,e and yo0 o6en i2 2o loo. a2 2he >e4els5 B02 yo0 2a.e none3 no2 4an2in/ 2o
a,o0se s0s6i7ion o, 2a.e any2hin/ 2ha2 7an -e 2,a7ed5
Be+o,e yo0 lea1e3 yo0 loo. a2 2he 4all 2ha2 sho0ld ha1e 2he doo, leadin/ 2o 2he
-a2h,oom5 The,e is no doo, 2he,e5 The 4alls a,e made 06 o+ 4ooden 6anels 4i2h
/ilded +,ames5 Yo0 6o.e a2 2he 6anel 4he,e 2he doo, sho0ld -e and e1en20ally +ind i2
o6ens -y 60shin/ on a /ilded ROSE in 2he +,ame5 The,e is a 7li7. and 2he 6anel
s4in/s o024a,d3 ,e1ealin/ 2he -a2h,oom5
Yo0 no4 .no4 ho4 2o o6en se7,e2 6anels5 Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o do he,e3 yo0
,e20,n 2o 2he main hall5
T0,n 2o +11
1+5
Ridin/ -a7. 2o 2he 4a/on3 yo0 2ell Kianmay 2ha2 2he,e 4as a 4a27hman on 2he
6a2h ahead5 Ca02io0sly yo0, 6a,2y 6,o7eeds5 Yo0 6ass 2h,o0/h 2he /o,/e 4i2ho02
in7iden25
Fo, 2he ne82 24o days yo0 s7o02 ahead as 4ell3 -02 2he >o0,ney 2o 2he 2o4n
,emains 6ea7e+0l5
Remem-e, 2o 6ay yo0, men < /old 7oins ea7h3 and 20,n 2o 034
)E%
FF - Diamond
112
LI?m loo.in/ +o, +i,e4ood3N yo0 say5
The +a2 man /,0n2s5 LThis 4ay 2hen5N He leads yo0 2h,o0/h 2he 4a/ons 2o one
2ha2 is 6iled hi/h 4i2h +i,e4ood5 He 20,ns -a7. 2o yo0 and holds o02 his hand5
Yo0 loo. a2 his hand5 LAm I s066osed 2o /i1e yo0 some2hin/ON yo0 as.5
LYo0, allo7a2ion no2i7eMN 2he +a2 man sho02s5
LI 4asn?2 /i1en one3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LThen /o and /e2 one3 yo0 d0n/-headed +oolM This is an a,my3 no2 a 2em6leMN
Yo0 h0,,y a4ay and de7ide 2o /o -a7. 2o Kianmay5 She is s2ill 4ai2in/ inside 2he
2en2 and yo0 sli6 inside and ,es0me yo0, 4ai2in/5
T0,n 2o +2
110
De7idin/ 2o 2al. mo,e3 yo0 ans4e, 2he Co0n2?s 90es2ion5 LI .no4 many 2hin/s5
Some 2hin/s 4hi7h any man may hea,3 o2he,s 4hi7hIa,e -es2 .e62 as 90ie2 as
6ossi-le5N
Ra0l /lan7es a2 his manse,1an23 .no4in/ yo0 a,e ,e+e,,in/ 2o him5 LCell3 4e
shall see 4hi7h i2 is a+2e, yo0 -e/in 2al.in/5N
Yo0 nod5 LI am a me,7han2 /0a,d3 2,a1ellin/ +,om Ya2e/an5 A 6a,2y ma27hin/
yo0, des7,i62ion has 2,a1elled alon/side o+ 0s5 They a,e dis/0ised as me,7han2s3 -02
2hei, dis/0ise is 6oo,5 A2 leas2 2o anyone 4i2h an e86e,ien7ed eye5N
LThey a,e he,e no4ON Ra0l as.s ea/e,ly5
L"ossi-ly3N yo0 say 7oyly5 LChy a,e yo0 so in2e,es2ed in 2his 6,ies2essO I do no2
4ish 2o hel6 yo0 ha,m he,5N
LI2 is no2 he, 2ha2 I 4an23 i2 is 4ha2 she has3N Ra0l ,e6lies5 LAn a,2e+a72 o+ li22le
1al0e 2o mos23 -02 1e,y 1al0a-le 2o me5 I am a 7olle72o,5N
LYo0, men ha1e a22a7.ed 2he 6,ies2ess?s 6a,2y mo,e 2han on7e5 Many ha1e died5
Cha2 so,2 o+ 7olle72o, a,e yo0ON
Ra0l -e7omes im6a2ien25 LI am no2 he,e 2o ha1e a 7on1e,sa2ion 4i2h yo05N He
/lan7es a2 2he manse,1an25 LFe27h my s2,on/-o8MN
The manse,1an2 ,el072an2ly -o4s and mo1es a4ay3 6022in/ do4n 2he 2,ay and
lea1in/ 2he ,oom5 Ra0l /la,es a2 yo05 LNo4 2ell me 4he,e she is and I 4ill /i1e yo0
)** /old 6ie7es5N
L&e2?s 4ai2 0n2il I see 2he /old5 Do yo0 mind i+ I ha1e 2ha2 4ineON yo0 as.3
6oin2in/ a2 2he side 2a-le5
LGo aheadMN Ra0l says i,,i2a-ly3 and ,aises his /lass 2o his li6s5
Yo0 mo1e +o,4a,d as i+ 2o a66,oa7h 2he 2a-le3 yo0, hand d,a4in/ yo0, da//e,
0nde, yo0, 7loa.5 Ra0l 2osses his head -a7.3 e86osin/ his 2h,oa25 Yo0 l0n/e +o,4a,d
and 2h,0s2 yo0, da//e, in2o his ne7.3 7022in/ his 2h,oa2 o6en5 Yo0 s2e6 -a7. as Ra0l
s2a//e,s3 s2a,in/ a2 yo0 4i2h 4ide eyes3 his -lood 6o0,in/ do4n his 7hes25 He +alls 2o
)E'
FF - Diamond
his .nees3 7l027hin/ a2 his 2h,oa2: 2he /lass +alls 2o 2he +loo, and smashes in2o 6ie7es5
A momen2 la2e, Ra0l 7olla6ses on2o his +a7e and all is s2ill5
Yo0 de7ide 2o lea1e 90i7.ly3 and a2 2he doo,4ay3 ,0n in2o 2he dimin02i1e
manse,1an25 He is 7a,,yin/ a s2,on/-o8 in his hands5 He /lan7es a2 Ra0l?s dead -ody
dis6assiona2ely3 and loo.s -a7. a2 yo05 Yo0 loo. a2 2he s2,on/-o8 in his hands5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 2a.e 2he s2,on/-o8O T0,n 2o +12
To >0s2 lea1e3 20,n 2o +37
11+
The se7ond soldie, +alls dead5 Yo0 90i7.ly /a2he, yo0, 2hin/s3 d,essin/ in yo0,
a,mo0, and 60llin/ on yo0, -oo2s5 Yo0 90i7.ly sea,7h 2he /0a,ds3 +indin/ )# /old
7oins3 and a +las. o+ s2,on/ al7ohol5 The /0a,ds ha1e lon/s4o,ds and da//e,s3 4hi7h
yo0 7an 2a.e 2o 0se i+ yo0 4ish5 I+ yo0 4ish3 yo0 may 2a.e one o+ 2he soldie,?s
-,eas26la2es3 helms @A,mo0, G )A and -l0e 7loa.s3 i+ yo0 4ish 2o dis/0ise yo0,sel+ as a
/0a,dsman la2e, on5
Has2ily lea1in/ 2he inn3 yo0 mo1e o++ do4n 2he s2,ee25 De7idin/ 2o hide 2he
Diamond Key3 yo0 /o -a7. 2o 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o, 2he D,a/on-slaye,5 The
sh,ine is li2 -y a sin/le 2all 7andle and yo0 sli6 inside5 The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine is made
o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a loose one5 I2
is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/ in2o 2he ha,d
soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key +,om 2he 7lo2h -a/
and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2 +la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
111
The 2a8 7olle72o, o,de,s 2he /a2e 2o -e o6ened5 As yo0 a,e a-o02 2o lea1e3 he says
in a 7as0al 2one; LThe,e -e many a1alan7hes ,e7en2ly5 Ho6e yo0 ma.e 2h,o0/h5N
He s2,e27hes o02 one hand3 a66a,en2ly e8aminin/ his 7la4s5 Yo0 .no4 2ha2 he is
o++e,in/ 2o sell yo0 in+o,ma2ion a-o02 4hi7h 4ay is 7lea,5 LHo4 m07hON yo0 as.5
LFo, yo03 only # /oldMN he says 4i2h a /,in5
LCha2 a-o02 2his 20nnelON yo0 as.3 ,emem-e,in/ 4ha2 2he inn.ee6e, 2old yo05
The o,7?s eyes 4iden 4i2h deli/h25 LAh3 yo0 4anna 2a.e da 20nnelO Only )*
/oldMN
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
Find yo0, o4n 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he mo0n2ainsO T0,n 2o 01
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6ay +o, in+o,ma2ion3 20,n 2o 144
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2a.e 2he 20nnel3 20,n 2o 046
)E(
FF - Diamond
113
Yo0 sha.e &a,emidan?s hand and -id him a /ood ni/h25 He and his se,1an2 lea1e5
Yo0 loo. a2 2he a,m-and on7e mo,e5 He 2,ied 2o 6oison yo05 Is he li.ely 2o send a
man 2o snea. in a+2e, yo0 a,e aslee6O
I+ yo0 4an2 2o .ee6 a 4a27h3 20,n 2o 56
I+ yo0 2hin. i2 is sa+e 2o slee63 20,n 2o +82
117
Yo0 sho4 Kianmay 2he 4in/ed helm5 She 2ells yo0 i2 is has 2he 6o4e, o+ 2,0e
si/h23 and 4ill ,e1eal 2o yo0 2he hidden na20,e o+ 7e,2ain -ein/s5
Re20,n no4 2o +32
118
Yo0 .no7. on 2he doo, and 2a.e a s2e6 -a7.4a,ds5 Yo0 hea, mo1emen2 inside3
2hen 2he lo7. 7li7.s5 The doo, s4in/s o6en and a +i/0,e s2e6s o02 in2o 2he hall3
ma.in/ yo0 -a7. a4ay e1en mo,e5
S2andin/ 2he,e is a h0/e o,75 I2 loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h s0,6,ise and 70,iosi2y5 I2 is 7lad
in a sim6le lon/ 20ni7 o+ 0ndyed 4ool and i2s +ee2 a,e -a,e5 O-1io0sly i2 4as no2
e86e72in/ 2o 4al. in2o 7om-a25 Ho4e1e,3 i2 is 7a,,yin/ a 4i7.ed-loo.in/3 lon/-
handled -a22lea8e as 2all as yo0 a,e5
&oo.in/ 06 a2 2he -l0e-s.inned mons2,osi2y3 yo0 a,e no2 ea/e, 2o +i/h2 i25 I2 /,ins
do4n a2 yo0: a /es20,e 2ha2 7anno2 loo. +,iendly 4i2h 2hose 20s.s5 Yo0 ha1e only a
momen2 2o de7ide 4ha2 2o do5
R0n a4ayO T0,n 2o +45
A22a7. 2he /ian2 o,7 -e+o,e i2 a22a7.s yo0O T0,n 2o 0+5
Say hello5 T0,n 2o 143
114
Yo0 /,in a2 2he man3 2hen 20,n and ,0n 2o4a,ds 2he o2he, doo,5 Yo0 hea, 2he man
-ehind yo0 sho02 a 4o,d 2ha2 ma.es yo0, insides 1i-,a2e5 B0s2 -e+o,e yo0 ,ea7h 2he
doo, some2hin/ smashes in2o yo03 6,o6ellin/ yo0 a/ains2 2he doo, 4i2h e1en /,ea2e,
s6eed5 Yo0 smash yo0, head in2o 2he 4ood and +all 2o 2he /,o0nd 0n7ons7io0s5
Some 2ime la2e, yo0 4a.e +,om 2he 6ain+0l da,.ness 2o a s2,an/e ,o7.in/
sensa2ion5 As yo0, mind 7lea,s3 yo0 /,ad0ally -e7ome a4a,e 2ha2 yo0 a,e 2ied 2o a
ho,se5 Yo0 li+2 yo0, head3 seein/ a 7loa.ed +i/0,e on a ho,se ahead o+ yo03 holdin/
2he ,ei/ns o+ yo0, mo0n25 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd3 and see no2hin/ -02 2he ,oad3 4indin/
a7,oss 2he 20nd,a5
LChe,e am ION yo0 as.5
The +i/0,e 20,ns3 and yo0 see 2ha2 i2 is Kianmay5 She /,ins a2 yo0 and d,a4s 2he
ho,ses 2o a s2o65 LA4a.e a2 las2MN She dismo0n2s and -e/ins 2o 0n2ie yo0, hands5
LCha2 ha66enedON yo0 as.5
)EE
FF - Diamond
Kianmay is smilin/5 LYo0 4e,e hi2 4i2h a ma/i7al >a1elinM Se,1es yo0 ,i/h2 +o,
snea.in/ a-o02 and 2hie1in/MN
He, eyes s6a,.le 4i2h am0semen25 Yo0 ,0- yo0, 4,is2s and si2 065 Yo0, 4hole
-ody is a7hin/ and yo0 /e2 do4n +,om 2he saddle3 and loo. -a7. do4n 2he ,oad5 LThe
Col+ le2 0s /oON
LOh3 yes5N Kianmay says ha66ily5 She 60lls a 7o,d +,om a,o0nd he, ne7.3
,e1ealin/ 2he 7lo2h -a/5 LHe ,e20,ned 2o me 2he Diamond Key5N
LSo he didn?2 .no4 4ha2 i2 4asON yo0 as.5
LOh3 he .ne43N Kianmay ,e6lies5 LA2 leas2 he .ne4 i2 7o0ld ma.e him immo,2al5
The so,7e,e, yo0 me2 dis7e,ned i2s na20,e5 The Col+ s2o66ed 0s -e7a0se he .ne4 2ha2
Kin/ Da,m 4as loo.in/ +o, 0s5 He >0s2 4an2ed 2o .no4 4hy5 I 2old him 4ha2 I
4an2ed 2o do 4i2h 2he Key and he le2 0s /oM He is a no-le and >0s2 man5N
She s2ill seems am0sed a2 some2hin/5 LCha2 is so +0nnyON yo0 as. he,5
Kianmay /,ins5 LHe >0d/ed yo0 2o -e a 2hie+3 so he .e62 all o+ yo0, 2hin/s3 -02
e90i66ed yo0 +o, 2he ,es2 o+ 2he >o0,ney5N
&oo.in/ do4n yo0 see 2ha2 yo0 a,e d,essed in 6lain lea2he, a,mo0, 4i2h an
0ndyed 4oollen 7loa.5 A2 yo0, -el2 is a 60,se3 4hi7h 7on2ains only * /old 7oins3 and
a 6lain3 -02 se,1i7ea-le da//e,5 On 2he saddle o+ yo0, ho,se han/s a simila,ly 6lain
-02 se,1i7ea-le lon/s4o,d in a lea2he, s7a--a,d5 All o+ yo0, o2he, -elon/in/s a,e
/one5
LCha2 is so +0nny a-o02 2hisON yo0 4an2 2o .no43 lamen2in/ 2he loss o+ yo0,
ma/i7al i2ems5
LOh3 i2 is no2 so +0nny as +i22in/3 I 2hin.5N
She 7lim-s -a7. in2o 2he saddle and yo0 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o +ollo45
T0,n 2o +51
116
Yo0 a,e a-o02 2o lea1e 2he sh,ine 4hen yo0 see a messen/e, ,0n 6as25 He 4ea,s
2he li1e,y o+ 2he Kin/3 his 20ni7 and 6an2s da,. -l0e 4i2h a 4hi2e lion 06on 2he -,eas25
Yo0 s2ay in 2he shado4s and 4a27h 2he messen/e, ,0n s2,ai/h2 in2o 2he 2em6le o+ 2he
Chi2e Goddess5 Cha2 7o0ld 2he messa/e -eO I2 m0s2 -e im6o,2an2 +o, 2he messen/e,
2o ,0n s2,ai/h2 in 2he +,on2 doo,3 e1en a2 ni/h25
Yo0 a,e 7onside,in/ 4ha2 2o do 4hen yo0 see 2he messen/e, -oy eme,/e5 He 2,o2s
alon/3 his messa/e deli1e,ed5 As 2he -oy 6asses 2he Sh,ine3 yo0 ,ea7h o02 and /,a-
him5 B0ndlin/ him in2o a da,. 7o,ne,3 yo0 hold him a,o0nd 2he ne7. and 2,y 2o loo.
mena7in/5
LCha2 messa/e did yo0 deli1e, 2o 2he so,7e,e,ON yo0 demand5
The -oy is al,eady a+,aid3 and a2 yo0, men2ion o+ 2he so,7e,e, /a6s5 LB->0s2 2ha2
2he 6,ies2ess has -een 7a620,edMN
LF,om 4he,eON yo0 as.5
LI don?2 .no4MN 2he -oy says5
LChe,e a,e 2hey .ee6in/ he,ON
LI don?2 .no4MN
The 6e2,i+ied -oy doesn?2 .no4 m07h a2 all5 He is >0s2 a messen/e, a+2e, all5
Thin.in/ a-o02 4ha2 a messen/e, -oy mi/h2 .no4 2ha2 7an -e 0se+0l3 yo0 7oe,7e him
in2o des7,i-in/ 2o yo0 2he layo02 o+ 2he 6ala7e5 The /,o0nd +loo, o+ 2he 6ala7e has 2he
so-7alled 60-li7 7ham-e,s3 4he,e 1a,io0s o++i7ials ha1e 2hei, o++i7es3 and 2he -a,,a7.s
**
FF - Diamond
+o, 2he /0a,ds5 The d0n/eons a,e 0nde,/,o0nd5 The +i,s2 +loo, 7on2ains 2he 6,i1a2e
7ham-e,s o+ 2hose 4ho li1e in 2he 6ala7e5 The hi/hes2 +loo, -elon/s 2o 2he Kin/3 and
is assessa-le only -y a lon/ s2ai,4ay3 4hi7h is o1e,loo.ed -y /0a,d s2a2ions5 Anyone
4ho 7lim-s 2he s2ai, m0s2 ha1e a lion em-lem and hold i2 alo+2 as 2hey 7lim- 2he s2ai,s
o, 2hey 4ill -e sho2 4i2ho02 90es2ion -y 7,oss-o4s5
The -oy has an em-lem and yo0 2a.e i2 +,om him5 I2 is a 6alm-siKed dis7 o+ i1o,y
4i2h a ,am6an2 lion o+ ony8 inlaid in one +a7e5 Yo0 2ell 2he -oy he 7an /o3 -02
ins2,072 him no2 2o ,0n5 Se22in/ him do4n3 yo0 4a27h him -e/in 2o 4al. s2i++ly a4ay
+,om yo05 Yo0 aim yo0, -lo4 7a,e+0lly and .no7. him o02 7old5
Yo0 2a.e 2he -oy and lea1e him in a 2i7.e2 o+ 2,ees 4he,e he is hidden and sho0ld
-e ,ela2i1ely 4a,m5 Yo0 2hen ,ise and lea1e 2he ,eli/io0s 6,e7in725
T0,n 2o 18+
115
Ta.in/ o02 2he i1o,y ,in/3 yo0 a66,oa7h Kianmay3 4ho s2ill s2ands nea, 2he
4a/on3 loo.in/ 0nha66ily a2 2he +a2 old o8en5 She s2i++ens as she 20,ns 2o yo03 s2ill
an/,y5
LI?m so,,y3N yo0 say5 LI2?s my +i,s2 2ime -0yin/ o8en5 B02 he,e3 I /o2 yo0 2his5N
Yo0 e82end 2o he, 2he ,in/5 &oo.in/ a2 2he small -and o+ deli7a2ely 7a,1ed i1o,y3
yo0 see he, eyes da,.en5 Is she e1en mo,e an/,yO She sna27hes i2 +,om yo0, hand3
2,em-lin/ 4i2h ,a/e as she /la,es a2 yo05 He, 1oi7e 2,em-les as she says; LYo0 2hin. I
4ish 2o ado,n mysel+ 4i2h a dead animalO One 2ha2 4as li1in/ in 6ea7e and ha66iness
-e+o,e h0mans li.e yo0 .illed i2 +o, no 2,0e 7a0seO I 4ish I had ne1e, 7alled yo0 o02
o+ 2ha2 d,0n.en ho1elM Go a4ayM I don?2 need yo0 any mo,e5 Yo0 ha1e done eno0/h
dama/eMN
She s2al.s 6as2 yo05 Yo0 20,n 2o a,/0e3 -02 "enma,. is 2he,e and yo0, 4o,ds
+al2e,5 The,e is no2hin/ yo0 7an do o, say5 Fo, some ,eason yo0 +eel ashamed ins2ead
o+ an/,y3 and 7olle72 yo0, 2hin/s5 As yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o4a,ds Red Ri1e,3
yo0 see &ady Kianmay .neelin/ in 2he di,2 0nde, a +lo4e,in/ 2,ee5 She -0,ies 2he ,in/
and 7las6s he, hands in 6,aye,3 6,ayin/ +o, 2he so0l o+ 2he /,ea2 mammo2h slain5
This ad1en20,e is o1e, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,e20,n 2o Red Ri1e,3 see.in/ sola7e in ale and
2he a,ms o+ a 6e,+0med lady5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
132
De2e,mined 2o do a4ay 4i2h 2his -eas23 yo0 lea6 +o,4a,d3 -,in/in/ yo0, 4ea6on 2o
-ea,5 The Col+ mo1es 90i7.ly3 +a, mo,e 90i7.ly 2ha2 yo0 e86e725 He also mo1es in a
di,e72ion yo0 do no2 e86e72; 2o4a,ds yo05 He s2e6s 6as2 yo0, a22a7. and seiKes yo0,
a,m3 h0,lin/ yo0 o1e, in 2he ai, 4i2h 2e,,i+i7 s2,en/2h5 Yo0 land 4i2h a 6ain+0l 2h0m6
in 2he 7i,7le o+ men5 They ,ea7h o02 and hold yo0 2o 2he /,o0nd3 ea7h a,m +illed 4i2h
2he same /,ea2 s2,en/2h as 2he Col+5 They a,e all 4e,e4ol1esM
The Col+ mo1es 2o 4he,e yo0 7an see him5 LYo0 seem 2o -elie1e a 4e,e4ol+
m0s2 die3 ,e/a,dless o+ hono0,5 Yo0 ha1e m07h 2o lea,n5 The,e+o,e3 I shall -e yo0,
mas2e,5N &oo.in/ 2o one o+ his men3 he says; LBi2e him5N
*)
FF - Diamond
One o+ 2he 4a,,io,s leans +o,4a,d5 A 7hill o+ +ea, ,0ns 2h,o0/h yo0 as 2he man?s
da,. eyes 20,n /olden3 /leamin/ 4i2h a 4ild 6o4e, 2ha2 seems -a,ely 7on2ained in 2he
h0man +o,m5 He o6ens his >a43 ,e1ealin/ 2ee2h 2ha2 /,o4 lon/ and 6oin2ed5 SeiKin/
yo0, a,m3 he -,in/s i2 2o his mo02h and -i2es yo0 on 2he +o,ea,m5
He ,eleases yo0, a,m and 2he ,es2 o+ 2he 4e,e4ol1es ,elease yo05 Yo0 s7,am-le
a4ay +,om 2he 7i,7le and s20m-le 2o yo0, +ee25 A6a,2 +,om 2he 4o0nd in yo0, a,m3
yo0 +eel no di++e,en25
As i+ ,eadin/ yo0, 2ho0/h2s3 2he Col+ says; LCi2h 2he ne82 +0ll moon3 4hi7h is in
2en days3 yo0 4ill 0nde,/o yo0, +i,s2 2,ans+o,ma2ion5 Then yo0 shall -e 7han/ed5
Then yo0 4ill ,e20,n 2o me5 No4 /o5N
T0,n 2o 3+
130
&ea1in/ 2he 7,o4d3 yo0 and Kianmay 2a.e 2he ,oad 2ha2 ,0ns a,o0nd 2he -ase o+
2he massi1e 4all5 Yo0 soon 7ome 2o a small se,1i7e /a2e5 He,e 2he /0a,ds a,e
7he7.in/ e1e,y-ody 4ho /oes 2h,o0/h5 The /0a,ds ha1e seen yo0 and yo0 don?2
4an2 2o a,o0se s0s6i7ion3 so yo0 m0s2 7on2in0e 06 2o 2he /a2e5
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a -,eas26la2e 4i2h 2he 2o4e, and s2a,s sym-ol o+ A,an2a2o,O
I+ so3 20,n 2o 61
O2he,4ise 20,n 2o 087
13+
Yo0 4al. o1e, 2o 2he 7losed doo,5 Yo0 lis2en 7a,e+0lly -e+o,e 2,yin/ 2he handle5
The doo, is lo7.ed5 Cha2 no4O
Kno7. on 2he doo,O T0,n 2o 118
",y +,ee a li/h2 7,ys2alO T0,n 2o 135
O2he,4ise yo0 7an /o -a7. and in1es2i/a2e 2he di//in/ so0nds5 T0,n 2o 168
131
Yo0 2ell 2he 6,ies2 2ha2 yo0 ha1e 7han/ed yo0, mind5
L$e,y 4ell3N he says5 LB02 .no4 2ha2 4hen 2he ne82 +0ll moon ,ises I shall see.
yo0 o02 and slay yo05 Fo, 2hen i2 shall -e 2oo la2e 2o sa1e yo05N
Ci2h 2ha2 a4.4a,d s2a2emen23 he es7o,2s yo0 -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he 2em6le o+ o,de, and
yo0 lea1e 2o ,es0me yo0, mission5
T0,n 2o 343
*
FF - Diamond
133
&oo.in/ o02 on 2he -a22le3 yo0 see i2 is /oin/ 1e,y -adly5 The,e a,e o1e, 24en2y o+
2he Raide,s5 &oo.in/ a2 2he s7,0-less land yo0 4onde, ho4 2hey mana/ed 2o snea. 06
on yo05 S0ddenly "enma,. +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd in +,on2 o+ yo03 his -lood 6o0,in/ o02
o+ him5 Kianmay s7,eams in ho,,o,5
The ,aide,s 6ee, 0nde, 2he 7a,2 and la0/h a2 yo03 >a--in/ 2o4a,ds yo0 4i2h 2hei,
s4o,ds5 The ,es2 o+ 2he ,aide,s a,e +inishin/ o++ 2he 6aladin3 yo0, me,7han2 /0a,ds
ha1in/ -ein/ all .illed o, mo,e li.ely +led5 The ,aide,s s0,,o0nd yo0 and s2a,2 2o 2a0n2
yo05 Thei, +0n soon ends as 2he ho,seman ,ides 065 He 7ommands 2hem 2o s2and
7lea, and >0m6s do4n +,om his saddle5 Yo0 see his 2ooled lea2he, -oo2s a66,oa7h3
2hen he 7,o07hes and loo.s a2 2he 24o o+ yo0 4i2h a smile5 He is a 6,o0d loo.in/
man3 4i2h lon/3 2hin -la7. mo0s2a7hes 2ha2 ,ea7h his 7hes25 He is 4ea,in/ a /olden
helm and a da,. -l0e 7loa. lined 4i2h -la7. +0,5 Yo0 see 2h,o0/h 2he 7loa. 2ha2 he is
4ea,in/ a sil1e, -,eas26la2e3 inlaid 4i2h a 2o4e, and 2h,ee s2a,s in /old5 I2 is 2he
sym-ol o+ A,an2a2o,5
LG,ee2in/s3 Alyn Mei5 Co0ld yo0 and yo0, 7om6anion 6lease 7ome o02 +,om
2he,eO I 6,omise yo0 2ha2 yo0 4ill 7ome 2o no ha,m5N
Kianmay hesi2a2es3 -02 2hen 7,a4ls o02 +,om 0nde, 2he 7a,23 2he no-leman /i1in/
he, his hand and hel6in/ he, 2o he, +ee25 Yo0 +ollo43 and 2he ,aide,s ,o0/hly s2,i6 yo0
o+ yo0, 4ea6ons5
The no-leman lea1es 2o iss0e o,de,s5 Yo0, 6a,2y?s ho,ses a,e /a2he, 2o/e2he, and
4ha2e1e, 1al0a-les 2he 7a,2 and yo0, dead ha1e a,e loaded on2o 2hem5 Ano2he, ,aide,
leadin/ a line o+ ho,ses a66ea,s in 2he dis2an7e and a66,oa7hes as 2he ,aide,s load 2he
dead in2o 2he 4a/on and se2 i2 on +i,e5 They se2 2he o8en +,ee3 -02 2he -eas2s do no2
4ande, +a, +,om 2he 4a/on and yo0 4onde, 4ha2 4ill -e7ome o+ 2hem5
Yo0 and Kianmay a,e 602 on ho,ses3 2he ,ei/ns held -y a ,aide,3 and yo0 se2 o++ as
7a62i1es3 2he +lames -ehind yo0 sendin/ smo.e in2o 2he s.y5
T0,n 2o 156
137
Yo0 i/no,e 2he 6,i7.lin/ sensa2ion in yo0, hand as yo0 /,as6 2he s4o,d5 Yo0 s2a,2
2o d,a4 i2 o02 o+ 2he -o83 4hen a 6ain s0ddenly 2,a1els 06 yo0, a,m5 Yo0 d,o6 2he
s4o,d lo0dly -e+o,e 2he a,7 o+ 6ain 7an en2e, yo0, 7hes23 -02 e1en d0lled i2 s2ill
s6,eads 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody @&ose % STAMINAA5 The 70,2ain is 60lled aside3 and yo0
s2a,e in2o 2he 4ild /aKe o+ Gilmo,e 2he G,oa25
He o6ens his mo02h 2o s6ea.3 -02 yo0 di1e +o, 2he 2en2 4all and ,oll 0nde, i25
Clim-in/ 2o yo0, +ee23 yo0 dash a7,oss 2he 7am6 and in2o 2he 0nde,/,o42h as sho02s
7ome a+2e, yo05 Yo0 6l0n/e 4ildly 2h,o0/h 2he +o,es23 no2 s2o66in/ 0n2il yo0 ,ea7h
yo0, ho,se5 Yo0 7lim- in2o 2he saddle and /allo6 -a7. 2o4a,ds 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 6a,2y5
T0,n 2o 080
*<
FF - Diamond
138
Ma.in/ yo0, 4ay 2o 2he Ele/an2 "ea7o7.3 yo0 a66,oa7h 2he 7le,. a2 2he +,on2 des.5
Yo0 /i1e him 2he le22e, and as. 2ha2 i2 -e deli1e,ed 2o one Co0n2 Ra0l o+ E,inha,n5
Yo0 2hen /o -a7. 2o yo0, o4n inn5
Yo0 2,y 2o /e2 mo,e de2ail o02 o+ Kianmay a-o02 4ha2 she in2ends3 -02 she is
de2e,mined 2ha2 she 4ill /o 2o 2he ma,.e23 4i2h >0s2 yo0 2o a77om6any he,3 and deal
4i2h Ra0l -y he,sel+5 Yo0 2ell he, he 4ill 6,o-a-ly ha1e all his men 4i2h him3 e87e62
+o, 2he +e4 he?ll 602 on 2he ,oo+2o6s 4i2h -o4s5 She is 0n+aKed3 2ellin/ yo0 she is no2
in2endin/ any 2,ea7he,y5
Yo0 2al. 2o "enma,. 4hen he ,e20,ns3 as.in/ him 2o 2,y and 7han/e he, mind5 He
2ells yo0 2ha2 i+ she is de2e,mined3 no2hin/ 4ill 7han/e he, mind3 and also s0//es2s
2ha2 yo0 2,0s2 he,5 She is a 6,ies2ess3 no2 a me,7han2 /0a,d3 and has a di++e,en2 4ay o+
doin/ 2hin/s5
A +oolish 4ay3 yo0 7on7l0de5 Yo0 /o do4n 2o 2he .i27hens 2o en>oy a meal -e+o,e
yo0, 6ossi-le demise5 Chen 2he 2ime 7omes3 yo0 mee2 Kianmay in 2he 7ommon
,oom3 and 2o/e2he, yo0 4al. o02 in2o 2he s2,ee25 Silen2ly yo0 6,o7eed 2o 2he
ma,.e26la7e5
I2 is s2ill 7,o4ded3 2he ai, +illed 4i2h 1endo,s des7,i-in/ 2hei, 4a,es3 and 2he small
o+ a 2ho0sand di++e,en2 6,od072s5 B02 i2 is no2 di++i70l2 2o +ind Ra0l5 A .no2 o+ ei/h2
soldie,s s2ands in 2he 1e,y 7en2,e o+ 2he ma,.e2 s90a,e3 +o,7in/ e1e,yone 2o mo1e
a,o0nd 2hem5
Kianmay 4al.s s2,ai/h2 2o4a,ds 2hem5 As yo0 nea,3 yo0 see Ra0l 6a7in/
im6a2ien2ly in 2he middle5 He is a 2all3 2hin man o+ middle yea,s 4i2h lon/ish -la7.
hai, and a hoo.ed nose5 He is d,essed in +0ll 6la2e mail -enea2h his -la7. and /old
7loa.5 He sees Kianmay 7omin/ and 7ommands his men 2o s2e6 -a7. and ma.e ,oom5
They o6en in2o a semi7i,7le3 and Kianmay 4al.s ,i/h2 06 2o him5 Ci2h 2he 6,essin/
7,o4d3 2he soldie,s -e/in 2o 7lose in a/ain5 Yo0 a,e no2 ea/e, 2o s2e6 in2o a .no2 o+
enemy soldie,s3 and 2hey 7lose in +,on2 o+ yo03 lea1in/ Kianmay and Ra0l 2o/e2he,
inside5
Yo0 7an?2 hea, 4ha2 2hey a,e sayin/3 -02 Kianmay a66ea,s 2o -e 2,yin/ 2o
7on1in7e him o+ some2hin/5 He sha.es his head5 Finally she 2a.es o02 a small
4ooden -o8 2he siKe o+ yo0, hand and o++e,s i2 2o Ra0l5 His eyes 4iden3 and 4i2h
2,em-lin/ hands he sna27hes 2he -o8 +,om he,5
He s2a,es a2 i2 in a4e and e87i2emen25 Yo0 60sh 7lose,3 i/no,in/ 2he soldie,
/la,in/ a2 yo0, ea,5 Yo0 7an no4 >0s2 hea, 4ha2 2hey a,e sayin/5
He loo.s 063 some s0s6i7ion en2e,in/ his e86,ession5 LThe Diamond Key is 2,0ly
in he,eON he as.s5
LI2 is3N Kianmay ,e6lies5
The 4o,d o+ a 6,ies2ess 7anno2 -e do0-2ed3 and all his 7a02ion +alls a4ay5
T,em-lin/3 he o6ens 2he lid and his eyes 4iden in 4onde,5 Yo0 7,ane yo0, ne7.3 -02
yo0 7an?2 see 4ha2 is inside5 Co0n2 Ra0l?s eyes s0ddenly +li7.e, and he +ain2s in
deli/h23 7olla6sin/ in 2he m0d5 Kianmay 90i7.ly s7oo6s 06 2he -o8 and i2 disa66ea,s
-a7. in2o 2he de62hs o+ he, ,o-e5
Kianmay s2a,2s 2o lea1e as Ra0l?s men /a2he, 2o 6i7. him 065 One /,a-s he, a,m5
LHe?s aslee6MN yo0 hea, one soldie, e87laim5
The soldie, holdin/ Kianmay slo4ly ,eleases he,3 and she mo1es a4ay5 Yo0
+ollo4 a+2e, he, and 7a27h 06 on7e she is 7lea, o+ 2he ma,.e2s5
LCha2 ha66ens 4hen he 4a.es 06ON yo0 as.5
*=
FF - Diamond
LHe 4on?23N Kianmay e86lains5 LI 6la7ed a slee6in/ s6ell 06on him5 He 4ill
slee6 0n2il I li+2 i25 O, a 6o4e,+0l 4iKa,d5N
Yo0 ,e20,n 2o yo0, inn3 and Kianmay /oes 06s2ai,s5 Yo0 6a0se 2o 4a27h 2he s2,ee2
+o, a 4hile3 ma.in/ s0,e yo0 ha1e no2 -een +ollo4ed5 Yo0 see no2hin/ s0s6i7io0s3 so
yo0 /o 06s2ai,s 2o s6ea. 2o Kianmay5
T0,n 2o +52
134
Yo0 sha.e yo0, head5 LCha2 a,e 2he 7han7es o+ all 2hose sho6s -ein/ s2ill o6enON
Yo0 6,o2es25
Kianmay 4,in/s he, hands5 LI 7anno2 -ea, 2o 4ai2 0n2il 2omo,,o4MN
Do yo0 and Kianmay -e24een yo0 ha1e a 7,ys2al -all and a ma/i7-enhan7in/ 6ea,lO
I+ so3 20,n 2o 46
O2he,4ise3 she loo.s so s2,essed 2ha2 yo0 ha1e a 7han/e o+ hea,25 T0,n 2o ++4
136
The >ade ,in/ on yo0, +in/e, 2ells yo0 2ha2 he is lyin/5 So Qa,im has -een ,e6la7ed
as 4ell5 No2 4an2in/ 2o lea1e 2he old man 2o ,aise 2he ala,m3 yo0 de7ide 2o en2e, 2he
,oom and 6lay alon/ +o, a li22le lon/e,5
T0,n 2o 304
135
Ta.in/ o02 yo0, da//e,3 yo0 /o o1e, 2o 2he 4all and 6,y +,ee one o+ 2he /lo4in/
/ems5 A+2e, se1e,al min02es yo0 4o,. i2 +,ee5 Yo0, da//e, 2i6 is -l0n2ed3 -02 yo0
e8amine 2he 6alm-siKed >e4el 4i2h 2,i0m6h5 I2 7on2in0es 2o /lo45
Cha2 no4O
O6en o2he, doo,O T0,n 2o +44
O2he,4ise yo0 7an /o -a7. and in1es2i/a2e 2he di//in/ so0nds5 T0,n 2o 168
172
I+ 2he,e 4e,e mo,e 2han )* +i/h2e,s in yo0, 6a,2y3 in7l0din/ yo0,sel+3 2he me,7han2
/0a,ds and 2he 6aladin3 20,n 2o 66, I+ yo0, 6a,2y is )* o, less3 20,n 2o +54
170
*#
FF - Diamond
Con2in0in/ s2,ai/h2 on3 yo0 ma.e /ood 2ime in2o 2he mo0n2ains3 -02 2he 7old -i2es
dee6e, and dee6e, in2o yo0 as 2he days 6ass5 Ea7h ni/h2 yo0 h0ddle a,o0nd a +i,e3
+eelin/ mise,a-le5
On 2he +i+2h day 2h,o0/h 2he mo0n2ains3 yo0 ha1e ,ea7hed 2he hi/hes2 6oin23 and
7an see a s6e72a70la, 1ie4 o+ 2he no,2he,n lands5 I2 is also s0nny on 2his day3 2he li/h2
s6a,.in/ 4a,mly on 2he sno45 Yo0 a,e in a /ood mood5
I2 is a-o02 midday 4hen yo0 hea, 2he +i,s2 -a,.5 An ho0, la2e, yo0 a,e 0,/in/ 2he
o8en as +as2 as 2hey 7an /o5 The -a,.in/ and 2he /0220,al la0/h2e, is 7lose -ehind
no45 "enma,. ,ides 06 -eside yo05
LCe 7anno2 o02,0n 2hemM &e2 0s +ind a 6la7e 4e 7an de+end and s2and o0,
/,o0ndMN
Yo0 a/,ee and yo0 soon see a mo0nd o+ ,o7. and sno45 Yo0 lea1e 2he 7a,2
-ehind i2 and /a2he, yo0, men on 2he 2o6 o+ 2he mo0nd3 4ea6ons d,a4n3 4i2h
Kianmay h0ddled 6,o2e72i1ely in 2he middle5
Ne,1o0sly yo0 4ai25 Min02es la2e, yo0 see a /,ea2 4hi2e -eas2 -o0nd a,o0nd a
7o,ne,3 a li2he -la7. +i/0,e ,0nnin/ a+2e, i2 holdin/ a 7hain leash5 The -eas2 ,oa,s5 I2
is some2hin/ li.e a 4ol+ and a -ea, ,olled in2o one 6o4e,+0l +o,m5 I2s sho0lde,s a,e
massi1e3 and i2 has a lon/ 2oo2h-+illed sno025
I2 2,ies 2o ,0n +o,4a,d3 -02 ,e7oils 6ain+0lly as 2he leash 2i/h2ens5 The o,7 la0/hs
and 7alls o02 some2hin/ 2o i2s 7om6anions5 Yo0 hea,2 sin. as yo0 see 24o mo,e o,7s
4i2h -eas2s3 2hen 2en o,7 4a,,io,s 7a,,yin/ s6ea,s5 The o,7s do no2 seem 2o +eel 2he
7old3 7lad in -la7. 7hainmail 4i2h ho,ned helms5 They sa0n2e, 06 2o yo0 a,,o/an2ly3
ea/e, 2o 6lay 4i2h 2he 2oys 2hey ha1e +o0nd5
They /a2he, in a /,o06 a-o02 )** +ee2 a4ay and ha1e a 90ie2 7on1e,sa2ion5 A
min02e la2e, 2hey ,elease one o+ 2he -eas2s and i2 7ha,/es a2 yo0, /,o063 ,oa,in/
2e,,i-ly5
The -eas2 slo4s a2 i2 -o0nds 06 2he slo6e3 -02 ha,dly so5 Yo0 and 2he o2he,s 2h,o4
yo0,sel+ a/ains2 i2 4i2h yo0, 4ea6ons5 The im6a72 sha.es yo03 -02 hal2s 2he 7,ea20,e5
Yo0 s7o,e a dee6 /ash3 -02 2hen ha1e 2o d07. -enea2h a s4ee6in/ 6a45 S0ddenly 2he
-eas2 ho4ls in 6ain3 and yo0 loo. 06 in 2ime 2o see i2 ,e7oil3 d,a//in/ "enma,.?s
s4o,d +,om i2s eye5 I2 s2a//e,s and 7olla6ses dead on 2he slo6e o+ 2he mo0nd5
S0,6,isin/ly 2he o,7s 7hee,5 They 7a,e mo,e +o, s6o,2 2han 2he 6oo, -eas25 They
on7e a/ain dis70s 4ha2 is 2o -e done5 A momen2 la2e, 2he 2en s6ea, 4ieldin/ 4a,,io,s
ad1an7e3 lea1in/ 2he 24o -eas2-.ee6e,s -ehind5 The o,7s s0,,o0nd 2he mo0nd3 2hen
ad1an7e5
ORC REBE& SKI&& E STAMINA )( DB % ARMOUR #
I+ yo0, STAMINA is ,ed07ed 2oo lo4 +o, yo0, 7om+o,23 yo0 7an ,e2,ea2 in2o 2he
middle o+ 2he /,o065
I+ yo0 4ai2 o02 2he ,es2 o+ 2he -a22le in 2he middle3 20,n 2o +05
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 0+0
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
17+
*%
FF - Diamond
Yo0 lo4e, 2he ,0ne-inlaid head o+ 2he 6ole a8e 2o sho4 2o Kianmay5 She ,eads 2he
,0nes and 2ells yo0 2ha2 2hey a,e ,0nes o+ 6o4e, and 4ill add F 2o yo0, SKI&& in
7om-a25
Re20,n no4 2o +51
171
Raisin/ one hand3 yo0 .no7. /en2ly on 2he doo,5 A+2e, a min02e 2he,e is no
,es6onse3 so yo0 .no7. mo,e lo0dly5 A+2e, a +e4 momen2s3 yo0 hea, 2he -ol2 slide
a7,oss3 2hen 2he lo7. 7li7.s5 The doo,s o6en3 s6illin/ lam6 li/h2 a7,oss 2he s2a-le
ya,d5 S2andin/ -e+o,e yo0 is a manse,1an2 in -la7. and /old li1e,y 4i2h a /,i++on
06on 2he -,eas25 The se,1an2 is a small and 0nim6,essi1e man3 and yo0 loo. 6as2 him
in2o 2he a6a,2men2s3 seein/ an o60len2 hall5
LHo4 may I hel6 yo03 si,ON en90i,es 2he manse,1an25
LI 4ish 2o see Co0n2 Ra0l3N yo0 say5
L"e,2ainin/ 2o 4ha2 ma22e,3 i+ I may as.ON 2he manse,1an2 ,e6lies in a h0m-le -02
+i,m 2one5
LA 6,i1a2e ma22e, 7on7e,nin/ 2he 6,ies2ess and 6aladin he has en90i,ed a-o025N
L"lease 7ome 2his 4ay3 si,3N 2he manse,1an2 says3 s2e66in/ aside and in1i2in/ yo0
in 4i2h a /,a7e+0l /es20,e5
Yo0 mo1e inside and 2he manse,1an2 7loses and lo7.s 2he doo,5 He leads yo0 a
si22in/ ,oom and as.s yo0 2o 4ai25 The,e is a 4a,m -laKe in 2he +i,e6la7e3 -02 yo0
6a7e ne,1o0sly3 6,e2endin/ 2o loo. a2 2he 6ain2in/s on 2he 4all and seein/ none5 A+2e,
a min02e3 ,a6id +oo2s2e6s 7a0se yo0 2o 20,n and a 2all3 2hin man o+ middle yea,s s2,ides
in2o 2he ,oom5 He is 4ea,in/ 6la2e mail a,mo0, and 7a,,ies a lon/s4o,d a2 his side5
His hai, is lon/ish and -la7.3 his nose hoo.ed5
&oo.in/ a2 yo0 4i2h e90al meas0,es o+ s0s6i7ion and ea/e,ness he s2o6s and
6lan2s his hands on his hi6s5 LCho a,e yo0 and 4ha2 in+o,ma2ion do yo0 ha1eON
Yo0 s2e6 +o,4a,d5 LI hea, 2ha2 yo0 ha1e -een as.in/ a-o02 a 6,ies2ess and a /,o06
o+ 6aladin 4ho may ha1e -een 2,a1ellin/ 2his 4ay3N yo0 say5
LTha2 is 7o,,e723N Ra0l ,e6lies5 LCha2 do yo0 .no4ON
As yo0 2,y 2o 7as0ally 7lose 2he dis2an7e -e24een yo0,sel+ and Ra0l3 2he
manse,1an2 o++e,s his mas2e, a /lass o+ 4ine +,om a sil1e, 2,ay5 Ra0l 2a.es i2 4i2ho02
loo.in/ a2 2he se,1an25 The manse,1an2 20,ns 2o yo0 and o++e,s yo0 a se7ond /lass5
Yo0 4a1e him a4ay3 and he ,e2,ea2s a +e4 s2e6s3 -02 ,emains 7lose3 ,eady 2o
se,1e5 Fo, some ,eason his 6,o8imi2y ma.es yo0 +eel 0nse22led5 Yo0 sho0ld -e a-le
2o -,0sh aside 2he li22le man i+ he 2,ies 2o s2o6 yo0 a22a7.in/ Ra0l5 B02 2he manse,1an2
has an ai, 2ha2 isI1e,y 7on+iden25 E1en as his eyes a,e do4n7as253 yo0 .no4 2ha2 he
is 4a27hin/ yo05
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a22a7. Ra0l3 20,n 2o 60
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, .ee6 2al.in/3 20,n 2o 110
*'
FF - Diamond
173
The las2 4a27h is yo0,s5 Yo0 slee6 +i2+0lly 0n2il yo0 a,e 4o.en 2o 2a.e yo0,
4a27h5 The Cood has +illed yo0, d,eams 4i2h s2,an/e and dis20,-in/ ima/es5 Yo0
4al. a,o0nd 7he7.in/ 2ha2 all is 4ell3 -e+o,e 2a.in/ a 6osi2ion nea, 2he +i,e5 Yo0 .ee6
i2 -0,nin/ -,i/h23 e1en 2ho0/h 2he +alse da4n is al,eady li/h2enin/ 2he s.y5 Yo0
4a27h 2he li/h2 in 2he s.y +ade a4ay3 2hen 2he 2,0e da4n 7omes5 As 2he +i,s2 li/h2
s2,i.es 2he 2o4n3 Kianmay eme,/es5
LHe is dead3N she anno0n7es3 and si2s 90ie2ly -eside yo03 4a27hin/ 2he s0n,ise5
T0,n 2o +24
177
F,o4nin/3 yo0 /la,e a2 2he selle,5
LDo yo0 2hin. I am a +oolO I+ 2his is 2he -es2 yo0 ha1e3 I 4ill /o else4he,eMN
Yo0 20,n 2o lea1e and 4al. 2o4a,ds 2he e8i25 B0s2 as yo0 -e/in 2o 2hin. yo0 ha1e
made 2he 4,on/ de7ision3 2he selle, 7alls a+2e, yo05 LSi,M I do ha1e ano2he, 6ai,5 I
4as sa1in/ 2hem +o, a +,iend3 -02 his 6,omises o+ 6ayin/ soon a,e -e7omin/
4ea,isome5 I am ha66y 2o sell 2hem 2o yo0 i+ yo0 7an 6ay 2oday5N
Ma.in/ a sho4 o+ ,el072an7e3 yo0 e1en20ally le2 him lead yo0 -a7. in2o 2he
s2a-les5 In 2he +inal s2all 2he,e a,e a 6ai, o+ o8en5 E1en 2o yo0, 0n2,ained eye yo0 7an
see 2he di++e,en7e -e24een 2his 6ai, and 2he o2he,s5 The o8en in 2he s2all a,e also
la,/e3 -02 2hei, -odies ,i66le 4i2h m0s7le3 2hei, s.in +i,m and eyes -,i/h25 Yo0 ,ealise
2ha2 yo0 almos2 made a -ad mis2a.e3 -0yin/ +a2 old o8enM Yo0 ha//le 4i2h 2he selle,
and +inally a/,ee on =* /old +o, 2he 6ai,M The selle, doesn?2 loo. ha66y3 and yo0
/0ess 2ha2 yo0 ha1e made a /ood deal5 Yo0 as. +o, 2he o8en 2o -e hi27hed and ,eady
2o de6a,2 a2 da4n 2omo,,o45
&ea1in/ 2he ya,d yo0 4al. 2h,o0/h 2he ma,.e2s3 4onde,in/ 4ha2 yo0 7an
60,7hase as 7a,/o5 No2 .no4in/ ho4 +a, yo0 ha1e 2o 2,a1el3 yo0 ,e>e72 any2hin/ 2ha2
is 6e,isha-le3 and e1en20ally na,,o4 2hin/s do4n 2o 2h,ee 7hoi7es; dye3 i1o,y3 o,
4ea6ons5
Yo0 7an 1isi2 any o, all o+ 2he 1endo,s3 -02 7an only s6end as m07h money as yo0
a,e 7a,,yin/ 4i2h yo05
To 1isi2 2he dye-ma.e,3 20,n 2o 77
To 1isi2 2he i1o,y-7a,1e,3 20,n 2o 022
To 1isi2 2he 4ea6on smi2h3 20,n 2o 10+
178
Re20,nin/ 2o 2he 6aladin?s 7am63 yo0 dis7o1e, 2hey ha1e li2 no +i,e5 "enma,. and
Kianmay si2 7lose 2o/e2he,3 4,a66ed in 2hei, 7loa.s3 2al.in/ 90ie2ly5 They s2and as
yo0 ,e20,n5
LCha2 did yo0 seeO Des7,i-e 2hem 2o meMN
LThe,e a,e * soldie,s and a +e4 se,1an2s3 ma,7hin/ 0nde, 2he sym-ol o+ a
G,i++in5N
*(
FF - Diamond
Kianmay nods /,imly3 sha,in/ a loo. 4i2h "enma,.5 She 2han.s yo0 +o, yo0,
assis2an7e5 &ea1in/ 2he 24o o+ 2hem 2o dis70ss ma22e,s3 yo0 /o 2o yo0, -ed,oll and /e2
a /ood ni/h2?s slee65
The ne82 mo,nin/ yo0, 6a,2y mo1es 7a02io0sly on4a,ds5 Yo0 s7o02 2he 4ay
ahead3 -02 +ind no si/n o+ 2he G,i++in Soldie,s3 e1en 1isi2in/ 2hei, no4 a-andoned
7am6-si2e5 Kno4in/ 2he enemy is ahead no43 2he 6a,2y mo1es slo4ly and 7am6s
a/ain as ni/h2 +alls5
The ne82 day a+2e, 2,a1ellin/ 2h,o0/h 2hi7. +o,es23 yo0 a66,oa7h a 2o4n on 2he
2,ade ,o02e5 I2 is a la,/e s6,a4lin/ 2o4n 2ha2 some 4o0ld 7all a 7i2y: -02 i2 is s4elled
4i2h 2hose 4ho see. 2o ma.e 7oin +,om 2,a1elle,s5
T0,n 2o 52
174
The ,in/ on yo0, +in/e, 2i/h2ens3 and yo0 .no4 2ha2 he is lyin/ 2o yo05 He .no4s
e8a72ly 4ho yo0 a,e and is no2 in2e,es2ed in ne4s +,om 2he So02h5
Re20,n no4 2o 126
176
Yo0 6ay 2he /old and 2he -a,man /i1es yo0 di,e72ions 2o 2he ,oom5 Yo0 /o -a7.
o02side and 2a.e Kianmay and 2he ho,ses a,o0nd 2he -a7.5 The,e is a sin/le
s2a-leya,d -ehind 2he 24o inns3 -02 24o dis2in72 s2a-les5 Cell-d,essed s2a-le -oys mill
a-o02 2he Kin/?s T0- s2a-le5 Yo0 0nsaddle -o2h ho,ses yo0,sel+5 A s7,0++y s2a-le
-oy e1en20ally a66ea,s and yo0 ins2,072 him 2o +eed and 4a2e, 2he ho,ses5
Yo0 /o inside and +ind yo0, ,oom5 The .ey s2i7.s in 2he 7,0de lo7.3 -02 yo0
e1en20ally o6en 2he doo,5 Inside is a small ,oom 2he siKe o+ a 6,ison 7ell5 The,e is a
na,,o4 7o2 a/ains2 ea7h side 4all5 I2 does ha1e a small 2a-le a/ains2 2he 4all -e24een
2he 7o2s3 on 4hi7h is a sin/le 7andle5
Kianmay /oes 2o one o+ 2he 7o2s and si2s do4n5 Yo0 602 yo0, 6a7. on 2he o2he,
7o23 and loo. a2 Kianmay3 in2endin/ 2o /o do4ns2ai,s 2o /i1e he, some 6,i1a7y5 Yo0
6a0se as yo0 see he, o6en 2he slim 4ooden -o8 2ha2 7on2ains 2he Diamond Key5 She
also has a small 7lo2h -a/ on a 4o1en 7o,d5 She sli6s 2he Key in2o 2he -a/3 and 60lls
2he 7o,d 2o 7lose 2he -a/5 She loo.s a2 yo0 and 2o yo0, s0,6,ise hands i2 2o yo05
LF,om no4 on3 I 2hin. i2 is -es2 i+ yo0 7a,,y 2his5N
LMeO ChyON yo0 as.5
LYo0 a,e in mo,e dan/e, 2han I am3N she ,e6lies5 LAnd yo0 4ill 2,y 2o 6,o2e72 me
i+ I am endan/e,ed5 I2 is -es2 +o, yo0 2o 2a.e 2his5 F0,2he,mo,e3 i+ 4e a,e 7hallen/ed
a/ain3 yo0 mi/h2 need 2o lea1e me as 4e ha1e le+2 2he o2he,s3 and 2a.e 2he Key alone
2o i2s des2ina2ion5N
LI don?2 e1en .no4 4he,e 2ha2 is3N yo0 6,o2es25
LThe Tem6le o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess in A,an2a2o,3N she ,e6lies5 LThe Hi/h ",ies2
2he,e is named Qa,im5N
Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o say3 yo0 602 2he 7o,d a,o0nd yo0, ne7. and hide 2he Diamond
Key 0nde, yo0, 7lo2hes and a,mo0,5 Finally /i1in/ in 2o he, 4ea,iness3 Kianmay lies
do4n on 2he 7o25
*E
FF - Diamond
Yo0 2ell he, 2ha2 yo0 a,e /oin/ 2o /o do4n 2o 2he 7ommon ,oom5 She >0s2 nods
and 7loses he, eyes5 Yo0 6a0se 2o 7onside, yo0, 60,se5 Yo0 4ill only need a +e4
7o66e,s 2o -0y -ee,5 May-e yo0 sho0ld +ind a se70,e 6la7e 2o hide yo0, 60,se he,e5
On 2he o2he, hand3 ha1in/ i2 4i2h yo0 7o0ld -e 2he sa+es2 6la7eM
I+ yo0 4an2 2o hide yo0, 60,se some4he,e in 2he ,oom3 20,n 2o +4+
I+ yo0 6,e+e, 2o 2a.e 2he 60,se 4i2h yo03 20,n 2o 1+1
175
S2e66in/ 7lose, 2o 2he o,73 yo0 lo4e, yo0, 1oi7e5
L&is2en5 I?ll -e2 yo0 ha1e 2o send mos2 o+ 4ha2e1e, yo0 7olle72 2o 2he Kin/3 don?2
yo0ON
LOnly +o, da ones 2ha2 4e 4,i2e do4n3N 2he o,7 /,ins5
Yo0 sho0ld ha1e e86e72ed s07h 7o,,062ion5 I2 4ill mean 2he -,i-e 4ill ha1e 2o -e
s6e7ial5 LHo4 a-o02 yo0 don?2 4,i2e 0s do4n5 I?ll s2ill /i1e yo0 )* /old +o, yo0,
men3 and +o, yo03 I?ll /i1e yo0 some2hin/ 1e,y s6e7ial5N
The o,7?s eyes /leam and he nods slo4ly5
The o,7 4ill a77e62 any o+ 2he +ollo4in/; A holy am0le23 a -e>e4elled da//e,3 a
-e>e4elled G,i++on S4o,d3 a 7oa2 o+ Sil1e, S7alemail3 o, a l07.s2one5
I+ yo0 7anno2 a++o,d e1en 2he )* /old3 yo0 7an /i1e a se7ond i2em +,om 2he a-o1e
lis25 I+ yo0 s2ill 7anno2 6ay3 2hen 20,n 2o 024
I+ yo0 6ay 2he -,i-e3 20,n 2o 111
182
Yo0 easily +ind 2he Diamond Key in i2s -o8 and 6la7e i2 in yo0, 6a7.5 Yo0 sea,7h
+o, 4ha2e1e, else 2he 7,ea20,e 4as 7a,,yin/3 and +ind a slim ,in/ 2ha2 a66ea,s 2o -e
made o+ >ade5 Yo0 602 i2 in yo0, 6o7.e2 and loo. +o, a 4ay o025 One o+ 2he -,i7.ed
4alls has 7,a7.ed and yo0 /o o1e, 2o i25 Usin/ 2he 6o4e,+0l s6ea,3 yo0 -,ea. do4n
2he 4all and see a 20nnel on 2he o2he, side5 To yo0, sho7. and dismay 2he s6ea, also
-,ea.s in2o 6ie7es5 Yo0 +ollo4 2he 20nnel and soon 7ome o02 in2o Da,.en Cood5
Yo0 don?2 .no4 4he,e yo0 a,e3 -02 ha1e no 7hoi7e5 Yo0 4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he Cood
+o, ho0,s3 and soon 7ome 2o a ,oad5 Ta.in/ a /am-le3 yo0 head no,2h and a+2e, an
ho0, ,ea7h 2he 2o4n o+ Ta66in5
As yo0 en2e, 2he 2o4n3 2he 7,y /oes 06 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Kianmay 7omes
,0shin/ +,om 2he inn and /,a-s yo0 -y 2he a,ms3 he, /,i6 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 LDo yo0
ha1e i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
LYes5N Yo0 2a.e 2he -o8 +,om yo0, 6a7. and hand i2 2o he,5 She h0/s i2 2o he,
7hes25 Yo0 dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins amon/s2 2he 6aladin and
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2o 7om6ensa2e 2hem +o, 2hei, losses5
Yo0 o,de, yo0, men 2o -0,n 2he diseased 2o4n5 On7e 2he +lames ha1e 7a0/h23 yo0
7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and lea1e 2he 70,sed 2o4n -ehind as yo0 7on2in0e no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
)*
FF - Diamond
180
As yo0 mo1e a7,oss 2he en7am6men23 a +l0s2e,ed loo.in/ -andi2 7omes in2o 1ie43
h0,,yin/ 2o +e27h some2hin/5 Seein/ yo03 his eyes 4iden and he 7alls o02 in ala,m3
60llin/ a s4o,d +,om his -el25 No2 4ai2in/ 2o see 2he ,ea72ion3 yo0 20,n and ,0n a4ay
as +as2 as yo0 7an5 Yo0 6l0n/e 2h,o0/h 2he 0nde,/,o42h3 -,an7hes 4hi66in/ a2 yo0
+a7e5
Yo0 ,0n in a 7i,7lin/ 7o0,se3 2,yin/ 2o lose yo0, 60,s0e,s5 Yo0 da,e no2 loo. -a7.
and e1en20ally ma.e i2 -a7. 2o yo0, ho,se5 Yo0 7lim- in2o 2he saddle and /allo6 -a7.
06 2he ,oad 2o4a,ds yo0, 6a,2y5
T0,n 2o 080
18+
&ea1in/ 2he sh,ine3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he 7i2y on7e mo,e5 The s2,ee2s
a,e 2hinnin/ no43 and mos2 o+ 2hose s2ill in 2he s2,ee2s a,e ei2he, d,0n.3 o, ha,d men
4i2h da,. /la,es 4al.in/ 90i7.ly 2o 0nde,2a.e -0siness i2 is -es2 yo0 .no4 no2hin/
a-o025
Yo0 ,ea7h 2he /a2es 2o 2he Inne, Ci2y3 2he /0a,ds loo. o02 +,om 2hei, 4a,m
/a2eho0se3 -02 do no2 ,0sh o02 in2o 2he 7old 2o s2o6 yo05 Mo1in/ -e24een 2he la,/e
60-li7 -0ildin/s yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ alone in 2he 7old da,. s2,ee2s3 2he ma,-le -0ildin/s
a,o0nd yo0 silen2 and s2ill5 Ahead yo0 7an see 2he -,i/h2 li/h2 o+ 2he 6ala7e3 -0il2 in a
.ee6 7alled 2he Cas2le o+ E2e,nal &i/h25
A,e yo0 7a,,yin/ a ",imo,dial C,ys2alO I+ so3 20,n 2o 325
I+ no23 20,n 2o 386
181
The ai, a,o0nd yo0 seems 2o 2hi7.en3 and yo0, mo1emen2 slo4s5 Soon 2he ai,
a-o02 yo0 is solid and yo0 a,e 6a,alysed3 0na-le e1en 2o -,ea2h5 The old man smiles
a2 yo0 7on2em620o0sly5
LYo0 2,0ly a,e a +oolMN He s2ands and /aKes a2 2he Diamond Key on7e mo,e5
LAh3 a2 las2M Don?2 4o,,y3 2he Kin/ 4ill ne1e, /e2 his hands on 2hisM I shall -e
.ee6in/ i2 +o, mysel+MN
Yo0, l0n/s a,e -0,nin/3 -02 yo0 7anno2 e1en s2,0//le5
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a +i,e-4o,shi66e,s -,eas26la2eO I+ so3 20,n 2o 41
I+ no23 20,n 2o 341
183
Yo0 s0,,ende, and a,e 2a.en o++ 2o a 7ell and +o,7ed 2o ans4e, some 90es2ions5
A+2e, a 4hile yo0 a,e 2old yo0 7an /o i+ yo0 7an 6ay 2he +ollo4in/ +ines;
Ea,ly Release Fee +o, D,0n.en Ci2iKen - # /old
))
FF - Diamond
Release o+ Con+is7a2ed ",o6e,2y @Class; la,/eA - )* /old
T,es6assin/ H * /old
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
To2al H <# /old
Yo0 a,e allo4ed 2o sell /oods +,om yo0, 4a/on and yo0, 6ossessions 2o 7o1e, 2he
7os2s: -02 d0,in/ 2he 7o0,se o+ 2he G0a,dsmen?s? Jins6e72ion?3 hal+ o+ any 4ea6ons o,
i1o,y yo0 6ossessed a,e /one5 Yo0 7an 7hoose no2 2o 6ay 2he ,elease +ee +o, 2he
d,0n.en /0a,d3 in 4hi7h 7ase he is le+2 -ehind5 I+ yo0 s2ill 7anno2 6ay3 2hen 2his
ad1en20,e is o1e, +o, yo05
I+ yo0 7an 6ay 2he +ines3 2hen yo0 and 2he 4a/on a,e ,eleased3 and yo0, 6a,2y is
soon on i2s 4ay no,2h on7e mo,e3 on 2he ,oad 2o4a,ds 2he Kilanda, Mo0n2ains5
T0,n 2o 08
187
Yo0 d07. and h0,l yo0,sel+ +0,2he, in2o 2he ,oom5 Rollin/ 2o yo0, +ee2 yo0 2h,o4
2he oil >a, a2 2he 24o shado4y +i/0,es in 2he doo,4ay5 The >a, -,ea.s and s6ills oil all
o1e, 2he +loo,5 The in2,0de,s 7ha,/e a2 yo03 -02 sli6 o1e,3 /i1in/ yo0 eno0/h 2ime 2o
,eady yo0,sel+ +o, 7om-a25 They s2ill ha1e oil on 2he -o22om o+ 2hei, -oo2s and +i/h2
6oo,ly5
INTRUDER ) SKI&& # STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR #
INTRUDER SKI&& = STAMINA ) DB % ARMOUR #
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 307
I+ yo0 die3 20,n 2o 372
188
Yo0 4a.e 06 +,om a -ad ni/h2?s slee63 70,sin/ 2he ha,d +loo,-oa,ds5 Yo0 ,o0se
2he men +,om 2he o2he, ,ooms and /o do4ns2ai,s 2o 2he .i27hen5 Yo0 o,de, an ea,ly
-,ea.+as2 +o, yo0, 6a,2y3 and /o o02 2o ins6e72 2he 4a/on5 I2 is sa+e and so0nd3 so
m07h so 2ha2 2he man yo0 le+2 2he,e 2o /0a,d i2 is s2ill aslee65
Yo0 6o.e him in2o 4a.e+0lness and 2ell him 2o /o and 7he7. 2he ho,ses and o8en5
Goin/ -a7. inside yo0 i/no,e 2he s7o4lin/ 7oo. and 2al. 2o a 6,e22y .i27hen maid as
she s2i,s a la,/e 6o2 o+ oa2s5
Yo0, 6a,2y ea2s a 90i7. -,ea.+as2 in 2he 7ommon ,oom3 and as 2he s0n is ,isin/
in2o 2he s.y yo0 a,e mo1in/ 2h,o0/h 2he s2,ee2s o+ Ho6en4ood5 Soon eno0/h yo0 a,e
o02 on 2he ,oad and a66,oa7hin/ 2he Kilanda, Mo0n2ains5
T0,n 2o 08
)
FF - Diamond
184
Yo0 +all -e+o,e 2he slo4 Kom-ies3 7olla6sin/ 2o 2he +loo, -leedin/ +,om 7o0n2less
dee6 /ashes5 The ne7,oman7e, s2,i6s 2he Diamond Key +,om yo0, -ody -e+o,e i2 7an
heal yo05 The Diamond Key ma.es 2he Ne7,oman7e, e1en mo,e 6o4e,+0l5 No lon/e,
dealin/ 4i2h -la7. ma/i7 alone3 he 4ea1es a 6o4e,+0l -lend o+ 2he 6o4e,s o+
da,.ness and li/h23 7,ea2in/ Kom-ies 2o +0l+il e1e,y o7706a2ion ima/ina-le5 Gene,als
.ill 2hei, en2i,e a,mies >0s2 2o ha1e 2hem ,ise a/ain as Kom-ies: mo,e 6o4e,+0l and
m07h 7hea6e, 2o main2ain5 The ne7,oman7e, e1en20ally -e7omes a 6o4e,+0l So,7e,e,
Kin/3 des2,oyin/ 2he Col+ and 7on90e,in/ A,an2a2o, on his 4ay: 7,ea2in/ a 4o,ld
4he,e 7o,6ses a,e 1al0a-le 7ommodi2ies5 Dea2h s2al.s 2he land as m0,de, s0ddenly
-e7ome 6,o+i2a-le5
As +o, yo03 yo0 se,1e 2he ne7,oman7e, as his +a1o0,i2e Kom-ie5 Yo0, 0ndead
desi,e is 2o 2,a1el 2o A,an2a2o, 2o deli1e, 2he Diamond Key5 The ne7,oman7e, 0ses
yo0 as his mos2 2,0s24o,2hy messen/e,5 Yo0 a,e sen2 in a -o8 2o dis2an2 lo7a2ions3
/i1en a 6a7.a/e and 2old i2 is 2he Diamond Key5 Then li.e a homin/ 6i/eon yo0
+ai2h+0lly -,in/ 2he 6a7.a/e -a7. 2o 2he ne7,oman7e, in A,an2a2o,5
Yo0 se,1e 2he ne7,oman7e, and his des7endan2s +o, h0nd,eds o+ yea,s -e+o,e yo0
a,e +inally des2,oyed
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
186
Mo1in/ 2o4a,ds 2he so0nds o+ di//in/3 yo0 s2e6 7a02io0sly5 Yo0 4ill no2 -e a-le
2o hea, i+ anyone is 7omin/5 The 6assa/e o02 o+ 2he hall leads in2o a s2ai,7ase leadin/
do4n4a,ds3 a hi/h 1a0l2ed 7eilin/ a-o1e han/ a2 in2e,1als 4i2h 7handelie,s5 A2 2he
+a, end is ano2he, de7o,a2ed a,7h3 and yo0 a66,oa7h i2 ne,1o0sly3 ,eady +o, any +i/0,es
2ha2 may s2e6 o025
Yo0 ,ea7h 2he -o22om and 6ee, 2h,o0/h 2he a,7h5 Yo0 7an see a 4ide -al7ony
a,o0nd 2he inside o+ a /,ea2 sha+25 I2 is li2 -y a /,ea2 7oal -on+i,es 6iled on 2he -al7ony
2o one side3 and yo0 sli6 2h,o0/h 2he a,7h and in2o 2he shado4s5 The,e is a 6ai, o+
o,7s a2 2he +i,e3 hel6in/ 2o main2ain i25 The /,ea2 sha+2 is almos2 #** +ee2 a7,oss3
1anishin/ in2o da,.ness a-o1e5 Yo0 7,ee6 +o,4a,d 2o 6ee, in2o 2he 6i23 and /a6e in
a4e a2 4ha2 yo0 see5 Tho0sands o+ o,7s 4o,. 4i2h 6i7.s3 di//in/ a4ay 2he ,o7.5 A2
2he 1e,y 7en2,e 2he,e is a hole leadin/ do4n3 -02 2he o,7s a,e 4o,.in/ all o1e,3 as i+
2hey in2end 2o 7lea, 2he 4hole sha+25 Ro7. is 6iled in2o -as.e2s 2ha2 a,e ha0led 06 on
,o6es 2ha2 1anish in2o 2he da,.ness a-o1e5 E1en as yo0 4a27h3 mo,e -as.e2s des7end5
Yo0 7an see ano2he, a,7h4ay on 2he +a, side o+ 2he sha+25 I2 seems 2oo easy 2o
4al. a,o0nd 2he da,.ened -al7ony5 In 2he dim li/h2 and a2 s07h a dis2an7e3 2he o,7s
o66osi2e 7anno2 6ossi-ly 2ell i+ yo0 a,e h0man o, o,75 Yo0 4al. a,o0nd and ,ea7h 2he
+a, side5 &oo.in/ 2h,o0/h 2he a,7h4ay3 yo0 see 2he la,/es2 hall ye25 Inside a2 2he +a,
end 2he,e is a 7,ys2al /lo-e on a 6edes2al3 s4i,lin/ 4i2h -la7. ,ed and /,een: 4hile in
2he 7en2,e is a la,/e ma,-le sa,7o6ha/0s3 2he +loo, a,o0nd i2 7o1e,ed in -lood5 The
4alls a,e lined 4i2h ,ed 6illa,s -anded 4i2h /old5 The 70,1ed 7eilin/ is de7o,a2ed
4i2h 4o,.ed /old3 and h0n/ 4i2h 2h,ee ,o4s o+ 7handelie,s5
Yo0 s2e6 inside and 2a.e 7o1e, -ehind 2he 6illa,s3 al2ho0/h i2 is so -,i/h2 2he 7o1e,
is 6oo,5 Yo0 mo1e +0,2he, inside 2he hall3 and 7ome 2o ano2he, a,7h4ay in 2he side
4all5 Yo0 7an also see ano2he, a,7h4ay o66osi2e5 Yo0 also ha1e a +ai,ly /ood 1ie4
)<
FF - Diamond
o+ 2he sa,7o6ha/0s5 The lid is -,o.en in3 and +,om 4ha2 li22le yo0 7an see3 i2 is +0ll o+
,0--le5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
Sli6 2h,o0/h 2he a,7h4ay ne82 2o yo0O T0,n 2o 151
In1es2i/a2e 2he s2,an/e /lo-eO T0,n 2o 052
185
Yo0 o6en 2he o,7 4oman?s 2h,oa2 and she 7olla6ses3 ,ea7hin/ o02 a 7la4ed hand
2o4a,ds yo05 Yo0 s2e6 -a7. and le2 he, +all on 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 de7ide i2 is 2ime yo0
4e,e /one5
Yo0 ha1e a momen2 2o 6i7. 06 2he -a,-ed s6ea, i+ yo0 4ish5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Ba,-ed S6ea, Fine S6ea, %
Yo0 h0,,y +,om 2he ,oom and /o -a7. 2he 4ay yo0 7ame5 The 7on+li72 has
a22,a72ed a22en2ion and yo0 dash 6as2 o,7s 7omin/ 2o in1es2i/a2e5
Sho02s and 7,ies +ollo4 yo0 as yo0 7lim- 06 2he s2ai,4ay3 2hen en2e, 2he 20nnel5
&a-o0,in/ 06 2he slo6e3 yo0 a,e a ,a//ed 4,e7. -y 2he 2ime yo0 ,ea7h 2he 2o65 The
o,7 is s2ill aslee6 and yo0 h0,,y 6as2 and in2o 2he main 20nnel5
Yo0 see no si/ns o+ 60,s0i23 so yo0 slo4 do4n5 By 2he 2ime yo0 ,ea7h 2he o2he,s
yo0 ha1e yo0, -,ea2h -a7.5
T0,n 2o 020
142
The ne7,oman7e, ,aises his /,is2ly 4and3 and 2he hand 7omes ali1e5 Ene,/y s2a,2s
2o 7,a7.le -e24een 2he o02s2,e27hed +in/e,s3 -02 4ha2e1e, ma/i7 i2 is 7on>0,in/ is 2oo
slo4 in 7omin/5 Yo0 slay 2he e1il so,7e,e, and he +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd3 2he 4and /oin/
s2ill5
Yo0 sea,7h 2he la-o,a2o,y3 +indin/ many /has2ly 2hin/s3 4hi7h yo0 lea1e -ehind5
Yo0 +ind a 7,ys2al -all and a /,ea2 90an2i2y o+ sil1e,3 4o,2h )** /old 7oins5 No2hin/
else is 4o,2h 2a.in/ e87e62 may-e 2he 4and3 sin7e 2he -,a7ele2 and ,in/s a,e
-e>e4elled5 The >e4elle,y 7anno2 -e ,emo1ed +,om 2he a,m 4i2ho02 7022in/ 2hem
a4ay5 The 4and mi/h2 also ha1e some 0se+0l a-ili2ies i+ .e62 in2a725 Yo0 7an 2a.e
2he 4and 2o 2,y and sell3 o, 2o 2,y and 0se in 2he +020,e5
On7e yo0 ha1e 4ha2 yo0 4an23 yo0 lea1e5 T0,n 2o 140
)=
FF - Diamond
140
&ea1in/ 2he ne7,oman7e,?s home yo0 /o -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he /a2e in2o 2he 2o4n5
Headin/ -a7. 2o 2he Inn3 yo0 /o -a7. 06s2ai,s 2o yo0, ,oom5
T0,n 2o 101
14+
Yo0 ,ea7h o02 +o, 2he s4o,d5 Yo0, hand 7loses on 2he hil2 and yo0 slo4ly d,a4 i2
-a7. 2o4a,ds yo0,sel+5 On7e i2 is se70,ely yo0s3 yo0 s2and and 2,i0m6han2ly d,a4 2he
-lade 4i2h a s4ish5 Hea,in/ 2his3 2he -andi2 >e,.s his head a,o0nd3 ,ea7hin/ +o, 4he,e
his s4o,d 4as5 His hand 7loses on di,2 and yo0 +li7. 2he 2i6 o+ 2he s4o,d +o,4a,d3
le22in/ i2 ,es2 a/ains2 his e86osed ne7.5 He +,eeKes and s4allo4s ne,1o0sly5
LCho do yo0 4o,. 4i2hON yo0 as. 7oldly5
He s4allo4s a/ain3 -02 2hen s6ea.s 4i2h -,a1ado5 LI am 2he loyal se,1an2 o+
Gilmo,e 2he G,oa2M Be4a,e i+ yo0 ha,m me3 he 4ill 60,s0e yo0 0n2il yo0 a,e deadMN
LNo he 4on?23N yo0 ,e6ly5 LDoes he ha1e a 7am6 nea, he,eON
His 6loy ha1in/ +ailed3 2he -andi2 -e7omes s0llen5 LYes5N
LChe,eO Ho4 many menON
The -andi2 6oin2s3 and says; LHe 7ommands #* 4a,,io,s5N
LCha2 so,2 o+-L yo0 -e/in5 The -andi2 s0ddenly >e,.s his head a4ay and l0n/es a2
yo03 a da//e, +lashin/ in his hand5 Ins2in72i1ely yo0 >0m6 -a7.3 -,in/in/ 2he s4o,d
do4n on his e82ended a,m3 7022in/ dee6 a-o1e 2he el-o45 He o6ens his mo02h 2o 7,y
in 6ain o, +o, hel63 and yo0 s4i+2ly 6l0n/e 2he s4o,d in2o his ne7.5 He /0,/les 90ie2ly
and dies5
D,a//in/ 2he dead -andi2 in2o a 7on7ealed hollo4 yo0 sea,7h his -ody3 +indin/ a
lon/ -e>e4elled da//e, a +las. o+ al7ohol and 2h,ee 4his2les on a lea2he, 7o,d a,o0nd
his ne7.5 F,om 2he ima/es ins7,i-ed on2o 2he 4his2les3 yo0 see 2ha2 2hey a,e 2h,ee
di++e,en2 -i,d7alls: no do0-2 +o, sendin/ si/nals5 Yo0 7an also 2a.e his lon/s4o,d5
The 4a/on sho0ld -e a-le 2o 6ass sa+ely no45 Cha2 4ill yo0 do ne82O
Go -a7. 2o yo0, ho,se and 7on2in0e 2he >o0,neyO T0,n 2o 1+5
T,y 2o +ind 2he en7am6men2 o+ Gilmo,e 2he G,oa2O T0,n 2o 06+
)#
FF - Diamond
141
Chen 2he mo,nin/ 7omes3 yo0 and Kianmay 2a.e 2o 2he ,oad on7e mo,e5
T,a1ellin/ no,2h alon/ 2he ,oad is m07h easie, 2han yo0, 2,e. a7,oss 2he 20nd,a3 -02
Kianmay is s2ill 0na770s2omed 2o 2he saddle5
I+ yo0 ha1e any o+ 2he +ollo4in/ i2ems yo0 4o0ld li.e he, 2o iden2i+y3 no4 is 2he
2ime5
A ne7,oman7e,?s 4and: 20,n 2o 02
A 7,ys2al -all: 20,n 2o 75
An a,7ane s7,oll: 20,n 2o 026
A sa66hi,e-se2 sho,2s4o,d: 20,n 2o +28
A ma/i7al 6ea,l: 20,n 2o 164
Yo0, >o0,ney no,2h 7on2in0es 6ea7e+0lly3 and yo0 7am6 -y 2he ,oadside5 Yo0
li/h2 a small +i,e 2o 7onse,1e yo0, +i,e4ood and slee6 side -y side5 Yo0 a,e 0sed 2o
s07h 7ondi2ions and a,e a-le 2o slee6 4ell5 Kianmay ,e+0ses 2o h0ddle ne82 2o yo0 and
shi1e,s all ni/h2 2h,o0/h5 In 2he mo,nin/ she loo.s e1en mo,e 2i,ed 2han 2he ni/h2
-e+o,e5
As yo0 7on2in0e yo0, >o0,ney3 yo0 soon see ,ide,s 06 ahead5 They d,a4 nea, and
a,e soon ,e1ealed 2o -e a la,/e3 a,med 6a,2y5 Kianmay as.s i+ i2 4o0ld -e -es2 2o +lee5
Yo0 sha.e yo0, head5 The,e is no4he,e 2o hide3 and ,0nnin/ mi/h2 >0s2 ma.e 2he
4a,,io,s .ill +i,s2 and as. 90es2ions la2e,5 The 6a,2y soon a,,i1es and 4i2h no noise
a6a,2 +,om 2he 2h0nde,in/ hoo1es 2hey s0,,o0nd yo03 +o,7in/ yo0 2o 7ome 2o a s2o65
The 4a,,io,s mos2ly 4ea, -,eas26la2es em-laKoned 4i2h a 4ol+?s head5 A +e4 a,e
in 7hainmail5 They 7a,,y no -anne,s o, ma,.in/s3 -02 a72 in a dis7i6lined manne,5
One o+ 2he 4a,,io,s ,ides 06 2o yo03 loo.in/ yo0 o1e, 7a,e+0lly5 He is 2all and has a
lon/ -la7. -ea,d -,aided in2o a 2hi7. 7ol0mn 2ha2 s4ee6s his saddle5 On his saddle
han/s a massi1e /old-hil2ed s7imi2a,3 and his -,eas26la2e is inlaid 4i2h a 4ol+?s head
o+ >ade5 His 7loa. is da,. /,een and ed/ed in /old5
He does no2 loo. li.e a no,2he,ne,5 The o,i/ins o+ 2he 4a,,io,s s0,,o0ndin/ yo0
a,e mi8ed3 al2ho0/h hal+ a,e No,2he,ne,s5 None o+ 2hem loo. a//,essi1e3 -02 mos2
loo. -o,ed3 4hi7h 7an -e >0s2 as dan/e,o0s5
LCho a,e yo0 and 4ha2 is yo0, -0siness in 2he 20nd,aON 2he leade, as.s5
LI am a me,7han2 /0a,d 2,a1ellin/ 2o A,an2a2o, 2o loo. +o, 4o,.5 This is my 4i+e5N
The 4a,,io, loo.s a2 yo0 s0s6i7io0sly5 LDo yo0 o+2en 2a.e yo0, 4i+e 4i2h yo0
4hen yo0 see. em6loymen2ON
LShe is 1isi2in/ 2he 7i2y5 Tha2 is 4hy I 2,a1el 4i2h he, and no2 4i2h a me,7han25N
The 4a,,io, /,0n2s5 He loo.s 7losely a2 Kianmay3 2hen ma.es a /es20,e 2o his
men5 To yo0 he says; LYo0 4ill 7ome -a7. 2o o0, en7am6men2 4i2h 0s5 I2 is on yo0,
4ay5 I+ all is in o,de,3 yo0 4ill -e ,eleased 2o 7on2in0e yo0, >o0,ney5N
The 4a,,io,s mo1e in and 2a.e yo0, ,ei/ns5 Yo0 a,e es7o,2ed +0,2he, no,2h +o,
mos2 o+ 2he day5 E1en -e+o,e yo0 7ome 4i2hin si/h2 o+ 2he en7am6men23 yo0 see a
h0nd,ed 2end,ils o+ smo.e ,isin/ in2o 2he ai,5 I+ i2 4as no2 so nea, yo0 4o0ld ha1e
/0essed i2 2o -e 2he /,ea2 7i2y5 Ins2ead yo0 see /,o4in/ on 2he ho,iKon a /,ea2
en7am6men25
Tho0sands o+ 2en2s o+ all di++e,en2 .inds a,e a,,an/ed in a ,e/0la, /,id5 The,e a,e
la,/e o6en a,eas as 4ell3 4hi7h a,e +illed 4i2h 6eo6le5 Yo0, 7a62o,s lead yo0 2o a 6a,2
o+ 2he 7i2y 4he,e 2he,e a,e many -anne,s3 in7l0din/ one la,/e s2a++ h0n/ 4i2h a 4ol+?s
head o+ ,ed and /old5
)%
FF - Diamond
As yo0 a,e 2a.en 2h,o0/h 2he en7am6men23 yo0 see soldie,s o+ 2he Col+: many
di++e,en2 na2ionali2ies3 many di++e,en2 s2yles o+ d,ess and a,mo0,5 B02 all sha,e an
e86,ession o+ ale,2ness and an ai, o+ dis7i6line5 The Col+ has +o,/ed a s2,on/ a,my
indeed3 and ye2 4ha2 yo0 see is no2 eno0/h 2o 2a.e 2he /,ea2 7i2y5
Yo0 a,e 2a.en in2o ano2he, 7om6o0nd3 4he,e 2hin/s a,e 90ie2e, and sho4n in2o a
la,/e 0ndyed 2en25 Yo0, ho,ses and 6a7.s a,e 7on+is7a2ed3 and a 4a,,io, em62ies yo0,
6o7.e2s and 2a.es 2he Diamond Key5 Yo0 /es20,e +o, Kianmay 2o .ee6 90ie25 She
loo.s ala,med3 -02 -i2es he, li65 Bein/ de+ian2 no4 4o0ld -e a -ad idea5
The,e is a -en7h in 2he 2en23 as 4ell as a -a,,el o+ 4a2e, 4i2h a ladle5 Yo0 si2
do4n3 -02 Kianmay ,emains s2andin/3 s2ill so,e +,om 2he saddle5
LCha2 4ill ha66enON she as.s5 LChy did 2hey 2a.e all o+ o0, 2hin/sON
LI don?2 .no43N yo0 say5 LB02 4ha2e1e, 2he Col+ is3 he is no2 .no4n 2o -e a
2hie+5N
Yo0 smile ,eass0,in/ly a2 he,3 2,yin/ no2 2o ,e1eal 2he 0neasiness yo0 +eel5
Kianmay does no2 loo. ,eass0,ed5
T0,n 2o 0+3
143
LYo0 a,e 2he -i//es2 o,7 I ha1e e1e, seen3N yo0 say 7on1e,sionally5
LI am also 2he -i//es2 o,7 I ha1e e1e, seen3N 2he o,7 says5
Yo0 a,e s0,6,ised a2 2he 4ell-s6o.en -ehemo2h5 I2 seems 1e,y in2elli/en25
LCha2?s /oin/ on he,eON yo0 as.5
LI 4ill sho4 yo03N 2he o,7 says5
S0ddenly i2 lashes o025 Yo0 2ho0/h2 yo0 4e,e o02 o+ i2?s ,ea7h3 -02 yo0 ,ealise
yo0 a,e 4,on/ as i2?s +is2 smashes in2o yo0, +a7e and yo0 sli6 do4n in2o
0n7ons7io0sness5
T0,n 2o 048
147
Cl027hin/ yo0, li/h2 7,ys2al in one hand3 yo0 sli2he, in2o 2he hole5 I2 is hi/h
eno0/h +o, yo0 2o 7,a4l3 -02 /oes do4n a2 a s2ee6 an/le5 Yo0 slide do4n and soon
7ome 2o a den5 I2 has a n0m-e, o+ 7ham-e,s3 in 4hi7h yo0 +ind 7,0de +0,ni20,e
+o,min/ a si22in/ ,oom3 a s20dy3 a -ed,oom and a .i27hen s0,,o0ndin/ 2he 7en2,al
7ham-e,5 No one is home5
Yo0 sea,7h 2he 7ham-e,s3 -02 +ind no2hin/ o+ in2e,es2 e87e62 a -a22lea8e han/in/
on 2he si22in/ ,oom 4all5 Ci2h 6,o+essional in2e,es2 yo0 2a.e i2 do4n5 I2 is as li/h2 in
yo0, hand as a lon/ s4o,d3 and has simila, ,ea7h3 -02 2he head is as la,/e as any a8e
yo0 ha1e e1e, seen and 4i7.edly sha,65
I+ yo0 4ish 2o 2a.e 2he a8e3 i2 7an -e 4ielded in one hand3 4i2h a SKI&& "enal2y
o+ >0s2 -)
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Hell A8e Ba22lea8e @S" H)A )%
)'
FF - Diamond
De7idin/ yo0 sho0ld lea1e3 yo0 7,a4l -a7. 06 2he 20nnel and ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7.
2o 2he 2em6le5 Yo0 2hen s90eeKe -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he 6illa,s5
T0,n 2o 103
148
&a,emidan is 2oo s.illed +o, yo03 and he s7o,es a mo,2al 4o0nd 2o yo0, 2h,oa25
Yo0 2,y 2o 7l027h a2 2he -lood 2ha2 6o0,s +,om yo03 as i+ yo0 7an 60sh i2 -a7. in2o yo0,
-ody3 -02 yo0 soon 7olla6se and 6e,ish5
Yo0 +loa2 in da,.ness +o, a 4hile3 s0s6ended -y a shinin/ 2h,ead5 Soon yo0 +ind
yo0,sel+ 4a.in/ on7e mo,e5 Yo0 a,e lyin/ on 2he +loo, o+ 2he en2,an7e hall 4he,e yo0
+ell3 -02 a,e 4hole and 0nha,med5 Yo0 s6end a +e4 momen2s in 7on+0sion3 -02 2hen
,emem-e, yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 2he Diamond Key5 Yo0 s2and 90i7.ly3 and ,0n in2o 2he
-ed,oom3 4he,e lam6li/h2 s2,eams 2h,o0/h 2he o6en doo,5
Yo0 7ome 06on &a,emidan holdin/ Kianmay -y 2he ne7.3 demandin/ she 2ell him
4he,e 2he Diamond Key is5 He 20,ns his head as yo0 en2e, and -lan7hes in sho7.5
Yo0 ,0n +o,4a,d as he +0m-les +o, his s4o,d and slay him5 The li/h2 in 2he ,oom
1anishes as 2he se,1an2 ,0ns a4ay3 2a.in/ 2he lam6 4i2h him5
LA,e yo0 al,i/h2ON yo0 as. as yo0 4ai2 +o, yo0, eyes 2o ad>0s25
LYes3 2han. yo03N she says5
A+2e, yo0 7an see3 yo0 d,a/ &a,emidan?s -ody in2o 2he -a2h,oom and d0m6 i2 in
2he 20-5 Yo0 /o -a7. and d,a/ 2he /0a,d?s -odies in as 4ell5 A sea,7h o+ 2he /0a,d?s
-odies yields )= /old 7oins3 a 6ai, o+ di7e and a sil1e, -laded da//e,5
Re20,nin/ 2o 2he si22in/ ,oom3 yo0 lo7. 2he +,on2 doo, on 2he 4ay3 2hen 2a.e yo0,
-ed,oll in2o 2he -ed,oom5 Yo0 7lose 2he doo, and lay yo0, -eddin/ a/ains2 2he doo,5
Yo0 lie do4n 2o slee6 a2 las25 Kianmay says no2hin/3 and yo0 sli6 in2o a dee6
slee65
T0,n 2o 141
144
Yo0 hand o1e, mo,e o+ yo0, /old3 and i2 disa66ea,s in2o 2he 2a8 7olle72o,s 6o07h5
LThe,e -e 2h,ee 6asses5 The le+2 one -e -lo7.ed5 Bi/ sno4 7,ash 24o days 6as25
Middle 6a2h is 7lea,3 -02 Re-els a,e nea, 2he,e5 Ri/h2 6a2h is /ood one5 &i22le -i2
lon/e,3 -02 /ood +o, yo05N
Yo0 a,e no4 +,ee 2o /o on5
T0,n 2o 01
)(
FF - Diamond
146
Yo0 lea1e 2he 6aladins? -a,,a7.s and /o -a7. o02 in2o 2he hall3 7losin/ 2he doo, on
2he sno,in/ man5 Che,e 4ill yo0 /o no4O
The li/h2ed a,7hO T0,n 2o 036
The o2he, doo,O T0,n 2o 62
145
&ea1in/ 2he a,mo0,y3 yo0 7on2em6la2e yo0, ne82 mo1e5 E1e,y momen2 yo0 s2ay
he,e yo0 ,is. dis7o1e,y5 I+ yo0 don?2 7hoose 2o lea1e3 yo0 7an 7on2in0e do4n 2he
7o,,ido, 2o 2he end doo,3 o, /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo, 2ha2 is no4 o66osi2e yo05
To lea1e 2he 4ooden ho0se3 20,n 2o 045
To /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo, o66osi2e yo03 20,n 2o 054
To /o do4n 2he 7o,,ido,3 20,n 2o 105
162
One 7,y is all i2 /e2s o02 -e+o,e a 90i7. 60n7h 7,0shes i2s 2h,oa25 As i2 s2a//e,s
-a7.3 yo0 end i2s li+e and i2 +alls do4n ne82 2o i2s 7om6anion5 Tha2 done3 yo0 20,n 2o
see i+ yo0 7an +ind o02 4ha2 is /oin/ on he,e5
Yo0 loo. a2 2he 6a6e,s on 2he des. and see 2ha2 2hey a,e 6a/es ,i66ed +,om a small
2ome5 The 2e82 is inde7i6he,a-le 2o yo05 Yo0 loo. in2o 2he sa,7o6ha/i3 +indin/ ea7h
em62y5 A sea,7h o+ 2he s066lies ,e1eals some2hin/ mo,e 0se+0l; a 7,a2e o+ healin/
6o2ions5 Un+o,20na2ely yo0 do no2 ha1e yo0, 6a7. 4i2h yo05 Yo0 7an +i2 # 6hials in2o
one o+ yo0, 6o7.e2s5 Yo0 also /a2he, 2o/e2he, 2he 6a/es o+ 2he 2ome and s20++ i2 -a7.
2o/e2he,3 sli66in/ in in2o yo0, o2he, 6o7.e25
Mo1in/ -a7. o02 in2o 2he small hall3 yo0 7onside, 4ha2 2o do no45
O6en 2he 7losed doo,O T0,n 2o 13+
Go -a7. 2o 2he main hall and in1es2i/a2e 2he so0nd o+ 2he di//in/O T0,n 2o 186
T,y 2o 6,y +,ee one o+ 2he li/h2 7,ys2als +,om 2he 4allO T0,n 2o 135
160
De7idin/ 06on a d,as2i7 7o0,se o+ a72ion3 yo0 lea6 06 4i2h yo0, 4ea6ons 7omin/
2o hand 4i2h 6,a72ised s6eed5 As yo0 -e/in 2o 7ha,/e a,o0nd 2he des.3 2he old man
4a1es his hands5 He is 7as2in/ a s6ellM
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and o, sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,O I+ so3 20,n 2o
32+
I+ no23 20,n 2o 314
)E
FF - Diamond
16+
Yo0 a/,ee and 2he ne7,oman7e, e86lains ho4 2o 0se 2he ,a2 and 7,ys2al so yo0 7an
demons2,a2e i2 2o 2he .in/5 He also e86lains 2ha2 2he ,a2 7an /,as6 small o->e72s and
-,in/ 2hem -a7. 2o yo05
The sil1e, is soon mel2ed and 2he ne7,oman7e, 2a.es yo0, da//e, and di6s i2 in 2he
mol2en sil1e,5 He 90en7hes i2 in 4a2e, and sha,6ens i2 +o, yo05 Yo0 no4 ha1e a
sil1e,--laded da//e,5 Re6la7in/ 2he da//e, in i2s shea2h3 yo0 se70,e 2he >a, 0nde,
yo0, 7loa.5 Fa,e4ellin/ 2he ne7,oman7e,3 yo0 lea1e his home and /o -a7. 2h,o0/h
2he small /a2e in2o 2he 2o4n5
Re20,nin/ 2o 2he Inn3 yo0 head 06s2ai,s 2o yo0, ,oom5
T0,n 2o 101
161
As yo0, hand 7loses on yo0, 4ea6on3 a 7,oss-o4 -ol2 2h0m6s in2o yo0, 7hes25
The 6o4e,+0l -ol2 6ene2,a2es yo0, a,mo0, and 2h,o4s yo0 o++ 2he 4a/on5 The
-la7.ness is 7ons0min/ yo0 and yo0 -a,ely no2i7e hi22in/ 2he /,o0nd5 As yo0 s2a,2 2o
sli6 do4n in2o a noisy da,.ness3 a li/h2 /en2ly en+olds yo0 and li+2s yo0 064a,ds5
Yo0 a,e +illed 4i2h 6ea7e3 .no4in/ 2ha2 yo0 ha1e +o0/h2 +o, /ood and a,e -lessed5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
163
Cai2in/ 0n2il 2he so-7alled 6,ies2ess d,a4s le1el 4i2h yo03 yo0 mee2 he, +,iendly
smile and s0ddenly seiKe he,5 "0llin/ he, in2o 2he /,o1e3 yo0 7lam6 yo0, hand o1e,
he, mo02h5 She s2,0//les +ie,7ely and yo0 almos2 lose yo0, /,i6 se1e,al 2imes5 Yo0
ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o s90eeKe he, ne7. 0n2il she +ain2s5
Finally she sl0m6s and yo0 lay he, -ody do4n on 2he /,o0nd5 Sea,7hin/ he, -ody3
yo0 +ind a la,/e -,ass .ey3 2en /old 7oins and a holy 6endan2 2ha2 4ill add 2o ea7h o+
yo0, SKI&&3 STAMINA and &UCK 4hile yo0 4ea, i25
In he, -a/ a,e a doKen +,eshly -a.ed -0ns5 They smell /ood3 so yo0 ea2 one5 In
2he 7en2,e a,e 1e/e2a-les and a 2an/y sa07e5 I2 is deli7io0s3 and also -lessed5 Add )
STAMINA and &UCK 6oin25 Yo0 also 2a.e 2he ,emainin/ )) -0ns3 4hi7h yo0 7an
ea2 la2e, 2o ,es2o,e STAMINA and &UCK5
&ea1in/ 2he 6,ies2ess in 2he /,o1e3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay a7,oss 2he la4n in 2he
+ailin/ li/h2 2o 2he side doo, 2ha2 yo0 sa4 2he 6,ies2ess e8i25 Ta.in/ o02 2he -,ass .ey3
yo0 slide i2 in2o 2he lo7. and 20,n i25 I2 ma.es a sa2is+yin/ 7li7. and yo0 a,e a-le 2o
o6en 2he doo,5
Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in a .ind o+ mess hall3 4i2h lon/ 2a-les and 7hai,s5 The,e is a
doo,4ay leadin/ 2o a .i27hen 4he,e yo0 7an hea, 2he 7lan/in/ o+ 6o2s and 6ans5
!0i7.ly mo1in/ 2he o2he, 4ay3 yo0 e8i2 2he mess hall in2o a na,,o4 7o,,ido,5
A4a,e 2ha2 as soon as yo0 a,e si/h2ed 2he ala,m 4ill 6,o-a-ly -e ,aised3 yo0 do
no2 lin/e, in 2he 7o,,ido,5 H0,,yin/ alon/3 ea,s s2,ainin/ +o, 2he so0nds o+ anyone
a66,oa7hin/3 yo0 6ass se1e,al doo,s and +inally 7ome 2o an a,7h4ay 2ha2 o6ens on2o a
*
FF - Diamond
hi/h-7eilin/ed hall4ay5 Tall3 s2ained /lass 4indo4s line one side3 de6i72in/ -ea02i+0l
s7enes o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess aidin/ 2hose in need5
O66osi2e 2he 4indo4s3 2he ma,-le in2e,io, 4all is lined 4i2h slende, 6illa,s and
2he,e is ano2he, a,7h4ay in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 4all 4i2h li/h2 s6illin/ +,om i25 The,e a,e
also 24o doo,s in 2he 4all3 ei2he, side o+ 2he a,7h4ay5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
Go 2h,o0/h 2he doo, on 2he nea, side o+ 2he a,7hO T0,n 2o 62
Go 2h,o0/h 2he a,7h4ayO T0,n 2o 036
Go 2h,o0/h 2he doo, on 2he +a, side o+ 2he a,7hO T0,n 2o +84
167
Yo0 sho4 Kianmay 2he /olden a,m-and5 She e8amines i2 and 2ells yo0 2ha2 i2 is a
6,o2e72i1e -and5 I2 4ill allo4 yo0 2o 7ons0me any 6oison 4i2ho02 ha,m5 B02 yo0 also
7an?2 /e2 d,0n. and d,0/s 4ill ha1e no a++e72 06on yo05 Yo0 7an 2ell i+ yo0 ha1e -een
6oisoned -y loo.in/ a2 2he diamonds3 4hi7h 4ill 20,n -la7.5 The a,m-and 4ill also
a-so,- 2he e++e72s o+ any s6ells 7as2 on yo05 So -ene+i7ial s6ells 4ill no2 4o,. on yo0
4hile yo0 4ea, 2he -and5 I+ yo0 ha1e a ,0-y li+es2one yo0 7an s2ill 0se i2 sin7e yo0
a,e a-le 2o ,emo1e 2he -and and 602 i2 -a7. on a+2e,4a,ds5
Re20,n no4 2o +32
168
Yo0 sho4 Kianmay 2he ,0ne-inlaid -a22lea8e5 She ,eads 2he ,0nes and 2ells yo0
2ha2 i2 is a T,i7. A8e5 To 0se i2 yo0 m0s2 ,ed07e yo0, SKI&& -y %3 -02 2he a8e has a
Dama/e Bon0s o+ *5
Re20,n no4 2o +51
164
Yo0 sho4 Kianmay 2he ma/i7al 6ea,l5 She e8amines i2 and 2ells yo0 2ha2 i2 4ill
enhan7e 2he 6o4e, o+ any s6ells 2ha2 a,e 7as2 -y 2he one 4ho -ea,s i25 Sin7e yo0 a,e
no2 a s6ell-7as2e,3 yo0 7an ei2he, /i1e i2 2o Kianmay o, .ee6 i2 +o, yo0,sel+ 2o sell5
Re20,n no4 2o 141
166
Yo0 de7ide 2o lea1e 2he ,oom and /o -a7. o02 in2o 2he 7o,,ido,5 Che,e 2o no4O
The doo, 2ha2 is no4 o66osi2e yo0O T0,n 2o 085
The doo, a2 2he end o+ 2he 7o,,ido,O T0,n 2o 105
I+ yo0 2hin. i2 is 2ime 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 045
)
FF - Diamond
165
The -andi2s se2 only one sen2,y3 and i2 is a sim6le ma22e, 2o 4ai2 +o, him 2o 4ande,
o++ 2o ,elie1e himsel+ and 90ie2ly s2a- him in 2he l0n/5 Yo0 nod 2o "enma,. and yo0
and yo0, men mo1e in2o 2he 7am65 Mos2 o+ 2he -andi2s a,e in 2hei, 2en2s3 -02 a 7o06le
a,e 4,a66ed in -lan.e2s nea, 2he +i,e5 Yo0 a66,oa7h 2hem +i,s2 and 2,yin/ 2o .ee6
7alm sin. yo0 da//e, in2o 2hei, 2h,oa2s one -y one3 7lam6in/ a hand o1e, 2hei, mo02hs
2o 6,e1en2 2hem +,om 7,yin/ o025 Yo0 7an see -o22les lyin/ a-o02 and /0ess 2ha2 mos2
ha1e d,0n. a2 leas2 some al7ohol5
Yo0 7a,e+0lly a66,oa7h 2he +i,s2 2en25 Yo0 7an hea, so+2 sno,es +,om 4i2hin3 and
as yo0, eyes ad>0s23 yo0 7,a4l o1e, 2he h0ddled +o,ms3 .illin/ 2hem one -y one5 The
/,isly 2as. done3 yo0 lea1e
Yo0 -e/in 2o mo1e 2o4a,ds 2he se7ond 2en2 4hen s0ddenly 2he,e is a sho02 -ehind
yo05 Yo0 ha1e -een dis7o1e,ed5 The 6aladin 7ha,/e +,om 2he +o,es2 and a sho,2 sha,6
-a22le ens0es5
T0,n 2o 067
152
Yo0 ,0sh o02 and slay one o+ 2he 7ele-,a2in/ /o-lins5 The /o-lins a,e in a
d,0n.en s206o, and +e4 no2i7e as yo0 mo1e amon/ 2hem3 .illin/ 2hem one -y one
4i2h ease5 E1en20ally 2he ala,m is ,aised3 and a s7,eamin/ ,ises a,o0nd yo05 They all
+lee3 lea1in/ -ehind 2hei, 2,eas0,es5
Yo0 -e/in 2o sea,7h +o, 2he Diamond Key3 6o7.e2in/ 2,eas0,es as yo0 /o5
S0ddenly yo0 hea, 2he +l022e, o+ 4in/s and yo0 20,n 2o see 2he 7,o4 land on a ,oo2 2ha2
s2i7.s +,om 2he 4all o+ 2he /0lly5
LYo0 6,omised me3N 2he 7,o4 says sadly5
Yo0 sh,0/5 LThey a,e >0s2 /o-linsMN
LCha2 is a /o-linON 2he 7,o4 as.s yo05 Yo0 +,o4n and say no2hin/5 The 7,o4
seems 2o nod5 LSo -e i25N
S0ddenly yo0 +eel yo0, 4hole -ody 2in/lin/5 Then some2hin/ is 7,0shin/ yo05
Yo0 2h,ash a-o023 2,yin/ 2o +,ee yo0,sel+3 -02 yo0 a,e 7,0shed do4n3 smalle, and
smalle,5 As 90i7.ly as i2 7ame3 2he ma/i7al +o,7e is /one and yo0 s2and 063 loo.in/
+o, 2he 7,o45 I2 is /one as 4ell5
Then yo0 no2i7e some2hin/ is 1e,y 4,on/5 The /,o0nd is +a, 2oo 7lose3 e1e,y2hin/
a,o0nd yo0 loo.s enla,/ed5 Yo0 loo. do4n a2 yo0, sel+3 yo0, 2hin -ody 7o1e,ed in
da,. -l0e s.in3 yo0, lon/ +in/e,s a,e 4e--ed5 Yo0 ha1e -een 20,ned in2o a /o-linM
Yo0 7,y o023 and 2,y 2o 4a.e 06 +,om 2his ni/h2ma,e3 -02 i2 is all 2oo ,eal5 S07h is
2he 6,i7e o+ -e2,ayin/ 2he Kin/ o+ Da,.en Cood5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
150
LYes3 I am3N yo0 say 7a,e+0lly5
LThen 2he Diamond Key is yo0,s5 I 4ill >0s2 need yo0 2o ,e2,ie1e i2 +o, me +,om
2he sa+e 6la7e5N

FF - Diamond
LChe,e is 2ha2ON yo0 as.5
S0ddenly yo0 a,e +allin/3 2he 2h,one ,oom 1anishin/ a,o0nd yo05 Yo0 7olla6se
hea1ily on2o a +loo,5 Small3 ,o0/h 6a1in/ s2ones 6,ess in2o yo0, 7hee. and yo0
slo4ly 60sh yo0,sel+ 065 The +all doesn?2 seem 2o ha1e in>0,ed yo05
Yo0 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee25 Ano2he, domed 7ham-e,3 2his 2ime 4i2h a,7h4ays linin/
2he 7i,70la, 4all5 The a,7h4ays a,e all -,i7.ed in 4i2h ma/i7al ,0nes 6ain2ed in /old
6ain2 on 2he -,i7.4o,.5
Yo0 loo. 06 a2 2he ,i--ed dome3 and see some2hin/ la,/e and -la7. han/in/ +,om
2he a6e8 o+ 2he dome5 Yo0 loo. 2o yo0, side and see 2he,e a 2all 4ooden s2and3 in
4hi7h ,es2s a lon/ -la7. s6ea, 4i2h a sil1e, -lade5 The 7,o4 is 6e,7hed on 2he 2i6 o+
2he s6ea,5
LI /a1e i2 2o him3N 2he 7,o4 4his6e,s5
The mass han/in/ +,om 2he 7eilin/ s2i,s a2 2he so0nd3 and a 6ai, o+ h0/e -a2-li.e
4in/s 0n+old3 ,e1ealin/ a demon han/in/ 06side do4n5 I2 /,o4ls and ,eleases i2s
hold3 +allin/ do4n and 24is2in/ a-o02 -e+o,e o6enin/ 2he /,ea2 4in/s and +loa2in/
slo4ly 2o 2he /,o0nd5
I2 is a2 leas2 ( +ee2 2all and 7o1e,ed in da,. /,ey s.in5 I2 ,oa,s3 i2s ma4 +illed 4i2h a
m0l2i20de o+ lon/3 6oin2ed 2ee2h3 and +le8es hands 2ha2 end in lon/ 70,1ed 2alons5 I2
/la,es a2 yo0 4i2h h0n/,y ,ed eyes -02 does no2 a22a7.3 /lan7in/ o+2en a2 2he 7,o4 as i+
i2 is a+,aid o+ i25
Yo0 loo. o1e, 2he 7,ea20,e3 -02 do no2 see 2he Diamond Key any4he,e5 LI don?2
see 2he Key3N yo0 o-se,1e5
LI2 is inside him3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LThis 7,ea20,e is a s2,on/-o8 o+ so,2s5 De1ils
and so,7e,e,s ma.e 7,ea20,es s07h as he 2o 7on2ain 2,eas0,es5 They 2a.e a so0l 4hi7h
is -o0nd 2o 2hem3 and 2o,men2 i2 2o 24is2 i2s mind3 ma.in/ i2s e8is2en7e 6ain+0l3 and
+illed 4i2h a /,ea2 h0n/e,3 2o sa2e 4hi7h -,in/s 2hei, only 6leas0,e5N
LYo0 made 2his 2hin/ON yo0 as. a66alled5
LNo3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LB02 I 602 2he Diamond Key inside him5 No4 I shall 2es2
him and I shall 2es2 yo05 This s6ea, 4ill /i1e yo0 2he 6o4e, 2o des2,oy him i+ yo0
m0s25N
The 7,o4 s6,eads i2s 4in/s as i+ 2o +ly o++5
LCai2MN yo0 say5 LCha2 do yo0 mean3 i+ I m0s2O And 4ha2 do yo0 mean 2es2
himON
The 7,o4 se22les -a7. on 2he s6ea,5 LI 2ho0/h2 yo0 4e,e a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h25
S0,ely yo0 .no4 4ha2 yo0 m0s2 doON
LI?m ne43N yo0 o++e,5
The 7,o4 loo.s 0nim6,essed3 -02 says; LA2 all 2imes a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2 a72s
4i2h 7om6assion5 This is 4hy a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2 m0s2 -e hi/hly s.illed 4i2h
4ea6ons5 No2 2o .ill3 -02 so 2ha2 he may +i/h2 and only .ill i+ he 7hoses 2o5 Chen
ha1e yo0 .illed a man o02 o+ 7om6assion +o, himO Ra,ely is i2 so5 Mo,e o+2en a
Cham6ion 4ill .ill a 7,ea20,e s07h as 2his one o02 o+ 7om6assion5 I2 e8is2s in 2o,men25
Ye2 i+ i2 is slain3 i2s so0l shall -e -,o.en and +all do4n 2o 2he le1el -enea2h3 +,om
4hi7h 2he as7en2 is di++i70l25 I+ 2his one 7an -e ,edeemed in 2his +o,m3 2ha2 so0l shall
-e sa1ed5N
LHo4 7an i2 -e sa1edON yo0 as. do0-2+0lly5
LFo, a 2ho0sand yea,s I ha1e 4o,.ed 4i2h 2his one3 7almin/ i2s hea,25 I2 has
lea,ned 2o s6ea. and ,eason on7e mo,e5 B02 i2 m0s2 lea,n 2o o1e,7ome i2s h0n/e, and
i2s l0s2 +o, 6o4e,5 Fo, -y 7ons0min/ 2he +lesh o+ 2hose 4ho 7ome 2o slay i23 i2 /ains
2hei, s2,en/2h5 I2 4as l0s2 +o, 6o4e, 2ha2 7a0sed him 2o +oolishly -ind his so0l 2o a
<
FF - Diamond
de1il in 2he +i,s2 6la7e5 So no4 i2 4ill -e 2es2ed5 I2 m0s2 ,esis2 2he h0n/e,5 And yo0
shall -e 2es2ed3 +o, I see 2ha2 2he,e is no 7om6assion in yo0, hea,2 +o, 2his 7,ea20,e5N
Yo0 loo. a2 2he demon and see no2hin/ -02 a sa1a/e -eas25 I2 is s2ill /lan7in/ a2
2he 7,o4 as i2 in7hes +o,4a,d5 LI2 is a+,aid o+ yo03N yo0 say5 LTha2 is 2he only ,eason
i2 does no2 a22a7. me5N
LCe shall see3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies3 and a-,062ly 1anishes5
S2a,2led3 yo0 lea6 o1e, and /,a- 2he s6ea,3 le1ellin/ i2 a2 2he demon3 4hi7h ,oa,s5
The s6ea, is ma/i7al3 and yo0 may 2,i6le yo0, SKI&& 4hile yo0 a,e 7a,,yin/ i25
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
C,o4 S6ea, S6ea, *
The 7,ea20,e eyes 2he s6ea, 4a,ily3 -02 ad1an7es5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a22a7. and des2,oy i23 20,n 2o 063
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, /i1e i2 a 7han7e 2o o1e, 7ome i2s h0n/e,3 20,n 2o +2+
15+
Yo0 6i7. 06 2he li/h2 7,ys2al and 602 i2 in yo0, 6o7.e25 Goin/ 2o 2he +a, side
o66osi2e 2he doo,3 yo0 /a2he, yo0, s2,en/2h3 2hen 7ha,/e 2he doo,5 Yo0 smash in2o 2he
doo, and i2 s4in/s o6en3 d0m6in/ yo0 on2o 2he +loo,5 Des6e,a2ely yo0 7lim- 2o yo0,
+ee2 on7e mo,e3 and s2a//e, 2h,o0/h 2he .i27hen yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in5 Yo0 4e,e
lo7.ed in a 6an2,yM
Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay in2o a na,,o4 hall and e1en20ally 7ome 2o a doo,5 Yo0 o6en
i2 and +ind yo0,sel+ -ehind a 6illa, in 2he +i,s2 hall yo0 7ame in2o5 Yo0 sh02 2he doo,
-ehind yo03 /lan7in/ -a7. 2o see i2 is 6ain2ed /,ey li.e 2he s2one a,o0nd i25
Yo0 s20m-le a7,oss 2o 2he 20nnel and 4ea,ily -e/in 2o 7,a4l 064a,ds5 I2 seems 2o
2a.e ho0,s3 -02 4hen yo0 ,ea7h 2he 2o6 2he o,7 is s2ill slee6in/ and yo0 4al. 6as2 him
and in2o 2he main 20nnel5
A-o02 an ho0, la2e, yo0 ,ea7h 2he ,es2 s2o65
T0,n 2o 020
151
Yo0 sli6 2h,o0/h 2he a,7h4ay and in2o a la,/e 7ham-e, in 4hi7h 2he,e is a /olden
2h,one5 The 4alls a,e h0n/ 4i2h 2a6es2,ies3 and yo0 e8amine 2hem 7losely5 Yo0 see
2he s2o,y o+ a /,ea2 -la7. d,a/on 2e,,o,isin/ 2he land5 A /,o06 o+ .ni/h2s 2,a7. 2he
-eas2 2o i2s lai,3 -a22lin/ o2he, men 4ho 4ea, 2he ma,. o+ a /,ea2 /olden eye5 The
d,a/on is d,i1en -a7. 4i2h ma/i7 and sealed in i2s lai,5 The .ni/h2s 1o4 2o 4a27h 2he
d,a/on +o, all e2e,ni2y so i2 7anno2 ,ise a/ain5
LHis name is Ma,a/andala,5N Says a 1oi7e5
Yo0 s6in a-o02 and see an o,7ish 4oman s2andin/ nea, yo05 She 4ea,s a sil1e,
-,eas26la2e mo0lded 2o he, +o,m3 and a lon/ s.i,2 o+ da,. -l0e sil.3 em-,oide,ed 4i2h
sil1e, a-o02 2he hem5 She has lon/ shiny -la7. hai,3 +allin/ 0n-o0nd a-o02 he, -a,e
a,ms5 She is -ea02i+0l +o, an o,73 4i2h la,/e eyes and 7lean 4hi2e 20s.s5 She is
7a,,yin/ a -a,-ed s6ea, in he, hand5
=
FF - Diamond
She smiles a2 yo05 LHa1e yo0 7ome 2o 4o,shi6 HimON
LChoON yo0 as.5
LMa,a/andala,3 2he D,a/on3N she says5
LNo3 I ha1en?23N yo0 say5
LI see3N she ,e6lies5
She ,aises one hand and a li/h2nin/ -ol2 s2,ea.s +,om i23 s2,i.in/ yo0 in 2he 7hes25
@&ose hal+ o+ yo0, STAMINA5A Yo0 a,e 2h,o4n -a7. a/ains2 2he 4all3 s20nned +,om
2he -lo4 and a2 4ha2 2he 4oman has >0s2 done5 The,e a,e no o,7ish ma/i7-0se,sM B02
yo0 a,e -ein/ a22a7.ed -y one3 so yo0 -,in/ yo0, 4ea6on 2o -ea,5
DRAGON "RIESTESS SKI&& )* STAMINA )% DB % ARMOUR #
Yo0 7an +lee +,om 2his -a22le a2 any 2ime5 To ,0n3 20,n 2o 058
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 185
153
Ta.in/ o02 2he -,oads4o,d3 yo0 sho4 Kianmay 2he 4o,ds on 2he -lade5 He, eyes
4iden as she ,eads 2he s7,i62 and loo.s a2 yo0 in amaKemen25 LChe,e did yo0 /e2
2hisON
LA 4ea6onsmi2h in 2he 7i2y5N
She ,0ns a +in/e, o1e, 2he 4o,ds5 LHe,e i2 says; JTa.e me 06 2o sa1e o2he,s5?N
She 20,ns 2he -lade o1e,5 LAnd he,e; JCas2 me aside 2o sa1e 2hysel+5?N She ,e20,ns i2
2o yo05 LThis is a holy -lade dedi7a2ed 2o o0, /oddess5 She m0s2 smile 06on yo0 2o
ha1e lead yo0 2o 2his5N
Thin.in/ o+ ho4 m07h i2 7os23 yo0 /0ess i2 7o0ldn?2 ha1e -een m07h o+ a smile5
Kianmay /oes on 2o e86lain 2ha2 2his -lade 4ill ha1e e82,a dama/e a/ains2 demons
and e1il mons2e,s5 I+ yo0 a,e +a7in/ an a/en2 o+ e1il3 i2 4ill ha1e an R -e+o,e i2s name3
and yo0 7an add 2o yo0, SKI&& +o, 2ha2 -a22le as 4ell as a +0,2he, # 2o yo0, dama/e
-on0s5
To 7on2in0e yo0, >o0,ney3 20,n 2o 0+8
157
Yo0 a,e 0na-le 2o 2ell 2he 7,o4 2he ,i/h2 ans4e,5 LThen /o3N i2 says 2o yo05
LI 7an?23N yo0 ,e6ly5 LI 7anno2 /o -a7. 2o he, 4i2ho02 i25N
The 7,o4 is silen2 +o, a +e4 momen2s3 2hen says; LDiamond is 2he mos2 6,e7io0s
s0-s2an7e in 2he mo,2al 4o,ld5 Ye2 s0-s2an7e is -02 a 2hin/ +o, 7on2ainin/ 2he 2,0e
s20++ o+ li+e5 Cill a man in 2he dese,2 4ho 7omes 06 a /olden /o-le2 +illed 4i2h 4a2e,3
6o0, 2he 4a2e, on2o 2he sand so 2ha2 he may 7a,,y a4ay 2he 706O So i2 is in 2his mo,2al
4o,ld5 So i2 is 4i2h yo05 The Diamond Key is 2he .ey 2o 2he mos2 1al0a-le 2hin/ in
li+e3 and 2ha2 is li+e i2sel+5 Yo0 a,e no2 4o,2hy 2o -ea, s07h a 2,eas0,e5 Ta.e yo0
/olden 706 and /oMN
An in1isi-le +o,7e s0ddenly s7oo6s yo0 06 and yo0 +ly -a7.4a,ds so +as2
e1e,y2hin/ -e7omes a -l0,5 S0ddenly yo0 a,e d0m6ed on 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 s2a,e a2
2he 4ooden +loo,-oa,ds5 Yo0 +eel hands /,as6 yo0 and yo0 +ind "enma,. hel6in/ yo0
s2and5 Yo0 a,e -a7. in 2he inn a2 Ta66in5
#
FF - Diamond
LChe,e did yo0 7ome +,om3 manON "enma,. as.s3 a li22le sha.en5
LI don?2 .no43N yo0 ,e6ly5N
Kianmay is s2andin/ nea,-y5 She h0,,ies o1e, and /,i6s yo0, a,m 6ain+0lly5 LDid
yo0 +ind i2ON He, eyes a,e 4ild5
Yo0 7an?2 loo. he, in 2he eye .no4in/ 4ha2 yo0 a,e /oin/ 2o say5 As yo0 loo.
a4ay3 yo0 see a /olden 706 si22in/ on 2he man2le a-o1e 2he +i,e6la7e5 Tha2 4as no2
2he,e -e+o,e5 "0shin/ Kianmay aside in yo0, e87i2emen23 yo0 ,0sh o1e, 2o 2he 706
and sna27h i2 o++ 2he man2le 2o 6ee, inside5 Yo0 20,n 2o Kianmay and 4i2h a /,in 60ll
2he Diamond Key o02 o+ 2he 7065
She ,0shes o1e, and /,as6s i2 /,a2e+0lly3 lea1in/ yo0 holdin/ 2he em62y /olden
7065
I2 is 2ime 2o -e /oin/3 so yo0 head o02side and 2ell e1e,yone 2o 6,e6a,e 2o lea1e5
Yo0 also /i1e o,de,s +o, 2he diseased 2o4n 2o -e -0,ned5 As 2he men 4o,.3 yo0
dis2,i-02e 2he /ems yo0 2oo. +,om 2he /o-lins3 2o 7om6ensa2e 2he men +o, 2he 1al0a-le
2ha2 2hey los25
On7e 2he +i,es a,e es2a-lished3 yo0 7lim- in2o 2he 7a,2 and ,es0me yo0, >o0,ney
no,2h5
T0,n 2o +32
158
Yo0 2a.e some /old 7oins +,om yo0, 60,se and sho4 2hem in yo0, hand 2o 2he +a2
man3 2hen yo0 7lose yo0 hand5 LThis had -e22e, -e /ood5N
The +a2 man /la,es a2 yo0 and yo0 4ai2 on7e mo,e +o, him 2o +inish his mo02h+0l5
As he s4allo4s3 he ,ea7hes in2o a -a/ ne82 2o him and 2a.es o02 a small shee2 o+
6a,7hmen25 He 0n+olds i25 Chen he 7an 2al.3 he says; LBe24een he,e and A,an2a2o,
yo0 4ill ha1e 2o /o 2h,o0/h a,eas hea1ily 6o60la2ed 4i2h 2he Col+?s soldie,s5 They
a,e s2o66in/ e1e,yone /oin/ 2o and +,om 2he /,ea2 7i2y 2o +ind o02 in+o,ma2ion o,
ma.e 2hem deli1e, 2hin/s in2o 2he 7i2y5 They a,e 2,yin/ 2o 7on90e, 2he 7i2y5 They
ne1e, le2 anyone ma.e a deli1e,y 24i7e3 2o a1oid s0s6i7ion3 so a+2e, 2hey ha1e
90es2ioned someone3 2hey /i1e 2hem a 6ass5N He 4a1es 2he 6ie7e o+ 6a6e,5 LI+ yo0
a,e 7hallen/ed -y 2he Col+?s soldie,s3 yo0 7an sho4 2hem 2his3 and 2ell 2hem 2he
6ass4o,d5 Then 2hey 4ill le2 yo0 6as2 4i2ho02 delay5N
The +a2 man 2osses 2he 6ie7e o+ 6a,7hmen2 do4n on2o 2he 2a-le5 Yo0 6i7. i2 06
and e8amine i25 A2 2he -o22om is a ,ed 4a8 seal o+ a 4ol+5 In 2he 7en2,e is a sin/le
line o+ s7,i623 4hi7h says; *he "olf fears not fire4
LCha2 is 2he 6ass4o,dON Yo0 as.5
The +a2 man holds o02 his hand5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6ay +o, 2his3 20,n 2o 081
I+ yo0 don?23 2hen yo0 7an 2al. 2o 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds -y 20,nin/ 2o 0++
O, /o -a7. 06s2ai,s -y 20,nin/ 2o 101
154
The la,/e 7hes2 is smoo2h3 inlaid 4i2h i1o,y 7a,1ed in2o 2he sha6e o+ ele6han2s5 I2
is lon/ and 4hen yo0 o6en i2 is no s0,6,ise 2o see a s4o,d inside5 The s4o,d is a
%
FF - Diamond
-,oads4o,d3 4i2h a 24o-hand hil2 and a -lade +i1e +ee2 lon/5 The /olden hil2 is inlaid
4i2h ,0-ies3 and /olden desi/ns a,e inlaid in 2he s2eel o+ 2he -lade ,i/h2 do4n 2o 2he
2i65 I2 loo.s 2oo -i/3 hea1y and os2en2a2io0s +o, yo0 2o 0se5 B02 may-e yo0 7an 2a.e i2
and sell i25 As yo0 ,ea7h +o, i23 yo0 +eel a s2,an/e sensa2ion in yo0, hand3 and yo0
sna27h i2 a4ay5 The,e is some e1il ma/i7 in 2his s4o,d5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 2a.e i2 any4ayO T0,n 2o 76
Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an;
&oo. inside one o+ 2he o2he, 7hes2s: 20,n 2o +20
B0s2 lea1eO T0,n 2o 3
156
Yo0 s6end 2en mise,a-le days as a 7a62i1e o+ 2he no-leman and his soldie,s5 Yo0
2,a1el lon/ ho0,s 4i2h +e4 ,es2s3 2a.in/ a 7o0,se 2han seems 2o 4ind -a7. and +o,2h5
The no-leman s6ends m07h o+ his 2ime 6ee,in/ in2o a small ,o0nd mi,,o, 4i2h a sil1e,
+,ame5 Yo0 s7o,n his 1ani2y +o, 2he +i,s2 2h,ee days5 Then yo0 7a27h si/h2 o+ 2he +a7e
o+ 2he mi,,o, and see 2ha2 i2 is -la7. 7,ys2al5 Cha2e1e, he sees 4i2hin 2he -la7. mi,,o,
/0ides yo0, 7o0,se and he a1oids 2he Col+?s soldie,s5
B02 -y 2he ele1en2h day 2he no-leman is no lon/e, loo.in/ in 2he mi,,o,3 -02 o1e,
his sho0lde,3 0,/in/ his 6a,2y 2o mo1e +as2e, and +as2e,5 By 2his 2ime Kianmay is /,ey
and e8ha0s2ed3 a72in/ li.e a Kom-ie3 silen2ly doin/ 4ha2e1e, is 7ommanded o+ he,5
By midday yo0 2oo see 2he 60,s0e,s5 Kno4in/ 2ha2 he 7anno2 +lee any +0,2he,3 2he
no-leman 2ells his 6a,2y 2o +o,m a line3 4i2h yo0 and Kianmay and 2he 6a7. animals
-ehind5 They 4ai2 2o mee2 2he 60,s0e,s5
Slo4ly 2he ho,semen 4ho a,e 7hasin/ yo0 a66,oa7h5 They 7a,,y no -anne,s3 -02
soon 2hey a,e 7lose eno0/h +o, yo0 2o see 2he 4ol+ heads em-laKoned on 2hei,
-,eas26la2es5 The 6a2,ol +o,ms a line and s2o6s a-o02 )** +ee2 a4ay5 The no-leman
0,/es his ho,se +o,4a,d3 and 2he leade, o+ 2he ho,semen does so as 4ell5 They mee2 in
2he middle o+ 2he s6a7e and -,ie+ly 2al.5
They a,e 0na-le 2o mee2 a/,eemen2 and d,a4 2hei, s4o,ds5 The 24o lines o+
4a,,io,s mee2 and +i/h25 Yo0 4a27h3 no2 s0,e 4ho yo0 4ish 2o -e 2he 1i72o,5 Yo0 see
2he no-leman +all3 and one -y one his men5 Soon yo0, 7a62o,s a,e all dead3 and yo0
-e7ome 7a62i1es o+ 2he 1i72o,s3 4ho ha1e los2 hal+ 2hei, n0m-e,s5 The leade, 7omes
and 90es2ions yo05 He has a 2hi7. -la7. -ea,d 4on in a lon/ -,aid and 7a,,ies a h0/e
s7imi2a, d,i66in/ 4i2h -lood +,om 2he -a22le5
Yo0 2ell him yo0 4e,e 2,a1ellin/ 2o A,an2a2o, 4i2h yo0, 4i+e 4hen yo0 4e,e
7a620,ed +o, 0n.no4n ,easons5 The leade, a77e62s yo0, s2o,y -02 2ells yo0 2ha2 yo0
4ill ha1e 2o 7ome 4i2h him5 Seein/ Kianmay?s 7ondi2ion3 he /i1es he, a 6hial o+
healin/ 6o2ion5 The e++e72 is d,ama2i7 and she a66ea,s ali1e a/ain5
Yo0 a,e es7o,2ed no,2heas2 +o, one day and mos2 o+ 2he ne825 E1en -e+o,e yo0
7ome 4i2hin si/h2 o+ 2he en7am6men23 yo0 see a h0nd,ed 2end,ils o+ smo.e ,isin/ in2o
2he ai,5 I+ i2 4as no2 so nea, yo0 4o0ld ha1e /0essed i2 2o -e 2he /,ea2 7i2y5 Ins2ead
yo0 see /,o4in/ on 2he ho,iKon a /,ea2 en7am6men25
Tho0sands o+ 2ens o+ all di++e,en2 .inds a,e a,,an/ed in a ,e/0la, /,id5 The,e a,e
la,/e o6en a,eas as 4ell3 4hi7h a,e +illed 4i2h 6eo6le5 Yo0, 7a62o,s lead yo0 2o a 6a,2
'
FF - Diamond
o+ 2he 7i2y 4he,e 2he,e a,e many -anne,s3 in7l0din/ one la,/e s2a++ h0n/ 4i2h a 4ol+?s
head o+ ,ed and /old5
As yo0 a,e 2a.en 2h,o0/h 2he en7am6men23 yo0 see soldie,s o+ 2he Col+: many
di++e,en2 na2ionali2ies3 many di++e,en2 s2yles o+ d,ess and a,mo0,5 B02 all sha,e an
e86,ession o+ ale,2ness and an ai, o+ dis7i6line5 The Col+ has +o,/ed a s2,on/ a,my
indeed3 and ye2 4ha2 yo0 see is no2 eno0/h 2o 2a.e 2he /,ea2 7i2y5
Yo0 a,e 2a.en in2o ano2he, 7om6o0nd3 4he,e 2hin/s a,e 90ie2e, and sho4n in2o a
la,/e 0ndyed 2en25 Yo0, ho,ses and 6a7.s a,e 7on+is7a2ed5
The,e is a -en7h in 2he 2en23 as 4ell as a -a,,el o+ 4a2e, 4i2h a ladle5 Yo0 si2
do4n3 -02 Kianmay ,emains s2andin/3 s2ill so,e +,om 2he saddle5
LCha2 4ill ha66enON she as.s5
LI don?2 .no43N yo0 say5 LB02 2he Col+ is no 2y,an25N
Yo0 smile ,eass0,in/ly a2 he,3 2,yin/ no2 2o ,e1eal 2he 0neasiness yo0 +eel5
Kianmay does no2 loo. ,eass0,ed5
T0,n 2o 0+3
155
LThese a,e o0, /0a,dsON Kianmay as.s5
LYes3N yo0 ,e6ly5
She nods in a66,o1al5 LCell3 a2 leas2 yo0 7an do some2hin/ ,i/h25 Ge2 2hem on
2hei, ho,ses3 4e ha1e a lon/ 4ay 2o /o5N
Yo0 7all 2he men 2o/e2he, and 2ell 2hem 2o +o,m 065 They en7i,7le 2he 4a/on3
.ee6in/ 2hei, dis2an7e +,om 2he 6aladin3 loo.in/ a2 2hem 4i2h 2he same 70,iosi2y and
a66,ehension 2ha2 yo0 on7e +el25 Kianmay 7lim-s 06 on2o 2he 4a/on sea2 ne82 2o yo05
The ,oad ,olls 0nde, 2he 4heels o+ 2he 7,ea.in/ 4a/on3 and yo0, 6a,2y 2,a1els +o,
se1e,al ho0,s -e+o,e "enma,. 7alls +o, a hal2 a2 midday5 Yo0 6a,. 2he 4a/on 0nde, a
la,/e oa. nea, 2he ,oad and 2he 6aladin -e/in 2o se2 06 a 7oo.in/ +i,e5 Yo0 no2i7e 2ha2
2he 6aladin and 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds .ee6 2o 2hemsel1es3 and e1en 2ho0/h 2he
me,7han2 /0a,ds 2al.3 2hey do so in a 4his6e,3 in+l0en7ed -y 2he 90ie2 6ea7e o+ 2he
6aladin5
Kno4in/ 2his 4ill no2 do3 yo0 7la6 yo0, hands5 LAll ,i/h2 e1e,yone3 lis2en 06M?
E1e,yone loo.s a2 yo05 LCe ha1e a lon/ >o0,ney 2o ma.e and 4e need 2o -e 4o,. as
one5 So I 4an2 e1e,yone 2o s2and 06 one -y one5 Tell 0s yo0, name and 4he,e yo0
a,e +,om5 And 2hen some2hin/ else a-o02 yo0 i+ yo0 2hin. i2?ll am0se 0s all 2o hea,5
Yo0 2he,eM Yo0 a,e +i,s25N
Yo0 6oin2 2o one o+ 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds5 Slo4ly he s2ands 065 LMy name is
Ty,en5 I?m +,om Fan/5 E,,II 7an -alan7e a da//e, on my nose5N
This 7laim demands a demons2,a2ion3 so Ty,en d,a4s his da//e, and 2il2s his head
-a7. 4i2h 2he 6ommel on his -,oad nose5 Ci2h a -i2 o+ dan7in/3 he is a-le 2o -alan7e
2he da//e, +o, 2hi,2y se7onds3 d,a4in/ a66la0se and 7hee,s +,om 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds5
The ,es2 o+ 2he me,7han2 /0a,ds s2and 06 one -y one and in2,od07e 2hemsel1es3
2hen ei2he, 6e,+o,m a 2,i7. o, 2ell an am0sin/ s2o,y5 Then 7omes 2he 20,n o+ 2he +i,s2
6aladin5 The li/h2 mood -e7omes sli/h2ly hea1ie,3 and yo0 4ai2 4i2h some
ne,1o0sness5 This 4ill -e 2he 2es25 The 6aladin s2ands 065 Yo0 ,e7o/nise him as 2he
7a,,ia/e d,i1e,5 He /lan7es a2 "enma,.3 -02 does no2 4ai2 +o, 6e,mission -e+o,e
s6ea.in/5
(
FF - Diamond
LI am Ha,2e,an3N he says in a 90ie2 1oi7e5 LI am +,om So02he,n A2e,a5 I 7an 6lay
2he 2in +l02e5N He 2a.es o02 a slende, 6i6e o+ 2in and 6osi2ionin/ his +in/e,s on 2he
holes 6lays a sho,2 me,,y 20ne5 The me,7han2 /0a,ds 7hee, and 7la6 4hen he is done5
Ha,2e,an loo.s a -i2 em-a,,assed and a1oids loo.in/ a2 "enma,. and lady Kianmay5
The 6,ies2ess is /,innin/ -,oadly3 and he, eyes dan7e 4i2h li/h25 The o2he, 6aladin
in2,od07e 2hemsel1es3 some 4a,m2h -,ea.in/ 2h,o0/h 2hei, dis7i6line5 "aladin 7ome
+,om some4he,e as 4ell3 yo0 ,e+le725
By 2he 2ime 2he meal is ,eady3 all a,e 2al.in/3 and Ha,2e,an is 2a.in/ ,e90es2s on
his +l02e5 "enma,.3 4ho a1oided ha1in/ 2o in2,od07e himsel+ -y .ee6in/ a4ay +,om
2he +i,e /i1es yo0 a smile and a nod o+ a66,o1al5 &ady Kianmay is also less an/,y
4i2h yo03 and /i1es yo0 a small smile5
I+ yo0 a,e 7a,,yin/ a Holy B,oads4o,d3 yo0 7an sho4 i2 no4 2o Kianmay 2o as. he,
a-o02 i2 @20,n 2o 153A5
To 7on2in0e yo0, >o0,ney3 20,n 2o 0+8
322
Yo0 7anno2 a++o,d 2o -e 7a620,ed3 so yo0 ,eady yo0,sel+ +o, 7om-a25 The /0a,ds
see 2he /,im e86,ession on yo0, +a7e and mo1e in3 4a1in/ 2hei, s4o,ds5 S0ddenly a
6,ies2ess a66ea,s3 and 6lan2s he,sel+ in +,on2 o+ yo05 He, head-7lo2h +alls a4ay3
,e1ealin/ lon/ lo7.s o+ s2,ai/h2 -la7. hai,5
LS2o6MN she says5 LThis is holy /,o0ndM Yo0 m0s2 no2 2a.e any li+e he,eMN
LHe al,eady hasMN -a,.s one o+ 2he +alse 6aladin5
LThen do no2 -la7.en yo0, so0ls as he hasMN 2he 6,ies2ess im6lo,es5 She 20,ns 2o
+a7e yo05 He, s.in is 6ale3 -02 he, eyes a,e -,i/h2 /,een and +0ll o+ li+e5 L"lease3 si,5
Do no2 2a,nish 2his 6la7e any +0,2he,5 S0,,ende,MN
LI 7anno23N yo0 ,e6ly5
&oo.in/ in2o he, eyes3 yo0 a,e a4ed -y 2he de62h o+ 2he lo1e and 7om6assion 2ha2
yo0 see5 B02 yo0 .no4 yo0 7anno2 do as she 4ishes5 Seein/ yo0, dis2,a72ion3 one o+
2he /0a,ds l0n/es a2 yo03 2h,0s2in/ 4i2h his s4o,d5 Yo0 20,n 2o de+end yo0,sel+3 -02 i2
is 2oo la2e5
Ci2h a des6e,a2e lea63 2he 6,ies2ess 2h,o4s he,sel+ in2o 2he 6a2h o+ 2he -lade3 and
she +alls a/ains2 yo0 4i2h a 7,y o+ 6ain5 Yo0 +all 2o 2he +loo, 4i2h he, on 2o6 o+ yo05
!0i7.ly yo0 s2,0//le +,ee3 -02 none o+ 2he /0a,ds a,e a22em62in/ 2o a66,ehend yo05
Ins2ead 2hey s2and 4i2h loo.s o+ sho7. on 2hei, +a7es5 One s2ands 4i2h no s4o,d3 his
+a7e /,ey as he s2a,es a2 2he 6,ies2ess on 2he +loo,5 Yo0 loo. do4n a2 2he 6,ies2ess and
see 2he s4o,d 6,o2,0din/ +,om he, 7hes25 She loo.s 06 a2 2he man 4ho has s2a--ed
he, and holds o02 he, hand 2o him5
L"lease3N she says so0ndlessly3 he, eyes +0ll o+ a li/h2 2ha2 ma.es yo0 +eel 6e22y
and ashamed5 The /0a,d .neels slo4ly and 2a.es he, hand5 She /,as6s i2 and smiles5
As she s6ea.s3 she s6i2s +le7.s o+ -lood on2o he, ,o-e5 LI +o,/i1e yo05N
She 2hen dies on 2he +loo,3 he, -,i/h2 -ea02i+0l /,een eyes sh02 a4ay +o,e1e,5 Yo0
+eel a /,ea2 an/e, and shame5 B02 2he 0,/en7y o+ yo0, si20a2ion 6,esses 06on yo03 and
yo0 see 2ha2 2he soldie,s a,e dis2,a72edI
Do yo0 4an2 2o ma.e a -,ea. +o, i2O I+ so3 20,n 2o 305
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 0se 2he Diamond Key 2o -,in/ 2he 6,ies2ess -a7. 2o li+e3 .no4in/ 2ha2
yo0 4ill -e 7a620,ed and 2he Key deli1e,ed 2o .in/ Da,m3 20,n 2o 357
E
FF - Diamond
320
!0i7.ly lea1in/ 2he ,oom yo0 ,e2,ea2 -a7. 2o4a,ds 2he na,,o4 7o,,ido,5 Yo0 hea,
a 4oman?s 1oi7e 7all a+2e, yo03 as.in/ yo0 2o s2o65 Yo0 90i7.en yo0, s2e6 and /oin/
-a7. 2o 2he mess hall 2,o2 -e24een 2he 2a-les and e8i2 2he 2em6le5
&oo.in/ a,o0nd 2o ma.e s0,e no /0a,ds a,e a-o023 yo0 ,0n a7,oss 2he /a,dens and
ma.e i2 2o sa+e2y5 I+ Qa,im is a 7a62i1e he 4ill -e held in 2he 6ala7e alon/ 4i2h
Kianmay5 No4 is 2he 2ime 2o ma.e yo0, assa0l2 on 2he 6ala7e5
T0,n 2o 18+
32+
Yo0 +eel 2he ai, s2a,2 2o 2hi7.en a,o0nd yo03 -02 s0ddenly i2 2hins a/ain3 and yo0,
7ha,/e is -a,ely 6a0sed as yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ a2 2he old man5 He only has 2ime 2o
loo. s2a,2led -e+o,e yo0 end his li+e5
He +alls +o,4a,d on2o 2he des. 4i2h a 2h0m65 De7idin/ 2ha2 Qa,im m0s2 -e held in
2he 6ala7e3 yo0 sea,7h 2he s20dy +o, any2hin/ 2ha2 7an aid yo05 On 2he man himsel+
yo0 +ind a /olden ,in/ 2ha2 loo. ma/i7al5 In 2he d,a4e,s o+ 2he des. yo0 +ind a da//e,
4i2h ,0nes e27hed on 2he -lade and an i1o,y dis7 2he siKe o+ yo0, 6alm 4i2h an ony8
lion inlaid in one side5
The,e is also a 7a-ine2 ne82 2o 2he doo, and a sea,7h o+ i2 ,e1eals a -o8 o+ 2en
healin/ 6o2ions and a sin/le 6hial o+ /,een l07. 6o2ion5 Yo0 also +ind a +oo2-hi/h
s2a20e o+ 2he 4hi2e /oddess 2ha2 is e890isi2ely 7a,1ed +,om >ade5
&ea1in/ 2he s20dy -e+o,e 2he dea2h is dis7o1e,ed3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7.
2h,o0/h 2he 2em6le and o02 in2o 2he /a,dens5 No4 yo0 m0s2 ma.e yo0, assa0l2 on 2he
6ala7e5 B02 -e+o,e yo0 4al. in2o 2he lion?s den3 yo0 de7ide 2o hide 2he Diamond Key3
so yo0 head -a7. 2o 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o,5
The sh,ine is li2 -y a sin/le 2all 7andle and yo0 sli6 inside5 The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine
is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a
loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/
in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key +,om
2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2
+la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
321
The lo7. 7li7.s o6en and yo0 +,eeKe5 The slee6in/ man slee6ily m022e,s
some2hin/ and momen2s la2e, his sno,es ,es0me5 Yo0 o6en 2he lid slo4ly5 Inside yo0
+ind 24o healin/ 6hials3 a -lan.e2 and a 60,se o+ )* /old 7oins5
Yo0 7an no4 lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 146
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y 2he se7ond 7hes23 yo0 m0s2 2es2 yo0, l07. on7e mo,e5
<*
FF - Diamond
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 377
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 33+
323
Yo0, +in/e,s sli63 and yo0 a,e 4ashed a4ay3 loosin/ yo0, +oo2in/ and sin.in/
0nde, and 20m-lin/ a-o023 losin/ all sense o+ 4he,e is 065 E1en20ally yo0 a,e
d0m6ed in2o 2he 7alme, 4a2e,s o+ 2he 7anal5 I2 is a s2,0//le a/ains2 yo0, a,mo0,3
7lo2hin/ and e90i6men2 2o ,ea7h 2he s0,+a7e3 -02 2he ,o0nded 7anal is shallo4 and
e1en20ally yo0 ma.e i2 2o 2he side 4he,e yo0 7an s2i7. yo0, head o02 o+ 2he 4a2e, and
7a27h yo0, -,ea2h5
Hal1e yo0, STAMINA +o, 2his nea,-d,o4nin/5 I+ yo0 4ish3 yo0 7an a22em62 2he
se4a/e 20nnel a/ain -y 20,nin/ 2o 3015 I+ yo0 ha1e healin/ 6o2ions3 yo0 7an d,in.
2hem no43 o, i+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 yo0 7an ,es2 0n2il
yo0, STAMINA is +0ll on7e mo,e 2hen a22em62 2he 20nnel a/ain5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a-andon 2his o62ion3 yo0 7an 2,y one o+ 2he o2he, 6o2en2ial en2,an7es;
The main /a2e: 20,n 2o 311
The d0n/eon: 20,n 2o 360
I+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/ yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he s2a-le /a2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 3+3
327
The 7,ys2al in yo0, hand s0ddenly /,o4s ho2 as 2he -,i/h2ness /,o4s5 Yo0 d,o6
2he 7,ys2al and shield yo0, eyes5 E1en 2h,o0/h yo0, hands and eyelids 2he li/h2 h0,2s
yo03 and yo0 -a7. a4ay +,om 2he in2ense hea25 Chen all /,o4s da,. and 7ool on7e
mo,e3 yo0 loo. do4n on 2he /,o0nd5 &yin/ 2he,e is a -,oads4o,d 4i2h a lon/ hil25 I2
has a sil1e, hil2 se2 4i2h o6als and -o0nd 4i2h -l0e sil.5 The 4ea6on is shea2hed in a
2hin s7a--a,d o+ smoo2h 6olished 4ood -anded 4i2h sil1e,5 Yo0 ,ea7h do4n and 6i7.
i2 063 d,a4in/ 2he 4ide -lade and seein/ ma/i7al li/h2 dan7e alon/ 2he ed/es5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
C,o4 S4o,d S4o,d *
Yo0 2han. 2he 7,o4 as yo0 e86e,imen2ally 4a1e 2he 6o4e,+0l 4ea6on5
LThan. me no25N The 7,o4 says5 LI2 may no2 hel6 yo05 I2 shall only 7as2 yo0
+0,2he, do4n 2he 4ay yo0 ha1e 7hosen 2o 4al.5N
Ci2h 2ha23 2he -i,d +lies a4ay5 Yo0 4a27h i2 disa66ea, in2o 2he ni/h25 The 2,ees
a,o0nd yo0 a,e s0ddenly 2hinne,3 and as yo0 20,n yo0, head yo0 see less and less
2,ees5 None disa66ea, 4hile yo0 a,e loo.in/ a2 2hem3 -02 as yo0 slo4ly 20,n a,o0nd3
2hey a,e soon all /one and 2he ai, +eels 4a,m -y 7om6a,ison5
Yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay 2o 2he 6ala7e5
T0,n 2o 386
328
Yo0 -a7. do4n 2he 6assa/e3 o02 o+ si/h2 o+ 2he Kom-ies5 Yo0 hea, 2hem 7on2in0e
2o sh0++le +o,4a,d5 Yo0 /o -a7. 2o 2he ladde, and 7lim- do4n5 Hidin/ 2he li/h2
<)
FF - Diamond
7,ys2al3 yo0 4ai2 in 2he da,.ness and 4a27h 2he 6assa/e a-o1e +ill 4i2h 2he shado4 o+
2he 24o Kom-ies5
They 7ome ,i/h2 2o 2he ed/e3 -02 2hen s2o63 /,oanin/ in 4ha2 seems li.e
+,0s2,a2ion5 They ,emain s2ill +o, a min02e3 2hen slo4ly 20,n and -e/in 2o ma.e 2hei,
4ay -a7. 2o 2hei, 6os2s5 Mo1in/ 90ie2ly3 yo0 7lim- 2he ladde, a/ain and 2a.in/ o02
yo0, 4ea6on 7,ee6 06 -ehind 2he Kom-iesI
I+ yo0 a,e 0sin/ a s4o,d o, and a8e3 20,n 2o 7+7
I+ yo0 a,e 0sin/ ano2he, 4ea6on o, a,e 0na,med3 20,n 2o 378
324
As yo0 7on2in0e 2o4a,ds 2he 2em6le3 yo0 see a man ahead s2andin/ on 2he 6a2h
and s2a,in/ in yo0, di,e72ion5 As yo0 nea,3 i2 -e7omes e1iden2 2ha2 he is s2a,in/ a2
yo05 He is a 4i,y old man3 sho,2e, 2han yo03 4i2h s.in 2ha2 is -,o4ned and loo.s ha,d5
His head is sha1ed and he 4ea,s a -,o4n ,o-e 2ha2 has seen -e22e, days3 -02 his lea2he,
-el2 is inlaid 4i2h /olden dis7s5 He s2ands e,e723 a slim 4ooden s2a++ held in his hand5
Yo0 in2end 2o 4al. ,i/h2 6as2 him3 -02 his da,.-eyed /aKe is so in2ense 2ha2 yo0
a,e 7om6elled 2o s2o65 He 6oin2s a +in/e, a2 yo05 LYo0Ia,e no2 4ha2 yo0 seem3N he
s2a2es5
Has yo0, dis/0ise -een 0n7o1e,edO I2 4o0ld -e a -ad idea 2o .ill 2he old man
4hile 2he /a,dens a,e so 7,o4ded5 And yo0 mi/h2 /e2 -lood on yo0, dis/0ise5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e him3 20,n 2o 343
I+ yo0 4an2 2o as. him 4ha2 he is 2al.in/ a-o023 20,n 2o 334
326
G,i66in/ yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 ha7. a2 2he 4all o+ +lesh5 A2 +i,s2 yo0 ma.e 6,o/,ess3
s6la22e,in/ -lood on 2he +loo, and yo0,sel+ as yo0 o6en an in7,easin/ly la,/e, 4o0nd5
B02 as yo0 4o,. yo0, 4ay dee6e,3 yo0 60n720,e some2hin/ and >e2 o+ no8io0s /asses
a,e e86elled5 Yo0 s2a//e, -a7.4a,d3 yo0 eyes and 2h,oa2 -0,nin/ @ded072 %
STAMINAA5 Yo0 +all 2o 2he +loo, 7o0/hin/ and -lin.in/5 The /as 7on2in0es 2o 6o0,
in2o 2he 7ham-e, and i2 -e7omes di++i70l2 2o -,ea2h5 Ge22in/ 2o yo0, hands and .nees
yo0 -e/in 2o 7,a4l +,om 2he ,oom5
I+ yo0 a,e s2ill ali1e o, ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 734
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 5+6
325
As yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he s2,ee2s3 yo0 7ome 06on a s2,an/e si/h25 The,e
is a 2,ee /,o4in/ in 2he middle o+ 2he s2,ee25 Yo0 s2o6 2o e8amine i25 The,e is an
0nea,2hly 7hill in 2he ai, a-o02 2he 2,ee3 and yo0 see i2 mo1e sli/h2ly as i+ 4,i2hin/3 a
+ain2 7,ea.in/ so0nd 7omin/ +,om 4i2hin 2he ,i/id 4ood5
A 2,ee o+ Da,.en CoodO Ho4 did i2 /e2 he,eO And 4ho 4o0ld 6lan2 i2 in 2he
middle o+ 2he s2,ee2O Yo0 mo1e on3 -02 -e+o,e yo0 ha1e 2a.en a s2e6 yo0 see 24o
<
FF - Diamond
mo,e 2,ees ahead5 S2o66in/ and loo.in/ a,o0nd on7e mo,e3 yo0 see 2ha2 2he,e a,e
se1e,al 2,ees /,o4in/ in 2he s2,ee2 -ehind yo0 and in 2he s90a,e 2ha2 4as 1a7an2 4hen
yo0 7,ossed i25 G,i66in/ yo0, 4ea6ons3 yo0 h0,,y +o,4a,d5 The 2,ees 6,oli+e,a2e in
yo0, 6a2h3 and soon 2he li/h2 ahead is -lo7.ed -y 2he 7old da,.ness o+ Da,.en Cood5
Yo0 7an s2ill see 2he -0ildin/s o+ 2he 7i2y a,o0nd yo03 -02 no4 2hey a,e sh,o0ded -y
2he e1il +o,es25
As yo0 s2e6 in2o 4ha2 sho0ld -e >0s2 an in2e,se72ion3 yo0 also 7ome 2o a 7lea,in/
in 2he Cood3 and 2he,e 6e,7hed on 2he si/n6os2 is a la,/e 7,o45
LCha2 a,e yo0 doin/ he,eON yo0 as. 2he 7,o4 a66,ehensi1ely5
The 7,o4 loo.s 2a.en a-a7.5 LTha2 is 2he 90es2ion I 4as /oin/ 2o as. yo03N
/,0m-les i2s disem-odied 1oi7e5
LI am on my 4ay 2o 2he 6ala7e 2o ,es70e a 6,ies2 and 6,ies2ess o+ 2he Chi2e
Goddess3N yo0 e86lain5
LAh3 2he Chi2e Goddess3N 2he 7,o4 says +ondly5 LI .no4 he, 4ell5 A +ine sense
o+ h0mo0,5 So 2hen3 a,e yo0 a Cham6ion o+ 2he &i/h2ON
I+ yo0 4an2 2o say yes3 ,e/a,dless o+ 4he2he, yo0 6assed 2he 2es2 o, no23 20,n 2o 337
I+ yo0 4an2 2o say no3 20,n 2o 352
302
En2e,in/ 2he 7old 7ham-e,3 yo0 -e/in 2o sea,7h 2he -odies5 Yo0 +ind a n0m-e, o+
1al0a-les3 -02 de7ide 2o ,es2,i72 yo0, ha,1es2 2o i2ems o+ 0se5 The 6i7.in/s a,e slim3
yieldin/ only a -,ass lion .ey5
I+ yo0 ha1e a -lan.e2 4i2h yo03 yo0 7an 2a.e 2he 7old 7,ys2al5
Yo0 lea1e 2he 7old ,oom and 4ill 2he 4all 2o 7lose -ehind yo05 Ci2h a /0,/le 2he
+lesh 7loses 06 a/ain and yo0 7on2em6la2e 2he o2he, doo,s5
Ri/h2O T0,n 2o 303
Cen2,eO T0,n 2o 36+
300
Be7omin/ a 7,ea20,e o+ 7haos 7o0ld im6a72 on yo0, 6lans3 so yo0 de7ide 2o 2,0s2
2he 6,ies25 Yo0 0nd,ess3 7a,e+0lly hidin/ 2he Diamond Key inside one o+ yo0, -oo2s5
On7e yo0 a,e inside3 2he 6,ies2 7omes o1e, and lo7.s 2he doo,5
He 4a1es his hands and in7an2s some2hin/3 2hen mo1es 2o 2he o2he, side and
,e6ea2s 2he ma/i7al s6ell5 T4i7e mo,e he does 2his 0n2il yo0 a,e en7losed on all sides
-y a s6ell o+ 0n7e,2ain na20,e5 The 6,ies2 2hen /e2s a lon/ sil1e, s7e62,e and s2ands
-e+o,e 2he 7a/e5 He s2a,2s 2o s6ea. in a lo43 2onal lan/0a/e 2ha2 yo0 do no2
0nde,s2and5
Yo0 -e/in 2o +eel ho23 2he 7a/e a,o0nd yo0 -e7omes o66,essi1e5 Yo0 7all o02 2o
2he 6,ies23 2ellin/ him 2o ,elease yo03 -02 he d,ones on3 i/no,in/ yo05 Yo0 2h0m6 2he
sides o+ 2he 7a/e3 loo.in/ +o, a 4ea.ness5 Yo0 -e/in 2o 6ani73 -e7omin/ +,an2i73 and
smash a2 2he 7a/e an/,ily5 Yo0 +eel a 6,ess0,e -0ildin/ 06 inside yo0 as i+ some2hin/
is 2,yin/ 2o -0,s2 o02 o+ yo05 I2 +ills yo0, 4hole -ein/ and i2 +eels li.e i2 is 2,yin/ 2o /e2
o02 2h,o0/h e1e,y 6o,e in yo0, s.in5
<<
FF - Diamond
Yo0, las2 memo,y is o+ 2h,o4in/ yo0,sel+ 4ildly a/ains2 2he sides o+ 2he 7a/e as
yo0, hands -e7ome hai,y and yo0, nails /,o4I
Yo0 +loa2 in an 0n7om+o,2a-le -la7.ness +o, a 4hile3 -02 2hen yo0 a,e s0ddenly
a4a.e5 Yo0 /,oan5 Yo0, 4hole -ody a7hes and yo0 do no2 +eel /ood5 @Red07e yo0,
STAMINA 2o hal+ o+ i2s 70,,en2 1al0eA5 Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ lyin/ on a na,,o4 7o23
na.ed 0nde, some -lan.e2s5 As yo0 si2 063 2he 6,ies2 20,ns +,om 2he -en7h 4he,e he
s2ands5
LI2 is done3N he says5 LYo0 4ill no2 -e7ome a 4e,e4ol+5 B02 i2 4as 7lose5 Yo0
+0lly 2,ans+o,med5N
On7e yo0 a,e d,essed on7e mo,e3 yo0 /a2he, yo0, 2hin/s and dis7o1e, 4i2h ho,,o,
2ha2 2he Diamond Key is missin/5 Yo0 20,n on 2he 6,ies23 yo0, hand /oin/ 2o yo0,
4ea6on5 He holds 06 2he Diamond Key in i2s 7lo2h -a/5
LMy +ee is a ma/i7al i2em5 Shall I 2a.e 2his oneON
LNoMN yo0 say +i,mly5
LDo yo0 .no4 4ha2 2his isON 2he 6,ies2 as.s yo05
LI do3N yo0 ,e6ly5
The 6,ies2 nods and hands yo0 2he -a/3 4hi7h yo0 2a.e -a7. 90i7.ly and se70,e
a,o0nd yo0, ne7.5 I2 is no4 2ime 2o 6ay 2he 6,ies25 He 4ill 2a.e any one o+ 2he
+ollo4in/ i2ems;
An o,- am0le2: an a,7ane s7,oll: a ma/i7 6ea,l: a >ade ,in/: a l07.s2one: a /olden
a,m-and: o, a ,in/ o+ SKI&&3 STAMINA o, &UCK5
I+ yo0 ha1e none o+ 2hese o, do no2 4ish 2o 6a,2 4i2h 2hem3 20,n 2o 014
O2he,4ise yo0 /i1e 2he 6,ies2 one o+ 2he i2ems5 T0,n 2o 345
30+
Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h3 yo0, l0n/s s2a,2in/ 2o a7he as 2he 6i6e /oes on and
on5 Yo0 s4im des6e,a2ely3 +ea,in/ 2ha2 yo0 a,e no2 mo1in/ a2 all3 -02 +inally yo0 60ll
yo0,sel+ in2o a 6ool and 60sh 06 2o4a,ds 2he s0,+a7e5 As yo0 head -0,s2s +,ee3 yo0
2a.e a /,a2e+0l /0l6 o+ ai,5
&oo.in/ a,o0nd yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in a simila, 7ham-e, 2o 2he +i,s25 He,e 2he,e is
ano2he, ho2 4a2e, 6i6e 4i2h a ladde, leadin/ 06 2o an o6enin/3 +,om 4hi7h +li7.e,in/
2o,7hli/h2 6lays on 2he mo0ldy 7eilin/5 Yo0 s4im 2o 2he ed/e and 60ll yo0,sel+ +,om
2he 4a2e,5 &oo.in/ a2 2he ladde,3 an idea o770,s 2o yo05 I+ yo0 ha1e a ,o6e3 yo0 7an
2ie i2 2o 2he ladde,3 2hen s4im -a7. and 2ie 2he o2he, end 2o yo0, /ea,3 and 60ll i2
2h,o0/h5
I+ yo0 ha1e a ,o6e in yo0, 6a7.3 20,n 2o 317
O2he,4ise3 yo0 a66,oa7h 2he ladde,5 T0,n 2o 367
<=
FF - Diamond
301
Ha1in/ a loo. a,o0nd 2o ma.e s0,e yo0 a,e 0no-se,1ed3 yo0 90i7.ly sli6 do4n
in2o 2he 7anal3 lo4e,in/ yo0,sel+ in slo4ly5 The 4a2e, is 4a,m and a720ally 6leasan25
Yo0 2,0d/e a/ains2 2he +lo4 and ma.e yo0, 4ay in2o 2he 6i6e5 I2 is la,/e eno0/h +o,
yo0 2o 4al. 2h,o0/h3 al2ho0/h i2 is ha,d /oin/ a/ains2 2he 7hes2-hi/h 4a2e,5 Yo0 a,e
+o,7ed 2o 7lin/ 2o 2he side3 di//in/ yo0, +in/e,s in2o 2he 7,a7.s -e24een 2he smoo2hed
-,i7.s5
I2 is ha,d /oin/I
Tes2 yo0, STAMINA5 Roll = die5 I+ 2he 2o2al is e90al 2o o, less 2han yo0, 70,,en2
STAMINA3 20,n 2o 3615
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 323
303
Goin/ 06 2o 2he doo,3 yo0 4ield 2he 4and on7e mo,e and 2he +lesh o6ens5 This
doo, is only a 7o06le o+ in7hes 2hi7.3 and 2he o6enin/ ,e1eals a 7ell5 Inside yo0 a,e
sho7.ed 2o see a yo0n/ 4oman3 held 6,isone, -y a 6ai, o+ +a2 Kom-ies 2ha2 s2and ea7h
side3 holdin/ he, -y 2he 4,is2s5
She does no2 loo. 063 -02 yo0 see he, -,ea2hin/ slo4ly5 De7idin/ yo0 7anno2
lea1e 2his si20a2ion alone3 yo0 en2e, and 4a1e yo0, 4and a2 2he Kom-ies5
L&e2 he, /oMN
The Kom-ies do no2 ,ea725 Con7en2,a2in/3 yo0 4ill 2he 4and 2o 7on1ey yo0,
2ho0/h2s 2o 2he 0ndead -,ain o+ one o+ 2he Kom-ies5 A momen2 la2e, 2he Kom-ie
,eleases his hold3 2he 4oman sl0m6in/ a/ains2 2he o2he, 0ndead5 Yo0 ,elease he,
o2he, a,m3 and 6022in/ 2he 4and aside3 20,n 2he 4oman o1e,5 She is 0n7ons7io0s and
does no2 ,es6ond 2o yo0, a22em62s 2o 4a.e he,5
She a66ea,s 0nha,med3 -02 0nde,+ed5 Tha2 said3 he, -ody is 7o1e,ed 4i2h
n0me,o0s s7a,s3 as i+ he, -ody has -een o6ened ,e6ea2edly and 2he +lesh 7,0dely
7losed5
I+ yo0 ha1e a healin/ 6o2ion3 do yo0 4an2 2o ,e1i1e 2he 4oman and see 4ha2 is /oin/
onO T0,n 2o 706
I+ yo0 ha1e seen eno0/h and 4an2 2o 2,y 2he 7en2,al doo,3 20,n 2o 36+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo, 2o 2he le+23 20,n 2o 737
307
The se7ond in2,0de, +alls dead5 Yo0 see 2ha2 2hey a,e 4ea,in/ -,eas26la2es o+ 2he
7i2y o+ A,an2a2o,5 Yo0 90i7.ly sea,7h 2he /0a,ds3 +indin/ )# /old 7oins and a +las. o+
s2,on/ al7ohol5 The /0a,ds ha1e lon/s4o,ds and da//e,s3 4hi7h yo0 7an 2a.e i+ yo0
<#
FF - Diamond
4ish 2o 0se5 Yo0 may 2a.e one o+ 2he soldie,?s -,eas26la2es3 helms @A,mo0, G )A and
-l0e 7loa.s 2o 0se as a dis/0ise la2e, on5
The dis/0ise yo0 ha1e -o0/h2 is ,0ined3 2he oil s6il2 on 2he +loo, and 2he ,o-e and
ha2 2ha2 yo0 d,o66ed a,e no4 soa.ed in oil5 Yo0 de7ide 2ha2 yo0 4ill >0s2 -,ea. in2o
2he 2em6le 2o see Qa,im5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2o 2he 2em6le dis2,i72 and 6a0se a2 2he
Sh,ine o+ A,an2a2o, 2o o-se,1e 2he 2em6le ne82 doo,5 All loo.s 7alm and s2ill5
T0,n 2o +41
308
Yo0 2a.e o02 2he Kom-ie ,a2 and sho4 i2 2o 2he ne7,oman7e,5 He /es20,es 2o a
,ela2i1ely 7lea, -en7h5 LSho4 me5N
Yo0 /o 2o 2he -en7h and 602 do4n 2he >a,5 Unsealin/ i23 yo0 60ll o02 2he ,a2 and
se2 i2 on 2he -en7h5 Holdin/ 2he 7,ys2al -all on 2he lid o+ 2he >a,3 yo0 ma.e 2he ,a2
7,a4l in a s90a,e3 ma.in/ 24o 7i,70i2s5 Yo0 2hen 20,n -a7. 2o 2he ne7,oman7e, 4i2h a
smile5 LHe 2a0/h2 me 2his 2o -e/in my 2,ainin/ in 2he 7on2,ol o+ 0ndead minds5N
LIn2e,es2in/3N 2he ne7,oman7e, ,e6lies5 L$e,y 4ell3 I shall le2 yo0 /o +,ee3 i+ yo0
lea1e 2his -ehind 4i2h me5N
I+ yo0 a/,ee3 20,n 2o 712
I+ yo0 ,e+0se 2o 6a,2 4i2h 2he ,a23 20,n 2o 358
304
En2e,in/ 2he s20dy3 yo0 si2 do4n in one o+ 2he small 7hai,s -e+o,e 2he des. 4hile
Qa,im /oes 2o a side 2a-le and o++e,s yo0 4a2e,5 Yo0 a77e62 and he 20,ns his -a7. 2o
yo0 as he 6o0,s yo0 a 706 o+ 4a2e,5
I+ yo0 2hin. 2ha2 2his man is no2 Qa,im3 and 4o0ld li.e 2o in7a6a7i2a2e him no43 20,n
2o 13
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 4ai2 a li22le lon/e, in any 7ase3 20,n 2o 3+7
306
Yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ 1i-,a2e as yo0 7ha,/e +o,4a,d3 -02 no2hin/ else ha66ens3 and 2he
ne7,oman7e, loo.s a2 yo0 in sho7. and 2e,,o, a momen2 -e+o,e yo0 slay him5
T0,n 2o 362
305
Yo0 2a.e a dee6 -,ea2h 2hen ma.e a -,ea. +o, i25 One o+ 2he /0a,ds s2e6s 2o
in2e,7e62 yo03 and yo0 7han/e yo0, 7o0,se3 7ha,/in/ di,e72ly in2o him5 Un6,e6a,ed
+o, 2he im6a723 he is 2h,o4n -a7. and yo0 ma.e i2 in2o 2he na,,o4 7o,,ido,5 Yo0 dash
2h,o0/h in2o a mess hall and 2hen o02 2he -a7. doo,5 Yo0 7i,7le a,o0nd 2he /a,dens3
<%
FF - Diamond
loo.in/ +o, si/ns o+ 60,s0i2 and hide yo0,sel+ inside 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o, 4he,e
yo0 7an 4a27h 2he 2em6le +,om 2he shado4s5 Many min02es 6ass and no2hin/ s2i,s5
No4 yo0 m0s2 ma.e yo0, assa0l2 on 2he 6ala7e5 B02 -e+o,e yo0 4al. in2o 2he
lion?s den3 yo0 de7ide 2o hide 2he Diamond Key5 The sh,ine is li2 -y a sin/le 2all
7andle and yo0 sli6 inside5 The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o
one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose
and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/ in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and
ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key +,om 2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in
2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2 +la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
3+2
Seein/ yo0, o02+i23 2he /0a,d /,0n2s and 7loses 2he 4ido4 -e+o,e yo0 7an say
any2hin/5 The -ol2s a,e slid o6en and 2he ne82 momen2 2he doo, s4in/s o6en5 Yo0
h0,,y in2o 2he 4a,m /0a,d,oom5 The,e is ano2he, /0a,d sea2ed on a -en7h a2 a 2a-le3
nea, a s2o1e 2ha2 is .ee6in/ 2he ,oom 4a,m5
The,e is ano2he, s2,on/ doo, o66osi2e3 and 4ishin/ 2he /0a,ds a /ood e1enin/3 yo0
ma.e +o, i25
LYo0 need one o+ 0s 2o 7ome 4i2h yo0ON as.s 2he smalle, /0a,d a2 2he 2a-le5
LNo5 Ha1e a /ood ni/h23N yo0 say and 7on2in0e 2o4a,ds 2he doo,5
T0,n 2o 3+8
3+0
Yo0 2ell 2he 6,ies2ess 2ha2 only 2he Hi/h ",ies2 7an hel6 yo03 and so 4i2h o-1io0s
,el072an7e she leads 2h,o0/h 2he 4o,shi6 hall and in2o a side 6assa/e5 S2o66in/
o02side a doo,3 she .no7.s5 A 1oi7e 7alls +o, he, 2o en2e, and she o6ens 2he doo, and
e86lains 2ha2 yo0 4ish 2o see 2he Hi/h ",ies25
The 1oi7e 4i2hin 7alls +o, yo0 2o en2e, and yo0 do so5 An old man in a 4hi2e ,o-e
4i2h 6ie7in/ -l0e eyes s2ands -ehind an oa. 4ood des.5 Behind him a,e -oo.shel1es3
and a la,/e ,o0nd ,0/ 6a22e,ned 4i2h da,. -l0e3 /,een and 4hi2e is laid in 2he 7en2,e o+
2he ,oom5 He smiles and 4el7omes yo03 in1i2in/ yo0 2o si2 do4n in one o+ 2he sea2s
-e+o,e 2he des.5 He 2han.s 2he 6,ies2ess 4ho is lin/e,in/ in 2he doo,4ay and she
-o4s and 4i2hd,a4s5
He o++e,s yo0 a 706 o+ 4a2e,3 4hi7h yo0 a77e625 He 6o0,s yo0 a 706 +,om a >0/
on a side 2a-le and se,1es i2 2o yo05 He ,e20,ns 2o his sea2 -ehind 2he des.5
LCha2 7an I do +o, yo0ON he as.s5
Con7e,ned -y 2he 6,ies2ess?s -eha1io0,3 yo0 de7ide 2o 2es2 2he man -e+o,e yo05 LI
am a me,7han2 /0a,d3N yo0 -e/in5 LIn my li+e I ha1e .illed many men5 Re7en2ly I
me2 a 6,ies2ess o+ yo0, o,de, 2ha2 2old me .illin/ 4as 4,on/3 and ye2 yo0, o,de, has
6aladin5 Chy a,e 2hey di++e,en2ON
Qa,im nods slo4ly5 LDo yo0 .no4 2he 1o4 2ha2 a man ma.es 2o -e7ome a
6aladinON
<'
FF - Diamond
LNo3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LHe s4ea,s 2o ma.e a 6enan7e +o, e1e,y li+e 2ha2 he 2a.es3 -e i2 a +ly he
a77iden2ally s90ashes3 o, an enemy 2ha2 he slays5 Cha2 2his 6enan7e is3 2ha2 is 06 2o
ea7h man5 B02 i2 is no2 a 2hin/ 2ha2 is 2a.en li/h2ly5 A 6aladin m0s2 no2 .ill 0nless i2
is 2o 6,ese,1e li+e: -02 2his m0s2 no2 -e a >0s2i+i7a2ion +o, a man?s o4n ha2,ed o, an/e,5
I+ yo0, 4o,s2 enemy is /oin/ 2o .ill an inno7en2 7hild3 yo0 may 7all i2 >0s2i7e3 e1en
1i,20e 2o slay him +i,s25 Ye2 4i2hin3 yo0, ha2,ed +eeds 06on his dea2h5 This is 4ha2 2he
6aladin see.s 2o a1oid5 In 2he 4o,ld o+ da,.ness 2ha2 4e d4ell in3 i2 is ne7essa,y +o,
2he ,i/h2eo0s 2o -ea, a,ms5 B02 i+ a ,i/h2eo0s man?s hea,2 is 7ons0med in da,.ness3
4ha2 is 2he 6oin2 o+ i2O So a 6aladin .ills 4i2h only 2he /,ea2es2 o+ ,el072an7e3 +o, he
m0s2 ma.e 6enan7e +o, i2: and some ha1e 7hosen a 2e,,i-le 6enan7e5 This is 2he
di++e,en7e5N
He 7e,2ainly 2al.s li.e a 6,ies25 I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,0s2 him3 20,n 2o 7+
I+ yo0 2hin. he is an a/en2 o+ 2he .in/ and 4an2 2o a22a7. him3 20,n 2o 160
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns0,e and >0s2 4an2 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 318
3++
The 4a,,io, +alls dead 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0 sea,7h him -,ie+ly3 +indin/ < 6hials o+
healin/ 6o2ion5 The,e is also a 7,a2e in 2he 7o,ne, in 4hi7h yo0 +ind a s2eel lion .ey3 a
6alm-siKed i1o,y 2o.en 4i2h an ony8 ,am6an2 lion inlaid in one side3 and a -o22le o+
slee6in/ 6o2ion5 On7e yo0 ha1e 2a.en 4ha2 yo0 4an23 yo0 7onside, 4ha2 2o do ne825
Ne82 2o 2he ho2 4a2e, 6i6e is a ladde, 2ha2 leads 06 2o a na,,o4 6assa/e5 B02 also3
yo0 no2i7e a 2hin s2,eam o+ /lo4in/ 6hos6ho,o0s +lo4in/ o02 +,om an o6enin/ hidden
0nde, 2he 4a2e,3 leadin/ in 2he same di,e72ion5 This 6i6e is 7om6le2ely s0-me,/ed5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2a.e 2he ladde,3 20,n 2o 315
I+ yo0 4an2 2o e86lo,e 2he s0-me,/ed 6i6e3 20,n 2o 348
3+1
Ta.in/ o02 2he +las.3 yo0 4a1e i2 s0//es2i1ely a2 2he /0a,d5 LI2 is a 7old ni/h25N
His eyes -,i/h2en5 LYo0?1e 7on1in7ed me3 s2,an/e,5N
He 7loses 2he small 4indo4 and yo0 hea, 2he -ol2s -ein/ slid o6en5 The ne82
momen2 2he doo, s4in/s o6en and yo0 en2e, 2he 4a,m /0a,d,oom5 Yo0 hand 2he
+las. o1e, and a,e 6oin2ed 2o4a,ds 2he 7ells5 Yo0 2han. 2he /0a,ds and a66,oa7h 2he
doo,5
T0,n 2o 3+8
3+3
Mo1in/ 06 2o 2he -a,-ed doo,s3 yo0 2a.e o02 2he /lass ,in/ and 2a.in/ a -,ea2h3
sli6 i2 on2o yo0, +in/e,5 Yo0 2a.e a s2e6 +o,4a,d3 7losin/ yo0, eyes5 Yo0 7an +eel 2he
doo, as yo0 60sh yo0,sel+ 2h,o0/h i23 4illin/ yo0,sel+ +o,4a,d5 I2 is no2 a 6leasan2
<(
FF - Diamond
e86e,ien7e5 On7e yo0 a,e inside and a,e s0,e yo0 +ee2 a,e a-o1e 2he /,o0nd3 yo0 60ll
2he ,in/ o++ 4i2h ,elie+5
Feelin/ no,mal on7e mo,e3 yo0 loo. a2 2he 24o doo,s 2ha2 o6en in2o 2he s2a-leya,d5
The smalle, doo, 6,o-a-ly leads do4n 2o 2he d0n/eons3 4hile 2he la,/e, in2o 2he
6ala7e i2sel+5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o en2e, 2he d0n/eons 2o +ind Qa,im3 20,n 2o 717
I+ yo0 4an2 2o en2e, 2he 6ala7e 2o loo. +o, Kianmay3 20,n 2o 70+
3+7
The old man hands yo0 2he 706 o+ 4a2e,3 4hi7h yo0 2a.e 4i2h 2han.s5 He /oes
-a7. -ehind his des. and si2s do4n5 LCha2 7an I do +o, yo0ON he as.s5
LI am a me,7han2 /0a,d3N yo0 -e/in5 LIn my li+e I ha1e .illed many men5
Re7en2ly I me2 a 6,ies2ess o+ yo0, o,de, 2ha2 2old me .illin/ 4as 4,on/3 and ye2 yo0,
o,de, has 6aladin5 Chy a,e 2hey di++e,en2ON
Qa,im nods slo4ly5 LDo yo0 .no4 2he 1o4 2ha2 a man ma.es 2o -e7ome a
6aladinON
LNo3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LHe s4ea,s 2o ma.e a 6enan7e +o, e1e,y li+e 2ha2 he 2a.es3 -e i2 a +ly he
a77iden2ally s90ashes3 o, an enemy 2ha2 he slays5 Cha2 2his 6enan7e is3 2ha2 is 06 2o
ea7h man5 B02 i2 is no2 a 2hin/ 2ha2 is 2a.en li/h2ly5 A 6aladin m0s2 no2 .ill 0nless i2
is 2o 6,ese,1e li+e: -02 2his m0s2 no2 -e a >0s2i+i7a2ion +o, a man?s o4n ha2,ed o, an/e,5
I+ yo0, 4o,s2 enemy is /oin/ 2o .ill an inno7en2 7hild3 yo0 may 7all i2 >0s2i7e3 e1en
1i,20e 2o slay him +i,s25 Ye2 4i2hin3 yo0, ha2,ed +eeds 06on his dea2h5 This is 4ha2 2he
6aladin see.s 2o a1oid5 In 2he 4o,ld o+ da,.ness 2ha2 4e d4ell in3 i2 is ne7essa,y +o,
2he ,i/h2eo0s 2o -ea, a,ms5 B02 i+ a ,i/h2eo0s man?s hea,2 is 7ons0med in da,.ness3
4ha2 is 2he 6oin2 o+ i2O So a 6aladin .ills 4i2h only 2he /,ea2es2 o+ ,el072an7e3 +o, he
m0s2 ma.e 6enan7e +o, i2: and some ha1e 7hosen a 2e,,i-le 6enan7e5 This is 2he
di++e,en7e5N
He 7e,2ainly 2al.s li.e a 6,ies25 I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,0s2 him3 20,n 2o 7+
I+ yo0 2hin. he is an a/en2 o+ 2he .in/ and 4an2 2o a22a7. him3 20,n 2o 160
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns0,e and >0s2 4an2 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 318
3+8
O6enin/ 2he doo, 2o 2he d0n/eons ,e1eals a lon/ da,. 7o,,ido, 6oo,ly li2 -y
s6022e,in/ 2o,7hes5 Thi7. 4ooden doo,s 4i2h -a,,ed 4indo4s line -o2h sides o+ 2he
7hee,less 7o,,ido,5 Yo0 sli6 inside and 7lose 2he doo, a+2e, yo05 Yo0 6a0se 2o 6ee,
in2o ea7h 7ell3 -02 mos2 a,e in da,.ness3 and yo0 do no2 .no4 i+ 2hey a,e inha-i2ed a2
all5 A +e4 o+ 2he 6,isone,s ha1e 7andles3 and si2 4i2h -oo.s o, >0s2 s2a,e a2 2he +lame5
<E
FF - Diamond
Ea7h one loo.s 06 a2 yo0 4i2h ho6e in 2hei, eyes3 -02 yo0 mo1e on3 0na-le 2o hel6
2hem5
E1en20ally yo0 7ome 2o one 7ell 4he,e an elde,ly man .neels -e+o,e a 2,io o+
7andles3 dee6 in 6,aye, 4i2h a small 7on2en2ed smile on his +a7e5 He is d,essed in a
no4 2a22e,ed ,o-e o+ 4hi2e3 4i2h a -lan.e2 d,a6ed a,o0nd his sho0lde,s5 Co0ld 2his -e
2he Hi/h ",ies2 Qa,imO
I+ yo0 ha1e a ,in/ o+ n0m-e,ed .eys and 4an2 2o o6en 2he doo, 2o s6ea. 2o 2he man3
20,n 2o 724
I+ yo0 don?2 ha1e any .eys o, 6,e+e, 2o /o on3 20,n 2o 708
3+4
Yo0 2a.e o02 2he 7,ys2al o,- on i2s 7hain3 o-se,1in/ 2he dee6 ,ed +l0id 4i2h -la7.
s4i,lin/ in i25 Yo0 no2i7e 2ha2 2he ,ed is m07h da,.e, 2han 4hen yo0 +i,s2 a790i,ed 2he
i2em5
LCan yo0Ihold 2his +o, a momen2ON yo0 as. 2he 6,ies25
LA +lesh o,-3N 2he 6,ies2 7ommen2s5 LI2 4ill 2ell yo0 li22le i+ yo0 a,e 2,yin/ 2o see i+
I am lyin/5N He 2a.es hold o+ i2 and yo0 see 2he ,ed li/h2ens3 and 2he -la7. s6e7.s
disa66ea,3 2o -e ,e6la7ed -y 2hin 4hi2e s2,eams5 LSo yo0 see3 I am h0man3 and a
6,ies2 as I ha1e said5N
Yo0 7an 7e,2ainly see 2he 7olo0,s5 &oo.in/ a2 2he e86,ession on yo0, +a7e3 2he
6,ies2 /,ins 7,oo.edly5 LAny li1in/ 7,ea20,e 4ill +ill 2he o,- 4i2h ,ed3 a dee6e, ,ed +o,
2he li+e 2ha2 is 4i2hin i25 I+ an 0ndead holds 2he o,-3 i2 4ill 7lea,3 2ho0/h li1in/ and
dead may +ill 2he o,- 4i2h +le7.s o, s2,eams o+ -la7.5 Bla7. ,e6,esen2s demoni7
na20,e3 4hi7h a man s07h as yo0 a7hie1es -y .illin/5 I+ an o,- 20,ns -la7. en2i,ely3
2hen yo0 a,e +a7ed 4i2h a demon5 Chi2e ,e6,esen2s 2he 0nion o+ a man?s hea,2 4i2h
hea1en3 s07h as 1ia a 1o4 o, a 60,e hea,25 I+ yo0 see -l0e 4i2hin 2he +l0id3 2hen yo0
a,e +a7ed 4i2h a ma/i7-0se, o+ some .ind5N
LCha2 does i2 mean i+ 2he o,- is 4hi2e 4i2h a s2,eam o+ -la7.ON Yo0 as.5
LTha2 is 0nli.ely3N 2he 6,ies2 s2a2es3 -02 seein/ yo0, +a7e 7on2in0es5 LI+ one o+ an
022e,ly 60,e hea,2 has s4o,n a 1o4 2o hell i2 may a66ea, so5 B02 ho4 7an s07h a 2hin/
-eO Al2e,na2i1ely3 i+ a demon has /i1en i2sel+ 0n2o hea1en and -een 2,ans+o,med3 i2
may also -e so5 B02 2his is e1en less li.ely5N
Yo0 2a.e -a7. 2he o,- and 2han. 2he 6,ies23 ma.in/ no2e o+ 2he 7olo0,s and 4ha2
2hey mean5
)olour $ature
Red Ali1e
Bl0e Ma/i7al
Chi2e Hea1enly
Bla7. Demoni7
Clea, Undead
Yo0 m0s2 no4 de7ide 4ha2 2o do5
A77e62 his o++e,O T0,n 2o 368
&ea1eO T0,n 2o 343
=*
FF - Diamond
3+6
Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay do4n 2he 7o,,ido, and 6a0se 2o lis2en a2 2he i,on--anded doo,5
Yo0 hea, no2hin/ and o6en 2he doo,3 s2e66in/ in2o a /0a,d,oom5 T4o /0a,ds a,e
si22in/ a2 a 2a-le 6layin/ 7a,ds5 They loo. 06 a2 yo0 and s2a,e3 /lan7in/ a2 2he 4a2e,
yo0 a,e s2ill d,i66in/ on 2he +loo,5
A momen2 6asses and 2hen as one 2he /0a,ds ,ea7h +o, 2hei, 4ea6ons and a22a7.
yo05 Yo0 ,e2,ea2 2o 2he doo,4ay and +i/h2 2hem one a2 a 2ime5
DUNGEON GUARD SKI&& ( STAMINA * DB = ARMOUR
DUNGEON GUARD SKI&& ' STAMINA )( DB = ARMOUR
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 703
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 716
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
3+5
The 7,ys2al in yo0, hand s0ddenly /,o4s ho2 as 2he -,i/h2ness /,o4s5 Yo0 d,o6
2he 7,ys2al and shield yo0, eyes5 E1en 2h,o0/h yo0, hands and eyelids 2he li/h2 h0,2s
yo03 and yo0 -a7. a4ay +,om 2he in2ense hea25 Chen all /,o4s da,. and 7ool on7e
mo,e3 yo0 loo. do4n on 2he /,o0nd5 &yin/ 2he,e is a s0i2 o+ +0ll 6la2e a,mo0,5 I2
seems 2o -e made o+ sil1e, and is ins7,i-ed 4i2h lea1es and +lo4e,s5 On 2he 7hes2 is
inlaid an ony8 7,o45 I+ yo0 4ea, 2he C,o4 A,mo0, @A,mo0, ,a2in/ G *A3 yo0 7anno2
-e dis/0ised as a /0a,dsman5
Yo0 2han. 2he 7,o4 as yo0 ea/e,ly 2a.e 06 2he 6o4e,+0l a,mo0,5
LThan. me no25N The 7,o4 says5 LI2 may no2 hel6 yo05 I2 shall only 7as2 yo0
+0,2he, do4n 2he 4ay yo0 ha1e 7hosen 2o 4al.5N
Ci2h 2ha23 2he -i,d +lies a4ay5 Yo0 4a27h i2 disa66ea, in2o 2he ni/h25 The 2,ees
a,o0nd yo0 a,e s0ddenly 2hinne,3 and as yo0 20,n yo0, head yo0 see less and less
2,ees5 None disa66ea, 4hile yo0 a,e loo.in/ a2 2hem3 -02 as yo0 slo4ly 20,n a,o0nd3
2hey a,e soon all /one and 2he ai, +eels 4a,m -y 7om6a,ison5
Yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay 2o 2he 6ala7e5
T0,n 2o 386
312
The las2 Kom-ie +alls in2o 4,i2hin/ 6ie7es on 2he +loo, and yo0 2a.e a momen2 2o
,es2 and s0,1ey yo0, s0,,o0ndin/s5 The ,oom is s90a,e and 6lain3 -02 in 2he 4all
o66osi2e 2he +lesh doo, 2he,e is a se2 o+ ,o6es and 7o0n2e,4ei/h2s 7onne72ed 2o a
se72ion o+ 2he 4all5 The,e is a -,ass handle on 2he 4all and yo0 e86e,imen2ally /i1e i2
a 60sh 064a,ds5 The 4all slides 06 smoo2hly in /,eased ,ails3 ,e1ealin/ a dim
6assa/e -eyond5 Yo0 hold 06 2he -o22om o+ 2he 4all and d07. 2h,o0/h3 lo4e,in/ i2
do4n -a7. 2o 2he +loo,5
=)
FF - Diamond
T0,n 2o 722
310
The 7,ys2al in yo0, hand s0ddenly /,o4s ho2 as 2he -,i/h2ness in7,eases5 Yo0
d,o6 2he 7,ys2al and shield yo0, eyes5 E1en 2h,o0/h yo0, hands and eyelids 2he li/h2
h0,2s yo03 and yo0 -a7. a4ay +,om 2he in2ense hea25 Chen all /,o4s da,. and 7ool
on7e mo,e3 yo0 loo. do4n on 2he /,o0nd5 &yin/ 2he,e is a 4ooden +l02e5
LTha2 is /oin/ 2o hel6 meON Yo0 as. s7e62i7ally5
LI2 may no2 hel6 yo03N 2he 7,o4 says5 LI2 shall only 7as2 yo0 +0,2he, do4n 2he 4ay
yo0 ha1e 7hosen 2o 4al.5N
Ci2h 2ha23 2he -i,d +lies a4ay5 Yo0 4a27h i2 disa66ea, in2o 2he ni/h25 The 2,ees
a,o0nd yo0 a,e s0ddenly 2hinne,3 and as yo0 20,n yo0, head yo0 see less and less
2,ees5 None disa66ea, 4hile yo0 a,e loo.in/ a2 2hem3 -02 as yo0 slo4ly 20,n a,o0nd3
2hey a,e soon all /one and 2he ai, +eels 4a,m -y 7om6a,ison5
Yo0 6i7. 06 2he +l02e and 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay 2o 2he 6ala7e5
T0,n 2o 386
31+
Ta.in/ 2he na,,o4e, 7o,,ido,3 yo0 mo1e in2o 4ha2 a66ea,s 2o -e some o++i7ial?s
o++i7es5 Ahead yo0 7an see an in2e,se72ion3 -02 in 2he 4alls 2o yo0, ,i/h2 and le+2 a,e
doo,s5 On 2he ,i/h2 2he,e is a si/n 4i2h a 7,es2ed helm 7a,1ed in2o and 6ain2ed 4i2h
/ild3 4hile la,/e le22e,s 2ell yo0 2his is 2he 2ffice of the 0uard +a#tain 0eneral5
O66osi2e ano2he, si/n -ea,in/ a 6ai, o+ s7ales in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 i2 is 2he 2ffice of the
*rade Authority5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
Con2in0e on do4n 2o 2he in2e,se72ionO T0,n 2o 72+
En2e, 2he O++i7e o+ 2he G0a,d Ca62ain /ene,alO T0,n 2o 78+
En2e, 2he O++i7e o+ 2he T,ade A02ho,i2yO T0,n 2o 767
311
A66,oa7hin/ 2he main /a2eho0se o+ 2he Cas2le o+ E2e,nal &i/h23 yo0 /o 2o one o+
2he smalle, side doo,s5 The /0a,ds a,e a,mo0,ed in /olden 6la2e a,mo0,3 inlaid 4i2h
i1o,y and >ade3 de6i72in/ 2he 2o4e, and 2,io o+ s2a,s 06on 2hei, 7hes2s3 4i2h ,am6an2
lions s6i,allin/ a,o0nd 2hei, -,a7e,s and /,ea1es3 as 4ell as 06on sho0lde, 6la2es and
2he sides o+ 2hei, 7,es2ed helms5 The 7,es2s a,e +oo2-hi/h sails lined 4i2h -l0e 2assels
2han han/ do4n 2o 2he sho0lde,s o+ 2he /0a,ds5
They s2and 2o a22en2ion3 /,i66in/ 2he -anne,ed lan7es 6lan2ed a2 2hei, sides3 only
2hei, eyes mo1in/ as yo0 a66,oa7h5
=
FF - Diamond
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ an o++i7ial?s ,o-e3 20,n 2o 356
I+ yo0 a,e o2he,4ise a22i,ed3 20,n 2o 7+0
313
Yo0 s0ddenly hea, m0++led m0si7 7omin/ +,om yo0, 6a7.5 Ta.in/ o++ 2he 6a7.
yo0 70,io0sly o6en i2 and sea,7h 2h,o0/h 0n2il yo0 60ll o02 2he 4ooden +l02e5 Yo0
dis7o1e, 4i2h sho7. 2ha2 i2 is 6layin/ a 20ne -y i2sel+3 a77om6anyin/ 2he ha,65
The 4oman s2o6s 6layin/ as she no2i7es 2he +l02e5 The +l02e +alls silen2 as 4ell5
The 4oman 6lays ano2he, 20ne and 2he +l02e s2a,2s 2o 6lay on7e mo,e3 a77om6anyin/
he, ne4 20ne5 The 4oman s2o6s a/ain5
LCha2 a 4ond,o0s 2hin/5 So o+2en ma/i7 is 0sed 2o des2,oy5 Che,e did yo0 +ind
s07h a 6,e7io0s 2hin/ON
Thin.in/ o+ 4he,e i2 7ame +,om3 yo0 ma.e 06 ano2he, ans4e,5 LI2 4as /i1en 2o
me5 I ne1e, .ne4 i2 4as e1en ma/i7al5N
The 4oman is 1e,y im6,essed 4i2h 2he i2em5 S0,ely a sel+-6layin/ +l02e 4ill -e o+
li22le 0se in yo0, -a22le a/ains2 Kin/ Da,m5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /i1e he, 2he +l02e3 20,n 2o 756
I+ yo0 6,e+e, 2o han/ on2o i23 20,n 2o 761
317
Yo0 s4im -a7. do4n 2he 6i6e and 60ll yo0,sel+ o02 o+ 2he 4a2e,5 Ta.in/ 2he ,o6
+,om yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 2ie i2 a,o0nd all yo0, -elon/in/s3 and 2a.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 >0m6
-a7. in2o 2he 4a2e,3 2a.in/ 2he -0ndle 4i2h yo05 Yo0 s4im in2i 2he 6i6e3 d,o66in/ 2he
-0ndle and s4im a/ains2 2he +lo4 on7e mo,e3 4i2h 2he o2he, end o+ 2he ,o6 in hand5
&0n/s -0,s2in/3 yo0 >0s2 ma.e i23 /0l6in/ in ai, /,a2e+0lly5 Yo0 7lim- +,om 2he 4a2e,
and 2ie 2he ,o6e 2o 2he me2al -a,5 A+2e, ,es2in/ +o, as +e4 momen2s3 yo0 s2a,2 60llin/
on 2he ,o6e3 yo0 ha0l yo0, -elon/in/s 2h,o0/h 2he 6i6e5 I2 is di++i70l2 /oin/3 -02
e1en20ally yo0 land yo0, -elon/in/s on 2he +il2hy ed/e o+ 2he 6ool5 A +e4 min02es
la2e, yo0 a,e +0lly e90i66ed on7e mo,e and ma.e yo0, 4ay 2o4a,ds 2he ladde,5
T0,n 2o 367
318
Yo0 2han. Qa,im3 and 2ell him yo0 4ill 7onside, his 4o,ds5 He -ids yo0 +a,e4ell
and yo0 lea1e his s20dy5 De7idin/ no2 2o han/ a,o0nd in 2he 2em6le any lon/e,3 yo0
/o -a7. 2he 4ay yo0 7ame and lea1e 2he 2em6le5 No4 i2 is 2ime 2o /o 2o 2he 6ala7e 2o
,es70e Kianmay5 Be+o,e headin/ in2o 2he lion?s den3 yo0 de7ide 2o hide 2he Diamond
Key5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o,5
=<
FF - Diamond
The sh,ine is li2 -y a sin/le 2all 7andle and yo0 sli6 inside5 The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine
is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a
loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/
in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key +,om
2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2
+la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
314
The ai, a,o0nd yo0 seems 2o 2hi7.en3 and yo0, mo1emen2s slo45 Soon 2he ai,
a-o02 yo0 is solid and yo0 a,e 6a,alysed3 0na-le e1en 2o -,ea2h5 The old man smiles
a2 yo0 7on2em620o0sly5
LYo0 had me +ooledM I 2ho0/h2 yo0 no mo,e 2han some 4ea.-s6ined 2h0/MN He
sea,7hes yo0 and soon +inds 2he Diamond Key in 2he -a/ a,o0nd yo0, ne7.5 He >e,.s
2he -a/3 -,ea.in/ 2he 7o,d5 He o6ens 2he -a/ and 2a.es o02 2he Diamond Key5 LAh3 a2
las25 Don?2 4o,,y3 2he Kin/ 4ill ne1e, /e2 his hands on 2hisM I shall -e .ee6in/ i2 +o,
mysel+MN
Yo0, l0n/s a,e -0,nin/3 -02 yo0 7anno2 e1en s2,0//le5
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a +i,e-4o,shi66e,s -,eas26la2eO I+ so3 20,n 2o 41
I+ no23 20,n 2o 341
316
Yo0 2a.e o02 2he o,- am0le25 LCan yo0 hold 2his +o, a momen2ON Yo0 as. he,5
She 2a.es 2he o,-3 loo.in/ a2 i2 70,io0sly as 2he s4i,lin/ +l0id 4i2hin 20,ns -la7.
4i2h a 2hin 2h,ead o+ 4hi2e5
She loo.s a2 yo0 and yo0 2han. he,3 2a.in/ 2he o,- -a7.5
Do yo0 2,0s2 he,O
I+ so3 20,n 2o 73+
I+ no23 20,n 2o 761
315
Clim-in/ 2he ladde, 2o 2he da,.ened 6assa/e3 yo0 6ee, 7a02io0sly in2o 2he
da,.ness3 holdin/ 06 yo0, li/h2 7,ys2al5 All yo0 see is 2ha2 i2 leads 2o a s2ai,4ay5 Yo0
7lim- 06 in2o 2he 6assa/e3 2hen 2a.e 2he s2ai,4ay3 ale,2 +o, any mo,e /0a,ds5 A2 2he
2o6 o+ 2he s2ai,4ay is a small landin/ and a 4all 7o1e,ed 4i2h an a,,an/emen2 o+ ,o6es
and 7o0n2e, 4ei/h2s5 The,e is a -,ass handle in 2he 4all and yo0 60sh 06 on i25 The
4all slides 06 smoo2hly on /,eased ,ails3 ,e1ealin/ a dim 6assa/e4ay5 Yo0 hold 06
2he -o22om o+ 2he 4all and d07. 2h,o0/h3 lo4e,in/ 2he 4all -a7. do4n 2o 2he +loo,
-ehind yo05
==
FF - Diamond
T0,n 2o 722
332
The 7,ys2al in yo0, hand s0ddenly /,o4s ho2 as 2he -,i/h2ness in7,eases5 Yo0
d,o6 2he 7,ys2al and shield yo0, eyes5 E1en 2h,o0/h yo0, hands and eyelids 2he li/h2
h0,2s yo03 and yo0 -a7. a4ay +,om 2he in2ense hea25 Chen all /,o4s da,. and 7ool
on7e mo,e3 yo0 loo. do4n on 2he /,o0nd5 &yin/ 2he,e is a /lass ,in/5 Yo0 -end and
6i7. i2 065 Sli66in/ i2 on3 yo0 +eel an odd sensa2ion 6ass 2h,o0/h yo0, 4hole -ody5
&oo.in/ do4n a2 yo0,sel+3 yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in1isi-le5 Yo0 also -e/in 2o sin. in2o 2he
/,o0nd5 "ani7.in/3 yo0 4ill yo0,sel+ 064a,ds3 a+,aid 2o 60ll o++ 2he ,in/ and ha1e
yo0, le/s en7ased in 2he s2one o+ 2he s2,ee25 Than. +0lly yo0 see 2he /,o0nd +all a4ay
as yo0 ,ise 065 Yo0 60ll o++ 2he ,in/ and d,o6 a sho,2 dis2an7e 2o 2he /,o0nd5 No2
only a,e yo0 in1isi-le3 -02 yo0 7an 6ass 2h,o0/h any2hin/ li.e a /hos2M
Yo0 2han. 2he 7,o4 as yo0 7a,e+0lly 6o7.e2 2he 6o4e,+0l i2em5
LThan. me no25N The 7,o4 says5 LI2 may no2 hel6 yo05 I2 shall only 7as2 yo0
+0,2he, do4n 2he 4ay yo0 ha1e 7hosen 2o 4al.5N
Ci2h 2ha23 2he -i,d +lies a4ay5 Yo0 4a27h i2 disa66ea, in2o 2he ni/h25 The 2,ees
a,o0nd yo0 a,e s0ddenly 2hinne,3 and as yo0 20,n yo0, head yo0 see less and less
2,ees5 None disa66ea, 4hile yo0 a,e loo.in/ a2 2hem3 -02 as yo0 slo4ly 20,n a,o0nd3
2hey a,e soon all /one and 2he ai, +eels 4a,m -y 7om6a,ison5
Yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay 2o 2he 6ala7e5
T0,n 2o 386
330
Clea,in/ yo0, 2h,oa23 yo0 se22le yo0,sel+5 LQy2o4 Ky2o8 ha Ky2o4 Ky2o8MN Yo0
in2one5 As yo0 say 2he 4o,ds3 yo0 +eel yo0, -ones 1i-,a2in/3 some2hin/ s4ellin/
inside yo0 and 4i2h 2he las2 sylla-le i2 is in1isi-ly dis/o,/ed +,om yo0, -ody5 Yo0
s2a//e, as 2he ma/i7 d,a4s ene,/y +,om yo0, -ody and a66lies i2 2o 2he doo,5
Yo0 hea, a se,ies o+ 7li7.s 7omin/ +,om 2he o2he, side o+ 2he doo,3 2hen 2o yo0,
deli/h2 2he doo, s4in/s silen2ly in4a,d3 ,e1ealin/ a small en2,an7e hall5
T0,n 2o 872
33+
The slee6in/ man 4a.es 06 4i2h a /,oan5 Yo0 +,eeKe3 ho6in/ he 4ill d,o6 o++
a/ain5 B02 4i2h a si/h he s4in/s his le/s o02 o+ 2he -0n. and s2,e27hes5 As he is
ya4nin/ his eyes +all on yo05 Yo0 ha1e 2ime 2o only /e2 2o yo0, +ee2 as he ,aises 2he
ala,m and sna27hes 06 a s4o,d +,om 2he ne82 -0n.5
C0,sin/ yo0, l07. yo0 +lee +,om 2he ,oom and dash -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he 2em6le and
o02 2he -a7. doo,5 Yo0 h0,,y a7,oss 2he /a,dens and 7i,7le -a7. a,o0nd 2o 2he Sh,ine
o+ A,in/a,a2o, 4he,e yo0 7an 4a27h 2he 2em6le +,om 2he shado4s o+ 2he en2,an7e5
A+2e, hal+ an ho0, 2he,e is no si/n o+ /0a,ds sea,7hin/ +o, yo03 so yo0 ,ela85 Yo0 da,e
no2 /o -a7. in2o 2he 2em6le no43 so i2 is o++ 2o 2he 6ala7e 4i2h yo05
=#
FF - Diamond
Be+o,e yo0 head in2o 2he lion?s den3 yo0 de7ide 2o hide 2he Diamond Key5 The
+loo, o+ 2he sh,ine is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones
0n2il yo0 +ind a loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o
4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/ in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he
Diamond Key +,om 2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and
s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2 +la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
331
Yo0 a,e s2andin/ a2 an in2e,se72ion -enea2h a massi1e 7handelie, 2he siKe o+ a
small shi63 han/in/ +,om a /olden dome5 The s2ai,4ay yo0 as7ended 2o ,ea7h 2he
se7ond +loo, is in one di,e72ion5 Chen yo0 s2and 4i2h 2he s2ai,4ell a2 yo0, -a7.3 a
4ide 7o,,ido, e82ends o02 in +,on2 o+ yo0 2o4a,ds ano2he, la,/e domed 7ham-e, 2ha2 is
a2 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he se7ond +loo,5 To 2he ,i/h2 and 2he le+2 na,,o4e, 7o,,ido,s lead 2o
2he 7o,ne,s o+ 2he +loo,3 6assin/ en2,an7es 2o 6,i1a2e 90a,2e,s5
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /oO
To mo1e alon/ 2he main 7o,,ido, 2o4a,ds 2he 7en2,al dome3 20,n 2o 782
To 2a.e 2he 7o,,ido, 2o 2he ,i/h23 20,n 2o 705
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o do4n 2he 7o,,ido, 2o 2he le+23 20,n 2o 772
333
Remem-e,in/ 2he 6,o6e,2ies o+ 2he Sea Kni/h2?s a,mo0,3 yo0 de7ide 2o .ee6 yo0,
6a7. on5 S2e66in/ -a7. in2o 2he 4a2e,3 yo0 6l0n/e 0nde, 2he s0,+a7e5 Holdin/ 2he
dead man?s li/h2 7,ys2al in hand3 yo0 lo7a2e 2he 20nnel and -e/in 2o mo1e 2o4a,ds i25
Yo0 +ind i2 easy eno0/h 2o sin. 2o 2he -o22om and 4al. a/ains2 2he o02+lo4 o+ 2he
6i6e5 Yo0 7,a4l in2o 2he 6i6e and ma.e yo0, 4ay alon/5 Yo0, l0n/s s2a,2 2o a7he3
and i+ in ,es6onse3 2he /olden lines in 2he a,mo0, s2a,2 2o /lo45 The dis7om+o,2 in
yo0, l0n/s doesn?2 /e2 any 4o,se3 -02 i2 is no2 6leasan2 as yo0 7,a4l alon/ 2he 6i6e +o,
many ya,ds5 E1en20ally 2he 6i6e o6ens in2o ano2he, 6ool and yo0 ma.e +o, 2he ed/e3
60llin/ yo0,sel+ o02 o+ 2he 4a2e, 4i2h a /,a2e+0l /as6 o+ ai,5 Yo0 a,e in a simila,
7ham-e, 2o 2he +i,s25 The,e is also a ladde, he,e ne82 2o 4he,e 2he ho2 7lean 4a2e,
6o0,s o02 and yo0 ma.e +o, i25
T0,n 2o 367
337
LYes3 I am3N yo0 say +i,mly5
LSo -e i2MN The 7,o4 anno0n7es5 LYo0, 7hoi7e is madeMN
Yo0 4ai2 +o, 4ha2e1e, is 2o +ollo4 2his d,ama2i7 anno0n7emen23 -02 no2hin/
seems 2o ha66en e87e62 2ha2 2he 7,o4 s2a,2s 2o 6,een i2sel+5
=%
FF - Diamond
LA 7hoi7e a-o02 4ha2ON yo0 as.3 -,ea.in/ 2he silen7e5
The 7,o4 loo.s a2 yo0 4ea,ily5 LI ,emem-e, a 2ime 4hen Cham6ions o+ 2he &i/h2
4e,e 4ise5 No4 2hey seem 2o ha1e 2he 4i2 o+ a l0m6 o+ 4oodMN
I/no,in/ 2he 7ommen23 yo0 s6ea. im6a2ien2ly5 LI ha1e no 2ime +o, /ames5 Tell
me 4ha2 yo0 a,e 2al.in/ a-o02 o, I shall lea1e5N
LFine3 /o 2hen3N 2he 7,o4 says s0l.ily5
Yo0 /,i2 yo0, 2ee2h5 LCha2 ha1e I 7hosenON yo0 demand5
The 7,o4 si/hs5 LDo yo0 no2 7a,,y a 6,imo,dial 7,ys2alON
LYes3N yo0 ,e6ly5
L"e,ha6s yo0 sho0ld e8amine i2 no43N 2he 7,o4 s0//es2s5
Yo0 sea,7h +o, 2he ,ain-o4-+illed 7,ys2al3 -02 7an?2 +ind i25 In i2s 6la7e yo0 +ind
some2hin/ else 2ha2 yo0 did no2 ha1e -e+o,e5 I2 is a ,o0nd dis7 o+ smoo2h -la7. s2one5
C02 ,i/h2 2h,o0/h is a s6i,al o+ ,aKo, 2hin s7,i625 I2 is a Diamond KeyM
LIs 2his 4ha2 I 2hin. i2 isON yo0 as.5
LO+ 7o0,se5 Sin7e yo0 los2 2he o2he, oneIN
LI didn?2 lose i2MN yo0 6,o2es25 LI hid i2 so 2ha2 2he .in/ 4o0ld no2 -e a-le 2o 2a.e i2
+,om me5 No4 I ha1e 2he same 6,o-lem5N
LOh3N 2he 7,o4 loo.s disa66oin2ed3 -02 2hen -,i/h2ens LCell3 I .no4 ho4 yo0
7an hide i2 and s2ill 2a.e i2 4i2h yo05N
The 7,o4 s6,eads i2s 4in/s and /lides 2o a s2o6 2o 6e,7h 06on 2he ai, -e+o,e yo0,
+a7e5 Bein/ so 7lose 2o 2he -ein/3 yo0 6e,7ei1e a /lim6se o+ i2s 2,0e na20,e3 some2hin/
immense and 6o4e,+0l3 as i+ 2he -i,d -e+o,e yo0 is a .eyhole 2h,o0/h 4hi7h yo0 a,e
s6yin/ 06on a /,ea2 hall5 I2 as.s yo0 2o 6la7e 2he Diamond Key in i2s -ea.5
Com6elled -y 2he ma>es2y o+ 2he -ein/3 yo0 do so5 I2 s6,eads i2s 4in/s on7e mo,e
and +lies 06 in2o 2he ni/h2 s.y 4i2h 2he Key in i2s -ea.5 Yo0 4a27h i2 7i,7le a,o0nd3
2hen i2 s4oo6s -a7. in3 headin/ ,i/h2 +o, yo05 Yo0 shi+2 yo0, +ee23 0n7e,2ain o+ i2s
in2en25
LKee6 s2illMN 2he disem-odied 1oi7e 7ommands and yo0 a,e +,oKen 2o 2he s6o2 as
2he 7,o4 +lies a2 yo03 2hen ,i/h2 2h,o0/h yo05 The,e is a 6ain in yo0, 7hes23 and yo0
+eel some2hin/ ha,d lod/ed inside yo0, -ody5 Yo0 /as63 and 7l027h a2 yo0, 7hes25
The 6ain s0-sides3 -02 yo0 7an s2ill +eel 2he l0m6 o+ 2he Diamond Key inside yo05
Yo0 loo. 06 2o see 2he 7,o4 on7e mo,e 6e,7hed on 2he si/n6os25
LThe,e3N i2 says 4i2h an ai, o+ sa2is+a72ion5 LThe .in/ is 0nli.ely 2o loo. 2he,eMN
LI am immo,2alON yo0 /as65
The 7,o4 si/hs5 LSo slo45 B02 a2 leas2 yo0 no4 ha1e 2ime 2o lea,n5N
The 7,o4 s6,eads i2s 4in/s and +lies a4ay5 Yo0 4a27h i2 disa66ea, in2o 2he ni/h25
The 2,ees a,o0nd yo0 a,e s0ddenly 2hinne,3 and as yo0 20,n yo0, head yo0 see less and
less 2,ees5 None disa66ea, 4hile yo0 a,e loo.in/ a2 2hem3 -02 as yo0 slo4ly 20,n
a,o0nd3 2hey a,e soon all /one and 2he ai, +eels 4a,m -y 7om6a,ison5
Ci2h 2he Diamond Key inside yo03 yo0 7an no4 ,es2o,e yo0, STAMINA 2o i2s
ini2ial le1el a2 any 2ime e87e62 d0,in/ 7om-a25 In 7om-a2 yo0 may ,es2o,e yo0,
STAMINA a2 a ,a2e o+ ) 6oin2 6e, 7om-a2 ,o0nd5 Tha2 means a+2e, yo0 ha1e ,e7ei1ed
dama/e and a,e no2 dead3 yo0 may ,es2o,e one 6oin25 Yo0 7an s2ill -e .illed i+ yo0,
STAMINA ,ea7hes *3 and m0s2 20,n 2o 2he ,ele1an2 6assa/e 4hen 2his ha66ens5
Yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay 2o 2he 6ala7e5
T0,n 2o 386
='
FF - Diamond
338
Mo1in/ s2,ai/h2 on3 yo0 s2o6 2o loo. a2 2he o++i7es on ea7h side o+ 2he 7o,,ido,5
To 2he ,i/h2 is a si/n 4i2h a 6ai, o+ 7,o4n in2e,lin.ed li.e a 7hain3 and 2he 4o,ds;
2ffice of ,i#lomatic Relations5 O66osi2e is 2he 2ffice of Records3 ,e6,esen2ed -y a
s7,oll5
To en2e, 2he O++i7e o+ Di6loma2i7 Rela2ions3 20,n 2o 7+3
To en2e, 2he O++i7e o+ Re7o,ds3 20,n 2o 745
334
LI am >0s2 on my 4ay 2o ma.e an o++e,in/ a2 a 2em6le3N yo0 e86lain5
The old man 4a1es a hand dismissi1ely5 LI s6ea. no2 o+ 2his /0ise yo0 4ea,5 I
s6ea. o+ 4ha2 is 4i2hin yo05 Yo0 ha1e 2he 1enom o+ 2he 4ol+ in yo05N
LCol1es don?2 ha1e 1enom3N yo0 say 4ea.ly5
LCommon 4ol1es do no23N 2he man a/,ees5 LB02 a 4e,e4ol+ is a 6,imo,dial
7,ea20,e3 and 2he s6i,i2 o+ 7haos is 6o4e,+0l 4i2hin i2M I2?s sali1a3 i2s -lood3 e1en i2s
/aKe i+ yo0 s2a,e 2oo lon/ in2o i2s eyes 7an in+e72 yo03 and 4i2h 2he ne82 +0ll moon yo0
shall -e7ome one o+ 2hemMN
LCha2 i+ 4ha2 yo0 say is soON yo0 as.5
LI am a 6,ies2 o+ 2he /od M0-5 The /0a,dian o+ o,de,5 I 7an heal yo05N
LFo, 4ha2 6,i7eON
LA ma/i7al i2em3N 2he 6,ies2 ,e6lies5
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a >ade ,in/3 20,n 2o 0+7
I+ yo0 ha1e an o,- am0le23 and 4an2 2o as. him 2o hold i2 so yo0 7an see his na20,e3
20,n 2o 3+4
I+ yo0 ha1e none o+ 2hese -02 yo0 4an2 2o 2,0s2 him3 20,n 2o 368
I+ yo0 don?2 2,0s2 him o, 6,e+e, 2o ,emain a 4e,e4ol+3 yo0 7an lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 343
336
Yo0 en2e, in 2he 7om-ina2ion and 2he -o8 7li7.s3 a 7,a7. a66ea,in/ a,o0nd 2he
sides5 Yo0 o6en i2 06 and +ind inside a 70shioned3 ,ed 1el1e2 linin/ on 4hi7h is a
4ide sil1e, ,in/ se2 4i2h a /olden ea/le5 Yo0 2a.e o02 2he ,in/ and 7lose 2he -o85
Yo0 sli6 i2 on3 -02 i2 does no2hin/ ,i/h2 a4ay5 I2 is o-1io0sly ma/i7al and 2in/les
6o4e,+0lly on yo0, +in/e,5
A+2e, yo0 ha1e +inished 4i2h 2he -o83 yo0 602 i2 -a7. in2o 2he d,a4e,5 The ,es2 o+
2he des. ,e1eals no2hin/3 and yo0 7onside, yo0, ne82 7o0,se o+ a72ion5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
=(
FF - Diamond
O,3 lea1e 2his ,oom and /o -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
335
Yo0 4al. -a7. and +o,2h in 2he 2h,one ,oom3 -02 yo0, sea,7h yields no2hin/5
Ho6in/ yo0 ha1e no2 4as2ed 2oo m07h 2ime3 yo0 h0,,y o02 o+ 2he 2h,one ,oom and
ma.e di,e72ly +o, 2he s2ai,4ay 2o 2he se7ond +loo,5
T0,n 2o 7++
372
Yo0 a,e o1e,4helmed and 6e,ish5 The in2,0de,s s2,i6 yo0, -ody o+ e1e,y2hin/3
in7l0din/ 2he Diamond Key and yo0 die on 2he +loo,5
The Diamond Key is deli1e,ed 2o .in/ Da,m3 4ho -e7omes immo,2al +o, 2h,ee
4ee.s5 A+2e, 2ha2 2ime 2he Col+ la0n7hes his a22a7. and .ills 2he .in/ and 7on90e,s
A,an2a2o, +,om 4i2hin5 The Diamond Key is /i1en 2o 2he Tem6le o+ 2he Chi2e
Goddess and 6,os6e,i2y is en>oyed -y all +o, 7en20,ies 2o 7ome5
Yo0 a,e 0n.no4n -y mos23 +o,/o22en -02 all e87e62 +o, Kianmay 4ho 6,ays +ondly
+o, yo0, so0l e1e,y day5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
370
"ee.in/ 2h,o0/h 2he doo,4ay3 yo0 see an en2,an7e hall 2ha2 is 0n+0,nished3 no
6ain2in/s o, 2a6es2,ies ado,nin/ 2he 4alls5 Yo0 sli6 inside 90ie2ly and a66,oa7h an
a,7h4ay5 I2 leads 2o 4ha2 7o0ld ha1e -een a si22in/ ,oom3 -02 i2 is em62y5 Yo0 sea,7h
2h,o0/h 2he ,es2 o+ 2he 90a,2e,s and +ind i2 is 7om6le2ely 0no7706ied3 e87e62 +o, one
lo7.ed doo,5 I2 is a s2,on/ doo, 4i2h a -a,,ed 4indo435 &oo.in/ inside3 yo0 see only
da,.ness5 I+ yo0 ha1e a Kom-ie ,a23 yo0 7o0ld d,o6 i2 2h,o0/h 2he -a,s and e86lo,e 2he
,oom 1ia i2s senses5 O+ 7o0,se 0nless 2he ,a2 7an 7lim- 2he doo,3 i2 4ill -e s207. in
2he,e5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Kom-ie ,a2 and 4an2 2o d,o6 i2 2h,o0/h 2he -a,s 2o e86lo,e 2he ,oom3 20,n
2o 747
Al2e,na2i1ely i+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 888
O2he,4ise 2he,e is no2hin/ he,e +o, yo0 and yo0 m0s2 lea1e5 T0,n 2o 383
37+
Mo1in/ on yo0 7on2in0e a,o0nd 2he 7as2le and 7ome 2o ano2he, /a2e5 This /a2e is
da,.ened and yo0 s0s6e72 i2 leads 2o 2he s2a-leya,d5 I2 is a s2,on/ /a2e 4i2h i,on s6i.es
6,o2,0din/ +,om i25 "022in/ yo0, eye 2o 2he /a6 -e24een 2he /a2es3 yo0 7an see 2he
s2a-leya,d is da,.ened and a-andoned5 This 4o0ld -e a /ood 6la7e 2o en2e, i+ 2he
/a2es 4e,e no2 lo7.ed5
=E
FF - Diamond
I+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 3+3
O2he,4ise3 yo0 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o 7on2in0e 4al.in/5 T0,n 2o 375
371
Mo1in/ alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 7ome 06on a s2ai,7ase 2o yo0, le+2 4he,e a
-anne,ed doo,4ay 4o0ld no,mally -e5 The 4hi2e ma,-le -anis2e, is mo0n2ed a2
in2e,1als -y ,am6an2 lions 7a,1ed +,om i1o,y3 ,0-ies se2 in 2hei, eye so7.e2s5 The
s2e6s a,e laid 4i2h a 60,6le and /old 7a,6e25 The s2ai,4ay is lon/3 s2,ai/h2 and
,ela2i1ely na,,o4: only 4ide eno0/h +o, si8 men 2o 4al. a-,eas25 A2 2he 1e,y 2o6 yo0
7an see a 60,6le 70,2ain 7on7ealin/ 2he landin/5 The 4alls 2o ea7h side o+ 2he s2ai,4ay
a,e 4hi2e ma,-le and inlaid 4i2h so+2ly /lo4in/ li/h2 7,ys2als5
I2 a66ea,s 2o -e 2he en2,an7e 2o 2he 066e,mos2 le1el o+ 2he 6ala7e5
I+ yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o 7lim- 2he s2ai,4ay no43 20,n 2o 7335
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7on2in0e 2o e86lo,e 2he se7ond +loo,3 20,n 2o 762
373
Sea,7hin/ 2he 6,one -ody +i,s23 yo0 +ind a /olden ,in/ 2ha2 seems ma/i7al3 so yo0
2a.e i25 Yo0 sea,7h 2he d,a4e,s o+ 2he des. and +ind an i1o,y dis7 2he siKe o+ yo0,
6alm3 4i2h a ony8 lion inlaid in one side3 and a da//e, 4i2h ,0nes dee6ly e27hed in2o
2he -lade5 Yo0 7an 2a.e 2hese i+ yo0 4ish5
B0s2 as yo0 a,e 7om6le2in/ yo0, sea,7h3 2he doo, s4in/s o6enI
Yo0 need 2o -e 1e,y l07.y no45
Roll 2h,ee die5 I+ 2he 2o2al is 2he same o, less 2han yo0 70,,en2 &UCK s7o,e3 20,n 2o 70
I+ 2he 2o2al is /,ea2e,3 20,n 2o 351
377
Yo0 ,a22le 2he 6i7.s in 2he lo7. and a+2e, a +e4 momen2s 2he lo7. 7li7.s o6en5 The
slee6in/ man does no2 s2i,5 Yo0 o6en 2he lid slo4ly5 Inside yo0 +ind 2ha2 2he 7hes2 is
em62y5
Yo0 7an no4 lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 146
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y 2he 2hi,d 7hes23 yo0 m0s2 2es2 yo0, l07. on7e mo,e5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 344
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 33+
378
C,ee6in/ 06 -ehind 2he +i,s2 Kom-ie yo0 s2,i.e i2 do4n and smash and dismem-e,
i2 as 90i7.ly as yo0 7an5 The o2he, Kom-ie 20,ns3 and >0s2 as yo0 in7a6a7i2a2e 2he +i,s23
i2 a22a7.s yo05
QOMBIE GUARD SKI&& % STAMINA DB ( ARMOUR %
#*
FF - Diamond
I+ yo0 a,e 0na,med3 yo0 0se 2he +allen Kom-ie?s s4o,d @S" )3 DB =A5 Yo0
dis7o1e, 2ha2 2he -lades o+ 2he Kom-ies a,e 6oisoned 4i2h a 6o2en2 6a,alysin/ 1enom5
E1e,y 2ime yo0 a,e 4o0nded yo0 m0s2 ,e2,ea2 and d,in. a healin/ 6o2ion 2o n0lli+y 2he
e++e72s o+ 2he 2o8in5 Yo0 do no2 /ain any STAMINA +,om doin/ so5 I+ yo0 ha1e a
Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 o, a,e 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and3 2he 6oison
has no e++e72 on yo05 I+ yo0 7anno2 7o0n2e,a72 2he 6oison3 yo0 a,e dead5
I+ yo0 a,e +o,7ed 2o +lee3 20,n 2o 734
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 34+
I+ yo0 a,e 4o0nded -02 don?2 ha1e any healin/ 6o2ions le+23 20,n 2o 5+6
374
The 7,ys2al in yo0, hand s0ddenly /,o4s ho2 as 2he -,i/h2ness in2ensi+ies5 Yo0
d,o6 2he 7,ys2al and shield yo0, eyes5 E1en 2h,o0/h yo0, hands and eyelids 2he li/h2
h0,2s yo03 and yo0 -a7. a4ay +,om 2he in2ense hea25 Chen all /,o4s da,. and 7ool
on7e mo,e3 yo0 loo. do4n on 2he /,o0nd5 S2andin/ 2he,e is a small 7,ys2al s2a20e o+
2he Chi2e Goddess3 s2ill +illed 4i2h 7olo0,ed li/h23 -02 no4 i2 shi+2s slo4ly5
Yo0 6i7. 06 2he s2a20e3 and immedia2ely +eel 4a,m ene,/y ,0shin/ 2h,o0/h yo03
7leansin/ and healin/ yo0, 4o0nds and 6ains @,es2o,e yo0, STAMINA 2o i2s ini2ial
le1elA5 Yo0 7an 0se 2he s2a20e 2o 7om6le2ely heal yo0,sel+ a2 any 2ime e87e62 in a
-a22le5
Yo0 loo. 2o 2he 7,o4 /,a2e+0lly5 LThan. yo0MN
LThan. me no23N 2he 7,o4 says5 LI2 may no2 hel6 yo05 I2 shall only 7as2 yo0
+0,2he, do4n 2he 4ay yo0 ha1e 7hosen 2o 4al.5N
Ci2h 2ha23 2he -i,d +lies a4ay5 Yo0 4a27h i2 disa66ea, in2o 2he ni/h25 The 2,ees
a,o0nd yo0 a,e s0ddenly 2hinne,3 and as yo0 20,n yo0, head yo0 see less and less
2,ees5 None disa66ea, 4hile yo0 a,e loo.in/ a2 2hem3 -02 as yo0 slo4ly 20,n a,o0nd3
2hey a,e soon all /one and 2he ai, +eels 4a,m -y 7om6a,ison5
Yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay 2o 2he 6ala7e5
T0,n 2o 386
376
Ta.in/ 2he /olden a66le +,om yo0, 6a7. yo0 o++e, i2 2o 2he demon5 He loo.s a2 i2
4i2h 4idenin/ eyes and la0/hs a2 yo05 LYo0 don?2 .no4 4ha2 2his is3 do yo0ON
Yo0 admi2 2ha2 yo0 don?25 The demon s20++s 2he +,0i2 in2o i2s mo02h and s4allo4s
i2 4hole5 He 2hen loo.s a2 yo05 L$e,y 4ell3 yo0 ha1e 4on my assis2an7e5 Kin/ Da,m
is .no4n 2o me5 E1en no4 I 7an +eel his a,,o/an7e and 7on+iden7e5 Chen yo0 en2e,
his hall3 do no2 a22a7. him ,i/h2 a4ay5 He 4ill no2 a22a7. yo05 He 4ill see. 2o am0se
himsel+ -y 2es2in/ yo05 As soon as yo0 a22a7. him3 i2 4ill -e o1e,3 +o, he 4ill s2,i.e
yo0 do4n and yo0 4ill -e dead5 He is +a, 2oo 6o4e,+0l +o, yo05 I+ yo0 6ass all his
2es2s3 he 4ill -e im6,essed -y yo0 and allo4 yo0 2o se,1e him5 A77e62 2his se,1i7e
and 2hen yo0 may in 2ime lea,n o+ his 4ea.ness and des2,oy him5N
LIn 2imeON Yo0 as.5 LYo0 mean i2 7o0ld 2a.e yea,sON
#)
FF - Diamond
LA2 leas2MN The demon ,e6lies3 /i1in/ yo0 a 7on2em620o0s loo.5 LA,e yo0 only
4illin/ 2o se,1e Hea1en i+ i2 2a.es -02 a small 6o,2ion o+ yo0, 2ime and e++o,2O Do yo0
only -elie1e in >0s2i7e and o,de, is i2 is easily a7hie1edON
Yo0 +,o4n5 LA2 leas2 I am h0manM Yo0 a,e a demonMN
The demon -a,.s a la0/h5 LT,0e3 -02 on7e I 4as a laKy3 im6a2ien2 h0man >0s2 li.e
yo0M No4 I am a demonMN
Ci2h 2ha23 2he demon 20,ns in2o a 7lo0d o+ smo.e and disa66ea,s5
Yo0 7an no4 lea1e 2he 2,eas0,y and 2he 1a7an2 90a,2e,s and ,e20,n 2o 2he 7o,,ido, -y
20,nin/ 2o 383
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he 60,6le 6o2ion +,om 2he s4o,d--o83 20,n 2o
841
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he -lood-,ed 6o2ion +,om 2he 4ol+--o83 20,n
2o 816
375
Con2in0in/ yo0, e86lo,a2ion yo0 7ome a,o0nd 2o 2he +o0,2h +a7e o+ 2he 7as2le5
Yo0 ,emain in 2he shado4s a2 2he ed/e o+ 2he 6ala2ial s90a,e3 and hea, 2he so0nd o+
/0shin/ 4a2e,5 Mo1in/ in2o 2he s2,ee2 leadin/ a4ay +,om 2he 7as2le3 yo0 see a 7anal
,0nnin/ do4n 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he s2,ee25 The 4a2e, +lo4s +,om an o6enin/ in 2he ed/e o+
2he 6ala2ial s90a,e5 This is 2he se4a/e o02le2 +,om 2he 7as2le5 The,e a,e ho2 s6,in/s
0nde, 2he 7as2le3 6e,6e20ally +lo4in/3 so 2he 4a2e, does no2 smell -ad3 sin7e any
4as2e4a2e, is /,ea2ly dil02ed5 The 4a2e, is 4a,m3 -02 no2 2oo 4a,m i+ yo0 4an2 2o
4ade 2h,o0/h 2he 6i6e5
I+ yo0 do3 2hen 20,n 2o 301
Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an /o -a7. 2o one o+ 2he o2he, 6o2en2ial en2,an7es;
The main /a2e: 20,n 2o 311
The d0n/eon: 20,n 2o 360
I+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/3 yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he s2a-le doo, -y 20,nin/ 2o 3+3
382
Mo1in/ on4a,ds3 yo0 7on2in0e do4n 2he o60len2 hall4ay5 Yo0 soon see 7omin/
06 on yo0, le+2 an a,7h4ay in2o a la,/e -all,oom5 O66osi2e is 2he o6enin/ o+ ano2he,
hall4ay5 Ahead yo0 7an see 4ha2 loo.s li.e 2he main en2,an7e 2o 2he 6ala7e5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o en2e, 2he -all,oom3 20,n 2o 777
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o do4n 2he na,,o4e, 7o,,ido,3 20,n 2o 31+
380
Ta.in/ yo0, ,o6e +,om yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 +eed one end 2h,o0/h 2he na,,o4 -a,s3 0n2il
yo0 +eel i2 7oilin/ on 2he +loo, on 2he o2he, side o+ 2he doo,5 Si22in/ do4n3 yo0 hold
#
FF - Diamond
2he o2he, end in yo0, hand and on7e mo,e en2e, 2he mind o+ 2he ,a25 Ci2h i2s eyes yo0
s6y 2he ,o6e and -e/in 2o 7lim-5 Yo0 7lam-e, 06 2he ,o6e and 2h,o0/h 2he -a,s and
ha1e 2he odd e86e,ien7e o+ loo.in/ a2 yo0,sel+ in 2ones o+ /,ey5 Yo0 4i2hd,a4 +,om
2he ,a2?s mind and 7olle72 2he .ey5 Yo0 ,e20,n 2he ,a2 2o i2s >a, and 4i2h a dee6 -,ea2h
2,y 2he .ey in 2he lo7. o+ 2he s2,on/ doo,5 To yo0, 6leas0,e yo0 +eel i2 7li7. o6en5
"0shin/ on 2he doo, yo0 s2e6 inside and 602 2he .ey a4ay5 Yo0 head s2,ai/h2 +o,
2he 2,eas0,y5
T0,n 2o 780
38+
Yo0 6l0n/e in2o 2he 6ool and s4im do4n 2o 2he 6i6e5 "0llin/ yo0,sel+ inside yo0
-e/in 2o mo1e alon/ 2he 6i6e5 I2 6,o1es 2o -e many me2,es lon/3 and i2 is no2 easy 2o
mo1e in 2he 7on+ined 6i6e a/ains2 2he s2eady +lo45 Yo0 s2,0//le3 -02 4i2h ,isin/ 6ani7
yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 yo0 a,en?2 /oin/ 2o ma.e i25 Yo0 des6e,a2ely 60sh yo0,sel+ 4i2h 2he
70,,en2 -a7. do4n 2he 6i6e3 -02 yo0 a,e 2oo hea1y e1en +o, 2ha2 2o ha66en 90i7.ly
eno0/h5 Yo0, l0n/s -0,n and yo0 -e/in 2o see +lashes o+ li/h25 Una-le 2o hold yo0,
-,ea2h any lon/e, yo0 e8hale and -,ea2he in a l0n/+0l o+ 4a2e,5 D,o4nin/ is no2 a
6leasan2 e86e,ien7e3 es6e7ially in a da,. 6i6e5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
Unless yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 in 4hi7h 7ase yo0 +loa2
in da,.ness yo0 4ha2 seems an e2e,ni2y3 a -,i/h2 ,ed s2a, 60lsin/ -e+o,e yo05
E1en20ally yo0, +loa2in/ -ody s2a,2s 2o sin. and yo0 -e/in 2o +eel hea1y5 Yo0 a4a.e
s2a,in/ in2o 2he s0n and -lin.5 Si22in/ 063 yo0 hea, 7,ies o+ ala,m in a lan/0a/e yo0 do
no2 0nde,s2and5 &oo.in/ a,o0nd yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ si22in/ on a 6ile o+ +ish in 2he -a7.
o+ a +ishin/ -oa25 S0n-da,.ened +ishe,men h0ddle a2 2he o2he, end o+ 2he de7.3
6oin2in/ a2 yo0 and ma.in/ si/ns a/ains2 e1il5 Yo0 s2and 06 and see 2he sea all
a,o0nd yo03 a /,ey dis2an2 7oas2 2o one side5
Yo0 ha1e -een 4ashed o02 o+ 2he se4e,3 do4n 2he 7anal3 in2o 2he ,i1e, and do4n
2o 2he sea3 4he,e yo0 ha1e +inally -een +ished +,om 2he 4a2e,s5 Yo0 .no4 i2 no2 ye23
-02 yo0, -ody +loa2ed in 2he sea +o, a 2ho0sand yea,s -e+o,e -ein/ 7a0/h2 in 2he ne25
Cell and 2,0ly;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
381
Yo0 a/,ee 2o sha,e yo0, 7on7e,ns 4i2h 2he 6,ies2ess3 and she leads yo0 2o a small
,oom 2ha2 is li.e a minia20,e si22in/ ,oom3 4i2h a +i,e6la7e and 24o 7hai,s5 She in1i2es
yo0 2o si2 and o++e,s yo0 4a2e,5
Yo0 de7line and she s2o.es 2he +i,e as yo0 ma.e yo0,sel+ 7om+o,2a-le5 Yo0
7onside, 4ha2 yo0 4ill say5 I2 seems li.e 2he,e mi/h2 -e some2hin/ s2,an/e a-o02 2he
hi/h 6,ies25
On7e she is se22led3 yo0 say; LYo0 do no2 seem 7om+o,2a-le 4i2h yo0, o4n Hi/h
",ies25N
#<
FF - Diamond
LI am 1e,y 7om+o,2a-le 4i2h 2he Hi/h ",ies23N 2he 6,ies2ess says s0//es2i1ely5
LThen 4ho is i2 yo0 a,e 0n7om+o,2a-le 4i2hON yo0 as.5
LCe ha1e s4o,n an oa2h +o,-iddin/ 0s 2o s6ea. o+ 2he ma22e, 4hi7h 2,o0-les me3N
2he 6,ies2ess says3 he, eyes +lashin/ an/,ily5
Realisin/ she 7anno2 s6ea. o6enly3 yo0 say; LB0s2 as 2he 6aladin 4ho /0a,d 2he
+,on2 o+ 2his 2em6le a,e in 2he se,1i7e o+ 2he .in/3 6e,ha6s 2he man 4ho 7alls himsel+
Hi/h ",ies2 he,e is li.e4ise in 2he se,1i7e o+ 2he Kin/5N
The 6,ies2ess smiles5 LCha2 yo0 see. 4ill 2,0ly -e +o0nd in 2he 6ala7e d0n/eons5N
Than.+0l 2ha2 yo0 did no2 insis2 on mee2in/ 2he Hi/h ",ies23 yo0 2han. 2he
6,ies2ess and ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. o02 o+ 2he 2em6le5 Yo0 ,e20,n 2o 2he Sh,ine o+
A,in/a,a2o, 2o 2hin.5
No4 yo0 m0s2 assa0l2 2he 6ala7e i2sel+ 2o ,es70e Kianmay and Qa,im5 B02 -e+o,e
yo0 head in2o 2he lion?s den yo0 de7ide 2o hide 2he Diamond Key5 The +loo, o+ 2he
sh,ine is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind
a loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0
di/ in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key
+,om 2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and s2am6 on i2 2o
ma.e i2 +la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
383
&ea1in/ 2he 6,i1a2e 90a,2e,s yo0 7onside, yo0 ne82 mo1e5
Yo0 7an +ollo4 2he 7o,,ido, 2o 2he le+2 and a,o0nd 2he 7o,ne, -y 20,nin/ 2o 7235
Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an /o 2o 2he in2e,se72ion 2o yo0, ,i/h2 -y 20,nin/ 2o 740
387
No2 .no4in/ ho4 lon/ 2he 6i6e is3 i2 mi/h2 -e ,is.y 2o /o in +0lly d,essed 4i2h
yo0, a,mo0,3 6a7. and 4ea6ons5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,is. i2 and 7,a4l +0lly laden in2o 2he s0-me,/ed 6i6e3 20,n 2o 38+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,emo1e yo0, a,mo0,3 4ea6ons and 6a7. 4hile yo0 in1es2i/a2e 2he 6i6e3
20,n 2o 30+
Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an +o,/e2 a-o02 2he 6i6e and >0s2 2a.e 2he ladde,: 20,n 2o 315
388
Gen2ly3 yo0 2,y 2he doo, and +ind i2 0nlo7.ed5 Slo4ly 20,nin/ 2he handle yo0 ease
2he doo, o6en and 6ee, inside5 Ci2hin yo0 7an see a n0m-e, o+ na,,o4 -0n.s +o0,
le1els hi/h3 and a la,/e 2a-le in 2he 7en2,e 4i2h a lam6 06on i2: 2he only li/h2 so0,7e in
2he ,oom5 Yo0 7anno2 see 2he slee6in/ man3 -02 mos2 o+ 2he -0n.s a,e em62y5
O6enin/ 2he doo, +0,2he,3 yo0 /o in2o 2he ,oom5 The sno,in/ 7omes +,om a shado4y
#=
FF - Diamond
7o,ne,3 and yo0 2i62oe +0,2he, in2o 2he ,oom3 loo.in/ +o, any2hin/ 2o aid yo0 in yo0,
90es25
The,e a,e a n0m-e, o+ 7hes2s in 2he ,oom3 se2 a/ains2 2he a1aila-le 4alls5 One is
2oo 7lose 2o 2he slee6in/ man +o, yo0 2o ,is.3 -02 yo0 2,y 2he o2he, 2h,ee5 They a,e
lo7.ed5 B,ea.in/ 2hem o6en is o02 o+ 2he 90es2ion5 Unless yo0 ha1e some lo7.6i7.s
4i2h yo03 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o lea1e5
Do yo0 ha1e lo7.6i7.sO I+ so3 20,n 2o 57
I+ no23 20,n 2o 146
384
Mo1in/ on4a,ds3 yo0 7ome 2o a la,/e3 ,o0nd 7ham-e, 4i2h a domed 7eilin/5 A
massi1e 7handelie, han/s he,e3 as -i/ as a small shi65 The dome a-o1e is made o+
-la7. s2one3 4hi7h ,e+le72s 2he 6oin2s o+ li/h2 in 2he 7handelie, 7lea,ly5 I2 loo.s a -i2
li.e a 7h0n. o+ 2he ni/h2 s.y ins2alled in 2he 7eilin/ o+ 2he 6ala7e5
The domed 7ham-e, is 2he in2e,se72ion o+ 24o o60len2 hall4ays5 In 2he 7o,,ido,
7,ossin/ yo0, 6a2h yo0 see 2o 2he le+2 a /,and s2ai,4ay leadin/ 2o se7ond +loo,5 To 2he
,i/h2 a,e a 6ai, o+ /olden doo,s5 S2,ai/h2 ahead o+ yo0 2he 7o,,ido, yo0 a,e +ollo4in/
seems 2o lead 2o 2he +,on2 en2,an7e o+ 2he 6ala7e5
Do yo0 4an2 2o as7end 2o 2he se7ond +loo,O T0,n 2o 7++
I+ yo0 4an2 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he /olden doo,s3 20,n 2o 71+
386
As yo0 a66,oa7h 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7i2y3 yo0 see 2he Cas2le o+ E2e,nal &i/h2 +,om
many s2,ee2s a4ay3 li/h2in/ 2he 7lo0ds a-o1e5 Yo0 a1oid 2he main 6,o7essional
a1en0es leadin/ 2o 2he 7as2le and ma.e yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he 90ie2e, s2,ee2s3 /0ided
-y 2he ,adian2 7as2le5 Finally yo0 7ome 2o 2he 1e,y 7en2,e o+ 2he 7i2y3 4he,e 2he 6ala7e
lies 4i2hin 2he .ee65
The 7as2le is -0il2 in 2he 7en2,e o+ a /,ea2 "ala2ial S90a,e3 made o+ la,/e an7ien2
+la/s2ones o+ da,. s2one5 Fine 7,a7.s 7o1e, mos2 o+ 2he an7ien2 s2ones5 The 7as2le is
,in/ed -y la,/e -,onKe s2a20es o+ lions s2andin/ on ma,-le -lo7.s5 The smoo2h s2a20es
and 2hei, ma,-le -ases a,e m07h ne4e, 2han 2he +la/s2ones -enea2h3 and 2he 7on2,as2
seems >a,,in/ 2o yo0, eye5
The 7as2le i2sel+ is less im6,essi1e 2han one may e86e725 I2 is an an7ien2 7as2le3
and 2he 4alls a,e ,ela2i1ely lo4 7om6a,ed 2o 2he /,ea2 7as2les o+ 2he So02h3 and
es6e7ially 7om6a,ed 2o 2he 4alls o+ A,an2a2o, i2sel+5 The da,. s2one 4alls s2ill ,ise 2en
2imes yo0, o4n hei/h2 2o 7,0m-lin/ -a22lemen2s5 The 4alls a,e h0n/ 4i2h /,ea2
##
FF - Diamond
-anne,s o+ a 4hi2e ,am6an2 lion on a -l0e +ield5 Yo0 s0s6e72 2he -anne,s 7o1e, 2he
4ea, and dama/e o+ a 2ho0sand yea,s5
The li/h2 7omes +,om 2he /,ea2 +i,es 2ha2 -0,n a2o6 2he /0a,d 2o4e,s 2ha2 line 2he
4alls5 The main /a2e in2o 2he 7as2le is -0il2 in2o a 6,o2,0sion +,om 2he 4alls3 4i2h
ano2he, /,ea2 4a27h+i,e on 2o65 The,e a,e a720ally 2h,ee se2s o+ i,on--o0nd 4ooden
doo,s in 2he 6,o2,0din/ /a2eho0se3 one in ea7h o02e, 4all5 They a,e all 7losed3 -02 a
6ai, o+ /0a,ds s2and o02side ea7h 6ai, o+ doo,s3 holdin/ lon/ lan7es h0n/ 4i2h -anne,s
o+ 2he 7i2y3 d,essed in /olden a,mo0, and 7,es2ed helms5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a66,oa7h 2he main /a2e3 20,n 2o 311
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ma.e a 7i,70i2 o+ 2he 7as2le 2o loo. +o, ano2he, en2,an7e3 20,n 2o 354
385
Gainin/ a77ess 2o 2he dim o++i7e3 yo0 +ind a sh022e,ed li/h2 7,ys2al in a -,a7.e2 on
2he 4all and o6en i23 -a2hin/ 2he ,oom in 7old 4hi2e li/h25 The,e a,e o2he, li/h2s3 -02
yo0 lea1e 2hem as 2hey a,e5 The o++i7e inside has +o0, des.s3 24o 2o ea7h side and
+a7in/ in4a,ds3 7o1e,ed 4i2h 6a6e,s5 On 2he 4alls -ehind 2he des.s a,e -oo.7ases
and +ilin/ 7a-ine2s5 I2 loo.s li.e any 7le,.?s o++i7e5
The only e87e62ion is a 2all /lass 7a-ine2 a/ains2 2he 4all o66osi2e 2he doo,5 Yo0
4al. do4n 2he 7a,6e2 laid o02 in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom and 6ee, inside 2he 7a-ine25
Yo0 see inside a 7olle72ion o+ 70,io0s o->e72s5 Mos2 seem s0nd,y3 -02 on i2s o4n shel+
yo0 s6y an in2,i7a2ely 7a,1ed i1o,y -o85 O6enin/ 2he 7a-ine2 yo0 6i7. 06 2he -o8 and
o6en i25 To yo0, s0,6,ise and deli/h2 yo0 +ind 4i2hin 2h,ee /olden ,in/s3 se2 4i2h a
sa66hi,e3 a ,0-y3 and an eme,ald5 These a,e ma/i7al ,in/s o+ SKI&&3 STAMINA and
&UCK5 Chile 4ea,in/ 2he ,in/ o+ SKI&&3 yo0 may add 2o yo0, SKI&&5 Chile
4ea,in/ 2he ,in/ o+ STAMINA3 yo0 may add )* 2o yo0, ini2ial STAMINA5 Chile
4ea,in/ 2he ,in/ o+ &UCK3 yo0 may in7,ease yo0, ini2ial &UCK -y < and yo0 do no2
ha1e 2o ,ed07e yo0, 70,,en2 &UCK ea7h 2ime i2 is 2es2ed55
On one o+ 2he des.s hal+ hidden 0nde, a shea+ o+ 6a6e,s yo0 s6o2 4ha2 6,o1es 2o
-e a 6alm-siKed i1o,y dis.3 inlaid on one side 4i2h a ,am6an2 lion o+ ony85 Yo0 may
also 2a.e 2his i+ yo0 4ish5
The,e is no2hin/ else o+ in2e,es2 he,e3 so yo0 de7ide 2o lea1e5
T0,n 2o 7+6
342
The 4a,,io, s4in/s his s4o,d in a sa1a/e s2,o.e and 702s yo0, 2h,oa25 Yo0 +all
do4n3 e1e,y2hin/ /oin/ da,.5 B02 in 2he middle o+ 2he da,.ness +loa2s a -,i/h2 ,ed s2a,
2ha2 60lses li.e a hea,2-ea25 Yo0 +eel li.e yo0 a,e +loa2in/ as 4ell3 -02 a+2e, an
inde2e,mina2e 2ime yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ sin.in/3 and -e/in 2o +eel e1e,y hea1y and
0n7om+o,2a-le5 Yo0 o6en yo0, eyes3 and see a-o1e yo0 2he mo0ldy 7eilin/ o+ 2he
se4e, 7ham-e,5 Yo0 lis2en and o1e, 2he so0nd o+ ,0shin/ 4a2e, yo0 7an hea, 2he
4a,,io, 4ho sle4 yo0 mo1in/ a-o025 I2 so0nds li.e he is sea,7hin/ 2h,o0/h yo0,
6a7.5 Yo0 ,is. li+2in/ yo0, head and see his h0ddled +o,m as he e8amines yo0, i2ems
in 2he li/h2 o+ 2he 7,ys2al5
#%
FF - Diamond
Yo0 2a.e a dee6 -,ea2h3 2hen s0,/e 2o yo0, +ee2 and >0m6 a2 2he man5 Ci2h a loo.
o+ sho7. he +alls -a7.5 Yo0 sna27h 06 his s4o,d and s2a- him 2h,o0/h 2he ne7.5 He
+alls dead in2o 2he 6ool and +loa2s a4ay do4n 2he 6i6e5 Yo0 ,e2,ie1e yo0, -elon/in/s
and 2he man?s li/h2 7,ys2al5 The,e is also a 7,a2e in 2he 7o,ne, in 4hi7h yo0 +ind a
s2eel lion .ey3 a 6alm-siKed i1o,y 2o.en 4i2h an ony8 ,am6an2 lion inlaid in one side3
and a -o22le o+ slee6in/ 6o2ion5 On7e yo0 ha1e 2a.en 4ha2 yo0 4an23 yo0 7onside,
4ha2 2o do ne825
Ne82 2o 2he ho2 4a2e, 6i6e is a ladde, 2ha2 leads 06 2o a na,,o4 6assa/e5 B02 also3
yo0 no2i7e a 2hin s2,eam o+ /lo4in/ 6hos6ho,o0s +lo4in/ o02 +,om an o6enin/ hidden
0nde, 2he 4a2e,3 leadin/ in 2he same di,e72ion5 This 6i6e is 7om6le2ely s0-me,/ed5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2a.e 2he ladde,3 20,n 2o 315
I+ yo0 4an2 2o e86lo,e 2he s0-me,/ed 6i6e3 20,n 2o 348
340
The 7,ys2al in yo0, hand s0ddenly /,o4s ho2 as 2he -,i/h2ness in7,eases5 Yo0
d,o6 2he 7,ys2al and shield yo0, eyes5 E1en 2h,o0/h yo0, hands and eyelids 2he li/h2
h0,2s yo03 and yo0 -a7. a4ay +,om 2he in2ense hea25 Chen all /,o4s da,. and 7ool
on7e mo,e3 yo0 loo. do4n on 2he /,o0nd5 &yin/ 2he,e is a diamond 4and: a +a7e22ed
,od as 2hi7. as yo0, +in/e, and a-o02 a +oo2 lon/5
LCha2 is i2ON Yo0 as. as yo0 6i7. i2 065
LI2 may no2 hel6 yo05N The 7,o4 says5 LI2 shall only 7as2 yo0 +0,2he, do4n 2he
4ay yo0 ha1e 7hosen 2o 4al.5N
Ci2h 2ha23 2he -i,d +lies a4ay5 Yo0 4a27h i2 disa66ea, in2o 2he ni/h25 The 2,ees
a,o0nd yo0 a,e s0ddenly 2hinne,3 and as yo0 20,n yo0, head yo0 see less and less
2,ees5 None disa66ea, 4hile yo0 a,e loo.in/ a2 2hem3 -02 as yo0 slo4ly 20,n a,o0nd3
2hey a,e soon all /one and 2he ai, +eels 4a,m -y 7om6a,ison5
Yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay 2o 2he 6ala7e5
T0,n 2o 386
34+
Ci2h 2he 24o Kom-ies dead3 yo0 sea,7h 2hem3 -02 +ind no2hin/5 A66,oa7hin/ 2he
s.in 7o1e,ed doo,3 yo0 e8amine i2 7losely5 Yo0 soon ,ealise i2 is no2 a s.in-7o1e,ed
doo,3 -02 a 4all o+ +leshM I2 seals 2he a,7h4ay5 Yo0 6,od i2 e86e,imen2ally3 +indin/ i2
yieldin/ li.e h0man +lesh5
I+ yo0 ha1e a ne7,oman7e,?s 4and3 yo0 7an 2,y 2o o6en a 6assa/e in 2he +lesh5 T0,n 2o
711
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y and 702 o, 2ea, yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he +lesh3 20,n 2o 326
341
#'
FF - Diamond
Yo0 7an do no2hin/ and as s6o2s dan7e -e+o,e yo0, eyes3 yo0 see 2he so,7e,e,
smile as he ima/ines all 2he 2hin/s he 7an do no4 2ha2 he is immo,2al5 The da,.ness
in yo0, 1ision soon sh02s o02 2he li/h2 and yo0 a,e +inally +,ee in dea2h5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
343
Con2in0in/ on 2o 2he Tem6le o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess3 yo0 7lim- 2he -,oad s2e6s and
smile a2 2he +alse 6aladin o02side5 They 4a27h yo0 6ass3 -02 say no2hin/ and yo0 6ass
2h,o0/h one o+ 2he a,7hes in2o an an2e7ham-e, 2o 2he 4o,shi6 hall5 A 6,ies2ess /,ee2s
yo0 and yo0 hand he, 2he >a, o+ oil5 She has lon/ lo7.s o+ da,. 70,lin/ hai, -a,ely
7on7ealed 0nde, 2he 2asselled 4hi2e 7lo2h 4o,n o1e, he, head5 He, +a7e is s7a22e,ed
4i2h a +e4 moles3 -02 she is -ea02i+0l3 and seems 2o ha1e li/h2 -ehind he, +a7e as she
smiles5
LFo, 2he 2em6le3N yo0 say 4i2h a smile5
The 4hi2e-,o-ed 6,ies2ess 2a.es 2he sealed >a, 4i2h a smile and -o4s 2o yo05
LThan. yo0 +o, yo0, .indness3 si,5 May I assis2 yo0, 4o,shi6ON
LNo3 2han. yo03N yo0 say5 LI+ 6ossi-le I 4o0ld li.e 2o ha1e a 4o,d 4i2h 2he Hi/h
",ies25N
The 4oman?s smile 1anishes and a 2,o0-led loo. 7omes in2o he, eyes5 He, smile
soon ,e20,ns3 -02 i2 is s2,ained5 L"e,ha6s 2he,e is someone else 4hoIis -e22e, s0i2ed
2o hel6 yo05 I+ yo0 ,e90i,e s6i,i20al /0idan7e3 6e,ha6s I 7an hel6 yo0ON
I+ yo0 insis2 on seein/ 2he Hi/h ",ies23 20,n 2o 3+0
I+ yo0 2al. 2o 2he 6,ies2ess ins2ead3 20,n 2o 381
347
Ci2h a mi/h2y s4in/ o+ 2he Hell A8e3 yo0 de7a6i2a2e 2he se,6en2 demon and >0m6
-a7. as i2 7,ashes 2o 2he /,o0nd5 A6a,2 +,om 2he ma7e3 4hi7h is in+e,io, 2o 2he a8e3 i2
has no2hin/3 so yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay5
T0,n 2o 822
348
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ /old-ins7,i-ed s7ale-mail a,mo0,O I+ so3 20,n 2o 3335 I+ no23 20,n 2o
3875
#(
FF - Diamond
344
Yo0 ,a22le 2he 6i7.s in 2he lo7. and a+2e, a +e4 momen2s 2he lo7. 7li7.s o6en5 The
slee6in/ man /,oans and 20,ns o1e,3 -02 ,emains aslee65 Yo0 o6en 2he lid slo4ly5
Inside yo0 +ind a sil1e, helm @ARMOUR <A5
Yo0 7an no4 lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 146
346
Yo0 a,e s2andin/ 0nde, ano2he, /olden dome 2ha2 ho0ses a T-in2e,se72ion5 The
7o,,ido, 2ha2 7on2in0es 2h,o0/h 2he 7ham-e, is lined 4i2h 2all e82e,nal 4indo4s3 4hile
2he o++shoo2 leads 2o 2he 7en2,al dome o+ 2he se7ond +loo,5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o 2o4a,ds 2he 7en2,al dome3 20,n 2o 782
Chen yo0 s2and 4i2h yo0, -a7. 2o 2he 4indo4s3 +a7in/ 2he 7en2,al dome3 yo0 7an 2a.e
2he ,i/h2-hand 7o,,ido, -y 20,nin/ 2o 3713 o, 2o 2he le+2 -y 20,nin/ 2o 702
345
Yo0 hand o1e, 2he i2em3 and 2he 6,ies2 2han.s yo05 LSin7e yo0 -ea, 2he Diamond
Key3 I ass0me yo0 a,e 2he one 4ho 4as 2o -,in/ i2 2o Qa,im in 2he 2em6le o+ 2he Chi2e
Goddess5N
Yo0 7on+i,m 2ha2 yo0 a,e3 -02 2ha2 yo0 7ame 4i2h a 6,ies2ess 4ho is no4 7a620,ed5
The 6,ies2 nods5 LThen see. he, and Qa,im in 2he 6ala7e3 +o, 2he,e is none 4ho 7an
aid yo0 in 2he 2em6le o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess5 The one 2he,e 7allin/ himsel+ Qa,im is in
+a72 a so,7e,e, in 2he se,1i7e o+ 2he .in/5N
Yo0 2han. 2he 6,ies2 +o, his in+o,ma2ion5 No4 2ha2 yo0 do no2 need i23 yo0 /i1e
him 2he >a, o+ oil3 and in ,e20,n he /i1es yo0 24o 6hials o+ healin/ 6o2ion 2o hel6 yo0
,e7o1e, +,om yo0, o,deal5
&ea1in/ 2he Tem6le o+ o,de,3 yo0 /o -a7. 2o 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6lan
yo0, ne82 s2e65 I2 is o-1io0s no4 2ha2 yo0 m0s2 /o 2o 2he 6ala7e5 B02 -e+o,e yo0 en2e,
in2o 2he lion?s den3 yo0 de7ide 2o hide 2he Diamond Key5 The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine is
made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a loose
one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es 2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/ in2o
2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02 2he Diamond Key +,om 2he
7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2
+la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
362
The ne7,oman7e, +alls dead 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0 sea,7h him +o, 0se+0l i2ems3 -02 +ind
no2hin/ 2ha2 yo0 .no4 ho4 2o 0se5 Yo0 2a.e 2he /lo1e and 60llin/ i2 on 2,y 2o /e2 i2 2o
do some2hin/3 -02 no2hin/ seems 2o ha66en3 so yo0 2a.e i2 o++ and 2oss i2 -a7. on2o his
-ody5 Yo0 immedia2e 7on7e,n is ho4 2o /e2 o02 o+ 2he ne7,oman7e,?s 7ham-e,s5 Yo0
2,y 2he 4and a/ain3 -02 i2 has no e++e725 The doo, 2o 2he an2e7ham-e, is 2hin eno0/h
#E
FF - Diamond
+o, yo0 2o 702 2h,o0/h3 -02 as yo0 -e/in 2o do so3 yo0 see 2h,o0/h 2he hole yo0 ha1e
made 2ha2 2he 6assa/e yo0 +i,s2 7ame 2h,o0/h has 7losed a/ain5
The,e is ano2he, +lesh doo, on 2he o66osi2e side o+ 2he la-o,a2o,y and yo0
a66,oa7h 2his5 Ha1in/ no o2he, o62ion yo0 -e/in 2o ha7. yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h i25 A2 +i,s2
yo0 ma.e 6,o/,ess3 s6la22e,in/ -lood on 2he +loo, and yo0,sel+ as yo0 o6en an
in7,easin/ly la,/e, 4o0nd5 B02 as yo0 4o,. yo0, 4ay dee6e,3 yo0 60n720,e
some2hin/ and >e2 o+ no8io0s /asses a,e e86elled5 Yo0 s2a//e, -a7.4a,d3 yo0, eyes
and 2h,oa2 -0,nin/5 Yo0 +all 2o 2he +loo, 7o0/hin/ and -lin.in/5 The /as 7on2in0es 2o
6o0, in2o 2he 7ham-e,3 -02 is 7a,,ied a4ay 2h,o0/h 1en2s in 2he hi/h 7eilin/5
I+ yo0 ha1e a /olden a,m-and o, a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 08+
I+ no23 yo0 m0s2 ded072 % STAMINA +,om 2he 6oisonin/5 I+ yo0 a,e s2ill ali1e3 also
20,n 2o 08+
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 5+6
360
A66,oa7hin/ 2he /a2e 2o 2he d0n/eon3 yo0 se22le yo0,sel+ and .no7. on 2he doo,5
A-o02 a +e4 se7onds a small 4indo4 in 2he doo, is o6ened and a s0llen +a7e 6ee,s
o02I
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a /0a,dsman?s 0ni+o,m o, an o++i7ial?s ,o-e3 20,n 2o 3+2
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ yo0, o4n /ea,3 20,n 2o 7+1
36+
Goin/ 06 2o 2he 7en2,al doo,3 yo0 4a1e 2he 4and and 7a0se an o6enin/ 2o a66ea,5
A la,/e 4ell-li2 7ham-e, is ,e1ealed3 +illed 4i2h 2a-les and -en7hes on 4hi7h a,e
a,,ayed all manne, o+ e90i6men2 and i2ems5 The 4alls a,e lined 4i2h shel1es and
7a-ine2s +illed 4i2h -oo.s and >a,s5
A2 2he +a, end o+ 2he la-o,a2o,y3 a 6ai, o+ hea1y 70shioned 7hai,s a,e 6osi2ioned
-e+o,e a +i,e5 As 2he doo, o6ens yo0 see a ,o-ed +i/0,e ,ise +,om 2he 7hai,5 I2 is a
6o,2ly middle-a/ed man 4i2h >olly ,ed 7hee.s 2ha2 do no2 s0i2 his small da,. eyes5 His
head is -aldin/ a2 2he +,on23 -02 2hi7. da,. lo7.s s2ill 20m-le do4n his -a7.5 Be4elled
,in/s s6a,.le on his +in/e,s as he s2e6s +o,4a,d5
LCho a,e yo0O Ho4 did yo0 /e2 in he,eON he demands5
Yo0 s2e6 inside -oldly3 and hold 06 2he 4and5 LI had a .ey3N yo0 say sm0/ly5
The man +,o4ns5 LYo0 a,e no ne7,oman7e,5 Ho4 is i2 yo0IN he sha.es his head
and 4a1es a hand5 LNo ma22e,5N
He ma.es ano2he, /es20,e and s6ea.s ma/i7al 4o,ds5 Yo0 hea, 2he doo, /0,/le
-ehind yo03 and 20,n yo0, head 2o see i2 7losin/5 Yo0 2h,0s2 o02 2he 4and and
7on7en2,a2e3 -02 no2hin/ ha66ens3 and 2he doo, is sealed sh025
LI ha1e dis6elled 2ha2 ma/i7 o+ yo0, 4and3 4hi7h yo0 no do0-2 o-2ained -y some
ill meansMN The ne7,oman7e, e86lains as yo0 20,n -a7. 2o him5 Yo0 see him 60llin/
on a -la7. sil. /lo1e 4hi7h e82ends 06 2o his el-o45 The,e a,e ,0nes se4n in sil1e,
2h,ead on 2he +in/e,2i6s o+ 2he /lo1e5
Ci2h a 7on+iden2 smile3 2he ne7,oman7e, 4al.s 2o4a,ds yo05 LNo4 2ell me 4ho
yo0 a,e and 4hy yo0 a,e he,e5N
%*
FF - Diamond
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
A22a7. himO T0,n 2o 725
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /e2 him 2al.in/3 20,n 2o 731
361
Yo0 s2,0//le slo4ly 2h,o0/h 2he 6i6e3 +indin/ 2he +lo4 /e22in/ s2,on/e, as yo0 /e2
+0,2he, in5 I2 is 6i27h -la7.3 and yo0 7an see no2hin/5 As yo0 6,o/,ess3 yo0, hand
s0ddenly -an/s a/ains2 some2hin/ in yo0, 4ay5 Yo0 ,ea7h o02 and /,a- a me2al /,ill
2ha2 seals 2he 6i6e5 I2 /i1es yo0 a +i,m 6la7e 2o hold3 -02 yo0, hea,2 sin.s in
+,0s2,a2ion5 Yo0 ,0n yo0, hands a7,oss 2he /,ill in 2he 1ain ho6e o+ +indin/ a
4ea.ness5 To yo0, s0,6,ise yo0 +ind 2ha2 2he,e is an o6enin/ in 2he /,ill 4he,e 2he
me2al has -een 702 a4ay3 2he ends -en2 in4a,ds as i2 someone has +o,7ed 2hei, 4ay in5
Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 6l0n/e 0nde, 2he 4a2e, and 60ll yo0,sel+ 2h,o0/h 2he
o6enin/5 Yo0 2hen 7on2in0e yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he 6i6e5 Yo0 e1en20ally see li/h2
ahead and 7ome o02 in2o a 7ham-e, 2ha2 is li2 -y 2he /lo4 o+ a li/h2 7,ys2al5 &oo.in/
a,o0nd3 yo0 see 2ha2 +il2hy 4a2e, /0shes +,om se1e,al o6enin/s in 2he side4alls3
s2ainin/ 2he -,i7.s5 F,om a la,/e, 6i6e in 2he 4all ahead o+ yo0 7lean3 ho2 4a2e, 6o0,s
do4n in2o 2he 6ool 4he,e yo0 a,e 70,,en2ly ,es2in/5
The li/h2 7,ys2al is si22in/ on a small +la2 a,ea 2ha2 s0,,o0nds 2he 6ool yo0 a,e in3
and yo0 see si22in/ in 2he 7o,ne, 4a27hin/ yo0 a man d,essed in a 7loa. and a,mo0,5
Yo0 4ade 2o his side and 60ll yo0,sel+ +,om 2he 4a2e,5 He s2ands and a loo. o+
4a,iness s0ddenly 7,osses his +a7e5
LCho a,e yo0ON he as.s3 as i+ he 4as e86e72in/ someone else5
LI?m >0s2 2,yin/ 2o snea. in2o 2he 6ala7e3N yo0 2ell him5
The man /,0n2s5 LCell3 I?m so,,y3 2hie+5 B02 I 7an?2 a++o,d 2o le2 yo0 -la- a-o02
4ha2 yo0?1e seen he,e i+ yo0?,e 7a0/h25N
He d,a4s his s4o,d and a22a7.s yo05 Yo0 7an es7a6e 2his -a22le a2 any 2ime -y
>0m6in/ in2o 2he 6ool and s4immin/ -a7. do4n 2he 6i6e @20,n 2o 35+A5
SECER GUARD SKI&& ( STAMINA * DB % ARMOUR
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 3++
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 342
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
363
Yo0 d,a4 yo0, 4ea6on and 7ha,/e a2 2he 7,ys2al-a,mo0,ed 4a,,io,5 He lo4e,s his
s6ea, and a 4hi2e li/h2 s2a,2s 2o 4ell +,om 4i2hin 2he 7,ys2al -,eas26la2e and helm5
The head o+ 2he s6ea, also s2a,2s 2o /lo43 -02 2his li/h2 is a ho2 ,ed /la,e5
Yo0 a,e 2a.in/ on Kin/ Da,m?s Cham6ion3 4ho in addi2ion 2o -ein/ a s.illed
+i/h2e, is ma/i7ally a,med5 This 4ill -e a 2o0/h -a22le5 Be7a0se o+ 2he /lo4in/
a,mo0,3 i2 is di++i70l2 2o see @min0s ) +,om yo0, SKI&&A5
%)
FF - Diamond
CHAM"ION SKI&& ) STAMINA = DB )* ARMOUR )*
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /i1e 063 yo0 7an s0,,ende, a2 any 2ime -y 20,nin/ 2o 775
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 744
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 75+
367
Yo0 7lim- 2he ladde,3 and 6ee, 7a02io0sly in2o 2he 6assa/e5 The +i,eli/h2 7omes
+,om a 7ham-e, a2 2he +a, end and yo0 s2e6 06 in2o 2he 6assa/e and mo1e +o,4a,d
7a02io0sly5 Yo0 7ome 2o a la,/e 7ham-e, 2ha2 is 6lain and s90a,e3 -02 has 2h,ee
in2e,es2in/ +ea20,es5 One is a doo, 2ha2 a66ea,s 2o -e 7o1e,ed in h0man s.in3 +illin/ an
o,na2e a,7h4ay o+ ma,-le5 The o2he, 24o a,e dead soldie,s3 4ho a,e s2andin/ 06,i/h2
as i+ /0a,din/ 2he doo,5
The dead men ha1e yello4ed s.in and smell s2,on/ly o+ 6,ese,1a2ion 7hemi7als5
They a,e 7lad in 6lain3 -02 6olished3 4ell-.e62 a,mo0,5 They ea7h hold a lon/
-,oads4o,d3 2he hil2 7las6ed in 2hei, hands3 2he 2i6s 6lan2ed on 2he +loo, -e24een 2hei,
+ee25
Uns0,e i+ 2hey a,e 0ndead o, >0s2 dead3 yo0 s2e6 slo4ly o02 in2o 2he 2o,7hli/h25 As
one3 2he >a4s o6en and a lo4 s2,an/led ho4l es7a6es +,om 2he 2h,oa2 o+ ea7h5 They
-e/in 2o 4al. +o,4a,d3 7omi7ally slo4 a2 +i,s23 -02 as 2he le2ha,/y o+ 2hei, 1i/il lea1es
2hem3 2hey -e/in 2o ad1an7e ,a2he, 90i7.ly5 One e1en -e/ins 2o 6an2 in a mo7.e,y o+
la0/h2e,5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o +i/h2 2hem3 20,n 2o 727
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,e2,ea2 and see 4ha2 ha66ens3 20,n 2o 328
368
Yo0 a/,ee 2o 2he 6,ies2?s o++e, and he as.s yo0 2o +ollo4 him5 Ci2h a s6,i2ely s2e6
2he old man s2,ides a7,oss 2he la4ns5 Yo0 a,e +o,7ed 2o >o/ 2o 7a27h 06 2o him5 He
leads yo0 2o a 6lain 2em6le o+ -,o4n s2one 2ha2 is li.e a 70-e5 All 2he 4indo4s and
doo,4ays a,e s90a,e as 4ell5 He leads yo0 in2o a 70-i7 4o,shi6 hall 2ha2 has a la,/e
/olden -asin a2 one end3 +illed 4i2h 4a2e,5 S0s6ended a-o1e i2 is a 70-e a 7,ys2al 2ha2
+loa2s ma/i7ally 4i2ho02 s066o,23 s6innin/ slo4ly5
Yo0 a,e led o02 2h,o0/h a s90a,e side doo, and do4n a 7o,,ido, 4i2h i2s hei/h2
e90al 2o i2s 4id2h and in2o a ,oom in 2he ,ea, o+ 2he 2em6le5 The 6,ies2 lays his s2a++
do4n on a 2a-le5 The ,oom is a .ind o+ s20dy and la-o,a2o,y3 4i2h a des. and
-oo.shel1es 2o one side3 a 4o,.-en7h and shel1es s20++ed 4i2h -o22les3 -o8es and >a,s
on 2he o2he,5 A/ains2 2he -a7. 4all is a 7a/e 4i2h a s2,on/ la22i7e4o,. o+ s2eel5
The 6,ies2 o6ens 2he 7a/e5 LYo0 4ill need 2o /e2 in2o 2he 7a/e5 I s0//es2 yo0
0nd,ess as 4ell5N
The 6,ies2 /oes 2o s2o.e 06 2he +lames in a small hea2e, in one 7o,ne, o+ 2he ,oom5
LChy do I need 2o /e2 in2o 2he 7a/e3N yo0 as.5
LI m0s2 e82,a72 2he 6,imo,dial s6i,i2 2ha2 is in yo05 I2 may 2,y 2o e86,ess i2sel+
4hile I do so3 as a 4ay o+ 7lin/in/ 2o yo0, +lesh5 Yo0 may loose 7on2,ol o+ yo0,sel+5N
LHo4 lon/ 4ill 2his 2a.eON yo0 as.5
L"e,ha6s hal+ an ho0,3 6e,ha6s lon/e,3N 2he 6,ies2 says5
%
FF - Diamond
I+ yo0 a,e ha1in/ se7ond 2ho0/h2s3 yo0 7an lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 131
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o ahead3 20,n 2o 300
364
Kneelin/ do4n ne82 2o 2he old man3 yo0 imi2a2e his 6ose and 2,y 2o 6,ay5 Chen
yo0 4e,e a 7hild yo0, mo2he, o+2en 2oo. yo0 2o 1a,io0s 2em6les 2o ma.e o++e,in/s5
She 2old yo0 2ha2 i+ yo0 /a1e 2hin/s 2o 2he /ods3 2hey 4o0ld ,e6ay yo0 4i2h -lessin/s5
Yo0 ne1e, sa4 any e1iden7e 2ha2 she /o2 4ha2 she as.ed +o,5 Yo0, mo2he, died
yo0n/ o+ disease3 s2ill as 6oo, as 2he day yo0, +a2he, ,an o++ 4i2h a -a,maid5 Is 2ha2
4ha2 she had as.ed +o,O None o+ 2he 2hin/s yo0 e1e, as.ed +o, had 7ome 2,0e ei2he,5
S2ill3 yo0, mo2he, had seemed ha66y3 ,i/h2 06 2o 2he day she died5 And yo0 7anno2
deny 2ha2 2he 6,ies2s and 6,ies2esses do seem 2o ha1eIsome2hin/5 A 6ea7e 2ha2
el0des yo05 "e,ha6s 2ha2 is 2he 7om+o,2 o+ del0sion5
E1en so yo0 1is0alise an ima/e o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess in yo0, mind3 and as. he, 2o
hel6 yo0 2o sa1e Kianmay5 Chen yo0 o6en yo0, eyes3 2he old man is si22in/ -a7. on
his heels 4i2h his eyes o6en5
LYo0, 6,aye,s a,e 2,o0-led3N he says 90ie2ly5
LI 4asn?2 ,eally 6,ayin/3N yo0 e86lain5 LI don?2 2hin. I 7an5N
LSo0nds 2,o0-lin/ indeed3N 2he old man ,e6lies 4i2h a smile5 LCha2 7an I do +o,
yo0ON
LI?1e 7ome 2o ,es70e yo0 and Kianmay5N
LAlyn Mei3N 2he old man m0,m0,s3 2hen sha.es his head5 LNo3 I m0s2 s2ay he,e5N
LChyON yo0 as. in 7on+0sion5
LBe7a0se he,e I 7an do -es2 4ha2 I m0s25 Kin/ Da,m has +allen a lon/ 4ay3 and I
+eel 2ha2 2he +a0l2 is mine in 6a,25 He and I 4e,e 7hildhood +,iends3 yo0 .no45 Ye2
o0, 6a2hs ha1e 2a.en 1e,y di++e,en2 di,e72ions5 Ce sa4 ea7h o2he, o+2en3 -02 I
ne/le72ed him /,ea2ly in his la2e, yea,s5 I did no2 see 2he +ea, in him as his 6o4e,s o+
yo02h 4aned5 He +ea,s dea2h /,ea2ly3 +o, he has so m07h in 2his 4o,ld3 ye2 4ho 7an
say 4ha2 he 4ill ha1e in 2he ne82O Th0s he has so0/h2 2o 6,olon/ his li+e -y a,7ane
means3 and /a2he,ed many da,. 6o4e,s 2o se,1e him5 He is a /,ea2 so,7e,e, no43 and
his so0l is /,ea2ly 7o,,062ed5 He -elie1es himsel+ -eyond ,edem62ion and ,e+0ses 2o
2,y and sal1a/e his so0l3 +ea,in/ 2ha2 he has no2 eno0/h 2ime in 2he li+e 2ha2 is
,emainin/ 2o him 2o a2one +o, all his e1ils5 He 7anno2 0nde,s2and 2ha2 a sin7e,e hea,2
needs -02 a momen2 2o -e ,edeemed5 Tha2 is 4hy he 602 me do4n he,e3 so he 4o0ld
no2 ha1e 2o loo. a2 me5 He has -anished all holy i2ems +,om his 6,esen7e3 as 2he si/h2
o+ 2hem is said 2o ma.e him 4ee65 I +ea, a madness is /,o4in/ in him5 So I m0s2 s2ay
and 6,ay +o, him5 To 2his I shall de1o2e 2he +inal ene,/ies o+ my li+e5 So I shall no2
es7a6e 4i2h yo05N
LCha2 a-o02 KianmayON yo0 as.5
LHe, yo0 sho0ld ,es70e3N Qa,im ,e6lies5 LB02 -e 7a,e+0l5 The 066e, le1el o+ 2he
6ala7e has -een 2,ans+o,med in2o a domain o+ da,.ness and ma/i75 Go no43 I m0s2
,e20,n 2o my 6,aye,s5N
He 7loses his eyes on7e mo,e and yo0 s2and 065 Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o do3 yo0
lea1e 2he 7ell5
T0,n 2o 708
%<
FF - Diamond
366
Yo0 d07.3 and ,e7ei1e only a /lan7in/ -lo4 2o yo0, head5 I2 lea1es yo0 daKed3
and yo0 +eel 24o men /,a66le 4i2h yo0 and 2h,o4 yo0 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0 dimly see
2hem ,aise 2hei, s4o,ds in 2he li/h2 o+ 2he 7oals in 2he hea,2h and 2hey ha7. a2 yo0 0n2il
yo0 a,e dead5 They s2,i6 yo0, -ody o+ e1e,y2hin/3 in7l0din/ 2he Diamond Key and
yo0 die on 2he +loo,5
The Diamond Key is deli1e,ed 2o .in/ Da,m3 4ho -e7omes immo,2al +o, 2h,ee
4ee.s5 A+2e, 2ha2 2ime 2he Col+ la0n7hes his a22a7. and .ills 2he .in/ and 7on90e,s
A,an2a2o, +,om 4i2hin5 The Diamond Key is /i1en 2o 2he Tem6le o+ 2he Chi2e
Goddess and 6,os6e,i2y is en>oyed -y all +o, 7en20,ies 2o 7ome5
Yo0 a,e 0n.no4n -y mos23 +o,/o22en -02 all e87e62 +o, Kianmay 4ho 6,ays +ondly
+o, yo0, so0l e1e,y day5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
365
She has 2old 2he 2,02h5 B02 e1en so3 do yo0 ,eally 4an2 2o di10l/e yo0, mission 2o
2his demonO
I+ so3 20,n 2o 73+
I+ yo0 s2ill don?2 2,0s2 he,3 20,n 2o 761
352
LNo3 I am no23N yo0 ,e6ly5
LThen yo0 m0s2 7hoose 2he +o,m +,om yo0, h0man hea,23 2he hea,2 o+ +ea, and
desi,esMN 2he 7,o4 de7la,es5
LCha2 a,e yo0 2al.in/ a-o02ON yo0 as.5
The 7,o4 loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h 6i2y5 LSo +oolish5 No 4onde, yo0 a,en?2 a Cham6ion
o+ 2he &i/h25 Do yo0 o, do yo0 no2 7a,,y a /,ea2 2,eas0,eON
LNo3 I -0,ied i2 some4he,e5N
LI?m no2 2al.in/ a-o02 2he Diamond Key3 yo0 ,o7.-headed 2h0/MN 2he 7,o4 sna6s5
LI?m 2al.in/ a-o02 2he ",imo,dial C,ys2al5 The Diamond Key is 4o,2hless 7om6a,ed
2o i2MN
%=
FF - Diamond
Remem-e,in/ 2he ,ain-o4-+illed 7,ys2al3 yo0 +ish 2h,o0/h yo0, -elon/in/s and
d,a4 o02 2he 7,ys2al3 4hi7h is 4a,m in yo0, 6alm3 -a2hin/ 2he s0,,o0ndin/ a,ea in
shi+2in/3 7olo0,ed li/h25
LThis is 1al0a-leON yo0 as.5
LSome s6i,i2s don?2 dese,1e 2o -e7ome h0man3N 2he 7,o4 m022e,s 2o i2sel+5
Add,essin/ yo0 i2 s6ea.s slo4ly5 LCha2 yo0 a,e holdin/ is a 6,imo,dial 7,ys2al5 The
essen7e o+ C,ea2ion i2sel+M I2 is 7,ys2allised3 ye2 i2s 6o4e, is 0n+o,med5 So 7hoose 2he
+o,m i2 shall 2a.eMN
LChy no4ON yo0 as.5
LBe7a0se o2he,4ise I shall 2a.e i2 +,om yo03N 2he 7,o4 says5 LS07h a 2hin/ 7anno2
-e allo4ed +,ee in 2he 4o,ld any lon/e,5 So 7hoose no45N
Yo0 don?2 .no4 4ha2 2o say5 Cha2 so,2 o+ 2hin/s 7an i2 -e7omeO
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7hoose a 6o4e,+0l 4ea6on3 20,n 2o 327
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7hoose some 6o4e,+0l a,mo0,3 20,n 2o 3+5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7hoose some2hin/ 2ha2 7an ma.e yo0 in1isi-le so yo0 7an /e2 in2o 2he
6ala7e 0nde2e72ed3 20,n 2o 332
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7hoose some2hin/ 2ha2 7an heal3 20,n 2o 374
I+ yo0 7an?2 de7ide and 4an2 2o as. 2he 7,o4 2o 7hoose 4ha2e1e, he 2hin.s 4ill se,1e
yo0 -es23 20,n 2o 355
350
Yo0 .ee6 ,0nnin/3 smashin/ o++ 2,ee a+2e, 2,ee3 -02 2hen yo0 seem 2o s2o6 s2,i.in/
o-s2a7les in yo0, 6a2h5 Yo0 o6en yo0, s2in/in/ eyes and 2,y 2o see ahead as yo0 ,0n5
B02 yo0 7an ma.e o02 only 1a/0e sha6es5 The +0,2he, yo0 ,0n3 2he mo,e yo0, 1ision
7lea,s and 2he -0,nin/ o+ yo0, s.in ,ed07es5 By 2he 2ime yo0 ha1e sha.en o++ 2he las2
o+ 2he da,.ness3 yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ s2andin/ -e+o,e 2he ,0ined 7i2y and de7ide yo0 may
as 4ell ins6e72 i2 4hile yo0 a,e he,e5
T0,n 2o 86+
35+
T0,nin/ +,om 2he 4a,,io,3 yo0 di1e -a7. in2o 2he 6ool and s4im 4i2h 2he 70,,en25
Yo0 a,e soon d0m6ed in2o 2he 7anal5 I2 is a s2,0//le a/ains2 yo0, a,mo0,3 7lo2hin/
and e90i6men2 2o ,ea7h 2he s0,+a7e3 -02 2he ,o0nded 7anal is shallo4 and e1en20ally
yo0 ma.e i2 2o 2he side 4he,e yo0 7an s2i7. yo0, head o02 o+ 2he 4a2e, and 7a27h yo0,
-,ea2h5
No4 2ha2 yo0 m0s2 a-andon 2his o62ion3 yo0 7an 2,y one o+ 2he o2he, 6o2en2ial
en2,an7es;
The main /a2e: 20,n 2o 311
The d0n/eon: 20,n 2o 360
I+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/3 yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he s2a-le /a2e -y 20,in/ 2o 3+3
%#
FF - Diamond
351
A +alse 6aladin -0,s2s in2o 2he ,oom5 He 7alls o02 2he ala,m3 2hen d,a4in/ his
s4o,d ,0shes a2 yo05 Yo0 ,0n a,o0nd 2he des.3 +lin/in/ 2he la,/e 7hai, in2o his 6a2h5
He 70,ses as he s20m-les and yo0 ma.e i2 o02 in2o 2he 6illa,ed hall4ay5 B02 o2he,
6aladin ha1e a,,i1ed and s0,,o0nd yo0I
T0,n 2o 322
353
&ea1in/ 2he s2ai,7ase +o, no43 yo0 mo1e on4a,ds 2o 2he ne82 in2e,se72ion5
T0,n 2o 346
357
Ta.in/ o02 2he Diamond Key3 yo0 .neel -y 2he 6,ies2ess?s side5 Yo0 7a,e+0lly
60ll 2he s4o,d +,om 2he 4o0nd and 602 i2 aside5 The /0a,ds s2and -a7. and 4a27h yo0
silen2ly as yo0 6la7e 2he Diamond Key di,e72ly o1e, 2he 4o0nd and 6la7e yo0, hand
on 2o65
Yo0 +e,1en2ly 6,ay +o, 2he 4oman?s li+e 2o -e ,es2o,ed5 Yo0 .neel 4i2h yo0, head
-o4ed +o, a +e4 min02es3 -e+o,e yo0 s0ddenly +eel 2he 4oman?s 7hes2 ,ise 0nde, yo0,
hand5 She is -,ea2hin/M Yo0 .ee6 2he Key in 6la7e 0n2il he, -,i/h2 eyes +li7.e, o6en5
The /0a,ds /as6 and m022e, as she si2s 065 Yo0 2a.e 2he Diamond Key -a7.5 The
6,ies2ess loo.s a2 yo0 in 7on+0sion and 4onde,5 Yo0 o6en yo0, hand and sho4 he,
2he s2one5
LThe Diamond Key3N she says 4i2h a4e5
Yo0 hel6 he, 2o s2and3 and 2he /0a,ds -a7. a4ay3 s2a,in/ a2 2he 24o o+ yo03 some
4i2h ho,,o,3 o2he,s 4i2h 4onde,5 Yo0 7o0ld 6,o-a-ly ma.e a -,ea. +o, i2 no43 -02
some2hin/ s2i,s in yo0 as yo0 s2and -eside 2he 6,ies2ess5 S0ddenly i2 is no2 eno0/h +o,
yo0 2o es7a6e and lea1e 2hese men 2o 2hei, i/no,an7e5 Yo0 hold 06 2he Diamond Key5
LThis is 2he i2em yo0, .in/ 4ishes 2o o-2ain5 I 4as 2o -,in/ i2 he,e so 2ha2 i2 7o0ld
-e 6la7ed in 2he ea,2h3 on 2he /,o0nds o+ 2his 2em6le3 so 2ha2 i2s 6o4e, o+ li+e 7o0ld
-,in/ 6,os6e,i2y 2o 2he land5 B02 as yo0 ha1e seen3 i+ one .ee6s i2 +o, himsel+3 i2 4ill
ma.e 2ha2 one immo,2al5 Tha2 is 4ha2 Da,m 4an2s i2 +o,5 To -e7ome immo,2al and
,0le +o,e1e,5 Choose 2hen 4ha2 so,2 o+ men yo0 a,e5 Cill yo0 deli1e, 2he Key 2o him
so 2ha2 he may e82end his li+e -eyond his d0eO O, 4ill yo0 hel6 me 2o 602 in i2s
,i/h2+0l 6la7eO O, 6e,ha6s yo0 4ill .ill ea7h o2he, 2o see 4ho 7an 2a.e i2 +o, himsel+5N
Yo0 2oss 2he Key 2o 2he leade, o+ 2he /0a,ds3 dis2in/0ished -y a de7o,a2ed 7o,d
a,o0nd his 7hes25 Cide-eyed3 he >e,.s a4ay +,om i2 and i2 +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd3
7la22e,in/ on 2he ma,-le and slidin/ 2o a s2o6 a/ains2 2he +a, 4all5 All eyes a,e on 2he
%%
FF - Diamond
Key and s0ddenly3 one o+ 2he /0a,ds s2e6s +o,4a,d and 6i7.s i2 065 He /aKes a2 i2 4i2h
a4e3 -02 2hen 2o yo0, s0,6,ise 7a,,ies i2 -a7. 2o yo05
L"lease3 si,3N he says3 loo.in/ a2 yo0 im6lo,in/ly5 LMy da0/h2e, is on 2he 1e,/e
o+ dea2h5 A disease 2ha2 has no 70,e5 "lease heal he,5 Then I shall se,1e yo0 and de+y
2he .in/MN
Yo0 a,e s2a,2led3 -02 ea/e, 2o a1oid 2he Key +allin/ in2o 2he .in/?s hands3 yo0 2a.e
i2 -a7. and a/,ee5 The /0a,dsman leads yo0 +,om 2he 2em6le5 A2 a 7ommand +,om
2he lie02enan23 2he ,es2 o+ 2he /0a,ds +o,m 06 a,o0nd yo0 as i+ es7o,2in/ a 6,isone,5
B02 lea1in/ 2he Tem6le Ga,dens3 yo0, 6a,2y heads a4ay +,om 2he 6ala7e and in2o a
6oo, ,esiden2ial a,ea o+ 2he 7i2y5 He,e 2he s2,ee2s a,e na,,o4 and m0ddy3 2he ho0ses in
a s2a2e o+ ill ,e6ai,5 The s2en7h o+ ,o22in/ /a,-a/e and 7o0n2less +il2hy ind0s2,ies s07h
as 2anne,ies and a-a22oi,s ma.e 2he ai, di++i70l2 2o -,ea2h5
Yo0 a,e led 2o a la,/e, s2,0720,e 2han mos23 and 06 2o a hea1y /a2e5 The
/0a,dsman in 2he lead 2a.es o02 a .ey and 0nlo7.s 2he /a2e5 "0llin/ i2 -a7. ,e1eals a
la,/ish 7om6o0nd +o,med -y a U-sha6ed a,,an/emen2 o+ ho0ses 4i2h 2hei, doo,4ays
+a7in/ in4a,ds 2o 2he 7en2,al a,ea5 The 7om6o0nd has a s2one -asin -0il2 in2o 2he
/,o0nd 4i2h a -,ass 2a6 e82endin/ +,om 2he 7en2,e5 The,e is also a +i,e 6i2 s0,,o0nded
-y lo/ sea2s3 and a +e4 small 1e/e2a-le 6lo2s5
Some o+ 2he /0a,dsmen disa66ea, in2o di++e,en2 ho0ses3 4hile o2he,s ma.e
2hemsel1es 7om+o,2a-le a,o0nd 2he 0nli2 +i,e 4i2h a sense o+ +amilia,i2y5 Yo0 ,ealise
2he /0a,dsmen m0s2 ha1e -anded 2o/e2he, 2o 7,ea2e an en7la1e o+ ,ela2i1e 7leanliness
and sa+e2y5 The,e a,e e1en 6o2s o+ la,/e 60,6le +lo4e,s 2ha2 ha1e a 6o4e,+0l s7en23
alle1ia2in/ 2he s2en7h o+ 2he 6oo, 7i2y 90a,2e,5
Yo0 a,e led di,e72ly in2o one o+ 2he ho0ses3 4hi7h 6,o1es 2o -e a small -02 7lean
a-ode5 The la,/ish +,on2 ,oom has a hea,2h and a 2a-le 4i2h +o0, 7hai,s5 A 2i,ed-
loo.in/ da,.-hai,ed 4omen s2ands o1e, a 7022in/ -oa,d3 some hal+-7ho66ed
1e/e2a-les -e+o,e he,5 Seein/ yo03 she /,i6s 2he .ni+e in he, hand 2i/h2ly3 des6i2e 2he
men 4i2h yo05 The /0a,dsman 4ho has led yo0 he,e /,ee2s his 4i+e -,ie+ly3 -02
ea/e,ly d,a4s yo0 2o 2he sin/le -a7. ,oom3 in 4hi7h yo0 +ind 24o -eds3 one 2o ea7h
side o+ 2he doo,4ay5 In 2he smalle, -ed3 on a s20++ed 4ool ma22,ess 0nde, a 2h,ead-a,e
-lan.e2 lies a /i,l o+ a-o02 2en yea,s o+ a/e5 She is 2hin and 6ale3 he, eyes hal+ o6en as
i+ she is in some .ind o+ s206o,5 She does no2 20,n he, head as yo0 en2e,5
He, +a2he, .neels a2 he, side and 4his6e,s 2o he,3 o-2ainin/ a minimal ,es6onse5
He holds he, hand and loo.s 06 a2 yo0 e86e72an2ly5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h yo0 /o
+o,4a,d and .neel do4n3 2a.in/ o02 2he Diamond Key on7e mo,e5 Yo0 do no2 .no4
4ha2 2o do3 -02 2he Key seems 2o 4o,. -y i2sel+5 Yo0 60ll aside 2he -lan.e2 and lay
2he s2one on 2he /i,l?s 7hes25 Yo0 6la7e yo0, hand o1e, i2 and 6,ay3 >0s2 i2 7ase 2ha2
ma.es a di++e,en7e5
A +e4 min02es 6ass5 Yo0 hea, some 90ie2 4his6e,s and m022e,in/s -ehind yo03 as
2he /i,l?s mo2he, ho1e,s nea,-y in 0n7e,2ain2y5 E1en20ally yo0 hea, 2he /i,l?s +a2he,
s6ea. in a h0shed3 e87i2ed 2one5 LI2 is 4o,.in/MN
Yo0 o6en yo0 eyes 2o see 2he /i,l?s +a7e is +l0shed5 He, -,ea2hin/ 0nde, yo0, hand
is dee63 and e1en20ally he, eyes +li7.e, and o6en 4ide5 She loo.s do4n a2 yo0, hand3
2hen a2 yo0 70,io0sly5 Yo0 hea, he, mo2he, s2i+le a /as6 and 2ea,s5 Remo1in/ 2he
Key +,om he, 7hes23 yo0 s2and and -a7. a4ay3 le22in/ 2he +a2he, and mo2he, /o 2o 2hei,
da0/h2e,3 4ho seems -em0sed -y all 2he e87i2emen25 B02 she smiles as she is
em-,a7ed5
The lie02enan2 2o07hes yo0, a,m3 2hen indi7a2es +o, yo0 2o +ollo4 him5 He leads
yo0 -a7. o02 2o 2he 7om6o0nd5 LShe is healed3N 2he lie02enan2 anno0n7es 2o all and
%'
FF - Diamond
2a.es a sea2 -y 2he no4 -0,nin/ +i,e3 indi7a2in/ +o, yo0 2o si2 as 4ell5 Yo0 do so3
7ons7io0s o+ 2he s2a,es o+ 4onde,3 0n7e,2ain2y and 70,iosi2y5
LChe,e did i2 7ome +,omON The lie02enan2 as.s3 2a.in/ o02 a 6i6e and some
2o-a77o5
LI don?2 .no43N yo0 ,e6ly hones2ly5 LI 4as em6loyed as a me,7han2 /0a,d
2,a1ellin/ +,om E,inha,n5 A 6,ies2ess lead o0, 6a,2y5 She had 2he Key a2 +i,s23 and I
.ne4 no2hin/ o+ i25 B02 4e 4e,e 60,s0ed -y 2hose 4ho 4an2ed 2he Key5 The
6,os6e,i2y 2ha2 E,inha,n has en>oyed +o, 2he las2 #** yea,s has -een d0e 2o 2he Key
6la7ed in 2he ea,2h 2he,e5 B02 2oo many 6eo6le 2he,e lea,ned o+ i2 and 4ished 2o 2a.e i2
+o, 2hemsel1es5 So i2 4as 2o -e mo1ed5 In 2he 7o0,se o+ o0, >o0,ney 4e 4e,e a22a7.ed
a n0m-e, o+ 2imes and o0, 6a,2y ,ed07ed 2o >0s2 mysel+ and 2he 6,ies2ess5 She /a1e
2he Key 2o me5 She has -een 7a620,ed no4 -y 2he Kin/5N
The lie02enan2 nods5 LCha2 yo0 say +i2s 4i2h 2he in+o,ma2ion 4e 4e,e /i1en5
Cha2 do yo0 in2end 2o doON
Tha2 is some2hin/ yo0 a,e no2 s0,e a-o025 LI m0s2 ,es70e 2he 6,ies2ess and indeed
2he 2,0e Hi/h ",ies2 o+ 2he Tem6le3 Qa,im5N
LYo0 in2end no ha,m 2o o0, Kin/ON 2he lie02enan2 as.s5
Yo0 hesi2a2e5 LIn2end3 no5 B02 my a72ion m0s2 7a0se him some ha,m5N
The /0a,dsmen loo. 7on2em6la2i1e3 all loo.in/ 2o 2hei, leade,5 The lie02enan2
loo.s a,o0nd a2 his men5 LCe ha1e all s4o,n an oa2h 2o 2he Kin/5 And 4e ha1e
o,de,s +,om him 2o deli1e, 2his Key 2o him5 B02 I 2hin. 4e all .no4 2ha2 i+ 4e do so3
he 4ill .ee6 2his 6o4e, +o, himsel+5 The Kin/ 4o0ld no2 7ome he,e 2o heal one o+ o0,
7hild,en5 E,inha,n is .no4n 2h,o0/h all 2he 4o,ld as a -lessed land5 No4 A,an2a2o,
7an -e7ome a -lessed land5 Tha2 is a 2hin/ 4hi7h is 4o,2h mo,e 2han o0, oa2hs o+
se,1i7e and o0, hono0,5 So 4e 4ill assis2 2his man in his 90es25 Tomo,,o4 I alone
shall ,e6o,2 2o 2he Kin/ and 2ell him 2ha2 I ha1e de+ied him5 He 4ill 2hen 60nish me as
is his ,i/h25N
The /0a,dsman all seem 2o a77e62 2his3 -02 a,e +a, +,om ha66y5 The lie02enan2
s6ea.s 2o yo0 on7e mo,e5 LThe 6,ies2ess is 0nli.ely 2o -e .e62 in 2he d0n/eons5 This
Hi/h ",ies2 2oo I do0-2 4ill -e .e62 2he,e5 This ma22e, is one 2ha2 e1en 2he .in/ m0s2
.ee6 90ie25 Th0s yo0 m0s2 /e2 in2o 2he 6ala7e i2sel+5 "e,ha6s 4e 7an o-2ain +o, yo0
an o++i7ial?s o02+i25N
The /0a,dsman dis70ss 2he ma22e, and send one o+ 2hei, 4omen 2o 702 2he 4hi2e
lion insi/nia +,om one o+ 2hei, s0,7oa2s and se4 i2 on2o a -l0e ,o-e 4hi7h yo0 7an
4ea, o1e, yo0, a,mo0,5 One o+ 2he /0a,dsmen also has a ha2 4hi7h a+2e, some
al2e,a2ion ,esem-les an o++i7ial?s 7a65 A sha1e and a hai,702 soon 7om6le2es 2he
dis/0ise3 2ho0/h yo0 s2ill loo. li.e a 1e,y ,a//ed o++i7ial5 Yo0 a,e s2ill a-le 2o 2a.e
yo0, 4ea6ons3 6a7. and all o+ yo0, /ea,5
The lie02enan2 hands yo0 a ,in/ 4i2h .eys on i2; A s2eel lion .ey and a -,ass lion
.ey5 The 6ala7e has J60-li7? ,ooms on 2he /,o0nd +loo,3 in7l0din/ o++i7ials o++i7es
and +0n72ion halls5 The +i,s2 +loo, ho0ses 2he 6e,sonal 90a,2e,s o+ 2hose 4ho li1e a2
2he 6ala7e3 and 2he 2o6 +loo, -ein/ 2he 6e,sonal a,ea o+ 2he Kin/5 The 066e,mos2 +loo,
is a77essed only -y a /0a,ded s2ai,4ay5 Those as7endin/ 2he s2ai, a,e ,e90i,ed 2o
sho4 an i1o,y and e-ony 2o.en o+ a ,am6an2 lion3 o2he,4ise 2hey 4ill -e sho2 4i2h
7,oss-o4s 4i2ho02 90es2ion5 The /0a,dsmen do no2 ha1e any s07h 2o.ens3 -02 2ell
yo0 2ha2 messen/e,s and hi/he,-,an.ed o++i7ials o+2en ha1e 2hem5
The 7o06le 4hose da0/h2e, yo0 ha1e healed a66ea,3 leadin/ 2he /i,l he,sel+ -y 2he
hands5 She /,ins -,oadly a2 e1e,yone and is /,ee2ed >oy+0lly -y all3 4omen and
7hild,en 7omin/ +,om 2he o2he, ho0ses 2o see he,5 A 7ele-,a2o,y ai, soon ,e6la7es 2he
/,im 6lannin/ and +ood and >a,s o+ -ee, soon a66ea,5 Yo0 a,e h0//ed -y 4omen and
%(
FF - Diamond
7la66ed on 2he sho0lde, -y men3 as yo0 en>oy a meal 4i2h 2he /a2he,in/5 B02 soon
yo0 a,e 2a.en aside -y 2he lie02enan2 on7e mo,e5
LYo0 had -es2 -e /oin/5N The /0a,dsman says5 LYo0 a,e 4el7ome 2o 7ome -a7.
he,e 4hen all is done5N
LThan. yo03N yo0 say 2o 2he lie02enan25 He smiles /,imly3 his 2ho0/h2s on 2he
mo,,o4 4hen he m0s2 ,e6o,2 2o 2he .in/5 &ea1in/ 4i2ho02 +0,2he, 4o,d3 yo0 ma.e
yo0, 4ay o02 in2o 2he da,. s2,ee2s3 ma.in/ +o, 2he 6ala7e5 As yo0 6ass nea, 2he
Tem6le Ga,dens3 yo0 de7ide 2ha2 i2 is 2oo dan/e,o0s 2o 2a.e 2he Diamond Key 4i2h
yo03 so yo0 ma.e a de2o0, and s2o6 a2 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o,3 in2endin/ 2o hide 2he
Key he,e5
The +loo, o+ 2he sh,ine is made o+ s2ones3 and yo0 /o 2o one 7o,ne, and 60ll a2 2he
s2ones 0n2il yo0 +ind a loose one5 I2 is only sli/h2ly loose and i2 2a.es se1e,al min02es
2o 4o,. +,ee5 Yo0 di/ in2o 2he ha,d soil -enea2h and ma.in/ a small 7a1i2y3 2a.e o02
2he Diamond Key +,om 2he 7lo2h -a/ and 6la7e i2 in 2he hole5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he s2one
and s2am6 on i2 2o ma.e i2 +la25
Do yo0 4an2 2o o++e, some in7ense3 and as. A,in/a,a2o, 2o 6,o2e72 2he KeyO I+ so3
20,n 2o +5+
I+ yo0 ha1e no 2ime +o, s06e,s2i2io0s nonsense3 20,n 2o 18+
358
LNo3N yo0 say5
The ne7,oman7e, sh,0/s5 LFine3 I 4ill >0s2 .ill yo0 and .ee6 i25N He ,aises his
/lo1ed hand5 No4 yo0 m0s2 +i/h2: 20,n 2o 725
354
Kee6in/ 2o 2he shado4y ed/e o+ 2he "ala2ial S90a,e3 yo0 mo1e a,o0nd 2he 6ala7e
and soon 7ome 2o a small doo, in 2he side o+ 2he 7as2le5 I2 is 0n/0a,ded3 -02 has a 6ai,
o+ 2o,7hes -0,nin/ in -,a7.e2s 2o ea7h side5 The,e is a si/n a-o1e 2he doo, +ea20,in/ a
6ai, o+ mana7les5 This is 2he en2,an7e 2o 2he d0n/eons5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y 2o en2e, he,e3 20,n 2o 360
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7on2in0e yo0, e86lo,in/3 20,n 2o 37+
356
As yo0 nea,3 one o+ 2he /0a,ds 2h0m6s 2h,i7e on 2he doo,5 By 2he 2ime yo0 ,ea7h
2he doo, i2 is al,eady s4in/in/ o6en5 "osin/ as an a,,o/an2 o++i7ial yo0 i/no,e 2he
/0a,ds and 2he doo,man and s2e6 inside 2he o60len2 /a2eho0se5 I2 is a /ilded 70-e
4i2h a la,/e 7handelie, han/in/ +,om 2he dome a-o1e5 An o,na2ely 7a,1ed a,7h4ay
leads 2h,o0/h in2o 2he 6ala7e and yo0 4al. +o,4a,d in2o a lon/ hall 2ha2 seems 2o ,0n
2he len/2h o+ 2he 6ala7e5
Al2ho0/h yo0 a,e no2 +amilia, 4i2h 2he layo02 o+ 2he 6ala7e3 yo0 .ee6 4al.in/ so
as 2o no2 a,o0se s0s6i7ion in anyone 4ho mi/h2 -e loo.in/ a2 yo05 As yo0 4al. alon/
2he /a0dy hall3 lined 4i2h la,/e 6ain2in/s and s2a20es3 yo0 7ome 06on an a,7h4ay 2ha2
%E
FF - Diamond
leads in2o a -all,oom5 O66osi2e 2he a,7h is 2he en2,an7e 2o a na,,o4e,3 less /a0dy
7o,,ido,5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o en2e, 2he -all,oom3 20,n 2o 777
I+ yo0 4an2 2o en2e, 2he na,,o4e, 7o,,ido,3 20,n 2o 31+
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, 7on2in0e alon/ 2he main hall4ay3 20,n 2o 384
355
LI 4ill le2 yo0 7hoose3N yo0 2ell 2he 7,o45 LChoose +o, me 4ha2e1e, 4ill aid me
-es2 in my 90es25N
LCha2 is yo0, 90es2ON 2he 7,o4 as.s5
Yo0 6a0se5 LCell3 2o ,es70e Kianmay3 7e,2ainly3 and Qa,im5 Then I m0s2 do
some2hin/ a-o02 2he .in/IN
The 7,o4 la0/hs5 LYo0, 90es2 is ill-de+ined5 So shall -e my 7hoi7eM &e2 2he s.y
7as2 lo2s +o, yo0MN
Yo0 loo. 06 and see a n0m-e, o+ shoo2in/ s2a,s s0ddenly 7,oss 2he s.yI
Roll one die 2o de2e,mine 2he n0m-e, o+ shoo2in/ s2a,s yo0 see: 2hen 20,n 2o 2he
indi7a2ed 6assa/e 2o see 4ha2 yo0, +a2e has 7hosen5
) shoo2in/ s2a,3 20,n 2o 310
shoo2in/ s2a,s3 20,n 2o 3+5
< shoo2in/ s2a,s3 20,n 2o 374
= shoo2in/ s2a,s3 20,n 2o 327
# shoo2in/ s2a,s3 20,n 2o 332
% shoo2in/ s2a,s3 20,n 2o 340
722
The lon/ 7o,,ido, is lined 4i2h 2hi7. 4ooden doo,s 4i2h small -a,,ed 4indo4s5
S6022e,in/ 2o,7hes li/h2 2he 7o,,ido,3 -02 -,i/h2e, li/h2 7omes +,om 0nde, a doo, a2 2he
+a, end o+ 2he 7o,,ido,5 The o2he, end o+ 2he d0n/eon leads 2o a s2ai,4ay5
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /oO
The li/h2ed doo,O T0,n 2o 3+6
The s2ai,4ayO T0,n 2o 732
720
The 2h,one ,oom is mos2ly em62y3 so 2he,e a,e +e4 6la7es 2o sea,7h5 Yo0 /o +i,s2
2o 2he 2h,one and loo. a,o0nd5 The,e is no2hin/ o+ in2e,es2 on 2he dais5 Yo0 ma.e a
7i,70i2 o+ 2he ed/e o+ 2he ,oom3 -02 +ind no2hin/5 Yo0 -e/in 2o sea,7h 2he +loo, in 7ase
anyone has d,o66ed some2hin/I
'*
FF - Diamond
Roll one die5
I+ yo0 ,oll a )3 20,n 2o 335
I+ yo0 ,oll a 3 20,n 2o 773
I+ yo0 ,oll a <3 20,n 2o 783
I+ yo0 ,oll a =3 20,n 2o 743
I+ yo0 ,oll a #3 20,n 2o 765
I+ yo0 ,oll a %3 20,n 2o 753
72+
Goin/ on 2o 2he in2e,se72ion3 yo0 loo. 06 -,ie+ly a2 2he domed 7eilin/3 4hi7h is
6ain2ed 4i2h 2he s7ene o+ a 6,os6e,o0s 1illa/e3 2he 1illa/es en/a/ed in 2oil and 7,a+2s5
The 7o,,ido, 7on2in0es on3 4he,e yo0 7an see ano2he, 6ai, o+ doo,s +a7in/ ea7h o2he,
a7,oss 2he 7o,,ido,5 To 2he ,i/h2 and le+2 2he 7o,,ido,s also 6ass 2he doo,s 2o mo,e
o++i7ial?s o++i7es: -02 2he 7o,,ido, 2o 2he ,i/h2 leads 2o ano2he, 4ide3 o60len2 7o,,ido,5
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /oO
AheadO T0,n 2o 338
To 2he ,i/h2O T0,n 2o 74+
To 2he le+2O T0,n 2o 76+
721
Ci2h /,ea2 e++o,2 yo0 4o,. yo0, 4ay 06 2he d,ain and /,i6 2he /,a2e on 2o65 Yo0
,es2 +o, a momen23 2hen -,a7e yo0,sel+ a/ains2 2he sides o+ 2he 6i6e on7e mo,e and li+2
2he /,a2e o++3 60shin/ i2 aside5 I2 s7a6es lo0dly on 2he s2one +loo, and yo0 90i7.ly
/,a- 2he ed/e o+ 2he hole and 60ll yo0,sel+ o025 Yo0 a,e in a la1a2o,y 4he,e li/h2
s6ills 0nde, a sin/le 7,0de doo,5 Yo0 hea, someone a66,oa7hin/ +,om 2he o2he, side
o+ 2he doo, and ,eady yo0,sel+ +o, 2he 7on+,on2a2ion5
The doo, o6ens and yo0 see a 6ala7e /0a,dsman 6ee, 70,io0sly in5 He loo.s a2
yo0, d,i66in/ +o,m 4i2h some sho7.3 his eyes /oin/ -e24een yo0 and 2he o6en d,ain a
+e4 2imes5
A 1oi7e 7alls +,om -ehind him5 LCha2 is i23 Ga,1ON
LA se4e, ,a2MN 2he /0a,d says 7on2em620o0sly3 ,ea7hin/ +o, his s4o,d5 Seein/ no
o2he, 4ay 2o ,esol1e 2he si20a2ion3 yo0 lea6 2o a22a7. him3 +o,7in/ him 2o ,emain in 2he
doo,4ay5 I+ yo0 4in3 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o +i/h2 2he se7ond /0a,dsman s2,ai/h2
a+2e,4a,ds5
GAR$ THE GUARD SKI&& ( STAMINA * DB = ARMOUR
THE OTHER GUARD SKI&& ' STAMINA )( DB = ARMOUR
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 703
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -y ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 716
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
')
FF - Diamond
723
Cal.in/ alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 7ome 2o 2he 7o,ne, and 20,n5 &oo.in/ o02 2he 2all
4indo4s 2o yo0, ,i/h2 yo0 see 2he 4all o+ 2he .ee6 s4in/ a4ay 2o en7i,7le a small
/a,den3 +illed 4i2h 2,ees and a la,/e 6ool 2ha2 s6a,.les in 2he li/h2 o+ moon3 s2a,s and
4a27h+i,e5 On yo0, le+2 yo0 6ass 2he en2,an7e 2o 6,i1a2e 90a,2e,s3 h0n/ 4i2h a -anne,
de6i72in/ +o0, /olden ,o6es 2ied in .no2s on a -l0e +ield5 Yo0 7on2in0e on 2o 2he ne82
in2e,se72ion5
T0,n 2o 331
727
Yo0 s2,ide +o,4a,d and a22a7. 2he Qom-ies as 2hey ,aise 2hei, s4o,ds5 Be7a0se
2hey mo1e slo4e, 2han yo03 yo0 may +i/h2 2hem one a2 a 2ime5 I+ yo0 do no2 ha1e
yo0, 4ea6on 4i2h yo03 yo0 m0s2 +i/h2 4i2h only hal+ yo0, no,mal SKI&&3 and 4i2h a
Dama/e Bon0s o+ *5 A+2e, one o+ 2he Qom-ies is dead3 yo0 7an sna27h i2s s4o,d and
+i/h2 4i2h i25
QOMBIE GUARD ) SKI&& % STAMINA DB ( ARMOUR %
QOMBIE GUARD SKI&& ' STAMINA * DB ( ARMOUR %
Yo0 dis7o1e, 2ha2 2he -lades o+ 2he Kom-ies a,e 6oisoned 4i2h a 6o2en2 6a,alysin/
1enom5 E1e,y 2ime yo0 a,e 4o0nded yo0 m0s2 ,e2,ea2 and d,in. a healin/ 6o2ion 2o
n0lli+y 2he e++e72s o+ 2he 2o8in5 Yo0 do no2 /ain any STAMINA +,om doin/ so5 I+
yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 o, a,e 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and3
2he 6oison has no e++e72 on yo05 I+ yo0 7anno2 7o0n2e,a72 2he 6oison3 yo0 a,e dead5 I+
yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2 and a,e .illed -y 4o0nds3 2he Key
4ill ,e1i1e yo0 and yo0 7an 7on2in0e 2he +i/h2 4i2h +0ll STAMINA5
I+ yo0 a,e +o,7ed 2o +lee3 20,n 2o 734
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 34+
I+ yo0 a,e 4o0nded and do no2 ha1e a healin/ 6o2ion 2o d,in.3 20,n 2o 5+6
728
Gainin/ a77ess 2o 2he dim o++i7e3 yo0 +ind a sh022e,ed li/h2 7,ys2al in a -,a7.e2 on
2he 4all and o6en i23 -a2hin/ 2he ,oom in 7old 4hi2e li/h25 The,e a,e o2he, li/h2s3 -02
yo0 lea1e 2hem as 2hey a,e5 The o++i7e inside has +o0, des.s3 24o 2o ea7h side and
+a7in/ in4a,ds3 7o1e,ed 4i2h 6a6e,s5 On 2he 4alls -ehind 2he des.s a,e -oo.7ases
and +ilin/ 7a-ine2s5 I2 loo.s li.e any 7le,.?s o++i7e5
The only e87e62ion is a 2all /lass 7a-ine2 a/ains2 2he 4all o66osi2e 2he doo,5 Yo0
4al. do4n 2he 7a,6e2 laid o02 in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom and 6ee, inside 2he 7a-ine25
Yo0 see inside a 7olle72ion o+ 70,io0s o->e72s5 Mos2 seem s0nd,y3 -02 on i2s o4n shel+
yo0 s6y a la,/e ,in/ o+ >ade3 2he siKe o+ a 7olla,5 O6enin/ 2he 7a-ine23 yo0 2a.e i2 o02
and e8amine i25 Yo0 +eel i2 2in/lin/ in yo0, /,as6 and .no4 2ha2 i2 is ma/i7al3 -02 do
no2 .no4 4ha2 i2 does5 Al2ho0/h i2 is 7olla,-siKed3 i2 has no 4ay o+ o6enin/ and is 2oo
-i/ +o, yo0, a,m5 Yo0 602 i2 in yo0, 6a7. any4ay5
On one o+ 2he des.s hal+ hidden 0nde, a shea+ o+ 6a6e,s yo0 s6o2 4ha2 6,o1es 2o
-e a 6alm-siKed i1o,y dis.3 inlaid on one side 4i2h a ,am6an2 lion o+ ony85
'
FF - Diamond
The,e is no2hin/ else o+ in2e,es2 he,e3 so yo0 de7ide 2o lea1e5
T0,n 2o 7+6
724
Ta.in/ o02 2he .eys3 yo0 +ind 2he one 2ha2 7o,,es6onds 2o 2he 7ell n0m-e, and slide
i2 in2o 2he lo7.5 I2 o6ens 4i2h a 7li7. and yo0 60sh 2he doo, o6en3 s2e66in/ inside5
The man does no2 ,ea725
LHello3N yo0 say5 The,e is no ,ea72ion5
Yo0 ,ea7h o02 and /en2ly 6,od 2he man in 2he sho0lde,5 He s2ill does no2 ,ea723
and yo0 4onde, 4ha2 2o do5
I+ yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o 6,ay 4i2h him3 20,n 2o 364
O, yo0 7an lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 708
726
Yo0 mo1e alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 2all 4ido4s 2o yo0, ,i/h2 and soon 7ome 06on
ano2he, doo,4ay5 The -anne, he,e is a 4hi2e a8e on -la7.3 -02 2he doo, 2o 2he
90a,2e,s is a>a,I
I+ yo0, 70,iosi2y /e2s 2he -e22e, o+ yo0 and yo0 4an2 2o loo. inside3 20,n 2o 370
I+ yo0 4an2 2o +o70s on 2he 2as. a2 hand and 7on2in0e alon/ 2he 7o,,ido, 2o 2he 7o,ne,
yo0 7an see ahead3 20,n 2o 723
725
Yo0 l0n/e a2 2he Ne7,oman7e, 4i2h yo0, 4ea6on5 The ne7,oman7e, ,es6onds -y
4a1in/ his /lo1ed hand in a 7om6le8 /es20,e3 and sho02in/ 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,I
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and3 sil1e,-s20dded a,mo0, o, C,o4 A,mo0,O
I+ so3 20,n 2o 306
I+ no23 20,n 2o 735
702
Follo4in/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 6ass 2all 4indo4s 2o yo0, le+23 o02 o+ 4hi7h yo0 7an
see 2he 2o6s o+ 2he 4alls o+ 2he .ee63 and 2he /,ea2 4a27h +i,es5 The soldie,s 2he,e a,e
-la7. shado4s a/ains2 2he ho2 li/h23 so yo0 7anno2 see o+ 2hey ,ea72 2o yo0, 6assa/e3
o, i+ 2hey e1en see yo05 To yo0, ,i/h2 yo0 6ass 2he en2,an7e 2o some lo,d?s 6,i1a2e
90a,2e,s3 h0n/ 4i2h 2he -anne, o+ a -la7. shi6 on a /,een +ield5 Rea7hin/ 2he 7o,ne,3
'<
FF - Diamond
yo0 20,n a,o0nd and e1en20ally 6ass ano2he, lo,d?s 90a,2e,s3 his -anne, a ,ed -oa, on a
yello4 +ield3 -e+o,e yo0 a,,i1e a2 a T-in2e,se72ion5
T0,n 2o 331
700
"i7.in/ 06 2he 1ase3 yo0 sha.e i23 +eelin/ some2hin/ sha.in/ a-o02 inside5 Yo0
snee, a2 2he 4a,nin/ and smash 2he 1ase on 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 hea, a hiss3 and 2he
sha,ds mo1e as a small se,6en2 0n7oils i2sel+ and li+2s i2s head5 To yo0, s0,6,ise 2he
se,6en2 s0ddenly 20,ns in2o mis23 2he /,ey 7lo0d ,isin/ 06 and s4ellin/ in2o a
h0manoid sha6e5 I2 soon ,e+o,ms in2o a sho,23 +a2 7,ea20,e 4i2h ,ed s.in and a se2 o+
lon/ ho,ns5 I2 s2,e27hes and ,oa,s3 -e+o,e loo.in/ a2 yo0 4i2h la,/e yello4 eyes5 I2
/,ins3 dis6layin/ 6oin2ed 2ee2h5
LThan. yo0 +o, +,eein/ me3N i2 says in a /0220,al 1oi7e3 2hen loo.s a2 yo0
2ho0/h2+0lly5 LNo43 sho0ld I ea2 yo03 o, /i1e yo0 some2hin/ in ,e20,n +o, +,eein/
meON
I2 is a ,he2o,i7al 90es2ion3 -02 yo0 7an assis2 2he demon in ma.in/ his de7ision -y;
A22a7.in/ him3 20,n 2o 82+3
Tellin/ him a-o02 yo0, 90es23 20,n 2o 766
70+
O6enin/ 2he doo,3 yo0 6ass 2h,o0/h 90i7.ly in2o a lon/ o60len2 hall5 I2 is lined
4i2h s2a20es and la,/e 6ain2in/s3 4i2h /ilded doo,4ays 2ha2 seem /a0dy 2o yo0, eye5
The 7eilin/ is lined 4i2h li/h2-7,ys2al 7handelie,s3 and a dee6 -l0e 7a,6e2 7o1e,s 2he
+loo,5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay do4n 2he hall and 7ome 2o a la,/e 6ai, o+ do0-le doo,s on
yo0, le+25 O66osi2e 2he,e is a na,,o4e,3 and sli/h2ly less o60len2 7o,,ido, leadin/ o++
a2 ,i/h2 an/les 2o 2he main 7o,,ido,5 Yo0 7an hea, noises 7omin/ +,om 2he 7o,,ido,3
and /0ess 2ha2 2he .i27hens and se,1an2s 90a,2e,s a,e in 2ha2 di,e72ion5 Yo0 7a,e+0lly
o6en 2he la,/e doo,s and see a 1a7an2 -an90e2 hall5
Mo1in/ on yo0 7ome 2o a la,/e3 ,o0nd 7ham-e, 4i2h a domed 7eilin/5 A massi1e
7handelie, han/s he,e3 as -i/ as a small shi65 The dome a-o1e is made o+ -la7. s2one
4hi7h ,e+le72s 2he 6oin2s o+ li/h2 in 2he 7handelie, 7lea,ly5 I2 loo.s a -i2 li.e a 7h0n.
o+ 2he ni/h2 s.y ins2alled in 2he 7eilin/ o+ 2he 6ala7e5
The domed 7ham-e, is 2he in2e,se72ion o+ 24o o60len2 hall4ays5 In 2he 7o,,ido,
7,ossin/ yo0, 6a2h yo0 see 2o 2he ,i/h2 a /,and s2ai,4ay leadin/ 2o se7ond +loo,5 To
2he le+2 a,e a 6ai, o+ /olden doo,s5 S2,ai/h2 ahead o+ yo0 2he 7o,,ido, yo0 a,e
+ollo4in/ seems 2o lead 2o 2he +,on2 en2,an7e o+ 2he 6ala7e5
Do yo0 4an2 2o as7end 2o 2he se7ond +loo,O T0,n 2o 77+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he /olden doo,s3 20,n 2o 71+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o mo1e 2o4a,ds 2he +,on2 en2,an7e 2o 7he7. +o, mo,e >0n72ions3 20,n 2o
382
'=
FF - Diamond
701
Gainin/ a77ess 2o 2he dim o++i7e3 yo0 +ind a sh022e,ed li/h2 7,ys2al in a -,a7.e2 on
2he 4all and o6en i23 -a2hin/ 2he ,oom in 7old 4hi2e li/h25 The,e a,e o2he, li/h2s3 -02
yo0 lea1e 2hem as 2hey a,e5 The o++i7e inside has +o0, des.s3 24o 2o ea7h side and
+a7in/ in4a,ds3 7o1e,ed 4i2h 6a6e,s5 On 2he 4alls -ehind 2he des.s a,e -oo.7ases
and +ilin/ 7a-ine2s5 I2 loo.s li.e any 7le,.?s o++i7e5
The only e87e62ion is a 2all /lass 7a-ine2 a/ains2 2he 4all o66osi2e 2he doo,5 Yo0
4al. do4n 2he 7a,6e2 laid o02 in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom and 6ee, inside 2he 7a-ine25
Yo0 see inside a 7olle72ion o+ 70,io0s o->e72s5 Mos2 seem s0nd,y3 -02 on i2s o4n shel+
yo0 s6y a sil1e, s7a,a- -ee2le 2he siKe o+ yo0, 6alm5 O6enin/ 2he 7a-ine23 yo0 6i7. i2
06 and +eel i2 2in/le on yo0, 6alm5 I2 is ma/i7al and yo0 2a.e i25
On one o+ 2he des.s hal+ hidden 0nde, a shea+ o+ 6a6e,s yo0 s6o2 4ha2 6,o1es 2o
-e a 6alm-siKed i1o,y dis.3 inlaid on one side 4i2h a ,am6an2 lion o+ ony85
The,e is no2hin/ else o+ in2e,es2 he,e3 so yo0 de7ide 2o lea1e5
T0,n 2o 7+6
703
The se7ond d0n/eon /0a,d +alls dead and yo0 lis2en 7a,e+0lly +o, so0nds o+ any
mo,e a66,oa7hin/5 I2 seems sa+e3 so yo0 2a.e a loo. a,o0nd 2he /0a,d,oom5 The,e is
no2hin/ in 2he ,oom a6a,2 +,om a small s2o1e +o, 7oo.in/ and hea2in/3 and a 2a-le
s0,,o0nded -y -en7hes5
The,e a,e 2h,ee doo,s in 2he ,oom5 A 2hi7.3 -ol2ed doo, leads o02side3 4hile 2he
doo, 2o 2he la1a2o,y is 2hin5 Ano2he, se70,e doo, leads 2o 2he 7ells5 Yo0 sea,7h 2he
/0a,ds and +ind a ,in/ o+ n0m-e,ed .eys3 some 7he4in/ 2o-a77o3 and a +e4 7o66e,
7oins5
Yo0 2a.e 2he .eys and ma.e +o, 2he doo, leadin/ 2o 2he 7ells5
T0,n 2o 3+8
707
LTha2?s no -0siness o+ yo0,3 soldie,MN yo0 sna6 a2 him5 LEi2he, hel6 me loo. +o, a
diamond 6in o, /e2 los2MN
Yo0 7on2in0e yo0, sea,7h 0nde, 2he 4a27h+0l eyes o+ 2he 7,ys2al-a,mo0,ed
4a,,io,5 A+2e, a +e4 min02es he lea1es5 Yo0 7on2in0e sea,7hin/ +o, a 4hile3 2hen
de7ide i2 is 2ime 2o lea1e5 !0i7.ly yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2o 2he s2ai,4ay 2ha2 4ill 2a.e
yo0 2o 2he ne82 le1el5
T0,n 2o 7++
708
&ea1in/ 2he 7ell3 yo0 7on2in0e on 2h,o0/h 2he d0n/eon and 7ome 2o 2he s2ai,4ay
a2 2he end o+ 2he 7o,,ido,5 Yo0 7lim- 2he da,. s2ai,4ell and 7ome 2o ano2he, hea1y
'#
FF - Diamond
doo,5 O6enin/ i23 yo0 6ee, o02 in2o a s2a-leya,d5 I2 is a-andoned a2 2he momen23 and
yo0 ma.e +o, a doo, in 2he -a7. o+ 2he .ee65
T0,n 2o 70+
704
&ea1in/ 2he domed 7ham-e,3 yo0 .ee6 2he 2all 4indo4s 2o yo0, le+2 as yo0
a66,oa7h a 7o,ne,5 On yo0, ,i/h2 yo0 6ass a doo,4ay ado,ned 4i2h a -anne, +ea20,in/
2h,ee ,ed s.0lls on a 4hi2e +ield5 Mo1in/ a,o0nd 2he 7o,ne,3 yo0 soon 7ome 06on a
s2ai,7ase 2o yo0, ,i/h2 4he,e a -anne,ed doo,4ay 4o0ld no,mally -e5 The 4hi2e
ma,-le -anis2e, is mo0n2ed a2 in2e,1als -y ,am6an2 lions 7a,1ed +,om i1o,y3 ,0-ies se2
in 2hei, eye so7.e2s5 The s2e6s a,e laid 4i2h a 60,6le and /old 7a,6e25 The s2ai,4ay is
lon/3 s2,ai/h2 and ,ela2i1ely na,,o4: only 4ide eno0/h +o, si8 men 2o 4al. a-,eas25
A2 2he 1e,y 2o6 yo0 7an see a 60,6le 70,2ain 7on7ealin/ 2he landin/5 The 4alls 2o ea7h
side o+ 2he s2ai,4ay a,e 4hi2e ma,-le and inlaid 4i2h so+2ly /lo4in/ li/h2 7,ys2als5
I2 a66ea,s 2o -e 2he en2,an7e 2o 2he 066e,mos2 le1el o+ 2he 6ala7e5
I+ yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o 7lim- 2he s2ai,4ay no43 20,n 2o 7335
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7on2in0e 2o e86lo,e 2he se7ond +loo,3 20,n 2o 353
706
Ta.in/ o02 a healin/ 6o2ion3 yo0 7,adle 2he 4oman?s head and 6o0, 2he ,ed li90id
in2o he, mo02h5 She s2i,s and s4allo4s5 I2 2a.es a +e4 min02es +o, he, eyes 2o o6en5
She loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h 022e, ho6elessness3 +illin/ yo0 4i2h an/e, a2 4hoe1e, did 2his 2o
he,5
LI am he,e 2o hel6 yo03N yo0 2ell he,5
LCho a,e yo0ON she 4his6e,s5
LNo one5 B02 yo0 a,e +,ee 2o /o5 Cha2 has ha66ened he,eON
The 4oman ,emains on 2he +loo, and does no2 seem e87i2ed a-o02 he, im6endin/
+,eedom5 I2 2a.es a +e4 mo,e min02es +o, yo0 2o 7oa8 he, 2o 2al.5 She e86lains 2ha2 a
ne7,oman7e, 4ho is .e62 -y 2he .in/ li1es in 2he -o4els o+ 2he 7as2le and 7ond072s
many e86e,imen2s on 2he li1in/ and 2he dead5 He 0sed he, 2o 7olle72 sam6les o+
-lood3 4hi7h he 0sed in his da,. a,2s5
A+2e, she has 2old yo0 2his3 she 7loses he, eyes and +alls aslee65 I2 4ill 2a.e some
2ime +o, he, 2o ,e7o1e,5 I+ yo0 ha1e ano2he, healin/ 6hial3 yo0 lea1e i2 -eside he, and
lea1e 2he 7ell5 I2 is 2ime 2o 7on+,on2 2his ne7,oman7e,5 Yo0 ma.e +o, 2he 7en2,al doo,5
T0,n 2o 36+
705
Follo4in/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 6ass 2all 4indo4s 2o yo0, ,i/h23 o02 o+ 4hi7h yo0 7an
see 2he 2o6s o+ 2he 4alls o+ 2he .ee63 and 2he /,ea2 4a27h +i,es5 The soldie,s 2he,e a,e
-la7. shado4s a/ains2 2he ho2 li/h23 so yo0 7anno2 see o+ 2hey ,ea72 2o yo0, 6assa/e3
o, i+ 2hey e1en see yo05 To yo0, le+2 yo0 6ass 2he en2,an7e 2o some lo,d?s 6,i1a2e
'%
FF - Diamond
90a,2e,s3 h0n/ 4i2h 2he -anne, o+ a ,ed -oa, on a yello4 +ield5 Rea7hin/ 2he 7o,ne,3
yo0 20,n a,o0nd and e1en20ally 6ass ano2he, lo,d?s 90a,2e,s3 his -anne, a -la7. shi6
on a /,een +ield3 -e+o,e yo0 a,,i1e a2 a T-in2e,se72ion5
T0,n 2o 346
7+2
Kee6in/ an eye on 2he 4o,.in/ men3 yo0 7a,e+0lly ma.e yo0, 4ay 2o 2he o6en
h025 The 7o1e, is no2 6e,+e72 and yo0 a,e +o,7ed 2o 4al. 7as0ally a7,oss an o6en
s6a7eI
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 826
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 865
7+0
Be+o,e yo0 7an say any2hin/3 one o+ 2he /0a,ds -a,.s a2 yo05 LMo1e alon/M
The,e is no en2,y +o, yo0 he,e5N
LB02-L yo0 -e/in5
The /0a,d lo4e,s 2he lan7e3 his 7om6anion doin/ li.e4ise5 Yo0 /la,e a2 2hem -02
de7ide 2o -a7. do4n5 E1en i+ yo0 7an +inish o++ 2hese 24o o,namen2al 4a,,io,s3 i2
4o0ld 7,ea2e a 7ommo2ion 2ha2 is 0nli.ely 2o 4o,. in yo0, +a1o0,5
Yo0 7an no4 7on2in0e yo0, 7i,70i2 o+ 2he 7as2le -y 20,nin/ 2o 354
I+ yo0 ha1e al,eady made a 7i,70i2 o+ 2he 7as2le3 yo0 7an /o 2o;
The d0n/eon3 20,n 2o 360
The se4e, 6i6e3 20,n 2o 301
O, i+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/3 yo0 7an en2e, 2he s2a-le doo, -y 20,nin/ 2o 3+3
7++
Mo1in/ alon/ 2he o60len2 7o,,ido,3 yo0 7ome 06on 2he /,and s2ai,4ay5 The dee6
-l0e 7a,6e2 o+ 2he 7o,,ido, 7on2in0es 06 2he s2ai,4ay3 -02 has added 2o i2 a 4ide -and
o+ ,i7h /olden em-,oide,y on ea7h side5 The -anis2e,s a,e as 2hi7. as yo0, 4ais23
made o+ da,. 6olished 4ood 7a,1en in2o +lo4in/ +o,ms li.e 4a1es3 4hi7h 7,ash
a/ains2 ea7h o2he, a2 ,e/0la, in2e,1als3 some in2,i7a2e +o,m lea6in/ 064a,ds3 ea7h
holdin/ a li/h2 7,ys2al5 Yo0 6ass me,maids 4i2h la,/e -,eas2s and lon/ +lo4in/
2,esses3 smilin/ dol6hins3 and e1en 2he head o+ a mi/h2y 4hale5 Sea 7,ea20,es yo0
.no4 and o2he,s 2ha2 a,e s2,an/e 2o yo0 li/h2 yo0, 4ay as yo0 as7end 2he s2ai,5 I2
leads 2o a landin/ 4he,e small s2ai,s s6li2 o++ 2o ea7h side3 4indin/ -a7. a,o0nd 2o
mee2 a2 2he ne82 +loo,5
Yo0 7lim- one o+ 2he smalle, s2ai,4ays 7a02io0sly3 and +ind yo0, sel+ alone on 2he
se7ond +loo,5
''
FF - Diamond
T0,n 2o 331
7+1
The s0llen +a7e /,o4s e1en mo,e s0llen5 LCha2 do yo0 4an2ON /,o4ls 2he /0a,d5
LI?m he,e 2o 1isi2 a +,iend3N yo0 e86lain 4i2h a smile5
LA -i2 la2e +o, 1isi2in/3N 2he /0a,d o-se,1es5
LI ha1e >0s2 a,,i1ed in 2he 7i2y3N yo0 2ell him5
He /,0n2s3 -02 sha.es his head5 LI2?s 7old o025 Ge2 yo0,sel+ a ,oom in an inn and
7ome -a7. 2omo,,o45N
LI 7an?2 do 2ha23N yo0 ,e6ly5
I+ yo0 ha1e a +las. o+ al7ohol yo0 4an2 2o o++e, 2o 2he /0a,ds3 20,n 2o 3+1
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 730
7+3
Yo0 2,y 2he doo, and +ind 2ha2 i2 is lo7.ed5
I+ yo0 ha1e a s2eel lion .ey3 lo7.6i7.s o, a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 7015
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 788
7+7
Comin/ 06 -ehind 2he +i,s2 Kom-ie yo0 de7a6i2a2e i2 4i2h one s4in/3 2hen dod/e
6as2 i2s 7olla6sin/ -ody and /i1e 2he se7ond Kom-ie an iden2i7al 2,ea2men25 Bo2h
Kom-ies +all 2o 2he +loo,3 s90i,m +o, a +e4 momen2s3 2hen /o s2ill5
T0,n 2o 34+
7+8
Yo0 -0,s2 in2o 2he inne, san720m and see a ho,,i-ly +a2 ho,ned demon ,es2in/ in a
la,/e /olden -a2h20- 2ha2 is a h0nd,ed +ee2 a7,oss5 The demon?s +olds and e86anse o+
+a2 is eno0/h 2o almos2 +ill 2he 20- 2o 2he ed/e3 4hile a2o6 2he mo0n2ain o+ -l0--e, is a
head no la,/e, 2han yo0, o4n3 al2ho0/h i2 s6o,2s 24o lon/ ho,ns5
Small 60,6le-s.inned demons 4i2h si8 la1ende,-7olo0,ed eyes ladle ho2 s2eamin/
4a2e, o1e, 2he +leshy -0l.5 As yo0 en2e, 2hey d,o6 2hei, ladles and -07.e2s and +lee5
The demon in 2he 20- 7,ies in +ea, and -e/s yo0 2o s6a,e him5
L"leaseM I 4as >0s2 h0n/,yM "lease don?2 des2,oy meMN
I+ yo0 4an2 2o i/no,e 2he 6a2he2i7 6lea and /i1e 2he e1il 7,ea20,e 2he end he ,i7hly
dese,1es3 20,n 2o 713
I+ yo0 4an2 2o -e me,7i+0l3 20,n 2o 871
'(
FF - Diamond
7+4
Yo0 2,y 2o 7lim- 06 2he 6i6e3 -02 +ail3 +allin/ -a7. in2o 2he 4a2e,5 &ose ) STAMINA
+o, 2he e++o,25 Yo0 7an 2,y 2o 7lim- 2he d,ain on7e mo,e -y 2es2in/ yo0, STAMINA
a/ain5 E1e,y 2ime yo0 +ail yo0 m0s2 min0s ) STAMINA5 I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond
Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 yo0 do no2 ha1e 2o ded072 any STAMINA5 I+ yo0
s077eed3 20,n 2o 7215 Yo0 7an d,in. healin/ 6o2ions i+ yo0 ha1e any5
I+ yo0 7anno2 /e2 06 2he d,ain 20,n 2o 34
7+6
&ea1in/ 2he o++i7e3 yo0 +,eeKe as yo0 hea, 2he a66,oa7h o+ many -oo2ed +oo2s2e6s5
I2 so0nds li.e a 6a2,ol5 No2 4an2in/ 2o -e 2,a66ed in any o+ 2he dead ends3 yo0 h0,,y
2o 2he in2e,se72ion and lis2en 7a,e+0lly5 Mo1in/ a4ay +,om 2he 6a2,ol yo0 head
2o4a,ds one o+ 2he la,/e, 7o,,ido,s5 Yo0 6ee, o023 and seein/ 2he s2ai,4ay 2o 2he ne82
le1el 2o yo0, le+23 de7ide i2 is 2ime 2o lea1e 2he lo4e, +loo,5
T0,n 2o 7++
7+5
&ea1in/ 2he smoo2h doo,3 yo0 4al. alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 and 2a.e 2he 7o,ne, 2o 2he
le+25 Yo0 6ass ano2he, en2,an7e 2o a lo,d?s 90a,2e,s and idly no2e 2he -la7. 2,ee on a
yello4 +ield han/in/ a-o1e5 Yo0 soon ,ea7h ano2he, in2e,se72ion5
T0,n 2o 740
712
Yo0 a/,ee 2o /i1e 2he ne7,oman7e, 2he Kom-ie ,a23 and 602 i2 -a7. in i2s >a,5 Yo0
602 2he lid -a7. on and 2he ne7,oman7e, 2a.es i25 He 2a.es 2he >a, and /aKes a2 2he ,a2
inside +o, se1e,al momen2s -e+o,e 6022in/ i2 -a7. do4n on 2he -en7h5 LYes3 1e,y
in2e,es2in/5N
He as.s yo0 2o +ollo4 him and leads yo0 2o ano2he, +lesh doo,5 He 4a1es his
hand as he a66,oa7hes and 2he +lesh o6ens3 ,e1ealin/ ano2he, 6assa/e se1e,al ya,ds
lon/5 Yo0 nod 2o 2he ne7,oman7e, and en2e, 2he 6assa/e3 h0,,yin/ 2h,o0/h5 Yo0 hal+
e86e72 2he +lesh 2o s2a,2 7losin/ in3 -02 2he ne7,oman7e, ,emains 2,0s24o,2hy 0n2il yo0
a,e on 2he o2he, side5 As yo0 s2e6 o02 in2o 2he +a, 7ham-e,3 2he +lesh -ehind yo0 s2a,2s
2o 7lose3 7022in/ o+ ,e2,ea25 The only li/h2 in 2he 7ham-e, is 2he li/h2 7,ys2al in yo0,
hand3 and in i2s li/h2 yo0 see 2he small s90a,e 7ham-e, is /0a,ded -y Kom-ies
s2andin/ a/ains2 2he side 4alls5 They /,o4l and 20,n 2o4a,ds yo05 They a,e all 4ell-
6,ese,1ed 4a,,io,s a22i,ed in 6olished a,mo0, 4i2h 6oisoned -,oads4o,ds5
Be7a0se 2hey mo1e m07h slo4e, 2han yo03 yo0 may also +i/h2 2hem one a2 a 2ime5
QOMBIE GUARD ) SKI&& % STAMINA DB ( ARMOUR %
QOMBIE GUARD SKI&& # STAMINA * DB ( ARMOUR %
'E
FF - Diamond
Yo0 dis7o1e, 2ha2 2he -lades o+ 2he Kom-ies a,e 6oisoned 4i2h a 6o2en2 6a,alysin/
1enom5 E1e,y 2ime yo0 a,e 4o0nded yo0 m0s2 ,e2,ea2 and d,in. a healin/ 6o2ion 2o
n0lli+y 2he e++e72s o+ 2he 2o8in5 Yo0 do no2 /ain any STAMINA +,om doin/ so5 I+
yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 o, a,e 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and3
2he 6oison has no e++e72 on yo05 I+ yo0 7anno2 7o0n2e,a72 2he 6oison3 yo0 a,e dead5 I+
yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2 and a,e .illed -y 4o0nds3 2he Key
4ill ,e1i1e yo0 and yo0 7an 7on2in0e 2he +i/h2 4i2h +0ll STAMINA5
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 312
710
SeiKin/ 2he -o22le in yo0, 6a4s3 yo0 60sh a/ains2 i2 0n2il i2 +alls o1e,5 I2 ,olls
alon/ 2he -en7h and 7lin.s 2o a s2o6 a/ains2 2he mo,2a, and 6es2le5 Sin.in/ yo0, 2ee2h
in2o 2he 7o,.3 yo0 mana/e 2o 60ll i2 o023 and 2he 6o2ion s2a,2s 2o 6o0, o023 +o,min/ a
/,o4in/ 60ddle 2ha2 ,0ns o++ 2he -en7h5 &a66in/ a2 2he 6o2ion yo0 7ons0me a +ai,
amo0n23 -02 no2hin/ ha66ens5 I2 2as2es me2alli7 and 0n6leasan25
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o 2,y no4O
The lea+O T0,n 2o 802
The /,an0lesO T0,n 2o 8+8
71+
Goin/ 06 2o 2he /olden doo,s3 yo0 60sh e86e,imen2ally on 2hem and 4a27h as 2hey
s4in/ in4a,ds easily 2o ,e1eal a la,/e 2h,one ,oom5 A ,ed 7a,6e2 se4n 4i2h /olden
2h,ead ,0ns do4n 2he 7en2,e +,om 2he doo,s 2o 4he,e a la,/e 4hi2e ma,-le dais si2s
a/ains2 2he +a, 4all5 On 2he dais is a s0,6,isin/ly small /olden 2h,one 4i2h 60,6le
70shions on i25 On 2he 4all -ehind is a la,/e m0,al o+ a .in/ 7lad in shinin/ a,mo0,
holdin/ a li/h2in/ -ol2 li.e a s6ea, ,eady 2o 7as23 4hile demons and h0man .in/s
7o4e, ali.e5 Yo0 /0ess +,om 2he 4hi2e lions 2ha2 d,a4 his 7ha,io2 2ha2 2his is Kin/
Da,m himsel+5
The 2h,one ,oom is o2he,4ise em62y5
Do yo0 4an2 2o sea,7h a,o0nd in 7ase 2he,e is some2hin/ o+ in2e,es2 he,eO I+ so3 20,n
2o 720
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o -a7. and /e2 on 4i2h yo0, 90es2 -y 2a.in/ 2he s2ai,4ay 2o 2he ne82
le1el3 20,n 2o 7++
711
Ta.in/ o02 2he -la7.ened 4and3 yo0 4a1e i2 e86e,imen2ally a2 2he 4all3 4illin/ i2
2o o6en5 The +in/e,s 24i27h3 and en7o0,a/ed3 yo0 7on7en2,a2e ha,de,3 6la7in/ 2he
-0,n2 hand a/ains2 2he 4all5 The hand o6ens and lays i2s 6alm a/ains2 2he +lesh 4all3
and se7onds la2e, 2he,e is a /0,/lin/ +,om dee6 4i2hin5 A small o6enin/ a66ea,s
0nde, 2he hand o+ 2he 4and and slo4ly o6ens 0n2il 2he,e is a -one-+loo,ed 6assa/e
leadin/ 2h,o0/h se1e,al ya,ds o+ 60lsin/ +lesh5
(*
FF - Diamond
Yo0 h0,,y +o,4a,d3 4a1in/ 2he 4and a-o02 yo0 6,o2e72i1ely 2o 6,e1en2 2he +lesh
+,om 7losin/ in a,o0nd yo05 E1en20ally yo0 ,ea7h 2he o2he, side3 and +ind yo0,sel+ in
a la,/e 7ham-e, 4i2h mo,e +lesh doo,s in ea7h o+ 2he o2he, 2h,ee 4alls5 The,e is a
sin/le li/h2 7,ys2al held in a sil1e, s2and si22in/ in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom5
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /oO
The doo, o66osi2eO T0,n 2o 36+
To 2he ,i/h2O T0,n 2o 303
To 2he le+2O T0,n 2o 737
713
I/no,in/ 2he 4him6e,in/ 6leas3 yo0 ,ea7h 2he ed/e o+ 2he 20- and -e/in 2o ha7. a2
2he demon5 O6enin/ i2s -ody s6ills o02 a +o0l-smellin/ -la7. li90id5 Yo0 dama/e i2
0n2il yo0 7an?2 s2and 2he smell any lon/e, and ,e2,ea2 4a27h as 2he 7,ea20,e slo4ly
de+la2es 0n2il i2 is dead5
E1en20ally yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 yo0 a,e no4 2,a66ed in hell3 as 2he,e is no 4ay o025
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
717
O6enin/ 2he smalle, doo,3 yo0 see a da,.ened s2ai,4ell leadin/ do4n4a,ds5
Mo1in/ inside3 yo0 des7end 2he s2ai,4ay and 7ome 2o a 7o,,ido, li2 -y s6022e,in/
2o,7hes3 lined 4i2h hea1y 4ooden doo,s3 7on2ainin/ small3 -a,,ed 4ido4s5
As yo0 4al. alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 6a0se 2o 6ee, in2o ea7h 7ell3 -02 mos2 a,e in
da,.ness3 and yo0 do no2 .no4 i+ 2hey a,e inha-i2ed a2 all5 A +e4 o+ 2he 6,isone,s
ha1e 7andles3 and si2 4i2h -oo.s o, >0s2 s2a,e a2 2he +lame5 Ea7h one loo.s 06 a2 yo0
4i2h ho6e in 2hei, eyes3 -02 yo0 mo1e on3 0na-le 2o hel6 2hem5
E1en20ally yo0 7ome 2o one 7ell 4he,e an elde,ly man .neels -e+o,e a 2,io o+
7andles3 dee6 in 6,aye, 4i2h a small 7on2en2ed smile on his +a7e5 He is d,essed in a
no4 2a22e,ed ,o-e o+ 4hi2e3 4i2h a -lan.e2 d,a6ed a,o0nd his sho0lde,s5 Co0ld 2his -e
2he Hi/h ",ies2 Qa,imO
Yo0 7all o02 2o him3 -02 he does no2 ans4e, yo05 Yo0 2,y 2o /e2 his a22en2ion3 -02
he does no2 e1en s2i,5 E1en20ally yo0 /i1e 06 and ,e20,n 2o 2he s2ai,4ay5 Clim-in/ 06
2o 2he s2a-leya,d3 yo0 2a.e 2he la,/e, doo,4ay in2o 2he 6ala7e5
T0,n 2o 70+
718
Gainin/ a77ess 2o 2he dim o++i7e3 yo0 +ind a sh022e,ed li/h2 7,ys2al in a -,a7.e2 on
2he 4all and o6en i23 -a2hin/ 2he ,oom in 7old 4hi2e li/h25 The,e a,e o2he, li/h2s3 -02
yo0 lea1e 2hem as 2hey a,e5 The o++i7e inside has +o0, des.s3 24o 2o ea7h side and
+a7in/ in4a,ds3 7o1e,ed 4i2h 6a6e,s5 On 2he 4alls -ehind 2he des.s a,e -oo.7ases
and +ilin/ 7a-ine2s5 I2 loo.s li.e any 7le,.?s o++i7e5
The only e87e62ion is a 2all /lass 7a-ine2 a/ains2 2he 4all o66osi2e 2he doo,5 Yo0
4al. do4n 2he 7a,6e2 laid o02 in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom and 6ee, inside 2he 7a-ine25
()
FF - Diamond
Yo0 see inside a 7olle72ion o+ 70,io0s o->e72s5 Mos2 seem s0nd,y3 -02 on i2s o4n shel+
yo0 s6y a la,/e am0le2 o+ ame2hys2s in 2he +o,m o+ a 7ondo,5 O6enin/ 2he 7a-ine23
yo0 2a.e i2 o02 and e8amine i25 Yo0 +eel i2 2in/lin/ in yo0, /,as6 and .no4 2ha2 i2 is
ma/i7al3 -02 do no2 .no4 4ha2 i2 does5 Yo0 602 i2 on3 -02 +eel no di++e,en25
On one o+ 2he des.s hal+ hidden 0nde, a shea+ o+ 6a6e,s yo0 s6o2 4ha2 6,o1es 2o
-e a 6alm-siKed i1o,y dis.3 inlaid on one side 4i2h a ,am6an2 lion o+ ony85 Yo0 may
also 2a.e 2his i+ yo0 4ish5
The,e is no2hin/ else o+ in2e,es2 he,e3 so yo0 de7ide 2o lea1e5
T0,n 2o 7+6
714
Yo0 2,y 2he doo, and +ind 2ha2 i2 is lo7.ed5 I+ yo0 ha1e a s2eel lion .ey3 lo7.6i7.s
o, a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 3855 O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 788
716
Yo0 +all dead 2o 2he +loo,3 and +ade in2o -la7.ness3 hea,in/ someone la0/hin/ a2
yo0 and .i7.in/ yo0, -ody5 Yo0 seem 2o +loa2 in 2he -la7.ness +o, a 4hile3 -e+o,e
yo0 +eel yo0,s s6i,i2 sin.in/ -a7. in2o yo0, hea1y 6hysi7al +o,m on7e mo,e5 Yo0
o6en yo0 eyes3 seein/ 2he +lame-li2 7eilin/ on 2he /0a,dho0se5
Yo0 7a,e+0lly li+2 yo0, head5 Sea2ed a2 2he 2a-le is one o+ 2he /0a,ds3 loo.in/
2h,o0/h yo0, 6a7.5 Yo0 si2 06 and 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee25 Seein/ yo0 mo1e +,om 2he
7o,ne, o+ his eye3 2he /0a,d slo4ly 20,ns his head 2o4a,ds yo03 /oin/ 6ale5 Yo0 6i7.
06 yo0, 4ea6on and slay him5 The 6e2,i+ied man doesn?2 e1en mo1e3 e87e62 +o,
2o66lin/ 2o 2he +loo,5
Yo0 2a.e -a7. yo0 6a7. and ,e+ill i23 2a.in/ a loo. a,o0nd 2he /0a,d,oom5 The,e
no2hin/ in 2he ,oom a6a,2 +,om a small s2o1e +o, 7oo.in/ and hea2in/3 and a 2a-le
s0,,o0nded -y -en7hes5
The,e a,e 2h,ee doo,s in 2he ,oom5 A 2hi7.3 -ol2ed doo, leads o02side3 4hile 2he
doo, 2o 2he la1a2o,y is 2hin5 Ano2he, se70,e doo, leads 2o 2he 7ells5 Yo0 sea,7h 2he
/0a,d and +ind a ,in/ o+ n0m-e,ed .eys3 some 7he4in/ 2o-a77o3 and a +e4 7o66e,
7oins5
Yo0 2a.e 2he .eys and ma.e +o, 2he doo, leadin/ 2o 2he 7ells5
T0,n 2o 3+8
715
"0shin/ aside 2he 70,2ain eno0/h 2o -e a-le 2o 6ea. 2h,o0/h3 yo0 see a la1ish
si22in/ ,oom +illed 4i2h da,. -l0e 1el1e2 70shioned 7o07hes3 2he +0,ni20,e in7l0din/ a
(
FF - Diamond
la,/e lo4 s90a,e 2a-le in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom made o+ da,. 6olished 4ood 7a,1ed
in2o +lo4in/ +o,ms and inlaid 4i2h /old and i1o,y5
Sil. 6ain2in/s han/ on 2he 4alls3 and a la,/e li/h2-7,ys2al 7handelie, han/s +,om
2he 7eilin/5 Yo0 sli6 2h,o0/h and sea,7h a,o0nd -,ie+ly3 -02 +ind no2hin/ o+ in2e,es25
The,e is ano2he, a,7h4ay leadin/ 2h,o0/h 2o a simila,ly de7o,a2ed dinin/ ,oom5 A
la,/e 2a-le he,e has eno0/h sea2in/ +o, 2en 6eo6le3 and is se2 4i2h sil1e, 6la2es and
706s ins7,i-ed 4i2h ma/i7al ,0nes5 In 2he 7en2,e is a la,/e 7o1e,ed -o4l 4i2h a ladle5
As yo0 se2 +0,2he, inside3 yo0 s2a,2 as yo0 see se,1an2s s2andin/ in 2he 7o,ne,s o+ 2he
dinin/ ,oom5 The se,1an2s do no2 ,ea72 2o yo0 and a+2e, a momen2 yo0 ,ela8 as yo0
see 2ha2 2hey a,e no2 ,eal5 Yo0 don?2 .no4 4ha2 2hey a,e made o+3 -02 2hey a,e solid
and 6ain2ed3 only 2hei, hai, loo.s ,eal5 Ea7h is in 2he +o,m o+ a s7an2ily 7lad 4oman3
and ea7h is 7a,1ed 2o /ene,o0s 6,o6o,2ions5 The s2e,ile +a7es 20,n yo0 o++3 and yo0 li+2
2he lid o++ 2he 7o1e,ed -o4l5 Inside is a 7old 2hi7. /,0el3 /,ey in 7olo0, and loo.in/
022e,ly 0na66ealin/5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o si2 do4n and ea2 some o+ 2he old 6o,,id/e3 20,n 2o 77+
O2he,4ise yo0 4ill ha1e 2o /o -a7. and 2a.e one o+ 2he o2he, a,7h4ays;
The nes2 a,7h; 20,n 2o 8+7
The ,0ne a,7h; 20,n 2o 860
732
As yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay do4n 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 6a0se 2o 6ee, in2o ea7h 7ell3 -02
mos2 a,e in da,.ness3 and yo0 do no2 .no4 i+ 2hey a,e inha-i2ed a2 all5 A +e4 o+ 2he
6,isone,s ha1e 7andles3 and si2 4i2h -oo.s o, >0s2 s2a,e a2 2he +lame5 Ea7h one loo.s
06 a2 yo0 4i2h ho6e in 2hei, eyes3 -02 yo0 mo1e on3 0na-le 2o hel6 2hem5
E1en20ally yo0 7ome 2o one 7ell 4he,e an elde,ly man .neels -e+o,e a 2,io o+
7andles3 dee6 in 6,aye, 4i2h a small 7on2en2ed smile on his +a7e5 He is d,essed in a
no4 2a22e,ed ,o-e o+ 4hi2e3 4i2h a -lan.e2 d,a6ed a,o0nd his sho0lde,s5 Co0ld 2his -e
2he Hi/h ",ies2 Qa,imO
Yo0 7all o02 2o 2he man3 -02 he does no2 s2i,5 E1en20ally yo0 /i1e 06 and 7on2in0e
2o4a,ds 2he s2ai,4ay
T0,n 2o 708
730
LI sho0ld ha1e .no4n yo0 4o0ld -e li.e 2his3N yo0 say 4i2h a slo4 nod5 LI?1e
seen yo0, 2y6e -e+o,e5N
The man?s eyes na,,o45 LCha2 do yo0 mean3 my 2y6eON
(<
FF - Diamond
LYo0 hal+-o,7s5 Al4ays in2e,es2ed in yo0, o4n 7om+o,2 ,a2he, 2han an hones2
day?s 4o,.5N
LI?m no hal+-o,7MN 2h0nde,s 2he /0a,d5 LYo0 had -e22e, 4a27h yo0, 7hee.3
o02side,3 o, I?ll 7ome o02 2he,e and 702 yo0 in2o li22le 6ie7esMN
Yo0 smile5 LI don?2 -elie1e 2ha25 I2 is 7old o02 he,e5 Yo0?ll 4i2he, li.e a li22le
+lo4e,5N
Ci2h a m0,de,o0s /la,e 2he small 4indo4 slams sh02 and 2he ne82 momen2 yo0
hea, -ol2s -ein/ slid3 and 2he doo, o6ens5 The /0a,d s2al.s o023 his +is2s 7len7hed5
Ci2ho02 any 6,eam-le he 2a.es a s4in/ a2 yo05 Yo0 d07. 0nde, his -lo4 and dod/e
a,o0nd him3 dashin/ inside 2he doo,4ay5
Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in a /0a,d,oom3 ano2he, smalle, /0a,d si22in/ in a 7hai, -y a
small i,on s2o1e5 He lea6s 06 and sna27hes a s4o,d +,om 2he 2a-le5 The +i,s2 /0a,d
-a,,els in and l0n/es a2 yo05 Yo0 a,e +o,7ed 2o +i/h2 -o2h a2 on7e5
DUNGEON GUARD ) SKI&& ( STAMINA * DB = ARMOUR
DUNGEON GUARD SKI&& ' STAMINA )( DB = ARMOUR
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 703
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 716
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
73+
LThe,e is a 6o4e,+0l a,2e+a72 7all 2he Diamond Key3N yo0 -e/in5 LKin/ Da,m
4an2s i2 2o e82end his li+e5 He has 7a620,ed a 6,ies2ess o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess 7alled
Kianmay3 4ho 4as 2o deli1e, i2 2o 2he 2em6le he,e5 I ha1e hidden 2he Key3 -02 I m0s2
,es70e he,3 and do some2hin/ a-o02 Kin/ Da,m5N
As yo0 ha1e s6o.en 2he 4oman?s +a7e +ills 4i2h an e86,ession o+ 4onde,5 LYo0
s6ea. o+ Alyn MeiM I see he, in yo0, mindM She has -een 7a620,ed -y Da,mO Yo0
m0s2 indeed +,ee he,M She is a Ba,ashai demon 2ooM B02 +,om 4ha2 I see in yo0, mind
she is +0,2he, 2,ans+o,med 2han I5 She 4ill ,e2ain 1e,y li22le o+ he, 6o4e, and -e
022e,ly hel6less -e+o,e himMN She 2a6s he, 7hin 2ho0/h2+0lly 4i2h one +in/e,5 LI2 is
sim6le eno0/h 2o /e2 in2o 2he 6,esen7e o+ Da,m3 -02 yo0 a,e 2oo 4ea. 2o +a7e him5N
She 20,ns a4ay and +,om a small -a/ on a lon/ 7o,d 2a.es an i1o,y 2o.en 2he siKe
o+ yo0, 6alm5 Inlaid in one side is a ,am6an2 lion +o,med +,om ony85 LDo yo0 ha1e
one o+ 2heseO The 066e,mos2 le1el o+ 2he 6ala7e 7an only -e a77essed -y a s2ai,4ay
2ha2 is /0a,ded5 I+ yo0 do no2 hold alo+2 one o+ 2hese3 yo0 4ill -e s2,07. do4n -y
7,oss-o4s 4i2ho02 90es2ionMN
I+ yo0 do no2 ha1e a 2o.en al,eady3 yo0 2a.e he,s5 Con2in0in/3 2he 4oman says;
LOn 2he se7ond +loo, 2he,e a,e 2he 6,i1a2e 90a,2e,s o+ 2he 6ala7e o++i7ials5 The Royal
so,7e,e, is else4he,e3 im6e,sona2in/ 2he Hi/h ",ies2 o+ 2he Chi2e GoddessM I+ yo0
7an /e2 in2o his 90a,2e,s3 2hen yo0 7an 6e,ha6s +ind some2hin/ 2o aid yo0 in yo0,
90es25 His doo, 4ill -e ma/i7ally sealed3 -02 I 4ill 2ea7h yo0 a s6ell 2o o6en 2he 4a,d5
Yo0 m0s2 say 2hese 4o,ds; 5yto" 5yto$ ha 5yto" 5yto$! Then 2he 4a,d shall -e
-,o.en5N
Yo0 7a,e+0lly memo,ise 2he 4o,ds5 She also 2ells yo0 ho4 2o /e2 2o 2he so,7e,e,?s
90a,2e,s5 Chen yo0 ,ea7h 2he se7ond +loo,3 /o s2,ai/h2 ahead 2o 2he 7en2,al dome3
(=
FF - Diamond
2hen 7on2in0e a7,oss 2o 2he o66osi2e side o+ 2he 6ala7e5 Ta.e a le+2 20,n and loo. +o, a
6lain3 0nma,.ed doo,5 No4 2ha2 yo0 ha1e a 6lan3 yo0 +eel mo,e de2e,mined5
T0,n 2o 761
731
LI am no-one s6e7ial3N yo0 -e/in5 LI am a me,7han2 /0a,d3 -02 as I 7,ossed 2he
20nd,a I me2 a ne7,oman7e, in a 2o4n5 He sho4ed me his ,esea,7h and I 4as
in2,i/0ed5 I 4an2ed 2o lea,n +,om him3 -02 he 4as .illed soon a+2e,5 I ho6ed 2o +ind
ano2he, ne7,oman7e,5N
LHo4 did yo0 hea, o+ meON 2he ne7,oman7e, as.s5
LI didn?23N yo0 ,e6ly5 LI 4as >0s2 sea,7hin/ do4n he,e5N
The ne7,oman7e, /,0n2s and loo.s a2 yo0 2ho0/h2+0lly3 +le8in/ his /lo1ed hand5
LI ha1e no need o+ an a66,en2i7e5 Ho4e1e,3 i+ yo0 7an sho4 me some 6,oo+ 2ha2 yo0
s2a,2ed 2o lea,n 4i2h 2his o2he, ne7,oman7e,3 I 4ill le2 yo0 /o +,ee5N
Do yo0 ha1e a Kom-ie ,a2 4i2h yo0O I+ so3 20,n 2o 308
I+ no23 yo0 had -es2 a22a7. him ,i/h2 a4ay -y 20,nin/ 2o 725
733
Yo0 -e/in 2o 4al. 06 2he s2ai,4ay 4hen yo0 s6y a small si/n on 2he 4all5 I2 has a
4hi2e i1o,y dis. inlaid in 2he 2o63 4i2h an ony8 lion se2 in i25 Benea2h is some s7,i62
4hi7h ,eads;
6old aloft thy to&en as thou ascendest the staircase else thou shalt come to ruin
Do yo0 ha1e a lion 2o.enO I+ so3 20,n 2o 4+8
I+ yo0 do no23 yo0 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o as7end 4i2ho02 i25 T0,n 2o 477
737
Goin/ 2o 2he doo,3 yo0 e82end 2he /,isly 4and and 7on7en2,a2e on7e mo,e5 The
in2e,nal doo,s 6,o1e 2o -e m07h 2hinne, 2han 2he main en2,an7e3 only a +oo2 2hi7.5 As
2he +lesh o6ens3 yo0 +eel a sli/h2 -,eeKe as 2he ai, a-o02 yo0 is s07.ed /en2ly in4a,ds5
Yo0 2hen +eel a 7hill emana2in/ +,om 2he 7ham-e,5 Re1ealed 4i2hin a,e n0me,o0s
7o,6ses3 lyin/ in nea2 ,o4s on 2he +loo,5 The ,oom is 0nli23 -02 yo0 see ano2he, sil1e,
li/h2 7,ys2al s2and in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom3 in 4hi7h 2he,e is 4ha2 a66ea,s 2o -e a
-la7. 7,ys2al5
All o+ 2he 7o,6ses a,e s2ill 7lo2hed3 and ha1e -een 6la7ed as 2hey +ell in dea2h5
Mos2 a66ea, 2o ha1e died 1iolen2ly5 "e,ha6s a sea,7h o+ 2he -odies 7o0ld ,e1eal some
i2ems o+ 1al0e5 The 7old 7,ys2al 7o0ld also -e o+ 1al0e5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o en2e, and sea,7h 2he 7ham-e,3 20,n 2o 302
Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an /o -a7. and 2,y 2he doo, on 2he ,i/h23 20,n 2o 303
O, 2he 7en2,al doo,3 20,n 2o 36+
(#
FF - Diamond
738
The 2end,ils ,ea7h do4n in2o 2he ea,2h +a, -elo4 and s4ell 4i2h 6o4e,3 +eedin/ i2
in2o yo0, hand5 Yo0 2,y 2o only 7olle72 a +,a72ion o+ 2he 6o4e, 2his 2ime3 and 2he -las2
2ha2 shoo2s +,om yo0, hand is indeed sli/h2ly smalle,5
Yo0 s2ill +eel li.e yo0, a,m is -ein/ 2o,n a6a,23 and m0s2 shield yo0, eyes +,om 2he
-lindin/ li/h2 as yo0, ma/i7al a22a7. ,oa,s and 7,a7.les5 A+2e, all is s2ill3 yo0 o6en
yo0, eyes and sha.e yo0, n0m- hand3 loo.in/ a2 2he 6a2h o+ des2,072ion5
On7e a/ain 2he +loo, is /o0/ed o023 2he ed/e o+ i2 only in7hes +,om 4he,e a
sho7.ed and sin/ed loo.in/ Kianmay is lyin/5 The -las2 has 602 ano2he, hole in 2he
4all o+ 2he 6ala7e3 -02 2his 2ime only 7,a7.ed and -0,n2 2he 4all o+ 2he 7i2adel5 O+
Da,m 2he,e is no si/n5
LIs he deadON yo0 as. Kianmay as yo0 smash a2 yo0, 7a/e5
Sha.en3 Kianmay 7lim-s 2o he, +ee2 and h0,,ies 2o assis2 yo05 LYes5 He 4as
2,yin/ 2o 7as2 a s6ell a2 yo05N
The,e is no -ody3 and yo0 7an?2 hel6 4o,,yin/ 2ha2 Da,m 4ill ,e20,n3 -02 he ne1e,
does5
T0,n 2o 622
734
Re2,ea2in/ +,om 2he Kom-ie 7ham-e, yo0 ha1e no4he,e else 2o /o e87e62 -a7.
2h,o0/h 2he s0-me,/ed 6i6e5 Clim-in/ do4n 2he ladde,3 yo0 6,e6a,e yo0,sel+ and
di1e in2o 2he 4a2e,5 The +lo4 7a,,ies yo0 -a7. 2o 2he +i,s2 se4e, 7ham-e, and yo0 60ll
yo0,sel+ +,om 2he 6ool5
Yo0 7lim- 2he ladde, 2o4a,ds 2he da,.ened 6assa/e5
T0,n 2o 315
736
Yo0 4al. alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 2all 4indo4s 2o yo0, ,i/h25 Yo0 soon 7ome 2o an
en2,an7e on yo0, le+23 and yo0 6a0se5 The,e is no -anne, he,e li.e 2he o2he, en2,an7es
yo0 ha1e 6assed5 The doo, has no handle3 and is made o+ smoo2h 6olished 4ood5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y and en2e, 2he doo,3 20,n 2o 771
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7on2in0e alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 20,n 2o 7+5
735
The ne7,oman7e, does no2 +i/h2 4i2h 7om-a25 Ea7h a22a7. ,o0nd 7al70la2e a22a7.
s2,en/2hs as no,mal5 I+ yo0, a22a7. s2,en/2h is hi/he, 2hen yo0 s7o,e a 4o0nd in 2he
no,mal 4ay5 I+ 2he ne7,oman7e,?s s7o,e is hi/he,3 he has a1oided yo0, -lo45 B02
e1e,y a22a7. ,o0nd3 ,e/a,dless o+ 4he2he, yo0 4in o, no23 yo0 4ill -e 0nde, 2he e++e72
(%
FF - Diamond
o+ his li+e-d,ainin/ s6ell5 E1e,y ,o0nd yo0 m0s2 ded072 STAMINA5 I+ yo0 ha1e a
Diamond Key in yo0, 7hes23 i2 4ill 7o0n2e,a72 2he e++e72 o+ 2he s6ell5
ROYA& NECROMANCER SKI&& )* STAMINA * DB * ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 362
772
Cal.in/ alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 loo. o02 2he 2all 4indo4s 2o yo0, le+25 The 4all
o+ 2he .ee6 s4in/s a4ay 2o en7i,7le a small /a,den3 +illed 4i2h 2,ees and a la,/e 6ool
2ha2 s6a,.les in 2he li/h2 o+ moon3 s2a,s and 4a27h +i,e5 On yo0, ,i/h2 yo0 6ass 2he
en2,an7e 2o 6,i1a2e 90a,2e,s3 h0n/ 4i2h a -anne, de6i72in/ +o0, /olden ,o6es 2ied in
.no2s on a -l0e +ield5
Yo0 2a.e 2he 7o,ne, 2o 2he ,i/h2 and soon 7ome 06on ano2he, doo,4ay5 The
-anne, he,e is a 4hi2e a8e on -la7.3 -02 2he doo, 2o 2he 90a,2e,s is a>a,I
I+ yo0, 70,iosi2y /e2s 2he -e22e, o+ yo0 and yo0 4an2 2o loo. inside3 20,n 2o 370
I+ yo0 4an2 2o +o70s on 2he 2as. a2 hand and /o 2o 2he in2e,se72ion yo0 7an see ahead3
20,n 2o 740
770
Yo0 2,y 2he doo, and +ind 2ha2 i2 is lo7.ed5 I+ yo0 ha1e a s2eel lion .ey3 lo7.6i7.s
o, a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 7285 O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 788
77+
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and3 sil1e, s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, C,o4 A,mo0,O
I+ so3 20,n 2o 883
O2he,4ise 20,n 2o 827
771
The doo, is smoo2h and 4i2ho02 any 1isi-le 4ay o+ o6enin/ i25 Yo0 de7ide a/ains2
.no7.in/3 and loo. +o, some 4ay 2o /e2 in5
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a /old ,in/3 20,n 2o 812
I+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/ and 4an2 2o 0se i2 2o en2e,3 20,n 2o 752
I+ yo0 ha1e s6o.en 2o Alyn Ka,a and 4e,e /i1en 2he s6ell 2o o6en 2he ma/i7al doo,3
20,n 2o 330
O2he,4ise3 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay 2o4a,ds 2he nea,es2 in2e,se72ion
@755A o, 7on2in0e 2o4a,ds 2he 7o,ne, @7+5A5
('
FF - Diamond
773
Yo0 4al. -a7. and +o,2h3 loo.in/ +o, any2hin/ on 2he +loo,5 Yo0 +ind a small
s7,a6 o+ 6a6e, 4i2h 2he +ollo4in/ n0m-e,s 4,i22en on i2; 7-7-8% Yo0 2oss 2he 6a6e,
aside on7e mo,e5
Yo0, sea,7h ,e1eals no2hin/ else3 so yo0 lea1e 2he 2h,one ,oom and ma.e yo0,
4ay 2o 2he s2ai,4ay 2ha2 4ill 2a.e yo0 2o 2he ne82 le1el5
T0,n 2o 7++
777
Yo0 20,n in2o 2he -all,oom and 4al. o1e, 2he 6olished ma,-le +loo,3 e8aminin/
2he /eome2,i7 desi/ns laid o02 in 2he 7olo0,ed s2one5 The -all,oom is a la,/e ,e72an/le
h0n/ 4i2h 7handelie,s hi/h a-o1e on a 7eilin/ 7o1e,ed in a m0,al o+ a .in/ h0n2in/
0ni7o,ns5 The li/h2 4ood-6anelled 4alls a,e lined 4i2h ,ed s2one 6illa,s3 and a
4ooden s2a/e si2s a/ains2 one 4all5 On 2he s2a/e is a 4oman 2endin/ 2o a +e4
ins2,0men2s 2ha2 a,e .e62 2he,e5 She has seen yo0 en2e,3 so yo0 do no2 slo4 o, de1ia2e
yo0, s2e6s5 The only o2he, e8i2 is 2h,o0/h a 6ai, o+ do0-le doo,s in one o+ 2he side
4alls5
Yo0 7on2in0e 06 2o 2he s2a/e3 4he,e 2he 4oman smiles a2 yo05 LGood e1enin/
si,5N She is d,essed in a lon/ 6lain /o4n o+ -la7. sil.3 and has lon/ da,. -,o4n hai,
held -a7. in a -0n -y some >ade hai, o,namen2s5 He, s.in is so+2 and 7,eamy 4hi2e5
She doesn?2 a72 li.e a se,1an23 so yo0 smile and /,ee2 he, in ,e20,n3 2hen as. he,
4ha2 she is doin/5
LThe .in/ has o,de,ed 2ha2 2he ins2,0men2s a,e al4ays .e62 on dis6lay he,e5 He
disli.es 2he -a,e s2a/e5 B02 i2s no2 /ood +o, 2hese ins2,0men2s 2o -e .e62 o02 li.e 2his5
The s2,in/s d,y o025N She 6l07.s 2he s2,in/ o+ a l02e and ma.es a /,ima7e5 I2 so0nds
+ine 2o yo05
LA,e yo0 a m0si7-lo1e,ON she as.s yo05
LI don?2 ha1e m07h 2ime 2o lis2en 2o m0si73N yo0 ,e6ly5
LTha2 isn?2 /ood3N she says3 and 6,om62ly si2s do4n and 6i7.s 06 a small ha,65
She -e/ins 2o 6lay a so+2 20ne 2ha2 seems 2o ,i66le in 2he ai, a,o0nd yo05
Do yo0 ha1e a 4ooden +l02e in yo0, 6a7.O I+ so3 20,n 2o 313
I+ no23 20,n 2o 761
778
&oo.in/ a2 2he 6eo6le laid o02 on 2he sla-s3 yo0 90i7.ly no2i7e some2hin/5 Those
+0,2hes2 2o 2he -a7. o+ 2he hall a,e 2he mos2 4i2he,ed3 2hose in 2he -a7. ,o4 li.e
7o,6ses5 Those nea, 2he +,on2 4he,e yo0 4e,e laid o02 a,e +,esh in a66ea,an7e and
2he,e a,e many 1a7an2 sla-s 2he,e5 Yo0 ,eason 2ha2 2hose 4ho a,e mos2 4i2he,ed ha1e
-een he,e lon/es2 and ha1e had 2hei, so0ls d,ained o+ ene,/y5 E1en 2he 4i2he,ed ones
seem 2o s2ill -e ali1e5
The demon is +eedin/ on 2hem3 /ainin/ 6o4e,5 Yo0 7on2em6la2e 4ha2 2o do5 I+
yo0 60sh all 2he -odies o++ 2he sla-s3 2he demon 4ill no2 -e a-le 2o +eed on 2hem any
lon/e,5 Ho4e1e,3 2he demon 4ill o-1io0sly +eel i2s 6o4e, -ein/ d,ained and send
someone 2o +ind o02 4ha2 is /oin/ on5 Yo0 a,e in no 7ondi2ion 2o -e -a22lin/ anyone5
((
FF - Diamond
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 60sh all 2he -odies o++ 2he sla-s3 20,n 2o 823
I+ yo0 >0s2 4an2 2o sea,7h 2he -odies +o, 0se+0l i2ems3 ,is.in/ 2ha2 someone 4ill 7ome
alon/ and dis7o1e, yo03 20,n 2o 868
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e 2o 2,y and +ind some 4ay 2o ,e7o1e, yo0, s2,en/2h3 20,n 2o 844
774
LI 4o,. he,e3N yo0 say3 /es20,in/ 2o 2he a,mo0, and 7loa. 2ha2 yo0 4ea,5
LTha2 is a Ci2y G0a,dsman?s 0ni+o,m3N 2he 4a,,io, o-se,1es5 LChy a,e yo0
he,eON
LI 4as sen2 he,e -y one o+ 2he o++i7ials 2o loo. +o, his diamond 6in3N yo0 ,e6ly3
2hin.in/ 90i7.ly5
The 4a,,io, /,0n2s5 LYo0 lie 4ell5 B02 I 7an hea, mis2,02h5 &ie on7e mo,e and I
shall .ill yo0 4he,e yo0 s2and5 Tell me 4hy yo0 a,e he,e5N
I+ yo0 2hin. he is -l0++in/ and 4an2 2o main2ain yo0, s2o,y3 20,n 2o 784
I+ yo0 2hin. i2s -es2 2o 2ell 2he 2,02h3 20,n 2o 758
776
&ea1in/ 2he ma/i7ian?s 90a,2e,s yo0 /o -a7. o02 in2o 2he 7o,,ido,5 Yo0 7an no4
ei2he, /o 2o 2he in2e,se72ion 2ha2 is nea,-y 2o yo0, ,i/h2 @20,n 2o 755A3 o, yo0 7an
a66,oa7h 2he 7o,ne, 2ha2 yo0 see in 2he dis2an7e 2o 2he le+2 @20,n 2o 7+5A5
775
D,o66in/ yo0, 4ea6on yo0 +all -a7.4a,d and hold 06 yo0, hands5 LI s0,,ende,MN
yo0 7,y5
The Cham6ion 6oin2s his s6ea, a2 yo0 -02 does no2 ad1an7e3 and 2he /lo4 slo4ly
dies5 LI as.ed yo0 a 90es2ion3N he says 7oldly5
LI?1e 7ome 2o ,es70e a 6,ies2ess 2ha2 Kin/ Da,m is holdin/ 7a62i1e3N yo0 say5
The 7oldness in 2he man?s eyes +ades a4ay3 and he smiles 4i2h /en0ine 4a,m2h3
and no small amo0n2 o+ am0semen25 LI?m a+,aid i+ yo0 7anno2 de+ea2 me yo0 s2and
li22le 7han7e on 2he 066e,mos2 +loo, o+ 2his a770,sed 6la7e5 Al2ho0/h I am 2he Kin/?s
Cham6ion I 4ish yo0 4ell in yo0, 90es25 He has 7han/ed m07h e1en in 2he 2ime 2ha2
I ha1e se,1ed him5 He is no lon/e, a /,ea2 .in/3 -02 a e1il so,7e,e,5 I 4o0ld des2,oy
him i+ I 7o0ld5 I s0//es2 yo0 +o,/e2 a-o02 2his 6,ies2ess5 She 4ill no2 -e 2he +i,s2 o,
2he las2 2o s0++e, 0nde, Da,m?s hand5N
LI m0s2 ,es70e he,3N yo0 say 4i2h de2e,mina2ion5
The Cham6ion sh,0/s5 L$e,y 4ell5 I+ yo0 4ill s2and a/ains2 him3 so 4ill I3 e1en
2ho0/h i2 may 7os2 -o2h o+ o0, li1es5 I shall -e 4a27hin/ and 4ai2in/5 Chen 2he
momen2 is ,i/h2 I shall s2,i.e5N
(E
FF - Diamond
He 2ells yo0 2ha2 his name is Bama, Qi and +a,e4ells yo05 Ma.e a no2e o+ 2his
name5 A+2e, yo0 ha1e ,e7o1e,ed3 yo0 lea1e 2he 2h,one ,oom and has2en 2o4a,ds 2he
s2ai,4ay 2ha2 leads 2o 2he ne82 le1el5
T0,n 2o 7++
782
Yo0 4al. 2o4a,ds 2he 7en2,al 7ham-e,3 6assin/ a se2 o+ doo,s on ea7h side3
-anne,s yo0 do no2 ,e7o/nise h0n/ a-o1e 2hem5 Yo0 s6a,e 2hem li22le a22en2ion as yo0
7ome 2o s2and 0nde, 2he la,/es2 dome yo0 ha1e e1e, seen5 I2 m0s2 -e 7lose 2o )**
me2,es a7,oss3 lined 4i2h slende,3 /olden3 -e>e4elled 6illa,s 24i7e yo0, hei/h23 2he
4all -ehind a dee6 ,ed5 The dome i2sel+ is 6olished sil1e, 2ha2 ,emains 0n2a,nished
and mi,,o, -,i/h23 ,e+le72in/ 2he li/h2 o+ 2he 2,0ly massi1e 7handelie, 2han han/s +,om
2he dome hi/h a-o1e5 This 7handelie, is 2he siKe o+ a la,/e shi63 and m0s2 7on2ain a
million li/h2 7,ys2als3 many 7o1e,ed in 7olo0,ed /lass so 2ha2 a ,ain-o4 o+ li/h2 is 7as2
06on 2he dome and ,e+le72ed all a,o0nd -y 2he 6olished sil1e,5
I2 is an a4esome si/h23 -02 yo0 m0s2 -e /e22in/ on 4i2h yo0, 90es25 Fo0, 4ide
7o,,ido,s lead in2o 2he dome5 In one di,e72ion yo0 7an see 2he s2ai,4ell 2ha2 -,o0/h2
yo0 on2o 2his +loo,5
To /o do4n 2he 7o,,ido, 2o 2he in2e,se72ion a2 2he s2ai,4ell3 20,n 2o 331
To +ollo4 2he 7o,,ido, a4ay +,om 2he s2ai,4ell 2o 2he o66osi2e side3 20,n 2o 755
To /o do4n 2he 7o,,ido, 2ha2 is 2o yo0, ,i/h2 4hen 2he s2ai,4ell is a2 yo0, -a7.3 20,n 2o
346
To /o 2o 2he le+23 20,n 2o 740
780
Yo0 +li6 o6en a +e4 7hes2s and see 2hem +0ll o+ /old and sil1e, 7oins3 o, /ems and
>e4elle,y5 Con2,ollin/ yo0, e87i2emen23 yo0 de7ide 2o loo. +o, 2hin/s 2ha2 4ill -e
0se+0l5 I+ yo0 de+ea2 Da,m3 yo0 7an al4ays 7ome -a7. he,e a+2e,4a,ds5 O6enin/ a
small -o8 ins7,i-ed 4i2h a s4o,d yo0 +ind 4i2hin a 7,ys2al -o22le 7on2ainin/ a 60,6le
6o2ion5 Ano2he, -o8 4i2h a 4ol+ 7a,1ed in 2he 2o6 7on2ains a 1ial o+ da,. ,ed li90id
2ha2 loo.s li.e -lood5 The,e is also a +ine 7e,ami7 1ase 2ha2 is sealed and 6ain2ed 4i2h
,0nes o+ 7on2ainmen25 In 7,0de le22e,in/ is 4,i22en 2he 4a,nin/; ,anger! +ontains
evil s#irit5
Yo0 also s20dy 2he 4ea6ons5 The,e is a +ine lon/s4o,d3 a +ine -,oads4o,d3 a
s6ea, and a +ine a8e3 all -e>e4elled5 Yo0 7an 2a.e any o+ 2hese i+ yo0 4ish3 -02 none
a,e ma/i7al5 Also han/in/ on 2he 4all is a ,o0nd sil1e, shield5 I+ yo0 2a.e 2his3 i2 has
an ARMOUR ,a2in/ o+ < 4ill in7,ease yo0, Com-a2 SKI&& -y <5
Yo0 7an no4 lea1e 2he 2,eas0,y and 2he 1a7an2 90a,2e,s and ,e20,n 2o 2he 7o,,ido, -y
20,nin/ 2o 383
I+ yo0 4an2 2o d,in. 2he 60,6le 6o2ion +,om 2he s4o,d--o83 20,n 2o 841
I+ yo0 4an2 2o d,in. 2he -lood-,ed 6o2ion +,om 2he 4ol+--o83 20,n 2o 816
I+ yo0 4an2 2o i/no,e 2he 4a,nin/ on 2he 1ase and -,ea. i2 o6en 2o see i+ i2 7on2ains
any 0se+0l i2ems3 20,n 2o 700
E*
FF - Diamond
78+
Yo0 2,y 2he doo, and +ind 2ha2 i2 is lo7.ed5 I+ yo0 ha1e a s2eel lion .ey3 lo7.6i7.s
o, a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 7285 O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 788
781
Yo0 a,e slo4ly de1o0,ed in 2he da,.ness o+ 2he demon?s -elly3 yo0, 6o4e, added
2o 2he demon?s o4n5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
783
Yo0 4al. -a7. and +o,2h in 2he 2h,one ,oom3 -02 yo0, sea,7h yields no2hin/5
Ho6in/ yo0 ha1e no2 4as2ed 2oo m07h 2ime3 yo0 h0,,y o02 o+ 2he 2h,one ,oom and
ma.e di,e72ly +o, 2he s2ai,4ay 2o 2he se7ond +loo,5
T0,n 2o 7++
787
Yo0 2,y 2he doo, and +ind 2ha2 i2 is lo7.ed5 I+ yo0 ha1e a s2eel lion .ey3 lo7.6i7.s
o, a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 7015 O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 788
788
Yo0 a,e 0na-le 2o o6en 2he doo,5 Yo0 2,y some o+ 2he o2he, doo,s3 -02 +ind 2hey
a,e all lo7.ed5 S0ddenly yo0 +,eeKe3 hea,in/ 2he a66,oa7h o+ many -oo2ed +oo2s2e6s5
I2 so0nds li.e a 6a2,ol5 No2 4an2in/ 2o -e 2,a66ed in any o+ 2he dead ends3 yo0 h0,,y
2o 2he in2e,se72ion and lis2en 7a,e+0lly5 Mo1in/ a4ay +,om 2he 6a2,ol yo0 head
2o4a,ds one o+ 2he la,/e, 7o,,ido,s5 Yo0 6ee, o023 and seein/ 2he s2ai,4ay 2o 2he ne82
le1el 2o yo0, le+2 de7ide i2 is 2ime 2o lea1e 2he lo4e, +loo,5
T0,n 2o 7++
784
LI ha1e 2old yo0 2he 2,02hMN yo0 insis25
E)
FF - Diamond
The 4a,,io, says no2hin/3 -02 2he 7,ys2al s6ea,head -e/ins 2o /lo4 ,ed3 yo0 4a27h
as 2he ,ed li/h2ens 2o 4hi2e and +inally -l0e5 Yo0 7an +eel 2he hea2 o+ i2 +,om se1e,al
me2,es a4ay5 The 4a,,io, s0ddenly le1els 2he s6ea, and lea6s a2 yo05 His a22a7. is
no2 6a,2i70la,ly s4i+23 -02 i2 702s 2h,o0/h yo0, 4ea6on3 and 2h,o0/h yo0, a,mo0,3 and
-0,ns a hole in yo0, 7hes25
Yo0 a,e dead -e+o,e yo0 hi2 2he +loo,5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 7853 o2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
786
Yo0 a,e -a7.ed in2o a 7o,ne, and all ho6e o+ es7a6e is 702 o++5 The -a22le a/ains2
2he de1o0,in/ demon is no2 a no,mal one5 The in2e,io, o+ i2s mo02h is -ony and i2s
s7a,,ed 2on/0e is 7o1e,ed in .no-s o+ 7a,2ila/e5 I2 needs 2o 4in only one a22a7. ,o0nd
2o sna27h yo0 06 4i2h i2s 2on/0e and d,a/ yo0 in2o 2he 0nholy de62hs o+ i2s /a6in/
2h,oa25 E1e,y 2ime yo0 4in an a22a7. ,o0nd3 yo0 mana/e 2o 4o0nd 2he demon eno0/h
2o ma.e i2 ,e7oil and /i1e yo0,sel+ an o6enin/ 2o es7a6e @20,n 2o 882A5 To de+ea2 2he
demon yo0 m0s2 4in e1e,y sin/le a22a7. ,o0nd5
DE$OURER DEMON SKI&& E STAMINA * DB * ARMOUR #
As soon as yo0 lose an a22a7. ,o0nd3 20,n 2o 757
I+ yo0 .ill 2he demon3 20,n 2o 801
785
Yo0, s6i,i2 6l0n/es in2o 2he da,. 6la7e3 and yo0 +loa2 a,o0nd +o, a 4hile -e+o,e
yo0 -e/in 2o ,es0,+a7e in2o 2he 4o,ld o+ li/h2 and li+e5 O6enin/ yo0, eyes3 yo0 see 2he
7eilin/ o+ 2he 2h,one ,oom a-o1e yo05
Si22in/ 063 yo0 see no si/n o+ 2he Cham6ion5 Yo0 also seem 2o ha1e all o+ yo0,
e90i6men25 The only 2hin/ yo0 don?2 ha1e is a 4ea6on3 4hi7h has -een 702 in hal+3
and yo0, a,mo0,3 4hi7h is no4 has a la,/e3 in1i2in/ hole in 2he middle5 Yo0 ,emo1e
yo0, a,mo0, and hide i2 -ehind 2he 2h,one3 d0m6in/ yo0, 0seless 4ea6on 2he,e 2oo5
C0,sin/3 yo0 90i7.ly lea1e3 ma.in/ +o, 2he s2ai,4ay 2ha2 4ill 2a.e yo0 2o 2he ne82
le1el5 Ho6e+0lly yo0 7an +ind mo,e 4ea6ons and a,mo0, -e+o,e yo0 7on+,on2 Da,m5
T0,n 2o 7++
742
Sho1in/ -odies o++ 2he sla-s3 yo0 4o,. as 90i7.ly as 6ossi-le5 Soon yo0 hea, a
/,0++ 7,y and 20,n 2o see a 6ai, o+ demons ,0shin/ +,om 2he a,7h4ay a2 2he -a7. o+ 2he
E
FF - Diamond
hall5 They a,e 60,6le s.inned3 4i2h si8 la1ende, 7olo0,ed eyes3 s2andin/ a-o02 ( +ee2
2all and 7lad in -la7. 6la2e a,mo0, 7o1e,ed 4i2h s2eel s6i.es5 Ea7h holds a s2a++ 4i2h a
hoo. on 2he end5 As 2hey d,a4 nea, yo0 see 2ha2 2he s6i.es on 2hei, a,mo0, a,e
dis7olo0,ed 4i2h 6oison5
They loo. li.e +ea,some o66onen2s5 I+ yo0 s2ay 4he,e yo0 a,e yo0 4ill ha1e 2o
+i/h2 -o2h a2 on7e5 &oo.in/ a2 2he a,7h a2 2he ,ea, o+ 2he hall yo0 ,eason 2ha2 yo0
7o0ld 7i,7le a,o0nd 2he a66,oa7hin/ /0a,ds and /o 2h,o0/h 2he a,7h5 Yo0 mi/h2 -e
a-le 2o +ind a na,,o4 7o,,ido, o, a doo,4ay3 4hi7h 4o0ld +o,7e 2he /0a,ds 2o +i/h2
yo0 one a2 a 2ime5 O+ 7o0,se 2he,e 7o0ld -e mo,e /0a,ds 2h,o0/h 2he a,7h5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o +a7e 2he demon /0a,ds in 2he o6en hall3 20,n 2o 828
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7i,7le a,o0nd and ,0n 2h,o0/h 2he a,7h3 20,n 2o 842
740
Yo0 a,e s2andin/ 0nde, ano2he, /olden dome 2ha2 ho0ses a T-in2e,se72ion5 The
7o,,ido, 2ha2 7on2in0es 2h,o0/h 2he 7ham-e, is lined 4i2h 2all e82e,nal 4indo4s3 4hile
2he o++shoo2 leads 2o 2he 7en2,al dome o+ 2he se7ond +loo,5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o 2o4a,ds 2he 7en2,al dome3 20,n 2o 782
Chen yo0 s2and 4i2h yo0, -a7. 2o 2he 4indo4s3 +a7in/ 2he 7en2,al dome3 yo0 7an 2a.e
2he ,i/h2-hand 7o,,ido, -y 20,nin/ 2o 7263 o, 2o 2he le+2 -y 20,nin/ 2o 754
74+
Ta.in/ 2he 7o,,ido, 2o 2he ,i/h23 yo0 s2o6 hal+4ay alon/ 2o ins6e72 2he 24o o++i7es
2he,e5 On 2he ,i/h2 a si/n 4i2h a +i/0,e .neelin/ -e+o,e ano2he, 06on a 2h,one is
la-elled as 2he 2ffice of 9etitions5 A7,oss 2he hall is 2he 2ffice of (aste Management3
,e6,esen2ed -y a -,oom5
To en2e, 2he O++i7e o+ "e2i2ions3 20,n 2o 770
To en2e, 2he O++i7e o+ Cas2e Mana/emen23 20,n 2o 787
741
Yo0 7,ash in2o 2,ee a+2e, 2,ee3 -02 2he a22a7. on yo0 seems only 2o in2ensi+y5
Finally yo0 7an ,0n no mo,e and +all 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 2h,ash +ee-ly as 2he da,.ness
/,o4s so 2hi7. i2 is solid3 6innin/ yo0 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Soon yo0 7anno2 e1en mo1e as a
million a1en/in/ s6i,i2s +eed on yo05
The 2o,men2 7on2in0es +o, so lon/ yo0 lose all sense o+ 2ime5 B02 +inally yo0
a4a.e and 2he da,.ness is /one5 Yo0 li+2 yo0, a,m and see 2ha2 yo0, hand is 4hole
E<
FF - Diamond
and 0nha,med5 Si22in/ 06 yo0 loo. a,o0nd and see 2ha2 2he +o,es2 is /one5 Sh0dde,in/
a2 2he memo,y o+ 2he 2o,men2 yo0 s2and3 +eelin/ oddly +,ee,5 Yo0 ha1e a2oned +o,
some e1il and yo0, hea,2 is li/h2e,5 Yo0, &UCK is in7,eased 4i2h 2he de-2 yo0 ha1e
6aid5 Yo0 may in7,ease yo0, initial &UCK -y < 6oin2s and -,in/ yo0, current &UCK
2o 2his ne4 le1el5
B02 yo0, o,deal has no2 le+2 yo0 0ns7a2hed5 Red07e yo0, initial SKI&& and
STAMINA -y 6oin2s5
S2andin/ 063 yo0 see 2ha2 2he ,0ined 7i2y is s2ill 2he,e3 as is 2he 1illa/e and 2he
7i2adel5 Fo,20na2ely 2he,e is no si/n o+ 2he 1illa/e,s5 Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /o no4O
The R0ined 7i2yO T0,n 2o 86+
The 7i2adelO T0,n 2o 805
743
Yo0 4al. -a7. and +o,2h3 loo.in/ +o, any small o->e72s 2ha2 may ha1e -een
d,o66ed on 2he +loo,5 E1en20ally yo0 +ind an in2,i7a2ely 7a,1ed i1o,y 7om-3 2he .ind a
lady 4o0ld 4ea, in he, hai,5 I2 is -ea02i+0l3 so yo0 sli6 i2 in2o yo0, 6o7.e25 Gi1in/ 06
on +indin/ any2hin/ 0se+0l3 yo0 lea1e 2he 2h,one ,oom and ma.e +o, 2he s2ai,4ay 2ha2
4ill 2a.e yo0 2o 2he ne82 le1el5
T0,n 2o 7++
747
Ta.in/ 2he >a, o02 +,om yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 2a.e o++ 2he lid and 60ll o02 2he Kom-ie ,a25
Yo0 60sh 2he ,a2 -e24een 2he -a,s and i2 d,o6s 2o 2he +loo, -eyond 2he doo,5 Yo0 si2
do4n3 and holdin/ 2he 7,ys2al -all +,om 2he lid in yo0, hand3 7on7en2,a2e5
Yo0 soon -e/in 2o see in 2he da,.ness -ehind yo0, eyelids5 I2 is ha,d +o, 2he ,a2 2o
see as 4ell3 -02 yo0 ma.e o02 a 7o,,ido, and 4o,.in/ yo0, li22le le/s yo0 s70,,y alon/
and soon see 24o doo,s on ea7h side o+ 2he 7o,,ido,5 The doo,s a,e sh023 -02 2he,e is a
/a6 -enea2h5 Yo0 /o 2o 2he +i,s2 doo, and s90eeKe yo0, -ody 0nde, i25 He,e 2he,e is a
sh022e,ed li/h2 7,ys2al on 2he 4all3 and some li/h2 es7a6es 2he 7,a7.s3 le22in/ yo0 see
90i2e 4ell 4i2h 2he ,a2?s eyes5
Yo0 a,e in a 2,eas0,y3 and see many 7hes2s and s2,on/ -o8es a,o0nd yo05 The,e
a,e also -e>e4elled 4ea6ons h0n/ on 2he 4alls5 B02 no2hin/ is 4i2hin ,ea7h o+ 2he ,a23
and yo0 s90ea. in +,0s2,a2ion5
&ea1in/ 2he 7ham-e,3 yo0 s90eeKe 0nde, 2he o2he, doo, and +ind yo0,sel+ in a
s20dy5 I2 loo.s li.e an al7hemis2?s la-o,a2o,y5 The shel1es a,e s2o7.ed 4i2h -0ndles
o+ he,-s3 and >a,s3 -o22les and -o8es o+ o2he, 7om6onen2s5 The,e is a 4o,.-en7h
4he,e yo0 7an see some o->e72s3 in7l0din/ a mo,2a, and 6es2le3 and a +e4 7andles5 As
yo0 s7an 2he ,oom3 yo0 s6y a .ey han/in/ on 2he 4all5 Yo0 4onde, i+ i2 is 2he .ey 2o
2he 2,eas0,y5 In any 7ase i2 is o02 o+ ,ea7h5
The,e is a s2ool ne82 2o 2he -en7h and yo0 7lim- 06 one o+ 2he le/s and 4i2h 2he
aid o+ yo0, 2ee2h 7lam-e, 06 on2o 2he sea2 o+ 2he s2ool5 F,om 2he,e i2 is a sho,2 lea6 2o
2he -en7h 2o65
In addi2ion 2o 2he i2ems yo0 sa4 +,om 2he +loo, 2he,e is a lea2he,--o0nd >o0,nal o+
some so,23 2he o6en 6a/e +illed 4i2h lines o+ le22e,s and n0m-e,s 2ha2 mean no2hin/ 2o
yo05 Ne82 2o 2he >o0,nal 2he,e is a -o22le o+ 6o2ion3 a lea+3 and some /,an0les o+
E=
FF - Diamond
some2hin/ in a dish5 A6a,2 +,om 2he lea+3 2he o2he, 2hin/s a,e 2oo -i/ o, 0n/ainly 2o
-,in/ -a7.3 and yo0 don?2 .no4 4ha2 2hey do any4ay5
Sin7e yo0 a,e he,e3 yo0 may as 4ell 2,y some2hin/5
To 2,y 2he 6o2ion3 20,n 2o 710
To ni--le o+ 2he lea+3 20,n 2o 763
To sam6le 2he /,an0les3 20,n 2o 751
748
The holy ele6han2 ,ea7hes o02 4i2h i2s 2,07.3 and ,ea7hes inside yo0, 7hes25 Yo0
+eel i2 60ll some2hin/ o02 +,om 4i2hin yo03 and yo0 see 4i2hin i2s ,e2,a72in/ 2,07. a
/lo4in/ s6he,e o+ li/h25 The ele6han2 6,om62ly 6la7es 2he /lo4in/ Diamond Key in2o
i2s mo02h3 2hen 20,ns and -e/ins 2o 4al. 2o4a,ds 2he 4all5
Chen i2 ,ea7hes 2he 4all3 i2 lo4e,s i2s head and 7on2in0es a2 a s2a2ely 6a7e5 The
4all 7,a7.s and +alls in4a,ds3 as 2he ele6han2 6,o7eeds3 4i2ho02 6a0se3 seemin/ly
e++o,2less5 I2 20nnels 2h,o0/h 2he 6ala7e3 2he 4alls +allin/ a4ay as easily as i+ 2hey
4e,e made o+ 6a6e,5
C0,io0s3 yo0 and Kianmay +ollo4 a+2e, i25 The -,o.en 6assa/e seems s2a-le
eno0/h and yo0 4al. 2h,o0/h se1e,al ,ooms 2o 2he ed/e o+ 2he 6ala7e5 Yo0 see 2he
ele6han2 60sh 2h,o0/h 2he 7i2adel 4all3 ma.in/ 2he an7ien2 s2ones 7,0m-le and +all
do4n5 A +e4 a,,o4s a,e sho2 a2 2he -eas23 -02 -o0n7e o++ ha,mlessly5 Yo0 hea, a
70,se-,idden sho02 2ellin/ 2he /0a,ds 2o 7ease 2hei, a22a7.5 Choe1e, 2he o++i7e, is3 he
so0nds a4ed and s7a,ed5 Yo0, o4n +eelin/s a,e no2 so di++e,en25
The hole yo0 s2and in 2he ed/e o+ is 2oo hi/h a-o1e 2he /,o0nd +o, yo0 2o
7on2in0e: 2he holy ele6han2 is so -i/ 2ha2 2he /a6 -e24een 2he ed/e o+ 2he 6ala7e and
2he 7i2adel 4all 6,esen2ed no 6,o-lem5 Yo0 4a27h 4i2h Kianmay3 and e1en Da,m
7omes 2o s2and a2 yo0, side3 s2a,in/ o02 in2o 2he 7i2y5
The /ian2 ele6han2 4al.s 2o4a,ds 2he nea,es2 ho0ses3 2o4e,in/ o1e, 2h,ee 2imes
2he hei/h2 o+ 2he ,oo+2o6s3 yo0 4in7e in an2i7i6a2ion as yo0 see i2 ,ea7h 2he +i,s2 ho0se5
B02 i2 is no2 7,0shed -enea2h 2he /,ea2 +ee25 The ele6han2 s2e6s 06 on2o 2he ho0se and
7on2in0es on i2s 4ay3 4al.in/ a7,oss 2he ,oo+2o6s as i+ i2 is as li/h2 as a -i,d5
Yo0 see i2 2,a1el 2o4a,ds 2he Tem6le o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess: 2he s6i,es o+ 4hi7h
yo0 7an see in 2he dis2an7e5 B02 yo0 .no4 i2s 2,0e des2ina2ion5 I2 is /oin/ 2o +e27h 2he
o,i/inal Diamond Key 2ha2 yo0 hid in 2he sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o, ne82 2o 2he 2em6le5
The ele6han2 -e7omes a do2 in 2he dis2an7e5 Yo0 -,ie+ly see ano2he, +ain2 +lash o+
li/h2 as i2 de1o0,s 2he se7ond Diamond Key5 I2 2hen ma.es i2s 4ay -a7. a7,oss 2he
,oo+2o6s 2o4a,ds yo03 i2s -ody no4 7o1e,ed in dan7in/ li/h25
Se1e,al min02es la2e, i2 a,,i1es3 and i2s 1oi7e ma.es 2he ea,2h 2,emo,5 LI ha1e
2a.en 2he Diamond Key in2o my -ody5 I2 shall -e -o0nd 2o 2he ea,2h 2h,o0/h me5N
The /,ea2 -l0e eyes +i8 on Da,m5 LThe,e is no 6o4e, in 2his 4o,ld 2ha2 7an 2a.e 2he
Diamond Key +,om me5 Do yo0 .no4 2hisON
Da,m nods3 and adds in a s2,an/led 1oi7e; LYes5N
The ele6han2 loo.s a2 Kianmay5 LFa,e4ell3 6,ies2ess5N
The /,ea2 -ody 20,ns in2o mis2 and dissi6a2es 06 in2o 2he ni/h2 s.y3 4i2nessed -y
2he /a,,ison o+ 2he 7i2adel and mo,e 2han a +e4 o+ 2he 2o4ns6eo6le 4ho ha1e
4ande,ed o02 +,om 2hei, homes5
Yo0 s2and -em0sed3 0n2il yo0 hea, Kianmay add,ess Da,m3 and yo0, a22en2ion
sna6s -a7. 2o 2he Kin/5 LYo0, Ma>es2y5 Ha1e 4e yo0, 6e,mission 2o 4i2hd,a4ON
E#
FF - Diamond
A 2o,,en2 o+ emo2ions a,e 6layin/ o1e, 2he .in/?s +a7e3 -02 as he loo.s a2 2he 24o
o+ yo03 a loo. o+ annoyan7e se22les in 6la7e5 LBe/oneM I ha1e no need o+ ei2he, o+
yo05 T,o0-le me no mo,e5N
He 20,ns a4ay3 s2ill s2a,in/ o02 in2o 2he ni/h25 Kianmay 60lls a2 yo0, a,m3 -02 yo0
hesi2a2eI
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /i1e Da,m a sho1e and ha1e him 6l0n/e 2o his dea2h3 20,n 2o 684
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, >0s2 lea1e3 20,n 2o 672
744
Ci2h yo0, las2 s2,o.e 2he Cham6ion is de+ea2ed3 2he /lo4 in his a,mo0, +adin/5
He +alls 2o 2he +loo, and 2he 7,ys2al en7asin/ his -ody sha22e,s3 as does 2he helm3
s7a22e,in/ sha,6 6ie7es o+ 7,ys2al a7,oss 2he +loo,5 Yo0 ,es2 +o, a 4hile a+2e, yo0,
di++i70l2 -a22le and 2hen sea,7h 2he Cham6ion?s -ody5 Yo0 +ind no2hin/ 2ha2 loo.s
0se+0l3 -02 e8amine 2he 7,ys2al s6ea,3 4hi7h is in2a725 I2 2a.es only momen2 2o ma.e
2he 7,ys2al /lo4 ,ed3 a 6ain+0l hea2 emana2in/ +,om i25 I+ yo0 7hannel eno0/h
7on7en2,a2ion in2o i23 i2 7an mel2 i2s 4ay 2h,o0/h any a,mo0,5 I2 is 0nli.ely an
o66onen2 4ill /i1e yo0 eno0/h 2ime +o, 2ha23 ho4e1e,5 E1en so3 yo0 7an 2a.e 2he
s6ea, i+ yo0 4ish5
Weapon )lass Damage Bonus
C,ys2al S6ea, S6ea, )*
&ea1in/ 2he 2h,one ,oom3 yo0 a66,oa7h 2he s2ai,4ay3 ,eady 2o as7end 2o 2he ne82
le1el5
T0,n 2o 7++
746
Readyin/ yo0, shield3 yo0 2a.e a -,ea2h 2hen 7ha,/e +o,4a,d5 The demon +a7e
s6i2s +i,e a2 yo03 -02 yo0 d07. -ehind yo0, shield3 +eelin/ ho2 ai, s0,/e a,o0nd yo05
The 7o,,ido, is sho,2 and 2he ne82 momen2 yo0 >am yo0, shield a/ains2 2he +a7e3
ma.in/ i2 70,se a2 yo05
"0shin/ on 2he handle3 2he doo, s4in/s o6en and yo0 sli6 inside and slam 2he
doo,3 d,a//in/ yo0, shield in 4i2h yo05 Yo0 ha1e made i2 sa+ely in2o 2he so,7e,e,?s
s20dy5
T0,n 2o 482
E%
FF - Diamond
745
Yo0 2,y 2he doo, and +ind 2ha2 i2 is lo7.ed5 I+ yo0 ha1e a s2eel lion .ey3 lo7.6i7.s
o, a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 7185 O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 788
762
&ea1in/ 2he s2ai,4ay +o, 2he momen23 yo0 7on2in0e alon/ 2he 7o,,ido, and a,o0nd
2he 7o,ne,5 On yo0, le+2 yo0 6ass ano2he, lo,d?s 90a,2e,s3 2his 2ime 4i2h a 2,io o+ ,ed
s.0lls on a 4hi2e +ield5 Yo0 2hen 7ome 2o ano2he, in2e,se72ion5
T0,n 2o 755
760
The -oo. is o6en on a 6a/e on 4hi7h is 4,i22en a des7,i62ion o+ 2he inha-i2an2s o+
a s6i,i20al 6lane5 I2 /oes on 2o des7,i-e some o+ 4hi7h 7an -e hel6+0l3 and 2hose 2han
sho0ld -e a1oided a2 all 7os2s5 A-o02 hal+4ay do4n 2he 6a/e yo0 no2i7e some2hin/
s2,an/e5 The -oo. is 4,i22en in a s7,i62 yo0 ha1e ne1e, seen -e+o,e3 ye2 as yo0 loo. a2
2he 4o,ds3 2hei, meanin/ 7omes in2o yo0, mind5
Yo0 7on2in0e ,eadin/ 2he -oo.3 and +ind a des7,i62ion o+ 2he s0mmonin/ s6ell5
O6enin/ a +e4 7a-ine2s3 yo0 lo7a2e 2he 7om6onen2s yo0 4ill need +o, 2he s6ell5 Yo0
+eel 7on+iden2 yo0 7an s0mmon an o2he,4o,ldly -ein/ 2o 6ossi-ly aid yo0 in yo0,
90es25
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y and s0mmon an o2he,4o,ldly -ein/3 20,n 2o 44+
I+ yo0 2hin. i2?s -es2 no2 2o and 4an2 2o sea,7h 2he s20dy ins2ead 878
76+
Ta.in/ 2he 7o,,ido, 2o 2he le+23 yo0 s2o6 hal+4ay alon/ 2o ins6e72 2he 24o o++i7es
2he,e5 On 2he ,i/h2 a si/n 4i2h a -anne, and 7,ossed s4o,d is la-elled as 2he 2ffice of
Martial Affairs5 A7,oss 2he hall is 2he 2ffice of (ater (or&s3 ,e6,esen2ed -y a
-a2h20-5
To en2e, 2he O++i7e o+ Ma,2ial A++ai,s3 20,n 2o 714
To en2e, 2he O++i7e o+ Ca2e, Co,.s3 20,n 2o 750
761
Than.in/ 2he 4oman3 yo0 lea1e 2he -all,oom3 ma.in/ +o, 2he o2he, e8i25 "0shin/
o6en 2he doo,s yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in ano2he, o60len2 hall4ay3 4hi7h 7,osses 2he +i,s25
A 7i,70la, domed ,oom +o,ms 2he in2e,se72ion3 -eyond 4hi7h yo0 7an see 2he o60len2
hall4ay 7on2in0e and 2e,mina2e in a /,and s2ai,7ase5 The,e is ano2he, 6ai, o+ doo,s
o66osi2e and yo0 o6en one 2o 6ee. inside5 I2 is an 0no7706ied -an90e2 hall -,i/h2ly li2
-y mo,e li/h2-7,ys2al 7handelie,s3 so yo0 7lose 2he doo,s on7e mo,e5 The hall4ay yo0
a,e in leads 2o ano2he, se2 o+ do0-le doo,s3 -02 2hese a,e inlaid 4i2h /old and /ems and
a,e 6,o-a-ly 2he mos2 1al0a-le doo,s yo0 ha1e e1e, seen5
E'
FF - Diamond
Do yo0 4an2 2o /o 2o 2he s2ai,4ay and 06 2o 2he ne82 le1elO T0,n 2o 7++
I+ yo0 4an2 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he /olden doo,s3 20,n 2o 71+
763
Gi1in/ 2he lea+ a sni++3 yo0 smell some2hin/ almos2 li.e some he,-s yo0 7an?2
,emem-e, 2he names o+5 Gi1in/ i2 a ni--le3 2he 2as2e is 4ha2 yo0 ima/ine a ,a4 lea+ 2o
2as2e li.e5 Yo0 2a.e a +e4 mo02h+0ls3 -02 no2hin/ seems 2o ha66en5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o 2,y no4O
The 6o2ionO T0,n 2o 833
The /,an0lesO T0,n 2o 880
767
Yo0 2,y 2he doo, and +ind 2ha2 i2 is lo7.ed5 I+ yo0 ha1e a s2eel lion .ey3 lo7.6i7.s
o, a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 3855 O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 788
768
"0llin/ o02 yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 s2,i.e 2he 1i6e, +,om a sa+e dis2an7e5 To yo0,
s0,6,ise yo0, 4ea6on 7lan/s lo0dly a/ains2 2he ,e62ile3 as i+ i2 is made o+ me2al5 I2
s6i2s 1enom a2 yo03 2h,ee d,o6s landin/ on e86osed +lesh and -0,nin/ in2o yo0, -lood
s2,eam @lose < STAMINAA5
De7idin/ 2he 7,ea20,e is 2oo dan/e,o0s3 yo0 -e/in 2he 4o,. o+ 60shin/ 2he -odies
o++ 2he sla-s5
T0,n 2o 742
764
LI?m >0s2 me5 Cho a,e yo0ON yo0 ,es6ond5
LI am 2he Kin/?s Cham6ion3N 2he 2all man ,e6lies5 LI+ yo0 don?2 2ell me 4hy yo0
a,e he,e3 I 4ill -e .illin/ yo05N
LI?m +eelin/ a -i2 lonely3 so I 4as loo.in/ +o, yo0, mo2he,3N yo0 say -oldly5
The Cham6ion smiles3 some o+ 2he 7oldness lea1in/ his eyes5 LI li.e yo0,
7o0,a/e5 B02 le2 0s see i+ yo0 a,e 4ise as 4ell5 I am -lessed 2o -e a-le 2o hea, a lie
E(
FF - Diamond
4hen i2 is s6o.en 2o me5 Tell me 4ha2 yo0 a,e doin/ he,e5 I+ yo0 lie3 I 4ill .ill yo0
4he,e yo0 s2and5 S6ea. 2he 2,02h and I shall s6a,e yo05N
Yo0 7an 2ell 2he 2,02h -y 20,nin/ 2o 7583 o, .ee6 lyin/ -y 20,nin/ 2o 784
Al2e,na2i1ely3 yo0 7an >0s2 a22a7. him +i,s2 -y 20,nin/ 2o 363
766
LI am he,e 2o slay Kin/ Da,m3 4ho is an e1il so,7e,e, see.in/ immo,2ali2y3N yo0
2ell 2he demon5 LRa2he, 2han de1o0, me3 hel6 me 2o de+ea2 him5N
The demon loo.s in2,i/0ed5 LI 7an 7e,2ainly hel6 yo05 B02 4ha2 7an yo0 do +o,
meON
Cha2 7an yo0 doO LE,3 4ha2 do yo0 4an2ON yo0 as. 2he demon5
LI am h0n/,yMN The demon de7la,es3 /,innin/ a2 yo03 his mo02h 4idenin/
0nna20,ally5
I+ yo0 ha1e a ma/i7al a66le and yo0 4an2 2o o++e, i2 2o 2he demon3 20,n 2o 376
O2he,4ise3 yo0 >0s2 s6,ead yo0, hands hel6lessly5 T0,n 2o 786
765
As yo0 sea,7h 2he +loo, o+ 2he 2h,one ,oom3 yo0 s0ddenly +eel someone 4a27hin/
yo0 and loo. 065 S2andin/ nea,-y is a 4a,,io, d,essed in a 7,ys2al -,eas26la2e5
Benea2h he 4ea,s a da,. -l0e ,o-e de7o,a2ed 4i2h /olden 2h,ead 2ha2 e82ends do4n 2o
2he an.les o+ his -la7. lea2he, -oo2s5 His helm is 7,ys2al as 4ell3 s6o,2in/ a 6ai, o+
lon/ ho,ns5 The man is da,.-s.inned and 2all3 and holds a s6ea, in his hand 4i2h a
sil1e, sha+2 and a lon/ 7,ys2al head5
He smiles a2 yo03 -02 his eyes ,emain 7old and ha,d5 LCho a,e yo0ON he as.s5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a22a7. him3 20,n 2o 363
O2he,4ise;
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ an o++i7ials ,o-e3 20,n 2o 707
I+ yo0 a,e a22i,ed as a /0a,dsman3 20,n 2o 774
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ yo0, o4n /ea,3 20,n 2o 764
752
Sli66in/ 2he /lass ,in/ on2o yo0, +in/e,3 yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ -e7omin/ ins0-s2an2ial
and 4ill yo0,sel+ +o,4a,d5 Une86e72edly3 yo0 +eel a ,esis2an7e3 as i+ yo0 a,e 2,yin/ 2o
60sh 2h,o0/h a 4e-5 S90in2in/ yo0 7an ma.e o02 a 7om6le8 4ea1e o+ ma/i7al
2h,eads 7o1e,in/ 2he doo, and 2he s0,,o0ndin/ 4alls5 This m0s2 -e 2he ma/i7 2ha2 is
6,o2e72in/ 2he 7ham-e,s5
Yo0 60sh 4i2h ,ene4ed e++o,2 a/ains2 2he -a,,ie,5 Yo0 +eel i2 /i1e sli/h2ly3 -02
2hen some2hin/ ha66ens5 Ra2he, 2han ,emain s2a2i73 2he ma/i7al 4ea1e ,es6onds3
/a2he,in/ i2s s2,en/2h and ,e6ellin/ yo05 I2 also /a2he,s ene,/y and a22a7.s yo0 4i2h a
EE
FF - Diamond
7,a7.lin/ s0,/e li.e li/h2nin/ @hal1e yo0, STAMINAA5 Yo0 +lin/ yo0,sel+ -a7.3 and
60ll o++ 2he ,in/5
The ma/i7al a22a7. has le+2 no 6hysi7al si/ns o+ dama/e3 -02 yo0 a,e de+ini2ely
so,e and ,ealise 2ha2 in 2his 7ase 2he ,in/ 4ill no2 hel6 yo05 No, is i2 any /0a,d a/ains2
ma/i75 Yo0 ma.e a no2e o+ 2he +a72 and ,eassess yo0, o62ions5
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a /old ,in/3 20,n 2o 812
I+ yo0 ha1e s6o.en 2o a demon and 4e,e /i1en 2he s6ell 2o o6en 2he ma/i7al doo,3 20,n
2o 330
O2he,4ise3 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay 2o4a,ds 2he nea,es2 in2e,se72ion
@755A o, 7on2in0e 2o4a,ds 2he 7o,ne, @7+5A5
750
Yo0 2,y 2he doo, and +ind 2ha2 i2 is lo7.ed5 I+ yo0 ha1e a s2eel lion .ey3 lo7.6i7.s
o, a /lass ,in/3 20,n 2o 7185 O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 788
75+
The Cham6ion is 2oo s2,on/ +o, yo0 and slays yo0 -e+o,e yo0 .no4 i25 Yo0, s6i,i2
6l0n/es in2o 2he da,. 6la7e3 and yo0 +loa2 a,o0nd +o, a 4hile -e+o,e yo0 -ein/ 2o
,es0,+a7e in2o 2he 4o,ld o+ li/h2 and li+e5 O6enin/ yo0, eyes3 yo0 see 2he 7eilin/ o+
2he 2h,one ,oom a-o1e yo05
Si22in/ 063 yo0 see no si/n o+ 2he Cham6ion5 Yo0 also seem 2o ha1e all o+ yo0,
e90i6men25 G,a2e+0l yo0 s2and 06 and 90i7.ly lea1e3 ma.in/ +o, 2he s2ai,4ay 2ha2 4ill
2a.e yo0 2o 2he ne82 le1el5
T0,n 2o 7++
751
Se22in/ yo0, li22le 6a4s on 2he ed/e o+ 2he dish3 yo0 6i7. 06 a +e4 /,an0les 4i2h
yo0, 2on/0e and /i1e 2hem a m0n7h5 I2 +eels li.e yo0 a,e ea2in/ di,23 -02 yo0 +o,7e
do4n a +e4 mo02h+0ls5 Yo0 4ai2 +o, some2hin/ 2o ha66en3 -02 -y 2he 2ime yo0,
6a2ien7e has e86i,ed 2he,e is no2hin/ 2o sho45
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o 2,y no4O
The lea+O T0,n 2o 857
The 6o2ionO T0,n 2o 863
<**
FF - Diamond
753
Yo0 4al. -a7. and +o,2h in 2he 2h,one ,oom3 -02 yo0, sea,7h yields no2hin/5
Ho6in/ yo0 ha1e no2 4as2ed 2oo m07h 2ime3 yo0 h0,,y o02 o+ 2he 2h,one ,oom and
ma.e di,e72ly +o, 2he s2ai,4ay 2o 2he se7ond +loo,5
T0,n 2o 7++
757
The demonTs 2on/0e lashes o02 and 4,a6s a,o0nd yo0, 4ais25 Be+o,e yo0 7an e1en
ha7. a2 i2 yo0 a,e 60lled in2o 2he /a6in/ 2h,oa2 and +all do4n in2o da,.ness5 Yo0
2h,ash a-o023 -02 2he da,.ness a,o0nd yo0 is li.e -la7. oil 2ha2 2hi7.ens as yo0
des7end5 The demon?s 2on/0e ,eleases yo03 -02 2he,e is no2hin/ e87e62 2he da,.ness
7losin/ in a-o02 yo05 Soon yo0 a,e en7ased in -la7.ness and 7anno2 e1en -,ea2he5 A
dee6 +ea, +ills yo03 -02 yo0 7an do no2hin/3 and soon 2he da,.ness see6in/ in2o yo0,
mind is a ,elie+ as i2 2a.es all a4a,eness +,om yo05
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 8++
O2he,4ise; 2es2 yo0, SKI&&3 STAMINA and &UCK5 Roll ( die5 I+ 2he 2o2al is 2he
same o, less 2han 2he s0m o+ yo0, 70,,en2 SKI&&3 STAMINA and &UCK s7o,es3 also
20,n 2o 8++
I+ 2he 2o2al is /,ea2e,3 20,n 2o 781
758
LI?1e 7ome 2o ,es70e a 6,ies2ess 2ha2 Kin/ Da,m is holdin/ 7a62i1e3N yo0 say5
The 7oldness in 2he man?s eyes +ades a4ay3 and he smiles 4i2h /en0ine 4a,m2h3
and no small amo0n2 o+ am0semen25 LI?m a+,aid yo0 4ill s2and li22le 7han7e on 2he
066e,mos2 +loo, o+ 2his a770,sed 6la7e5 Al2ho0/h I am 2he Kin/?s Cham6ion I 4ish
yo0 4ell in yo0, 90es25 He has 7han/ed m07h e1en in 2he 2ime 2ha2 I ha1e se,1ed him5
He is no lon/e, a /,ea2 .in/3 -02 an e1il so,7e,e,5 I 4o0ld des2,oy him i+ I 7o0ld5 I
s0//es2 yo0 +o,/e2 a-o02 2his 6,ies2ess5 She 4ill no2 -e 2he +i,s2 o, 2he las2 2o s0++e,
0nde, Da,m?s hand5N
LI m0s2 ,es70e he,3N yo0 say 4i2h de2e,mina2ion5
The Cham6ion sh,0/s5 L$e,y 4ell5 I+ yo0 4ill s2and a/ains2 him3 so 4ill I3 e1en
2ho0/h i2 may 7os2 -o2h o+ o0, li1es5 I shall -e 4a27hin/ and 4ai2in/5 Chen 2he
momen2 is ,i/h2 I shall s2,i.e5N
He 2ells yo0 2ha2 his name is Bama, Qi and +a,e4ells yo05 Ma.e a no2e o+ 2his
name5 A+2e, he has /one3 yo0 also lea1e 2he 2h,one ,oom and has2en 2o4a,ds 2he
s2ai,4ay 2ha2 leads 2o 2he ne82 le1el5
T0,n 2o 7++
<*)
FF - Diamond
754
Yo0 4al. alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 2all 4indo4s 2o yo0, le+25 Yo0 6ass ano2he, en2,an7e
2o a lo,d?s 90a,2e,s and idly no2e 2he -la7. 2,ee on a yello4 +ield han/in/ a-o1e5
Ta.in/ 2he 7o,ne, yo0 7ome 2o ano2he, en2,an7e3 -02 2his 2ime yo0 6a0se5 The,e is no
-anne, he,e5 The doo, has no handle3 and is made o+ smoo2h 6olished 4ood5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y and en2e, 2he doo,3 20,n 2o 771
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7on2in0e on 2o 2he in2e,se72ion 2ha2 is >0s2 ahead3 20,n 2o 755
756
Yo0 hand 2he 4oman 2he +l02e5 L"lease 2a.e i25 I2 4ill se,1e yo0 mo,e 2han I5N
The 4oman loo.s a2 yo0 in s0,6,ise3 -02 2hen smiles 4a,mly and 2a.es i2 +,om yo0
4i2h -o2h hands3 /i1in/ yo0 a -o45 LThan. yo03 si,5 I 4ill sha,e i2s -ea02y 4i2h
o2he,s5N
Yo0 2han. he, +o, he, m0si7 and 20,n 2o /o5 Yo0 ha1e only 2a.en a +e4 s2e6s
4hen she s6ea.s on7e mo,e in a h0shed 1oi7e5 LChy a,e yo0 he,eON
F,eeKin/3 yo0 slo4ly 20,n -a7. 2o he,5 LCha2 do yo0 meanON
LI 7an 2ell 2ha2 yo0 do no2 -elon/ he,e5 Yo0 a,e he,e +o, some 60,6ose5 Be i2
no-le o, ne+a,io0s I do no2 .no45 B02 I 4ish 2o hel6 yo0 i+ I may5N
Yo0 a,e 0ns0,e ho4 2o ,es6ond3 and seein/ yo0, 0n7e,2ain2y3 2he 4oman 602s
do4n 2he ha,6 and +l02e and a66,oa7hes yo05 She ,ea7hes +o, 2he 7las6 on he, /o4n
and le2s 2he -la7. sil. slide o++ he, sha6ely -ody 2o 2he +loo, a,o0nd he, +ee25
A22em62in/ 2o -e a /en2leman yo0 a1e,2 yo0, /aKe3 -02 4ha2 yo0 see +,om 2he 7o,ne,
o+ yo0, eye ma.es yo0 loo. -a7. in sho7.5
She is 6e,+e72ly h0man3 and l0s7io0sly so: -02 e82endin/ +,om he, -a7. a,e a 6ai,
o+ ,eddish -a2?s 4in/s3 4hi7h she s6,eads o02 24o me2,es 2o ea7h side3 a lon/ ,ed
s7aled 2ail li.e a se,6en2 also 4hi66in/ a-o02 he, hi6s5
Yo0 ,e7oil sli/h2ly5 LCha2 a,e yo0ON
LI am a Ba,ashai Demon5 My name is Alyn Ky,a5 I am one o+ )** demons 4ho
s4o,e 2o se,1e hea1en5 On7e 4e se,1ed hell3 -02 4e,e -e2,ayed -y o0, demoni7
/ene,al3 4ho a-andoned 0s 2o -e de1o0,ed -y 2he D,a/ons o+ Hea1en5 Ce s4o,e 2o
se,1e hea1en i+ 4e 4o0ld -e s6a,ed5 And so i2 is5 &i22le did 4e .no4 2ha2 s07h
se,1i7e 4o0ld -e o0, ,edem62ion5N She holds o02 one o+ he, a,ms3 /aKin/ a2 i2 in
4onde,5 LCe did no2 al4ays loo. li.e 2his5 Ye2 2he dee6e, o0, se,1i7e 2o hea1en3 2he
mo,e h0man 4e -e7ome3 and 2he mo,e o+ o0, 6o4e, 4e lose5 Ye2 4hile I am 2,a66ed
he,e3 I shall -e o+ li22le se,1i7e 2o hea1en I am s0,e5 This 6la7e has -e7ome a
s2,on/hold o+ e1il5N
She ,ea7hes do4n and 6i7.s 06 he, /o4n5 Ho6in/ 2o dis2,a72 he, +,om d,essin/3
yo0 say; LChy a,e yo0 he,eO A,e yo0 2,a66ed he,eON
LI am3N she ,e6lies5 LDa,m has -een 7as2in/ 6o4e,+0l s6ells o+ da,.ness3 2he .ind
I ha1e no2 +el2 sin7e I 4as in hell5N She shi1e,s5 LI 4as d,a4n 2o i25 "a,2ially 2he l0s2
+o, 6o4e,3 6a,2ially 2o se,1e 2he &i/h2 and des2,oy him5 B02 he 4as 2oo 6o4e,+0l +o,
<*
FF - Diamond
me5 B02 he +o0nd me a 70,iosi2y3 so he .ee6s me he,e li.e a 6e25 O+2en he 7alls +o,
me 2o en2e,2ain him5N He, /aKe da,.ens5 LHe does no2 a66,e7ia2e my m0si7 a2 all5N
She +olds he, 4in/s and dons 2he /o4n3 7on7ealin/ he, -ody on7e mo,e5 LSo3
al2ho0/h I am a demon3 I 4ill aid yo0 i+ yo0 se,1e /ood5N
I2 is a ni7e s2o,y3 -02 i2 7an -e do0-2ed5 Cha2 is -eyond do0-2 is 2ha2 she has -a2?s
4in/s and a sna.e?s 2ailM
I+ yo0 ha1e an o,- am0le2 and 4an2 2o 0se i2 2o 2es2 he,3 20,n 2o 316
I+ yo0 4e,e 4ea,in/ a >ade ,in/ 4hile she 2old he, s2o,y3 20,n 2o 365
O2he,4ise3 i+ yo0 de7ide 2o 2,0s2 he, and 2ell he, 4ha2 yo0 a,e 06 2o3 20,n 2o 73+
I+ yo0 don?2 2,0s2 he,3 yo0 7an lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 761
755
Yo0 a,e s2andin/ 0nde, ano2he, /olden dome 2ha2 ho0ses a T-in2e,se72ion5 The
7o,,ido, 2ha2 7on2in0es 2h,o0/h 2he 7ham-e, is lined 4i2h 2all e82e,nal 4indo4s3 4hile
2he o++shoo2 leads 2o 2he 7en2,al dome o+ 2he se7ond +loo,5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o 2o4a,ds 2he 7en2,al dome3 20,n 2o 782
Chen yo0 s2and 4i2h yo0, -a7. 2o 2he 4indo4s3 +a7in/ 2he 7en2,al dome3 yo0 7an 2a.e
2he ,i/h2-hand 7o,,ido, -y 20,nin/ 2o 7363 o, 2o 2he le+2 -y 20,nin/ 2o 704
822
Ma.in/ yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o 2he hollo43 yo0 des7end do4n 2o 2he 2em6le3 4a27h+0l
+o, minions o+ 2he demon3 -02 yo0 en7o0n2e, no sen2,ies and a,e soon -a7. in 2he hall
4he,e yo0 s2a,2ed5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o sea,7h 2he -odies +o, some2hin/ 0se+0l3 20,n 2o 868
I+ yo0 4an2 2o -e/in 60shin/ 2he -odies o++ 2he sla-s3 20,n 2o 742
820
The +i,e-all sails o1e, yo0, head and yo0 slide a7,oss 2he +loo, 2o 2h0m6 a/ains2
2he -ase o+ 2he doo,5 The demoni7 +a7e 70,ses and /,0m-les a2 yo05 Rea7hin/ 063
yo0 60sh on 2he handle and 2he doo, s4in/s o6en5 Yo0 .ee6 lo4 and 7lose 2o 2he
doo, as yo0 ,oll inside3 sh022in/ 2he doo, -ehind yo05
Yo0 ha1e made i2 in2o 2he so,7e,e,?s s20dy5
T0,n 2o 482
82+
<*<
FF - Diamond
D,a4in/ yo0 4ea6on3 yo0 l0n/e a2 2he demon5 I2 ,es6onds -y o6enin/ i2s mo02h3
and yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ 7ha,/in/ 2o4a,ds a 2oo2h-lined 6i25 Yo0 ,e7oil3 and 2he demon
mo1es +o,4a,d3 his mo02h 7on2in0in/ 2o o6en 0n2il i2 /a6es 2o h0man-s4allo4in/
siKe5 I2s 2on/0e sna.es o023 sea,7hin/ +o, yo0 2o /,as6 and 60ll yo0 in5 The demon
7anno2 see yo0 4hen i2s mo02h is o6en so 4ide5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o di1e aside and es7a6e3 20,n 2o 882
I+ yo0 4an2 2o +i/h2 2he demon3 20,n 2o 786
821
The 7,ys2al -all smashes on 2he +loo,3 ,eleasin/ a 6l0me o+ 60,6le mis25 I2 sha6es
i2sel+ in2o 2he +o,m o+ a 4oman 4i2h 4i2he,ed 60,6le s.in and lon/ 4hi2e hai,5 She
/,ins3 sho4in/ 6oin2ed 2ee2h and 7la6s he, hands5
S0ddenly yo0 +eel yo0, s2,en/2h -ein/ d,ained +,om yo05 Yo0 60ll o02 yo0,
4ea6on3 -02 2he 4oman s.i6s a4ay and yo0 a,e 2oo 4ea. 2o 60,s0e he,5 Yo0 soon
7olla6se 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0 ha1e -een d,ained o+ yo0, 1i2ali2y5 Red07e yo0,
STAMINA 2o )3 yo0, &UCK 2o Ke,o and min0s +,om yo0, initial SKI&&5
The 4oman la0/hs5 Yo0 loo. 06 a2 he, and see 2ha2 she is no lon/e, 4i2he,ed3 -02
a66ea,s yo0n/3 4i2h smoo2h la1ende, s.in and shinin/ -la7. hai,5 She 7loses he,
eyes3 2hen +lin/s o02 he, a,ms3 7as2in/ +lames a-o02 he, 2ha2 se2s 2he -oo.s and
+0,ni20,e on +i,e5 She 2hen 20,ns 2o yo05 LYo0, mas2e, 4ill ,0e 2he day he 7a620,ed
meMN
She 2hen disa66ea,s5 Yo0 -e/in 2o 7,a4l +,om 2he ,oom5 Yo0 o6en 2he doo, and
7,a4l alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,5 The demoni7 +a7e in 2he doo, ,emains s2ill3 and yo0 ma.e i2
2o 2he en2,an7e hall3 4he,e yo0 7olla6se and ,es2 +o, a 4hile5
E1en20ally yo0 s2and and 7onside, yo0, o62ions5
To 2a.e 2he nes2 a,7h3 20,n 2o 8+7
To 2a.e 2he 2,ee a,7h3 20,n 2o 715
I+ yo0 ha1e +inished he,e and 4an2 2o lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s3 20,n 2o 776
823
S2a,2in/ 4i2h 2he +,eshly de1o0,ed3 yo0 -e/in 2o ,oll 2hem o++ 2hei, sla-s and on2o
2he +loo,5 The,e a,e 7lose 2o a 2ho0sand sla-s in 2he hall3 -02 yo0 dili/en2ly a66ly
yo0,sel+5 Yo0 ha1e only /o22en 2h,o0/h a h0nd,ed o, so 4hen yo0 hea, +oo2s2e6s and
20,n 2o 7on+,on2 a +i/0,e 2ha2 ,0ns in2o 2he ,oom5
I2 is a small /o-lin-li.e demon3 4i2h da,. 60,6le s.in and si8 l0mino0s la1ende,-
7olo0,ed eyes5 I2 /a6es3 2hen /,o4ls a2 yo0 -e+o,e ,0nnin/ o++ -a7. 2he 4ay i2 7ame5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7on2in0e 60shin/ 2he -odies o++ 2he sla-s3 20,n 2o 742
I+ yo0 2hin. i2?s -es2 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 844
827
<*=
FF - Diamond
Yo0 si2 do4n in 2he 7hai, and +eel a 2in/lin/ sensa2ion5 Seein/ mo1emen23 yo0
20,n yo0, head and s2a,e in sho7. a2 2he ,ed-hai,ed 4oman 4ho smiles a2 yo03 6i7.in/
06 yo0, 6la2e5 She ,esem-les 2he s2a20e 2ha2 4as s2andin/ in 2he 7o,ne, on 2ha2 side3
-02 is ali1e and -ea02i+0l3 he, m0s.y s7en2 +illin/ yo0, nos2,ils5 E86e,imen2ally yo0
,ea7h o02 and s90eeKe one o+ he, hi6s5 She +eels so ,eal 2ha2 yo0 sna27h yo0, hand
a4ay3 +ea,in/ she 4ill -e o++ended5 She loo.s a2 yo0 and >0s2 smiles5
She se,1es yo0, 6la2e +,om 2he 6o2 in 2he 7en2,e3 -02 i2 is no 2hi7.3 7old /,0el she
ladles on2o yo0, 6la2e3 -02 a ,oas2ed 90ail 4i2h he,-ed and honeyed 1e/e2a-les5
Ano2he, se,1in/ 4oman a66ea,s on yo0, o2he, side3 6o0,in/ a +,a/,an2 4ine in2o yo0,
7065 She smiles a2 yo0 as 4ell5
"i7.in/ 06 yo0, 702le,y3 yo0 -e/in 2o ea25 I2 2as2es +an2as2i7M I2 is >0s2 li.e 2he
meal yo0 a2e a2 a +an7y inn a +e4 yea,s a/o3 yo0, em6loye, 2han.in/ yo0 +o, 7a27hin/
2he ,ei/ns o+ a +,i/h2ened ho,se and 6,e1en2in/ him +,om -ein/ 2h,o4n o++ 2he -a7. o+
i25 The +a23 so+2 man 4as s0,e he 4o0ld ha1e -,o.en his ne7. and 4an2ed 2o 2han.
yo05 The meal made 90i2e an im6,ession on yo0 and yo0, no,mal +a,e 2as2ed 6lain +o,
a 4ee. a+2e,4a,ds5
Yo0 ea2 and d,in. yo0, +ill3 one o+ 2he se,1in/ 4omen e1en sin/in/ so+2ly as yo0
dine5 The e86e,ien7e lea1es yo0 +eelin/ s2,on/e, and ,ela8ed3 ,es2o,e yo0,
STAMINA and &UCK 2o 2hei, ini2ial 1al0es5
Kno4in/ yo0 m0s2 lea1e3 yo0 s2and 065 As soon as yo0 do so3 yo0 see 2he ai,
shimme, sli/h2ly -e+o,e yo0, eyes3 and 2he ai, +eels sli/h2ly 7oole,5 The +o0, se,1in/
4omen3 no4 loo.in/ solid and 6ain2ed3 4al. s2i++ly -a7. 2o 2hei, 6la7es5
Glan7in/ do4n a2 2he 6la2e yo0 see i2 is 7o1e,ed 4i2h 2he ,emains o+ 2he 7old3 /,ey
/,0el5 E1en i+ i2 4asn?2 ,eal3 2he e86e,ien7e has le+2 yo0 ha66y3 and 2he /,0el 4as
2,0ly no0,ishin/5
"leased3 yo0 lea1e 2he dinin/ hall and ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he si22in/
,oom 2o 2he en2,an7e hall 2o 7onside, 2he o2he, 24o a,7hes5
To 2a.e 2he nes2 a,7h3 20,n 2o 8+7
To 2a.e 2he ,0ne a,7h3 20,n 2o 860
I+ yo0 ha1e +inished he,e and 4an2 2o lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s3 20,n 2o 776
828
Yo0 6,e6a,e yo0,sel+ 2o +a7e 2he demons5 Mo1in/ 2h,o0/h 2he ,o4s o+ sla-s3 2hey
-e/in 2o 7i,7le a,o0nd 2o a66,oa7h yo0 +,om -o2h sides5 Yo0 70,se and 90i7.ly loo.
+o, a 6lan5 Yo0 7o0ld ,0n 2o 2he 7o,ne, and 602 i2 a2 yo0, -a7. 2o +o,7e 2hem 2o 7ome
a2 yo0 +,om 2he same side5 Al2e,na2i1ely3 yo0 7o0ld ,0n and a22a7. one o+ 2he demons
4hile 2hey a,e se6a,a2ed5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,e2,ea2 2o a 7o,ne,3 20,n 2o 8+3
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7ha,/e a2 one o+ 2he demons3 20,n 2o 853
824
Goin/ 2o 2he doo, yo0 2,y 2he handle and +ind i2 0nlo7.ed5 "ee.in/ inside3 yo0 see
a la,/e .i27hen5 I2 is em62y o+ se,1an2s5 Mo1in/ inside3 yo0 4al. 90i7.ly 6as2 2he
-en7hes and 2a-les3 /lan7in/ -,ie+ly a2 2he la,/es2 s2o1e 2ha2 yo0 ha1e e1e, seen5 Yo0
<*#
FF - Diamond
ma.e +o, some doo,s a2 2he -a7.3 4hi7h yo0 e86e72 2o -e a 6an2,y5 Yo0 o6en 2he
doo,s and +ind 2ha2 i2 is so5 The 6an2,y is 6oo,ly s2o7.ed3 2ho0/h3 and yo0 s0s6e72 2ha2
no one has 4o,.ed 2he .i27hens +o, a lon/ 2ime5
E1en so3 yo0 +ind on a shel+ some 6,ese,1ed +,0i25 I+ yo0 4an2 2o ea2 2his3 i2 4ill
,es2o,e 6oin2s o+ STAMINA5 Yo0 +ind no2hin/ else o+ in2e,es25 I2 is >0s2 a .i27hen
a+2e, all5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ma.e a 2ho,o0/h sea,7h3 20,n 2o 438
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e 2he .i27hen and /o 2o 2he doo, o66osi2e3 20,n 2o 843
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o on4a,ds +0,2he, 06 2he 7o,,ido,3 20,n 2o 412
826
Yo0 4al. 7as0ally a7,oss 2he o6en s6a7e and in2o 2he h02 4i2ho02 hea,in/ any
o027,y5 Yo0 ,emain in 2he ,ela2i1e 7o1e, o+ one 7o,ne, and loo. a2 2he 7hes2 +,om a
dis2an7e5 I2 is a sim6le 4ooden 7hes2 4i2h a la27h -02 no lo7.5 Glan7in/ a2 2he
4o,.in/ men yo0 no2e 2ha2 2he 7hes2 is in +0ll 1ie4 o+ 2hem 2h,o0/h one o+ 2he
doo,4ays5 Yo0 4ill ha1e 2o o6en 2he 7hes2 and 2a.e o02 4ha2e1e, is inside 90i7.lyI
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 817
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 847
825
",o7eedin/ 2o 2he end o+ 2he hall3 yo0 a,e +a7ed 4i2h 2h,ee se2s o+ do0-le doo,s5
One di,e72ly in +,on23 one 2o 2he ,i/h23 and one 2o 2he le+25
To 2a.e 2he 7en2,al doo,s3 20,n 2o 4+4
To 2a.e 2he doo,s on 2he ,i/h23 20,n 2o 666
To 2a.e 2he doo,s 2o 2he le+23 20,n 2o 442
802
Gi1in/ 2he lea+ a sni++3 yo0 smell some2hin/ almos2 li.e some he,-s yo0 7an?2
,emem-e, 2he names o+5 Gi1in/ i2 a ni--le 2he 2as2e is 4ha2 yo0 ima/ine a ,a4 lea+ 2o
2as2e li.e5 Yo0 2a.e a +e4 mo02h+0ls and 4ai2 +o, some2hin/ 2o ha66en5
Yo0 +eel 2he ,a2 -ody -e/in 2o 2,em-le and s0ddenly s6o2s o+ li/h2 s4i,l -e+o,e
yo0, -eady eyes5 B02 yo0, 1ision slo4ly 7lea,s3 and yo0 +eel m07h s2,on/e,5
E1e,y2hin/ e1en seems smalle,3 as i+ 2he ,a2 has s4elled in siKe5 &oo.in/ a2 2he .ey
han/in/ on 2he 4all 4i2h ,ene4ed ho6e3 yo0 >0m6 do4n 2o 2he +loo, and ,0n a2 2he
4all3 lea6in/ 06 2o 2he .ey5 Yo0 mana/e 2o .no7. 2he .ey o++ i2s hoo. and i2 +alls
4i2h a ,in/in/ so0nd 2o 2he +loo,5
Yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ 4ea.enin/ and soon yo0 a,e small eno0/h 2o s90eeKe 0nde, 2he
doo, on7e mo,e3 2a.in/ 2he .eys 4i2h yo05 Yo0 2hen h0,,y -a7. 2o 2he s2,on/ doo,5
<*%
FF - Diamond
Ci2hd,a4in/ yo0, mind +,om 2he ,a2 yo0 s2and and 6ee, ea/e,ly 2h,o0/h 2he
-a,,ed 4indo45 B02 i2 is 2oo da,. +o, yo0 and yo0 7an see no2hin/5 In any 7ase 2he ,a2
is 2,a66ed 2he,e 0nless yo0 ha1e some2hin/ yo0 7an lo4e, 2h,o0/h 2he -a,s5
I+ yo0 ha1e a ,o6e3 20,n 2o 380
I+ no23 yo0 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o lea1e 2he ,a2 -ehind and lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s5 T0,n 2o
383
800
Yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ o1e, one o+ 2he sla-s3 and hea, 2he demon 7,ash in2o 2he s2one
as yo0 ,oll o++ and on2o yo0, +ee25 As 2he demon s2a//e,s yo0 lea6 +o,4a,d and o6en
i2s 2h,oa2 4i2h yo0, 4ea6on5 I2 e86i,es 4i2h a /as6 and 7olla6ses o02 o+ si/h2 as 2he
se7ond demon 7omes a2 yo05 Yo0 6la7e a sla- -e24een yo0 and i2 and /i1e i2 no
7han7e 2o 7ha,/e5 Ca,e+0lly yo0 s2e6 a,o0nd 2he sla- and +i/h2 2he demon5
The demon +i/h2s 4i2h a hoo. so 2ha2 i2 7an 60ll o66onen2s on2o i2s s6i.ed a,mo0,5
I+ 2he demon 4ins an a22a7. ,o0nd3 i2 mana/es 2o hoo. yo0 and 60lls yo0 on2o i2s
a,mo0,3 6oisonin/ yo05
RDEMON GUARD SKI&& ( STAMINA = DB * ARMOUR #
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 8+5
As soon as 2he demon 4ins an a22a7. ,o0nd3 20,n 2o 840
80+
Yo0 hold 2he -oo. and -e/in 2o in7an2 2he in7an2a2ion5 As yo0 ,e6ea2 2he 4o,ds3
yo0 +eel yo0, -ody 1i-,a2in/ 4i2h in7,easin/ s2,en/2h3 2hen 2he 4hole ,oom seems 2o
-e sha.in/ as 2he ai, a-o1e 2he 6en2a/,am +ills 4i2h li/h25 E1en20ally a +i/0,e a66ea,s
amids2 2he li/h2 and all -e7omes s2ill on7e mo,e5 S2andin/ in 2he middle o+ 2he
6en2a/,am is a 4a,,io, 7lad in /olden a,mo0, 2ha2 is 7o1e,ed in /lo4in/ -l0e eyes
made o+ sa66hi,e and la6is laK0li5 A 7loa. o+ 4hi2e 6ea7o7. +ea2he,s han/s +,om his
sho0lde,s and he 7a,,ies a -la7. ,od5 His helm is se2 4i2h sa66hi,e 4in/s and -,i/h2
-l0e eyes 6ee, o02 a2 yo0 +,om a da,.-s.inned +a7e 4i2h lon/ 4hi2e mo0s2a7hes5
LChy ha1e yo0 s0mmoned me3 mo,2alON he as.s in a dee63 smoo2h 1oi7e5
Yo0 s2,ai/h2en yo0,sel+ 06 2o ma27h his 6os20,e and s6ea.3 yo0, o4n 1oi7e
so0ndin/ hi/h and >a//ed5 LThis is 2he 6ala7e o+ a .in/ 4ho has 20,ned 2o so,7e,y3
see.in/ 2o e82end his li+e -y 0nna20,al means5 He also .ee6s 7a62i1e a 6,ies2ess o+ 2he
Chi2e Goddess5 I 4an2 2o ,es70e he, and 1an90ish 2he e1il Kin/MN
LCell s6o.en3 4a,,io,MN 2he Hea1enly G0a,d says 4i2h a nod o+ a66,o1al5 LI 7an
see yo0, 7o0,a/e5 The,e is li22le I 7an do 2o aid yo03 -02 2his I do5N He 4a1es his ,od3
and yo0 +eel a 2in/le5 Yo0, initial SKI&&3 STAMINA and &UCK a,e all in7,eased -y
: and 2he current 1al0es ele1a2ed 2o 2hese ne4 initial le1els5
Be+o,e yo0 7an 2han. 2he 4a,,io,3 he disa66ea,s5 The o++e,in/ is /one and 2he
sil1e, d0s2 o+ 2he 6en2a/,am is no4 -la7.5 Ha66y 4i2h yo0, ma/i7al e86e,imen23 yo0
20,n yo0, a22en2ion 2o a sea,7h o+ 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 878
<*'
FF - Diamond
801
Yo0 slay 2he demon and i2 7olla6ses -a7.3 i2s ma4 sh,in.in/ as i2 sl0m6s 2o 2he
+loo,5 I2s -ody 2,ans+o,ms in2o mis2 2ha2 20,ns -la7.3 1anishin/ in2o 2he da,.ness5 Yo0
+eel 2,i0m6han2 a+2e, ha1in/ -ea2en s07h a di++i70l2 o66onen25 Yo0 may ,es2o,e yo0,
l07. 2o i2s ini2ial le1el5
Yo0 7an no4 lea1e 2he 2,eas0,y and 2he 1a7an2 90a,2e,s and ,e20,n 2o 2he 7o,,ido, -y
20,nin/ 2o 383
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he 60,6le 6o2ion +,om 2he s4o,d--o83 20,n 2o
841
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he -lood-,ed 6o2ion +,om 2he 4ol+--o83 20,n
2o 816
803
Readyin/ yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 s2e6 in2o 2he 6en2a7le 2o do -a22le 4i2h 2he 0ni7o,n5
As soon as yo0 s2e6 o1e, 2he sil1e, d0s23 yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in ano2he, 4o,ld5 Rollin/
6lains o+ 6ale /,een /,ass s0,,o0nd yo03 -l0e mo0n2ains in 2he dis2an7e5 The s.y
a-o1e is a 6ale 6in. 7olo0,3 and 2he 7lo0ds a,e li/h2 60,6le5 The 2h,ee s0ns a,e so+2
and m02ed3 and 2he,e a,e +lo4e,s and -022e,+lies e1e,y4he,e5
B02 yo0 7a,e no2 +o, 2he s7ene,y and 7ha,/e a2 2he 0ni7o,n5 The 0ni7o,n?s ho,n is
ma/i7al and 4ill 6ene2,a2e yo0, a,mo0, li.e 6a6e,5 Fo, 2his -a22le3 any a,mo0, yo0
a,e 4ea,in/ is 0seless5 Fo, ea7h a22a7. ,o0nd 2ha2 yo0 lose3 yo0, a,mo0, 6e,manen2ly
s0++e,s one 6oin2 o+ dama/e d0e 2o 2he hole 2ha2 is 602 in i25 On7e yo0, a,mo0, is
,ed07ed 2o Ke,o i2 is so holey 2ha2 i2 is 0seless +o, o2he, en7o0n2e,s as 4ell5 This
a66lies 2o any a,mo0,5 Yo0 7anno2 es7a6e +,om 2his -a22le as yo0 a,e 2,a66ed in 2his
6lane 0n2il 2he 0ni7o,n is dead5
UNICORN SKI&& E STAMINA <* DB )* ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 4+3
I+ yo0 lose3 20,n 2o 484
807
Goin/ 2o 2he 2a-le yo0 si2 do4n and -e/in 2o ea2 2he s2e4 and 2ea, o++ mo02h+0ls o+
-,ead5 T,a1ellin/ 4i2h Kianmay3 yo0 ha1en?2 ea2en mea2 +o, 4ee.s and 2he s2in. o+ i2
602s yo0 o++ sli/h2ly3 -02 yo0 +ill yo0, -elly and +eel s2,on/e, a+2e,4a,ds5 Yo0 2han.
2he 4oman and s2and 2o lea1e5
She smiles and s2ands 06 4i2h yo05 He, -eha1io0, seems 1e,y di++e,en23 and yo0
eye he, 7a02io0sly5 She +ollo4s yo0 as yo0 lea1e 2he 2o4e, and 7,oss 2he 7o0,2ya,d 2o
2he 7i2adel 4all5 Yo0 /o o02 2h,o0/h 2he /a2e and in2o 2he +o,e7o0,25 S2a,in/ o02
a7,oss 2he la.e3 yo0 see 2ha2 some2hin/ is 4,on/5 The -,id/e has /one3 and yo0
7anno2 see 2he o2he, sho,e5 Yo0 loo. in all di,e72ions5 I2 is as i+ 2he 7i2adel ,ises +,om
an o7ean o+ la1a5
The 4oman 7omes 06 -esides yo0 and smiles5 LYo0 seeO The,e is no2hin/ else
+o, 0s5 Come -a7. inside no45N
<*(
FF - Diamond
She 2,ies 2o 2a.e yo0, hand3 -02 yo0 60ll a4ay5 LCha2 did yo0 doON yo0 demand5
She sh,0/s5 LI >0s2 /a1e yo0 +ood5 No4 yo0 a,e 2,a66ed he,e 2oo5 B02 4e 7an
.ee6 ea7h o2he, 7om6any5N
Yo0 a,e +0,io0s3 -02 2he,e is no2hin/ yo0 7an do5 Yo0 ha1e ea2en +ood in hell3 and
2h0s -o0nd yo0,sel+ 2o 2his 6lane5 Yo0 4ill ,emain he,e 0n2il yo0, so0l has ,e6aid i2s
de-2s5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
808
Sin7e i2 4o,.ed on 2he doo,3 yo0 6,ess 2he /old ,in/ a/ains2 2he -o85 A 7,a7.
a66ea,s a,o0nd 2he ed/e o+ 2he -o8 so 2ha2 i2 has a lid5 Yo0 a,e a-le 2o li+2 2he lid and
inside yo0 +ind a shea+ o+ 6a6e,s5 Yo0 o6en 2hem 06 and -e/in 2o ,ead 2hem5 They
20,n o02 2o -e a 7o,,es6onden7e -e24een 2he Royal So,7e,e,3 4hose 90a,2e,s yo0 a,e
in3 and ano2he, ma/i7-0se,5 They a,e dis70ssin/ 2he Kin/3 no do0-2 4hy 2he so,7e,e,
7hose 2o hide 2he le22e,s5 E1en 2ho0/h yo0 only ha1e on7e side o+ 2he dis70ssion3 yo0
lea,n 2ha2 2he Kin/?s des7en2 in2o e1il has 7a0sed a /,ea2 deal o+ 7on7e,n and
,esen2men25 The Kin/ has -e7ome mo,e 6o4e,+0l 2han his o4n so,7e,e,3 4ho on7e
2a0/h2 him 2he -asi7s o+ ma/i75 The ,es0l2 has -een 2ha2 2he so,7e,e, has -een /i1en
in7,easin/ly menial 2as.s 2o do3 and is en1io0s o+ 2he 6o4e, 2ha2 2he .in/ has /ained5
The so,7e,e, has al4ays -een 7a02io0s in his s20dy3 as all 4ise men a,e in ma22e,s o+
ma/i75 B02 Kin/ Da,m has s20died and e86e,imen2ed 4i2h ma/i7 4i2h a des6e,a2ion
and ,e7.lessness 2ha2 has -,o0/h2 him /,ea2 6o4e,3 -02 6ossi-ly made him some2hin/
less 2han h0man5
The so,7e,e, also men2ions 2ha2 2he Kin/ has 7,ea2ed a s6e7ial 7ham-e, in 4hi7h is
some2hin/ 7alled a JCi,7le o+ Realms?3 4hi7h 7an -e 0sed 2o /ain /,ea2e, 6o4e,5 I2 is
a se7,e2 7ham-e,3 -02 2he so,7e,e, ,e1eals 2ha2 he has dis7o1e,ed 2he en2,an7e5 I2 is
hidden -ehind a 6ain2in/ in Da,m?s s20dy5 To o6en 2he se7,e2 doo,3 yo0 >0s2 need 2o
6,ess on 2he se,6en2 !UEEN in 2he 6ain2in/5
Yo0 also ,ead 2ha2 Da,m has a 4i+e 4ho is also a 6o4e,+0l ma/i7-0se,5 B02 she
no4 +ea,s and ha2es he, h0s-and5 Yo0 ma.e no2e o+ 2he in+o,ma2ion3 and ,e6la7e 2he
le22e,s in 2he -o85
Yo0, sea,7h 2he ,es2 o+ 2he ,oom3 -02 +ind no2hin/ o+ in2e,es25 &ea1in/ 2he
-ed7ham-e,3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o 2he en2,an7e hall and 7onside, yo0, o62ions
To 2a.e 2he 2,ee a,7h3 20,n 2o 715
To 2a.e 2he ,0ne a,7h3 20,n 2o 860
I+ yo0 ha1e +inished he,e and 4an2 2o lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s3 20,n 2o 776
804
Yo0 ma.e a /,a- +o, 2he 1i6e,s 2ail and seiKe i25 !0i7.ly >e,.in/ 2he sna.e so i2
7an?2 -i2e yo03 yo0 ma.e 2o 2h,o4 i2 4hen s0ddenly i2 7han/es in yo0, hand5 Yo0 a,e
no4 holdin/ a lon/s4o,d3 i2s /olden hil2 de7o,a2ed 4i2h se,6en2s and ,0-ies5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Red Se,6en2 S4o,d &on/s4o,d %
<*E
FF - Diamond
The s4o,d has a ma/i7al 1enom 4i2hin i23 4hi7h 4ill .ill any o66onen2 a+2e, <
,o0nds on7e yo0 s7o,e a hi25 Yo0 may 2a.e 2he s4o,d i+ yo0 4ish5 Yo0 2hen -e/in
2he 2as. o+ 60shin/ 2he -odies o++ 2he sla-s5
T0,n 2o 742
806
Yo0 loo. o1e, 2he 2i2les3 +indin/ no2hin/ o+ /,ea2 in2e,es25 The,e a,e so many
-oo.s he,e 2ha2 yo0 7an?2 a++o,d 2o loo. a2 any2hin/ 2ha2 isn?2 /oin/ 2o hel6 yo0 in 2he
he,e and no45
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a ma/i7al sil1e, /a0n2le2 and 4an2 2o 2,y and +ind o02 4ha2 i2 is
he,e3 20,n 2o 65+
I+ yo0 ha1e -een >oined 2o a se,6en2 4oman and 4an2 2o .no4 4ha2 2his means3 20,n
2o 673
O2he,4ise yo0 4ill ha1e 2o loo. a2 some2hin/ else;
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
O,3 /o -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he s20dy and in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
805
Ma.in/ yo0, 4ay no,2h3 yo0 2,0d/e a7,oss 2he 6lain o+ /,ey d0s2 and -la7. ash
0n2il yo0 7ome 2o 2he ed/e o+ 2he ma/ma la.e5 The hea2 is o66,essi1e and yo0 7anno2
/e2 2oo 7lose5 Yo0 see a na,,o4 -,id/e 7,ossin/ o1e, 2he la1a 2o 2he 7i2adel3 -02 i2 is
no2 6a,2i70la,ly hi/h3 and i2 4a1e,s -e+o,e yo0, eyes 2he ho2 ai, +lo4s a,o0nd i25
Yo0 2,y 2o a66,oa7h3 -02 +ind 2he hea2 is 2oo in2ense5
Do yo0 ha1e a 7old 7,ys2al 4i2h yo0O I+ so3 20,n 2o 874
O2he,4ise yo0 4ill ha1e 2o ma.e yo0, 4ay else4he,e;
To /o 2o 2he 1illa/e3 20,n 2o 830,
To /o 2o 2he R0ined 7i2y3 20,n 2o 86+
To /o all 2he 4ay 2o 2he da,. +o,es23 20,n 2o 886
8+2
Yo0 >e,. yo0,sel+ 064a,ds as 2he a,,o4s smash in2o 2he 4all a,o0nd yo03 some
2oo 7lose +o, 7om+o,25 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he 4indo4 and 60ll yo0,sel+ 2h,o0/h3 d0m6in/
yo0,sel+ on 2he +loo, -eyond3 heedless o+ 2he dan/e,s 4i2hin5
<)*
FF - Diamond
Yo0 90i7.ly 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee23 ,eady 2o mee2 4ha2e1e, is 4i2hin3 -02 no2hin/ is
immedia2ely ,0shin/ a2 yo05 Yo0 ,ela8 and loo. a,o0nd5
T0,n 2o 511
8+0
"022in/ yo0, 4ea6on a4ay3 yo0 s2e6 06 in2o 2he 7,ea20,e?s mo02h5 Ci2h a /0l6
yo0 a,e s0ddenly s4allo4ed5 Yo0 +all do4n in2o da,.ness3 -02 2hen yo0 see a 1as2
o7ean o+ li/h2 -elo4 yo0 and yo0 6l0n/e s2,ai/h2 in2o i25 Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ ,ollin/
a7,oss 2he /,o0nd and on7e yo0 s2o63 yo0 si2 06 and loo. a,o0nd5
As +a, as yo0 7an 2ell yo0 a,e -a7. in yo0, 4o,ld3 -02 yo0 do no2 ,e7o/nise 2he
land a,o0nd yo05 In 2ime yo0 4ill lea,n 2ha2 yo0 ha1e -een d0m6ed on a dis2an2
island h0nd,eds o+ yea,s in2o 2he +020,e5 Kin/ Da,m and Kianmay a,e lon/ dead and
so;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
8++
Dea2h +eels odd5 As yo0 shi+2 a-o02 in 2he da,.ness3 yo0 -e7ome a4a,e o+ a li/h2
a-o1e yo03 as i+ yo0 a,e in 2he m0,.y de62hs o+ a la.e5 Yo0 no lon/e, seem 2o ha1e a
-ody3 -02 yo0 a,e a-le 2o 4ill yo0,sel+ 064a,ds and yo0 see 2he li/h2 /e22in/ 7lose,
and 7lose,5 Soon yo0 -,ea. 2he s0,+a7eI
Iyo0 o6en yo0, eyes and +ind yo0,sel+ lyin/ on some2hin/ ha,d -enea2h a
7,a7.ed s2one 7eilin/ hi/h a-o1e5 &i+2in/ yo0, hea1y head3 yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in a
massi1e hall3 +0ll o+ ,o4s o+ s2one sla-s3 on 4hi7h a,e s2,e27hed o02 2he +o,ms o+ all
.inds o+ 6eo6le3 mos2ly 4a,,io,s o, so,7e,e,s5 B02 he,e and 2he,e is 2he -ody o+ a
se,1in/ 4oman o, a 7hild5
Yo0 +eel 1e,y 4ea.3 as i+ 2he s2one sla- is s07.in/ yo0, ene,/y +,om yo05 Des6i2e
yo0, a4a,eness3 yo0 7an +eel yo0,sel+ sli66in/ -a7. in2o da,.ness3 so yo0 /a2he, yo0,
ene,/ies and 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ o++ 2he sla-3 7,ashin/ 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0 +all lo0dly and
6ain+0lly3 -02 ha1e a2 leas2 +,eed yo0,sel+ +,om 2he ma/i7al +o,7e d,ainin/ yo0,
ene,/y5 Yo0 -,ie+ly +all aslee6 a/ain3 and 4hen yo0 a4a.e3 yo0 a,e m07h s2,on/e,5
S2andin/ 063 yo0 7he7. yo0, e90i6men2 and +ind yo0 ha1e e1e,y2hin/ yo0 had in
li+e5 Yo0 a,e s.ill 4ea.ened @Hal1e 2he current le1els o+ yo0, SKI&&3 STAMINA
and &UCKA3 and 4ea,ily 2,0d/e 2o4a,ds 2he a,7hed e8i2 yo0 see a7,oss 2he massi1e
hall5
Do yo0 4an2 2o e8amine 2he -odies on 2he sla-s3 o, sea,7h 2hem +o, 0se+0l i2emsO I+
so3 20,n 2o 778
I+ yo0 4an2 2o es7a6e 4hile yo0 7an and 2,y and +ind a 4ay 2o ,e6lenish yo0, s2,en/2h3
20,n 2o 844
8+1
<))
FF - Diamond
LHmm3 6,edi72a-le3N 2he demon m0ses5 LMany as. +o, s07h 6,o4ess3 ye2 a,e yo0
4ise eno0/h 2o 4ield s07h 6o4e,O "e,ha6s I shall 2es2 yo05 Tell me 2his; Cha2 7an
yo0 -,ea.3 me,ely -y s6ea.in/ i2s nameON
To ans4e, 2his 90es2ion3 0se 2he al6han0me,i7 7ode -elo4 2o assi/n a n0m-e, 2o ea7h
le22e, o+ 2he sin/le 4o,d ans4e,5 Add 06 2hese n0m-e,s and m0l2i6ly 2he ,es0l2 -y ))
2o o-2ain 2he 6assa/e n0m-e,5
a * c d e f g h i 9 k l m
) < = # % ' ( E )* )) ) )<
n o p : r s t u ; . < y =
)= )# )% )' )( )E * ) < = # %
I+ yo0 don?2 .no4 2he ans4e, o, 2he 6assa/e yo0 20,n 2o ma.es no sense3 20,n 2o 487
I+ yo0 didn?2 0se 2he /olden a66le +o, 2he s0mmonin/ and 4o0ld li.e 2o o++e, i2 2o 2he
demon no4 in e87han/e +o, in7,eased 6,o4ess3 20,n 2o 401
8+3
Yo0 -a7. yo0,sel+ in2o a 7o,ne,3 and 6,e6a,e 2o +i/h2 2he demons5 They a66,oa7h3
/,innin/ -,oadly5 They d,a4 nea, and 702 o++ all ,e2,ea25 Yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 yo0 ha1e
made a mis2a.e5 D,o66in/ 2hei, hoo.s3 2he 24o demons 7ha,/e +o,4a,d and 2h,o4
2hemsel1es a2 yo03 2he 6oisoned s6i.es on 2hei, a,mo0, s2i7.in/ in2o yo05 Yo0 s2,i.e
a2 2hem as 2hey -a,,el in3 -02 yo0 a,e 7,0shed a/ains2 2he 4all3 s6i.es im6alin/ yo0,
+a7e and hands5
The 6oison is 6o2en25
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2 o, a,e 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 866
O2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
8+7
"ee.in/ 2h,o0/h 2he 70,2ain3 yo0 see a 2iled ,oom 4i2h doo,s in ea7h o+ 2he o2he,
2h,ee 4alls5 Ta-les si2 in 2he 7o,ne,s 4i2h 1ases o+ +lo4e,s and s2a20es3 and sil.
6ain2in/s han/ on 2he 4alls3 -02 2he,e a66ea,s 2o -e no +0n72ion 2o 2he ,oom5 Yo0 sli6
inside and /o +i,s2 2o 2he doo, 2o yo0, le+25 I2 is a 4a2e, 7lose23 and yo0 7lose 2he doo,
4i2ho02 in2e,es25 The doo, s2,ai/h2 ahead ,e1eals a -a2hin/ 7ham-e,5 In 2he 7o,ne,s
s2and s2a20es o+ na.ed 4omen3 7a,1ed o+ some solid ma2e,ial and 6ain2ed in li+e li.e
7olo0,s5 B02 2hey loo. s2e,ile and li+eless 2o yo0, eye3 and a li22le 7,0de5 The -a2h20-
is sil1e, and ma,.ed 4i2h ma/i7al ,0nes5 The,e is no2hin/ o+ in2e,es2 he,e3 so yo0
de6a,25
The ,emainin/ doo, leads 2o a -ed7ham-e,5 An eno,mo0s +o0, 6os2ed -ed 4i2h a
1e,milion and /old 7ano6y si2s on a dais in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom3 7o1e,ed 4i2h a
1e,milion and /old sil.en 7o1e,5 On7e mo,e 2he,e a,e 7,0de h0man +i/0,es o+ 4omen
in 2he 7o,ne,s3 -02 he,e 7lad in sil.en3 la7y ,o-es5 The,e a,e also 7a-ine2s and 7hes2s
in 2he ,oom and yo0 ma.e a sea,7h3 +indin/ 7lo2hes and shoes and o2he, 6e,sonal
<)
FF - Diamond
e++e72s5 In 2he -o22om o+ one 7hes2 yo0 +ind a small -o85 I2 a66ea,s 2o -e a solid -lo7.
o+ 4ood inlaid 4i2h i1o,y3 -02 4hen yo0 sha.e i2 yo0 7an +eel and hea, 2hin/s mo1in/
a-o02 inside5
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a /olden ,in/3 20,n 2o 808
I+ yo0 a,e no23 20,n 2o 867
8+8
Se22in/ yo0, li22le 6a4s on 2he ed/e o+ 2he dish3 yo0 6i7. 06 a +e4 /,an0les 4i2h
yo0, 2on/0e and /i1e 2hem a m0n7h5 I2 +eels li.e yo0 a,e ea2in/ di,23 -02 yo0 +o,7e
do4n a +e4 mo02h+0ls5
The ne82 momen2 yo0 +eel some2hin/ 7h0,nin/ in 2he -elly o+ 2he ,a2 and i2 s2a,2s
2o e86and5 The -ody o+ 2he ,a2 s4ells 2o a 6ain+0l limi23 2hen yo0 e86e,ien7e 2he odd
sensa2ion o+ e86lodin/5
Yo0 a,e d0m6ed -a7. in2o yo0, o4n -ody 4i2h a sho7.5 Sha.in/ yo0, head3 yo0
,es2 +o, a momen23 2hen s2and 065 Yo0 no4 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o lea1e5
T0,n 2o 383
8+4
Realisin/ yo0 a,e 10lne,a-le3 yo0 de7ide 2o 0se 2he /a0n2le25 Remem-e,in/ 2he
e82en2 o+ 2he des2,072ion 0nleashed 2he las2 2ime yo0 0sed i23 yo0 sho02 +o, Kianmay 2o
/e2 o02 o+ 2he 4ay as yo0 7on7en2,a2e on ,ea7hin/ +o, 2he 6o4e, 4i2hin 2he ea,2h5
Kianmay does as yo0 as.3 4hile Da,m s2a,2s 2o 4a1e his hands and 7han2 4o,ds o+
6o4e,5
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5
I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 738
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 661
8+6
Yo0 7,ash in2o 2,ee a+2e, 2,ee3 -02 2he a22a7. on yo0 seems only 2o in2ensi+y5
Finally yo0 7an ,0n no mo,e and +all 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 2h,ash +ee-le as 2he da,.ness
/,o4s so 2hi7. i2 is solid3 6innin/ yo0 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Soon yo0 7anno2 e1en mo1e as a
million a1en/in/ s6i,i2s +eed on yo05
The 2o,men2 7on2in0es +o, so lon/ yo0 lose all sense o+ 2ime5 B02 +inally yo0
a4a.e and 2he da,.ness is /one5 Yo0 li+2 yo0, a,m and see 2ha2 yo0, hand is 4hole
and 0nha,med5 Si22in/ 06 yo0 loo. a,o0nd and see 2ha2 2he +o,es2 is /one5 Sh0dde,in/
a2 2he memo,y o+ 2he 2o,men2 yo0 s2and3 +eelin/ oddly +,ee,5 Yo0 ha1e a2oned +o,
some e1il and yo0, hea,2 is li/h2e,5 Yo0 may in7,ease yo0 initial &UCK -y < and
-,in/ yo0, current &UCK 2o 2his ne4 le1el5
B02 yo0, o,deal has no2 le+2 yo0 0ns7a2hed5 Red07e yo0, initial SKI&& and
STAMINA -y 6oin2s5 Yo0 may ,es2o,e yo0, current s2a2is2i7s 2o 2hese ne4 le1els5
<)<
FF - Diamond
S2andin/ 063 yo0 see 2ha2 2he ,0ined 7i2y is s2ill 2he,e3 as is 2he 1illa/e and 2he
7i2adel5 Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /o no4O
The R0ined 7i2yO T0,n 2o 86+
The 7i2adelO T0,n 2o 805
The 1illa/eO T0,n 2o 830
8+5
The se7ond demon +alls dead 2o 2he +loo,5 The s6i.ed a,mo0, is 2oo -i/ +o, yo0 2o
4ea,3 and yo0 ,e/a,d 2hei, hoo.s d0-io0sly5 B02 yo0 +ind in 2he -el2 6o07h o+ one a
-o22le o+ 6oison@<A5
Yo0 ,es0me 60shin/ 2he -odies o++ 2he sla-s and on7e i2 is done3 6,o7eed 2h,o0/h
2he a,7h4ay5 Yo0 6ass -y some mino, ,ooms and 6assa/es -e+o,e 7omin/ 2o a se2 o+
/olden doo,s 4hi7h yo0 2h,0s2 o6en and ma,7h 2h,o0/h in2o 2he inne, san720m o+ 2he
2em6le5
T0,n 2o 7+8
812
Yo0 /i1e 2he doo, an e86e,imen2al sho1e5 I2 does no2 -0d/e3 -02 as 2he /olden
,in/ 7omes in 7on2a72 4i2h 2he doo,3 yo0 +eel i2 1i-,a2e3 and yo0 hea, a se,ies o+ 7li7.s
7omin/ +,om 2he o66osi2e side o+ 2he doo,5 To yo0, deli/h23 2he doo, s4in/s silen2ly
in4a,ds3 ,e1ealin/ a small en2,an7e hall5
T0,n 2o 872
810
Yo0 +eel 2he ma/i7al 6o4e, s0,/e 06 +,om dee6 in 2he ea,2h and +lo4 in2o yo0,
-ody5 B02 ,a2he, 2han shoo2 do4n yo0, a,m3 yo0 +eel i2 s2a,2 2o s6i,al inside yo03
/,o4in/ la,/e, and -,i/h2e, as i2 d,a4s 06 mo,e ene,/y +,om -elo45 Yo0 +eel 2he
6o4e, /,o4 2o a 6ea.3 and 4i2h a sho02 yo0 +lin/ yo0, a,m 2o4a,ds Da,m3 ,eleasin/
2he ene,/y 4i2h a -0,s2 o+ li/h25 I2 ,oa,s 2h,o0/h 2he ai, in a -,i/h2 lan7e5 Da,m 4a1es
his hands in some .ind o+ de+ensi1e ma/i73 -02 2he snee, on his +a7e only las2s +o, a
momen23 as 2he ho2 shinin/ lan7e 6ie,7es 2h,o0/h his de+en7es and s2,i.es him5
The Kin/ is -las2ed -a7.3 s2,i.in/ his 2h,one and +allin/ 2o 2he /,o0nd 4i2h his
,o-es 6a,2ially on +i,e5 Be+o,e yo0 7an 7ha,/e +o,4a,d3 his head sna6s 06 and he
loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h a -ale+0l /la,e5 He s2a//e,s 2o his +ee23 o-1io0sly in /,ea2 6ain3 and
-e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ell -a7. a2 yo05
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
I+ no23 20,n 2o 540
<)=
FF - Diamond
81+
Yo0 a66,oa7h 2he /olden doo,s and +indin/ 2hem 0nlo7.ed3 sho1e 2hem o6en5
Yo0 -0,s2 in2o 2he inne, san720m and see a ho,,i-ly +a2 ho,ned demon ,es2in/ in a
la,/e /olden -a2h20- 2ha2 is a h0nd,ed +ee2 a7,oss5 I2s +olds and e86anse o+ +a2 a,e
eno0/h 2o almos2 +ill 2he 20- 2o 2he ed/e3 4hile a2o6 2he mo0n2ain o+ -l0--e, is a head
no la,/e, 2han yo0, o4n3 al2ho0/h i2 s6o,2s 24o lon/ ho,ns5
Small 60,6le-s.inned demons 4i2h si8 la1ende,-7olo0,ed eyes ladle ho2 s2eamin/
4a2e, o1e, 2he +leshy -0l.5 The +a2 demon /,ins a2 yo03 i2s 2oo2h-+illed smile
s2,e27hin/ i2s +a7e 2o 0nea,2hly 6,o6o,2ions5 I2 ,aises one 2hin3 s6ide,y a,m and +,om
his +in/e,2i6s a,7s a li/h2nin/ -ol25 I2 smashes in2o yo0 and 7as2s yo0 -a7. a/ains2 2he
4all 4i2h /,ea2 +o,7e5
Yo0 +all daKed 2o 2he +loo,5 Chile yo0 a,e s20nned3 2he demons 7a,,y yo0 -a7. 2o
yo0, sla-5 This 2ime yo0 do no2 ,e7o1e,5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
811
Ta.in/ yo0, ,o6e +,om yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 +eed one end 2h,o0/h 2he na,,o4 -a,s3 0n2il
yo0 +eel i2 7oilin/ on 2he +loo, on 2he o2he, side o+ 2he doo,5 Si22in/ do4n3 yo0 hold
2he o2he, end in yo0, hand and on7e mo,e en2e, 2he mind o+ 2he ,a25 Ci2h i2s eyes yo0
s6y 2he ,o6e and -e/in 2o 7lim-5 Yo0 7lam-e, 06 2he ,o6e and 2h,o0/h 2he -a,s and
ha1e 2he odd e86e,ien7e o+ loo.in/ a2 yo0,sel+ in 2ones o+ /,ey5 Yo0 4i2hd,a4 +,om
2he ,a2?s mind and 7olle72 i23 6la7in/ i2 -a7. in i2s >a,5
Cha2e1e, 2,eas0,e 7o0ld ha1e aided yo0 4ill ha1e 2o +o,/e2 and yo0 20,n a4ay
+,om 2he s2,on/ doo, and ,e20,n 2o 2he hall4ay5
T0,n 2o 383
813
Ta.in/ o02 2he /lass ,in/3 yo0 sli6 i2 on2o yo0, +in/e, and 7on+iden2ly s2e6
+o,4a,d5 As yo0 s2a,2 2o 6ass 2h,o0/h 2he doo,3 yo0 +eel some2hin/ 6,essin/ -a7.
a/ains2 yo05 As yo0 60sh ha,de, yo0 +eel li.e yo0 a,e 60shin/ a/ains2 a ne25 The
ma/i7al 7o,ds a/ains2 yo0 s2a,2 2o h0m and yo0 +eel a dan/e,o0s ene,/y s2a,2 2o -0ild5
Des6e,a2ely yo0 2,y 2o 60ll -a7.3 -02 2he 7o,ds seem s207. 2o yo03 as i+ yo0 ha1e
6l0n/ed in2o a s6ide,?s 4e-5
<)#
FF - Diamond
All 2oo soon yo0 a,e +,ee as a -las2 o+ ho2 ene,/y s0,/es alon/ 2he 7o,ds and in2o
yo0, -ody5 Yo0 a,e 2h,o4n a7,oss 2he hall and slam in2o 2he o66osi2e doo,3 -e+o,e
+lo66in/ 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 lie 2he,e 7on10lsin/3 yo0, en2i,e -ody +illed 4i2h a7hin/
6ain3 da,.ness 2h,ea2enin/ 2o en/0l+ yo0, mind5
Yo0 ha1e los2 ) 6oin2s o+ STAMINA5
I+ yo0 a,e s2ill ali1e3 20,n 2o 851
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
817
Yo0 ,ea7h o02 and li+2 2he lid o+ 2he -o85 Yo0 ,ea7h inside and /,a- 4ha2 is 4i2hin
and 60ll i2 o023 -e+o,e 7losin/ 2he lid and s2e66in/ -a7. in2o 2he 7o,ne,5 Yo0 6ee.
2h,o0/h 2he /a6s a2 2he 4o,.in/ men5 They 7on2in0e 2hei, 4o,.3 and so yo0 6a0se 2o
e8amine 2he o->e72 7a,e+0lly5
I2 is a 2a-le2 made o+ >ade3 on 4hi7h 2he,e a,e lis2s o+ names and n0m-e,s5 No4 i2
is 2ime 2o lea1e5 I2 4ill -e >0s2 as ,is.y lea1in/ as i2 4as a,,i1in/I
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 87+
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 865
818
Yo0 mana/e 2o di1e -e24een 2he 2h,eads as 2hey s4ish 2h,o0/h 2he ai, a,o0nd yo05
Yo0 ,oll 2o yo0, +ee23 4ea6ons ,eady5 The 90een 4a1es he, hands and dismisses 2he
2h,eads5 He, eyes s6a,.le5 She is en>oyin/ 2his /ame immensely5 She 4a1es he,
hands on7e mo,e and sho02s 6o4e,+0l 4o,ds as yo0 7ha,/e 2o4a,ds he,5
S0ddenly 2he +loo, -enea2h yo0 -e7omes li.e li90id5 Yo0 6l0n/e in2o i23 no2i7in/
2ha2 2he +0,ni20,e 7on2in0es 2o s2and on 2he +loo, as i+ i2 is solid5 Yo0 2h,ash a-o02 as
2he 2hi7. li90id s07.s yo0 +0,2he, inside5 Yo0 /,as6 a 7hai, le/ and des6e,a2ely 2,y 2o
60ll yo0,sel+ 06 o02 o+ 2he on7e-+loo,I
Tes2 yo0, STAMINA5 I+ yo0 a,e s2,on/3 20,n 2o 466
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea.3 20,n 2o 600
814
Re7o1e,in/ +,om 2he 6oison3 yo0 de7ide i2 is 2oo dan/e,o0s 2o +a7e 2he demons o02
in 2he o6en so yo0 ma.e a des6e,a2e dash +o, 2he a,7h4ay5
T0,n 2o 842
816
<)%
FF - Diamond
O6enin/ 2he -o22le3 yo0 /i1e 2he -lood-,ed li90id a sni++5 I2 smells li.e -lood5
&oo.in/ a2 2he 4ol+ on 2he lid o+ 2he -o8 yo0 4onde, i+ 2his is 4ol+?s -lood5
I+ yo0 ,eally 4an2 2o d,in. 2his3 20,n 2o 877
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he 60,6le 6o2ion in 2he s4o,d--o83 20,n 2o
841
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o smash o6en 2he 1ase3 20,n 2o 700
815
Raisin/ yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 hold i2 a2 2he 2h,oa2 o+ 2he demon5 LDo yo0 2hin. I am a
+oolO The 7,o4 2old me a-o02 yo0M S4ea, 2ha2 yo0 4ill send me -a7. 2o 2he same
2ime and 6la7e as 4hen yo0 a2e meMN
The demon s2a,2s 2o 7,y5 LI?m so,,y3 mas2e,3 I?m so,,yM I 6,omise I 4ill send yo0
-a7. 2o 2he same 2ime and 2he same 6la7e 4he,e I s4allo4ed yo05 I 6,omiseM I s4ea,
i2 -y 2he C,o4 s6i,i2MN
The demon o6ens his mo02h on7e mo,e and 2his 2ime yo0 en2e, 4i2h 7on+iden7e5
Ci2h a /0l6 yo0 a,e s0ddenly s4allo4ed5 Yo0 +all do4n in2o da,.ness3 -02 2hen yo0
see a 1as2 o7ean o+ li/h2 -elo4 yo0 and yo0 6l0n/e s2,ai/h2 in2o i25 Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+
,ollin/ a7,oss 2he +loo, and on7e yo0 s2o63 yo0 si2 06 and loo. a,o0nd5
Yo0 a,e on 2he +loo, o+ 2he 2,eas0,y 4he,e yo0 +i,s2 en7o0n2e,ed 2he demon5
S2andin/3 yo0 -,ea2he a si/h o+ ,elie+ and 7onside, yo0, o62ions5
Yo0 7an no4 lea1e 2he 2,eas0,y and 2he 1a7an2 90a,2e,s and ,e20,n 2o 2he 7o,,ido, -y
20,nin/ 2o 383
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he 60,6le 6o2ion +,om 2he s4o,d--o83 20,n 2o
841
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he -lood-,ed 6o2ion +,om 2he 4ol+--o83 20,n
2o 816
832
Yo0 mo1e 2he 6i7.s in 2he lo7. and a,e soon ,e4a,ded -y 2he sa2is+yin/ 7li7. o+
2he 20,nin/ 20m-le,s5 The doo, s4in/s o6en and yo0 s2and3 6022in/ 2he lo7.6i7.s
a4ay5 Yo0 may ,es2o,e &UCK 6oin2s5
"leased 4i2h yo0,sel+3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom and 7lose 2he doo,3 lo7.in/ i2 -ehind
yo05
&oo.in/ a,o0nd 2he ,oom yo0 a,e a4ed -y 4ha2 yo0 see5 I2 is an a,mo0,y5 I2 is
+illed 4i2h 4ea6ons and a,mo0, o+ all .inds5 Ra7.s o+ 4ea6ons s2and a/ains2 2he
4alls 4hile in 2he +loo, s6a7e in 2he 7en2,e a,e 4ooden s2ands holdin/ e,e72 s0i2s o+
a,mo0,5 Han/in/ on 2he 4alls a,e 4ea6ons o+ /,ea2 1al0e and -ea02y5
Yo0 ,0- yo0, hands 2o/e2he, 4i2h /lee5 Yo0 7an ,e6la7e yo0, 4ea6ons and
a,mo0, he,e3 o, 2a.e e82,a5 The a,mo0,y has e1e,y2hin/ 2ha2 yo0 4o0ld +ind a2 a
4ea6onmas2e,s sho6 in a ma,.e25 On7e yo0 ha1e e90i66ed yo0,sel+ 4i2h mo,e
m0ndane i2ems3 i2 is 2ime 2o loo. +o, some2hin/ o+ /,ea2e, 1al0e5
The 4ea6ons on 2he 4alls 6,o1e 2o -e mo,e de7o,a2i1e 2han 6,a72i7al5 The
02ili2a,ian 4ea6ons yo0 ha1e al,eady ins6e72ed a,e mo,e a66,o6,ia2e +o, yo0,
<)'
FF - Diamond
60,6oses5 Ye2 yo0 do no2 /i1e 065 The,e m0s2 -e some2hin/ o+ 1al0e he,e5 This is
Da,m?s 6e,sonal a,mo0,y a+2e, all5
The a,mo0,y is laid o02 in a 6,a72i7al 4ay3 and ye2 2he,e is a doo,-siKed -lan.
s6a7e on 2he +a, 4all5 Ini2ially yo0, /aKe 6assed o1e, i2 0nseein/5 "e,ha6s a ,a7. 4as
,emo1ed5 B02 no4 de2e,mined 2ha2 2he,e m0s2 -e some2hin/ mo,e he,e3 yo0 e8amine
2he -lan. 4all 4i2h /,ea2e, in2e,es25
On 7lose, e8amina2ion yo0 see 2ha2 i2 is no2 -lan. a+2e, all5 In 2he 7en2,e is a small
hole5 Sin7e i2 is a2 head-hei/h23 yo0 602 yo0, eye 2o i2 and see a small 7a1i2y -eyond3
in 4hi7h is a small >ade mas. 4i2h 2iny eme,alds se2 in sil1e, +o, eyes5 The 7a1i2y is
li2 -y a 2iny sli1e, o+ a li/h2 7,ys2al in 2he 7eilin/ o+ 2he 7a1i2y5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
"o.e some2hin/ in2o 2he holeO T0,n 2o 447
T,y 2al.in/ 2o 2he mas.O T0,n 2o 403
I+ yo0 ,a2he, no2 2,y yo0, l07. 4i2h 2he hole a2 all3 yo0 7an lea1e and 6,o7eed +0,2he,
06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 4123 o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady 2,y 2he doo, o66osi2e 2he
a,mo0,y -y 20,nin/ 2o 824
830
&ea1in/ 2he hollo43 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay do4n a /en2le slo6e 7o1e,ed in /,ey d0s2
and -la7. ash5 As yo0 nea, 2he 7,0de 1illa/e3 yo0 see +,a/men2s o+ -ones s7a22e,ed
a-o025 The,e a,e also .no2s o+ s7,0- and -0shes 2ha2 on7e li1ed3 -02 a,e no2 dead and
d,y5 The h02s o+ 2he 1illa/e a,e made o02 o+ -,an7hes -,o.en +,om 2he 6lan2s and
4o1en 2o/e2he,5
The 1illa/e si2s -eside a ,i1e, o+ la1a3 a2 a 6oin2 4he,e 2he ,i1e, 4idens in2o a
small la.e o+ so,2s5 Yo0 7an see 2he men o+ 2he 1illa/e -0ildin/ some 2hin/ in 2he
middle o+ 2he ,i1e,5 G,ea2 -lo7.s o+ -la7. s2one3 o-2ained +,om some4he,e ,es2 in
6la7e in 2he mol2en s2one5 By means yo0 7anno2 +a2hom 2he s2ones do no2 mel25 They
ha1e -0il2 90i2e a +o0nda2ion5 A 4ooden -,id/e leads +,om 2he sho,e 2o 2he
+o0nda2ion3 and 1illa/e,s a,e 7a,,yin/ -,i7.s o+ -la7. s2one 2o lay in 6la7e on 2he
+o0nda2ion3 2he -e/innin/s o+ some s2,0720,e5
As yo0 nea, yo0 see 4he,e 2he s2one -,i7.s 7ome +,om5 In 2he middle o+ 2he
1illa/e si2s a h0/e -lo7. o+ -la7. /,ani2e5 $illa/e,s 4i2h hamme, and 7hisel 7a,1e o02
-0ildin/ -lo7.s5 A6a,2 +,om 2he ,in/in/ o+ me2al on s2one3 2he 1illa/es a,e silen2 and
/,im5
Do yo0 4an2 2o /o do4n and 2al. 2o 2he 1illa/esO I+ so3 20,n 2o 834
I+ yo0 4an2 2o hide and 4a27h a li22le lon/e,3 20,n 2o 854
83+
Yo0 .neel do4n on 2he +loo,5 LOh3 /,ea2 one5 "lease aid me in my 90es23 I 6,ayMN
The demon la0/hs3 -02 2hen 7as2s a -all o+ ,ain-o4 7olo0,ed li/h2 a2 yo05 The
li/h2 +lo4s in2o yo0, -ody and yo0 +eel i2 2in/lin/ 2h,o0/ho02 yo0, -ein/5 Yo0 may
in7,ease yo0, initial STAMINA -y # 6oin2s5
The demon 1anishes3 lea1in/ -ehind a 6en2a/,am o+ -la7. d0s25 Yo0 ha66ily /e2
-a7. 06 2o yo0, +ee2 and -e/in 2o sea,7h 2he ,es2 o+ 2he s20dy5
T0,n 2o 878
<)(
FF - Diamond
831
Raisin/ yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 hold i2 a2 2he 2h,oa2 o+ 2he demon5 LDo yo0 2hin. I am a
+oolON
The demon s2a,2s 2o 7,y5 LI?m so,,y3 mas2e,3 I?m so,,yM I 6,omise I 4ill send yo0
-a7. 2o 2he same 2ime and 2he same 6la7e 4he,e I s4allo4ed yo05 I 6,omiseM I s4ea,
i2MN
The demon o6ens his mo02h on7e mo,e and 2his 2ime yo0 en2e, 4i2h 7on+iden7e5
Ci2h a /0l6 yo0 a,e s0ddenly s4allo4ed5 Yo0 +all do4n in2o da,.ness3 -02 2hen yo0
see a 1as2 o7ean o+ li/h2 -elo43 and yo0 6l0n/e in2o i25 The ne82 momen2 yo0 +ind
yo0,sel+ ,ollin/ a7,oss 2he +loo, and on7e yo0 s2o63 yo0 si2 06 and loo. a,o0nd5
Yo0 a,e on 2he +loo, o+ 2he 2,eas0,y 4he,e yo0 +i,s2 en7o0n2e,ed 2he demon5
S2andin/3 yo0 -,ea2he a si/h o+ ,elie+ and 7onside, yo0, o62ions5
Yo0 7an no4 lea1e 2he 2,eas0,y and 2he 1a7an2 90a,2e,s3 and ,e20,n 2o 2he 7o,,ido, -y
20,nin/ 2o 383
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he 60,6le 6o2ion +,om 2he s4o,d--o83 20,n 2o
841
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he -lood-,ed 6o2ion +,om 2he 4ol+--o83 20,n
2o 816
833
SeiKin/ 2he -o22le in yo0, 6a4s3 yo0 60sh a/ains2 i2 0n2il i2 +alls o1e,5 I2 ,olls
alon/ 2he -en7h and 7lin.s 2o a s2o6 a/ains2 2he mo,2a, and 6es2le5 Sin.in/ yo0, 2ee2h
in2o 2he 7o,.3 yo0 mana/e 2o 60ll i2 o023 and 2he 6o2ion s2a,2s 2o 6o0, o023 +o,min/ a
/,o4in/ 60ddle 2ha2 ,0ns o++ 2he -en7h5 &a66in/ a2 2he 6o2ion yo0 7ons0me a +ai,
amo0n25 I2 2as2es me2alli7 and 0n6leasan25
Yo0 +eel 2he ,a2 -ody -e/in 2o 2,em-le and s0ddenly s6o2s o+ li/h2 s4i,l -e+o,e
yo0, -eady eyes5 B02 yo0, 1ision slo4ly 7lea,s3 and yo0 +eel m07h s2,on/e,5
E1e,y2hin/ e1en seems smalle,3 as i+ 2he ,a2 has s4elled in siKe5 &oo.in/ a2 2he .ey
han/in/ on 2he 4all 4i2h ,ene4ed ho6e3 yo0 >0m6 do4n 2o 2he +loo, and ,0n a2 2he
4all3 lea6in/ 06 2o 2he .ey5 Yo0 mana/e 2o .no7. 2he .ey o++ i2s hoo. and i2 +alls
4i2h a ,in/in/ so0nd 2o 2he +loo,5
Yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ 4ea.enin/ and soon yo0 a,e small eno0/h 2o s90eeKe 0nde, 2he
doo, on7e mo,e3 2a.in/ 2he .eys 4i2h yo05 Yo0 2hen h0,,y -a7. 2o 2he s2,on/ doo,5
Ci2hd,a4in/ yo0, mind +,om 2he ,a2 yo0 s2and and 6ee, ea/e,ly 2h,o0/h 2he
-a,,ed 4indo45 B02 i2 is 2oo da,. +o, yo0 and yo0 7an see no2hin/5 In any 7ase 2he ,a2
is 2,a66ed 2he,e 0nless yo0 ha1e some2hin/ yo0 7an lo4e, 2h,o0/h 2he -a,s5
I+ yo0 ha1e a ,o6e3 20,n 2o 380
I+ no23 yo0 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o lea1e 2he ,a2 -ehind and lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s5 T0,n 2o
383
<)E
FF - Diamond
837
I+ yo0 ha1e a diamond 4and3 20,n 2o 4205 O2he,4ise3 no2hin/ else 4o,.s and yo0 4ill
ha1e 2o 2a.e a di++e,en2 7o0,se5
I+ yo0 ha1e a shield3 yo0 7an 0se i2 2o a66,oa7h 2he +a7e and -las2 i2s +lames -a7. in
i2sIe,3 +a7e5 T0,n 2o 746
Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an ,0n in and ma.e a di1e 2o slide 2o 2he -o22om o+ 2he doo,
-enea2h i2s an/le o+ a22a7.5 On7e yo0 a,e 2he,e yo0 7an ,eassess yo0, o62ions5 T0,n
2o 41+
I+ none o+ 2hese a66eal 2o yo03 yo0 7an 2a.e one o+ 2he o2he, en2,an7es;
To 2a.e 2he 2,ee a,7h3 20,n 2o 715
To 2a.e 2he nes2 a,7h3 20,n 2o 8+7
I+ yo0 ha1e +inished he,e and 4an2 2o lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s3 20,n 2o 776
838
R0nnin/ in2o a side 6assa/e3 yo0 +ind a doo,4ay in2o a ,oom +illed 4i2h s066lies
and 6,e6a,e yo0,sel+ 2o +i/h25 The doo,4ay is so small 2ha2 2he demons 4i2h 2hei,
s6i.ed a,mo0, 7anno2 easily /e2 2h,o0/h 2he doo,3 and yo0 do no2 /i1e 2hem 2he
7han7e5 Fi/h2 2hem one a2 a 2ime5
RDEMON GUARD SKI&& ( STAMINA = DB * ARMOUR %
RDEMON GUARD SKI&& ' STAMINA DB * ARMOUR %
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 862
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 2he demons 4ill 7a,,y yo0 -a7. 2o yo0, sla- and 2his 2ime yo0
4ill no2 ,e7o1e,5
834
"022in/ a +,iendly smile a2 yo0 +a7e3 yo0 4al. -oldly in2o 2he 1illa/e5
LHelloMN yo0 /,ee25 All 2he 1illa/es loo. 06 a2 yo0 and a s2,an/led 7,y a,ises +,om
2he 2h,oa2 o+ ea7h3 a momen2 la2e, 2hey a,e all ,0shin/ a2 yo03 ha2,ed 7on2o,2in/ 2hei,
+a7es5 T0,nin/ a,o0nd3 yo0 ,0n a4ay5 Glan7in/ o1e, yo0, sho0lde, yo0 see 2he
4hole 1illa/e has a-andoned i2s 4o,. and i2 7hasin/ a+2e, yo03 ea7h 60shin/ 2he ,es2
aside 2o /e2 a2 yo05
Ho6in/ 2o lose 2hem in 2he +o,es23 yo0 ma.e +o, 2he la,/e s2and o+ dead 2,ees5
Some 2o4e, h0nd,eds o+ +ee2 a-o1e yo03 2hei, 2,0n.s as 2hi7. as a ho0se is -i/5
S7a22e,ed -e24een a,e lesse, 2,ees o+ all siKes3 do4n 2o small sa6lin/s 2ha2 s2and no
hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee5 And all o+ 2hem a,e dead5 C,a7.ed and 4hi2ened3 2hey loo.
li.e -one3 2he /,o0nd 7a,6e2ed in -,o4n lea1es5
R0nnin/ dee6 in2o 2he /loom3 yo0 +eel an o66,essi1e da,.ness3 2he ai, +eels 2hi7.
and a7,id in yo0, l0n/s3 e1en 2ho0/h yo0 7anno2 smell any2hin/ a2 all5 Yo0 dash
dee6e, 4i2hin 2he +o,es23 2he 4hi2e 2,0n.s s2a,. a/ains2 2he 2hi7.3 da,. ai,5 Glan7in/
-a7. yo0 7an s2ill see si/ns o+ 60,s0i23 so yo0 .ee6 ,0nnin/ 0n2il yo0 seem 2o ha1e los2
<*
FF - Diamond
2he 1en/e+0l 1illa/e,s5 S2o66in/ 2o ,es2 yo0 see a .no2 o+ da,.ness 4he,e 2he ai, is
/a2he,ed e1en mo,e 2hi7.ly in2o 2he 1a/0e +o,m o+ some2hin/5
Be+o,e yo0 7an de7ide i+ i2 is sa+e 2o a66,oa7h i23 2he da,. +o,m seems 2o see yo03
and yo0 hea, a lo4 moan5 I2 ,0shes a2 yo0 and yo0 +eel yo0, s.in -0,n as 2he /a2he,ed
da,.ness -linds yo0 2o yo0, s0,,o0nds5 S2a//e,in/ -a7. yo0 4a1e yo0 hands 2o dis6el
2he da,.ness3 -02 yo0, de+en7es a,e ine++e720al5 Yo0 hea, ano2he, moan3 and 2he
-0,nin/ sensa2ion o+ ha2,ed ea2in/ a2 yo0, +lesh in2ensi+ies5 Yo0 ha1e had eno0/h and
-e/in 2o ,0n -lindly 2h,o0/h 2he +o,es2 on7e mo,e5 Yo0 smash in2o 2,ees3 and a,e
sha.en and diso,ien2a2ed5 B02 all yo0 7an do i2 .ee6 ,0nnin/I
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 350
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 741
836
Yo0 se2 2he /ems in 6la7e one -y one5 As soon as 2he las2 /em se22les in 2he
de6,ession3 yo0 +eel 2he ai, -e/in 2o ,0sh a,o0nd yo05 The sa66hi,es in 2he eyes o+ 2he
-la7. ma,-le se,6en2 -e/in 2o /lo43 -02 2he o2he,s ,emain da,.5 Yo0 90i7.ly mo1e
o++ 2he 7i,7le as 2he -la7. se,6en2 -e/ins 2o mo1e5 Yo0 4a27h 4i2h /,ea2 ne,1o0sness
as 2he -la7. se,6en2 ,ises +,om 2he +loo,3 2h,ashin/ a-o02 7hao2i7ally5 The ,oom
-e/ins 2o 2,em-le5 The se,6en2 o6ens i2 mo02h and hisses a2 yo05 The ne82 momen2 i2
la0n7hes a -ol2 o+ li/h2nin/ a2 yo05
Yo0 a22em62 2o dod/e3 -02 a,e 7as2 -a7. a/ains2 2he 4all @Hal1e yo0, 70,,en2
STAMINA s7o,eA5 N0m-ed -y 2he ene,/y 7o0,sin/ 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody yo0 -a,ely +eel
2he im6a72 as yo0 slam a/ains2 2he +loo,5 Chen yo0 7an +eel a/ain3 i2 is 90ie2 and s2ill5
Ca,e+0lly yo0 s2and 06 and s2e6 -a7. o1e, 2o 2he 7i,7le5 The /ems ha1e all
disin2e/,a2ed5 As yo0 s0,1ey 2he dama/e 7a0sed -y yo0, i/no,an7e3 2he 2,a6doo,
s0ddenly o6ens5 Yo0 sna27h 06 yo0, 4ea6on5
The 7,ea20,e 2ha2 en2e,s ha,dly seems 4o,2h 2he ala,m3 -02 yo0 do no2 ,ela8 yo0,
/0a,d5 A66,oa7hin/ yo0 is a small 7,ea20,e no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e
,o20nd5 He ma.es his 4ay 2o 2he o66osi2e side o+ 2he ma/i7al 7i,7le 4he,e he s2o6s3
smilin/ a2 yo05
Hoo.in/ his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il23 2he demon s6ea.s5 LMeddlin/ in ma/i7
is a +oolish and dan/e,o0s 6,a72i7eM His Ma>es2y 4ill -e 90i2e i,a2e 2o hea, 4ha2 yo0
ha1e done 2o his Ci,7le o+ Realms5 B02 he is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o
7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5
"lease +ollo4 me5N
Fo, a momen2 yo0 7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e
in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is 6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion
mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
<)
FF - Diamond
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 slo4ly +ollo45 Goin/ o1e, 2o 2he 2,a6doo,3 yo0
des7end a na,,o4 s2ai,4ay and e8i2 in2o a la,/e s20dy5 The li22le demon is
disa66ea,in/ o02 2he doo,s in2o 2he main 7o,,ido,3 and yo0 +ollo4 ,el072an2ly5
Chen yo0 ,ea7h 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 see 2ha2 2he 7,ea20,e is ma.in/ his 4ay 06 2he
hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0 a,e +ollo4in/ him o, no25
The 7,ea20,e soon /oes 2h,o0/h 2he doo, a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02
lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he la,/e 6olished 4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e
la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
835
As yo0 4al. alon/3 yo0 s0ddenly +eel 2he /,o0nd ,0m-le5 Yo0 s2a//e, and +all
o1e, as 2he /,o0nd ne82 2o yo0 e,062s3 a da,. +o,m 60shin/ 06 +,om 2he ,0ined ea,2h
and loomin/ o1e, yo05 Yo0 s7,am-le -a7.4a,ds3 -,in/in/ yo0, a8e 2o -ea,5
The mons2e, -ends do4n 2o4a,ds yo03 a se,6en2?s -ody as 2hi7. as yo0, 2o,so3
4i2h 2he 066e, 6a,2 o+ a man3 2ho0/h 4i2h s7aly s.in o+ dee6 ,ed 4i2h s6o2s o+ 4hi2e3
lon/ +an/s and +o,.ed 2on/0e a66ea,in/ -e24een d,a4n li6s5 The na,,o4 -a7. eyes
seem 2o 6ee, a2 2he a8e mo,e 2han yo03 -02 soon eno0/h yo0 a,e 2he +o70s o+ i2s
male1olen2 a22en2ion5
LMy a8eMN i2 hisses5
Sli2he,in/ o02 o+ i2s hole3 i2 -ea,s do4n on yo03 s4in/in/ a s6i.ed ma7e in i2s
hands5 I2 is a 6o4e,+0l o66onen23 a-le 2o .no7. yo0 do4n 4i2h a 7ha,/e as i2 0n7oils
i2s se,6en2ine -ody -ehind i25 I2 does 2his in 2he +i,s2 a22a7. ,o0nd and e1e,y 2hi,d
,o0nd a+2e, 2ha25 Chen 2his ha66ens3 yo0 a,e .no7.ed o++ -alan7e3 and 7an only
de+end yo0,sel+3 so i+ yo0, ATTACK STRENGTH is hi/he,3 yo0 ha1e only mana/ed
2o -lo7. 2he ma7e and 7anno2 in+li72 any dama/e5
SER"ENT DEMON SKI&& ( STAMINA = DB )* ARMOUR
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 347
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 881
872
The en2,an7e hall is a small 7ham-e, 4i2h /old lea+ on 2he 4alls and 7eilin/3 se2
4i2h 2iny /ems in 6a22e,ns5 An ela-o,a2e sil1e, +i22in/ han/s +,om 2he 7eilin/ 4i2h
n0me,o0s li/h2 7,ys2als 6,o1idin/ li/h25 Th,ee a,7h4ays lead +,om 2he en2,an7e hall3
ea7h sealed 4i2h a ,i7h 60,6le 70,2ain em-,oide,ed 4i2h /old 2h,ead5 The 70,2ain 2o
2he le+2 is de7o,a2ed 4i2h 2he ima/e o+ a +,0i2 2,ee5 To 2he ,i/h2 2he /old 2h,ead de6i72s
a nes2 4i2h 24o lon/-2ailed -i,ds 2endin/ 2o i25 S2,ai/h2 ahead 2he 70,2ain is de7o,a2ed
4i2h a 7i,70la, /eome2,i7 6a22e,n +illed 4i2h ma/i7al ,0nes5
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /oO
The +,0i2 2,ee a,7hO T0,n 2o 715
The nes2 a,7hO T0,n 2o 8+7
The ,0ne a,7hO T0,n 2o 860
<
FF - Diamond
870
LI 4an2 2o .ill him and -,in/ his e1il 2o a s2o6 on7e and +o, allMN yo0 6,o7laim5
LCell3 2ha2?s easy eno0/h3N 2he 7,o4 says5 LB0s2 hi2 him 4i2h some2hin/ 0n2il he
s2o6s mo1in/5N
Be+o,e yo0 7an ,ea723 2he 7,o4 1anishes3 2he 7i,7le no4 +o,med o+ -la7. d0s25
Yo0 70,se 2he 7,ea20,e and 2h,o4 2he ma/i7 -oo. a/ains2 2he 4all5 Ci2h no2hin/ else
2o do3 yo0 -e/in 2o sea,7h 2he ,es2 o+ 2he s20dy5
T0,n 2o 878
87+
Yo0 lea1e 2he 1illa/e 4i2ho02 -ein/ de2e72ed and h0,,y a4ay5 On7e yo0 +eel yo0
a,e a sa+e dis2an7e a4ay3 yo0 7on2em6la2e yo0, ne82 mo1e5
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /o no4O
The 7i2adel3 20,n 2o 805
The +o,es23 20,n 2o 886
The ,0ined 7i2y3 20,n 2o 86+
871
B,andishin/ yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 s7o4l a2 2he demon5 LChy sho0ldn?2 I .ill yo03
yo0 +o0l -eas2 o+ de6,a1i2yON yo0 s6i25
LI?ll /i1e yo0 -a7. yo0, s2,en/2h3 and mo,eMN The demon s2,0//les +o,4a,d3 i2s
head slidin/ do4n as 2he +a2 ,olls o1e, 0n2il his head is 7lose 2o yo05 He s2,e27hes o02
his hand 2o4a,ds yo05 Be+o,e yo0 7an ,ea723 a smo.y 2end,il e82ends +,om his hand
and en2e,s yo0, mo02h5 Yo0 ,e7oil3 4a1in/ yo0, hands 2o dis6e,se 2he 1a6o0,s5 B02
some o+ i2 has al,eady en2e,ed yo0, -ody5
Yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ +eelin/ s2,on/e, and ,ela83 le22in/ 2he 1a6o0,s +ill yo05 Yo0
may ,es2o,e yo0, SKI&&3 STAMINA and &UCK 2o 2hei, ini2ial le1els5 The demon
4i2hd,a4s i2s hand and -o-s i2s head a2 yo03 smilin/5 LYo0 see3 mas2e,O Yo0 4an2 2o
/o home no43 don?2 yo0O Yo0 7an 2,0s2 me5 I 4ill send yo0 home5 Yo0 >0s2 need 2o
en2e, my mo02h5N
The demon o6ens i2s mo02h 4ide3 7,ea2in/ a /a6in/ 6o,2al5
I+ yo0 ha1e s6o.en 2o 2he 7,o4 4hile in hell3 yo0 .no4 4he2he, o, no2 2o 2,0s2 2he
demon5 T0,n 2o 815
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a >ade ,in/3 yo0 7an 2ell i+ 2he demon has lied 2o yo05 T0,n 2o 850
O2he,4ise3 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o de7ide i+ yo0 7an 2,0s2 2he 7,ea20,e o, no25
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7lim- in2o 2he 7,ea20,e?s mo02h3 20,n 2o 8+0
I+ yo0 don?2 4an2 2o 2,0s2 2he demon3 20,n 2o 831
<<
FF - Diamond
873
Yo0 slo4ly 7lim- -a7. 2o yo0, +ee25 Da,m smiles a2 yo05 LYo0 see ho4 6i2i+0l
yo0 a,e a/ains2 meO Gi1e 06MN
Yo0 say no2hin/3 and Da,m la0/hs a2 yo05 L$e,y 4ellM &e2 0s 7on2in0e5 Yo0,
20,n3 si,5N
Cha2 ma/i7 4ill yo0 2,y no4O Remem-e, yo0 7anno2 7hoose an o62ion yo0 ha1e
al,eady 7hosen5
Read a s7,oll;
Arcane scroll3 20,n 2o 4+7
Fireball3 20,n 2o 603
Lightning3 20,n 2o 61+
Null-magic3 20,n 2o 665
Fungus3 20,n 2o 516
Revelation3 20,n 2o 680
Use a sil1e, /a0n2le23 20,n 2o 635
Use an ea/le ,in/3 20,n 2o 510
Use a 2o6aK-se2 /old ,in/3 20,n 2o 521
Use a Diamond Cand3 20,n 2o 688
I+ yo0 ha1e no ma/i73 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o ,0n a2 him -y 20,nin/ 2o 614
877
Yo0 si6 2he li90id5 I2 2as2es li.e -lood5 T0,ned o++ -y 2he 2as2e3 yo0 602 2he 7o,.
-a7. in 2he ,e20,n 2he -o22le 2o i2s -o85 A si6 is eno0/h3 2ho0/h5 Yo0 ha1e d,0n. 2he
-lood o+ a 4e,e4ol+ and a2 2he ne82 +0ll moon 4ill 0nde,/o a 2,ans+o,ma2ion5 Ma.e a
no2e 2ha2 yo0 a,e a 4e,e4ol+5
Yo0 7an no4 lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 383
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he 6o2ion in 2he s4o,d--o83 20,n 2o 841
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o smash o6en 2he 1ase3 20,n 2o 700
878
Ha1in/ ano2he, loo. 2h,o0/h 2he 7a-ine2s3 yo0 +ind 24o -o8es o+ s7,olls5 The +i,s2
-o8 7on2ains s7,olls 4,i22en 4i2h ins2,072ions in 2he 7ommon 2on/0e3 o-1io0sly
in2ended +o, soldie,s 2o 7a,,y in2o -a22le5 Some a,e +o, 7as2in/ +i,e-alls3 O2he,s +o,
7as2in/ li/h2nin/5 The las2 2y6e is a Fungus s6ell3 and 4ill 7a0se a la,/e m0sh,oom 2o
/,o4 o02 o+ 2hin ai,5 The s7,oll does no2 men2ion 4hy 2his 4o0ld -e 0se+0l5
The se7ond -o8 is mo,e in2e,es2in/3 and 7on2ains 24o s7,olls 4,i22en in an a,7ane
lan/0a/e5 One is a 6o4e,+0l s6ell 2ha2 7,ea2es a ma/i7al 1a700m5 As lon/ as 2he
Null-magic s6ell is in +o,7e3 no ma/i7 4ill +0n72ion5 The se7ond s6ell is mo,e o-s70,e
and 2he sho,2 6assa/e a2 2he 2o6 me,ely says 2ha2 i2 is a Revelation s6ell 2o d,a4 2o 2he
s0,+a7e 2he hidden na20,e o+ a -ein/5
<=
FF - Diamond
Yo0 2a.e one o+ ea7h 2y6e o+ s6ell5 The 7a-ine2s ,e1eal no2hin/ else o+ in2e,es25
Mos2 o+ 2he 4alls a,e +illed 4i2h -oo.shel1es5 &oo.in/ a2 all o+ 2hem 4o0ld 2a.e
ho0,s5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o sea,7h 2h,o0/h all 2he -oo.s3 20,n 2o 421
I+ yo0 >0s2 4an2 2o ma.e a 90i7. s7an o+ 2he s6ines o+ 2he -oo.s +o, some2hin/ 2ha2
loo.s in2e,es2in/3 20,n 2o 436
874
Ta.in/ 2he -0ndle +,om yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 7a,e+0lly 0n4,a6 2he 7,ys2al and hold i2
o02 4i2h 2he -lan.e2 2o ins0la2e yo0, hands5 Yo0 immedia2ely +eel 2he ai, 7ool a,o0nd
yo05 Cal.in/ +o,4a,d3 yo0 s2e6 on2o 2he na,,o4 -,id/e and ma.e yo0, 4ay a7,oss
2he la.e o+ +i,e5 Yo0 a,e -0++e2ed -y sea,in/ 4inds3 -02 2he 7,ys2al seems 2o ,es6ond3
and yo0 a,e al4ays soon -a2hed in a soo2hin/ 7ool5
Yo0 ma.e i2 a7,oss 2o a +o,e7o0,2 o+ 2he 7i2adel3 li.e a la,/e 6la2+o,m -e+o,e 2he
/a2es o+ 2he 7i2adel5 Yo0 7a,e+0lly 4,a6 06 2he 7,ys2al and ,e6la7e i2 in yo0, 6a7.5
Yo0 2hen a66,oa7h 2he h0/e -la7. i,on /a2es5 To 2he side 2he,e is a smalle, doo, and
yo0 ma.e +o, 2his5 I2 is 0nlo7.ed and yo0 6,o7eed in2o 2he in2e,io,5 The 7i2adel is in
+a72 >0s2 a h0/e 4all s0,,o0ndin/ a 7en2,al 7o0,23 in 4hi7h s2ands a sin/le 2o4e,5 Yo0
6,o7eed 2o 2he 2o4e,5 The doo, is 0nlo7.ed and yo0 o6en 2he doo,3 ,e1ealin/ a la,/e
7ham-e, 4i2h a s2ai,4ay 4indin/ a,o0nd 2he 4alls leadin/ 06 2o 2he 2o6 o+ 2he 2o4e,5
In 2he -ase o+ 2he 2o4e, 2he,e is a -ed3 and 2a-le and 7hai,s se2 06 in2o a 7om+o,2a-le
li1in/ s6a7e5 Yo0 en2e, inside and -,ie+ly loo. a,o0nd5 The,e is a small +i,e6la7e
4i2h a 6o2 o+ s2e4 simme,in/ o1e, 2he +i,e5 A small -oo.shel+ 7on2ains se1e,al 4o,n
-oo.s3 and on 2he 2a-le is a 6ie7e o+ 7lo2h s2,e27hed on a +,ame3 em-,oide,y needles
and 7olo0,ed 2h,eads si22in/ -eside i25
LCho a,e yo0ON a ha,sh 1oi7e s0ddenly as.s5
Yo0 20,n 2o see a 2hin3 middle-a/ed 4oman des7endin/ 2he s2ai,s5 She is d,essed
in 4o,n3 di,2y se,1an2?s 7lo2hes3 he, 70,ly li/h2 -,o4n hai, 702 o++ ,o0/hly a2 2he na6e
o+ he, ne7.5
LA 2,a1elle,3N yo0 ,es6ond5
The 4oman la0/hs as she 7omes -a7. do4n on2o 2he +loo, le1el5 LNo2 in 2his
6la7eM Cha2 do yo0 4an2ON
Yo0 de7ide 2o 2ell he, 2he 2,02h5 LI 4as de1o0,ed -y 2he demon 4hose 2em6le is 2o
2he so02h o+ he,e5 Do yo0 .no4 o+ i2ON
The 4oman s7o++s5 LYo0 2,0ly do no2 .no4 4he,e yo0 a,e5 This is hellM Chen I
loo. 2o 2he so02h I see no 2em6le5 No2hin/ -02 a sea o+ mol2en s2one s0,,o0nds 2his
6la7e 2o my eyes3 s2,e27hin/ 2o 2he ho,iKon5N
LI2 is >0s2 a la.e3N yo0 e86lain5 LThe,e is a -,id/e leadin/ 2o 2he sho,e5N
LOnly +o, yo0MN 2he 4oman sna6s5 LDo yo0 no2 /e2 i2O Yo0, hell mi/h2 ha1e
la.es and 2em6les3 -02 +o, me 2he,e is >0s2 2his 6la7e5 The,e is no2hin/ else5N
LChy is i2 soON yo0 4onde,5
LI don?2 .no43N 2he 4oman ,e6lies 4ea,ily5 LTha2 is 4ha2 I 4as 2old5N She 6oin2s
064a,ds5 LAs. him5 He 4ill .no45N
LCho is heON
The 4oman sh,0/s5 LI don?2 .no45 B02 a66a,en2ly I o4e him5 Th0s I m0s2 7a,e
+o, him5 Then I 7an -e +,eed5N
<#
FF - Diamond
The 4oman -e/ins 2o 4o,. on he, em-,oide,y5 C0,io0s3 yo0 /o 2o 2he s2ai,4ay
and -e/in 2o 7lim-5 The s2ai,4ay 4inds a,o0nd and a,o0nd3 as 2he 2o4e, na,,o4s
sli/h2ly5 E1en20ally yo0 ,ea7h 2he 2o6 and as7end 2h,o0/h a 2,a6doo, on2o 2he 2o6 o+
2he 2o4e,5 The,e yo0 +ind a ,oo1ed 6e,/ola5 Fo0, 7a,1ed 6illa,s s066o,2 2he ,oo+3
ea7h 4i2h a 2hi7. s2eel ,in/ on i25 Conne72ed 2o 2he ,in/s a,e 2hi7. 7hains 4hi7h all
mee2 on 2he s2eel 7olla, 2ha2 is +as2ened a,o0nd 2he ne7. o+ a man5 He is a 2hin old
man 4i2h only a +e4 s7,a6s o+ 4hi2e hai, le+2 on his head5 He is na.ed and yo0 7an
see his -ody is 7o1e,ed in s7a,s5
Chen yo0 loo. a2 him yo0 +eel a s6a,. o+ ,e7o/ni2ion5 He li+2s his head and loo.s
a2 yo0 4i2h 6ale -l0e eyes5 S0ddenly yo0 +eel a /,ea2 ,a/e 7omin/ 06 +,om 4i2hin
yo05 &osin/ 7on2,ol3 yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ a2 2he man and 7la4 a2 him and -i2e his +a7e5
Una-le 2o in+li72 eno0/h dama/e 4i2h yo0, +in/e,nails3 yo0 -e/in 2o -ea2 him5 Chen
2he ,a2e a-a2es eno0/h +o, yo0 2o ,e/ain some sense3 yo0 60ll o02 yo0, 4ea6on and
.ill 2he man many 2imes o1e,5 On7e yo0, ,a/e is s6en2 yo0 +eel e8ha0s2ed and sin.
do4n 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0 loo. a2 2he man3 and see 2ha2 he is s2ill ali1e5 The 4o0nds yo0
ha1e in+li72ed slo4ly healin/5 The man loo.s a2 yo0 and smiles5 LI am so,,y5N
Yo0 a,e sho7.ed 2o hea, him say s07h a 2hin/5 LI?m so,,y3N yo0 ,es6ond5 LI
didn?2II don?2 .no4 4hy I did 2ha25N
The man nods5 LI am he,e -e7a0se in my li+e I 4as a /,ea2 /ene,al5 I sla0/h2e,ed
2ho0sands in -a22le and 2ho0sands mo,e 4ho 4e,e de+en7eless5 Chole 7i2ies +ell
0nde, my -lade5 So i2 4as 4hen I died I 4as 602 he,e so 2ha2 2hose I ha1e ha,med
7o0ld ha1e 2hei, 1en/ean7e on me5 Mos2 a,e sen2 he,e in 2he +o,m o+ 10l20,es 2o +eed
06on my +lesh3 and 7anno2 hea, my a6olo/y5N
LB02 4hy did I ha1e s07h ha2,ed 2o4a,ds yo0ON yo0 as. in 7on+0sion5
LYo0 4e,e one o+ 2hose I .illed3N 2he man e86lains5 LIn a li+e lon/ -e+o,e yo0,
70,,en2 li+e5 I ,emem-e, yo05 Yo0 4e,e >0s2 a small /i,l3 2o a+,aid 2o e1en -e/ 2o -e
s6a,ed5 I .illed yo0 slo4ly >0s2 2o 2o,men2 yo0, mo2he,5 Se1en 2imes yo0 ha1e
al,eady 7ome he,e as a 10l20,e 2o 2ea, my +lesh5 Unless yo0 +o,/i1e me3 yo0 4ill
,e20,n a/ain5N
LI +o,/i1e yo0MN yo0 e87laim5
Tea,s ,oll do4n 2he man?s 7hee.s5 LThan. yo05 I am one so0l 7lose, 2o
sal1a2ion5N
Yo0 as. 2he man 4ha2 yo0 7an do +o, him3 and he sha.es his head3 2ellin/ yo0 2ha2
2his is 4ha2 m0s2 -e 2o +,ee him +,om 2he ha2,ed he 7,ea2ed 4i2h his o4n hand5
Ins2ead3 he o++e,s 2o hel6 yo05 Yo0 2ell him a-o02 2he 6la7es yo0 ha1e seen in 2he hell
and as. him a-o02 2hem5
LCha2 2hese 6a,2i70la, 6la7es a,e3 I 7anno2 say5 B02 I .no4 2ha2 2hey a,e 7,ea2ed
-y yo05 Ea7h one ,e6,esen2s some2hin/ 2ha2 lin.s yo0 2o 2his 6la7e5 I+ yo0 ha1e .illed
men3 I e86e72 2he 1illa/e yo0 des7,i-es ho0ses 2hem5 Do no2 1en20,e 2he,eM Cha2 2he
+o,es2 and ,0ined 7i2y 7on2ain I 7an only 2ell yo0 2ha2 i+ some asso7ia2ed -e24een
yo0,sel+ and Hell e8is2s3 yo0 4ill +ind i2 in 2hose 6la7es5N
Yo0 2han. 2he man and 0na-le 2o hel6 him any +0,2he,3 lea1e 2he ,oo+2o65 Comin/
-a7. do4n 2o 2he 7ham-e, in 2he -ase o+ 2he 2o4e,3 yo0 +ind 2he 4oman s2ill a2 he,
em-,oide,y5 The,e is also a -o4l o+ mea2y s2e4 on 2he 2a-le and a ,oll o+ -,ead5
The 4oman loo.s 06 a2 yo03 2hen 6oin2s 2o 2he +ood5 LFo, yo05 To ,e/ain yo0,
s2,en/2h5N
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6a0se 2o ea2 a meal3 20,n 2o 807
I+ yo0 6,e+e, 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 85+
<%
FF - Diamond
876
Yo0 /o s2ill3 and 2he demon ,eleases his hold3 sho1in/ yo0 -a7.5 Ins2ead o+
2o66lin/ 2o 2he +loo,3 yo0 lash o02 a2 2he demon?s 2h,oa2 and o6en i23 s6illin/ a 70,2ain
o+ -lood +,om 0nde, his sho7.ed e86,ession5 The ne82 momen23 i2 7olla6ses 2o 2he
+loo,5
The s6i.ed a,mo0, is 2oo -i/ +o, yo0 2o 4ea,3 and yo0 ,e/a,d 2hei, hoo.s
d0-io0sly5 B02 yo0 +ind in 2he -el2 6o07h o+ one a -o22le o+ 6oison@<A5
Yo0 ,es0me 60shin/ 2he -odies o++ 2he sla-s and on7e i2 is done3 6,o7eed 2h,o0/h
2he a,7h4ay5 Yo0 6ass -y some mino, ,ooms and 6assa/es -e+o,e 7omin/ 2o a se2 o+
/olden doo,s3 4hi7h yo0 2h,0s2 o6en3 and ma,7h 2h,o0/h in2o 2he inne, san720m o+ 2he
2em6le5
T0,n 2o 7+8
875
LHmm3 0nde,s2anda-le3N 2he demon m0ses5 LYo0 a,e indeed 60ny and
0nim6,essi1e5 B02 4hen a small man -e7omes la,/e he o+2en -e7omes 6,o0d5 Sho4
me 2ha2 yo0 a,e h0m-le5 Kneel do4n and 4o,shi6 meMN
I+ yo0 4an2 2o .neel do4n and 4o,shi6 2he demon3 20,n 2o 83+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,e+0se3 20,n 2o 487
I+ yo0 didn?2 0se 2he /olden a66le +o, 2he s0mmonin/ and 4o0ld li.e 2o o++e, i2 2o 2he
demon no4 in e87han/e +o, in7,eased STAMINA3 20,n 2o 401
882
Di1in/ 2o 2he side yo0 a1oid 2he eno,mo0s ma4 and ,oll 2o4a,ds 2he doo,5 Yo0
dash o02 in2o 2he hall and -a7. 2he 4ay yo0 7ame5 On7e yo0 a,e on 2he o2he, side o+
2he s2,on/ doo, yo0 ,ela85 B02 i2 is de+ini2ely 2ime yo0 4e,e lea1in/5
T0,n 2o 383
880
Se22in/ yo0, li22le 6a4s on 2he ed/e o+ 2he dish3 yo0 6i7. 06 a +e4 /,an0les 4i2h
yo0, 2on/0e and /i1e 2hem a m0n7h5 I2 +eels li.e yo0 a,e ea2in/ di,23 -02 yo0 +o,7e
do4n a +e4 mo02h+0ls5 The ,a2 s2a,2s 2o 2,em-le3 2he 4o,ld sha.in/ a,o0nd yo05 The
s2oma7h o+ 2he ,a2 7h0,ns and yo0 de7ide 2o lea1e -e+o,e some2hin/ -ad ha66ens5
Fallin/ o++ 2he 2a-le yo0 s2a//e, a7,oss 2he +loo, and s90eeKe 0nde, 2he doo,5 Yo0
s2,0//le -a7. 2o 2he s2,on/ doo, and 4i2h d,a4 yo0 mind +,om 2he ,a25
Yo0 4i2hd,a4 yo0, mind +,om 2he Kom-ie ,a2 and 7on2em6la2e i2s 6,edi7amen25
The ,a2 7an 7lim-3 so yo0 need some2hin/ 2o dan/le 2h,o0/h 2he -a,,ed 4indo45
I+ yo0 ha1e a ,o6e3 20,n 2o 811
I+ yo0 don?2 ha1e a ,o6e3 yo0 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o lea1e5 T0,n 2o 383
<'
FF - Diamond
88+
Fla22enin/ yo0,sel+ a/ains2 2he s2e6s yo0 +eel 2he massi1e -ol2 702 2h,o0/h 2he ai,
a-o1e yo03 ma.in/ yo0 2,em-le as i2 6asses o1e, yo05 "hysi7ally de1as2a2in/ eno0/h3
yo0 +eel 2ha2 i2 has -een +0,2he, enhan7ed -y some 6o2en2 ma/i75
The,e is a -0,s2 and 7,a7.lin/ so0nd -ehind yo03 and yo0 24is2 a,o0nd 2o see
4he,e 2he -ol2 has landed5 To yo0, s0,6,ise 2he,e is no si/n o+ i23 e87e62 a 4is6 o+
-l0e smo.e3 and an a7,id smell ,ea7hes yo0, nos2,ils5
Ca02io0sly yo0 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee2 and 7on2in0e 06 2he s2e6s5 The,e is no +0,2he,
,ea72ion 2o yo0, 6,esen7e and yo0 ,ea7h 2he 60,6le 70,2ain a2 2he 2o6 o+ 2he s2ai,4ay5
T0,n 2o 430
881
The se,6en2 demon s4in/s his ma7e3 smashin/ i2 in2o yo0, head5 &i/h2s e86lode
in yo0, eyes -e+o,e yo0 a,e s4allo4ed in da,.ness5 Yo0 soon a4a.en and +ind
yo0,sel+ lyin/ on 2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 a,e 4hole and 0nha,med3 -02 yo0, initial SKI&&
and STAMINA a,e ,ed07ed -y 5 Yo0 may ,es2o,e yo0, current s2a2is2i7s 2o 2hese
ne4 initial le1els5 The only 2hin/ 2ha2 is missin/ is Jyo0,? a8e5
C0,sin/ yo0, mis+o,20ne3 yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay5
T0,n 2o 822
883
Yo0 si2 do4n in one o+ 2he 7hai,s and -,ie+ly +eel a 2in/le 2ha2 90i7.ly dies o++5
The ne82 momen2 yo0 see 2he +o0, s2a20es 7ome 2o li+e and 4al. s2i++ly a7,oss 2o yo05
One 2a.es yo0, 6la2e and se,1es yo0 a /lo- o+ 7old /,0el5 Ano2he, 6o0,s 4a2e,s in2o
yo0, 706 and ano2he, deli1e,s a small 6la2e 4i2h a -,ead ,oll on i25
Bein/ an e86e,ien7ed 2,a1elle,3 yo0 a,e 0sed 2o ea2in/ 7old3 0n6ala2a-le +ood5 The
old ,oll is no 2,o0-le3 -02 2he /,0el is ha,d 2o /e2 2h,o0/h5 Yo0 +inish 4ha2 yo0 7an
and /ain = STAMINA 6oin2s5 The /,0el is 1e,y no0,ishin/3 -02 yo0 don?2 .no4 ho4
anyone 7o0ld ea2 i25
S2andin/3 yo0 lea1e 2he dinin/ ,oom and /o -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he si22in/ ,oom 2o
7onside, yo0, o62ions5
To 2a.e 2he nes2 a,7h3 20,n 2o 8+7
To 2a.e 2he ,0ne a,7h3 20,n 2o 860
I+ yo0 ha1e +inished he,e and 4an2 2o lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s3 20,n 2o 776
<(
FF - Diamond
887
A 6oisoned s6i.e /ashes yo0, hand as yo0 lea6 o1e, 2he sla- and ,oll 2o yo0, +ee25
Yo0 +eel i2 -0,nin/ 2h,o0/h yo0, 1eins5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 a,e 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and3
o, ha1e a 6hial o+ healin/ 6o2ion 2o 7o0n2e,a72 2he 6oison3 20,n 2o 814
O2he,4ise3 yo0 +all 2o 2he /,o0nd and 2he demons 6la7e yo0 -a7. on 2he sla-5 This
2ime yo0 do no2 ,e7o1e,5
YOURAD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
888
Ta.in/ o02 2he /lass ,in/3 yo0 sli6 i2 on2o yo0, +in/e,5 Yo0 4al. 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
and on7e on 2he o2he, side3 ,emo1e 2he ,in/5 Feelin/ solid on7e mo,e3 yo0 4al.
+o,4a,d and see 24o doo,s a2 2he end o+ 2he 7o,,ido,5 Nei2he, o+ 2he doo,s a,e lo7.ed5
Yo0 o6en 2he +i,s2 doo, and 6ee, 4i2ho02 in2e,es2 a,o0nd an al7hemis2?s la-o,a2o,y5
The se7ond doo, ma.es yo0, eyes 4iden3 e1en in 2he dim li/h2 o+ sh022e,ed li/h2
7,ys2als5 I2 is a 2,eas0,y3 +0ll o+ -o8es and 7hes2s3 4i2h -e>e4elled 4ea6ons han/in/
on 2he 4alls5
T0,n 2o 780
884
Yo0 a,e -,o.en -y 2he im6a72 and a,e dead lon/ -e+o,e yo0 hi2 2he +loo,5 Da,m
o-2ains 2he Diamond Key and -e7omes immo,2al5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
886
Ma.in/ yo0, 4ay so02h yo0 a66,oa7h 2he +o,es2 o+ dead 2,ees5 Some 2o4e,
h0nd,eds o+ +ee2 a-o1e yo03 2hei, 2,0n.s as 2hi7. as a ho0se is -i/5 S7a22e,ed -e24een
a,e lesse, 2,ees o+ all siKes3 do4n 2o small sa6lin/s 2ha2 s2and no hi/he, 2han yo0,
.nee5 And all o+ 2hem a,e dead5 C,a7.ed and 4hi2ened3 2hey loo. li.e -one3 2he
/,o0nd 7a,6e2ed in -,o4n lea1es5
"ene2,a2in/ +0,2he, in 2o 2he /loom3 yo0 +eel an o66,essi1e da,.ness3 2he ai, +eels
2hi7. and a7,id in yo0, l0n/s3 e1en 2ho0/h yo0 7anno2 smell any2hin/ a2 all5 Yo0
e86lo,e dee6e, 4i2hin 2he +o,es23 2he 4hi2e 2,07.s s2a,. a/ains2 2he 2hi7.3 da,. ai,5
S0ddenly ahead yo0 see a .no2 o+ da,.ness 4he,e 2he ai, is /a2he,ed e1en mo,e
2hi7.ly in2o 2he 1a/0e +o,m o+ some2hin/5
Be+o,e yo0 7an de7ide i+ i2 is sa+e 2o a66,oa7h i23 2he da,. +o,m seems 2o see yo03
and yo0 hea, a lo4 moan5 I2 ,0shes a2 yo0 and yo0 +eel yo0, s.in -0,n as 2he /a2he,ed
da,.ness -linds yo0 2o yo0, s0,,o0nds5 S2a//e,in/ -a7. yo0 4a1e yo0 hands 2o dis6el
2he da,.ness3 -02 yo0, de+en7es a,e ine++e720al5 Yo0 hea, ano2he, moan3 and 2he
-0,nin/ sensa2ion o+ ha2,ed ea2in/ a2 yo0, +lesh in2ensi+ies5 Yo0 ha1e had eno0/h and
<E
FF - Diamond
-e/in 2o ,0n -lindly 2h,o0/h 2he +o,es2 -a7. 2o4a,ds 2he ed/e5 Yo0 smash in2o 2,ees3
and a,e sha.en and diso,ien2a2ed5 B02 all yo0 7an do is .ee6 ,0nnin/I
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 350
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 8+6
885
Yo0 90i7.ly 60sh 2he 7o,. o02 o+ 2he 6hial and do4n 2he 7on2en2s5 The 4a,m
/lo4 +ills yo0 and yo0 4a27h as 2he -lood +lo4 s2o6s3 2hen 2he s20m6 heals o1e,5
Hal1e yo0, current STAMINA5 Yo0 no4 7anno2 0se shields3 and yo0 m0s2 also
,ed07e yo0, initial SKI&& -y )5 Cea.ened3 yo0 s2and 06 and 7a,e+0lly 7lim- 2he ,es2
o+ 2he s2ai,s3 ,ea7hin/ 2he 60,6le 70,2ain a2 2he 2o65
T0,n 2o 430
842
Usin/ 2he ,o4s o+ sla-s3 yo0 manoe01,e a,o0nd 2he demons and ma.e a ,0n +o,
2he a,7h4ay5 "assin/ 2h,o0/h yo0 see a se2 o+ /olden doo,s +0,2he, do4n 2he 7o,,ido,3
4hile 2o 2he sides a,e na,,o4e, 7o,,ido,s leadin/ o++ 2o smalle, ,ooms5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,0n 2h,o0/h 2he /olden doo,s3 20,n 2o 81+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,0n do4n one o+ 2he side 7o,,ido,s3 20,n 2o 838
840
Yo0 a,e hoo.ed and 2he ne82 momen2 im6aled on 2he a,mo0,5 Yo0 s2,0//le3 -02
2he demon d,o6s his hoo. and h0/s yo0 a/ains2 his -ody5 The 6oison -0,ns 2h,o0/h
yo0, 1eins5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2 o, a,e 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 876
O2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
<<*
FF - Diamond
84+
A2 +i,s2 2he 7,ea20,e does no2 no2i7e yo03 so yo0 s2e6 7lose, and 602 on a smile5
LHello5N
The 7,ea20,e s7,ee7hes in ala,m as i2 sees yo0 and +lees -a7. inside i2s h023 2he
doo, slammin/ sh02 and lo7.s 7li7.in/5 Yo0 ass0,e 2he 7,ea20,e 2ha2 yo0 mean no
ha,m and >0s2 4an2 2o 2al.5 The h02 is +limsy and yo0 a,e 7on+iden2 2ha2 yo0 7o0ld
ha7. i2 o6en 4i2h yo0, 4ea6on i+ yo0 4an2ed 2o5
I+ yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o as. 2he 7,ea20,e 2o hel6 yo0 a/ains2 Kin/ Da,m3 20,n 2o 432
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2h,ea2en 2he 7,ea20,e 2o ma.e him 2ell yo0 4ha2 yo0 4an23 yo0 7an 20,n
2o 625
I+ yo0 4an2 2o -,ea. o6en 2he +limsy h023 20,n 2o 524
I+ yo0 2hin. 2he 2imid 7,ea20,e has no2hin/ 2o o++e, yo03 yo0 7an lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o
676
841
Un7o,.in/ 2he 7,ys2al -o22le o+ 60,6le 6o2ion3 yo0 /i1e i2 a sni++5 I2 smells
6leasan2 eno0/h so 2a.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h yo0 si6 i2 e86e,imen2ally5 Yo0 +eel yo0 -ody
2in/le 6leasan2ly3 so yo0 do4n 2he ,es2 o+ 2he 6o2ion5 Yo0 +eel /,ea25 Yo0 ha1e d,0n.
an enhan7in/ 6o2ion and 7an ,aise yo0, initial SKI&&3 STAMINA and &UCK -y 3
and ,es2o,e yo0, current 1al0es 2o 2his ne4 le1el5 Yo0 7an ,aise yo0, initial le1els
e1en i+ 2hey 2a.e yo0 a-o1e )5
Yo0 a,e ha66y 4i2h 2his and yo0 7an no4 lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 383
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o d,in. 2he -o22le o+ ,ed li90id in 2he 4ol+--o83 20,n
2o 816
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady and 4an2 2o smash o6en 2he 1ase3 20,n 2o 700
843
Goin/ o1e, 2o 2he doo,3 yo0 2,y 2he handle and +ind 2ha2 i2 is lo7.ed5 Yo0 also
no2i7e ma/i7al ,0nes s0,,o0nd 2he doo,4ay5
I+ yo0 ha1e a -,ass lion-handled .ey3 20,n 2o 472
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a /lass ,in/ and 4an2 2o 0se i2 he,e3 20,n 2o 813
I+ yo0 ha1e a se2 o+ lo7.6i7.s and 4an2 2o 2,y and 6i7. 2he lo7.3 20,n 2o 423
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y 2he doo, o66osi2e3 20,n 2o 824
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6,o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall3 20,n 2o 412
847
Yo0 90i7.ly s2e6 o1e, 2o 2he 7hes2 and o6en i25 Yo0 sna27h 06 a >ade 2a-le2 2ha2 is
4i2hin3 /lan7in/ -,ie+ly a2 an in7om6,ehensi-le lis2 o+ names and n0m-e,s5 As yo0
7lose 2he lid3 yo0 hea, a s2,an/led 7,y3 and 20,nin/ yo0, head see one o+ 2he 4a,,io,s
7ha,/in/ a2 yo05 The o2he,s 20,n 2o see 2he 7a0se o+ 2he dis20,-an7e and seein/ yo0 le2
o02 simila, 7,ies and ,0sh 2o4a,ds yo03 ha2,ed 7on2o,2in/ 2hei, +a7es5 T0,nin/ a,o0nd3
<<)
FF - Diamond
yo0 lea1e 2he h02 and ,0n5 Glan7in/ o1e, yo0, sho0lde, yo0 see 2he 4hole 1illa/e has
a-andoned i2s 4o,. and is 7hasin/ a+2e, yo03 ea7h 60shin/ 2he ,es2 aside 2o /e2 a2 yo05
Ho6in/ 2o lose 2hem in 2he +o,es23 yo0 ma.e +o, 2he la,/e s2and o+ dead 2,ees5
Some 2o4e, h0nd,eds o+ +ee2 a-o1e yo03 2hei, 2,0n.s as 2hi7. as a ho0se is -i/5
S7a22e,ed -e24een a,e lesse, 2,ees o+ all siKes3 do4n 2o small sa6lin/s 2ha2 s2and no
hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee5 And all o+ 2hem a,e dead5 C,a7.ed and 4hi2ened3 2hey loo.
li.e -one3 2he /,o0nd 7a,6e2ed in -,o4n lea1es5
R0nnin/ dee6 in2o 2he /loom3 yo0 +eel an o66,essi1e da,.ness3 2he ai, +eels 2hi7.
and a7,id in yo0, l0n/s3 e1en 2ho0/h yo0 7anno2 smell any2hin/ a2 all5 Yo0 dash
dee6e, 4i2hin 2he +o,es23 2he 4hi2e 2,0n.s s2a,. a/ains2 2he 2hi7.3 da,. ai,5 Glan7in/
-a7. yo0 7an s2ill see si/ns o+ 60,s0i23 so yo0 .ee6 ,0nnin/ 0n2il yo0 seem 2o ha1e los2
2he 1en/e+0l 1illa/e,s5 S2o66in/ 2o ,es2 yo0 see a .no2 o+ da,.ness 4he,e 2he ai, is
/a2he,ed e1en mo,e 2hi7.ly in2o 2he 1a/0e +o,m o+ some2hin/5
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and yo0 hea, a lo4 moan5 I2 ,0shes a2 yo0 and yo0 +eel yo0, s.in -0,n as 2he /a2he,ed
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2he da,.ness3 -02 yo0, de+en7es a,e ine++e720al5 Yo0 hea, ano2he, moan3 and 2he
-0,nin/ sensa2ion o+ ha2,ed ea2in/ a2 yo0, +lesh in2ensi+ies5 Yo0 ha1e had eno0/h and
-e/in 2o ,0n -lindly 2h,o0/h 2he +o,es2 on7e mo,e5 Yo0 smash in2o 2,ees3 and a,e
sha.en and diso,ien2a2ed5 B02 all yo0 7an do is .ee6 ,0nnin/I
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 350
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 741
848
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Do yo0 ha1e a -,ass lion-handled .eyO I+ so 20,n 2o 472
O2he,4ise3 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o 6,o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he 7o,,ido,5 T0,n 2o 43+
844
Ma.in/ yo0, 4ay 2o 2he e8i23 yo0 7,ee6 o02side and s0,1ey 2he hellish lands7a6e5
The s.y a-o1e is a 7hao2i7 s4i,l o+ -la7. and ,ed 7lo0ds5 The,e is a m02ed /olden
/lo4 4he,e some2hin/ li.e a la,/e s0n shines -eyond 2he 7lo0ds5 The land a,o0nd
yo0 is d0s2y3 o, -a,e3 -las2ed ,o7.5 The ,emains o+ /,ea2 2,ees do2 2he land3 mos2 -0,n2
o, 2o,n a6a,25
<<
FF - Diamond
Yo0 mo1e a4ay +,om 2he 2em6le3 and h0,,y o1e, 2o 2he 7o1e, o+ a >a//ed l0m6 o+
,o7.5 The 2em6le si2s in a hallo43 and yo0 7an?2 see -eyond 2he ,ise5 Clim-in/ 2o 2he
2o6 o+ 2he hollo43 yo0 loo. a,o0nd and see a 2,0ly hellish s7ene5 To 2he no,2h 2he,e is
a /,ea2 la.e o+ la1a3 4i2h a /,ea2 7i2adel -0il2 in 2he 7en2,e5 A na,,o4 -,id/e 7,osses i25
To 2he eas2 +lo4s a +lamin/ ,i1e, 2ha2 +eeds 2he la.e5 Do4n 2he,e yo0 7an see a 7l0s2e,
o+ h02s5 To 2he so02h yo0 see a da,. +o,es2 o+ dead 2,ees5 To 2he 4es2 is a 7i2y in
,0ins3 -02 2he domed 6ala7e a2 i2s 7en2,e seems la,/ely in2a725
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /oO
No,2h 2o 2he 7i2adelO T0,n 2o 805
Eas2 2o 2he 1illa/eO T0,n 2o 830
So02h 2o 2he +o,es2O T0,n 2o 886
Ces2 2o 2he ,0ined 7i2yO T0,n 2o 86+
846
Goin/ o1e, 2o 2he 4all3 yo0 ,ea7h yo0 hand 06 ,eady 2o /,a- 2he am0le23 2hen se2
yo0,sel+ 2o ,0n5 Yo0 2a.e a dee6 -,ea2h3 2hen sna27h 2he am0le2 and dash +o, 2he e8i25
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Yo0 lea6 o1e, mo1in/ -ones and ,ea7h 2he e8i2 in momen2s5 Yo0 a,e +o,7ed 2o slo4
do4n 2o 7lim- 2he 6,e7a,io0s s2ai,4ay3 -02 2he,e a,e no so0nds o+ 60,s0i2 -elo4 and
yo0 ,ea7h 2he s0,+a7e sa+ely5
A lone se,6en2-/0a,d 4ai2s +o, yo03 and yo0 see 2ha2 he is s0,6,ised and dis6leased
2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Silen2ly he mo1es o++ and yo0 +ollo4 him -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he
-,o.en hills5 On7e yo0 a,e in 2he /a,dens3 mo,e se,6en2-/0a,ds a66ea, 2o es7o,2 yo0
-a7. 2o 2he sh,ine5 Yo0 s2e6 inside and a ,adian2 4hi2e mis2 -e/ins o-s70,e 2he
/a,den5 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome
in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 6a0se 2o e8amine yo0, ma/i7al am0le2 on7e mo,e3
+eelin/ 2he 6o4e, 4i2hin i25 "leased3 yo0 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s
in 2he +loo, and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
845
Yo0 4ill need a 90i7. and a/ile hand +o, 2his oneI
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5 I+ yo0 a,e S.il+0l3 20,n 2o 804
I+ yo0 a,e no23 20,n 2o 855
862
The se7ond demon +alls dead and yo0 6a0se 2o ,es25 The s6i.ed a,mo0, is 2oo -i/
+o, yo0 2o 4ea,3 and yo0 ,e/a,d 2hei, hoo.s d0-io0sly5 B02 yo0 +ind in 2he -el2 6o07h
o+ one a -o22le o+ 6oison@<A5 &oo.in/ 2h,o0/h 2he s066lies in 2he s2o,e,oom3 yo0 +ind
<<<
FF - Diamond
-o8es o+ in7ense and 7andles3 soa63 s7en2ed oils and 2o4els5 Findin/ no2hin/ 0se+0l3
yo0 lea1e 2he ,oom5 Re20,nin/ 2o 2he main hall3 yo0 60sh 2he ,es2 o+ 2he -odies o++ 2he
sla-s and 2hen ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o 2he /olden doo,s3 sho1in/ 2hem o6en as yo0
en2e, 2he inne, san720m5
T0,n 2o 7+8
860
"ee.in/ 2h,o0/h 2he ,0ne-ma,.ed 70,2ain3 yo0 see a sho,2 7o,,ido, leadin/ 2o a
6lain 4ooden doo, 4i2h a demoni7 +a7e 7a,1ed in2o i23 6ain2ed 4i2h ,ed and -la7.
6ain2 0n2il i2 seems 90i2e ,ealis2i75
The,e is no2hin/ else in 2he 7o,,ido,3 so yo0 sli6 2h,o0/h 2he 70,2ain and a66,oa7h
2he doo,5 As yo0 ,ea7h o02 2o 60sh on 2he doo,3 2he demoni7 +a7e s0ddenly s6ea.s5
LYo0 don?2 -elon/ he,e5N
The ne82 momen2 2he +a7e o6ens i2s mo02h and s6i2s o02 a +i,e-all5 Yo0 a,e so
7lose 2he,e is no 7han7e 2o a1oid i25 I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a +i,e-4o,shi66e,s -,eas2-
6la2e3 2he +lame is a-so,-ed -y 2he 7,ys2al5 O2he,4ise3 yo0 s0++e, = 6oin2s o+
STAMINA loss5 Re2,ea2in/ +,om 2he doo,3 yo0 di1e 2o 2he +loo, as ano2he, +i,e-all is
s6a2 a2 yo05 S7,am-lin/ -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he 70,2ain yo0 hea, 2he +a7e in 2he doo,
la0/hin/ a2 yo05
Conside,in/ yo0, o62ions yo0 2,y 2o 7ome 06 4i2h a 6lan 2o de+ea2 2he doo,5
I+ yo0 ha1e a shield3 yo0 7an 0se i2 2o a66,oa7h 2he +a7e and -las2 i2s +lames -a7. in
i2sIe,3 +a7e5 T0,n 2o 746
I+ yo0 ha1e any ma/i7al o->e72s 2ha2 yo0 don?2 .no4 2he +0n72ion o+3 yo0 7an 2,y 2o
0se 2hem he,e5 T0,n 2o 837
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yo0 a,e 2he,e yo0 7an ,eassess yo0, o62ions5 T0,n 2o 41+
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To 2a.e 2he 2,ee a,7h3 20,n 2o 715
To 2a.e 2he nes2 a,7h3 20,n 2o 8+7
I+ yo0 ha1e +inished he,e and 4an2 2o lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s3 20,n 2o 776
86+
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2he mo,e 2he an7ien2 s2one 7,0m-les 0n2il i2 is s4allo4ed -y 2he d0s2 and ash5 Only
one -0ildin/ in 2he 1e,y 7en2,e o+ 2he 7i2y seems 4hole3 al2ho0/h i2 is 7o1e,ed in
7,a7.s5 On7e a +ine 7i2y o+ domes and s6i,es3 i2 is li.e no4he,e 2ha2 yo0 ,e7o/nise5
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7ele-,a2ion3 4o,n ima/es 6,o7laimin/ 1i72o,ies and e1en2s lon/ +o,/o22en5
Rea7hin/ 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7i2y yo0 6a0se 2o s20dy 2he domed 6ala7e a2 2he 7en2,e5
Ei/h2 s6i,ed s2,0720,es s0,,o0nd 2he 7en2,al3 domed s2,0720,e5 Yo0 6ass 2h,o0/h 2he
-,o.en /a2es and 4al. 6ass d0s2-+illed ,ooms -e+o,e 7omin/ 2o a na,,o4 /a,den
-e24een 2he o02e, ,in/ o+ s2,0720,es and 2ha2 4hi7h s066o,2s 2he massi1e dome5
<<=
FF - Diamond
S2andin/ -e+o,e yo0 a,e a 6ai, o+ la,/e 4ooden doo,s3 inlaid 4i2h i1o,y and >ade
and /old3 one doo, dis6layin/ a ,adian2 lion3 2he o2he, a l0mino0s -0ll5 Yo0 60sh on
2he doo,s and 2hey s4in/ slo4ly in4a,ds 4i2h a s7,ee7h5 Yo0 s2e6 in2o a massi1e
7ham-e, 0nde, 2he domed ,oo+5 Colo0,ed s2ones a,e se2 in2o 2he /olden dome3
6o,2,ayin/ a /,ea2 4a,,io, slayin/ demons +,om his 7ha,io25 &i/h2 7omes +,om -o4ls
o+ mol2en s2one 2ha2 ,in/ 2he 4alls3 2he ,0ne-ma,.ed sil1e, -o4ls 4i2hs2andin/ 2he
in2ense hea2 o+ 2hei, 7on2en2s5
In 2he 1e,y 7en2,e o+ 2he 7ham-e, is a /,ea2 /olden 2h,one3 and 06on i2 6e,7hes a
+i/0,e 2ha2 is +amilia,3 ye2 yo0 a,e s0,6,ised 2o see i2 he,e5 Yo0 say no2hin/ as yo0
a66,oa7h3 and as yo0 7ome 2o a s2o6 a2 2he +oo2 o+ 2he 4hi2e ma,-le dais3 yo0 a,e
7e,2ain 2ha2 2his la,/e -la7. 7,o4 is 2he Kin/ o+ Da,.en Cood5
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same 7,o4 a+2e, all5
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do yo0 4an2ON
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,es2o,e my s2,en/2h5N
LThe 1ase 4as ma,.ed 7lea,ly3 ye2 yo0 -,o.e i23N 2he 7,o4 o-se,1es5
LI 4an2ed 2o see 4ha2 4as inside3N yo0 e86lain5
LAnd yo0 did see5 So 4hy do yo0 7ome 2o me 4i2h 7om6lain2sO All is as yo0
ha1e 7hosen i2 2o -e5N
LI made 2he 4,on/ 7hoi7e3N yo0 admi25 LI am on 2he 1e,/e o+ +a7in/ Kin/ Da,m5
I+ yo0 aid me I 7an de+ea2 him5 Isn?2 2ha2 4ha2 yo0 4an2ON
LNo2 ,eally3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LI+ I 4an2ed 2o de+ea2 him I 4o0ld >0s2 /o and do i2
mysel+5 Fo, all his 6o4e, he is less 2han a /na2 -0KKin/ -e+o,e my -ea.5N
LB02Iyo0 a,e a /od3N yo0 say5
LI ha1en?2 +o,/o22en3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5
LI mean3 i+ yo0 a,e a /od3 and no2 a de1il3 yo0 m0s2 4an2 /ood 2o 2,i0m6h5 I am
+i/h2in/ +o, /ood3 Da,m is e1il5N
LKin/ Da,m has ,0led 4isely +o, o1e, %* yea,s5 Many 4o0ld say i2 4o0ld -e a
/ood 2hin/ +o, him 2o ,0le e1en lon/e,5 He is a -e22e, .in/ 2han yo0 4o0ld -e5N
Yo0 a,e 7on+0sed5 LYo0 4an2 him 2o /e2 2he Diamond Key and -e immo,2alON
LNo ma22e, 4ha2 yo0 do3 4he2he, yo0 s077eed o, +ail3 Kin/ Da,m?s 2ime is
limi2ed5 Alyn Mei 4ill 7ome 2o no ha,m3 no ma22e, 4ha2 yo0 do5 The Diamond Key
4ill e1en20ally -e 6la7ed in 2he Ea,2h and -,in/ 6,os6e,i2y 2o 2he land3 ,e/a,dless o+
yo0, a72ions5N
Yo0 a,e sho7.ed in2o silen7e5 Chen yo0 7an s6ea. yo0 say; LSo 4ha2 am I doin/
any o+ 2his +o,ON
LTha2 is my 90es2ion +o, yo03N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5
LThen I sho0ld >0s2 /o home3N yo0 say5
LIs 2ha2 yo0, 7hoi7eON
The 90es2ion seems a 1e,y meanin/+0l one3 so yo0 a1oid ans4e,in/ i25 LCha2 do
yo0 4an2 2o ha66en 2henON
LI 4an2 4ha2 all /ods 4an23N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LFo, 2he los2 2o -e +o0nd3 +o, 2he
4ea. 2o -e s2,en/2hened3 +o, 2he 7on+0sed 2o -e enli/h2ened5N
LCha2 does 2ha2 meanON yo0 as. in +,0s2,a2ion5
LI2 means 2ha2 i2 ma22e,s no2 i+ 2he Diamond Key is 6la7ed in 2he Ea,2h o, no25 I2
ma22e,s no2 4he2he, Kin/ Da,m li1es his allo22ed yea,s o, many mo,e5 I2 ma22e,s no2
4he2he, Alyn Mei is 2o,20,ed3 .illed o, .e62 sa+e5N
<<#
FF - Diamond
LHo4 7an 2hose 2hin/s no2 ma22e,ON yo0 sho02 a2 2he 7,o45
LBe7a0se 2hey may o, may no2 hel6 2he los2 2o -e +o0nd3 2he 4ea. 2o -e
s2,en/2hened and 2he 7on+0sed 2o -e enli/h2ened5N
Yo0 s2a,e a2 2he 7,o4 +o, se1e,al momen2s3 +i/h2in/ 2he 0,/e 2o s2,an/le i25 LCha2
do I ha1e 2o do 2o hel6 2he los2 -e +o0nd3 2he 4ea. s2,en/2hened and 2he 7on+0sed -e
enli/h2enedON
LCho is los23 4ea. and 7on+0sedON as.s 2he 7,o45
LMe3 +o, a s2a,2MN yo0 e87laim5
LIndeed5 And so is Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0, deeds 4hen yo0 /o +,om 2his 6la7e 4ill do
na0/h2 e87e62 de2e,mine 2he +a2e o+ 2he so0l o+ Kin/ Da,m3 and o+ yo0, o4n5
Remem-e, 2his and le2 i2 /0ide yo05N
LCha2 a-o02 ,es2o,in/ my s2,en/2hON yo0 as. 2he 7,o45
LCell3 I s066ose I 7an do 2ha23 -02 I don?2 6,omise 2ha2 i2 4ill hel6 yo05N
Yo0 +eel a ma/i7al /lo4 +lo4 in2o yo0 and s2,en/2hen yo05 Yo0 may ,aise all o+
yo0, initial s2a2s -y and -,in/ 2he current 1al0es 2o 2hese ne4 le1els5 Yo0 2han. 2he
7,o43 2hen say; LHo4 do I ,e20,n 2o 2he 6ala7e in A,an2a2o,ON
LRe20,n 2o 2he Feas2in/ Hall o+ 2he De1o0,e, Demon5 Then yo0 m0s2 60sh all o+
2he -odies 2he,e o++ 2he sla-s 06on 4hi7h 2hey lie5 This 4ill 4ea.en 2he demon3
2ho0/h no2 i2s minions 4hi7h yo0 m0s2 +a7e5 On7e 2he minions a,e all dead3 2he
demon 4ill -e hel6less -e+o,e yo05 I2 4ill o++e, 2o ,e20,n yo0 2o 2he Realm o+ D0s2 i+
yo0 lea1e i2 0nha,med5 B02 yo0 m0s2 ma.e i2 s4ea, a 1o4 2o me 2ha2 i2 4ill ,e20,n
yo0 2o 2he same 2ime and 6la7e +,om 4he,e yo0 4e,e s4allo4ed5 I2 4ill o6en i2s
mo02h on7e mo,e3 and yo0 7an en2e, 4i2ho02 +ea,5N
Yo0 2han. 2he 7,o4 on7e mo,e and lea1e 2he hall5 Ma.in/ yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o4a,ds
2he 2em6le in 2he hollo43 yo0 6,e6a,e yo0,sel+ +o, 4ha2 7o0ld -e a 2,emendo0s -a22le5
I+ yo0 a,e 7a,,yin/ a Hell A8e3 20,n 2o 835
I+ no23 20,n 2o 822
861
Ta.in/ o02 2he >ade 2a-le23 yo0 -,ie+ly /lan7e o1e, 2he lis2 o+ names5 The,e a,e
h0nd,eds ins7,i-ed 2he,e5 A 4hole a,myM Yo0 2h,o4 2he 2a-le2 in2o 2he ,in/ o+ +i,e5 I2
s2a,2s 2o /lo4 4i2h a 4hi2e li/h2 as 2he +lames 20,n ,ed and 4i2h a ,oa, s0,/e 064a,ds
in2o a s6he,e 2ha2 +loa2s a-o1e 2he +loo,3 lea1in/ a -la7. s7o,7h-ma,. -ehind5
The ai, 20,ns 7old and yo0 see da,. sha6es mo1in/ 4i2hin 2he +ie,y s6he,e5
S0ddenly 2he,e is a moan3 and o02 o+ 2he s6he,e +loa2s 2he /hos2ly +i/0,e o+ a de7ayin/
man5 His so,,o4+0l eyes +all 06on yo03 and s0ddenly a +0,io0s ,a/e -laKes +,om him3
ma.in/ his 4hole -ody /lo45 He ,0shes a2 yo0 4i2h a s2,an/led moan5 O2he,s a,e
eme,/in/ and li.e4ise 2h,o4 2hemsel1es a2 yo05
<<%
FF - Diamond
LNo2 me3 himMN yo0 7,y5 B02 2he so0ls o+ 2he dead 2ha2 yo0 ha1e sen2 2o hell do
no2 7a,e a-o02 Da,m3 i2 is yo0 2hey l0s2 +o, ,e1en/e a/ains25 Ea7h one slashes a2 yo0
4i2h i7y 7la4s 2ha2 a,e hal+-ins0-s2an2ial5 B02 h0nd,eds 6o0, +,om 2he s6he,e and yo0
a,e slashed and -ashed +,om all sides5 Yo0 2,y 2o +lee3 -02 a,e -linded and s2,i.e
o-s2a7le a+2e, o-s2a7le 0n2il yo0 7an ,0n no mo,e5 Cha2 ,emainin/ li+e yo0 ha1e is
soon 2o,n +,om yo0 -y 1en/e+0l 7la4s5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
O2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
863
SeiKin/ 2he -o22le in yo0, 6a4s3 yo0 60sh a/ains2 i2 0n2il i2 +alls o1e,5 I2 ,olls
alon/ 2he -en7h and 7lin.s 2o a s2o6 a/ains2 2he mo,2a, and 6es2le5 Sin.in/ yo0, 2ee2h
in2o 2he 7o,.3 yo0 mana/e 2o 60ll i2 o023 and 2he 6o2ion s2a,2s 2o 6o0, o023 +o,min/ a
/,o4in/ 60ddle 2ha2 ,0ns o++ 2he -en7h5 &a66in/ a2 2he 6o2ion yo0 7ons0me a +ai,
amo0n25 I2 2as2es me2alli7 and 0n6leasan25
The ne82 momen2 yo0 +eel some2hin/ 7h0,nin/ in 2he -elly o+ 2he ,a2 and i2 s2a,2s
2o e86and5 The -ody o+ 2he ,a2 s4ells 2o a 6ain+0l limi23 2hen yo0 e86e,ien7e 2he odd
sensa2ion o+ e86lodin/5
Yo0 a,e d0m6ed -a7. in2o yo0, o4n -ody 4i2h a sho7.5 Sha.in/ yo0, head3 yo0
,es2 +o, a momen23 2hen s2and 065 Yo0 no4 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o lea1e5
T0,n 2o 383
867
No ma22e, 4ha2 yo0 2,y3 yo0 7an o6en 2he -o8 o, e1en -,ea. i25 Gi1in/ 063 yo0
2oss i2 -a7. in2o 2he d,a4e,5
&ea1in/ 2he -ed7ham-e,3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o 2he en2,an7e hall and
7onside, yo0, o62ions
To 2a.e 2he 2,ee a,7h3 20,n 2o 715
To 2a.e 2he ,0ne a,7h3 20,n 2o 860
I+ yo0 ha1e +inished he,e and 4an2 2o lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s3 20,n 2o 776
868
Ci2h so many -odies3 2he,e a,e 7o0n2less i2ems 2o -e o-2ained5 Mos2 o+ 2hose he,e
a,e 4a,,io,s and yo0 +ind 2he +0ll ,an/e o+ 4ea6ons and a,mo0, 6,esen25 Yo0 a,e a-le
2o e90i6 yo0,sel+ as yo0 desi,e +,om 2he i2ems 2ha2 a,e lis2ed in 2he "ea#onsmith and
Amouirer se72ions o+ 2he Ma,.e25 Yo0 also +ind a Rin/ o+ Fo,20ne @4hi7h 4ill allo4
yo0 2o add < 2o yo0, initial &UCK as lon/ as yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ i2A: +i1e healin/ 6o2ions:
a +ine3 -e>e4elled helm 2ha2 4ill add < 2o yo0, ARMOUR5 As yo0 nea, 2he end o+
<<'
FF - Diamond
yo0, sea,7h yo0 see 7oiled on 2he 7hes2 o+ one 4a,,io, a ,ed 1i6e,5 I2 ,ea,s 06 as yo0
nea,3 hissin/5
I2 6,e1en2s yo0 +,om sea,7hin/ 2he 4a,,io,5
Do yo0 4an2 2o .ill 2he se,6en2 4i2h yo0, 4ea6onO I+ so3 20,n 2o 768
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,is. /,a--in/ 2he se,6en2 -y 2he 2ail and 2h,o4in/ i2 a4ay3 lea1in/ 2he
,ela2i1ely inno7en2 7,ea20,e 4i2h i2?s li+e3 20,n 2o 845
864
Cas2in/ no 2ime yo0 dash a7,oss 2he /,assy la4n3 headin/ 2o4a,ds a se72ion
4he,e 2he 2,ees loo. 2hi7. eno0/h +o, yo0 2o hide5 As yo0 ,ea7h 2he 2,ees3 yo0 hea, a
hissin/ -ehind yo0 and loo. o1e, yo0, sho0lde, >0s2 in 2ime 2o a1oid 2he slashin/
6oles4o,d5 Yo0 di1e in2o 2he 2,ees3 and s7,am-le 2o yo0, +ee25
The se,6en2-/0a,ds sli2he, o1e, 2he /,o0nd 4i2h in7,edi-le s6eed3 and yo0 see
2hem mo1in/ 2o s0,,o0nd 2he 2hi7.e25 Yo0 7ha,/e 2h,o0/h 2he 0nde,/,o42h and 7ome
o02 ne82 2o 2he massi1e 6ala7e o+ ,ed and /old5 Mo1in/ 90i7.ly 2o 2he shel2e, o+ i2s
4all3 yo0 ,0n alon/ +o, a-o02 a h0nd,ed ya,ds3 2hen 7ha,/e -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he
s0,,o0ndin/ 2,ees a/ain5 Ci2ho02 6a0se yo0 ,0n a7,oss 2he ne82 o6en a,ea3 ,0n a,o0nd
ano2he, 2hi7.e2 2hen dash o1e, 2o ano2he, 2hi7.e2 and di1e inside 2o 7on7eal yo0,sel+5
Yo0 2a.e a -,ea2h and mo1e 2o 4he,e yo0 7an 4a27h 7om+o,2a-ly5 To yo0, sho7.3
yo0 al,eady see se,6en2 men mo1in/ in2o 2he a,ea5 Ci2h 2hei, se,6en2 6a,2s3 i2 is
di++i70l2 +o, 2hem 2o mo1e 2h,o0/h 2he 2hi7.e2s3 ye2 e1en ha1in/ 2o /o a,o0nd 2he
o-s2a7les3 2hey s2ill seem 2o -e a-le 2o +ind yo05
De7idin/ 2ha2 yo0, li+e is in 6e,il3 yo0 ,0n o02 o+ 2he 2hi7.e2 on7e mo,e and -e/in
2o ma.e a ,o0nd-a-o02 ,o02e -a7. 2o 2he sh,ine5 Yo0 e8i2 and -e/in 2o ,0nI
Tes2 yo0, STAMINA5 I+ yo0 a,e s2,on/3 20,n 2o 505
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea.3 20,n 2o 544
866
The demons la0/h as 2hey /,ind yo0 a/ains2 2he 4all3 2hen 60ll a4ay5 F,ee o+
2hem yo0 lash o02 and .ill one o+ 2he demons 4i2h a sin/le -lo45 The o2he, loo.s a2
yo0 in sho7. and s2e6s -a7.3 e86e72in/ yo0 2o 2o66le o1e, +,om 2he 6oison5 Yo0
a22a7. him3 /i1in/ him no 7han7e 2o 6i7. 06 his hoo.5
A sho,2 -a22le ens0es3 -02 2he sha.en demon is soon +inished o++ and yo0 s2and
2,i0m6han25 The s6i.ed a,mo0, is 2oo -i/ +o, yo0 2o 4ea,3 and yo0 ,e/a,d 2hei, hoo.s
d0-io0sly5 B02 yo0 +ind in 2he -el2 6o07h o+ one a -o22le o+ 6oison@<A5
Yo0 ,es0me 60shin/ 2he -odies o++ 2he sla-s and on7e i2 is done3 6,o7eed 2h,o0/h
2he a,7h4ay5 Yo0 6ass -y some mino, ,ooms and 6assa/es -e+o,e 7omin/ 2o a se2 o+
/olden doo,s 4hi7h yo0 2h,0s2 o6en and ma,7h 2h,o0/h in2o 2he inne, san720m o+ 2he
2em6le5
T0,n 2o 7+8
<<(
FF - Diamond
865
Yo0 hea, and s2,an/led 7,y3 and 20,nin/ yo0, head see one o+ 2he 4a,,io,s
7ha,/in/ a2 yo05 The o2he,s 20,n 2o see 2he 7a0se o+ 2he dis20,-an7e5 Seein/ yo03 2hey
le2 o02 simila, 7,ies and ,0sh 2o4a,ds yo03 ha2,ed 7on2o,2in/ 2hei, +a7es5 T0,nin/
a,o0nd3 yo0 ,0n a4ay5 Glan7in/ o1e, yo0, sho0lde, yo0 see 2he 4hole 1illa/e has
a-andoned i2s 4o,. and i2 7hasin/ a+2e, yo03 ea7h 60shin/ 2he ,es2 aside 2o /e2 a2 yo05
Ho6in/ 2o lose 2hem in 2he +o,es23 yo0 ma.e +o, 2he la,/e s2and o+ dead 2,ees5
Some 2o4e, h0nd,eds o+ +ee2 a-o1e yo03 2hei, 2,0n.s as 2hi7. as a ho0se is -i/5
S7a22e,ed -e24een a,e lesse, 2,ees o+ all siKes3 do4n 2o small sa6lin/s 2ha2 s2and no
hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee5 And all o+ 2hem a,e dead5 C,a7.ed and 4hi2ened3 2hey loo.
li.e -one3 2he /,o0nd 7a,6e2ed in -,o4n lea1es5
R0nnin/ dee6 in2o 2he /loom3 yo0 +eel an o66,essi1e da,.ness3 2he ai, +eels 2hi7.
and a7,id in yo0, l0n/s3 e1en 2ho0/h yo0 7anno2 smell any2hin/ a2 all5 Yo0 dash
dee6e, 4i2hin 2he +o,es23 2he 4hi2e 2,0n.s s2a,. a/ains2 2he 2hi7.3 da,. ai,5 Glan7in/
-a7. yo0 7an s2ill see si/ns o+ 60,s0i23 so yo0 .ee6 ,0nnin/ 0n2il yo0 seem 2o ha1e los2
2he 1en/e+0l 1illa/e,s5 S2o66in/ 2o ,es2 yo0 see a .no2 o+ da,.ness 4he,e 2he ai, is
/a2he,ed e1en mo,e 2hi7.ly in2o 2he 1a/0e +o,m o+ some2hin/5
Be+o,e yo0 7an de7ide i+ i2 is sa+e 2o a66,oa7h i23 2he da,. +o,m seems 2o see yo03
and yo0 hea, a lo4 moan5 I2 ,0shes a2 yo0 and yo0 +eel yo0, s.in -0,n as 2he /a2he,ed
da,.ness -linds yo0 2o yo0, s0,,o0nds5 S2a//e,in/ -a7. yo0 4a1e yo0 hands 2o dis6el
2he da,.ness3 -02 yo0, de+en7es a,e ine++e720al5 Yo0 hea, ano2he, moan3 and 2he
-0,nin/ sensa2ion o+ ha2,ed ea2in/ a2 yo0, +lesh in2ensi+ies5 Yo0 ha1e had eno0/h and
-e/in 2o ,0n -lindly 2h,o0/h 2he +o,es2 on7e mo,e5 Yo0 smash in2o 2,ees3 and a,e
sha.en and diso,ien2a2ed5 B02 all yo0 7an do is .ee6 ,0nnin/I
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 350
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 741
852
Yo0 ,ea7h o02 and 7a27h 2he -all5 &i+2in/ i2 on7e mo,e3 yo0 6ee, in2o i2 4i2h mo,e
7a02ion3 and 2his 2ime see a 4oman?s +a7e eme,/e5 She is -ea02i+0l3 and smiles sadly
a2 yo05 She 6,esses he, hands a/ains2 2he side o+ 2he 7,ys2al -all3 and 60shes as i+ she
is 2,a66ed inside5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o +,ee he, -y le22in/ 2he -all smash on 2he /,o0nd3 20,n 2o 821
Al2e,na2i1ely3 yo0 7an 602 2he -all -a7. and 7on2in0e yo0, sea,7h -y 20,nin/ 2o 436
850
The >ade ,in/ 2ells yo0 2ha2 he has 2old 2he 2,02h3 2ha2 en2e,in/ his mo02h 4ill 2a.e
yo0 -a7. 2o yo0, 4o,ld5
To en2e, his mo02h3 20,n 2o 8+0
I+ yo0 s2ill don?2 2,0s2 2he demon3 20,n 2o 831
<<E
FF - Diamond
85+
Yo0 lea1e 2he 2o4e, and 7,oss 2he 7o0,2ya,d 2o 2he 7i2adel 4all5 Yo0 /o o02 2he
/a2e and 2o 2he +o,e7o0,2 4he,e 2he -,id/e lands5 Ta.in/ o02 2he 7old 7,ys2al on7e
mo,e3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. a7,oss 2he -,id/e and 2o 2he o2he, sho,e5 C,a66in/
2he 7,ys2al on7e mo,e3 yo0 de7ide 4he,e 2o /o ne825 De7idin/ 2o a1oid 2he 1illa/e yo0
2,y 2o de7ide -e24een 2he ,0ined 7i2y and 2he +o,es25
To /o 2o 2he ,0ined 7i2y3 20,n 2o 86+
To /o 2o 2he +o,es23 20,n 2o 886
851
Yo0 lie on 2he +loo,3 .ee6in/ s2ill as yo0 2,y 2o ,e7o1e,5 E1en20ally 2he 6ain
s0-sides3 2ho0/h yo0 +eel d,ained and 0ns2eady5 Yo0 2,y 2o a-so,- 2he s2eadiness o+
2he +loo,3 4hi7h is +i,m and ha,d -enea2h yo05 A+2e, a +e4 min02es3 i2 s2,i.es yo0 2ha2
i2 sho0ldn?2 -e li.e 2ha25 &oo.in/ a2 yo0, hand yo0 a,e dismayed 2o see 2ha2 2he /lass
,in/ is 7,a7.ed and i2s ma/i7 /one5
Yo0 a,e also dismayed 2o see s2andin/ nea,-y a small /,innin/ 7,ea20,e no hi/he,
2han yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e ,o20nd5 Seein/ 2ha2 yo0 a,e a4a.e3 he smiles3 and hoo.s his
2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il25 LU6 yo0 /e2M His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He
in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei
is 4i2h him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e -o4s3 2hen 20,ns and ma.es i2s 4ay -a7. 06 2he 7o,,ido,5 Fo, a
momen2 yo0 7onside, >0s2 lyin/ 2he,e 0n2il yo0 +eel -e22e,5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e
in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is 6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion
mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
S2,0//lin/ 2o yo0, +ee23 yo0 slo4ly +ollo45 The 7,ea20,e is ma.in/ his 4ay 06 2he
hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0 a,e +ollo4in/ him o, no25
The 7,ea20,e soon /oes 2h,o0/h 2he doo, a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02
lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he la,/e 6olished 4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e
la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
853
Cha,/in/ a2 one o+ 2he demons3 yo0 ,eady yo0,sel+ 2o s2,i.e5 B02 as yo0 d,a4 nea,
2he demon s0ddenly 7ha,/es a2 yo03 2h,0s2in/ o02 i2s 7hes25 I2 is 2,yin/ 2o im6ale yo0
on i2s 6oisoned s6i.es5 Des6e,a2ely yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ 2o 2he sideI
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5 I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 800
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 887
857
Gi1in/ 2he lea+ a sni++3 yo0 smell some2hin/ almos2 li.e some he,-s yo0 7an?2
,emem-e, 2he names o+5 Gi1in/ i2 a ni--le 2he 2as2e is 4ha2 yo0 ima/ine a ,a4 lea+ 2o
<=*
FF - Diamond
2as2e li.e5 Yo0 2a.e a +e4 mo02h+0ls and 4ai2 +o, some2hin/ 2o ha66en5 I2 soon does5
The ,a2 s2a,2s 2o 2,em-le3 2he 4o,ld sha.in/ a,o0nd yo05 The s2oma7h o+ 2he ,a2
7h0,ns and yo0 de7ide 2o lea1e -e+o,e some2hin/ -ad ha66ens5 Fallin/ o++ 2he 2a-le
yo0 s2a//e, a7,oss 2he +loo, and s90eeKe 0nde, 2he doo,5 Yo0 s2,0//le -a7. 2o 2he
s2,on/ doo, and 4i2hd,a4 yo0 mind +,om 2he ,a25
Yo0 4i2hd,a4 yo0, mind +,om 2he Kom-ie ,a2 and 7on2em6la2e i2s 6,edi7amen25
The ,a2 7an 7lim-3 so yo0 need some2hin/ 2o dan/le 2h,o0/h 2he -a,,ed 4indo45
I+ yo0 ha1e a ,o6e3 20,n 2o 811
I+ yo0 don?2 ha1e a ,o6e3 yo0 ha1e no 7hoi7e -02 2o lea1e5 T0,n 2o 383
858
T0,nin/ 2o 2he 7ha62e, on o->e72s o+ sil1e,3 yo0 +li7. 2h,o0/h 0n2il yo0 7ome 2o a
6i720,e o+ a S7a,a- Bee2le5 Ea/e,ly yo0 ,ead 2he en2,y5 The en2,y is 7on+0sin/3 -02
2ells yo0 2ha2 2he -ee2le is a holy 2alisman o+ mani+es2a2ion5 I2 says no2hin/ else
e87e62 2ha2 6,ies2s a,e o+2en .no4n 2o 7a,,y 2hem5
I2 is o+ no 0se 2o yo03 i2 seems5
T0,n -a7. 2o 436
854
The h02s a,e 6oo,ly made and yo0 7an see 2h,o0/h 2he /a6s 2ha2 2hose nea,es2 2o
yo0 a,e em62y5 I2 is a sim6le ma22e, 2o 7,o07h o02 o+ si/h2 and 4a27h 2h,o0/h 2he
/a6s5 The +a7es o+ 2he men a,e 2i,ed and 2i/h2 4i2h a /,im de2e,mina2ion5 As yo0
4a27h yo0 no2i7e 2he 7lo2hin/ 2ha2 2he men 4ea,5 Mos2 a,e 4a,,io,s3 -02 2he s2yles o+
2hei, a,mo0, a,e many and 1a,ied3 some yo0 ,e7o/nise3 o2he,s yo0 don?25 Yo0 a,e
s2a,2led 4hen yo0 see men 4ea,in/ s7alemail and -la7. s0,7oa2s em-laKoned 4i2h a
,am6an2 /,i++on5 These a,e soldie,s o+ Co0n2 Ra0l 4hom yo0 ha1e .illed5
S0s6e72in/ 2ha2 i2 7o0ld -e dan/e,o0s +o, yo0 2o -e he,e3 yo0 de7ide 2o sli6 a4ay5
As yo0 mo1e -ehind 2he 7o1e, o+ 2he h02s3 yo0 s6y some2hin/ in 2he 1illa/e yo0
hadn?2 seen -e+o,e5 I2 is a h02 li.e 2he o2he,s3 -02 4i2h a doo,4ay in ea7h 4all3 so yo0
7an see 2h,o0/h i2 and .no4 i2 is em62y e87e62 +o, a 7hes2 on a 6edes2al5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,is. 7he7.in/ o02 2he 7hes23 20,n 2o 7+2
O2he,4ise yo0 7an sli6 a4ay and /o 2o;
The 7i2adel3 20,n 2o 805
The +o,es23 20,n 2o 886
The ,0ined 7i2y3 20,n 2o 86+
<=)
FF - Diamond
856
Did yo0 ma.e an o++e,in/ o+ a /olden a66le o, some2hin/ elseO
I+ yo0 0sed a /olden a66le3 20,n 2o 427
I+ yo0 0sed some2hin/ else3 20,n 2o 48+
855
Yo0 ma.e a /,a- +o, 2he se,6en2?s 2ail5 B02 as yo0, hand 7loses on 2he 1i6e,?s
-ody i2s 1eno0s +an/s sin. in2o yo0, a,m5 Yo0 60ll a4ay immedia2ely3 -02 2he 6oison
is al,eady -0,nin/ i2s 4ay 2h,o0/h yo0, 1eins and 2o4a,ds yo0, hea,25
Yo0 m0s2 d,in. a healin/ 6o2ion 2o 7o0n2e,a72 2he 6oison o, yo0 4ill -e dead5 I+
yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2 o, a,e 4ea,in/ a /olden a,m-and3
yo0 need no2 d,in. a 6o2ion5
Yo0 de7ide 2ha2 2he 1i6e, is 2oo dan/e,o0s3 so yo0 lea1e i2 alone and -e/in 2he
4o,. o+ 60shin/ 2he -odies o++ 2he sla-s5
T0,n 2o 742
422
Yo0 4ande, +,om 2he 6ala7e3 mana/in/ 2o a1oid 2he 7i2adel /0a,ds in 2he
7on+0sion 7,ea2ed -y 2he hole 2ha2 has a66ea,ed in 2he 4all and 2he +i,es in 2he inne,
7i2y5 Yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay 2h,o0/h 2he s2,ee2s5 Many o+ 2he 7i2y+ol. ha1e /o22en 06
+,om 2hei, -eds and 4a27h 2he +i,es and 2hose 4o,.in/ 2o e82in/0ish 2hem5 E1e,yone
/i1es yo0 a /lan7e3 -02 +e4 2a.e any in2e,es2 in yo05
Da,m is dead3 -02 so is Kianmay5 E1en 2ho0/h yo0 may ha1e s077eeded in
6,o2e72in/ 2he Diamond Key3 yo0 +eel yo0, 90es2 has +ailed5 A+2e, all3 yo0 4e,e hi,ed
as a me,7han2 /0a,d5 I2 4as yo0, >o- 2o 6,o2e72 he,5
Mo0,n+0lly yo0 4ande, 2he s2,ee2s3 alone 4i2h yo0, /,ie+ 0n2il yo0 +eel some2hin/
4a,m shinin/ on yo0, +a7e5 Yo0 loo. 063 +indin/ yo0,sel+ in +,on2 o+ 2he Tem6le o+
2he Chi2e Goddess5 The 4a,m2h seems 2o -e 7omin/ +,om 2he s2a20e 2ha2 s2ands
-e+o,e yo03 a,ms e82ended as i+ in 4el7ome5
Yo0 2hin. a-o02 Kianmay and 4ha2 li+e yo0, 6a2h 4ill no4 2a.e5 Yo0 a,e
de2e,mined no2 2o disa66oin2 he,5 Yo0 s2e6 +o,4a,d3 a77e62in/ 2he 4el7ome o+ 2he
Chi2e Goddess5
THE END
420
Ta.in/ o02 2he diamond 4and3 yo0 +o70s on 2he demoni7 +a7e as yo0 6ee. 2h,o0/h
2he /a6 in 2he 70,2ain and 4a1e 2he 4and5 Yo0 +eel i2 2in/le in yo0, hand and 2he +a7e
o+ 2he demon s2a,2s 2o 7on2o,25 I2 7,ies o02 in dismay3 2hen 2he +a7e +,eeKes in an o6en-
mo02hed /,ima7e5 Ca,e+0lly 60llin/ aside 2he 70,2ain3 yo0 602 yo0, head 2h,o0/h5
The +a7e does no2 ,ea725
<=
FF - Diamond
Yo0 4al. in2o 2he 7o,,ido, and ,ela8 as 2he 6ain2ed +a7e ,emains +,oKen5
Cha2e1e, ma/i7 4as 2he,e has -een dis6elled5 The 4and has 2he 6o4e, 2o n0lli+y o,
,e1e,se ma/i7al s6ells5 "022in/ i2 7a,e+0lly a4ay3 yo0 6,o7eed 2o 2he doo, and 60sh on
2he handle5 The doo, o6ens and yo0 en2e, in2o 2he so,7e,e,?s s20dy5
T0,n 2o 482
42+
Yo0 le2 yo0,sel+ slid +0,2he, in2o 2he /aKe o+ 2he 7,ea20,e3 6,o>e72in/ ha66y
2ho0/h2s a2 i25 I2 smiles3 ,e1ealin/ 6oin2ed 2ee2h3 and yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 yo0 ha1e made a
mis2a.e5 B02 i2 is 2oo la2e5 Yo0 +eel a 6ain 2ha2 -e/ins in yo0, +in/e,s and 2oes3 2hen
s6,eads 06 yo0, lim-s5 I2 +eels li.e yo0 a,2e -ein/ ea2en ali1e5
Yo0 s7,eam and 4,i2he3 -02 2he,e is no2hin/ e87e62 2he i7y -l0e a,o0nd yo05 Yo0
+eel yo0, +lesh -ein/ de1o0,ed and yo0, li+e +o,7e d,0n. 4i2h ,elish5 S0ddenly i2 is
o1e,3 and yo0 sl0m6 -a7. in 2he 7hai,3 no2hin/ -02 a 4is6 o+ yo0, +o,me, sel+5
Cea.ly yo0 loo. 06 and seein/ a meal -e+o,e yo0 ,ea7h o02 ea/e,ly 2o ,e6lenish yo0,
s2,en/2h5 Yo0, hand slides o1e, 2he ha,d sli7. s0,+a7e o+ 2he ,oas2ed +o4l3 and yo0,
h0n/e, is denied5
The 6ale 7,ea20,e has 2a.en yo0, s2,en/2h and +,eed i2sel+3 lea1in/ yo0 in i2s 6la7e5
No4 yo0 4ill -e a /0es2 a2 Da,m?s e2e,nal +eas2 +o,e1e,3 nei2he, dead no, ali1e5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
421
Yo0 60ll 2he -oo.s do4n one -y one and +li7. 2h,o0/h 2hem5 The,e a,e h0nd,eds
o+ -oo.s and i2 is a 4ea,yin/ 2as.5 Finally yo0 60ll do4n one 2hi7. -oo. and o6en i2
063 dis7o1e,in/ a 1a7an2 s6a7e inside5 In 2he s6a7e is a 1el1e2 -a/5 Remo1in/ 2he
-a/3 yo0 7lose 2he -oo. and 602 i2 -a7. on 2he shel+5 Yo0 o6en 2he -a/ and +ind inside
a 7,ys2al -all +illed 4i2h 60,6le mis25
Yo0 6ee, inside 2he 7,ys2al -all5 S0ddenly a demoni7 +a7e a66ea,s +,om 2he mis23
s2a,2lin/ yo0 in2o d,o66in/ 2he 7,ys2al -allI
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y and 7a27h i23 2es2 yo0, SKI&&5 I+ yo0 a,e S.il+0l3 20,n 2o 8525 I+ yo0
a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 821
Yo0 7an le2 2he -all d,o6 2o 2he /,o0nd i+ yo0 4ish -y 20,nin/ 2o 821
<=<
FF - Diamond
423
Ta.in/ o02 yo0, lo7. 6i7.s3 yo0 .neel do4n and e8amine 2he lo7.5 No2 ha1in/
-een 2,ained3 yo0 don?2 .no4 4ha2 2o loo. +o,3 so yo0 inse,2 2he 6i7.s and -e/in 2o
shi+2 2hem a-o02I
Tes2 yo0, SKI&& and yo0, &UCK5 Roll = die3 i+ 2he 2o2al is less 2han 2he s0m o+
yo0, SKI&& and &UCK s7o,es3 20,n 2o 8325 I+ 2he 2o2al is 2he same as 2he s0m o+ yo0,
SKI&& and &UCK s7o,es3 20,n 2o 4185 I+ 2he 2o2al is /,ea2e,3 20,n 2o 480
427
Yo0 4a27h as 2he 0ni7o,n de1o0,s 2he /olden a66le5 Yo0 admi,e 2he -ea02i+0l
7,ea20,e silen2ly5 On7e i2 has +inished3 i2 loo.s 06 a2 yo05 Se1e,al momen2s 6ass3 2hen
yo0 s6,ead yo0, hands and say; LSo,,y3 I don?2 ha1e any mo,e a66les5N
The ho,se 7on2in0es 2o loo. a2 yo0 and s0ddenly a disem-odied 1oi7e add,esses
yo05 I2 is a 4oman?s 1oi7e3 -02 is lo4 and melodi75 LYo0 ha1e s0mmoned me me,ely
2o /i1e me 2his o++e,in/ON
Ra2he, 2han lie3 yo0 >0s2 sh,0/5
The 0ni7o,n 7on2in0es 2o s6ea.5 LE1en i+ yo0 s0mmoned me 2o .ill me +o, my
ho,n3 yo0, hea,2 has mo1ed 2o 7om6assion5 I sense 2ha2 yo0 a,e on a /,ea2
0nde,2a.in/5 Tell me 4ha2 yo0, 60,6ose is and I shall aid yo05N
Yo0 90i7.ly 2ell 2he 0ni7o,n a-o02 Kin/ Da,m3 and his 90es2 2o -e immo,2al5 To
yo0, s0,6,ise 2he 0ni7o,n al,eady .no4s m07h o+ 2his ma22e,5
LDa,m has 7ome 2o 2his 6la7e many 2imes see.in/ 2he ho,ns o+ 0ni7o,ns3 +o, 2he
/,o0nd 6o4de, 4ill ,es2o,e yo02h and s2,en/2h5 He has .illed many o+ my .ind
al,eady5 Ye2 2his has no2 sa2is+ied him5 B02 so i2 is 2ha2 2he essen7e o+ my 6eo6le is in
him5 In 2his ,oom yo0 4ill +ind a s7,oll o+ Re1ela2ion5 I2 4ill -,in/ o02 2he hidden
na20,e 4i2hin a -ein/5 Th0s i2 4ill -,in/ o02 2he s6i,i20al essen7e o+ 2he 0ni7o,n
4i2hin him5 Do 2his and he may -e sa1ed +,om his o4n e1il5N
Yo0 2han. 2he 0ni7o,n +o, 2his in+o,ma2ion3 and i2 1anishes5 The d0s2 o+ 2he
6en2a/,am is no4 -la7. and yo0 20,n yo0, a22en2ion 2o sea,7hin/ 2he ,es2 o+ 2he s20dy5
T0,n 2o 878
428
Sessimass leads yo0 o02 o+ 2he 7ham-e,3 and in2o ano2he, 7ham-e, 4he,e a 6ai, o+
-,o4n-s7aled /0a,ds mee2 yo05
LSo3 4ha2?s 2his 6enal2yON yo0 as. ne,1o0sly5
LI2 4ill 7a0se yo0 no 6ain3N Sessimass says3 seemin/ly 2o he,sel+ mo,e 2han yo05
She a66ea,s ,eass0,ed and ,esi/ned as she -e/ins 4a1e he, hands a,o0nd yo0, head5
LCai2 a momen2MN yo0 say5 B02 2he s6ell 2a.es hold and yo0 sli6 in2o
0n7ons7io0sness5
Yo0 o6en yo0 eyes3 seein/ a-o1e yo0 a 6las2e,ed dome 7eilin/5 Si22in/ 06 yo0
s2,e27h3 +eelin/ ,e+,eshed5 The 7ham-e, yo0 a,e in is indeed s2,an/e5 The 7ham-e, is
em62y3 -02 a desi/n laid o02 in ma,-le in 2he +loo, de6i72s a 2,i6le s6i,al o+ se,6en2s5
<==
FF - Diamond
S2andin/ 063 yo0 s6y a 2,a6 doo, and ma.e +o, i25 Yo0 des7end a s2ai,4ay and
4ande, 2h,o0/h ,ooms +o, se1e,al min02es -e+o,e someone +inds yo05 They as. yo0
4ho yo0 a,e3 -02 yo0 7an?2 ,emem-e,5 E1en20ally 2hey +ind a 6la7e +o, yo0 as a
soldie, in 2he a,my o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0, .in/ is a 6o4e,+0l and 7ha,isma2i7 man3 and
yo0 se,1e him loyally 2o 2he end o+ yo0, days3 hel6in/ him 2o -e7ome Kin/ o+ 2he
en2i,e .no4n 4o,ld5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
424
Yo0 di1e do4n and 2o 2he side3 2,yin/ 2o 24is2 o02 o+ 2he 6a2h o+ 2he -ol25 The
4o,ld s0ddenly s6ins as yo0 a,e hi2 and s60n a,o0nd in 2he ai, -e+o,e 7,ashin/ on2o
2he s2e6s3 daKed5
Chen yo0 mind 7lea,s3 yo0 e8amine yo0,sel+ and 2o yo0 ho,,o, see 2ha2 yo0, a,m
has -een se1e,ed5 The 1iolen7e o+ 2he 4o0nd has sho7.ed yo0, -ody3 -02 no4 2he
-lood s2a,2s 2o +lo4 7o6io0sly5
Do yo0 ha1e a healin/ 6hialO I+ so3 20,n 2o 885
I+ no23 20,n 2o 4+2
426
The >ade ,in/ has -een -0KKin/ on yo0, +in/e, mos2 o+ 2he 2ime Da,m has -een
s6ea.in/ and yo0 ,ealise he is lyin/ 4hen he 2ells yo0 2ha2 he does no2 4an2 2he .ey
+o, himsel+3 ye2 he s6ea.s 2he 2,02h 4hen he 7alls Kianmay a demon5
Cha2 4ill yo0 doO
Demand 6,oo+O T0,n 2o 456
",e2end yo0 -elie1e himO T0,n 2o 525
Tell him he, is a lia,O T0,n 2o 574
425
LYo0 a,e l07.y3N /,0m-les 2he demon5 Unha66ily i2 7as2s a -all o+ ,ain-o4
7olo0,ed li/h2 a2 yo05 The li/h2 +lo4s in2o yo0, -ody and yo0 +eel i2 2in/lin/
2h,o0/ho02 yo0, -ein/5 Yo0 may in7,ease yo0, initial &UCK -y 6oin2s5
The demon 1anishes3 lea1in/ -ehind a 6en2a/,am o+ -la7. d0s25 Yo0 ha66ily 602
aside 2he ma/i7 -oo. and -e/in 2o sea,7h 2he ,es2 o+ 2he s20dy5
T0,n 2o 878
<=#
FF - Diamond
402
In1es2i/a2in/ 2he s2,an/e +a.e +eas2 mo,e 7losely3 yo0 no2i7e on 2he -a7. o+ ea7h
7hai, 2he,e is a shee2 o+ 6a6e,3 7o1e,ed in a,7ane s7,i62 and 4i2h seals5 They loo. li.e
le22e,s5
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ an ame2hys2 7ondo, am0le2O I+ so3 20,n 2o 4+1
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 475
400
T0,nin/ 2o 2he 7ha62e, on o->e72s o+ >ade3 yo0 -,o4se 2h,o0/h 0n2il yo0 7ome
06on a 6i720,e o+ a slende, ,in/ as 4ide as yo0, ne7.5 Ea/e,ly yo0 ,ead 2he en2,y5 I2
is indeed a 7olla,3 and o6ens and 7loses 4i2h a ma/i7 4o,d5
The 4ea,e, is -lessed 4i2h a ma/i7al a0,a o+ 6,o2e72ion 2ha2 is e90i1alen2 2o
a,mo0, o+ ,a2in/ #5 This is in addi2ion 2o any 6hysi7al a,mo0, yo0 a,e 4ea,in/5 Yo0
say 2he ma/i7al 4o,d and o6en 2he 7olla,5 Yo0 6la7e i2 a,o0nd yo0, ne7. and 7lose i23
immedia2ely +eelin/ sa+e,5
T0,n -a7. 2o 436
40+
Yo0 a/,ee 2ha2 lea1in/ is -es2 and 2he se,6en2 4oman es7o,2s yo0 -a7. 2o 2he
sh,ine3 4a1in/ a4ay 2he /0a,ds5 On 2he 4ay3 she as.s 2he name o+ yo0, mas2e,3 and
yo0 say 2he name o+ a +amo0s so,7e,e, in E,inha,n5 She nods and e87laims
.no4in/ly5
Fo,20na2ely yo0 ,ea7h 2he sh,ine -e+o,e yo0 lies 7an -e e86osed5 Yo0 loo. a2 2he
7i,7le on 2he +loo,3 no2in/ 2ha2 2he /ems a,e in 6la7e5 The se,6en2 4oman smiles and
/es20,es +o, yo0 2o s2e6 on2o 2he 7i,7le5 Yo0 do so and ,adian2 mis2 -e/ins 2o o-s70,e
2he /a,dens a,o0nd yo05
LFa,e4ell3 2,a1elle,MN 2he se,6en2 4oman 7alls o025 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd
yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 2a.e 2he
/ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he
7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5 Yo0 ha1e /ained no2hin/ +,om yo0, >o0,ney3 -02 yo0 ha1e
,emained sa+e and so0nd5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
401
",od07in/ 2he /olden a66le yo0 say; LCill yo0 2a.e 2his ins2eadON
The demoni7 eyes 4iden3 and 2he 7,ea20,e /,ins5 LIndeed I 4illM Cas2 i2 in2o my
mo02h and yo0 shall -e -lessedMN
<=%
FF - Diamond
The demon o6ens i2s mo02h and yo0 2oss 2he a66le inside5 I2 de1o0,s 2he -,i/h2
+,0i23 and s6a,.lin/ li/h2 o+ all 7olo0,s +lo4s in 2he da,.ness and -lood o+ i2s -ein/5
The,e is an e86losion o+ li/h2 and 2he demon 1anishes3 lea1in/ 2he 6en2a/,am on 2he
+loo, -la7.ened5
B02 i2 has no2 1anished 4i2ho02 /i1in/ yo0 some2hin/5 Yo0 see on 2he +loo, 2h,ee
small 6ills: one ,ed3 one -l0e and one /,een5 The ,ed 6ill 4ill ,aise yo0, ini2ial
STAMINA -y one and allo4 yo0 2o ,aise yo0, 70,,en2 STAMINA 2o 2ha2 le1el5 The
-l0e 6ill 4ill do 2he same +o, yo0, SKI&&3 and 2he /,een +o, yo0, &UCK5
Yo0 may 2a.e 2he 6ills no4 o, la2e,5 Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o do3 yo0 20,n yo0,
a22en2ion 2o 2he ,es2 o+ 2he o++i7e5
T0,n 2o 878
403
Feelin/ sli/h2ly +oolish3 yo0 s6ea. as yo0, eye is 2o 2he hole5 LUm3 /,ee2in/s5N
The eyes -lin. and 2he smile on 2he mas. 4idens5 LG,ee2in/s5N
LCho a,e yo0ON yo0 as.5
LI ha1e no name3N 2he mas. ,e6lies5 LB02 I am 2he one 4ho seals 2ha2 4hi7h m0s2
-e sealed5N
LCha2 do yo0 sealON yo0 as.5
LDes2,072ion5 G,ea2 des2,072ion3N 2he mas. ,e6lies in a hea1y 2one5
LAnd Da,m is 2,yin/ 2o -,ea. 2he seal 2o /e2 2his 6o4e,ON yo0 ,eason5
LNayMN 2he mas. e87laims5 LDa,m is 2he one 4ho 6la7ed me he,e so 2ha2 I may
no2 +all in2o 2he hands o+ 2he +oolish5N
Yo0 4onde, 4ha2 6o4e, 7o0ld -e so 2e,,i-le 2ha2 e1en Da,m 4o0ld no2 da,e 2o
4ield i25 O, 6e,ha6s he is me,ely sa1in/ i2 +o, la2e,5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y and /e2 2his 6o4e, +o, yo0,sel+3 20,n 2o 481
I+ yo0 2hin. i2 is -es2 2o lea1e i2 alone3 yo0 7an only lea1e 2he a,mo0,y and 6,o7eed
+0,2he, 06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 4123 o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 2,y 2he doo, o66osi2e
-y 20,nin/ 2o 824
407
Goin/ o1e, 2o 2he 7a-ine23 yo0 6i7. 06 2he >0/ o+ s6i7ed 4ine5 Ma/i7al ,0nes on
2he >0/ .ee6 2he 7on2en2s 4a,m5 As yo0 se2 o02 a 706 yo0 7onside, 4ha2 yo0 7an do5
I+ yo0 ha1e some slee6in/ 6o2ion and 4an2 2o add i2 2o he, d,in.3 20,n 2o 431
I+ yo0 4o0ld 6,e+e, 2o >0s2 do as she as.s3 2hen 2al. 2o he,3 20,n 2o 57+
408
Yo0 hold 2he -oo. and -e/in 2o in7an2 2he in7an2a2ion5 As yo0 ,e6ea2 2he 4o,ds3
yo0 +eel yo0, -ody 1i-,a2in/ 4i2h in7,easin/ s2,en/2h3 2hen 2he 4hole ,oom seems 2o
-e sha.in/ as 2he ai, a-o1e 2he 6en2a/,am +ills 4i2h li/h25 E1en20ally a +i/0,e a66ea,s
amids2 2he li/h2 and all -e7omes s2ill on7e mo,e5 S2andin/ in 2he middle o+ 2he
<='
FF - Diamond
6en2a/,am is a 0ni7o,n5 I2 is li.e a la,/e3 60,e 4hi2e ho,se3 4i2h a sin/le s2,ai/h2 ho,n
li.e o6al5 I2 i/no,es yo0 and -e/ins 2o ea2 yo0, o++e,in/5 I2?s -ody dan7es 4i2h
/olden li/h2 and yo0 +eel in1i/o,a2ed >0s2 -y loo.in/ a2 i25 In7,ease yo0, ini2ial &UCK
-y one and ,aise yo0, 70,,en2 &UCK 2o 2his ne4 le1el5 This is a 7,ea20,e o+ /,ea2
/oodness5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a22a7. 2he 0ni7o,n 2o /e2 i2s ho,n3 20,n 2o 803
I+ yo0 ha1e 7han/ed yo0, mind3 20,n 2o 856
404
LI 4an2 a ne4 a,m3N yo0 ,e6ly3 holdin/ o02 yo0, s20m65
The,e is a 90ie2 m022e,in/ a,o0nd 2he -al7onies a-o1e3 4hi7h +alls a-,062ly silen2
4hen 2he 90ie2 1oi7e s6ea.s +,om -ehind 2he s7,een3 4i2h a 2,a7e o+ am0semen25
LThis is indeed a sim6le ,e90es25 Cha2 4ill yo0 /i1e 0s in ,e20,n +o, 2his se,1i7eON
Yo0 7onside, 4ha2 yo0 7an o++e,5 LCill yo0 2a.e /oldON yo0 as.5
LTha2 s0-s2an7e is o+ no 1al0e he,e3N 2he 90een ,e6lies5 LGi1e 2o me any ma/i7al
i2em o+ yo0, 7hoosin/ and yo0, 4ish shall -e /,an2ed5N
The sna.e-4oman in 2he /,een sil.en 7oa2 a66ea,s on7e mo,e a2 yo0, side holdin/
a small 4ooden 2,ay5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /i1e an i2em3 20,n 2o 652
I+ yo0 don?2 4an2 2o 6a,2 4i2h an i2em3 yo0 7an as. +o, ano2he, means o+ 6aymen2 -y
20,nin/ 2o 533
Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an 7han/e yo0, mind and 2ell 2hem a-o02 Da,m -y 20,nin/ 2o 6383
o, s2a2e yo0, 4ish 2o -e7ome a so,7e,e, -y 20,nin/ 2o 552
406
The -oo. is +illed 4i2h an in7om6,ehensi-le s7,i623 so yo0 -e/in 2o sea,7h 2he
o++i7e5 Yo0 +ind n0me,o0s o->e72s3 -02 yo0 ha1e no idea 4ha2 2hey do5 In one 7a-ine2
yo0 +ind a -o8 o+ s7,olls5 Un,ollin/ one yo0 dis7o1e, 2ha2 i2 is 4,i22en in 2he 7ommon
2on/0e5
For the +asting of a Fireball From the 6and
*his s#ell "ill enable the caster to #roduce a fireball travelling at
the s#eed and range similar to an arro"% At long range it is suitable
for settling aflame burnables "hile in the range of three to ten yards
it is an effective "ea#on against o##onents% (ithin three yards there
is a danger that the caster "ill be burnt by his o"n flame%
*o cast stand "ith your hand held before your chest and feet
firmly #lanted u#on the ground% Recite the "ords at the bottom of this
#age and you "ill feel an energy gathering in your body and
consolidating as a heat in your #alm% -ee# your fingers closed into a
round sha#e as if there is a ball held "ithin% -ee# reciting the s#ell
and "hen the heat gro"s unbearable fling your hand out"ards in the
<=(
FF - Diamond
direction of your target and "ith your thoughts cast out the heat from
your body% A fireball "ill a##ear and shoot forth #ro#elled by the
strength of your thought%
,arimarg 6unatam :a1uellin *a
Rollin/ 2he s7,oll -a7. 06 a/ain3 yo0 e8amine 2he o2he,s and +ind 24o mo,e +o,
7as2in/ +i,e-alls3 24o +o, 7as2in/ li/h2in/3 and one +o, s0mmonin/ a la,/e +0n/0s5
Yo0 a,e 0ns0,e ho4 2he las2 s6ell 4o0ld -e 0se+0l3 -02 yo0 2a.e one o+ ea7h 2y6e o+
s6ell3 and 20,n 2o e8amine 2he ,es2 o+ 2he s20dy5
Mos2 o+ 2he 4alls a,e +illed 4i2h -oo.shel1es3 and yo0 60ll do4n a -oo. and o6en
i25 I2 is 4,i22en in an an7ien2 2on/0e5 Yo0 602 2he -oo. -a7.5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o sea,7h 2h,o0/h all 2he -oo.s3 20,n 2o 421
I+ yo0 >0s2 4an2 2o ma.e a 90i7. s7an o+ 2he s6ines o+ 2he -oo.s +o, 4o,ds 4,i22en in a
lan/0a/e yo0 7an ,ead3 20,n 2o 436
405
T,yin/ 2he .no- o+ 2he doo,3 i2 20,ns and yo0 o6en 2o doo, slo4ly3 6ee.in/ in2o a
4ell-li2 7ham-e,5 I2 a66ea,s 2o -e a s20dy3 and im6o,2an2ly an 0no7706ied one5
Sli66in/ inside3 yo0 7lose 2he doo, -ehind yo0 and loo. a,o0nd5
The s20dy is lined 4i2h massi1e -oo.shel1es 2ha2 ,ea7h 2he hi/h 7eilin/3 6a7.ed
4i2h -oo.s5 The 7eilin/ is o1e, 24i7e yo0, hei/h2 a-o1e and o1e, a 2hi,d o+ 2he -oo.s
a,e -eyond yo0, ,ea7h5 The -oo.shel1es +ill mos2 o+ 2he 4alls e87e62 +o, a se72ion on
2he 4all 2o 2he ,i/h2 4he,e 2he,e is an ela-o,a2e 6ain2in/ h0n/5 O66osi2e 2he 6ain2in/
is an e1en 4ide, 7lea, s6a7e3 2he 4all +illed 4i2h a massi1e ma6 o+ 2he .no4n 4o,ld3
al2ho0/h i2 seems 2ha2 Da,m .no4s mo,e o+ 2he 4o,ld 2han yo0 7an ,emem-e, seein/
-e+o,e5 The massi1e des.3 4hi7h a66ea,s 2o -e made +,om dee6 60,6le 7,ys2al3 si2s
-e+o,e 2he ma63 an e90ally o,na2ely sha6ed 7hai, si22in/ -ehind i25 In 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he
7ham-e, is la,/e 7a,6e2 6a22e,ed in -l0e and /old5 Di,e72ly o66osi2e 2he doo,s yo0
en2e,ed -y 2he,e is a se2 o+ do0-le doo,s +illed 4i2h s2ained /lass de6i72in/ /eome2,i7
desi/ns5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
&oo. a2 2he -oo.shel1esO T0,n 2o 658
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
O,3 lea1e 2his ,oom and /o -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
<=E
FF - Diamond
4+2
Yo0 des6e,a2ely 2,y 2o s2a0n7h 2he -lood +lo45 E1en20ally -y 2ea,in/ o++ s2,i6s o+
yo0, 7lo2hes yo0 -ind 2he end o+ yo0, a,m5 Blood s2ill d,i6s +,om 2he soa.ed -anda/e5
Red07e yo0, ini2ial STAMINA -y = d0e 2o -lood loss3 and yo0, 70,,en2 STAMINA 2o
)5 Yo0 no4 also 7anno2 0se shields and m0s2 also ,ed07e yo0, SKI&& -y )5
Cea.ened3 yo0 s2and 06 and 7a,e+0lly 7lim- 2he ,es2 o+ 2he s2ai,s3 ,ea7hin/ 2he 60,6le
70,2ain a2 2he 2o65
T0,n 2o 430
4+0
Ta.in/ o02 2he >ade s2a20e o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess3 yo0 6,esen2 i2 2o 2he 90een5 She
loo.s a2 yo0 sho7.5
LFo, meON
LI may no2 -e a-le 2o de+ea2 Da,m3 -02 I may do 2his +o, yo03N yo0 say5
She 602s do4n 2he 706 and slo4ly 2a.es 2he s2a20e +,om yo03 -o4in/ he, head 2o
yo05 She holds 06 2he s2a20e and 2ea,s s6ill +,om he, eyes5 LI shall .ee6 2his dea, 2o
me5 Yo0 7anno2 .no4 ho4 m07h 2his means 2o me5 Tho0/h I 4ish yo0 4o0ld es7a6e
and -e sa+e3 I shall no2 de+y yo0, 4ill5 Ins2ead I shall hel6 yo05N
She /en2ly se2s do4n 2he s2a20e and /oes o1e, 2o one o+ 2he 7a-ine2s3 o6enin/ i2 -y
2,a7in/ a ,0ne 06on 2he doo,5 Inside she 2a.es o02 a la790e,ed 4ooden -o8 and 7a,,ies
i2 o1e, 2o a lo4 2a-le5 She .neels and -e7.ons yo0 o1e, as she li+2s 2he lid5
Yo0 see a so+2 /lo4 7omin/ +,om 4i2hin3 and s2e6 o1e, 7a02io0sly 2o see he, d,a4
o02 a da//e, 4i2h a -lade o+ /lo4in/ 7,ys2al5 LThis 4ill 6ene2,a2e his a,mo0,5 Ge2
7lose 2o him and yo0 may s2a- him des6i2e his ma/i73 des6i2e his a,mo0,5 Then he 4ill
die and I shall -e +,ee5N
She slides 2he /lo4in/ -lade -a7. in2o a 6lain lea2he, shea2h5 She holds 2he
7,ys2al da//e, o02 2o yo03 and yo0 2a.e i25 She 7loses 2he -o8 and s2ands3 loo.in/ a2
yo05
LDa,m is a man +0ll o+ +ea,5 He +ea,s dea2h3 and as his 6o4e, has /,o4n he +ea,s
enemies5 Th0s he is no4 a lonely man as 4ell5 He does no2 e1en 2,0s2 me5 As yo0
2h,0s2 2his 7,ys2al da//e, in2o his side3 he 4ill .no4 i2 has 7ome +,om me5 Th0s i+ yo0
+ail I shall 6ay a 2e,,i-le 6,i7e3 -02II 7anno2 do no2hin/5 See. no2 2o a22a7. him ,i/h2
a4ay5 He 4ill des2,oy yo05 He is a lonely and -o,ed man3 and 4ill see. 2o en2e,2ain
himsel+5 Yo0 m0s2 6lay alon/ 4i2h his /ames and 4ai2 +o, 2he ,i/h2 7han7e 2o de+ea2
him5 The,e is only one mo,e 2hin/ I da,e 2o do 2o aid yo05 I shall 7as2 a s6ell 2o
em6o4e, yo05 I shall /i1e yo0 all my s2,en/2h5N
She s2ands -e+o,e yo0 and 4a1es he, hands3 7han2in/ 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5 She 2hen
,ea7hes o02 and 7las6s yo0, +a7e5 Yo0 +eel 4a,m2h +lo4 in2o yo0, -ody3 ma.in/ yo0
+eel s2,on/e,5 Yo0 may in7,ease yo0 ini2ial SKI&&3 STAMINA and &UCK -y
6oin2s and -,in/ yo0, 70,,en2 s7o,es 06 2o 2hese ne4 le1els5
He, hands sli6 +,om yo0, +a7e and she s2a,2s 2o 7olla6se5 !0i7.ly yo0 7a27h he,
and 7a,,y he, 2o he, -ed3 4he,e yo0 lay he, do4n5 Yo0 silen2ly 2han. he, and 6,omise
2o +,ee he,5 Closin/ 2he 70,2ains a,o0nd 2he -ed3 yo0 90ie2ly 4i2hd,a4 and ma.e yo0
4ay -a7. 2o 2he hall4ay5 Yo0 7lose 2he doo, and 7onside, yo0, o62ions5
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,s o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 666
To /o 2h,o0/h 2he 7en2,al doo,s3 20,n 2o 4+4
<#*
FF - Diamond
4++
Ma.in/ has2e3 yo0 lea1e 2he .i27hen5 Ba7. in 2he hall3 yo0 m0s2 no4 de7ide
-e24een 2,yin/ 2he doo, o66osi2e o, 6,o7eedin/ +0,2he, in2o 2he 90a,2e,s5
To 2a.e 2he doo, o66osi2e3 20,n 2o 848
To mo1e 06 alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 20,n 2o 43+
4+1
As 2he a,7ane sym-ols hi2 yo0, eyes3 2hey a,e 2,ans+o,med in2o meanin/+0l 4o,ds5
Yo0 dis7o1e, 2ha2 2he le22e,s a,e in +a72 7on2,a72s3 6,omisin/ an e2e,nal +eas2 in ,e20,n
+o, se,1i7e 2o Kin/ Da,m5 &oo.in/ a2 2he 2a-le yo0 ,ealise 2his is 2he Je2e,nal? +eas25
Yo0 4onde, 4ha2 s2a,1ed s6i,i2s 4o0ld ha1e a/,eed 2o s07h a 7on2,a725
The shee2s o+ 6a,7hmen2 a,e 6as2ed 2o 2he -a7.s o+ 2he 7hai,s3 and yo0
7on2em6la2e 2ea,in/ a4ay a shee25 I+ 2he 7on2,a72 is 2o,n3 2he -o0nd 7,ea20,e mi/h2 -e
+,eed5 Ho4e1e,3 2ha2 mi/h2 no2 -e a /ood 2hin/ +o, yo05 Cha2 i+ i2s h0n/e, is /,ea2e,
2han i2s /,a2i20deO The names on 2he 7on2,a72s mean no2hin/ 2o yo03 so yo0 ha1e no
idea o+ 4ha2 manne, o+ 7,ea20,es a,e -o0nd he,e5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 2ea, one o+ 2he 7on2,a72s o++ 2o see 4ha2 ha66ensO I+ so3 20,n 2o 483
I+ yo0 4an2 2o si2 in one o+ 2he 7hai,s 2o see i+ yo0 7an 7omm0ni7a2e 4i2h one o+ 2he
s6i,i2s3 20,n 2o 410
I+ yo0 ha1e lea,ned eno0/h a-o02 2his +eas2 and 4an2 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he s2ained /lass
doo,s on 2he +a, side o+ 2he ,oom3 20,n 2o 488
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an lea1e 2he dinin/ ,oom and /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 4053 o, mo1e +0,2he, 06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 825
4+3
Ci2h a +inal s2,o.e3 2he 0ni7o,n +alls dead 2o 2he /,o0nd5 Immedia2ely 2he 4o,ld
a,o0nd yo0 da,.ens and yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ s2andin/ -a7. in 2he so,7e,e,?s s20dy3 2he
0ni7o,n?s no4 d0ll -ody lyin/ -e+o,e yo0 in 2he 7i,7le o+ no4 -la7.ened d0s25 Yo0
702 a4ay 2he 0ni7o,n?s ho,n and 7lean i2 o++ as -es2 as yo0 7an5 Ho4 2ha2 yo0 ha1e i23
yo0 a,en?2 s0,e 4ha2 2o do 4i2h i23 -02 yo0 602 i2 a4ay in a sa+e 6la7e5
T0,n 2o 878
4+7
Ta.in/ o02 2he a,7ane s7,oll3 yo0 7lea, yo0, 2h,oa2 and ,ead 2he 4o,ds on i2 in a
lo0d 1oi7e3 2hen 6oin2 a2 Da,m3 so 2ha2 2he s6ell 4ill .no4 4ho 2o a22a7.5 Yo0 +eel
ma/i7al +o,7es /a2he,in/3 -02 ,a2he, 2han mani+es2in/ as a +ie,7e a22a7. on Da,m3 2he
6a,7hmen2 in yo0, hand -0,s2s in2o -l0e +lame5 Yo0 has2ily 2oss i2 aside3 and 2he
6a,7hmen2 +alls 2o 2he +loo,3 4he,e 2he +lame s6,eads o02 in2o a la,/e ,in/3 2hen -0,ns
s2eadily5
<#)
FF - Diamond
Da,m la0/hs hea,2ily5 LCe,e yo0 ho6in/ +o, some2hin/ elseO &e2 me e86lain 2o
yo0 4ha2 yo0 ha1e done5 This is indeed a 6o4e,+0l s6ell5 A s0mmonin/ s6ell in +a725
B02 yo0 ha1e s6o.en no name in yo0, s6ell5 Th0s 2o s0mmon a -ein/ yo0 m0s2 6la7e
an o++e,in/ in2o 2he 7i,7le5 So 7as2 an o->e72 in2o 2he ,in/ o+ +i,e and 4e 4ill see 4ha2
a,ises5 B02 7hoose yo0, o->e72 4iselyMN
Cha2 4ill yo0 7hoose 2o 2h,o4 in2o 2he +i,eO
A >ade 2a-le2O T0,n 2o 861
An i1o,y 7om-O T0,n 2o 476
A 7old 7,ys2alO T0,n 2o 641
A 0ni7o,n ho,nO T0,n 2o 642
I+ yo0 don?2 ha1e any o+ 2hese3 20,n 2o 654
4+8
Ta.in/ o02 2he 2o.en3 yo0 hold i2 06 -e+o,e yo0 as yo0 6,o7eed 06 2he s2ai,4ay5
Yo0 +eel a -i2 +oolish5 E1en a+2e, yo0 a,e o1e, hal+4ay 06 2he s2ai,4ay3 no one has
a7.no4led/ed yo03 and yo0 see no /0a,d 6os2s5
Yo0 ,ea7h 2he 70,2ain 4i2ho02 in7iden2 and sli6 2he 2o.en a4ay -e+o,e 6,o7eedin/
7a,e+0lly 2h,o0/h5
T0,n 2o 430
4+4
"0shin/ o6en 2he doo,3 yo0 6ee, inside5 The ,oom is a massi1e hall3 +illed 4i2h
2he /li22e, o+ /old and /ems5 I2 is a 2,eas0,y5 The 4alls a,e lined 4i2h /,ea2 7hes2s and
s2a20es o+ /old3 2he 4alls h0n/ 4i2h de2ailed 2a6es2,ies and 4ea6ons mo,e -e>e4elled
2han me2al5 Ela-o,a2ely 6a22e,ned 7a,6e2s a,e laid on 2he +loo,3 4hi7h in 2he 7en2,e is
mos2ly 7lea,5 A2 2he +a, end o+ 2he ,oom is a massi1e 2h,one o+ i1o,y3 se2 4i2h o6als
and +lan.ed -y /olden s2a20es o+ lions5 On 2he 4all -ehind 2he 2h,one is a massi1e
-anne, o+ a 4hi2e lion on a -l0e +ield3 +o,med +,om diamonds and 6ea,ls and sa66hi,es
se4n on2o a shee2 4o1en +,om /olden 4i,e5 I2 shimme,s in 2he li/h2 o+ 2he massi1e
7handelie,s a-o1e5
In 2he 2h,one si2s a 60,6le-,o-ed man3 -02 yo0, eye is d,a4 immedia2ely 2o 2he
4hi2e-,o-ed 4oman si22in/ a2 a small 2a-le a2 2he +oo2 o+ 2he 2h,one5 Yo0 s2e6 in2o 2he
,oom5 The 60,6le-,o-ed man s2ands5
LCel7omeMN he 7alls o025 LA66,oa7hMN
Yo0 4al. slo4ly +o,4a,d3 yo0 see Kianmay s2and and 4al. 2o mee2 yo05 She
a66ea,s 0nha,med3 -02 2,o0-led5 She mee2s yo0 in 2he middle o+ 2he hall and yo0 2a.e
in he, o6en +a7e3 -ea02i+0l a0-0,n hai, and -,i/h2 -l0e eyes5
LYo0 sho0ldn?2 ha1e 7ome3N she 4his6e,s 2o yo03 /,i66in/ yo0, a,ms5
LI had 2o sa1e yo03N yo0 ,e6ly3 a li22le h0,25
Yo0 see s0,6,ise 4ash o1e, he, +a7e5 LYo0 7ame 2o ,es70e me3 no2 2o des2,oy
himON
LI may ha1e 2o do -o2h3N yo0 say /,imly5
<#
FF - Diamond
LYes3 yo0 may3N Kianmay admi2s3 s0,6,isin/ yo05 Yo0 loo. a2 he, mo,e 7losely
and see 2ha2 she is 6ain+0lly 2i,ed5 Ho4 many ho0,s has she s6en2 2,yin/ 2o 20,n
Da,m?s hea,2 a4ay +,om i2s e1il 7o0,seO
LEno0/h o+ 2ha2MN Da,m 7alls o02 im6a2ien2ly5 LCome he,e3 yo0n/ man so I 7an
loo. a2 yo05N
S2e66in/ a,o0nd Kianmay3 yo0 a66,oa7h 2he 2h,one5 Da,m a66ea,s yo0n/e, 2han
yo0 e86e72ed3 no do0-2 2he ,es0l2 o+ his 90es2 2o 6,olon/ his li+e5 His hai, is i,on-/,ey3
4o,n lon/ and 2,ailin/ do4n his -a7.5 His is 7lean-sha1en3 and his s0n-2anned s.in is
smoo2h5 He has a la,/e hoo.ed nose and 2hi7. eye-,o4s3 4hi7h ma.e him seem
7ommandin/ ,a2he, 2han 0/ly5 He is 2all3 -02 no4 2hin 4he,e in his yo02h he 4as a
6o4e,+0l 4a,,io,5 He 4ea,s 60,6le ,o-es 4i2h 2he ed/es de7o,a2ed -y /old
em-,oide,y5 Ra2he, 2han a /,ea2 7,o4n3 he 4ea,s a sim6le /old 7i,7le25
He s2ands 4i2h his hands on his hi6s3 loo.in/ do4n a2 yo0 4i2h a +ond smile as i+
yo0 a,e a lon/-los2 ne6he45 LA2 las2M I ha1e -een 4ai2in/ +o, yo0 all 2his lon/ ni/h25N
Yo0 s2o6 many ya,ds +,om 2he +oo2 o+ 2he 2h,one5 LCha2 am I 2o yo0ON yo0 7an?2
hel6 as.in/5
LYo0 a,e 2he one 4ho 4ill -,in/ me 2he Diamond Key3N Da,m s2a2es sim6ly5 LI+
yo0 ha1e i23 yo0 m0s2 /i1e i2 2o me5 I+ yo0 ha1e hidden i23 yo0 m0s2 2ell me 4he,e i2
is5N
LChy sho0ld yo0 -e immo,2alON yo0 as.5 LChy no2 le2 2he Key -e 602 in2o 2he
land 4he,e i2 7an -ene+i2 allON
A loo. o+ s0,6,ise 7,osses Da,m?s +a7e5 LYo0 2hin. I 4an2 2he Key +o, mysel+O
Cha2 6oison has 2his demon 6o0,ed in2o yo0, mindO The Diamond Key 4as sen2 2o
2hese lands +o, me 2o ,e7ei1e5 I ha1e +o0nd a 4ay 2o -,in/ i2s 6o4e, 2o 2he 4hole
4o,ld5 "e,ha6s yo0 .no4 2ha2 he,e on 2he si2e o+ 2his 7i2y 2he,e is a 7on1e,/en7e o+
2he 1eins o+ 6o4e, in 2he ea,2h5 In +a723 2his 6la7e is 2he hea,2 o+ 2he 4o,ldM Tha2 is
4hy 2he Key 4as sen2 2o me +,om E,inha,n5 Chy else send i2 +,om s07h a 6o60lo0s
6la7e 2o 2his 4ilde,ness s2,on/holdO The 2,0e 6,ies2ess Kianmay m0s2 ha1e -een
.illed lon/ a/o and ,e6la7ed -y 2his demon3N he /es20,es 2o Kianmay5 LShe has
de7ei1ed yo05 I ha1e s6en2 2his ni/h2 2,yin/ 2o 0n,a1el he, s7heme3 +o, she held 2he
Diamond Key 4i2hin he, o4n hands3 ye2 7on2in0ed 2his 7ha,ade5N
I2 is a s2o,y 2ha2 seems 6la0si-le5 Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a >ade ,in/3 20,n 2o 426
Demand 6,oo+O T0,n 2o 456
A77e62 his e86lana2ionO T0,n 2o 525
Re+0se 2o -elie1e himO T0,n 2o 574
4+6
Yo0 +eel 2he li/h2 4i2hd,a4 +,om yo0, -ody3 and 2he mas. smiles a2 yo05 LYo0
a,e a se,1an2 o+ men5 My 6o4e, is yo0,s5N The 7a1i2y a,o0nd 2he mas. e86ands and
dee6ens3 ,e1ealin/ a dee6 hole5 The mas. is a720ally 6a,2 o+ an o,na2e .no- on 2he
end o+ a 6,o2,0sion o+ some .ind5 Yo0 ,ea7h in and d,a4 o02 a lon/3 hea1y o->e725
As i2 7omes o02 yo0 see 2ha2 i2 is a s4o,d3 4i2h a >ade 6ommel and a hil2 4,a66ed
in da,. /,een sil.5 The /0a,d is 6lain /old3 and 2he 2hi7. s7a--a,d is oddly made o+
s2one and hea1ily ma,.ed -y ,0nes5
<#<
FF - Diamond
Yo0 hold 2he hea1y shea2h and d,a4 2he -lade a +e4 in7hes5 &i/h2 -laKes o02 and
a 4all o+ hea2 4ashes o1e, yo0, +a7e a momen2 la2e,5 !0i7.ly yo0 7on7eal 2he -lade
on7e mo,e5
No4 yo0 .no4 4ha2 yo0 a,e holdin/3 and yo0 2,em-le5 I2 is a Fi,es4o,d5 A
4ea6on o+ /,ea2 des2,072ion3 20,nin/ e1en a 7hild o, a +ool in2o a dan/e,o0s +oe5
H0nd,eds o+ yea,s a/o Fi,es4o,ds 4e,e made3 -02 i2 4as 90i7.ly seen 2ha2 2hei, 6o4e,
4as 2oo des2,072i1e 2o -e allo4ed 2o +all in2o 2he hands o+ o,dina,y men5 Th0s 2hey
4e,e made 2hen 4i2h ma/i7al seals 06on 2hem5 B02 e1en so3 mos2 7i1ilised na2ions
a/,eed 2ha2 2he ma.in/ o+ s07h 4ea6ons and 2he 6ossession o+ 2hem sho0ld -e a
7,ime5 So i2 4as e1en enemies 1o4ed no2 2o 0se s07h 4ea6ons a/ains2 ea7h o2he,3
and 2o 60nish 4i2h dea2h e1en 2hei, o4n 4ho 4e,e +o0nd 2o ha1e one5
This is a 6o4e,+0l 4ea6on indeed5 To i2s +ie,y -lade a,mo0, 6,o1ides no mo,e
,esis2an7e 2ha2 +lesh3 2h0s 4hen yo0 0se i23 yo0 may i/no,e yo0, o66onen2s a,mo0,5
Weapon )ategory Damage Bonus
Fi,es4o,d S4o,d <*
No4 2ha2 yo0 ha1e +inished he,e3 yo0 7an 6,o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he 7o,,ido, -y
20,nin/ 2o 4123 o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 2,y 2he doo, o66osi2e 2he a,mo0,y -y 20,nin/
2o 824
4+5
Ci2h a +inal -lo4 2he las2 s.ele2on d,o6s 2o 2he /,o0nd in 6ie7es3 i2s s.i22e,in/
,emains 2he las2 so0nd -e+o,e a hea1y silen7e5 The 7oldness in 2he ai, is /one5 Yo0
ha1e 4on a /,ea2 -a22le5
Sl0m6in/ do4n a/ains2 2he 4all3 yo0 6a0se 2o ,es23 loo.in/ o1e, yo0, handi4o,.5
As yo0 do so3 yo0 no2i7e 2ha2 one o+ 2he s.ele2ons is 4ea,in/ a 2a,nished sil1e,
/a0n2le2 2ha2 s2ill a66ea,s 2o -e in /ood 7ondi2ion5 Ro0sin/ yo0,sel+ +,om yo0, ,e6ose3
yo0 7,a4l o1e, and 6i7. 06 2he /a0n2le2ed lim-5
Yo0 60ll i2 +,om 2he -ony a,m and e8amine i2 7losely5 The sil1e, is 2hin and inlaid
4i2h o6als3 a,o0nd 4hi7h s4i,l /olden se,6en2s5 Yo0 /i1e 2he inside o+ 2he /a0n2le2 a
sni++3 2hen slim yo0, hand inside5 I2 2i/h2ens a,o0nd yo0, a,m5 I2 does no2 h0,23 -02
yo0 s2ill 2,y 2o 60ll i2 o++5 I2 does no2 -0d/e5 I2 +i2s so 7losely i2 loo.s li.e yo0,
+o,ea,m and hand is 6ain2ed sil1e, 4i2h o6als and /olden se,6en2s inlaid in yo0, +lesh5
Yo0 a,e 0n7e,2ain 4he2he, o, no2 2o -e 6leased -y 2his 2,eas0,e5 I2 does no2 seem
2o -e doin/ yo0 any ha,m no43 -02 yo0 a,e le+2 2o 4onde, 4ha2 i2s ma/i7al 6,o6e,2ies
a,e5
Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o do3 yo0 lea1e 2he 7ham-e, and 7lim- -a7. 06 2he s2ai,s on7e
mo,e5 A lone se,6en2-/0a,d 4ai2s +o, yo03 and yo0 see 2ha2 he is s0,6,ised and
dis6leased 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Silen2ly he mo1es o++ and yo0 +ollo4 him -a7.
2h,o0/h 2he -,o.en hills5 On7e yo0 a,e in 2he /a,dens3 mo,e se,6en2-/0a,ds a66ea, 2o
<#=
FF - Diamond
es7o,2 yo0 -a7. 2o 2he sh,ine5 Yo0 s2e6 inside and a ,adian2 4hi2e mis2 -e/ins o-s70,e
2he /a,den5 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he
dome in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s in
2he +loo, and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
412
",o7eedin/ 06 2he /,and ye2 dim 6assa/e3 yo0 7ome 2o ano2he, 6ai, o+ doo,s3 one
2o ea7h side5 Ahead yo0 see 2he 6assa/e 7on2in0e -eyond 2he ne82 se2 o+ massi1e
6illa,s5 Yo0 7onside, 4he,e 2o /o5
To 7on2in0e on4a,ds3 20,n 2o 825
To 2a.e 2he doo, 2o 2he ,i/h23 20,n 2o 434
To 2a.e 2he doo, 2o 2he le+23 20,n 2o 405
410
"0llin/ o02 one o+ 2he hea1y 7hai,s3 yo0 lo4e, yo0,sel+ in2o i25 As soon as yo0 a,e
sea2ed3 2he da,.ness in 2he ,oom dee6ens3 and a haKe 7o1e,s 2he 2a-le5 I2 also 20,ns
-i22e,ly 7old and yo0 sh0dde, as yo0 +eel 6ain and ,a/in/ an/e, see6in/ in2o yo05
Yo0 -e/in 2o see mo1emen2 in 2he da,.ness3 and sha6es -e/in 2o +o,m in 2he o2he,
sea2s5 E1en20ally yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ sea2ed a2 an 0nholy +eas2 in 2he mids2 o+ a -liKKa,d
o+ -la7. sno4 2ha2 -illo4s and s2,eams a,o0nd 2he 2a-le -02 ne1e, +alls 06on i25
Yo0 loo. a2 2he o2he, dine,s as 2hei, +o,ms solidi+y5 The ele1en o2he, 6la7es a,e
2a.en -y -ein/s o+ all so,2s5 A7,oss 2he 2a-le +,om yo0 si2s a massi1ely -0il2 ,ed-
s7aled demon 4i2h a 7,o4n o+ 2en ho,ns and +i1e la,/e yello4 eyes 2han -laKe 4i2h
+,0s2,a2ion as he 7la4s 4ea.ly a2 a ,oas2ed 6i/5 To yo0, ,i/h2 is a slende, 7,ea20,e
4i2h 4hi2e s.in and 4hi2e hai, and 2he 6ales2 -l0e eyes5 I2 loo.s li.e an el+3 and s2a,es
mise,a-ly a2 i2s Je2e,nal? meal5 To yo0, le+2 is 4ha2 loo.s li.e ano2he, ,ed-s7aled
demon3 -02 in mo,e h0man 6,o6o,2ions3 4i2h a 2,i-ho,ned 7,es2 s4ee6in/ -a7. +,om i2s
head3 and a hoo.ed -ea.5 I2?s eyes a,e la,/e and 60,6le3 and i2s +in/e,s end in lon/
7la4s 2ha2 end in de82e,o0s 6oin2s as i2 +iddles 4i2h a -e>e4elled sil1e, ea2in/ .ni+e5 I2
a66ea,s dee6 in 2ho0/h25
The o2he,s a2 2he 2a-le a,e >0s2 as s2,an/e and 7,ea20,es 2he li.e o+ 4hi7h yo0 ha1e
ne1e, seen5 They all i/no,e ea7h o2he,3 yo0 de7ide 2o 2,y and s6ea. 2o one o+ 2he o2he,
dine,s5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 2al. 2o 2he 4hi2e el+ @20,n 2o 604A3 o, 2he demon 4i2h 2he lon/
7la4s @20,n 2o 587AO
<##
FF - Diamond
41+
Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h yo0 7ha,/e 2h,o0/h 2he 70,2ain and 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ 2o 2he
+loo, as 2he +a7e o6ens i2s mo02h 2o s6i2 a +i,e-all a2 yo0I
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5 I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 820
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 471
411
A li/h2nin/ -ol2 -las2s in2o 2he doo, a-o1e yo0 as yo0 slam yo0,sel+ do4n on2o 2he
+loo,5 Chi6s o+ -0,n2 4ood ,ain do4n on yo05 Yo0 >0m6 2o yo0 +ee2 and >e,. o6en
2he -0,nin/ doo,5 Yo0 6a0se only lon/ eno0/h 2o slam i2 se70,ely -ehind yo0 as yo0
2ea, do4n 2he ,am6 and dash heedlessly 2h,o0/h 2he /a,dens5
Yo0 ,0n 4i2h all yo0, mi/h2 and ,ea7h 2he sh,ine sa+ely3 -o0ndin/ 06 on2o 2he
7i,7le5 As soon as yo0 a,e -a7. in 2he 7i,7le3 ,adian2 mis2 -e/ins 2o o-s70,e 2he
/a,dens a,o0nd yo05 Yo0 see se1e,al se,6en2-/0a,ds only 6a7es a4ay and ,ealise yo0
ha1e made 2he na,,o4es2 o+ es7a6es5 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon
yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 6a0se 2o ,es2 +o, a +e4
min02es3 2hen 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he
lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
413
Yo0 60sh a/ains2 2he +allin/ 6o2s 4i2h yo0, hands5 The 6,ess0,e >0s2 ma.es 2he
6o2s s4ell o024a,ds a2 o2he, 6oin2s5 Finally 0sin/ yo0, 7hes23 el-o4 and .nee3 yo0
mana/e 2o s2o6 2he 6o2s 20m-lin/ o025
Yo0 -,ea2he a si/n o+ ,elie+5 Yo0 may ,e6lenish one l07. 6oin25 Yo0 7a,e+0lly
60sh 2he 6o2s 0n2il 2hey a,e in a messy -02 s2a-le 6ile and 7lose 2he doo,s5 Yo0 sea,7h
2he ,es2 o+ 2he .i27hen 4i2h /,ea2e, 7a,e3 -02 +ind no2hin/5
Yo0 7an no4 /o 2o 2he doo, a7,oss 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 843
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6,o7eed +0,2he, in2o 2he 90a,2e,s3 20,n 2o 412
<#%
FF - Diamond
417
LI 4ill 2a.e 2he 2,ialMN yo0 de7la,e -oldly5
L$e,y 4ell3N says 2he mas.5 LOnly 2hose +a1o0,ed -y hea1en may -ea, 2his
6o4e,5 &e2 0s see 4ha2 +a1o0, 4i2h hea1en yo0 ha1eMN
The eyes o+ 2he mas. /lo43 and yo0 +eel 2he li/h2 +lo4 in2o yo0, -ody 2h,o0/h
yo0, eye3 6a,alysin/ yo0 as 4ell as +illin/ yo0 4i2h an odd sensa2ionI
Tes2 yo0, HEA$EN&Y FA$OUR5 Roll < di7e5 I+ 2he 2o2al is e90al 2o o, less 2han
yo0, 70,,en2 &UCK s7o,e3 20,n 2o 4+6
I+ i2 is /,ea2e,3 20,n 2o 478
418
Yo0 mo1e 2he 6i7.s in 2he lo7. and a,e soon hea, 2he sa2is+yin/ 7li7. o+ 2he
20,nin/ 20m-le,s5 B02 a2 2he same 2ime yo0 +eel some2hin/ sha,6 6,i7. yo0, hand5
Yo0 sna27h yo0, hand a4ay3 al,eady +eelin/ a -0,nin/ sensa2ion in 2he small 4o0nd5
Glan7in/ a2 2he lo7. yo0 see a 6oisoned needle 6,o2,0din/ +,om 2he .eyhole5
Yo0 ha1e -een 6oisoned3 and yo0 s2a,2 2o +eel li/h2-headed as 2he 6o4e,+0l 1enom
does i2 4o,.5
I+ yo0 ha1e a healin/ 6o2ion3 yo0 7an d,in. i2 -y 20,nin/ 2o 682 D,in.in/ 2he 6o2ion
4ill 7o0n2e,a72 2he 6oison only5 I2 4ill no2 ,es2o,e los2 STAMINA5
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a /old a,m-and o, ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23
yo0 may also 20,n 2o 682
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 5+6
414
Yo0 6onde, 2he 90es2ion in silen7e +o, se1e,al momen2s3 2hen s6ea.3 -,ea.in/ 2he
silen7e 4i2h yo0, ,e6ly5
LYo0 a,e 7o,,e723N /,0m-les 2he demon5 Unha66ily i2 7as2s a -all o+ ,ain-o4
7olo0,ed li/h2 a2 yo05 The li/h2 +lo4s in2o yo0, -ody and yo0 +eel i2 2in/lin/
2h,o0/ho02 yo0, -ein/5 Yo0 may in7,ease yo0, initial SKI&& -y 6oin2s5
The demon 1anishes3 lea1in/ -ehind a 6en2a/,am o+ -la7. d0s25 Yo0 ha66ily 602
aside 2he ma/i7 -oo. and -e/in 2o sea,7h 2he ,es2 o+ 2he s20dy5
T0,n 2o 878
<#'
FF - Diamond
416
The demon la0/hs5 LChe2he, one is -lessed -y l07. o, no2 is his o4n doin/5 &e2
0s see i+ yo0 a,e al,eady l07.y o, no2MN
Tes2 yo0, &07.
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 425
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 487
I+ yo0 didn?2 0se 2he /olden a66le +o, 2he s0mmonin/ and 4o0ld li.e 2o o++e, i2 2o 2he
demon no4 in e87han/e +o, in7,eased &UCK3 20,n 2o 401
415
Yo0 hold 2he -oo. and -e/in 2o in7an2 2he in7an2a2ion5 As yo0 ,e6ea2 2he 4o,ds3
yo0 +eel yo0, -ody 1i-,a2in/ 4i2h in7,easin/ s2,en/2h3 2hen 2he 4hole ,oom seems 2o
-e sha.in/ as 2he ai, a-o1e 2he 6en2a/,am +ills 4i2h li/h25 E1en20ally a +i/0,e a66ea,s
amids2 2he li/h2 and all -e7omes s2ill on7e mo,e5 To yo0, s0,6,ise and dismay i2 is a
la,/e 7,o45 I2 -e/ins 2o de1o0, yo0, o++e,in/5
LYo0 a/ainON yo0 say5
The 7,o4 i/no,es yo0 and 7on2in0es 2o ea25 Yo0 ,esis2 2he 2em62a2ion 2o 2h,o4
some2hin/ a2 i2 and /,ind yo0, 2ee2h5 Finally i2 +inishes and loo.s a2 yo05
LChy do yo0 .ee6 -o2he,in/ meON 2he 7,o4 as.s5
I/no,in/ 2he ,ema,. yo0 /e2 do4n 2o -0siness5 LI am in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5
Aid me a/ains2 him5N
L$e,y 4ell3N says 2he 7,o45 LGo 2o 2he Royal So,7e,e,?s a6a,2men2s5 The,e yo0
4ill +ind a s6ell-oo. 2ha2 4ill 2ell yo0 ho4 2o s0mmon a 0ni7o,n5 Use a /olden a66le5
I2 4ill 2hen aid yo05N
LI?m al,eady in 2he ,oyal so,7e,e,?s ,ooms3 and I s0mmoned yo0MN
LI?m no2 a 0ni7o,n3 I?m a 7,o43N i2 e86lains 7om6assiona2ely5
LI .no4 2ha2MN yo0 e87laim5 LI2?s 2oo la2e +o, me 2o s0mmon 2he 0ni7o,nM All I
ha1e is yo03 so hel6 meMN
The 7,o4 si/hs5 L$e,y 4ell5 The,e a,e many 4ays 2o de+ea2 Kin/ Da,m?s e1il
6lans5 Ho4 do yo0 4ish 2o de+ea2 himON
Cha2 4ill yo0 ans4e,O
&o4 ,is.; Tha2 yo0 4an2 2o .ill Da,mO T0,n 2o 870
Hi/h ,is.; Tha2 yo0 4an2 2o sa1e him +,om his o4n e1ilO T0,n 2o 443
432
LI am he,e 2o s2o6 Kin/ Da,m3N yo0 2ell 2he 90i1e,in/ h025 LI+ he is .ee6in/ yo0
he,e a/ains2 yo0, 4ill I 7an hel6 2o +,ee yo05 Cill yo0 hel6 me a/ains2 himON
The,e is silen7e +o, a lon/ 2ime3 -02 2hen +inally a small sha.y 1oi7e ,e6lies5 LHe
is 2oo 6o4e,+0lM Too 6o4e,+0l +o, 2he li.es o+ yo0MN
LI ha1e hidden 2alen2s3N yo0 -oas25 LB02 i+ yo0 7an hel6 me3 may-e i2 4ill
in7,ease my 7han7es and I 4ill ,e4a,d yo05N
<#(
FF - Diamond
The,e is silen7e +o, a 4hile lon/e,3 2hen 2he lo7.s on 2he 7li7.3 and 2he doo, o6ens
a 7,a7.3 >0s2 eno0/h +o, a 2hin +in/e,ed hand 2o d,o6 o02 a small 6hial o+ 6o2ion5 The
doo, slams sh02 and 2he lo7.s 7li7. on7e mo,e5 LYo0 d,in.MN 2he 7,ea20,e s90ea.s5
Yo0 6i7. 06 2he 6hial3 4hi7h is made o+ +a7e2ed 7,ys2al5 I2 7on2ains a 1e,y small
amo0n2 o+ a -,o4nish li90id5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o d,in. 2he 6o2ion3 20,n 2o 620
I+ yo0 don?2 2,0s2 2he 7,ea20,e3 yo0 7an 2h,ea2en him3 -y 20,nin/ 2o 6253 o, /o s2,ai/h2
2o 60llin/ 2he h02 in2o 6ie7es -y 20,nin/ 2o 524
Al2e,na2i1ely3 yo0 7an 602 do4n 2he 6o2ion and lea1e 2he /a,dens -y 20,nin/ 2o 676
430
Ca,e+0lly 6a,2in/ 2he 70,2ains3 yo0 +lin7h -a7. as yo0 see 2he ,0ne-ma,.ed head o+
a massi1e -allis2a -ol2 ,i/h2 -e+o,e yo0, +a7e5 A+2e, a momen2 yo0 ,ela8 as yo0 ,ealise
2he -allis2a i2 is mo0n2ed on is s2ill and 0nmanned5 S2e66in/ a,o0nd 2he head o+ 2he
4ea6on3 yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ in a ,o0nd 7ham-e, almos2 7om6le2ely +illed 4i2h 2he
7,oss-o4-li.e sie/e en/ine5 Chains han/in/ +,om 2he 7eilin/ a,e 7onne72ed 2o 2he
-allis2a3 and a 7,an. in a small al7o1e 6,o1ides 2he means 2o hois2 2he -allis2a 06 2o 2he
domed 7eilin/ a-o1e5
The,e is eno0/h ,oom +o, yo0 2o ed/e a,o0nd 2he -allis2a and yo0 do so3 ,ea7hin/
a 6ai, o+ 2all /olden doo,s5 Ca,e+0lly 2,yin/ 2he doo,s3 yo0 +ind 2hem 0nlo7.ed and
o6en one >0s2 eno0/h 2o 6ee. 2h,o0/h in2o 2he dim hall -eyond5 Seein/ i2 is sa+e3 yo0
mo1e inside and 7lose 2he doo,s5 Yo0 ha1e made i2 2o 2he 066e, le1el o+ 2he 6ala7e3
2he 6e,sonal ,esiden7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5
The halls he,e a,e m07h less o60len2 2han 2hose -elo45 The 4alls a,e 6olished
da,. /,ey ma,-le 1eined 4i2h 4hi2e5 The +loo,s a,e laid 4i2h /old and 1a,io0s da,.
h0es o+ ma,-le laid o02 in 2ile-li.e 6a22e,ns and 6olished smoo2h5 The a,7hed 7eilin/s
a,e hi/h3 4i2h 2hi7. -eams and -oa,ds o+ 6olished 7hes2n02-7olo0,ed 4ood5 The doo,s
2ha2 line 2he main 7o,,ido, a,e also 2he same 7hes2n02-7olo0,ed 4ood5
Chandelie,s as /,and as 2hose -elo43 i+ m07h smalle,3 han/ a2 in2e,1als +,om 2he
7eilin/3 -02 2hei, li/h2 seems oddly m02ed3 as i+ 2he,e is a da,.ness 2ha2 han/s in 2he
ai,5 E1e,y2hin/ a,o0nd yo0 seems s2ill and li+eless3 as i+ no one has li1ed he,e +o, a
lon/ 2ime5
&oo.in/ a2 2he lon/ 7o,,ido, ahead o+ yo03 yo0 7an see 2h,ee doo,s on ea7h side3
4i2h ano2he, doo, a2 2he o2he, end o+ 2he 7o,,ido,5 Yo0 ha1e no idea o+ 2he layo02 o+
2he 90a,2e,s o, 4he,e 2o +ind Kianmay o, Da,m5 None o+ 2he doo,s a,e ma,.ed in any
4ay5 The 7o,,ido, is di1ided in2o 2h,ee se72ions -y 2hi7. -la7. 6illa,s 7a,1ed in ,elie+
4i2h no-le 4a,,io,s holdin/ s2anda,ds 2ha2 ,ea7h 2o 2he 1e,y 7eilin/5 In 2he +i,s2
se72ion 4he,e yo0 s2and is a se2 o+ doo,s in ea7h 4all5
Che,e do yo0 4an2 2o /oO
To 2a.e 2he doo,4ay 2o 2he ,i/h23 20,n 2o 824
To 2a.e 2he doo,4ay 2o 2he le+23 20,n 2o 843
To mo1e +0,2he, alon/ 2he 7o,,ido,3 20,n 2o 412
<#E
FF - Diamond
43+
Yo0 -e/in 2o ma.e yo0, 4ay 06 2he hall4ay3 4hen yo0 see 2he doo,s a2 2he +a,
end -e/in 2o o6en5 Yo0 7ome 2o a s2o63 yo0 4ea6on 7omin/ 2o hand5 E8i2in/ 2he
doo, o66osi2e is a small 7,ea20,e no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e ,o20nd5 He
ma.es his 4ay do4n 2he 7o,,ido,3 smilin/ a2 yo05
I2 does no2 s6ea. 0n2il in is 4i2hin a +e4 me2,es o+ yo05 He hoo.s his 2h0m-s in
2he -el2 o+ his .il25 LCel7ome5 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o
7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5
"lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e -o4s3 2hen 20,ns and ma.es i2s 4ay -a7. 06 2he 7o,,ido,5 Fo, a
momen2 yo0 7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e in1i2a2ion
+,om Da,m3 i2 is 6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion mi/h2 -e sen2
2o +e27h yo05
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 slo4ly +ollo45 The 7,ea20,e is ma.in/ his 4ay 06
2he hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0 a,e +ollo4in/ him o,
no25 The 7,ea20,e soon /oes 2h,o0/h 2he doo, a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02
lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he la,/e 6olished 4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e
la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
431
Ta.in/ o02 2he -o22le o+ slee6in/ 6o2ion3 yo0 90i7.ly 2i6 some in2o 2he 706 o+
4ine5 Yo0 2hen 20,n -a7. and a66,oa7h he,5 Yo0 hand he, 2he 7065 She 2a.es i2 and
6oin2s 2o a sea25 Yo0 o-edien2ly si2 do4n5
She li+2s 2he 706 -ehind he, 1eil and si6s +,om i25 LYo0 a,e he,e 2o .ill 2he Kin/3
a,en?2 yo0ON she as.s5
LYes3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LHe is a 6o4e,+0l so,7e,e,3N she ,e6lies5 LHo4 do yo0 ho6e 2o de+ea2 himON
LI ha1e my 4ays3N yo0 ,e6ly eni/ma2i7ally55
The 90een snee,s5 LYo0 a,e no2 2he +i,s2 2o 7ome he,e3 2,yin/ 2o des2,oy him5
Cham6ions ha1e 7ome +,om nea, and +a,5 All mo,e 6o4e,+0l 2han a me,e 4a,,io,
s07h as yo05 I dea,ly 4ish 2ha2 yo0 4o0ld s077eed in yo0, 90es25 B02 no me,e
4a,,io, 7an de+ea2 him5 I2 is -es2 +o, yo0 2o lea1e 2his 6la7e and ne1e, ,e20,n5N
LI 7anno2 do 2ha23N yo0 ,e6ly5 LHe has 7a620,ed a 6,ies2ess 4hom I m0s2 ,es70e5N
LShe 4ill 7ome 2o no ha,m3N 2he 90een ,e6lies5 LHe is no2 so 6e22y as 2o ha,m a
4oman5 He 4as on7e a no-le .in/5N
She +alls in2o silen7e3 and he, eyelids s2a,2 2o 7lose5 He, eyes +la,e o6en and she
loo.s a2 yo05 LCha2 ha1e yo0 doneON He, eyes 7lose a/ain and yo0 see he, head
slo4ly lo4e,5 Yo0 /en2ly 2a.e 2he 706 +,om he, hand and 602 i2 do4n on 2he 2a-le5
She is aslee6 no4 and yo0 6i7. he, 06 and 7a,,y he, 2o 2he -ed3 4he,e yo0 lay he,
do4n5
<%*
FF - Diamond
Yo0 6a0se 2o loo. do4n a2 he,5 Des6i2e -ein/ a 90een3 yo0 /0ess 2ha2 she is
2,a66ed he,e5 Yo0 d,a4 aside he, 1eil and a,e sho7.ed 2o see 2ha2 she is dis+i/0,ed
ho,,i-ly5 Yo0 ,e6la7e 2he 1eil and 7lose 2he 70,2ains a,o0nd 2he -ed3 lea1in/ he, in
6ea7e5
Yo0 2hen lea1e 2he ,oom5
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,s o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 666
To /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,s a2 2he end o+ 2he hall3 20,n 2o 4+4
433
T0,nin/ 2o 2he 7ha62e, on o->e72s o+ /old3 yo0 -,o4se 2h,o0/h 0n2il yo0 7ome
06on a 6i720,e o+ a /olden a66le5 Ea/e,ly yo0 ,ead 2he en2,y5 The /olden a66le is
a66a,en2ly +,om a 2,ee 2ha2 /,o4s in one o+ 2he lo4e, hea1ens3 6,od07in/ 2h,ee a66les
e1e,y )*** yea,s5 The 6assa/e 4a,ns 2ha2 ea2in/ 2he a66le 4ill +ill 2he ea2e, 4i2h 2he
essen7e o+ 2he hea1en +,om 4hi7h i2 7omes3 and so only s6i,i20al -ein/s sho0ld ea2 i25
The 4hole 2hin/ so0nds a -i2 d0-io0s 2o yo05 And ho4 7an yo0 ea2 a me2al a66leO
"e,ha6s 4ha2 yo0 ha1e is >0s2 a model5
T0,n -a7. 2o 436
437
The da,.ness mo1es a,o0nd yo0 and yo0 +eel li.e yo0 a,e +loa2in/5 E1en20ally
yo0 seem 2o ,ise 06 and li/h2 ,0shes 2o +ill yo0, eyes5 Yo0 +eel some2hin/ hi2 yo0,
side and yo0, eyes +la,e o6en5 Cha2e1e, has .i7.ed yo0 >0m6s -a7. and yo0
s7,am-le 2o yo0, +ee25
S2andin/ 2he,e is a small 7,ea20,e no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e ,o20nd5 He
smiles3 and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il25 LSo yo0 a,e ali1e a+2e, all5 Yo0
ha1e s2,an/e 6o4e,s indeed5 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o
7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5
"lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e -o4s3 2hen 20,ns and ma.es i2s 4ay a7,oss 2he dinin/ hall and
-a7. in2o 2he 7o,,ido,5 Fo, a momen2 yo0 7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02
des6i2e 2he 6oli2e in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is 6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a
la,/e, minion mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 slo4ly +ollo43 7,ossin/ 2he dinin/ hall and
mo1in/ in2o 2he 7o,,ido,5 The 7,ea20,e is ma.in/ his 4ay 06 2he hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a,
end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0 a,e +ollo4in/ him o, no25 The 7,ea20,e soon
/oes 2h,o0/h 2he doo, a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02 lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o,
yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he la,/e 6olished 4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6
-,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
<%)
FF - Diamond
438
Yo0 o6en 706-oa,ds and d,a4e,s3 +indin/ 6la2es3 706s3 .ni+es3 +o,.s3 s6oons3
dishes and -o4ls o+ all siKes5 Yo0 also +ind 4ooden s6oons3 ladles3 6o2s and 6ans3
and -a,,els o+ ,an7id oil5 I2 is all 1e,y o,dina,y3 -02 2hen yo0 dis7o1e, some2hin/
0n0s0al5 As yo0 o6en one 706-oa,d3 yo0 +ind 2he 6o2s 2he,e a,e 6oo,ly s2a7.ed3 and
-e/in 2o +all5
Yo0 des6e,a2ely 2h,o4 o02 yo0, hands3 2,yin/ 2o s2o6 2he 6o2s +allin/I
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5 The,e a,e a lo2 o+ 6o2s3 so 2es2 yo0, SKI&& -0y ,ollin/ die and
addin/ < 2o 2his n0m-e,5 I+ 2his 2o2al is 2he same as o, less 2han yo0, 70,,en2 SKI&&3
20,n 2o 413
I+ 2he 2o2al is hi/he,3 20,n 2o 470
434
The do0-le doo,s a,e 4ide3 and as yo0 ease 2he doo, o6en3 yo0 a,e 0ns0,6,ised 2o
see a la1ish dinin/ ,oom5 S2e66in/ inside3 yo0 loo. o1e, 2he 2hi7.ly 7a,1ed and
6olished 4ooden 2a-le5 &aid o02 06on i2s s0,+a7e is a /,ea2 +eas23 in 6la22e,s3 -o4ls3
6la2es and 706s o+ sil1e, inlaid 4i2h >e4els5 G,ea2 -e>e4elled 7andles2i7.s s2and on
2he 2a-le3 4i2h 2hi7. 4hi2e 7andles -0,nin/ -,i/h2ly5 Ye2 he,e 2he ai, seems e1en
da,.e, 2han o02side3 and a 7hill 4ashes o1e, yo0, s.in5
None2heless3 yo0 s2e6 +o,4a,d and loo. o1e, 2he +eas25 A2 +i,s2 /lan7e i2 is
a66ealin/3 -02 yo0 90i7.ly no2i7e 2ha2 2he la,/e shinin/ +,0i2s a,e 6ain2ed and
la790e,ed 4ood5 &i.e4ise 2he o2he, +ood and meals a,e s.ill+0lly made +,om 6ain2ed
7lay o, 7a,1ed 4ood5
Disin2e,es2ed3 and 7hilled -y 2he s2,an/e ai,3 yo0 -e/in 2o 20,n a4ay5 B02 as yo0
do so yo0 see mo1emen2 and 20,n yo0, head -a7. 2o4a,ds 2he 2a-le5 &oo.in/ di,e72ly
yo0 see no2hin/5 Ca,e+0lly 20,nin/ yo0, /aKe a4ay3 yo0 2,y 2o 7on7en2,a2e on yo0,
6e,i6he,al 1ision5 The shado4y ai, o1e, 2he 2a-le mo1es5 Yo0 7anno2 dis2in/0ish
4ha2 is ha66enin/3 -02 2he,e is some2hin/ s2,an/e and ma/i7al a-o02 2his +eas25
Yo0 loo. 90i7.ly o1e, 2he ,es2 o+ 2he ,oom3 seein/ no2hin/ -02 /lass-doo,ed
7a-ine2s +0ll o+ e86ensi1e dinne,4a,e3 and a 6ai, o+ doo,s on 2he +a, side +illed in 4i2h
7olo0,ed /lass5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he +a.e +eas2 and see 4ha2 is /oin/ on3 20,n 2o 402
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained-/lass doo,s3 20,n 2o 488
I+ yo0 ha1e had eno0/h o+ 2his 6la7e3 and ha1en?2 ye2 2,ied 2he o66osi2e doo,3 yo0 7an
do so -y 20,nin/ 2o 405
Al2e,na2i1ely yo0 7an 6,o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he main 7o,,ido, -y 20,nin/ 2o 825
436
In yo0, sea,7h yo0 s0ddenly see a -oo. 2ha2 is en2i2led; 2b.ects of Magic and
their ;ses% Yo0 2a.e i2 do4n and +ind i2 is a 7a2alo/0e o+ ma/i7al i2ems5 Yo0 +li7.
2h,o0/h i2 loo.in/ +o, any o->e72s 2ha2 yo0 ha1e5
The +ollo4in/ o->e72s a,e lis2ed and yo0 7an loo. 2hem 06 i+ yo0 ha1e 2hem;
Bade Colla, @400A
<%
FF - Diamond
Sil1e, S7a,a- @858A
Golden A66le @433A
The ,es2 o+ yo0, sea,7h ,e1eals no2hin/3 and yo0 lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s5 The demoni7
+a7e in 2he doo, ,emains s2ill3 and yo0 s2o6 in 2he en2,an7e hall 2o 7onside, yo0,
o62ions5
To 2a.e 2he 2,ee a,7h3 20,n 2o 715
To 2a.e 2he nes2 a,7h3 20,n 2o 8+7
I+ yo0 ha1e +inished he,e and 4an2 2o lea1e 2he 90a,2e,s3 20,n 2o 776
435
The sensa2ions3 6leasan2 a2 +i,s23 -e/in 2o h0,2 as yo0 +eel yo0, -ody -ein/
s2,e27hed and 7om6,essed5 Yo0 +a7e e82ends3 and 2hi7. hai, s6,o02s all o1e, yo0,
-ody5 Amids2 2he 6ain yo0, h0man mind s2a,2s 2o sli6 a4ay as a 6o4e,+0l h0n/e,
,ises 4i2hin yo0, hea,2I
The h0man 6a,2 o+ yo0 1anishes as yo0 a,e 2,ans+o,med in2o a 4ol+5 Be7a0se yo0
ha1e -een 2,ans+o,med -y ma/i7 ,a2he, 2han 2he 7y7le o+ 2he moon3 yo0 ,emain in
yo0, 4ol+ sha6e5 Yo0 4ill ne1e, .no4 ho4 yo0 +led 2he 6ala7e3 +eedin/ on se1e,al
h0mans on yo0, 4ay3 -e+o,e ,0nnin/ 2h,o0/h 2he 7i2y and +indin/ +,eedom in 2he
20nd,a5 As a 4e,e4ol+ yo0 s2and 24i7e as hi/h as any no,mal 4ol+3 and a,e 7o1e,ed in
2hi7. -la7. +0,5 Yo0 li1e alone -y yo0, ins2in72s 0n2il a 4ol+ 6a7. ado62s yo05 They
2oo a,e la,/e and -la7. li.e yo03 -02 2hey 7an 2,ans+o,m in2o 24o-le//ed 7,ea20,es3 and
lead a /,ea2 a,my o+ 24o-le/s5
Yo0 >oin 2hem3 ,0nnin/ a2 2hei, side as 2hey 7o1e, 2hemsel1es in me2al and a22a7. a
/,ea2 7i2y o+ s2one5 E1en20ally yo0, 6a7. and 2hei, 24o-le/ a,my is 1i72o,io0s and yo0
si2 in /olden halls ne82 2o 2he .in/3 his 7om6anion +o,e1e,5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
472
Sli66in/ 2he .ey in2o 2he lo7.3 yo0 20,n i2 and a,e 6leased 2o hea, 2he 20m-le,s
7li7. o1e,5 "0shin/ o6en 2he doo,s3 yo0 s2e6 inside and 7lose 2he doo,3 lo7.in/ i2
-ehind yo05
&oo.in/ a,o0nd 2he ,oom yo0 a,e a4ed -y 4ha2 yo0 see5 I2 is an a,mo0,y5 I2 is
+illed 4i2h 4ea6ons and a,mo0, o+ all .inds5 Ra7.s o+ 4ea6ons s2and a/ains2 2he
4alls 4hile in 2he +loo, s6a7e in 2he 7en2,e a,e 4ooden s2ands holdin/ e,e72 s0i2s o+
a,mo0,5 Han/in/ on 2he 4alls a,e 4ea6ons o+ /,ea2 1al0e and -ea02y5
Yo0 ,0- yo0, hands 2o/e2he, 4i2h /lee5 Yo0 7an ,e6la7e yo0, 4ea6ons and
a,mo0, he,e3 o, 2a.e e82,a5 The a,mo0,y has e1e,y2hin/ 2ha2 yo0 4o0ld +ind a2 a
4ea6onmas2e,s sho6 in a ma,.e25 On7e yo0 ha1e e90i66ed yo0,sel+ 4i2h mo,e
m0ndane i2ems3 i2 is 2ime 2o loo. +o, some2hin/ o+ /,ea2e, 1al0e5
The 4ea6ons on 2he 4alls 6,o1e 2o -e mo,e de7o,a2i1e 2han 6,a72i7al5 The
02ili2a,ian 4ea6ons yo0 ha1e al,eady ins6e72ed a,e mo,e a66,o6,ia2e +o, yo0,
<%<
FF - Diamond
60,6oses5 Ye2 yo0 do no2 /i1e 065 The,e m0s2 -e some2hin/ o+ 1al0e he,e5 This is
Da,m?s 6e,sonal a,mo0,y a+2e, all5
The a,mo0,y is laid o02 in a 6,a72i7al 4ay3 and ye2 2he,e is a doo,-siKed -lan.
s6a7e on 2he +a, 4all5 Ini2ially yo0, /aKe 6assed o1e, i2 0nseein/5 "e,ha6s a ,a7. 4as
,emo1ed5 B02 no4 de2e,mined 2ha2 2he,e m0s2 -e some2hin/ mo,e he,e3 yo0 e8amine
2he -lan. 4all 4i2h /,ea2e, in2e,es25
On 7lose, e8amina2ion yo0 see 2ha2 i2 is no2 -lan. a+2e, all5 In 2he 7en2,e is a small
hole5 Sin7e i2 is a2 head-hei/h23 yo0 602 yo0, eye 2o i2 and see a small 7a1i2y -eyond3
in 4hi7h is a small >ade mas. 4i2h 2iny eme,alds se2 in sil1e, +o, eyes5 The 7a1i2y is
li2 -y a 2iny sli1e, o+ a li/h2 7,ys2al in 2he 7eilin/ o+ 2he 7a1i2y5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
"o.e some2hin/ in2o 2he holeO T0,n 2o 447
T,y 2al.in/ 2o 2he mas.O T0,n 2o 403
I+ yo0 ,a2he, no2 2,y yo0, l07. 4i2h 2he hole a2 all3 yo0 7an lea1e and 6,o7eed +0,2he,
06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 4123 o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady 2,y 2he doo, o66osi2e 2he
a,mo0,y -y 20,nin/ 2o 824
470
Yo0 des6e,a2ely 2,y 2o 7a27h 2he 6o2s3 -02 2hey s6ill a,o0nd yo0 and 7la22e, lo0dly
on 2he +loo,3 some -o0n7in/ a7,oss 2he +loo, 2o -an/ a/ains2 2he 4alls5 Chen all is
s2ill3 yo0 7a,e+0lly s2and3 easin/ a 6o2 o++ yo0, la6 and se22in/ i2 do4n5 Yo0 lis2en3 -02
hea, no2hin/5 The 6la7e seems dese,2ed a+2e, all5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 7on2in0e yo0, sea,7hO I+ so3 20,n 2o 440
I+ yo0 2hin. i2 is -es2 2o lea1e no43 20,n 2o 4++
47+
Da,m sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e, and 2h,0s2s his hand a2 yo05 The ai, i2sel+ ,0shes
2o4a,ds yo03 2hi7.enin/ in2o a s6ea, o+ +o,7e5 I2 s2,i.es yo0 so s4i+2ly and 6o4e,+0lly
2ha2 2he im6a72 is li.e -een hi2 -y a -a22e,in/ ,am5 Yo0, ma/i7al 6,o2e72ion 0n,a1els
2he ma/i73 -02 i2 only needs a momen2 2o in+li72 # 6oin2s o+ dama/e 2o yo0,
STAMINA
I+ yo0 a,e s2ill ali1e3 20,n 2o 643
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
I+ yo0 a,e >0s2 .illed3 20,n 2o 627
471
Yo0 ha1e 2imed yo0, di1e 2oo ea,ly and 2he demon +a7e s6i2s +i,e di,e72ly in2o
yo0, +a7e5 Yo0 shield yo0,sel+ 4i2h yo0, a,ms3 -02 s2ill s0++e, % STAMINA dama/e5
I+ yo0 a,e s2ill ali1e3 yo0 s7,am-le 2o 2he -ase o+ 2he doo, 4he,e 2he +a7e 7anno2 ,ea7h
yo05 The demoni7 +a7e 70,ses and /,0m-les a2 yo05 Rea7hin/ 063 yo0 60sh on 2he
<%=
FF - Diamond
handle and 2he doo, s4in/s o6en5 Yo0 .ee6 lo4 and 7lose 2o 2he doo, and ,oll inside3
sh022in/ 2he doo, -ehind yo05
Yo0 ha1e made i2 in2o 2he so,7e,e,?s s20dy5
T0,n 2o 482
473
Yo0 se2 2he /ems in 6la7e one -y one3 6a0sin/ -e+o,e yo0 +i2 2he las2 one in2o 2he
de6,ession5 Yo0 90i7.ly s2e6 -a7.3 -02 no2hin/ ha66ens5 Yo0 4ai2 +o, a min02e3 -02
2he 7ham-e, ,emains s2ill5
Yo0 ,e2,ie1e 2he /ems and 7onside, 4ha2 2o do ne825
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e3 yo0 7an 2a.e 2he 2,a6doo, -y 20,nin/ 2o 6703 o, i+ yo0 7ame in
2h,o0/h 2he 4indo43 yo0 7an lea1e 2ha2 4ay -y 20,nin/ 2o 563
O, yo0 7an 2,y ano2he, 7om-ina2ion;
G,ey-,0-y3 -la7.-sa66hi,e3 4hi2e-eme,ald: 20,n 2o 836
G,ey-sa66hi,e3 -la7.-,0-y3 4hi2e-eme,ald: 20,n 2o 451
G,ey sa66hi,e3 -la7.-eme,ald3 4hi2e-,0-y: 20,n 2o 601
G,ey-eme,ald3 -la7.-,0-y3 4hi2e-sa66hi,e: 20,n 2o 612
G,ey-eme,ald3 -la7.-sa66hi,e3 4hi2e-,0-y: 20,n 2o 571
477
Yo0 -e/in 2o 7lim- 2he s2e6s3 yo0, +ee2 +allin/ silen2ly on 2he 7a,6e2ed s2e6s5 Yo0
.ee6 ale,2 +o, any si/ns o+ ala,m o, dan/e,3 -02 see no2hin/5 Chen yo0 a,e hal+4ay
06 2he s2e6s yo0 hea, a s6,in/in/ so0nd3 and see 2he 70,2ains +l0n/ o6en as a -allis2a
-ol2 shoo2s 2o4a,ds yo05 In 2he se7ond yo0 ha1e 2o o-se,1e i2 yo0 see 2he sha+2 is as
2hi7. as a slende, man and 2he head is -,oad eno0/h 2o shea, yo0 in 24o5
Des6e,a2ely yo0 di1e +o, 2he +loo,I
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 88+
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 -02 2he di7e ,oll is less 2han yo0, &UCKF<3 20,n 2o 424
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y -y mo,e 2han yo0, &UCKF<3 20,n 2o 485
478
The li/h2 4i2hd,a4s +,om yo0, -ody5 LYo0 a,e a m0ndane -ein/3N 2he mas.
in+o,ms yo05 The ne82 ins2an2 i2 s6i2s a s2,eam o+ +i,e +,om i2s mo02h5 Yo0 +lin7h
-a7.4a,ds3 -02 2he +lame has al,eady s2,07. yo0, +a7e5 Yo0 2,y 2o smo2he, 2he +lames
as yo0 +all 2o 2he /,o0nd 4i2h a s7,eam3 +eelin/ yo0, +lesh ,0n o++ yo0, -ones5 B02 2he
ma/i7al +i,e 7anno2 -e s066,essed5 Than.+0lly i2 is 90i7. and 7ons0mes yo0, +lesh in
se7onds3 and ,ed07es yo0, -ones 2o smo.e in less 2han a min02e5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
<%#
FF - Diamond
474
&i+2in/ yo0, hand 4i2h a 2o6aK ,in/ on i23 yo0 7on7en2,a2e and 2,y 2o ,e1eal 2he
ma/i7al 6,o6e,2ies o+ 2he ,in/5 Da,m 4ai2s 6a2ien2ly3 an ind0l/en2 smile 70,1in/ his
li6s5 Yo0 +eel 2he ma/i7al hea,2 o+ 2he ,in/3 and yo0 +eel 2he 6o4e, 0nlo7.ed 4i2hin
eme,/e5
The 2o6aK s2a,2s 2o /lo4 4i2h a so+23 4a,m li/h25 Yo0 4ai2 e86e72an2ly3 -02 2he,e
doesn?2 seem 2o -e any2hin/ else ha66enin/5 Yo0 hea, Da,m 7h07.le5 LI /a1e a ,in/
li.e 2ha2 2o my assassin5 I ho6e yo0 did no2 do him any ha,mO A 2imid 7,ea20,e3 -02
he 7an 602 a .ni+e in man?s -a7. and es7a6e -e+o,e his 4ido4 no2i7es a 2hin/5 I da,e
no2 .ee6 him inside 2he 6ala7e 4i2h me5N He s2ands and li+2s his hand5 LYo0 ha1e had
yo0, 20,n5 No4 I 4ill ha1e mineMN He -e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,3 o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
I+ no23 20,n 2o 540
476
Yo0 sea,7h 2h,o0/h yo0, 6a7. +o, some2hin/5 Yo0 hand 7omes 06on 2he o,na2e
i1o,y 7om- 2ha2 yo0 +o0nd on 2he +loo, o+ 2he 2h,one ,oom5 Yo0 don?2 .no4 4hy yo0
e1en -o2he,ed 2o 2a.e i2 4i2h yo05 B02 no4 some ins2in72 ma.es yo0 2oss i2 in2o 2he
7i,7le o+ +lame5
The +lames 20,n ,ed and s0,/e in4a,ds 2o4a,ds 2he 7om-3 s4ee6in/ i2 06 as 2he
+lame ,ise in2o a s6he,e a-o1e 2he -la7.ened 7a,6e25 The s6he,e han/s in 2he ai, +o, a
momen23 2hen s2a,2s 2o e86and and 2a.e on 2he +o,m o+ some2hin/: lim-s 6,o2,0de
0nde,nea2h3 i2 seems 2o ha1e 4in/s5 The +lames dies do4n3 dan7in/ a7,oss a
4,in.led3 4hi2e hide5
The las2 +lames 1anish in2o 2he ai,3 and yo0 s2a,e 4i2h 4onde, a2 2he massi1e
-eas25 I2 is a h0/e 4hi2e ele6han23 s2andin/ nea,ly as 2all as 2he 7eilin/5 Cha2 yo0
2ho0/h2 4e,e 4in/s a,e in +a72 massi1e ea,s 2ha2 i2 +la6s /,a7e+0lly -a7. and +o,2h as i2
20,ns 2o loo. a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e,3 i2s massi1e +ee2 2o07hin/ 2he +loo, li/h2ly5 Chen
yo0 see i2s head3 yo0 a,e amaKed 2o see i2 has si8 20s.s3 and i2s eyes a,e -,i/h2 -l0e5 I2
loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h in2elli/en7e5
Kianmay s2e6s +o,4a,d and -o4s 2o 2he ele6han25 LHanim0-eliM I 4el7ome yo0
G,ea2 Kin/5 I am so,,y i+ 4e ha1e dis20,-ed yo05 B02 4e a,e +a7in/ /,ea2 6e,il5N
A dee6 disem-odied 1oi7e ,e6lies3 seemin/ 2o 7ome +,om 2he +loo, i2sel+5 I2
,esona2es a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e,3 as i+ 2he ea,2h i2sel+ is s6ea.in/5 L",ies2ess5 I2 4o0ld
-e my hono0, 2o assis2 yo03 +o, yo0, me,i2 is /,ea25 B02 i2 is no2 yo0 4ho has
s0mmoned me5N The /,ea2 head s4in/s +i,s2 2o4a,ds yo03 and 2hen Da,m3 4ho is
loo.in/ a2 2he /,ea2 ele6han2 4i2h as m07h sho7. as yo05 LThe 6e,il yo0 s6ea. o+
a,ises +,om 2he 6e22y hea,2s o+ 2hese 24o -o0nd so0ls5 Shall a man seein/ 24o
s7o,6ions +i/h2in/ se6a,a2e 2hem +,om 2hei, needless 7on+li72O On7e he is /one3 2he
s7o,6ions shall +ind o2he, 7on+li72s 2o +i/h23 +o, 1iolen7e li1es 4i2hin 2hei, hea,2s5
E1en i+ he is 2o .ee6 2he s7o,6ion in a 7a/e3 he 7anno2 7han/e i2s 6e22y hea,25 Ho4
2hen may I assis2 he,eON
Kianmay -o4s on7e mo,e5 LCha2 yo0 say is 2,0e3 G,ea2 Kin/5 B02 2his man 4ho
also 7alls himsel+ Kin/ 4ishes 2o 2a.e +o, himsel+ 2he Diamond Key3 and ma.e
himsel+ immo,2al5 He 4ill .ill 2his o2he, man me,ely 2o o-2ain i25N
<%%
FF - Diamond
The holy ele6han2 loo.s a2 Da,m +o, many momen2s3 2hen s4in/s -a7. 2o4a,ds
yo05 L&e2 2he one 4ho s0mmoned me s6ea.5N
Kianmay /es20,es +o, yo0 2o -o45 Yo0 do so3 mo,e 2o /i1e yo0,sel+ 2ime 2o 2hin.
2han 2o sho4 ,es6e725
Cha2 4ill yo0 sayO
LThis man is e1ilM I+ yo0 a,e /ood yo0 m0s2 des2,oy himMN T0,n 2o 6+2
L"lease /i1e me 2he s2,en/2h 2o de+ea2 2his so,7e,e,MN T0,n 2o 657
L"lease do 4ha2 yo0 7an 2o 6,o2e72 2he Diamond Key +,om /,eedy men5N T0,n 2o 51+
475
The only 2hin/ yo0 ,e7o/nise on 2he le22e,s is 2he seal o+ Kin/ Da,m5 The le22e,s
a,e 6as2ed on2o 2he -a7. o+ ea7h 7hai,3 and yo0 7on2em6la2e 2ea,in/ one o++ 2o see
4ha2 ha66ens5 B02 i2 7o0ld -e 0n4ise 2o meddle in ma/i7 yo0 don?2 0nde,s2and5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 2ea, one o+ 2he le22e,s o++ 2o see 4ha2 ha66ensO I+ so3 20,n 2o 483
I+ yo0 4an2 2o si2 in one o+ 2he 7hai,s3 20,n 2o 410
I+ yo0 ha1e lea,ned eno0/h a-o02 2his +eas2 and 4an2 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he s2ained /lass
doo,s on 2he +a, side o+ 2he ,oom3 20,n 2o 488
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an lea1e 2he dinin/ ,oom and /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 4053 o, mo1e +0,2he, 06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 825
482
The s20dy is a la,/e 7ham-e, 4i2h a la,/e 7lea, s6a7e in 2he 7en2,e5 The 4alls a,e
+illed 4i2h -oo.shel1es and 7a-ine2s3 and one la,/e des. a/ains2 2he 4all 4i2h a hi/h-
-a7.ed 7hai,5 The +0,ni20,e he,e is 6lain 6olished 4ood5 Fine3 -02 la7.in/ 2he /a,ish
o60len7e o+ 2he o02e, ,ooms5
On 2he des. yo0 see 4ha2 loo.s li.e a /olden a66le5 Yo0 /o o1e, 2o 2he des. and
6i7. 06 2he o->e725 I2 is an a66le3 and i2s 7old s0,+a7e is /old3 -02 i2 is only a li22le
hea1ie, 2han a ,eal a66le5 The s.in is 60,e /old and de6,esses sli/h2ly 0nde, yo0,
/,as65 Yo0 may 2a.e 2he a66le i+ yo0 4ish5 Also on 2he des. is an o6en -oo. and yo0
/lan7e a2 i25
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ an ame2hys2 7ondo, am0le2O I+ so3 20,n 2o 760
I+ no23 20,n 2o 406
<%'
FF - Diamond
480
Yo0 >i//le 2he 6i7.s a,o0nd in 2he lo7. and soon hea, a +ain2 7li7.3 +ollo4ed -y a
sha,6 6ain in yo0, hand5 Yo0 sna27h yo0, hand -a7. and see a 6oisoned needle
6,o2,0din/ +,om 2he lo7.3 as a -0,nin/ sensa2ion +ills yo0, hand5 Yo0 ha1e -een
6oisoned3 and yo0 s2a,2 2o +eel li/h2-headed as 2he 6o4e,+0l 1enom does i2 4o,.5
I+ yo0 ha1e a healin/ 6o2ion3 yo0 7an d,in. i2 -y 20,nin/ 2o 623 D,in.in/ 2he 6o2ion
4ill 7o0n2e,a72 2he 6oison only5 I2 4ill no2 ,es2o,e los2 STAMINA5
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a /old a,m-and o, ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23
yo0 may also 20,n 2o 623
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 5+6
48+
The 0ni7o,n sni++s a2 2he +ood3 2hen loo.s 06 a2 yo0 and disa66ea,s5 The 7i,7le o+
d0s2 is no4 -la7. and 2he,e isn?2 eno0/h 2o ma.e a ne4 one5 Yo0 70,se 2he 4as2e o+
2ime and e++o,25 Yo0 20,n yo0, a22en2ion 2o sea,7hin/ 2he s20dy ins2ead5
T0,n 2o 878
481
LHo4 do I -,ea. 2he sealON yo0 as.5
LBy s0-mi22in/ yo0,sel+ 2o 2he 2,ial3N 2he mas. ans4e,s 6,om62ly5
LCha2 is 2he 2,ialON
LI m0s2 2es2 yo0, 4o,2hiness 2o -ea, 2he 6o4e, I hold5 I+ yo0 6ass3 my 6o4e, shall
-e yo0,s5 I+ yo0 +ail3 I 4ill des2,oy yo05 !0es2ion no4 2he 4o,2h o+ yo0, am-i2ion5N
I2 is a hea1y 6,i7e 2o 6ay +o, +ail0,e5 LHo4 4ill yo0 2es2 my 4o,2hinessON yo0 as.5
LOnly he 4ho +a7es 2he 2,ial shall .no43N 2he mas. ,e6lies eni/ma2i7ally5
Cha2 4ill yo0 doO
De7la,e yo0 4ish 2o 2a.e 2he 2,ialO T0,n 2o 417
I+ yo0 2hin. i2 is 2oo ,is.y3 yo0 m0s2 lea1e5
To 6,o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall3 20,n 2o 412
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an 2,y 2he doo, o66osi2e 2he a,mo0,y -y 20,nin/ 2o 824
483
&eanin/ o02 +,om a sa+e dis2an7e3 yo0 2a.e hold o+ one 7o,ne, o+ one o+ 2he shee2s
o+ 6a,7hmen2 and 6a0sin/ 2o 2a.e a dee6 -,ea2h3 >e,. a2 i2 4hile >0m6in/ -a7.5 The
6a,7hmen2 is 2o,n3 4i2h smo.e ,isin/ +,om 2he 2ea,5 Yo0 +lin/ 2he 6a6e, a4ay3 4hi7h
s6ins hea1ily 2h,o0/h 2he ai, and lands on 2he 7a,6e25 The ,emnan2s on 2he +loo, and
s207. on 2he 7hai, -e/in 2o hiss as 2hey smo.e and dissol1e a4ay5 The ai, a,o0nd yo0
<%(
FF - Diamond
seems 2o mo1e3 2ho0/h no2hin/ s2i,s5 Yo0 +eel some2hin/ ,0sh 6as2 yo03 -02 2hen all is
s2ill5
Yo0 4ai2 a li22le lon/e,3 -02 4ha2e1e, 4as /oin/ 2o ha66en has ha66ened3 so yo0
,ela8 and -e/in 2o 6lan yo0, ne82 mo1e5 The ne82 momen2 2he doo,s 2o 2he dinin/
,oom o6en and yo0 s6in a,o0nd3 4ea6on 7omin/ 2o hand5
S2andin/ 2he,e is a small 7,ea20,e only as hi/h as yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e ,o20nd5 He
smiles3 and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il25 LThe,e?s no need +o, yo0,
4ea6on5 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2
on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e holds o6en 2he doo, and /es20,es 6oli2ely5 Fo, a momen2 yo0
7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is
6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 +o,7e a smile a2 2he 7,ea20,e5 LYo0 +i,s25N
The li22le 7,ea20,e >0s2 smiles and -o4s3 2hen disa66ea,s 2h,o0/h 2he doo,5 Slo4ly
yo0 +ollo43 6ee.in/ o02 7a02io0sly -e+o,e s2e66in/ o02 in2o 2he hall5 The 7,ea20,e is
ma.in/ his 4ay 06 2he hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0
a,e +ollo4in/ o, no25 Yo0 +ollo4 ,el072an2ly and see 2he 7,ea20,e /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02 lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he
la,/e 6olished 4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he
,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
487
The demon la0/hs a2 yo0 +o, 4ha2 seems li.e min02es3 2hen +inally s2o6s and says;
LI m0s2 s2ill do as yo0 as.3 -02 2he,e is a 6,i7eMN
A 2end,il e82ends o02 +,om 2he +o,ehead o+ 2he demon and la27hes on2o yo05 Yo0
2,y 2o 60ll a4ay3 -02 2he ins0-s2an2ial 2end,il 7anno2 -e s2,07. a4ay3 e1en 2ho0/h i2
seems 2o 6hysi7ally di/ in2o yo05 Yo0 +eel as 2ho0/h yo0, insides a,e 24is2in/ a-o02
and 7olla6se 2o 2he +loo,5 A+2e, a min02e 2he 2end,il is 4i2hd,a4n and 2he demon
1anishes3 lea1in/ -ehind a 6en2a/,am o+ -la7. d0s25
Yo0 lie on 2he +loo,3 +eelin/ e1e,y2hin/ inside yo0, -ein/ 7h0,nin/5 Yo0, initial
&UCK has -een in7,eased -y 3 -02 yo0, initial SKI&& has -een ,ed07ed -y
On7e yo0, insides se22le do4n on7e mo,e3 yo0 s2and 06 and -e/in 2o sea,7h 2he
,es2 o+ 2he s20dy5
T0,n 2o 878
488
A66,oa7hin/ 2he /lass +illed doo,s3 yo0 6a0se 2o s20dy 2he desi/ns in s2ained /lass3
-02 i2 a66ea,s 2o -e >0s2 /eome2,i75 Unla27hin/ 2he doo,s3 yo0 60sh 2hem o6en5 Cool
ni/h2 ai, -lo4s o1e, yo0 as a -al7ony is ,e1ealed5 S2e66in/ o023 yo0 see 2he li/h2 o+ a
/,ea2 4a27h+i,e and /0ess 2ha2 2he 4all-2o6 is only a li22le -elo4 2he le1el o+ 2he
-al7ony5
<%E
FF - Diamond
De7idin/ i2 is 6,o-a-ly a /ood idea 2o .ee6 o02 o+ si/h2 o+ any 6a2,ollin/ /0a,ds3
yo0 ins2ead 20,n and loo. -a7. 06 a2 2he 6ala7e5 Yo0 a,e s0,6,ised 2o see ano2he, ,o4
o+ 4indo4s a-o1e5 Isn?2 2his s066osed 2o -e 2he hi/hes2 le1el o+ 2he 6ala7eO
The 4indo4s a,e in 2he -ase o+ 2he massi1e s6i,ed dome 2ha2 si2s a2o6 2he 6ala7e3
and so+2 li/h2 shines 4i2hin 2hem5 Yo0 7onside, 2,yin/ 2o 7lim- 06 2he,e3 -02 a+2e,
e8aminin/ 2he sli7. 4alls3 yo0 de7ide i2 7an only -e done i+ yo0 ha1e a ,o6e and
/,a66lin/ hoo.5 B02 2h,o4in/ an i,on hoo. 2h,o0/h 2he 4indo4 4ill a22,a72 2he
a22en2ion o+ anyone inside: and 2hen 2he,e a,e 2he /0a,ds -elo4 2o 7onside,5 A/ains2
2he 4hi2e ma,-le e82e,io,3 ill0mina2ed -y 2he /,ea2 4a27h+i,es3 yo0 4ill -e 1e,y
1isi-le5
I+ yo0 ha1e a ,o6e and /,a66lin/ hoo. and 4an2 2o 0nde,2a.e a hi/hly ,is.y and
6o2en2ially +,0i2less 7o0,se o+ a72ion3 20,n 2o 605
O2he,4ise yo0 m0s2 ,e20,n 2o 2he dinin/ hall 4he,e yo0 7an;
Tea, one o+ 2he 6a,7hmen2s o++ 2o see 4ha2 ha66ens -y 20,nin/ 2o 483
Si2 in one o+ 2he 7hai,s3 -y 20,nin/ 2o 20,n 2o 410
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an lea1e 2he dinin/ ,oom and /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 4053 o, mo1e +0,2he, 06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 825
484
The 0ni7o,n?s ho,n 6l0n/es in2o yo0, 7hes2 +o, 2he +inal 2ime and yo0 d,o6 yo0,
4ea6on3 +allin/ 2o yo0, .nees5 The 0ni7o,n 2osses i2s head3 +lin/in/ yo0 2h,o0/h 2he
ai,5 Yo0 7,ash 2o 2he /,o0nd and lie in 6ain +o, a lon/ 2ime5 E1en20ally yo0 +eel
s2,on/e, and mo1in/ 7a,e+0lly yo0 dis7o1e, yo0 a,e s2ill ali1e5 The 4o0nds ha1e
healed3 -02 yo0 a,e s2ill 4ea.5
S2andin/ 063 yo0 see no 2,a7e o+ 2he 0ni7o,n5 Yo0 a,e no4 2,a66ed he,e and
4ande, +o, 4ha2 seems li.e yea,s -e+o,e a .indly s6i,i2 +inds yo0 and sends yo0 -a7.
2o 2he h0man ,ealm5 B02 -y 2hen i2 is 2oo la2e5 Time in 2he mo,2al 4o,ld has 6assed
m07h +as2e, 2han in 2he 6lane 4he,e yo0 4e,e 2,a66ed5 I2 is h0nd,eds o+ yea,s sin7e
2he ,ei/n o+ Kin/ Da,m5
Yo0 do 2he -es2 yo0 7an 2o ma.e a ne4 li+e5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
486
"022in/ yo0, 4ea6on a4ay3 yo0 90i7.ly 2a.e o02 2he /lass ,in/ and sli6 i2 on2o
yo0, +in/e,5 Yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ -e7omin/ ins0-s2an2ial >0s2 in 2ime3 as a s4o,d s4in/s
2o4a,ds yo0 and 6asses s2,ai/h2 2h,o0/h yo0, head5 Yo0 si/h in ,elie+3 2hen 4al.
2h,o0/h 2he 2h,on/ o+ moanin/ 4a,,io,s5 Yo0 +ind 2ha2 yo0 ha1e 2o 60sh 2h,o0/h
2hem3 ea7h one?s ma/i7al -ein/ +o,min/ some so,2 o+ s0-s2an7e 2hen yo0 7an +eel5
B02 none a,e a-le 2o 6,e1en2 yo0 as yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. a7,oss 2he 7ham-e, and
7lim- 06 2he s2ai,s on7e mo,e5 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he 2o6 and ,emo1e yo0, ,in/5
A lone se,6en2-/0a,d 4ai2s +o, yo03 and yo0 see 2ha2 he is s0,6,ised and dis6leased
2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Silen2ly he mo1es o++ and yo0 +ollo4 him -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he
<'*
FF - Diamond
-,o.en hills5 On7e yo0 a,e in 2he /a,dens3 mo,e se,6en2-/0a,ds a66ea, 2o es7o,2 yo0
-a7. 2o 2he sh,ine5 Yo0 s2e6 inside and a ,adian2 4hi2e mis2 -e/ins o-s70,e 2he
/a,den5 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome
in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 6a0se 2o e8amine yo0, ma/i7al am0le2 on7e mo,e3
+eelin/ 2he 6o4e, 4i2hin i25 "leased3 yo0 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s
in 2he +loo, and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
485
Yo0 ,ea72ion is 2oo slo43 and 2he -ol2 702s ,i/h2 2h,o0/h yo03 2he en7han2ed head
7022in/ +lesh and a,mo0, ali.e5 Yo0 a,e 702 2h,o0/h 2he 7hes23 and +all 2o 2he s2ai,4ay
in 24o 6ie7es5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
442
Yo0 lis2en a2 2he doo,s3 -02 hea,in/ no2hin/ ease 2he doo, o6en5 Yo0 see -eyond
2he -i//es2 -ed7ham-e, yo0 ha1e e1e, seen5 The la,/e3 7ano6ied -ed si2s in 2he 7en2,e
o+ 2he ,oom on a .ind o+ ,o0nd s2a/e3 h0n/ 4i2h 70,2ains o+ sil. and sa2in in ,i7h
shades o+ ,ed and 60,6le 4i2h /olden 2,im5 The 4alls a,e 7o1e,ed in /olden 6anels
inlaid 4i2h dense desi/ns in -l0e3 /,een and ,ed3 de6i72in/ 2,ees and -i,ds5 The /ian2
7handelie, 2ha2 han/s in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 6ea,ly 4hi2e dome has li/h2 7,ys2als
s0,,o0nded -y /lo-es o+ 7lo0ded /lass 2o 7as2 a so+2 li/h2 2h,o0/ho02 2he 7ham-e,5
The,e a,e se1e,al se2s o+ s7,eens sealin/ o++ 2he +a, side o+ 2he ,oom3 and yo0
1en20,e inside5 Yo0 do no2 e86e72 2o +ind m07h he,e3 -02 70,iosi2y leads yo0 2o 6ee.
-ehind 2he s7,eens5
The,e a,e 6l0sh 70shioned 7o07hes3 and 2a-les loaded 4i2h 1ases o+ +lo4e,s and
-o4ls o+ +,0i23 a d,esse, and s2andin/ mi,,o, 2o one side and a 4,i2in/ des. 2o 2he
o2he,5 The,e is ye2 ano2he, laye, o+ s7,eens sealin/ o++ a smalle, a,ea5 One o+ 2he
s7,eens is d,a6ed 4i2h a /o4n3 and yo0 /0ess 2ha2 i2 is a ladies d,essin/ a,ea5
The 6e,+0med ai, is s2ill and silen23 and /0ess 2ha2 no one is he,e5 Yo0 20,n 2o
lea1e3 -02 a so+2 1oi7e s6ea.s5
LCho a,e yo0 2o so -oldly en2e, my 7ham-e,ON
Yo0 s6in a,o0nd3 -02 see no one5 Slo4ly3 yo0 see a +o,m s2a,2 2o ma2e,ialise nea,
2he 4,i2in/ des.5 Soon a 2all3 ele/an2 4oman s2ands 2he,e3 he, s.in li/h2 -,o4n3
shinin/ hai, -la7. and loose3 +allin/ a-o02 he, -ody in shimme,in/ 4a1es5 She is
d,essed in s4ee6in/ ,o-es o+ dee6 ,ed em-,oide,ed 4i2h /old3 lon/ s.i,2s o+ da,.
/,een sa2in 2,ailin/ -ehind he, as she 4al.s o1e, 2o yo05 She 4ea,s a 1eil o+ dee6 ,ed
sil. a7,oss he, lo4e, +a7e5 He, eyes a,e -,i/h2es2 /,een and she 6ee,s a2 yo0 0na+,aid3
-02 4i2h an in2ensi2y 2ha2 yo0 +ind 0nse22lin/5
LCan yo0 in2,0de3 ye2 no2 s6ea.ON
LSo,,y3N yo0 -l0,2 o025 LI didn?2 .no4 yo0 4e,e he,e5N
<')
FF - Diamond
LAh3N she says in an am0sed 2one5 LYo0 4ished 2o en2e, my 7ham-e, 4hile I 4as
a-sen2O Cha2e1e, 4e,e yo0 6lannin/ 2o doON
&i/h2 dan7es 6lay+0lly in he, eyes as she s2e6s 7lose, 2o yo05 LI am loo.in/ +o, 2he
Kin/3N yo0 say5
LI see3N she ,e6lies3 loo.in/ yo0 o1e, 7a,e+0lly5
LCho a,e yo0ON yo0 as. a2 las25 Yo0 .no4 al,eady 2ha2 she is a ma/i7-0se,3 and
ha1e 2o -e 7a02io0s5
LI am 2he !0een3N she says sim6ly5
LI didn?2 .no4 Da,m had a 90een3N yo0 ,e6ly5
The loo. 2ha2 she /i1es yo0 ma.es yo0 +ea, 2ha2 yo0 ha1e made a mis2a.e5 She
20,ns +,om yo0 and 4al.s o1e, 2o one o+ 2he 7o07hes5 She si2s and a,,an/es he,
7lo2hes a-o02 he, -e+o,e she ,e6lies5 LCho does .no4 2ha2 I am his 90eenO Cho
e1en .no4s 2ha2 I e8is2ON She loo.s 06 a2 yo03 2hen 6oin2s a2 a 7a-ine2 on 2he +a, side
o+ 2he ,oom3 4he,e 2he,e is a >0/ and some 706s5 LB,in/ me some 4ine5N
Yo0 6a0se3 2hen say; LI?m so,,y I in2,0ded5 B02 I ha1e -0siness 4i2h yo0,
h0s-and3 I ,eally m0s2 -e /oin/5N
LYo0 a,e snea.in/ a-o02 in 2his 6ala7e3N 2he 90een ,e6lies +la2ly5 LThe .in/ is in
2he ne82 ,oom and 4ill 7ome i+ I s0mmon him5 Unless yo0 4ish 2o -e dis7o1e,ed3 yo0
4ill en2e,2ain me5 No43 -,in/ me 4ine and dis6lease me no +0,2he,MN
Yo0 7onside, yo0, o62ions5
To do as she as.s3 20,n 2o 407
To a22a7. he,3 20,n 2o 6+6
To >0s2 lea1e3 20,n 2o 577
440
Yo0 lea1e 2he 6o2s on 2he +loo, and s2e6 a,o0nd 2hem3 7a,e+0lly 7on2in0in/ yo0,
sea,7h5 Yo0 o6en 2he las2 706-oa,d and +ind no2hin/5 As yo0 s2and3 2he .i27hen doo,
o6ens and yo0 s6in a,o0nd3 4ea6on 7omin/ 2o hand5
S2andin/ 2he,e is a small 7,ea20,e only as hi/h as yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e ,o20nd5 He
smiles3 and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il25 LThe,e?s no need +o, 2ha25 His
Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He
also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e holds o6en 2he doo, and /es20,es 6oli2ely5 Fo, a momen2 yo0
7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is
6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 +o,7e a smile a2 2he 7,ea20,e5 LYo0 +i,s25N
The li22le 7,ea20,e >0s2 smiles and -o4s3 2hen disa66ea,s 2h,o0/h 2he doo,5 Slo4ly
yo0 +ollo43 6ee.in/ o02 7a02io0sly -e+o,e s2e66in/ o02 in2o 2he hall5 The 7,ea20,e is
ma.in/ his 4ay 06 2he hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0
a,e +ollo4in/ o, no25 Yo0 +ollo4 ,el072an2ly and see 2he 7,ea20,e /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02 lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he
la,/e 6olished 4ooden doo,s a-o02 a min02e la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e,
2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
<'
FF - Diamond
44+
Ta.in/ a >a, o+ sil1e, d0s23 yo0 6o0, o02 a 6en2a/,am on 2he +loo,5 F,om a small
-o8 yo0 2a.e 2en ins7,i-ed dis7s and 6la7e 2hem in 2he 2en o02e, 7om6a,2men2s o+ 2he
6en2a/,am5 The s6ell says 2ha2 yo0 need 2o 6la7e an o++e,in/ in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he
6en2a/,am5 I+ yo0 ha1e any +ood 4i2h yo03 yo0 7an 6la7e i2 in 2he 7en2,e5 O2he,4ise
yo0 4ill ha1e 2o 0se 2he /olden a66le +,om 2he des.5
On7e yo0 a,e s0,e 2he ma/i7 is ,eady3 yo0 e8amine 2he -oo. on7e mo,e5 The,e
a,e se1e,al -ein/s yo0 7an 2,y 2o s0mmon3 and yo0 7onside, 7a,e+0lly 4hi7h one 2o
7hoose5
The +i,s2 2ha2 a66eals 2o yo0 is a 4a,,io, s6i,i23 4ho /0a,ds 2he 6assa/e 2o hea1en
2h,o0/h 2he 6lane in 90es2ion5 He is des7,i-ed as ha1in/ /,ea2 a++ini2y 4i2h +ello4
4a,,io,s3 -02 is des7,i-ed as la,/ely 0nhel6+0l5
Ano2he, is a 0ni7o,n s6i,i23 as 0ni7o,ns 7an li1e sim0l2aneo0sly on 2he 6hysi7al
and s6i,i20al 6lanes5 The -oo. says 2ha2 2he Kin/ o+ 2hese 7,ea20,es i+ s0mmoned 7an
-e .illed +o, i2s ho,n3 2ho0/h i2 is +ea,some +oe5
The 2hi,d 2ha2 a22,a72s yo0, a22en2ion is a 2,i7.s2e, s6i,i2 2ha2 is des7,i-ed as
6o2en2ially 1e,y hel6+0l3 -02 also 1e,y dan/e,o0s +o, 2he +oolish5
The las2 yo0 7onside, is a demon named A22ama,/5 He is se,1in/ a 6enan7e
20,nin/ 2he 4heel o+ 2he hea1ens3 4hi7h ma.es 2he s2a,s 20,n in 2he s.y5 He is mos2
li.ely 2o hel6 2hose 4i2h e1il in2en25
Cho do yo0 4an2 2o s0mmonO
The Ca,,io, S6i,i2O T0,n 2o 80+
The Uni7o,nO T0,n 2o 408
The T,i7.s2e,O T0,n 2o 415
The DemonO T0,n 2o 448
441
Yo0 lea6 aside3 -02 one o+ 2he 2end,ils 2o07hes yo03 ins2an2ly 6a,alysin/ yo05 The
o2he, 2end,ils /a2he, and la27h on2o yo03 li+2in/ yo0 06 in2o 2he ai,5 The so,7e,ess
+loa2s 2h,o0/h 2he ai, 2o s2o6 -e+o,e yo05 She loo.s yo0 o1e, on7e mo,e 4i2h s7o,n5
LYo0 a,e a -a,-a,ianMN she s6i2s5 Ene,/y 7,a7.les in he, hands and shoo2s alon/
2he 2end,ils3 en2e,in/ yo0, -ody and ma.in/ yo0 s7,eam and 4,i2he +o, 2he +e4
momen2s 2ha2 yo0 ,emain 7ons7io0s5
Yo0 a4a.e some 2ime la2e, se1e,ely -a22e,ed and in 6ain @,ed07e yo0, 70,,en2
SKI&& -y 24o 6oin2s3 and hal1e yo0, 70,,en2 STAMINAA5 Yo0 a,e s2ill lyin/ on 2he
+loo, in 2he 90een?s 7ham-e,3 -02 2he o2he, +i/0,e 6,esen2 is no2 2he 90een5 I2 is a
,o20nd li22le man no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee5 He smiles3 and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he
-el2 o+ his .il25 LTha2?s i2M U6 yo0 /e25 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es
yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h
him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
<'<
FF - Diamond
The li22le 7,ea20,e 20,ns and -e/ins 2o 4al. a4ay5 G,o//ily yo0 s2and and s2a//e,
a+2e, 2he small 7,ea20,e5 Yo0 s2a,2 2o +eel -e22e, as yo0 mo1e alon/5 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd
+o, 2he 90een3 -02 she is no4he,e in si/h25 By 2he 2ime yo0 ,ea7h 2he en2,an7e o+ 2he
-ed7ham-e,3 2he 7,ea20,e is /one3 -02 2he doo,s a2 2he end o+ 2he hall4ay ha1e -een
le+2 a>a,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay inside5
T0,n 2o 4+4
443
LI 4o0ld li.e 2o sa1e him i+ I 7an3N yo0 say5
L$e,y 4ell3N 2he 7,o4 ,e6lies5 LDa,m has /one many 2imes 2o a s6i,i20al 6lane
see.in/ 2he ho,ns o+ 0ni7o,ns: +o, 2he /,o0nd 6o4de, 4ill ,es2o,e yo02h and s2,en/2h5
He has .illed many o+ 2hem al,eady5 Ye2 2his has no2 sa2is+ied him5 B02 so i2 is 2ha2
2he essen7e o+ 2he 0ni7o,n is in him5 In 2his ,oom yo0 4ill +ind a s7,oll o+ Re1ela2ion5
I2 4ill -,in/ o02 2he hidden na20,e 4i2hin a -ein/5 Th0s i2 4ill -,in/ o02 2he s6i,i20al
essen7e o+ 2he 0ni7o,n 4i2hin him5 Do 2his and he may -e sa1ed +,om his o4n e1il5N
Be+o,e yo0 7an say any2hin/3 2he 7,o4 disa66ea,s5 The d0s2 o+ 2he 6en2a/,am is
no4 -la7. and yo0 20,n yo0, a22en2ion 2o sea,7hin/ 2he ,es2 o+ 2he s20dy5
T0,n 2o 878
447
Reasonin/ 2ha2 2he mas. mi/h2 -e a -022on o+ some so,23 yo0 +ind a s2ile22o da//e,
in 2he a,mo0,y and 6o.e i2 in2o 2he hole3 aimin/ +o, one o+ 2he eme,ald-+illed eye
so7.e2s5 The mas. mo1es3 -02 no2 in 2he 4ay yo0 e86e725 I2 7omes 2o li+e and +,o4ns5
I2 2hen o6ens i2s mo02h and s6i2s +i,e5
Yo0 a,e 2oo 7lose 2o a1oid 2he +lame5 Yo0, hand 2a.es mos2 o+ 2he hea2 @&ose #
STAMINAA3 -02 yo0 also /e2 so 2on/0es o+ +lame li7.in/ yo0, +a7e and sea,in/ yo0,
eye @&ose ) SKI&&A5
Yo0 s2a//e, -a7. +,om 2he hole3 d,o66in/ 2he da//e, and 7l027hin/ yo0, eye5 Yo0
don?2 ha1e 2he 7o0,a/e 2o a66,oa7h 2he hole a/ain and 70,sin/ yo0, l07.3 yo0 lea1e
2he a,mo0,y5
To 6,o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall3 20,n 2o 412
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an 2,y 2he doo, o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 824
448
Yo0 hold 2he -oo. and -e/in 2o in7an2 2he in7an2a2ion5 As yo0 ,e6ea2 2he 4o,ds3
yo0 +eel yo0, -ody 1i-,a2in/ 4i2h in7,easin/ s2,en/2h3 2hen 2he 4hole ,oom seems 2o
-e sha.in/ as 2he ai, a-o1e 2he 6en2a/,am +ills 4i2h li/h25 E1en20ally a +i/0,e a66ea,s
amids2 2he li/h2 and all -e7omes s2ill on7e mo,e5 Han/in/ in 2he ai, -e+o,e yo0 is a
,a/in/ mass o+ da,.ness and -lood5 Yo0 see a demoni7 +a7e3 han/in/ 06side do4n
sha6ed -y 2he -lood and da,.ness5
The +an/ed ma4 o6ens5 LChy ha1e yo0 dis20,-ed meON
<'=
FF - Diamond
The 1oi7e /,a2es yo0, ea,s and a 602,id s2en7h 7omes +,om 2he mo02h3 ma.in/ yo0
+eel li.e 1omi2in/5 Yo0 s2eel yo0,sel+ and ,e6ly5 LI am on a 90es2 2o des2,oy an e1il
so,7e,e,5N
The demon la0/hs3 almos2 +loo,in/ yo0 4i2h 2he s2in.in/ 4a1e o+ i2s -,ea2h5 LI
7an hel6 yo03 -02 a 6,i7e m0s2 -e 6aid5 Cha2 is i2 yo0 4an2ON
Cha2 do yo0 4an2O
G,ea2e, SKI&&O T0,n 2o 8+1
G,ea2e, STAMINAO T0,n 2o 875
Mo,e &UCKO T0,n 2o 416
444
Mo1in/ 7as0ally3 yo0 -e/in 2o des7end 2he s2ai,4ayI
I+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/3 yo0 7an ens0,e yo0 4ill no2 -e de2e72ed -y sli66in/ i2 on and
20,nin/ 2o 648
O2he,4ise yo0 m0s2 2es2 yo0, &UCK I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 6+3
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 568
446
Ta.in/ a -,ea2h3 yo0 smile a2 2he se,6en2 man3 2hen 20,n and ,0n as +as2 as yo0 7an
-a7. 2o4a,ds 2he sh,ine5 Yo0 hea, no si/ns o+ 60,s0i23 -02 do no2 slo4 yo0, s2e6s5
Rea7hin/ 2he sh,ine yo0 -o0nd 06 on2o 2he 7i,7le5 As soon as yo0 a,e -a7. in 2he
7i,7le3 ,adian2 mis2 -e/ins 2o o-s70,e 2he /a,dens a,o0nd yo05 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/
a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0
2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23
,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
445
Ca,e+0lly loo.in/ +,om side 2o side3 yo0 7he7. 2ha2 no one is a-le 2o o-se,1e yo05
Seein/ 2ha2 2he 7oas2 is 7lea,3 yo0 ea/e,ly .neel -y 2he 6ool and ,ea7h o023 imme,sin/
yo0, a,m in 2he 4a2e,5
Yo0 /,as6 2he diamond and 2,i0m6han2ly 60ll i2 o02 o+ 2he 6ool5 The d,o6s o+
4a2e, /lis2enin/ on 2he s0,+a7e a66ea, li.e +la4s on 2he /leamin/ >e4el 2ha2 s6a,.les
and shines in 2he li/h2 o+ 2he s0ns a-o1e5 The diamond e1en 2a.es on 2he /,eenish
2in/e o+ 2he s.y as yo0, ima/ina2ion -0,s2s 4i2h 4ays 2o s6end 2he +a-0lo0s 4eal2h
yo0 hold in yo0, 2,em-lin/ hand5
As yo0 hold 2he /em3 yo0, hand s2a,2s 2o a7he3 and loo.in/ 06 a2 2he s2a20e3 yo0
see i2?s eyes /lo43 and 2he se,6en2 90een /la,es a2 yo0 an/,ily5 Yo0 +eel some2hin/
<'#
FF - Diamond
2,a1el 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody +,om 2he /em3 and yo0 has2ily d,o6 i2 -a7. in2o 2he 6ool5
B02 i2 is 2oo la2e5 Yo0 ha1e -een 70,sed5 &o4e, yo0, initial &UCK -y 5 Yo0 sha.e
yo0, hand and loo. -a7. a2 2he s2a20e3 4hi7h a66ea,s no,mal on7e mo,e
A hiss in2e,,062s yo0, lamen2a2ions and yo0 s6in 2o4a,ds a s7,a6in/ so0nd 2ha2
yo0 ,ealise yo0 ha1e -een hea,in/ +o, some 2ime5 Cha2 yo0 see ala,ms yo0
7onside,a-ly5 The /0a,d 2ha2 has dis7o1e,ed yo0 is h0man-loo.in/ eno0/h +,om 2he
4ais2 063 7lad in a s2eel -,eas2-6la2e and helm3 7a,,yin/ a lon/ s6ea,5 B02 -elo4 2he
4ais2 e82ends a 2hi7. se,6en2?s -ody and 2ail 7o1e,ed in -,o4n s7ales3 e82endin/
se1e,al me2,es -ehind him5
The da,. sli2 eyes seem 2o +o70s on yo0, yo0, hand and 2he se,6en2-man hisses
a/ain3 le1ellin/ his s6ea, and ,ea,in/ 06 24i7e yo0, hei/h25 He -e/ins 2o 2h0m6 his
2ail on 2he /,o0nd in 4ha2 loo.s li.e an e86,ession o+ a//,ession3 -02 he does no2
a22a7.5 Yo0 s0s6e72 2ha2 2he 2h0m6in/ is some .ind o+ si/nal5 I+ so3 i2 4o0ld -e
0n4ise 2o -e en/a/ed in a +i/h2 4hen mo,e se,6en2-men a,,i1e5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o s0,,ende,3 20,n 2o 685
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,0n3 20,n 2o 446
462
Ho6in/ yo0 a,e no2 a-o02 2o -e2,ay yo0,sel+ 2o one o+ Kin/ Da,m?s allies3 yo0 2a.e
a dee6 -,ea2h and -e/in 2o s6ea.5 LIn my 4o,ld 2he,e is a man3 a .in/3 4ho has
-e7ome a 6o4e,+0l so,7e,e,5 He see.s 6o4e, +o, he +ea,s dea2h5 Th0s he see.s a
2,eas0,e +,om o0, 4o,ld 7alled 2he Diamond Key5 This o->e72 has /,ea2 6o4e,3 and i+
a man -ea,s i23 he is /,an2ed immo,2ali2y5 Ye2 i+ i2 is 6lan2ed 4i2hin 2he ea,2h3 i2 -,in/s
6,os6e,i2y 2o all 4ho d4ell 06on 2he land5 I ha1e 2,a1elled 4i2h a 6,ies2ess 4ho
so0/h2 2o 6la7e 2he Key in 2he Ea,2h3 -02 she has -een 7a620,ed -y Da,m5 No4 I m0s2
,es70e he, and someho4 602 his s7hemes 2o ,es25N
The 90een loo.s 06 a2 yo05 LChy ha1e yo0 no2 602 2he Diamond Key 4i2hin 2he
ea,2h yo0,sel+O Chy do yo0 7a,,y i2 4i2h yo0ON
A li22le em-a,,assed yo0 e86lain5 LI did 6la7e i2 in 2he ea,2h3 so 2ha2 i2 7o0ld no2 -e
2a.en +,om me5 B02 2henII 4as /i1en ano2he, and i2 4as 6la7ed inside me5N
LCho 4o0ld do s07h a 2hin/ON The 90een as.s5
LI2 4asIa Ra1en3N yo0 say3 no2 .no4in/ ho4 else 2o e86lain5
The 90een ,e20,ns 2o he, 7on7o72ion3 s2i,,in/ i2 +o, many min02es5 She 2hen hands
2he 4ooden s6oon 2o one o+ he, 7om6anions and /oes 2o a side 2a-le3 4he,e she 6i7.s
06 some2hin/ in he, hands5 To yo0, sho7. yo0 ,ealise i2 is 2he Diamond Key 2ha2 4as
inside yo05 They ha1e e82,a72ed i25
LYo0 ha1e -,o0/h2 1iolen7e a/ains2 my .ind3N 2he 90een -e/ins5 LYo0 a,e a small
man ,0led -y /,eed5 Th0s I shall no2 allo4 yo0 2o -ea, 2his Diamond Key5 Yo0 a,e
mo,2al on7e mo,e5 This is 2he 60nishmen2 yo0 shall ,e7ei1e +o, yo0, 7,imes he,e5 As
+o, yo0, 90es2IN
She 6la7es 2he Diamond Key in2o a la790e,ed -o83 2hen sli2he,s o1e, 2o yo03
6ee,in/ in2o yo0, eyes5
A+2e, a momen2 she s6ea.s5 LI shall aid yo05 I shall aid yo0 mos2 6o4e,+0lly
a/ains2 2he On7e-Kin/ Da,m5 He is 4ell .no4n 2o 0s3 and he dis6leases me5 He has
demanded many 2hin/s o+ 0s3 -02 2he /,ea2es2 I shall /i1e 2o yo0 so 2ha2 yo0 may
de+ea2 him5N She 20,ns 2o one o+ he, a22endan2s5 LTa.e him and 6,e6a,e him 2o -e
>oinedMN
<'%
FF - Diamond
The 90een ,e20,ns 2o he, 7a0ld,on3 and a -la7.-s7aled 4oman 4i2h ,ed hai, and a
sho,2 /,een 7oa2 a66,oa7hes yo05 She -o4s and in1i2es yo0 2o +ollo4 he,5 Yo0 do no2
.no4 4ha2 is ha66enin/3 -02 do as yo0 a,e as.ed5
Yo0 a,e 2a.en 2o a small 7ham-e, and 2old 2o 0nd,ess and -a2he in a small 20-5
Yo0 ,el072an2ly do so5 Chen yo0 a,e +inished3 24o se,6en2 4oman3 heedless o+ yo0,
na.edness3 7ome 2o 2a.e yo0 and yo0, -elon/in/s in2o ano2he, 7ham-e,5
The 7ham-e, is ,o0nd and 2he -la7. s2one 4alls a,e 7o1e,ed in sin0o0s ,0nes
6ain2ed in /old5 The se,6en2 4oman 2a.e -,0sh and 6o23 and 7o1e, yo0, -ody in ,0nes
also3 2hen as. yo0 2o s2and in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7ham-e,5
They lea1e3 and yo0 s2and na.ed and shi1e,in/ +o, se1e,al min02es5 E1en20ally
2he doo,s di,e72ly in +,on2 o+ yo0 o6en on7e mo,e3 and yo0 sli2he,in/ 2o4a,ds yo0 a
1i6e,-maiden5 He, sna.e 6a,2 is -lood-,ed3 he, s.in so+2 and 4hi2e5 &on/ -la7. hai,
+lo4s do4n a,o0nd he, slende, sho0lde,s5 He, eyes a,e ,ed and loo. a2 yo0 d0lly3 as
i+ she is en2,an7ed5 He, en2i,e -ody is 7o1e,ed in ,0nes3 6ain2ed on s.in and s7ale
ali.e5 She sli2he,s 2o4a,ds yo03 and a-,062ly 6,esses he, -ody a/ains2 yo0,s5 She
4,a6s he, a,ms a,o0nd yo03 and yo0 -,in/ yo0, a,ms 06 2o 7las6 he, so+23 7ool -ody5
She -e/ins 2o 7oil he, se,6en2 6a,2 a,o0nd 2he -o2h o+ yo03 sealin/ o++ 2he o02side +,om
2he /,o0nd 065 As she sh02s o02 2he li/h23 yo0 +eel 2he 2in/lin/ o+ 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 as
she s2a,2s 2o 7han25
Yo0 +eel inne,mos2 7o,e -ein/ o6ened 06 -y 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 and yo0 +eel
some2hin/ sli66in/ inside yo05 B02 2hen yo0 a,e 6l0n/ed in2o 0n+eelin/ -la7.ness5
E1en20ally yo0 s2a,2 2o ,e/ain sensa2ion and yo0 a,e d,eamin/5 B02 2hey a,e no2
7om+o,2a-le d,eams and yo0 soon a4a.e5
As yo0 eyes o6en3 yo0 see a smoo2h3 4hi2e-6las2e,ed dome a-o1e yo03 a sin/le
li/h2 7,ys2al han/in/ 2he,e5 The /,o0nd -enea2h yo0 is ha,d and 0ne1en5 Yo0 si2 063
+indin/ yo0,sel+ lyin/ on 2he 2,i6le-se,6en2-s6i,al5 Yo0 ha1e -een ,e20,ned 2o yo0,
4o,ld5 Yo0 s2and and s2,e27h3 +indin/ yo0,sel+ 4hole and 0nha,med3 e87e62 +o, a +e4
a7hes +,om slee6in/ on ha,d s2one5 Glan7in/ o02 2he 4indo43 yo0 7anno2 de2e,mine
ho4 m07h 2ime has 6assed: 2he ni/h2 is as 2hi7. as i2 4as 4hen yo0 en2e,ed he,e5
Yo0 ,emo1e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s3 and 6la7e 2hem -a7. in 2hei,
-o83 4hi7h yo0 ,e6la7e in 2he al7o1e5 Yo0 2hen 7onside, 4ha2 2o do ne825
Al2ho0/h yo0 7an?2 see any di++e,en7e ye23 ma.e a no2e 2ha2 yo0 ha1e -een >oined 2o a
se,6en2-4oman5
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
460
Da,m 6oin2s a2 yo03 and yo0 +eel yo0, s.in 2in/le as ma/i7 is laid 06on yo05 B02
4ha2e1e, e++e72 i2 4as s066osed 2o ha1e disa66ea,s5 Yo0 see Da,m ,ela83 and yo0
s4i+2ly >0m6 +o,4a,d and s2,i.e him di,e72ly on 2he head5
He loo.s sho7.ed3 -02 2hen a loo. o+ +ea, +ills his eyes as -lood ,0ns do4n his +a7e
and he +alls -a7.5 He s6,a4ls and dies on 2he +loo, in +,on2 o+ yo05
T0,n 2o 622
<''
FF - Diamond
46+
Gen2ly yo0 ,ea7h 06 and 2a.e 2he 1i6e,-4oman?s +a7e in yo0, hands3 2hen slo4ly
.iss he, 6l0m6 ,ed li6s5 She does no2 ,es6ond3 -02 4hen yo0 60ll a4ay she smiles and
6la7es he, hands on yo0, sho0lde,s5 Yo0 .iss he, a/ain and she ,es6onds5
Yo0 s6end a +e4 min02es 2as2in/ he, so+2 li6s3 2hen 2he 4oman 60lls a4ay5 LYo0
4ill s2ay he,e and -e my h0s-and3N she anno0n7es5
LCha2ON yo0 as. in sho7.5
LYo0 ha1e ini2ia2ed in2ima7y 4i2h me5 A,e yo0 no2 6,esen2in/ yo0,sel+ 2o meO I
ha1e a77e62ed yo05N He, ,ed eyes a,e s2a,2in/ 2o loo. a li22le +ie,y3 4hi7h ma.es 2hem
e1en mo,e 0nne,1in/5
Ho4 4ill yo0 ,es6ondO
I+ yo0 4an2 2o say 2ha2 i2 4as >0s2 a li22le .iss and doesn?2 mean yo0 4an2 2o ma,,y he,3
20,n 2o 52+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a/,ee +o, 2he momen23 and loo. +o, o2he, o62ions la2e,3 20,n 2o 581
461
Yo0 +o70s 06on yo0,sel+ and ,ead +,om 2he s7,oll3 /a2he,in/ 2he /,o4in/ 6o4e,
in4a,ds and -a2hin/ yo0,sel+ in i25 Yo0 +eel yo0, -ody 2in/lin/3 0n2il e1e,y 6a,2 o+
yo0 is +illed 4i2h sensa2ionI
I+ yo0 ha1e d,0n. 4ol+?s -lood o, -een -i22en -y a 4e,e4ol+ 4i2ho02 /e22in/ 70,ed3
20,n 2o 435
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 554
463
Yo0 -e/in 2o ,e7i2e 2he ma/i7 4o,ds3 sendin/ 2he /a2he,in/ ma/i7 2o4a,ds
Kianmay5 She 4a27hes yo0 4i2h -em0semen23 shi+2in/ a-o02 0n7om+o,2a-ly as she
+eels 2he ma/i7 se22lin/ a,o0nd he,5 S0ddenly she /as6s and +alls 2o he, .nees5 Yo0
in7an2a2ion ,ea7hes an end and yo0 4a27h a66,ehensi1ely5
Kianmay s2a,2s 2o 4,i2he3 and s0ddenly 2he -a7. o+ he, ,o-e is 2o,n as 24o /,ea2
,ed s6i.es 6,o2,0de o025 She s0ddenly s2ands3 2ea,in/ a2 he, 7lo2hes 4i2h 7la4ed
+in/e,s5 The 6ie7es o+ 7lo2h +all a4ay 2o ,e1eal he, -ody /,o4in/ 2iny ,ed s7ales5
Only he, head ,emains 2he same3 4hile 2he s7ales /,o4 2o 7o1e, he, -ody and 2he
/,ea2 ,ed s6i.es on he, -a7. 0n+0,l in2o massi1e -a2 4in/s5 Finally she is 7om6le2e
and s7,ee7hes 4i2h an 0nholy s7,eam3 a lon/ +o,.ed 2on/0e lashin/ 2he ai,5
She lea6s 06 in2o 2he ai,3 2he 4in/s s6,eadin/ o02 mo2ionless3 ye2 s066o,2in/ he,
ma/i7ally as she ho1e,s in 2he ai,5 She loo.s a2 yo0 a2 la0/hs5 She ,aises one hand3 a
/lo4in/ >a1elin a66ea,in/ in i25 Yo0 dash +o, 7o1e, and lea6 -ehind a 7hes2 as 2he
>a1elin is h0,led in2o 2he +loo, 4e,e yo0 4e,e momen2s 6,e1io0sly3 /o0/in/ o02 a
/,ea2 hole5
Yo0 ,ealise 2he 7hes2 is no 6,o2e72ion a/ains2 2he shinin/ 4ea6ons3 -02 as yo0 ,ise
2o ,0n3 yo0 see 2ha2 Da,m has 2a.en ad1an2a/e o+ Kianmay?s a22a7. on yo0 2o s2,i.e a2
he,5 A 2end,il o+ /,eyish mis2 ,ises +,om 2he /,o0nd -elo4 he,5 I2 has en/0l+ed he,
and seems 2o -e some so,2 o+ -a,,ie,5 Mos2 /lo4in/ li/h2 a66ea,s in he, hands and
<'(
FF - Diamond
+o,ms a lon/ 70,1ed -lade 4i2h 4hi7h she slashes a2 2he -a,,ie, and sli6s o02 in 2ime 2o
,e7ei1ed 2he -,0n2 o+ a massi1e li/h2in/ -ol2 7as2 -y Da,m5
I2 7,a7.les o1e, he,3 60shin/ he, -a7. in 2he ai,3 -02 seems 2o lea1e he, mos2ly
0nha,med5 He, 2ail lashes 2he ai, in i,,i2a2ion as she s2,ea.s +o,4a,d3 shinin/ -lade in
hand5 Da,m s20m-les -a7. and e,e72s an in1isi-le 4all 2ha2 Kianmay 7,ashes in2o5
She slashes a2 i2 4i2h a s7,eam3 2he ma/i7al de+en7e sha22e,in/ and +ie,y sha,ds +,om
he, 4ea6on s2,i.in/ Da,m5
He 7,ies o02 in 6ain3 and as Kianmay des7ends on him 2o deal 2he dea2h--lo43 he
60lls o02 a small -la7. 70-e and sho02s some 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5 A 4hi2e -ol2 -las2s o02
o+ i2 and s2,i.es Kianmay5 She +alls +,om 2he ai, li.e a s2one and lands hea1ily on 2he
+loo,5 Da,m loo.s a2 2he 70-e in annoyan7e and 2osses i2 aside5 A66a,en2ly i2 is
em62y no45
He s2ands o1e, Kianmay and 7han2s3 4a1in/ his hands 0n2il he, -ody 2,ans+o,ms
-a7. in2o a 4oman3 al2ho0/h s2ill 4i2h 2iny 4in/s and a 2ail5 He 2a.es o++ his +ine
o02e, ,o-e and d,a-s i2 o1e, he, na.ed -ody3 2hen in his 0nde, ,o-e lim6s a4ay +,om
he, 2o /la,e a2 yo05
LTha2 4as +oolish5 Yo0 endan/e,ed he, mos2 o+ allMN
Kianmay s2i,s3 and s2a,2s 2o ,ise3 holdin/ he, head5 She loo.s a,o0nd in 7on+0sion3
7l027hin/ 2he ,o-e a,o0nd he, -ody5 Seein/ Da,m so 7lose3 she s7,am-les 2o he, +ee2
and ,e2,ea2s 7lose, 2o yo05 She 6i7.s 06 2he ,emains o+ he, ,o-es and -e/ins 2o d,ess
he,sel+ in 2hem -enea2h Da,m?s ,o-e3 as i+ she 4ishes 2o 7as2 i2 aside as soon as she
7an5
T0,n 2o 650
467
Readyin/ yo0, 4ea6on as 90ie2ly as yo0 7an yo0 2hen -0,s2 +,om 2he 0nde,/,o42h
and l0n/e a2 2he se,6en2-man5 In s0,6,ise3 he ,ea,s 06 and -a7. and yo0, 4ea6on
misses him5 The se,6en2 man /la,es do4n a2 yo0 and hisses5 The ne82 momen2 he
s2,i.es 4i2h 2he s6ea,3 d,i1in/ his -ody do4n5 Yo0 6a,,y 2he s6ea, 2h,0s23 -02 s2a//e,
-a7.4a,ds5
This 4ill -e a 2o0/h -a22le a/ains2 an 0n+amilia, o66onen25
SER"ENT-GUARD SKI&& )* STAMINA * DB ARMOUR #
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 637
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 543
I+ yo0 a,e >0s2 .illed3 20,n 2o 125
468
Yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 yo0 ha1e -een de7ei1ed -y a demon5 LThe Diamond Key is
hidden 0nde, a 6a1in/ s2one in 2he -a7. 7o,ne, o+ 2he Sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o, in 2he
,eli/io0s 6,e7in723N yo0 2ell him5
LThan. yo05N He 7loses his eyes3 and seems 2o -e 7omm0ni7a2in/ ma/i7ally 4i2h
someone3 o, some2hin/5 A+2e, a +e4 min02es he o6ens his eyes on7e mo,e and smiles
<'E
FF - Diamond
a2 yo05 B02 i2 is no2 a 4a,m smile5 LThan. yo03N he says a/ain in a mo,e sa,7as2i7
2one5 He s2ands and ,aises one a,m 2o 6oin2 a2 yo05 The ai, in 2he ,oom ,0shes as i2 is
/a2he,ed in2o a 6o4e,+0l s6ea, o+ 6hysi7al +o,7e 2ha2 slams in2o yo0 and 2ho4s yo0
-a7. a/ains2 2he +a, 4all5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 675
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 884
464
The ,in/ does no2 ,ea72 and yo0 ,ealise 2he demon is 2ellin/ yo0 2he 2,02h5 By
2ea,in/ a4ay 2he 6a/es +,om 2he 7hai,s in 2he dinin/ hall3 yo0 7an 4ea.en Da,m?s
ma/i75
Yo0 2han. 2he 7,ea20,e +o, his ad1i7e 4i2ho02 6,omisin/ 2o +,ee him and 90i7.ly
s2and 065 As soon as yo0 do so3 2he da,.ness a,o0nd yo0 1anishes and yo0 +ind
yo0,sel+ -a7. in 2he dinin/ hall3 2he m02ed 7andle-li2 -,i/h2 2o yo0, eyes5 Yo0 s2e6
a4ay +,om 2he 2a-le and 4hen yo0, 1ision ,e20,ns 2o no,mal e8amine 2he s7ene on7e
mo,e5 "as2ed 2o 2he -a7. o+ ea7h 7hai, is a shee2 o+ 6a,7hmen23 and yo0 7onside, 4ha2
2o do5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,i6 o++ all 2he 6a,7hmen2?s 20,n 2o 611
I+ yo0 ha1e lea,ned eno0/h a-o02 2his +eas2 and 4an2 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he s2ained /lass
doo,s on 2he +a, side o+ 2he ,oom3 20,n 2o 488
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an lea1e 2he dinin/ ,oom and /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 4053 o, mo1e +0,2he, 06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 825
466
Yo0 60ll yo0,sel+ 06 and 4i2h a s07.in/ so0nd3 mana/e 2o 60ll yo0,sel+ o02 o+ 2he
m07.5 Yo0 7lam-e, 06 on2o 2he 7hai, and 2a.e a s4in/ a2 2he so,7e,ess3 4ho sim6ly
d,i+2s -a7.4a,ds 2o a1oid 2he -lo45
L"a2he2i7MN she snee,s5 LDa,m has all o+ my 6o4e,s and mo,eM Ho4 7an yo0
ho6e 2o de+ea2 himON
She 4a1es he, hands a/ain and la0n7hes a -ol2 o+ 7,a7.lin/ ,ed ene,/y a2 yo05
Yo0 ma.e 2o lea6 aside3 -02 2hen ,emem-e, 2ha2 2he +loo, mi/h2 s07. yo0 in5 In 2ha2
momen2 yo0 loose yo0, 7han7e 2o dod/e 2he ma/i7al 6,o>e72ileI
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0, a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 58+
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 5+2
465
Ci2h a +inal s2,o.e3 yo0 slay 2he /,ea2 -ea,3 4hi7h 7olla6ses and e86i,es 4i2h a
/,oan5 The -ody slo4ly ,e1e,2s 2o i2s o,i/inal +o,m3 2he 6a2he2i7 7,0m-led +o,m o+ 2he
yello4 7,ea20,e5
<(*
FF - Diamond
Yo0 sea,7h 2h,o0/h 2he ,emains o+ 2he h02 and +ind only a small s2ile22o da//e, no
lon/e, 2han yo0, hand and 022e,ly 0seless 2o yo05 Yo0 -e/in 2o +eel 0n7om+o,2a-le
4i2h 4ha2 yo0 ha1e done5 Yo0, /,eed has led yo0 2o .ill a 7,ea20,e 4ho only a22a7.ed
yo0 2o de+end himsel+5 O+ 2he 24o o+ yo03 i2 is yo0 4ho is 2he small one5 &ose =
&UCK 6oin2s5
Yo0 20,n and lea1e 2he /,o1e5
T0,n 2o 676
452
Da,m lo4e,s himsel+ -a7. in2o his 2h,one5 LI 7an -e 6a2ien2 a li22le lon/e, i+ i2
am0ses me 2o do so5 I ha1e no do0-23 as yo0 sho0ld no23 2ha2 2he Diamond Key 4ill
-e mine -e+o,e 2he s0n ,ises5N
His 2one has 20,ned omino0s5 Yo0 a22em62 2o loo. 2h,ea2enin/5 LRelease
Kianmay ,i/h2 no4MN
LShe is ,eleasedMN Da,m ,e6lies immedia2ely3 4i2h a ma/nanimo0s 4a1e o+ his
hand5 LGo 2o yo0, ,es23 Alyn Mei5 Yo0 a,e 2i,ed5N
Yo0 /lan7e a2 Kianmay3 4ho has 7ome 2o s2and nea, yo05 Yo0 see he, sha.e he,
head5 Yo0 .no4 2ha2 she 4ill no2 lea1e 4i2ho02 yo03 and 2ha2 Da,m 4ill no2 le2 yo0
lea1e ye25 Yo0 loo. -a7. a2 Da,m3 and he se22les -a7. in his 2h,one3 disa66oin2ed5
L$e,y 4ell5 The 2ime has 7ome3 4a,,io,5 Tell me3 ho4 do yo03 a me,e soldie,3
2hin. 2o de+ea2 me3 a 2,0e 4a,,io,3 a .in/3 and a so,7e,e,O By * I had mas2e,ed 2he a,2
o+ +lesh and s2eel and 7,0shed my enemies5 By #* I had mas2e,ed 2he a,2 o+ 4o,d and
dis6lay3 and ele1a2ed my .in/shi65 And no4 I ha1e mas2e,ed 2he a,2 o+ ma/i73 and
d4ell 4i2h 2he /odsM Ho4 7an yo0 ima/ine 2ha2 yo0 4ill de+ea2 meMN
His +inal 4o,ds a,e an en,a/ed sho023 and yo0 -e/in 2o 4onde, a2 2he s2a-ili2y o+
his mind5 Yo0 a,e also 6onde,in/ 4ha2 a66,oa7h 2o 2a.e5 Is i2 -es2 2o 2,y and de+ea2
him o6enly 4i2h 2he s.ills and i2ems yo0 ha1e a790i,ed3 o, 2o 2,y and /e2 7lose and
-e2,ay him 4hen he leas2 e86e72s i2O O, sho0ld yo0 2,y 2o sa1e him as Kianmay hasO
Da,m 7alms himsel+3 and a smile ,e20,ns 2o his li6s5 LYo0 a,e a 4a,,io,5 &e2 0s
see i+ yo0 7an ma27h me5 I 4as a /,ea2 7ham6ion in my day5N
He 7loses his eyes3 and 2he ne82 momen23 some2hin/ s2a,2s 2o ma2e,ialise on 2he
+loo, -e+o,e 2he 2h,one5 Mis2 +ills o02 a h0manoid sha6e and solidi+ies in2o a 2all3 4ell-
-0il2 4a,,io,3 d,essed in sil1e, a,mo0, de7o,a2ed 4i2h ony8 lions and /olden se,6en2s5
In one hand 2he 4a,,io, has a -la7.-6l0med helm3 and in 2he o2he, a lon/ -,oads4o,d5
The 4a,,io, also has his eyes 7losed3 -02 no4 o6ens 2hem and smiles a2 yo05 Ci2h a
s2a,2 yo0 ,e7o/nise Da,m3 as he 4as a2 2he hei/h2 o+ his 6hysi7al 6,o4ess5 Thi7. da,.
hai, +lo4s +,om his head and he la0/hs 6o4e,+0lly5
LNo4 4e 4ill see i+ yo0 a,e 4o,2hy o+ 2he 4ea6ons yo0 7a,,yMN
He 602s on 2he helm5 Yo0 /lan7e 6as2 him and see 2he Da,m on 2he 2h,one si2s
4i2h his eyes 7losed as i+ medi2a2in/5 Yo0 90i7.ly ,emo1e yo0, 6a7. and any2hin/
else 2ha2 is no2 essen2ial 2o 2he +i/h23 6,e6a,in/ yo0,sel+ 2o +a7e Da,m5
Do yo0 ha1e a sil1e, s7a,a- 4i2h yo03 and do yo0 .no4 4ha2 i2 is +o,O
I+ so3 20,n 2o 610
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 570
<()
FF - Diamond
450
Yo0 +eel 2he ma/i7al 6o4e, s0,/e 06 +,om dee6 in 2he ea,2h and +lo4 in2o yo0,
-ody5 B02 ,a2he, 2han shoo2 do4n yo0, a,m3 yo0 +eel i2 s2a,2 2o s6i,al inside yo03
/,o4in/ la,/e, and -,i/h2e, as i2 d,a4s 06 mo,e ene,/y +,om -elo45 Yo0 +eel 2he
6o4e, /,o4 2o a 6ea.3 and 4i2h a sho02 yo0 +lin/ yo0, a,m 2o4a,ds Da,m3 ,eleasin/
2he ene,/y 4i2h a -0,s2 o+ li/h25 I2 ,oa,s 2h,o0/h 2he ai, in a -,i/h2 lan7e5 Da,m 4a1es
his hands in some .ind o+ de+ensi1e ma/i73 -02 2he snee, on his +a7e only las2s +o, a
momen23 as 2he ho2 shinin/ lan7e 6ie,7es 2h,o0/h his de+en7es and s2,i.es him5
The Kin/ is -las2ed -a7.3 s2,i.in/ his 2h,one and +allin/ 2o 2he /,o0nd 4i2h his ,o-es
6a,2ially on +i,e5 Be+o,e yo0 7an 7ha,/e +o,4a,d3 his head sna6s 06 and he loo.s a2
yo0 4i2h a -ale+0l /la,e5 He s2a//e,s 2o his +ee23 o-1io0sly in /,ea2 6ain5
T0,n 2o 650
45+
LRe7en2ly I >oined a /,o06 o+ se,6en2-4o,shi66e,s3N yo0 -e/in5 LCe 4e,e small
in n0m-e,3 and 2he o2he, 2o4ns6eo6le 4e,e a+,aid o+ 0s5 E1en20ally 2hey a22a7.ed and
.illed mos2 o+ o0, mem-e,s5 I 4as sen2 he,e 2o 2,y and /ain 6o4e, so 2ha2 4e 7an
de+end o0,sel1es3 and -0ild a s2,on/ +ollo4in/ 2o 4o,shi6 yo0, .ind3 +o, s0,ely yo0
a,e di1ine -ein/sM I+ yo0 /i1e me 6o4e,3 I 7an 7,ea2e a +ollo4in/ and -0ild 2em6les in
yo0, name5N
Yo0, s2a2emen2 is ,e7ei1ed in silen7e3 -02 4hen 2he 90een s6ea.s3 he, 1oi7e is
+illed 4i2h s07h 7on2em62 yo0 a,e s0,6,ised 2he s7,een -e+o,e he, does no2 4i2he,5
LYo0 a,e a lia,5 Yo0 ha1e no2 e82ended 2o 0s e1en 2he mos2 -asi7 o+ 7o0,2esy5 Ce,e
i2 no2 +o, 2he A/,eemen2 4i2h 4hi7h 4e a,e -o0nd 2o yo0, 4o,ld I 4o0ld ha1e yo0
2a.en +,om 2his 6la7e and 1an90ished5 The A/,eemen2 s6a,es yo0 m07h 6ain and
s0++e,in/3 and -inds me3 sin7e yo0 ha1e s6o.en3 ho4e1e, +alsely3 2o /i1e yo0 a means
2o /ain 6o4e,5 &is2en no4 2o my 6,ono0n7emen25 Sin7e yo0 a,e a 7,0de 4a,,io,3 I
shall /i1e yo0 2he 6a2h mos2 s0i2ed 2o yo0, 2alen2s5 Yo0 shall -e 2a.en 2o a 6la7e
4he,e lies an i2em o+ 6o4e,5 O1e,7ome 2he /0a,dians 4i2h yo0, s2eel and 2he i2em is
yo0,s5 O2he,4ise3 yo0 4ill 6e,ish as so many o2he,s ha1e5N
The /0a,ds 7ome +o,4a,d 2o 2a.e yo0 a4ay3 allo4in/ no 6,o2es25 Yo0 a,e d,a//ed
+,om 2he 6ala7e li.e a 6,isone, and an a,med es7o,2 2a.es yo0 2h,o0/h 2he /a,dens5
I2?s almos2 as i+ yo0 a,e -ein/ 2a.en 2o yo0, e8e702ion5 Yo0 2ell 2he /0a,ds 2ha2 yo0
7an 4al.3 -02 2hey i/no,e yo0 and 7on2in0e 2o d,a/ yo0 alon/5
A la,/e /a2e leads +,om 2he /a,dens in2o a ,o7.y 4ilde,ness5 A 6a2h 4inds o1e,
hills s2,e4n 4i2h sha22e,ed ,o7.s3 >a//ed sha,ds >022in/ in2o 2he s.y5 The 6,o7ession
mo1es 2h,o0/h 2he 4o0nded lands7a6e3 and yo0 24is2 yo0, ne7. 2o see 2he 4alled
/a,dens si2in/ on a massi1e +la22e,ed hill2o6 -ehind yo05 Yo0 a,e 2a.en 2h,o0/h 2he
hills 0n2il 2he 4alled hill2o6 is no lon/e, in si/h2 and 2he 6,o7ession des7ends in2o a
,a1ine and soon 7omes 2o a 7a1e o6enin/ 2ha2 is li.e a slash in 2he ea,2h5 He,e 2he
se,6en2-/0a,ds ,elease yo03 and one /es20,es 2o 2he 7a1e5
L",o7eed3 4a,,io, and ,e7ei1e 2he +a2e 2ha2 is yo0,s5N
LCha2 is in 2he,eON yo0 as.5
LEn2e,3 and yo0 shall -e enli/h2ened3N s2a2es one o+ 2he /0a,ds3 and lo4e,s his
24in--laded s6ea,3 2o indi7a2e yo0 a,e 2o 6,o7eed o, -e im6aled5
Ci2h no o2he, o62ion3 yo0 ,eady yo0,sel+ and -e/in yo0, des7en2 in2o 2he 7a1e5
The dayli/h2 90i7.ly 1anishes -ehind yo03 -02 -e+o,e 2he da,.ness -e7omes 7om6le2e3
<(
FF - Diamond
a small li/h2 7,ys2al em-edded in 2he 4all sho4s yo0 2he 4ay +o,4a,d5 The na20,al
6assa/e soon /i1es 4ay 2o a na,,o4 s2ai,7ase3 2he s2e6s 7,0m-lin/ and sli66e,y 4i2h
slime5
Ma.in/ yo0, 4ay 7a,e+0lly3 yo0 mana/e 2o a1oid sli66in/3 and e1en20ally ,ea7h a
la,/e 7a1e,n5 The +loo, is +la2 and 2iled3 2ho0/h 7l0s2e,s o+ s2ala/mi2es a,e s7a22e,ed
2h,o0/ho025 The 7eilin/ a-o1e is o-s70,ed -y s2ala72i2es and an 0ne1en 7oa2in/ o+
limes2one 2ha2 also 7,ee6s do4n 2he 4alls5 Che,e 2he 4alls a,e no2 7o1e,ed3 yo0 7an
see 7,0m-lin/ 6illa,s5
As yo0 6,o7eed +0,2he, in2o 2he an7ien2 hall3 4hi7h is li2 -y li/h2 7,ys2als
em-edded in 2he limes2one3 yo0 see h0man -ones s7a22e,ed o1e, 2he +loo,5 Yo0 ,ea7h
2he +a, end o+ 2he hall3 4he,e 2he /,ea2es2 7on7en2,a2ion o+ -ones is5 Ca,ily loo.in/
o02 +o, mons2e,s3 yo0 see none3 and a2 +i,s2 +ail 2o no2i7e some2hin/ han/in/ on 2he
4all5
I2 a66ea,s 2o -e a 6endan2 o+ some .ind3 a ,ed s2one se2 in /old on a /olden 7hain5
Yo0 s2e6 7lose, 2o e8amine i2 and see i2 is a /olden se,6en2 s6i,allin/ a,o0nd a ,0-y5
Yo0 loo. 7a,e+0lly a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e, on7e mo,e3 -02 2he,e is no2hin/ 2he,e5 I2
seems 2oo easy3 -02 yo0 ,ea7h o02 and /,as6 2he am0le23 +eelin/ i2 2in/le in yo0, hands
4i2h 6o2en2 ma/i75
Yo0 sli6 2he am0le2 on and +eel 6,o2e72i1e ma/i7 se22le a,o0nd yo05 Yo0 a,e no4
0nde, 2he 6,o2e72ion o+ a se,6en2 am0le25 I2 adds < 2o yo0, SKI&&
Yo0 2a.e one s2e6 2o /o 4hen 2he ai, s0ddenly 20,ns 7old and a 4ind ,0shes
2h,o0/h 2he 7a1e,n 4i2h a moan5 The -ones -e/in 2o mo1e a-o02 in 2he +loo, and
/a2he, in2o se6a,a2e 6iles5 Cea6ons and 6ie7es o+ dama/ed a,mo0, 2ha2 a,e lyin/
a-o02 also mo1e in2o 2he /,o4in/ 6iles3 and 2he -ones and e90i6men2 s2a,2 2o
assem-le in2o a,med s.ele2ons5 Soon an a,my o+ s.ele2ons is s2andin/ -e+o,e yo03 and
a,o0nd 2he -ones3 /hos2ly +lesh a66ea,s3 and yo0 see 2he an/0ished +a7es o+ 4a,,io,s
lon/ dead5
LYo0 shall no2 ha1e 2he 6,iKeMN moans a dis2an2 1oi7e5 The 7,y is 2a.en 06 and 2he
dead a,my sham-les +o,4a,d3 ea7h +allin/ o1e, 2he o2he,s 2o /e2 a2 yo05 D,ead +ills
yo0, s2oma7h as yo0 /,i6 yo0, 4ea6ons5 This 4ill -e a ha,d +i/h25
I+ yo0 ha1e a /lass ,in/ and 4an2 2o 0se i2 he,e3 20,n 2o 486
I+ yo0 ha1e a diamond 4and and 4an2 2o 0se i23 20,n 2o 636
O2he,4ise yo0 4ill ha1e 2o +i/h2 a/ains2 2he a,my o+ 90es2in/ he,oes3 many o+ 4ho
a,e a,med 4i2h ma/i7 4ea6ons5 T0,n 2o 578
<(<
FF - Diamond
451
Yo0 se2 2he /ems in 6la7e one -y one3 6a0sin/ -e+o,e yo0 se2 2he las2 one in 6la7e5
Yo0 90i7.ly s2e6 -a7.3 -02 no2hin/ ha66ens5 Yo0 4ai2 +o, a min02e3 -02 2he 7ham-e,
,emains s2ill5
Yo0 ,e2,ie1e 2he /ems and 7onside, 4ha2 2o do ne825
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e3 yo0 7an 2a.e 2he 2,a6doo, -y 20,nin/ 2o 6703 o, i+ yo0 7ame in
2h,o0/h 2he 4indo43 yo0 7an lea1e 2ha2 4ay -y 20,nin/ 2o 563
O, yo0 7an 2,y ano2he, 7om-ina2ion;
G,ey-,0-y3 -la7.-sa66hi,e3 4hi2e-eme,ald: 20,n 2o 836
G,ey-,0-y3 -la7.-eme,ald3 4hi2e-sa66hi,e: 20,n 2o 473
G,ey sa66hi,e3 -la7.-eme,ald3 4hi2e-,0-y: 20,n 2o 601
G,ey-eme,ald3 -la7.-,0-y3 4hi2e-sa66hi,e: 20,n 2o 612
G,ey-eme,ald3 -la7.-sa66hi,e3 4hi2e-,0-y: 20,n 2o 571
453
As Da,m ,ea7hes +o, 2he Diamond Key3 yo0 +li7. 2he hidden 7a27h on 2he se,6en2
,in/ and e82end 2he 6oisoned needle5 Da,m does no2 e1en no2i7e 0n2il yo0 6,i7. him
4i2h 2he 6oison5 Yo0 le2 him 2a.e 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond +,om yo0 and s2e6 -a7.5
Da,m +,o4ns a2 yo0 and ,0-s his hand5 S0ddenly his eyes 4iden as 2he 6o2en2
6oison -0,ns 2h,o0/h his 1eins5 He 7l027hes 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond a/ains2 his
7hes23 -02 as +,o2h s6ills +,om his mo02h3 he ,ealises yo0 ha1e 2,i7.ed him5 The +ea, in
his eyes is 2e,,i-le 2o see as he +alls 2o 2he +all3 4,i2hin/ and 2,em-lin/ +o, hal+ a
min02e -e+o,e /oin/ s2ill5
Da,m is dead5
T0,n 2o 622
457
Ta.in/ o02 2he a,7ane s7,oll3 yo0 7lea, yo0, 2h,oa2 and ,ead 2he 4o,ds on i2 in a
lo0d 1oi7e3 2hen 6oin2 a2 Da,m3 so 2ha2 2he s6ell 4ill .no4 4ho 2o a22a7.5 Yo0 +eel
ma/i7al +o,7es /a2he,in/3 -02 ,a2he, 2han mani+es2in/ as a +ie,7e a22a7. on Da,m3 2he
6a,7hmen2 in yo0, hand -0,s2s in2o -l0e +lame5 Yo0 has2ily 2oss i2 aside3 and 2he
6a,7hmen2 +alls 2o 2he +loo,3 4he,e 2he +lame s6,eads o02 in2o a la,/e ,in/3 2hen -0,ns
s2eadily5
<(=
FF - Diamond
Da,m la0/hs hea,2ily5 LCe,e yo0 ho6in/ +o, some2hin/ elseO &e2 me e86lain 2o
yo0 4ha2 yo0 ha1e done5 This is indeed a 6o4e,+0l s6ell5 A s0mmonin/ s6ell in +a725
B02 yo0 ha1e s6o.en no name in yo0, s6ell5 Th0s 2o s0mmon a -ein/ yo0 m0s2 6la7e
an o++e,in/ in2o 2he 7i,7le5 So 7as2 an o->e72 in2o 2he ,in/ o+ +i,e and 4e 4ill see 4ha2
a,ises5 B02 7hoose yo0, o->e72 4iselyMN
Cha2 4ill yo0 7hoose 2o 2h,o4 in2o 2he +i,eO
A >ade 2a-le2O T0,n 2o 861
A -,o.en i1o,y 7om-O T0,n 2o 60+
A 7old 7,ys2alO T0,n 2o 660
A 0ni7o,n?s ho,nO T0,n 2o 656
I+ yo0 don?2 ha1e any o+ 2hese3 20,n 2o 654
458
LOn my 4ay 2h,o0/h yo0, 6ala7e I hea,d 6eo6le 2al.in/3 se,1an2s and soldie,s5
They a,e 6lannin/ a 7o065 They a,e 0nha66y 4i2h yo03 sayin/ yo0 don?2 -eha1e ho4
a ,eal .in/ sho0ld any mo,e5 They don?2 li.e ho4 yo0?1e +illed 2he 6ala7e 4i2h
demons and don?2 le2 yo0, h0man se,1an2s nea, yo05 I hea,d some o+ 2he de2ails5
They a,e 6lannin/ some2hin/ +o, 2omo,,o4 ni/h25N
Da,m nods slo4ly3 loo.in/ a2 yo0 2ho0/h2+0lly5 LThis I .ne4 al,eady3 -02 i2
6leases me 2ha2 yo0 s6ea. 2,02h+0lly 2o me3 no4 2ha2 I hold yo0, li+e in my hands5
"e,ha6s I sho0ld no2 .ill yo05N
He s2e6s o1e, 2o a small 2a-le ne82 2o his 2h,one3 4he,e yo0 see an i1o,y -o85 He
o6ens 2he -o8 and 2a.es o02 a /olden 6endan2 on a sho,2 7hain3 >0s2 lon/ eno0/h 2o
en7i,7le yo0, ne7.5 Holdin/ i2 in his hands3 he 4al.s do4n +,om 2he 2h,one and
a66,oa7hes yo03 -02 s2o6s se1e,al ya,ds a4ay5
LAny 4a,,io, 4ho se,1es me loyally is /,an2ed one o+ 2hese5 Yo0 see my si/n5N
He sho4s yo0 2he 6endan23 4hi7h is o1al-sha6ed3 a-o02 as la,/e as yo0, 2h0m- and
inlaid 4i2h ony8 in 2he +o,m o+ a ,am6an2 lion3 s0,,o0nded -y se,6en2s in ,ed
7o,nelian5 LA/,ee 2o se,1e me and I shall /i1e yo0 no2 only yo0, li+e3 -02 2his
6endan23 4hi7h shall /,an2 yo0 6o4e, in -a22le5N
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a >ade ,in/3 20,n 2o 630
Yo0 loo. a2 him and 2he 6endan2 d0-io0sly5 I2 mi/h2 -e a 2,i7. o+ some so,23
al2ho0/h he o-1io0sly has 2he 6o4e, 2o .ill yo0 i+ he 4an2s 2o5 I+ 2he 6endan2 does
indeed ma.e yo0 s2,on/e, yo0 7o0ld 0se i2 a/ains2 him3 o, a2 leas2 /e2 7lose, 2o him5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2a.e 2he 6endan2 and 602 i2 on3 20,n 2o 584
I+ yo0 7an?2 2,0s2 him3 yo0 had -es2 a22a7. him 4hile he is ,ela2i1ely 7lose5 T0,n 2o
548
<(#
FF - Diamond
454
Yo0 s4in/ 2he hoo. a,o0nd and le2 i2 sail 064a,ds on7e mo,e5 This 2ime i2
smashes in2o 2he 4all -eside 2he 4indo4 -e+o,e 7la22e,in/ 2o 2he /,o0nd on7e mo,e5
This 2ime no sho02s 7ome +,om -elo43 2he silen7e +illin/ yo0 4i2h an omino0s +eelin/5
Ga2he,in/ 06 2he hoo. a/ain3 yo0 6a0se 2o 7onside, yo0 ne82 a72ion5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ha1e ano2he, 2h,o43 yo0 m0s2 2es2 yo0, SKI&& on7e mo,e5
I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 66+
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 632
O2he,4ise yo0 m0s2 ,e20,n 2o 2he dinin/ hall 4he,e yo0 7an;
Tea, one o+ 2he 6a,7hmen2s o++ 2o see 4ha2 ha66ens -y 20,nin/ 2o 483
Si2 in one o+ 2he 7hai,s3 -y 20,nin/ 2o 20,n 2o 410
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an lea1e 2he dinin/ ,oom and /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 4053 o, mo1e +0,2he, 06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 825
456
LI +ind 2ha2 s2o,y ha,d 2o -elie1e3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LA sensi-le ,es6onse3N Da,m ,e6lies 4i2h a nod o+ a66,o1al5 LFo,20na2ely I ha1e
6,oo+ in 2he +o,m o+ 2he Jlady? he,sel+5 Sho4 himMN Kianmay does no2 mo1e3 e87e62
2o han/ he, head5 Da,m s6ea.s a/ain3 mo,e so+2ly5 LSho4 him3 o, I 4ill ha1e yo0
s2,i66ed5N
Kianmay slo4ly 7om6lies5 &oosenin/ he, ,o-e3 she -a,es one deli7a2e3 7,eamy
sho0lde,5 She d,o6s 2he ,o-e s2ill +0,2he, 2o ,e1eal 2o yo0 6a,2 o+ he, -a7.5 S0ddenly
some2hin/ eme,/es3 0n+oldin/ +,om he, -a7. is a small +leshy-7olo0,ed -a2?s 4in/3
li22le o1e, a +oo2 lon/5 She has2ily +olds 2he 4in/ on7e mo,e and 60lls he, ,o-e -a7.
on5
LYo0 seeON Da,m says so+2ly5 LShe is a demon5 I am s0,e yo0 s6en2 some
6o,2ion o+ yo0, >o0,ney 4i2h 2he ,eal 6,ies2ess5 B02 a2 some 6oin23 -e+o,e she s2a,2ed
2o 2ell yo0 lies a-o02 me and 2he Key3 she 4as ,e6la7ed -y 2his demon5N
This one -e+o,e yo0 is 0ndenia-ly a demon5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o a77e62 2he s2o,y3 20,n 2o 525
I+ yo0 ,e+0se 2o -elie1e i23 20,n 2o 574
455
Yo0 2a.e o02 2he s2a20e o+ 2he 4hi2e /oddess 2ha2 4as +o,med +,om 2he ",imo,dial
C,ys2al5 The li/h2 4i2hin i2 is shi+2in/ +,om -l0e 2o ,ed3 and as 2he ma/en2a li/h2
4ashes o1e, yo03 yo0 +eel ,e1i2alised @,es2o,e yo0, STAMINA 2o i2s ini2ial le1elA5
Yo0 hold o02 2he s2a20e 2o 2he 90een5 She loo.s a2 yo0 in s0,6,ise5 LFo, meON
L"e,ha6s I 7anno2 de+ea2 Da,m3 -02 a2 leas2 I 7an do 2his +o, yo05N
She 602s do4n 2he 706 and slo4ly 2a.es 2he s2a20e 4i2h -o2h hands5 The li/h2
4i2hin 2he 7,ys2al is shi+2in/ +,om ,ed 2o /old3 -a2hin/ he, in an am-e, li/h25 She
/as6s and 2ea,s s6,in/ +,om he, eyes as she holds 06 2he s2a20e5 She se2s i2 do4n 06on
<(%
FF - Diamond
2he 2a-le and slo4ly 0n6ins he, 1eil5 She is -ea02i+0l3 4i2h +0ll da,. ,ed li6s5 She li+2s
he, hands 2o he, +a7e and 2o07hes he, li6s and >a45 LI am healedMN she e87laims5
Yo0 4onde, 4ha2 dis+i/0,emen2 2he 1eil had 7on7ealed5
LI am healedMN She s2ands and loo.s do4n a2 he, o4n hands5 &oo.in/ a2 yo03 she
smiles3 he, eyes +lashin/ -,i/h2ly5 LDa,m dis+i/0,ed and 7,i66led me 2o .ee6 me he,e
2o ens0,e 2ha2 I 7o0ld no2 -e2,ay him5 B02 no4 I am +,eeM My 6o4e, is +,eedMN She
loo.s do4n a2 2he s2a20e and s2,o.es i2 4i2h one hand5 LB02 yes3 my hea,2 m0s2 -e
healed as 4ell5 I 7an see no45 I+ I s2,i.e a2 him my an/e, and ha2,ed 4ill ha,den my
hea,25 Chile he li1es I may sa1e him3 and sa1e mysel+5 Cha2 /ood is my +,eedom i+
my hea,2 is -o0nd soON She loo.s a2 yo05 LI 4ill aid yo05 I ho6e 2ha2 yo0 4ill 2,y 2o
sa1e him ,a2he, 2han 2o slay him3 -02 I .no4 no2 4ha2 yo0 7an do5 I +ea, 2ha2 yo0 4ill
-e a-le 2o do no2hin/ in 2he end -02 see. 2o slay him5 B02 -e+o,e 2hen3 yo0 m0s2
6,omise 2o 2,y and sa1e him5N
LI 6,omise3N yo0 say3 0na-le 2o ,esis2 2he +o,7e o+ he, 6assion5
LThen I 4ill /i1e yo0 2he means 2o slay him i+ i2 m0s2 -e so5N
She /en2ly s2,o.es 2he s2a20e on7e mo,e 2hen /oes o1e, 2o one o+ 2he 7a-ine2s3
o6enin/ i2 -y 2,a7in/ a ,0ne 06on 2he doo,5 Inside she 2a.es o02 a la790e,ed 4ooden
-o8 and 7a,,ies i2 o1e, 2o a lo4 2a-le5 She .neels and -e7.ons yo0 o1e, as she li+2s 2he
lid5
Yo0 see a so+2 /lo4 7omin/ +,om 4i2hin3 and s2e6 o1e, 7a02io0sly 2o see he, d,a4
o02 a da//e, 4i2h a -lade o+ /lo4in/ 7,ys2al5 LThis 4ill 6ene2,a2e his a,mo0,5 Ge2
7lose 2o him and yo0 may s2a- him des6i2e his ma/i73 des6i2e his a,mo0,5 Then he 4ill
die and -e +,ee +,om his 2o,men2 a2 leas25 B02 2o 4he,e shall his so0l /oION
She slides 2he /lo4in/ -lade -a7. in2o a 6lain lea2he, shea2h5 She holds 2he
7,ys2al da//e, o02 2o yo03 and yo0 2a.e i25 She 7loses 2he -o8 and s2ands3 loo.in/ a2
yo05
LDa,m is a man +0ll o+ +ea,5 He +ea,s dea2h3 and as his 6o4e, has /,o4n he +ea,s
enemies 2oo5 Th0s he is no4 a lonely man as 4ell5 He does no2 e1en 2,0s2 me5 I+ yo0
2h,0s2 2his 7,ys2al da//e, in2o his side3 he 4ill .no4 i2 has 7ome +,om me5 Th0s i+ yo0
+ail I shall 6ay a 2e,,i-le 6,i7e3 -02II 7anno2 do no2hin/5 See. no2 2o a22a7. him ,i/h2
a4ay5 He 4ill des2,oy yo05 He is a lonely and -o,ed man3 and 4ill see. 2o en2e,2ain
himsel+5 Yo0 m0s2 6lay alon/ 4i2h his /ames and 4ai2 +o, 2he ,i/h2 7han7e 2o de+ea2
him5 I shall 4a27h and 4ai23 and I shall aid yo0 i+ I may5 I shall also 7ome i+ yo0 7all
o02 my name5 Call me "alli0mi5N
Yo0 2han. he, +o, he, assis2an7e3 and +a,e4ell he,5 Yo0 4i2hd,a4 +,om he,
7ham-e, and 7lose 2he doo, -ehind yo05
No4 4he,e 4ill yo0 /oO
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,s o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 666
To /o 2h,o0/h 2he 7en2,al doo,s3 20,n 2o 4+4
622
Yo0 and Kianmay ma.e yo0, 4ay +,om 2he 6ala7e5 The /0a,ds a2 2he /a2e 2,y 2o
s2o6 yo03 -02 Kianmay 90ie2ly -e/s 2hem 2o allo4 yo0 2o 6ass5 The /0a,ds loo. a2 he,
6,ies2ess? ,o-e3 and silen2ly ,elen25 As yo0 4al. a4ay yo0 +eel 2hei, eyes -0,nin/ in2o
yo0, -a7.5 I+ 2hey .ne4 2ha2 2hei, .in/ 4as dead3 i2 may 4ell -e 2hei, s6ea,s yo0 +eel
d,i1in/ in2o yo0, -a7.5 B02 ho4 many 4ho se,1ed 2he .in/ lo1ed himO "e,ha6s 2hey
4o0ld hois2 yo0 on 2hei, sho0lde,s and 7all yo0 a he,o5
<('
FF - Diamond
Cha2e1e, 2he 7ase is3 yo0 do no2 4an2 2o ,is. +indin/ o02 and a77om6any Kianmay
as she mo1es 2h,o0/h 2he 7old3 da,. s2,ee2s5 She does no2 s6ea. 0n2il yo0 ,ea7h 2he
2em6le o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess3 4he,e she 6a0ses 2o loo. 06 a2 2he s2a20e o+ 2he ,o-ed
4oman e82endin/ he, a,ms 2o 2he 4o,ld5
LCha2 4ill yo0 do no4ON she as.s yo03 ne1e, 2a.in/ he, /aKe +,om 2he s2a20e5
Beyond /e22in/ some slee6 i2 is a 90es2ion yo0 had no2 7onside,ed5 Yo0 sh,0/5
LThe,e is al4ays 4o,. +o, a me,7han2 /0a,d5N
LIs 2ha2 s2ill eno0/h +o, yo0ON she as.s5
LCha2 do yo0 meanON
Kianmay 7loses he, eyes 4ea,ily5 LA+2e, all yo0 ha1e seen3 a+2e, all yo0 ha1e
done5 Can yo0 /o -a7. 2o 2ha2 li+eO Is 2he,e no desi,e in yo0 2o se,1e some2hin/
/,ea2e, 2han yo0,sel+ON
LA,e yo0 as.in/ me 2o -e7ome a 6aladin o, some2hin/ON yo0 as.3 in2endin/ 2o
smi,.3 -02 yo0 2oo a,e s0ddenly 2oo 2i,ed 2o -o2he,5
Kianmay 20,ns and +o,7es he, eyes o6en 2o loo. a2 yo05 LCe a,e 6a,2in/ no43N
she 2ells yo03 a 2,a7e o+ sadness in he, 1oi7e5 LA 6,ies2ess and a me,7han2 /0a,d a,e
0nli.ely 2o 7,oss 6a2hs a/ain5 I 4onde, 4he,e yo0 4ill /o and 4ha2 4ill -e7ome o+
yo05N
Yo0 /lan7e 06 a2 2he s2a20e a-o1e yo05 L&oo.3 yo0, /oddess is /ood5 I 2hin. yo0
a,e /ood and yo0 sho0ld 7on2in0e 2o se,1e he,5 B02 i2?s no2 +o, me5 I am a me,7han2
/0a,d5N
Silen2ly3 and 4i2h 4ha2 seems li.e /,ea2 sadness3 Kianmay ,ea7hes o02 and /en2ly
2o07hes yo0, a,m5 She 2hen 20,ns and ma.es he, 4ay 06 2he s2ai,s5 She s2,0//les so
m07h 2ha2 yo0 +eel 2he 0,/e 2o hel6 he, 7lim- 2he s2ai,s3 -02 some2hin/ else .ee6s yo0
+,om a66,oa7hin/ 2he 2em6le5
She does no2 loo. -a7. and a+2e, .no7.in/ a2 2he doo, is soon le2 in5 On7e 2he
doo, 7loses -ehind he,3 yo0 s2and in 2he 7old3 +eelin/ some2hin/ d,ainin/ a4ay +,om
yo05
E1en20ally yo0 smile and sha.e yo0, head5 Chy a,e yo0 s2andin/ he,e in 2he
7oldO I2?s 2ime 2o /e2 some ,es23 6e,ha6s in 2he a,ms o+ a 6e,+0med lady5 Yo0 4ande,
o++3 6lannin/ 2o ,es2 +o, a +e4 days3 2hen 2o loo. +o, a 7a,a1an headin/ so02h 2o o++e,
yo0, se,1i7es as a me,7han2 /0a,d5
THE END
620
Un7o,.in/ 2he -o22le3 yo0 sni++ 2he li90id3 -02 +ind i2 odo0,less5 The,e is so li22le
in 2he -o22le 2ha2 yo0 d,ain i2 all in one /0l65 As soon as yo0 do3 yo0 .no4 yo0 ha1e
made a mis2a.e5 I2 is a ma/i7al 6oison 2ha2 4o,.s +,om 4i2hin 2o .ill yo0 ins2an2ly5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 o, a,e 4ea,in/ a /olden
a,m-and3 20,n 2o 55+
O2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
<((
FF - Diamond
62+
Yo0 2a.e o02 2he s6ell +o, a +i,e-all5 Yo0 se2 yo0, s2an7e3 e82end yo0, hand3 and
,ead 2he s6ell in a lo0d3 7lea, 1oi7e5
Ha1e yo0 -een >oined 2o a se,6en2-4omanO I+ so3 20,n 2o 450
I+ no23 20,n 2o 517
621
Realisin/ yo0, des6e,a2e si20a2ion3 yo0 602 all yo0, ho6e in 2he sil1e, /a0n2le25
Yo0 e82end yo0 a,m and 7on7en2,a2e3 4hile Da,m s2a,2s 2o 4a1e his hands and 7han2
4o,ds o+ 6o4e,I
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5 Be7a0se yo0 ha1en?2 0sed 2he /a0n2le2 -e+o,e and a,e 0nde, s2,ess3
,oll 2h,ee die a/ains2 yo0, SKI&&5
I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 503
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 661
623
On7e yo0 ,e7o1e,3 yo0 7a,e+0lly ,emo1e 2he needle and 2,y 2o 6i7. 2he lo7. on7e
mo,e3 -02 i2 is -eyond yo0, s.ill5 E1en20ally yo0 /i1e 06 and ,e1ie4 yo0, o62ions
on7e mo,e5
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a /lass ,in/ and 4an2 2o 0se i2 he,e3 20,n 2o 813
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y 2he doo, o66osi2e3 20,n 2o 824
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 6,o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall3 20,n 2o 412
627
Yo0 +ly -a7.4a,d3 -o0n7in/ and ,ollin/ alon/ 2he /,o0nd 0n2il yo0 7ome 2o a
s2o63 -leedin/ and -,o.en5
Yo0 2,y 2o s2and3 -02 4ha2 isn?2 in 6ain is n0m- and does no2 ,es6ond5 Slo4ly 2he
li/h2 +ades and yo0 a,e 6l0n/ed in2o da,.ness5 B02 0nli.e Da,m3 yo0 a,e no2 a+,aid5 I2
4ill -e /ood 2o ,es25 And so a2 6ea7e3 yo0, so0l sli6s in2o 2he 4a,m em-,a7e o+ dea2h5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
628
Yo0 a,e slammed -a7. in2o yo0, -ody and s2a//e,3 diso,ien2a2ed5 Yo0 +all o1e,
-e+o,e yo0, eyes 7ome -a7. in2o +o70s and yo0 see yo0,sel+ s6,a4led ne82 2o Da,m?s
2h,one3 2he .in/ s2andin/ o1e, yo0 4i2h a 7on2em620o0s smile5
LHo4e1e, did yo0 /e2 my ,in/O No ma22e,M I2 2a.es some 2ime 2o mas2e,5 B02 I
4ill ha1e 2o 2a.e 2ha2 +,om yo05 I2 ma.es yo0 a li22le 2oo dan/e,o0s +o, my li.in/5N
<(E
FF - Diamond
Yo0 2,y 2o s2and -02 a,e s2ill 4ea. and diKKy5 Da,m 6i7.s 06 a lon/ -,oads4o,d
2ha2 si2s in a s2and ne82 2o his 2h,one5 Yo0 2,y 2o +end o++ 2he -lo43 -02 4i2h 6,a72ised
s2,en/2h3 Da,m d,i1es 2he -lade 2h,o0/h yo0, ne7.5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
O2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
624
Yo0 loo. 06 a2 2he se,6en2-/oddess s2a20e3 4onde,in/ 4ha2 so,2 o+ dei2y she is5
Yo0 2oss a +e4 7oins in2o 2he 6ool3 o++e,in/ yo0, ,es6e72s 2o he,5 Yo0 +eel some2hin/3
and loo.in/ 06 see 2he se,6en2 /oddess smile a2 yo05 Yo0 a,e -lessed5 Raise yo0
initial &UCK -y and -,in/ yo0, current &UCK 2o 2his le1el5 "leased3 yo0 ma.e a
6,aye, o+ /,a2i20de 2o 2he /oddess5
Yo0, 6,aye,s a,e dis20,-ed -y a s7,a6in/ so0nd3 and yo0 20,n in ala,m 2o see a
s2,an/e +i/0,e 6,o/,essin/ 2o4a,ds yo05 The 6eo6le o+ 2he /a,den do no2 4o,shi6
se,6en2-6eo6le3 2hey a,e se,6en2 6eo6le5
The /0a,d a66,oa7hin/ yo0 is a -,o4n-s7aled sna.e +,om 2he 4ais2 do4n3 2he 2,ee-
2hi7. -ody e82endin/ se1e,al me2,es -ehind him5 The h0man 6a,2 is 7lad in a s2eel
-,eas26la2e and helm3 a lon/ s6ea, 7a,,ied o1e, his sho0lde,5
The se,6en2-man does no2 seem a//,essi1e and in +a72 a66ea,s 2o -e 2,yin/ 2o
smile as he 7omes 2o a s2o6 nea,-y5 He -o4s 2o yo03 and yo0 ma.e a ,es6e72+0l -o4
in ,e20,n5 "lan2in/ his s6ea, on 2he /,o0nd3 he -e/ins 2o 2h0m6 his 2ail on 2he /,o0nd
in a slo4 6a22e,n5
I2 so0nds li.e a si/nal3 -02 ho4 7an anyone ho6e 2o hea, 2he 2h0ddin/ a2 any 0se+0l
dis2an7eO Yo0 2,y 2o s6ea. 2o 2he se,6en2-/0a,d3 -02 he >0s2 nods a2 4ha2e1e, yo0 say5
A+2e, a min02e3 yo0 hea, mo,e s7,a6in/ so0nds3 and 20,n 2o see a 6,o7ession
7omin/ do4n 2he main 6a2h5 Bla7.-s7aled sna.e-men a,mo0,ed in /olden
-,eas26la2es 4i2h ,ed-7,es2ed helms mo1e do4n 2he 6a2h5 Ea7h one holds a 6ole-
s4o,d 2ha2 loo.s li.e an o,na2e s7imi2a, -lade on a lon/ sha+25 The,e a,e +o0, o+ 2hem3
s0,,o0ndin/ ano2he, +i/0,e5 This one is a sna.e-4oman3 4hose se,6en2 -ody and 2ail
is also -la7.5 She 4ea,s a so,2 /,een sil.en 7oa2 4i2h a hi/h 7olla,3 he, -la7. hai,
4o0nd 06 in2o a -0n and held in 6la7e 4i2h 7om-s o+ /old and >ade5
She a66,oa7hes yo0 4i2h a smile3 he, +ea20,es mo,e h0man-loo.in/ 2han 2hose o+
2he /0a,ds a,o0nd he,5 She ma.es a -o43 4hi7h yo0 ,e20,n5
LCel7ome3 2,a1elle,5N She says in a no,mal-so0ndin/ 1oi7e3 2ho0/h 4i2h a
s2,an/e a77en25 LHo4 may 4e se,1e yo0ON
Yo0 don?2 .no4 4ha2 2o say5 LE,3 4ha2 is 2his 6la7eON
The 4oman loo.s s0,6,ised3 -02 -e7omes 70,io0s ,a2he, 2han s0s6i7io0s5 LThis is
2he "ala7e o+ !0een Shimishis5 Ho4 did yo0 7ome 2o -e he,eON
Feelin/ 2ha2 she is no2 dan/e,o0s3 yo0 2ell he, 2he 2,02h5 LI +o0nd a s6i,al made o+
2h,ee se,6en2s on 2he +loo, in a ,oom3 2hen I 602 some /ems in 2he eyes so7.e2s3 and I
+o0nd mysel+ he,e5N
LSo yo0 a,e no2 a so,7e,e,ON 2he 4oman says3 he, eyes s6a,.lin/ 4i2h am0semen25
LYo0, mas2e, 4o0ld no2 -e ha66y 2o .no4 yo0 ha1e -een 6layin/ 4i2h his ma/i7.s5
Bes2 yo0 ,e20,n -e+o,e yo0, in2,0sion is dis7o1e,ed5N
<E*
FF - Diamond
Yo0, 70,iosi2y a-o02 2his 6la7e is +a, +,om sa2is+ied3 ye2 2hese se,6en2-6eo6le 7o0ld
4ell -e allies o+ Da,m5 Cha2 sho0ld yo0 doO
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e 4i2ho02 ha,m3 20,n 2o 40+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o .ee6 as.in/ 90es2ions3 20,n 2o 6++
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2ell 2hem a-o02 Da,m in 2he ho6e o+ /ainin/ 2hei, aid3 20,n 2o 527
626
LThis man is e1ilMN yo0 de7la,e3 2h,0s2in/ a +i/0,e a2 Da,m5 LI+ yo0 a,e /ood3 yo0
m0s2 des2,oy himMN
The /,ea2 eyes loo. do4n a2 yo0 and yo0 s2a,2 2o +eel 1e,y small5 Finally 2he /,ea2
1oi7e s6ea.s5 LOne 4ho is e1il 4ill des2,oy 2hei, o4n sel+ in 2ime5 I+ I has2en 2his3 2he
7han7e 2o 20,n a4ay +,om des2,072ion 4ill -e los25 I+ s07h des2,072ion is me,7y3 2hen
yo0 2oo 4o0ld -ene+i2 +,om s07h in2e,1en2ion5 In 2,02h 2he,e is li22le di++e,en7e
-e24een yo0 and 2his o2he, one5N The /,ea2 ele6han2 20,ns 2o Kianmay5 LFa,e4ell3
6,ies2ess5N
The /,ea2 4hi2e -ody s0ddenly 20,ns 2o mis2 and dis6e,ses 06 2h,o0/h 2he ai,5 Yo0
and Da,m loo. a2 ea7h o2he, in 0n7e,2ain2y5 The Kin/ seems sha.en5 Kianmay s2e6s
+o,4a,d5 LT0,n a4ay +,om e1il3 yo0, ma>es2y5 Yo0 see ho4 2he /ods loo. 06on yo05
They do no2 in2e,1ene -e7a0se 2he /,ea2es2 ha,m yo0 do is 2o yo0, o4n sel+MN
Da,m sha.es his head3 a snee, 70,lin/ his li6s5 LThe /ods do no2 0nde,s2and 0sM
They 4ill ne1e, si7.en and dieM Chy sho0ld I lis2en 2o 2hemO I am si7. o+ hea,in/
yo0, 4o,dsMN Da,m loo.s -a7. a2 yo03 a mali7io0s /leam in his eye5 LYo0 ha1e
4o,.ed yo0, ma/i7M No4 i2 is my 20,n on7e mo,eMN
He 7as2s a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 540
625
Sna27hin/ 06 a -0,nin/ s2i7. +,om 2he +i,e3 yo0 hold i2 nea, 2he doo,5 L&is2en 2o
me3 yo0 li22le +,ea.M Gi1e me an i2em o+ 6o4e, ,i/h2 no4M I+ yo0 don?23 I?ll -0,n yo0
and yo0, 6a2he2i7 li22le ho0se do4nMN
L"lease3 noMN 2he 7,ea20,e s90eals5 ;NI?m so,,yM "lease 2a.e 2hisM I ha1e no2hin/
elseMN
The lo7. 7li7.s and 2he doo, o6ens a +e4 in7hes5 The 7,ea20,es 2,em-lin/ hand
2h,o4s o02 a ,in/5 I2 -o0n7es a7,oss 2he /,o0nd as 2he doo, slams sh02 and is lo7.ed
on7e mo,e5
Yo0 2a.e 2he ,in/ and e8amine i23 -02 7anno2 dis7e,n i2s +0n72ion5 I2 is a sim6le
/old -and se2 4i2h a 6ie7e o+ 7hea63 +la4ed 2o6aK5
I+ yo0 a,e ha66y 4i2h 2he ,in/3 yo0 7an lea1e -y 20,nin/ 2o 676
I+ yo0 2hin. 2he 7,ea20,e is holdin/ o02 on yo03 yo0 7an 2h,ea2en him mo,e -y 20,nin/
2o 524
<E)
FF - Diamond
602
The li/h2nin/ -ol2 hi2s yo0 4i2h eno0/h +o,7e 2o 2h,o4 yo0 +o,4a,d in2o 2he doo,3
yo0, ne7. sna66in/ 4i2h a si7.enin/ 24is25 Yo0 +all do4n on2o 2he +loo,3 and -e/in 2o
slim in2o da,.ness3 ima/in/ 4ha2 i2 4o0ld ha1e -een li.e 2o -e ma,,ied 2o a se,6en2-
4oman5 May-e i2 4o0ldn?2 ha1e -een so -ad a+2e, all5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 543
O2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
600
Yo0, hands sli6 and yo0 a,e de1o0,ed -y 2he +loo,5 Yo0, -,ea2h soon ,0ns o02 as
yo0, l0n/s -0,n5 In1ol0n2a,ily yo0 /0l6 a2 2he li90id3 -02 e1en i2 4ill no2 +ill yo0,
l0n/s5 Blessed da,.ness soon s2eals a4ay yo0, senses5
Yo0 a4a.e some 2ime la2e, se1e,ely -a22e,ed and in 6ain @,ed07e yo0, 70,,en2
SKI&& -y 24o 6oin2s3 and hal1e yo0, 70,,en2 STAMINAA5 Yo0 a,e no4 lyin/ on 2he
+loo, in 2he 90een?s 7ham-e,3 -02 2he o2he, +i/0,e 6,esen2 is no2 2he 90een5 I2 is a
,o20nd li22le man no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee5 He smiles3 and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he
-el2 o+ his .il25 LTha2?s i2M U6 yo0 /e25 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es
yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h
him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e 20,ns and -e/ins 2o 4al. a4ay5 G,o//ily yo0 s2and and s2a//e,
a+2e, 2he small 7,ea20,e5 Yo0 s2a,2 2o +eel -e22e, as yo0 mo1e alon/5 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd
+o, 2he 90een3 -02 she is no4he,e in si/h25 By 2he 2ime yo0 ,ea7h 2he en2,an7e o+ 2he
-ed7ham-e,3 2he 7,ea20,e is /one3 -02 2he doo,s a2 2he end o+ 2he hall4ay ha1e -een
le+2 a>a,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay inside5
T0,n 2o 4+4
60+
Yo0 sea,7h 2h,o0/h yo0, 6a7. +o, some2hin/5 Yo0 hand 7omes 06on 2he o,na2e
i1o,y 7om- 2ha2 yo0 +o0nd on 2he +loo, o+ 2he 2h,one ,oom5 Yo0 don?2 .no4 4hy yo0
e1en -o2he,ed 2o 2a.e i2 4i2h yo05 B02 no4 some ins2in72 ma.es yo0 2oss i2 in2o 2he
7i,7le o+ +lame5
The +lames 20,n ,ed and s0,/e in4a,ds 2o4a,ds 2he 7om-3 s4ee6in/ i2 06 as 2he
+lame ,ise in2o a s6he,e a-o1e 2he -la7.ened 7a,6e25 The s6he,e han/s in 2he ai, +o, a
momen23 2hen s2a,2s 2o e86and and 2a.e on 2he +o,m o+ some2hin/: lim-s 6,o2,0de
0nde,nea2h3 and i2 seems 2o ha1e 4in/s5 The +lames die do4n3 dan7in/ a7,oss a
4,in.led3 4hi2e hide5
The las2 +lames 1anish in2o 2he ai,3 and yo0 s2a,e 4i2h 4onde, a2 2he massi1e
-eas25 I2 is a h0/e 4hi2e ele6han23 s2andin/ nea,ly as 2all as 2he 7eilin/5 Cha2 yo0
2ho0/h2 4e,e 4in/s a,e in +a72 massi1e ea,s 2ha2 i2 +la6s /,a7e+0lly -a7. and +o,2h as i2
20,ns 2o loo. a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e,3 i2s massi1e +ee2 2o07hin/ 2he +loo, li/h2ly5 Chen
yo0 see i2s head3 yo0 a,e amaKed 2o see i2 has si8 20s.s3 and i2s eyes a,e -,i/h2 -l0e5 I2
loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h in2elli/en7e5
<E
FF - Diamond
Kianmay s2e6s +o,4a,d and -o4s 2o 2he ele6han25 LHanim0-eliM I 4el7ome yo0
G,ea2 Kin/5 I am so,,y i+ 4e ha1e dis20,-ed yo05 B02 4e a,e +a7in/ /,ea2 6e,il5N
A dee6 disem-odied 1oi7e ,e6lies3 seemin/ 2o 7ome +,om 2he +loo, i2sel+5 I2
,0m-les a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e,3 as i+ 2he ea,2h i2sel+ is s6ea.in/5 L",ies2ess5 I2 4o0ld -e
my hono0, 2o assis2 yo03 +o, yo0, me,i2 is /,ea25 B02 i2 is no2 yo0 4ho has s0mmoned
me5N The /,ea2 head s4in/s +i,s2 2o4a,ds yo03 and 2hen Da,m3 4ho is loo.in/ a2 2he
/,ea2 ele6han2 4i2h as m07h sho7. as yo05 LThe 6e,il yo0 s6ea. o+ a,ises +,om 2he
6e22y hea,2s o+ 2hese 24o -o0nd so0ls5 Shall a man seein/ 24o s7o,6ions +i/h2in/
se6a,a2e 2hem +,om 2hei, needless 7on+li72O On7e he is /one3 2he s7o,6ions shall +ind
o2he, 7on+li72s 2o +i/h23 +o, 1iolen7e li1es 4i2hin 2hei, hea,2s5 E1en i+ he is 2o .ee6 2he
s7o,6ion in a 7a/e3 he 7anno2 7han/e i2s 6e22y hea,25 Ho4 2hen may I assis2 he,eON
Kianmay -o4s on7e mo,e5 LCha2 yo0 say is 2,0e3 G,ea2 Kin/5 B02 2his man 4ho
also 7alls himsel+ Kin/ 4ishes 2o 2a.e +o, himsel+ 2he Diamond Key3 and ma.e
himsel+ immo,2al5 He 4ill .ill 2his o2he, man me,ely 2o o-2ain i25N
The holy ele6han2 loo.s a2 Da,m +o, many momen2s3 2hen s4in/s -a7. 2o4a,ds
yo05 L&e2 2he one 4ho s0mmoned me s6ea.5N
Kianmay /es20,es +o, yo0 2o -o45 Yo0 do so: mo,e 2o /i1e yo0,sel+ 2ime 2o 2hin.
2han 2o sho4 ,es6e725
Cha2 4ill yo0 sayO
LThis man is e1ilM I+ yo0 a,e /ood yo0 m0s2 des2,oy himMN T0,n 2o 626
L"lease /i1e me 2he s2,en/2h 2o de+ea2 2his so,7e,e,MN T0,n 2o 532
L"lease do 4ha2 yo0 7an 2o 6,o2e72 2he Diamond Key +,om /,eedy men5N T0,n 2o 51+
601
Yo0 se2 2he /ems in 6la7e one -y one5 As soon as 2he las2 /em se22les in 2he
de6,ession3 yo0 +eel 2he ai, -e/in 2o ,0sh a,o0nd yo05 The ,0-ies in 2he eyes o+ 2he
4hi2e ma,-le se,6en2 -e/in 2o /lo43 -02 2he o2he,s ,emain da,.5 Yo0 90i7.ly mo1e
o++ 2he 7i,7le as 2he 4hi2e se,6en2 -e/ins 2o mo1e3 -02 2he o2he,s a,e s2ill5 Yo0 4a27h
4i2h /,ea2 ne,1o0sness as 2he 4hi2e se,6en2 ,ises +,om 2he +loo,3 2h,ashin/ a-o02
7hao2i7ally5 The +loo, -e/ins 2o 2,em-le5 The se,6en2 o6ens i2 mo02h and hisses a2
yo05 The ne82 momen2 i2 la0n7hes a -all o+ +i,e a2 yo05
Yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ 2o 2he +loo, as 2he +i,e sin/es yo0, hai,5 Ci2h yo0, 7hee.
6,essed a/ains2 2he +loo,3 yo0 +eel 2he 2,emo,s slo4ly die do4n5 A+2e, a min02e i2 is
90ie2 and s2ill on7e mo,e5
Ca,e+0lly yo0 s2and 06 and s2e6 -a7. o1e, 2o 2he 7i,7le5 The /ems ha1e all
disin2e/,a2ed5 As yo0 s0,1ey 2he dama/e 7a0sed -y yo0, i/no,an7e3 2he 2,a6doo,
s0ddenly o6ens5 Yo0 sna27h 06 yo0, 4ea6on5
The 7,ea20,e 2ha2 en2e,s ha,dly seems 4o,2h 2he ala,m3 -02 yo0 do no2 ,ela8 yo0,
/0a,d5 A66,oa7hin/ yo0 is a small 7,ea20,e no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e
,o20nd5 He ma.es his 4ay 2o 2he o66osi2e side o+ 2he ma/i7al 7i,7le 4he,e he s2o6s3
smilin/ a2 yo05
Hoo.in/ his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il23 2he demon s6ea.s5 LMeddlin/ in ma/i7
is a +oolish and dan/e,o0s 6,a72i7eM His Ma>es2y 4ill -e 90i2e i,a2e 2o hea, 4ha2 yo0
ha1e done 2o his Ci,7le o+ Realms5 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0
2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5
"lease +ollo4 me5N
<E<
FF - Diamond
Fo, a momen2 yo0 7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e
in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is 6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion
mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 slo4ly +ollo45 Goin/ o1e, 2o 2he 2,a6doo,3 yo0
des7end a na,,o4 s2ai,4ay and e8i2 in2o a la,/e s20dy5 The li22le demon is
disa66ea,in/ o02 2he doo,s in2o 2he main 7o,,ido,3 and yo0 +ollo4 ,el072an2ly5
Chen yo0 ,ea7h 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 see 2ha2 2he 7,ea20,e is ma.in/ his 4ay 06 2he
hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0 a,e +ollo4in/ him o, no25
The 7,ea20,e soon /oes 2h,o0/h 2he doo, a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02
lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he la,/e 6olished 4ooden doo,s a-o02 a
min02e la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
603
Sea,7hin/ a,o0nd in yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 +ind 2he shea+ o+ 6a,7hmen2s5 Da,m 4ai2s
6a2ien2ly 4i2h an ind0l/en2 smile as yo0 sea,7h 2h,o0/h and +ind 2he s6ell +o, a
+i,e-all5 Readin/ 2he ins2,072ions 7a,e+0lly3 yo0 se2 yo0, s2an7e3 e82end yo0, hand3
and ,ead 2he s6ell in a lo0d3 7lea, 1oi7e5
Ha1e yo0 -een >oined 2o a se,6en2-4omanO I+ so3 20,n 2o 810
I+ no23 20,n 2o 662
607
Yo0 smash do4n 2he s.ele2on -e+o,e yo03 -one 7hi6s +lyin/ as 2he /hos2ly +lesh
+lo4s o++ 2he sha22e,ed -ones5 The 4ay ahead o+ yo0 is 7lea,3 -02 7losin/ +as2 as 2he
mass o+ a66,oa7hin/ s.ele2ons s6ill a,o0nd ea7h o2he, 2o 2,y and /e2 a2 yo05
Yo0 dash 2o4a,ds 2he e8i23 6a,,yin/ a 7l0msy -lo4 aimed a2 yo0 as yo0 6ass 2he
nea,es2 s.ele2ons5 Then s0ddenly yo0 a,e +,ee5 Yo0 lea6 06 2he 6,e7a,io0s s2ai,s as
90i7.ly and 7a,e+0lly as yo0 7an3 and soon ,ea7h 2he 7a1e a-o1e5 Yo0 6a0se3 -02 hea,
no so0nds o+ 60,s0i25 Mo1in/ a2 a slo4e, 6a7e3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay o02 o+ 2he 7a1e5
A lone se,6en2-/0a,d 4ai2s +o, yo03 and yo0 see 2ha2 he is s0,6,ised and dis6leased
2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Silen2ly he mo1es o++ and yo0 +ollo4 him -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he
-,o.en hills5 On7e yo0 a,e in 2he /a,dens3 mo,e se,6en2-/0a,ds a66ea, 2o es7o,2 yo0
-a7. 2o 2he sh,ine5 Yo0 s2e6 inside and a ,adian2 4hi2e mis2 -e/ins o-s70,e 2he
/a,den5 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome
in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 6a0se 2o e8amine yo0, ma/i7al am0le2 on7e mo,e3
+eelin/ 2he 6o4e, 4i2hin i25 "leased3 yo0 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s
in 2he +loo, and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
<E=
FF - Diamond
608
Yo0 7all o02 lo0dly +o, "alli0mi5 Yo0 see an e86,ession o+ s0,6,ise 7,oss Da,m?s
+a7e as yo0 sho02 2he name o+ his 90een5 Yo0, sho02 e7hoes a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e,3 -02
2he,e is no ,es6onse5 Da,m s2a,2s 2o smile3 -02 2hen 2he s2one hands holdin/ yo0
s0ddenly 7,0m-le and yo0 +all 2o 2he +loo,5
As yo0 s2,0//le 2o yo0, +ee23 yo0 see "alli0mi ma2e,ialise nea,-y5 She is d,essed
in 6lain -la7. ,o-es3 he, hai, 4o,n 06 and held in 6la7e 4i2h i1o,y 7om-s5 He, +a7e is
0n7o1e,ed and she smiles a2 Da,m 4hen she sees his sho7.5
LI2 ends he,e3N she s2a2es 4i2h de2e,mina2ion5
Da,m ,e7o1e,s +,om his s0,6,ise 2o la0/h5 LYo0 a,e my s20den2M And I ha1e only
2a0/h2 yo0 a 6a,2 o+ 2he &esse, Mys2e,iesM The only 2hin/ 2ha2 7an end he,e is yo05N
LI a/,ee3N "alli0mi ,e6lies3 s2ealin/ a4ay Da,m?s s7o,n5 LI 7anno2 -ea, 2o -e 4i2h
yo0 li.e 2his any mo,e5 I 4o0ld ,a2he, dieM So 2his day ei2he, yo0 4ill -e de+ea2ed3 o,
I shall -e dead5 B02 I am no2 alone he,e5 Yo0, 1i72o,y is no2 so ass0,ed5N
Da,m loo.s o1e, 2he 2h,ee o+ yo0 +a7in/ him3 and his li6 70,ls5 LA 6,ies2ess3 an
a66,en2i7e and a 2h0/M Yo0 2hin. 2ha2 e1en 2o/e2he, yo0 7an de+ea2 meON
"alli0mi smiles5 LYo0 +o,/e2 2ha2 my +a2he, 4as a /,ea2 so,7e,e,5 Don?2 yo0 2hin.
2ha2 he may ha1e 2a0/h2 me ma/i7O Ma/i7 2o 6,o2e72 me 4hen my li+e 4as in 6e,ilON
Da,m?s smile +ades as he 7onside,s 2his5 Yo0 no2e 2he dan/e,o0s /lin2 in his eyes
as +o, 2he +i,s2 2ime he -elie1es his li+e may -e in 2,0e 6e,il5 Yo0 ha1e seen 2he loo.
-e+o,e and yo0 .no4 4ha2 is 7omin/5 Yo0 /lan7e a2 "alli0mi and see she is en>oyin/
6layin/ de+ian7e3 and 7anno2 see 4ha2 is /oin/ 2o ha66en5
Yo0 .no4 2ha2 Da,m 4ill a22a7. "alli0mi 2o ,emo1e he, as a 2h,ea25 Cha2 4ill yo0
doO
Th,o4 yo0,sel+ in +,on2 o+ he, 2o 6,o2e72 he, so she 7an a22a7. him in 20,nO T0,n 2o
645
Cai2 0n2il he a22a7.s he,3 and s2,i.eO T0,n 2o 537
604
Yo0 20,n 2o 2he el+ and 602 on a smile5 LHello5N
The 6ale 7,ea20,e a66ea,s s2a,2led and 20,ns 2o yo05 I2 is 1e,y +eminine in
a66ea,an7e3 -02 s2ill yo0 sense i2 is male5 I2 is 7lad in a lon/ ,o-e o+ 2iny sil1e, s7ales5
I2s nose and mo02h a,e small3 -02 2he eyes a,e 1e,y la,/e3 li.e 6ools o+ +,oKen 4a2e,5
I2 says no2hin/3 -02 2he eyes a66ea, 2o /,o4 la,/e,5 Yo0 -lin. ,e+o70s yo0, 1ision3
and 2he eyes a66ea, no,mal on7e mo,e5 B02 as yo0 s2a,e3 2hey a66ea, 2o /,o4 la,/e,
a/ain5 Yo0 a,e a-o02 2he 2ea, yo0, eyes a4ay on7e mo,e 4hen yo0 see 2he 7,ea20,e
,ea7h one and 2o07h yo0, hand deli7a2ely 4i2h i2s +in/e,2i6s3 a small smile a66ea,in/
on i2s 6ale 6in. li6s5
I2 seems 2o -e 2,yin/ 2o ,eass0,e yo05 "e,ha6s i2 7an only 7omm0ni7a2e 4i2h i2s
eyes5 On 2he o2he, hand3 /i1en 2he na20,e o+ 2he o2he, 7,ea20,es he,e3 2his -ein/ is
li.ely a se,1an2 o+ 7haos o, e1il5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o le2 yo0,sel+ sli6 dee6e, in2o 2he eyes o+ 2he 6ale 7,ea20,e3 20,n 2o 42+5
I+ yo0 2hin. i2?s -es2 no2 2o ,is. i2 and 4an2 2o 60ll yo0,sel+ a4ay3 20,n 2o 655
<E#
FF - Diamond
606
The 2hi7.enin/ ai, 6,o1ides momen2a,y ,esis2an7e as yo0 lea6 do4n a2 Da,m5
Yo0 see his eyes 4iden in sho7. as his ma/i7 +ails5 He /,as6s yo0, a,m and 2,ies 2o
s2o6 2he sha,6 -lade endin/ his 6,e7io0s li+e5 He holds yo0 -a7. +o, a momen23 -02
2hen 2he da//e, 6l0n/es 2h,o0/h his 2h,oa25
His -lood s60,2s o02 and s6ills o02 o1e, 2he +loo,5 Yo0 s2and and ,e2,ea2 +,om 2he
s6,eadin/ 7,imson 6ool as 2he /,ea2 Kin/ o+ 2he No,2h +inally mee2s his end5
T0,n 2o 622
605
Ta.in/ a 6,e7a02iona,y 6ee. o1e, 2he -al7ony3 yo0 see a +e4 shado4y +i/0,es
s2andin/ nea, 2he 7,a7.lin/ 4a27h+i,e5 Ho6e+0lly 2hey 4ill -e 2oo -0sy 2o 20,n a,o0nd5
Ta.in/ o02 yo0, /,a66lin/ hoo.3 yo0 0n7oil yo0, ,o6e and .no2 i2 2o 2he ,in/ on
2he -ase o+ 2he hoo.5 Mo1in/ in2o 6osi2ion3 yo0 2a.e a dee6 -,ea2h and si/h2 yo0,
2a,/e25
Yo0 -e/in 2o s4in/ 2he hoo. a,o0nd3 /a2he,in/ momen20m3 2hen +lin/ i2 064a,ds5
The hoo. soa,s 2o4a,ds 2he 4indo43 2he ,o6e d,a//in/ -ehind i2I
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&
I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 562
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 653
6+2
LThis man is e1ilMN yo0 de7la,e3 2h,0s2in/ a +i/0,e a2 Da,m5 LI+ yo0 a,e /ood3 yo0
m0s2 des2,oy himMN
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1oi7e s6ea.s5 LOne 4ho is e1il 4ill des2,oy 2hei, o4n sel+ in 2ime5 I+ I has2en 2his3 2he
7han7e 2o 20,n a4ay +,om des2,072ion 4ill -e los25 I+ s07h des2,072ion is me,7y3 2hen
yo0 2oo 4o0ld -ene+i2 +,om s07h in2e,1en2ion5 In 2,02h 2he,e is li22le di++e,en7e
-e24een yo0 and 2his o2he, one5N The /,ea2 ele6han2 20,ns 2o Kianmay5 LFa,e4ell3
6,ies2ess5N
The /,ea2 4hi2e -ody s0ddenly 20,ns 2o mis2 and dis6e,ses 06 2h,o0/h 2he ai,5 Yo0
and Da,m loo. a2 ea7h o2he, in 0n7e,2ain2y5 The Kin/ seems sha.en5 Kianmay s2e6s
+o,4a,d5 LT0,n a4ay +,om e1il3 yo0, ma>es2y5 Yo0 see ho4 2he /ods loo. 06on yo05
They do no2 in2e,1ene -e7a0se 2he /,ea2es2 ha,m yo0 do is 2o yo0, o4n sel+MN
Da,m sha.es his head3 a snee, 70,lin/ his li6s5 LThe /ods do no2 0nde,s2and 0sM
They 4ill ne1e, si7.en and dieM Chy sho0ld I lis2en 2o 2hemO I am si7. o+ hea,in/
yo0, 4o,dsMN Da,m loo.s -a7. a2 yo03 a mali7io0s /leam in his eye5 LYo0 ha1e
4o,.ed yo0, ma/i7M No4 i2 is my 20,n on7e mo,eMN
He 7as2s a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 5+4
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 677
<E%
FF - Diamond
6+0
Yo0 -e/in 2o ,e7i2e 2he ma/i7 4o,ds3 sendin/ 2he /a2he,in/ ene,/y 2o4a,ds Da,m5
Yo0 see his smile slo4ly +ade as he +eels 2he ma/i7 se22lin/ a,o0nd him5 He s0,/es 2o
his +ee23 -02 2oo la2e as yo0, s6ell ,ea7hes i2s 7on7l0sion5
The ai, a,o0nd Da,m s6a,.les3 and his +lesh a720ally s2a,2s 2o /lo45 An e86,ession
o+ 4onde, +ills his +a7e3 -02 2hen an e86,ession o+ /,ie+ 7on2o,2s his +ea20,es3 and he
+alls 2o his .nees and s2a,2s 2o 4ee65 The /lo4 +ades3 -02 he 7on2in0es 2o 7,y li.e a
7hild5
Many min02es 6ass3 and +inally Da,m s2ands5 He loo.s s2,on/e, and yo0 e86e72
him 2o loo. a2 yo0 +0,io0sly and la0n7h ano2he, a22a7.5 Ins2ead 4hen he sees yo0 he
loo.s s0,6,ised3 -02 2hen he ,e7alls 4ha2 has ha66ened3 and a loo. o+ ,esol1e ha,dens
his +a7e5
LSoldie,M The Diamond Key5 I2 m0s2 -e 6la7ed in 2he ea,2hMN
LI2 has -een3N yo0 ,e6ly a+2e, a s2a,2led 6a0se5
LGood3N Da,m ,e6lies3 and si2s -a7. in his 2h,one5 He loo.s a2 Kianmay
2ho0/h2+0lly5 LI do no2 .no4 4ha2 has ha66ened 2o me5 B02 I ,emem-e, all yo0,
4o,ds3 and no4 2hey ,esona2e 4i2hin me 4i2h 2he ,in/ o+ 2,02h5 Be+o,e I 4as 2oo
a+,aid 2o e1en lis2en 2o yo05 F,om 4hen7e 2his 7o0,a/eO This li+2in/ o+ -lindness
+,om my eyesON
Kianmay 7anno2 ans4e, him5
T0,n 2o 0222
6++
LChy do so,7e,e,s 7ome he,eON yo0 as.5
The sna.e-4oman smiles5 LAs a sim6le 4a,,io, 2he,e is m07h yo0 7anno2
0nde,s2and5 &e2 i2 -e said 2ha2 4e a,e 7,ea20,es o+ 6o4e,5 As s07h3 so,7e,e,s and
o2he, 6,a72i2ione,s o+ ma/i7 o+2en 7ome 2o 0s 2o see. 6o4e,5 Ce a,e -o0nd 2o hea, all
o++e,s3 ye2 +e4 a,e /,an2ed 4ha2 2hey see.5N
I+ yo0 4an2 2o as. +o, 6o4e,3 20,n 2o 582
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e no43 20,n 2o 40+
I+ yo0 2hin. yo0 7an 2,0s2 2he sna.e-6eo6le and 4an2 2o 2ell 2he 4oman a-o02 Da,m3
20,n 2o 527
6+1
The -all o+ -la7. ene,/y s2,i.es yo03 and +o, a momen2 6ain +ills yo0, -ody3 -02 i2
90i7.ly +ades and yo0 ,e/ain yo0, -alan7e5 "alli0mi is >a,,ed 2o a72ion and -e/ins 2o
7han25 Da,m s2a,2s 2o 7as2 ano2he, s6ell3 4ea1in/ a 4all o+ 6,o2e72ion a-o02 himsel+5
Yo0 7anno2 see 4ha2 is ha66enin/ -ehind yo0 as yo0 s2and 6,o2e72i1ely in +,on2 o+
2he so,7e,ess3 -02 s0ddenly 2he 7ham-e, is -a2hed in ,ain-o4 li/h2 and 4a,m2h -0++e2s
yo0 +,om -ehind5 Da,m loo.s a-o1e yo0, head3 /a6in/5 Some2hin/ -,i/h2 and
shinin/ mo1es +o,4a,d a-o1e yo05 Yo0 loo. 06 and see 2he 0nde,-elly o+ a massi1e
d,a/on 2ha2 loo.s li.e i2 is made o02 o+ diamonds3 -eams o+ li/h2 shinin/ on2o i2
-,o.en in2o m0l2i7olo0,ed ,ays5 I2 sna.es slo4ly 2h,o0/h 2he ai, 4i2h /,a7e+0l 70,1es5
<E'
FF - Diamond
Da,m ,e2,ea2s +,om 2he diamond d,a/on5 I2 o6ens i2s mo02h and /en2ly -,ea2hs o02
4hi2e +i,e 2ha2 des7ends slo4ly and se22les o1e, Da,m and 2he s0,,o0ndin/ a,ea3
6assin/ 2h,o0/h his shield as i+ i2 is no2 2he,e5 Da,m 4a27hes 2he +i,e 2ha2 -0,ns his
-ody in 4onde,3 his +lesh disin2e/,a2in/3 a66a,en2ly in no 6ain5
E1en20ally he is /one and 2he +i,es die do4n 2o no2hin/5 Yo0 4a27h 2he d,a/on
7i,7le -a7. and des7end 2o4a,ds "alli0mi3 7olla6sin/ in2o a diamond li.e s2,eam o+
li/h2 2ha2 +lo4s in2o he, +o,ehead as she s2ands 4i2h hands +olded on he, 7hes2 and
eyes 7losed5
A+2e, 2he d,a/on is /one3 he, eyes o6en and she smiles5 LI am +,ee5N
LNo4 yo0 7an ,0le3N yo0 2ell he,5 LAnd ,0le >0s2ly5N
B02 "alli0mi sha.es he, head5 LFe4 .ne4 2ha2 Da,m had a 90een5 I do0-2 I 4o0ld
ha1e 2he s066o,2 I 4o0ld need 2o ,0le5 I 4o0ld ,a2he, >0s2 disa66ea,3 any4ay5N
LCill yo0 7ome 4i2h meON Kianmay as.s he,5
LTo -e a 6,ies2essON "alli0mi as.s5
Kianmay is a li22le s0,6,ised3 -02 2hen nods5 LI 4ill 1o07h +o, yo05N
"alli0mi s2a,2s 2o loo. s2,on/e, and smiles5 LI 4ill +ollo4 in 2ime5 Fo, no43 lea1e
me 2o 6,ay +o, my h0s-and5N
She /oes 2o 4he,e Da,m disa66ea,ed and .neels do4n5 Kianmay 2o07hes yo0,
a,m and 2he 24o o+ yo0 lea1e5
T0,n 2o 622
6+3
Kee6in/ an eye on 2he -a22lemen2s a-o1e3 yo0 des7end 2he s2ai, 4i2ho02 in7iden25
Rea7hin/ 2he -o22om3 yo0 mo1e o02 in2o 2he /a,dens5 The /a,dens a,e +illed 4i2h -eds
o+ +lo4e,s and +o0n2ain 6ool +0ll o+ -,i/h2ly 7olo0,ed +ish5 B02 a2 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he
/a,dens 2he,e is an 0n0s0ally la,/e 2hi7.e2 o+ dense 2,ees5 Yo0 mo1e inside and +ind a
la,/e 7lea,in/3 e87e62 2he s0,,o0ndin/ 2,ees ha1e .ni2 2hei, -,an7hes in2o a dome-li.e
,oo+ a-o1e3 shieldin/ 2he in2e,io, +,om 2he eyes o+ 2hose a-o1e5
In 2he 7lea,in/ yo0 see a h023 o02side 4hi7h is a small 7,ea20,e 7oo.in/ a +ish +,om
2he 6ond o1e, a small +i,e5 I2 is an odd 7,ea20,e3 d,essed in ,a/s 4i2h si7.ly yello4ish
s.in and 2hin 6a27hy 4hi2e hai,5 I2 si2s 4ai2in/ +o, 2he +ish 2o 7oo.3 loo.in/ 1e,y -o,ed
and mise,a-le5
I+ yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o s2e6 o02 and 2al. 2o 2he 7,ea20,e3 20,n 2o 84+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2o 2he -al7ony3 20,n 2o 676
6+7
Yo0 -e/in 2he len/2hy 2as. o+ .i7.in/ 2he -ones aside5 Yo0 s2a,2 4i2h 2he ones
+0,2hes2 +,om 2he 4all so yo0 7an ,0n i+ some2hin/ -ad ha66ens5 No2hin/ does
ha66en3 and yo0 -e/in 2o .i7. 2he ,es2 o+ 2he -ones in2o a 7o,ne,3 >0m-lin/ 2hem 06
ho6elessly and ma.in/ s0,e 2he,e a,e lo2s o+ s2ala/mi2es -e24een 2he 6ile and yo0,
es7a6e ,o02e5
As yo0 4o,.3 yo0 dis7o1e, one s.ele2on 2ha2 is a li22le di++e,en2 +,om 2he o2he,s5
Yo0 no2i7e 2ha2 2he -ones a,e ins7,i-ed 4i2h sin0o0s ,0nes3 and al2ho0/h 2he ,es2 o+ i2s
<E(
FF - Diamond
e90i6men2 is dama/ed and 7o,,oded3 i2 4ea,s a sil1e, /a0n2le2 2ha2 is 2a,nished -02
4hole5
Yo0 60ll i2 +,om 2he lim- and e8amine i2 7losely5 The sil1e, is 2hin and inlaid 4i2h
o6als3 a,o0nd 4hi7h s4i,l /olden se,6en2s5 Yo0 /i1e 2he inside o+ 2he /a0n2le2 a sni++3
2hen sli6 yo0, hand inside5 I2 2i/h2ens a,o0nd yo0, a,m5 I2 does no2 h0,23 -02 yo0 s2ill
2,y 2o 60ll i2 o++5 I2 does no2 -0d/e5 I2 +i2s so 7losely i2 loo.s li.e yo0, +o,ea,m and
hand is 6ain2ed sil1e, 4i2h o6als and /olden se,6en2s inlaid in yo0, +lesh5
The /a0n2le2 is o-1io0sly ma/i7al3 -02 yo0 7anno2 dis7e,n i2s +0n72ion5 Yo0 ha1e
mo,e o, less 7lea,ed 2he 7ham-e, o+ -ones no45 Cha2 4ill yo0 doO
B0s2 lea1e 4i2h yo0, 6,iKeO T0,n 2o 566
G,a- 2he am0le2 2ooO T0,n 2o 846
6+8
Yo0 ,ea7h +o, 2he 7lo2h -a/ 2ha2 is 2ied a,o0nd yo0, ne7.3 /lan7in/ a2 Kianmay5
She mee2s yo0, eye3 -02 20,ns 2o /i1e Da,m a so,,o4+0l loo.5 Yo0 0n2ie 2he 7o,d
+,om a,o0nd yo0, ne7. as yo0 4al. +o,4a,d5 Da,m ea/e,ly 4al.s do4n 2he s2e6s 2o
mee2 yo0 a2 2he +oo2 o+ 2he 2h,one5
Yo0 a,e 7a,e+0l no2 2o le2 Kianmay see 2he +a.e .ey3 and slo4ly o6en 2he -a/ as
yo0 a66,oa7h5 Does Da,m .no4 4ha2 2he ,eal .ey loo.s li.eO Yo0 a,e only a +e4
ya,ds a4ay +,om him 4hen yo0 2a.e 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond +,om 2he -a/5 Yo0 see
Da,m?s eyes /leam 4i2h /,eed and am-i2ion5 I2 is o-1io0sly e1e,y2hin/ he has
ima/ined5
He ,ea7hes o02 a 2,em-lin/ hand +o, i23 s2e66in/ 7lose, 2o yo03 and yo0 li+2 yo0,
hand3 6,esen2in/ 2he +a.e Diamond Key 2o himI
I+ yo0 ha1e a se,6en2 ,in/3 and 4an2 2o 0se i2 2o 6oison Da,m3 20,n 2o 453
I+ yo0 ha1e a ,0ne da//e, o, a 7,ys2al da//e, and 4an2 2o s2a- him 4i2h i23 20,n 2o 567
O2he,4ise3 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o 0se a no,mal da//e,5 T0,n 2o 68+
6+4
Mo1in/ 90i7.ly a4ay +,om 2he 7o,6se o+ 2he se,6en2-/0a,d3 yo0 lea1e 2he 6a2h and
head o++ a7,oss a la4n 2o a 2hi7.e2 o+ 2,ees5 Yo0 6a0se 2o 4a27h mo,e se,6en2-men
a,,i1e5 The ne4 7ome,s3 si8 in n0m-e,3 loo. mo,e dan/e,o0s3 2hei, se,6en2 6a,2s
7o1e,ed in -la7. s7ales5 Thei, -,eas26la2es a,e /olden and 2hey 4ea, helms 4i2h ,ed
7,es2s5 Ea7h one also holds a 6ole-s4o,d 2ha2 loo.s li.e a s7imi2a, on 2o6 o+ a lon/
sha+25 Yo0 see 2hei, 2on/0es +li7.e,in/ as 2hey 2as2e 2he ai,5
Mo1in/ a4ay 90ie2ly3 yo0 mo1e +,om 2hi7.e2 2o 2hi7.e23 7a,e+0lly s7annin/ 2he
a,ea -e+o,e h0,,yin/ a7,oss 2he o6en /,o0nd5 Yo0 ha1e mo1ed a-o02 a h0nd,ed ya,ds
a4ay +,om 2he si2e o+ yo0, -a22le3 and 6a0se 2o ,es2 and ,e1ie4 yo0, 7o0,se o+ a72ion5
Yo0 7an see no4 2he ,oo+ o+ a la,/e ,ed and /old s2,0720,e in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he
/a,dens3 -eyond a line o+ 2,ees 2ha2 seem 2o en7i,7le 2he -0ildin/5 Glan7in/ -a7. 2he
4ay yo0 ha1e 7ome3 yo0 2hen s6in yo0, sel+ a,o0nd in ala,m +o, a se7ond loo.5 The
se,6en2 /0a,ds ha1e 2,a7.ed yo0 someho4M They s6,ead o02 in 2he /,assy a,ea yo0
ha1e >0s2 7,ossed and 2as2e 2he ai, 4i2h 2hei, 2on/0es5 They a66ea, 2o -e 4ai2in/ +o,
<EE
FF - Diamond
some2hin/5 Ci2h 2he -,eeKe yo0 do0-2 2hey 7o0ld ha1e 2,a7.ed yo0 -y yo0, s7en2 in
2he ai,5 Ho4 2hen did 2hey +ind yo0O
One mo1es o++ 2o 2he ed/e o+ yo0, 2hi7.e2 and -e/ins 2o 6ee, 4i2hin3 2on/0e
+li7.e,in/5 Mo1in/ as 90ie2ly as yo0 7an3 yo0 mo1e -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he 2hi7.e2 0n2il
yo0 ,ea7h 2he +a, side5 Ano2he, s2,e27h o+ la4n lies -e24een yo0 and 2he line o+ 2,ees
s0,,o0ndin/ 2he la,/e -0ildin/5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ma.e ano2he, ,0n 2o /e2 a4ay +,om 2he se,6en2-men3 20,n 2o 864
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7lim- a 2,ee and hide 0n2il 2hey /o a4ay3 20,n 2o 536
6+6
Yo0 d,a4 yo0, 4ea6on and l0n/e a2 2he 4oman5 Yo0 see he, eyes 4iden in
sho7.3 -02 she dema2e,ialises -e+o,e yo0, 4ea6on 7an 2o07h he,5 Yo0 hea, 7han2in/
-ehind yo0 and s6in a,o0nd 2o see he, +loa2in/ in 2he ai, se1e,al ya,d a4ay and o02 o+
,ea7h5 She 4a1es he, hands3 2hen +lin/s 2hem 2o4a,ds yo05 Bla7. 2h,eads seem 2o +ly
o02 +,om he, +in/e,2i6s3 s6,eadin/ o02 li.e a ne25 Yo0 di1e 2o 2he side3 2,yin/ 2o a1oid
2he 2h,eadsI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e, s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 616
O2he,4ise;
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5
I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 818
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 441
6+5
Yo0 60ll o02 2he 6a,7hmen2 +,om yo0, 6a7.3 4hile Da,m 4ai2s 4i2h an ind0l/en2
smile5 Yo0 se2 yo0,sel+3 7lea, yo0, 2h,oa2 and ,ead 2he s6ell in a lo0d 7lea, 1oi7e5 The
4o,ds o+ 6o4e, ,in/ 2h,o0/h 2he 7ham-e,3 and as 2he las2 e7ho dies3 2he 6a6e, in yo0,
hand s2a,2s 2o s4ell 065 Yo0 d,o6 2he 6a6e, and 4a27h as i2 /,o4s 2a.es ,oo2 and s2a,2s
2o /,o4 064a,ds5 I2 loo.s li.e a m0sh,oom3 and e1en20ally yo0 a,e 7on+,on2ed 4i2h a
/,o42h as 2all as yo05 The s2em is 7,eamy 4hi2e3 and 2he 2o6 -,o4nish 4i2h -l0e s6o2s
s7a22e,ed o1e, i25
Da,m 7h07.les5 LA so,7e,e, 4i2h a sense o+ h0mo0, 6e,ha6sON
His smile +ades as he -e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ell5 He sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e, and +lin/s
his hand a2 yo05 A /,ea2 -ol2 o+ li/h2nin/ shoo2s o02 2o4a,ds yo05 B02 i2 70,1es in i2s
6a2h3 d,a4n 2o4a,ds 2he m0sh,oom5 I2 s2,i.es 2he m0sh,oom and 2he +0n/al /,o42h
e86lodes3 sho4in/ yo0 4i2h smo.in/ 6ie7es5
=**
FF - Diamond
Chen all is 90ie23 Da,m loo.s s0,6,ised5 LOdd3 -02 e++e72i1e5N
He /es20,es +o, yo0 2o 2a.e yo0, ne82 20,n5
Cha2 ma/i7 4ill yo0 6e,+o,mO
Read a s7,oll;
Arcane scroll3 20,n 2o 457
Fireball3 20,n 2o 62+
Lightning3 20,n 2o 506
Null-magic3 20,n 2o 665
Revelation3 20,n 2o 535
Use a sil1e, /a0n2le23 20,n 2o 635
Use an ea/le ,in/3 20,n 2o 510
Use a 2o6aK-se2 /old ,in/3 20,n 2o 474
Use a Diamond Cand3 20,n 2o 688
I+ yo0 ha1e no ma/i73 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o ,0n a2 him -y 20,nin/ 2o 614
612
Yo0 se2 2he /ems in 6la7e one -y one3 6a0sin/ -e+o,e yo0 se2 2he las2 one in 6la7e5
As soon as 2he /em se22les in 2he de6,ession3 yo0 +eel 2he ai, -e/in 2o ,0sh a,o0nd yo05
The eme,alds in 2he eyes o+ 2he /,ey ma,-le se,6en2 -e/in 2o /lo43 -02 2he o2he,s
,emain da,.5 Yo0 90i7.ly mo1e o++ 2he 7i,7le as 2he /,ey se,6en2 -e/ins 2o mo1e3 -02
2he o2he,s a,e s2ill5 Yo0 4a27h 4i2h /,ea2 ne,1o0sness as 2he s2one se,6en2 ,ises +,om
2he +loo,3 2h,ashin/ a-o02 7hao2i7ally5 The +loo, -e/ins 2o 2,em-le5 The se,6en2 o6ens
i2 mo02h and hisses a2 yo05 The ne82 momen2 i2 s6i2s a 7lo0d o+ 6oison a2 yo05
Yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ -a7.4a,ds3 -02 2he 1enomo0s 7lo0d -illo4s and en/0l+s yo03
s2in/in/ yo0, eyes and -0,nin/ yo0, nos2,ils5 Yo0 +all 2o 2he +loo, 7o0/hin/5 @&ose
hal+ o+ yo0, STAMINAA5 A+2e, a min02e 2he 6oisono0s 1a6o0,s +ade and i2 is 90ie2
and s2ill on7e mo,e5
Ca,e+0lly yo0 s2and 06 and s2e6 -a7. o1e, 2o 2he 7i,7le5 The /ems ha1e all
disin2e/,a2ed5 As yo0 s0,1ey 2he dama/e 7a0sed -y yo0, i/no,an7e3 2he 2,a6doo,
s0ddenly o6ens5 Yo0 sna27h 06 yo0, 4ea6on5
The 7,ea20,e 2ha2 en2e,s ha,dly seems 4o,2h 2he ala,m3 -02 yo0 do no2 ,ela8 yo0,
/0a,d5 A66,oa7hin/ yo0 is a small 7,ea20,e no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e
,o20nd5 He ma.es his 4ay 2o 2he o66osi2e side o+ 2he ma/i7al 7i,7le 4he,e he s2o6s3
smilin/ a2 yo05
Hoo.in/ his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il23 2he demon s6ea.s5 LMeddlin/ in ma/i7
is a +oolish and dan/e,o0s 6,a72i7eM5 His Ma>es2y 4ill -e 90i2e i,a2e 2o hea, 4ha2 yo0
ha1e done 2o his Ci,7le o+ Realms5 B02 his Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es
yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h
him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
Fo, a momen2 yo0 7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e
in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is 6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion
mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
=*)
FF - Diamond
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 slo4ly +ollo45 Goin/ o1e, 2o 2he 2,a6doo,3 yo0
des7end a na,,o4 s2ai,4ay and e8i2 in2o a la,/e s20dy5 The li22le demon is
disa66ea,in/ o02 2he doo,s in2o 2he main 7o,,ido,3 and yo0 +ollo4 ,el072an2ly5
Chen yo0 ,ea7h 2he 7o,,ido,3 yo0 see 2ha2 2he 7,ea20,e is ma.in/ his 4ay 06 2he
hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0 a,e +ollo4in/ him o, no25
The 7,ea20,e soon /oes 2h,o0/h 2he doo, a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02
lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he la,/e 6olished 4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e
la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
610
As yo0 602 aside yo0, 6ossessions3 yo0 ,emem-e, 2he sil1e, s7a,a- and 2he
e86lana2ion o+ i2s 6,o6e,2ies5 Ta.in/ i2 +,om yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 /i1e i2 2o Kianmay3
ho6in/ 2ha2 she 4ill -e a-le 2o 0se i25 She 2a.es i2 +,om yo03 and yo0 see a s6a,. o+
,e7o/ni2ion in he, 2i,ed eyes5
Yo0 2hen 20,n 2o +a7e Da,m5
T0,n 2o 570
61+
Sea,7hin/ a,o0nd in yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 +ind 2he shea+ o+ 6a,7hmen2s5 Da,m 4ai2s
6a2ien2ly 4i2h an ind0l/en2 smile as yo0 sea,7h 2h,o0/h and +ind 2he s6ell +o,
li/h2nin/5 Readin/ 2he ins2,072ions 7a,e+0lly3 yo0 se2 yo0, s2an7e3 e82end yo0, hand3
and ,ead 2he s6ell in a lo0d3 7lea, 1oi7e5
Ha1e yo0 -een >oined 2o a se,6en2-4omanO I+ so3 20,n 2o 810
I+ no23 20,n 2o 662
611
De7idin/ 2o s2,i.e an ea,ly -lo4 a/ains2 Da,m3 yo0 se22le yo0,sel+ and 2a.e a +e4
dee6 -,ea2hs5 Sna27hin/ a2 2he +i,s2 6a,7hmen23 yo0 ,i6 i2 a4ay +,om 2he 7hai,3 and
+lin/ 2he ,emnan2s aside as yo0 s2e6 o1e, 2o 2he ne82 7hai,5 A sin/le ,i6 2ea,s 2he ne82
in 24o as 4ell5 As yo0 dash a,o0nd 2he 2a-le3 yo0 /lan7e -a7. 2o see 2he +,a/men2s o+
6a6e, hissin/ and dissol1in/3 s6e4in/ o02 smo.e as 2hey do so5 The ai, a,o0nd yo0
seems 2o 60lse and s4ell3 -02 no2hin/ s2i,s yo0, hai, o, 2he 2a-le7lo2h5
Yo0 ,i6 a4ay 2he las2 6a,7hmen23 2hen s2and -a7.3 4a27hin/ 2he las2 +,a/men2s
dissol1e and 2he 4is6s o+ smo.e 7lim- 2o4a,ds 2he 7eilin/5 The 7oldness in 2he ai,
a,o0nd yo0 diminishes3 as 2he haKy shado4s s0,/e a,o0nd and 2hen disa66ea,5 Yo0
+eel li/h2 a 4ei/h2 has -een li+2ed +,om 2he ,oom and yo0, o4n sho0lde,s5 Yo0 may
,es2o,e yo0, &UCK 2o i2s ini2ial le1el5
E1en20ally all is s2ill5 Yo0 4a27h 2he dinin/ ,oom doo,s3 4ai2in/ +o, 2he sa1a/e
,e6,isal3 no do0-2 in 2he +o,m o+ some massi1e +e,o7io0s -eas25 Yo0 hea, +oo2s2e6s3
2hen 2he doo,s do indeed s4in/ o6en and yo0 ,eady yo0,sel+ +o, 7om-a25
=*
FF - Diamond
S2andin/ 2he,e is a small 7,ea20,e only as hi/h as yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e ,o20nd5 He
smiles3 and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il25 LThe,e?s no need +o, yo0,
4ea6on5 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2
on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e holds o6en 2he doo, and /es20,es 6oli2ely5 Fo, a momen2 yo0
7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is
6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 +o,7e a smile a2 2he 7,ea20,e5 LYo0 +i,s25N
The li22le 7,ea20,e >0s2 smiles and -o4s3 2hen disa66ea,s 2h,o0/h 2he doo,5 Slo4ly
yo0 +ollo43 6ee.in/ o02 7a02io0sly -e+o,e s2e66in/ o02 in2o 2he hall5 The 7,ea20,e is
ma.in/ his 4ay 06 2he hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0
a,e +ollo4in/ o, no25 Yo0 +ollo4 ,el072an2ly and see 2he 7,ea20,e /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02 lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he
la,/e 6olished 4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he
,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
613
Kianmay 2h,o4s he,sel+ a2 Da,m3 2,yin/ 2o s2o6 him 7as2in/ his +inal s6ell3 -02 he
60shes he, aside5 The ne82 momen2 a -laKe o+ li/h2 s2,ea.s a7,oss 2he ,oom and
s2,i.es Da,m in 2he 7hes23 sendin/ him s6,a4lin/3 his ,o-es3 i+ no2 his +lesh3 in +lames5
The .in/ 7,ies o02 in 6ain3 and ,olls alon/ 2he +loo, 2,yin/ 2o e82in/0ish 2he +lames5
As he ,olls a-o023 yo0 see a /lo4in/ +i/0,e s2e6 in2o 1ie45 I2 is 2he Kin/?s Cham6ion5
The 2all3 da,. s.inned 4a,,io, 7lad in 7,ys2al -,eas26la2e and helm s6a,es nei2he, yo0
no, Kianmay a /lan7e3 -02 loo.s 4i2h s0,6,isin/ loa2hin/ on his mona,7h5
Da,m e82in/0ishes 2he +lames3 and ,olls o1e, >0s2 in 2ime 2o see Bama, Qi 2o4e,in/
o1e, him3 >0s2 -e+o,e he 6l0n/es 2he 7,ys2al s6ea,head o+ his 4ea6on in2o Da,m?s
7hes25 The 7,ys2al -laKes3 and Da,m o6ens his mo02h is a silen2 s7,eam as his insides
a,e -0,n2 a4ay5
The .in/ sl0m6s dead 2o 2he +loo,5 Bama, Qi 20,ns a4ay and a66,oa7hes yo05 LTo
2hin/ I 7o0ld ha1e slain him so easily a2 any 2ime5 Ye2 I did no25 Yo0 and yo0,
7o0,a/e3 e1en in yo0, 4ea.ness3 has sho4n me 2he 4ay 2o +,eedom5 I 2han. yo05N
He +,ees yo0 +,om 2he ma,-le 7on+inemen2 4i2h a s2,o.e o+ his 4ea6on3 2hen 4i2h
a -o4 2o yo0 and Kianmay lea1es 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 622
617
A2 2he las2 momen23 Da,m >e,.s his head 2o4a,ds yo03 and yo0, /aKe mee2s his as
2he da//e, slides in2o his side5 His eyes 4iden in sho7.5 Yo0 see an/e, -,ie+ly +li7.e,
in his eyes3 -02 2hen a dee6 +ea, 2ha2 7hills e1en yo0 6ossesses him5 Ci2h his +inal
s2,en/2h he 60shes yo0 a4ay3 slidin/ o++ 2he -lade in his side 4i2h a /as65
He +alls 2o 2he +loo,3 7l027hin/ 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond 4i2h a ho6e 2ha2 mo1es
yo0, hea,25 Da,m soon ,ealises i2 is +a.e3 and dies 4i2h a loo. o+ 022e, ho6elessness on
his +a7e5
=*<
FF - Diamond
T0,n 2o 622
618
Yo0 s2,oll alon/ a2 yo0 +ian7U?s side 0n2il yo0 ,ea7h 2he small side 6assa/e5 Then
yo0 a-,062ly ,i6 yo0 hand +,om he,s and dash do4n 2he side 6assa/e5 Yo0 hea, he,
7,y o02 in s0,6,ise and ,a/e5 B02 2hen she -e/ins a 7han2 2ha2 ,aises 2he hai,s on 2he
-a7. o+ yo0, ne7.5 As yo0 ,ea7h 2he doo,3 2he ai, -ehind yo0 7,a7.les3 and yo0 +lin/
yo0,sel+ 2o 2he /,o0ndI
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 411
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 602
614
D,a4in/ yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 -,andish i2 -oldly5 LChy don?2 yo0 +a7e me li.e a
manO Eno0/h o+ 2hese /amesMN
Yo0 s2al. +o,4a,d5 Da,m 4a27hes yo0, a66,oa7h 4i2h am0semen25 LI+ yo0 ,eally
4an2 a +i/h23 I shall /i1e yo0 a +i/h2MN
He s2ands and 4a1es his hands3 7han2in/ 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5 Yo0 s2o6 as some2hin/
s2a,2s 2o ma2e,ialise in +,on2 o+ yo05 The mis2 s2a,2s 2o solidi+y in2o some2hin/ 90i2e
la,/e and yo0 s2e6 -a7. as i2 -e7omes +0lly +o,med5 D,ead +ills yo0, s2oma7h as yo0
loo. 06on 2he ho,ned mons2,osi2y -e+o,e yo03 s0mmoned 06 +,om some hellish 6lane5
I2 is h0manoid3 hal+ a/ain as 2all as yo0 and 24i7e as 2hi7.5 I2s s.in is /,eenish and
7oa,se3 and 7o1e,ed in ho,ns5 I2 /la,es a2 yo0 4i2h a 2o,men2ed /aKe and o6ens a ma4
+0ll o+ needle-li.e 2ee2h5 I2s ,oa, +ills yo0 4i2h 2,em-lin/3 as 2he s2en7h o+ 2he ,a4
+lesh i2 has de1o0,ed ,olls o1e, yo05
S0ddenly i2 ,0shes a2 yo03 and yo0 m0s2 de+end yo0,sel+5
HORNED MONSTROSITY SKI&& )= STAMINA =* DB )* ARMOUR #
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 580
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
I+ yo0 a,e >0s2 .illed3 20,n 2o 125
616
Yo0 2,y 2o lea6 aside3 -02 one o+ 2he 2end,ils 7a27hes yo0, le/5 I2s e++e72 is
momen2a,y3 as i2 dissol1es a4ay5 Yo0 ,oll 2o yo0, +ee23 seein/ 2he 90een?s loo. o+
s0,6,ise5 She +li7.s he, +in/e,s and lashes yo0 4i2h 2he ,emainin/ 2h,eads5 They
dissol1e as 2hey 2o07h yo05
The 90een +loa2s 7lose,3 in2,i/0ed5 She ali/h2s on 2he /,o0nd3 a ho6e+0l loo. on
he, +a7e5 He, e86,ession s2ays yo0, hand and yo0 le2 he, d,a4 nea,5 LCan i2 -e55ON she
-e/ins5 LYo0 ha1e 7ome 2o des2,oy Da,m3 ha1en?2 yo0ON she as.s5
=*=
FF - Diamond
Seein/ no 6,o+i2 in lyin/3 yo0 2ell 2he 2,02h5 LI ha1e 7ome 2o ,es70e a 6,ies2ess3
and 2o s2o6 him5 B02 -y 4ha2 means I do no2 .no45N
She -o4s he, head5 LI 2,0ly ho6e yo0 7an s2o6 him5 I2 4as my 7hoi7e 2o -e his
90een3 and I ha1e lea,n2 m07h +,om him3 -02II am -o0nd he,e and I 4ish 2o -e +,ee5
B02 2his 4ill no2 ha66en 4hile he -ea,s s07h 6o4e,5 I+ his ma/i7 7anno2 2o07h yo03
2hen 6e,ha6s yo0 ha1e a 7han7e 2o de+ea2 him5 I ha1e a 4ea6on 2ha2 4ill aid yo05
Ce,e I 2o -ea, i2 I 4o0ld no2 -e s2,on/ eno0/h3 -02 yo03 yo0 7an slay him 4i2h i25N
She /oes 2o a 7a-ine2 and o6ens i2 -y 2,a7in/ a ,0ne 06on 2he doo,5 Inside she
2a.es o02 a la790e,ed 4ooden -o8 and 7a,,ies i2 o1e, 2o a lo4 2a-le5 She .neels and
-e7.ons yo0 o1e, as she li+2s 2he lid5
Yo0 see a so+2 /lo4 7omin/ +,om 4i2hin3 and s2e6 o1e, 7a02io0sly 2o see he, d,a4
o02 a da//e, 4i2h a -lade o+ /lo4in/ 7,ys2al5 LThis 4ill 6ene2,a2e his a,mo0,5 Ge2
7lose 2o him and yo0 may s2a- him des6i2e his ma/i73 des6i2e his a,mo0,5 Then he 4ill
die and I shall -e +,ee5N
She slides 2he /lo4in/ -lade -a7. in2o a 6lain lea2he, shea2h5 She holds 2he
7,ys2al da//e, o02 2o yo03 and yo0 2a.e i25
LGo no45N She -e/s5 LHe 4ill -e 4ai2in/ +o, yo05N
Yo0 2han. 2he 90een and 20,n a4ay5 Yo0 do no2 loo. -a7.3 -02 7an +eel he, eyes
-0,nin/ in2o yo0 4i2h -,i/h2 ho6e5 Yo0 e8i2 2he -ed7ham-e, and 7lose 2he doo,
-ehind yo05
Che,e 2o no4O
To en2e, 2he doo,s a2 2he end o+ 2he hall3 20,n 2o 4+4
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,s o66osi2e yo0 -y 20,nin/ 2o 666
615
The ai, a-o02 yo0 2hi7.ens 0n2il i2 is +eels solid5 E1en 2he ai, in yo0, l0n/s and
2h,oa2 ha,dens3 6a,alysin/ and s0++o7a2in/ yo05 Da,m s2ands3 loo.s a2 2he .ey-sha6ed
diamond3 2hen 2h,o4s i2 2o 2he /,o0nd in ,a/e5 I2 smashes in2o 6ie7es5
Yo0 +eel yo0, mind -e/innin/ 2o +ill 4i2h haKe as do2s dan7e -e+o,e yo0, eyes5
Da,m 6i7.s 06 a -,oads4o,d +,om a s2and ne82 2o his 2h,one and ha7.s o++ yo0, head
4i2h a sin/le s2,o.e3 s6a,in/ yo0 2he +a2e o+ s0++o7a2in/ 2o dea2h5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
632
Yo0 2h,o4 2he hoo. +o, 2he 2hi,d 2ime3 and 2o yo0, em-a,,assmen2 yo0 miss ye2
a/ain5 As 2he hoo. 7la22e,s 2o 2he /,o0nd3 yo0 >0m6 as yo0 see someone in 2he
doo,4ay o+ 2he dinin/ hall5 S2andin/ 2he,e is a small 7,ea20,e only as hi/h as yo0,
.nee3 -02 90i2e ,o20nd5 He smiles3 and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il25
LThe,e?s no2hin/ 06 2he,e3 and yo0 seem 2o -e ha1in/ some 2,o0-le any4ay5 His
Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He
also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e holds o6en 2he doo, and /es20,es 6oli2ely5 Fo, a momen2 yo0
7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is
6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
=*#
FF - Diamond
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 +o,7e a smile a2 2he 7,ea20,e5 LYo0 +i,s25N
The li22le 7,ea20,e >0s2 smiles and -o4s3 2hen 4al.s -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he dinin/ ,oom
and o02 2he doo,4ay in2o 2he hall5 Slo4ly yo0 +ollo43 7,ossin/ 2he dinin/ hall and
6ee.in/ o02 7a02io0sly -e+o,e s2e66in/ o02 in2o 2he hall5 The 7,ea20,e is ma.in/ his
4ay 06 2he hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0 a,e +ollo4in/
o, no25 Yo0 +ollo4 ,el072an2ly and see 2he 7,ea20,e /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo, a2 2he +a, end5
He disa66ea,s inside3 -02 lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he la,/e 6olished
4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
630
He is lyin/5
Sin7e yo0 7an?2 2,0s2 him3 yo0 had -es2 a22a7. him 4hile he is ,ela2i1ely 7lose5 T0,n
2o 548
63+
Da,m ,ea7hes +o, 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond5 Yo0 le2 him 2a.e i23 and d,o6 one
hand -a7. 2o yo0, -el25 Yo0 /,i6 2he hil2 o+ 2he ma/i7al da//e, and d,a4 and 2h,0s2 i2
a2 his side in one s4i+2 mo1emen2I
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5
I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 617
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 551
631
Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o do3 yo0 7ha,/e a2 Da,m 4i2h yo0, 4ea6on ,aised5 Da,m
smiles and 6oin2s a2 yo03 and yo0 +eel yo0, s.in 2in/le as ma/i7 is laid 06on i25 Yo0
mo1e +o,4a,d 2o smash him3 -02 yo0 +ind yo0, -ody s0ddenly s2i++enin/5 Yo0 +all
o1e, as yo0 le/s 7an?2 .ee6 06 4i2h yo0, momen20m and 7,ash 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0,
+lesh is ,a6idly ha,denin/5 As yo0, eyes ha,den yo0, 1ision disa66ea,s3 and yo0,
o2he, senses disa66ea, as 4ell5
Yo0 ha1e -een 20,ned 2o s2one3 and yo0, so0l soon +l022e,s a4ay 2o +ind a ne4
6la7e 2o ,oos25
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
=*%
FF - Diamond
633
As yo0 -a22le Da,m3 yo0 +eel a hea1iness in 2he ai, li+2 a4ay +,om yo05 Yo0
hesi2a2e3 and Da,m also >0m6s -a7. 4i2h a /,in5 He 2h,0s2s his hand a2 yo03 sho02in/
4o,ds o+ 6o4e,I
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-andO I+
so3 20,n 2o 460
O2he,4ise 20,n 2o 5+0
637
Yo0 6a,,y 2he sna.eman?s +inal s6ea, 2h,0s2 and 4o0nd him +a2ally -e+o,e he 7an
60ll a4ay5 He o6ens his mo02h 4ide and emi2s a lon/ hiss as he 7olla6ses 2o 2he
/,o0nd and e86i,es5
The -a22le 4as no2 90ie23 and yo0 e86e72 mo,e /0a,ds 2o a,,i1e5 The -ody is 2oo
-i/ +o, yo0 2o d,a/ and hide any4ay5 Yo0 hea, mo,e +ain2 s7,a6in/ so0nds
a66,oa7hin/3 and es2ima2e 2ha2 mo,e 2han one se,6en2 man is on 2he 4ay5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
To ,0n +0,2he, in2o 2he /a,dens3 20,n 2o 6+4
I+ yo0 2hin. yo0?1e done eno0/h and 4an2 2o lea1e 2he /a,dens al2o/e2he,3 20,n 2o 678
638
Ho6in/ yo0 a,e no2 a-o02 2o -e2,ay yo0,sel+ 2o one o+ Kin/ Da,m?s allies3 yo0 2a.e
a dee6 -,ea2h and -e/in 2o s6ea.5 LIn my 4o,ld 2he,e is a man3 a .in/3 4ho has
-e7ome a 6o4e,+0l so,7e,e,5 He see.s 6o4e, -e7a0se he +ea,s dea2h5 Th0s he see.s a
2,eas0,e +,om o0, 4o,ld 7alled 2he Diamond Key5 This o->e72 has /,ea2 6o4e,3 and i+
a man -ea,s i23 he is /,an2ed immo,2ali2y5 Ye2 i+ i2 is 6lan2ed 4i2hin 2he ea,2h3 i2 -,in/s
6,os6e,i2y 2o all 4ho d4ell 06on 2he land5 I ha1e 2,a1elled 4i2h a 6,ies2ess 4ho
so0/h2 2o 6la7e 2he Key in 2he Ea,2h3 -02 she has -een 7a620,ed -y Da,m5 No4 I m0s2
,es70e he, and someho4 602 his s7hemes 2o ,es25N
Dea2hly silen7e +ills 2he hall as 2he las2 e7ho o+ yo0, 4o,ds +ades in2o 2he shado4s5
E1en20ally 2he,e is 2he so0nd o+ mo1emen2 +,om -ehind 2he s7,eens3 and a 7olle72i1e
/as6 so0nds a,o0nd yo0 as a sna.e-4oman eme,/es5 I2 7an only -e 2he 90een he,sel+3
-0il2 4i2h sens0o0s 6o4e, she sli2he,s 2o4a,ds yo05 He, sna.e 6a,2 is s7aled ,ed li.e a
1i6e,3 and he, h0man 6a,2 1ol0620o0s and -a,e -02 +o, a,m-ands and ne7.-6ie7es o+
/old and /ems5 He, s.in is so+2 and 4hi2e3 he, >e2--la7. hai, /lis2enin/ as i2 is 7oiled
06 on he, head and held in 6la7e 4i2h a /,ea2 7om- 2ha2 is se2 4i2h diamonds5 He,
eyes a,e -,i/h2 ,ed3 and she s2o6s -e+o,e yo03 6ee,in/ in2en2ly in2o yo0, eyes5
A+2e, a momen2 she s6ea.s5 LI shall aid yo05 I shall aid yo0 mos2 6o4e,+0lly
a/ains2 2he On7e-Kin/ Da,m5 He is 4ell .no4n 2o 0s3 and he dis6leases me5 He has
demanded many 2hin/s o+ 0s3 -02 2he /,ea2es2 I shall /i1e 2o yo0 so 2ha2 yo0 may
de+ea2 him5N She 20,ns 2o one o+ he, a22endan2s5 LTa.e him and 6,e6a,e him 2o -e
>oinedMN
=*'
FF - Diamond
The 90een ,e2,ea2s -a7. 2o he, hidden 2h,one3 and a -la7.-s7aled 4oman 4i2h ,ed
hai, and a sho,2 /,een 7oa2 a66,oa7hes yo05 She -o4s and in1i2es yo0 2o +ollo4 he,5
Yo0 do no2 .no4 4ha2 is ha66enin/3 -02 do as yo0 a,e as.ed5
Yo0 a,e 2a.en 2o a small 7ham-e, and 2old 2o 0nd,ess and -a2he in a small 20-5
Yo0 ,el072an2ly do so5 Chen yo0 a,e +inished3 24o se,6en2 4oman3 heedless o+ yo0,
na.edness3 7ome 2o 2a.e yo0 and yo0, -elon/in/s in2o ano2he, 7ham-e,5
The 7ham-e, is ,o0nd and 2he -la7. s2one 4alls a,e 7o1e,ed in sin0o0s ,0nes
6ain2ed in /old5 The se,6en2 4oman 2a.e -,0sh and 6o23 and 7o1e, yo0, -ody in ,0nes
also3 2hen as. yo0 2o s2and in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7ham-e,5
They lea1e3 and yo0 s2and na.ed and shi1e,in/ +o, se1e,al min02es5 E1en20ally
2he doo,s di,e72ly in +,on2 o+ yo0 o6en on7e mo,e3 and yo0 sli2he,in/ 2o4a,ds yo0 a
1i6e,-maiden5 He, sna.e 6a,2 is -lood-,ed3 he, s.in so+2 and 4hi2e5 &on/ -la7. hai,
+lo4s do4n a,o0nd he, slende, sho0lde,s5 He, eyes a,e ,ed and loo. a2 yo0 d0lly3 as
i+ she is en2,an7ed5 He, en2i,e -ody is 7o1e,ed in ,0nes3 6ain2ed on s.in and s7ale
ali.e5 She sli2he,s 2o4a,ds yo03 and a-,062ly 6,esses he, -ody a/ains2 yo0,s5 She
4,a6s he, a,ms a,o0nd yo03 and yo0 -,in/ yo0, a,ms 06 2o 7las6 he, so+23 7ool -ody5
She -e/ins 2o 7oil he, se,6en2 6a,2 a,o0nd 2he -o2h o+ yo03 sealin/ o++ 2he o02side +,om
2he /,o0nd 065 As she sh02s o02 2he li/h23 yo0 +eel 2he 2in/lin/ o+ 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 as
she s2a,2s 2o 7han25
Yo0 +eel inne,mos2 7o,e -ein/ o6ened 06 -y 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 and yo0 +eel
some2hin/ sli66in/ inside yo05 B02 2hen yo0 a,e 6l0n/ed in2o 0n+eelin/ -la7.ness5
E1en20ally yo0 s2a,2 2o ,e/ain sensa2ion and yo0 a,e d,eamin/5 B02 2hey a,e no2
7om+o,2a-le d,eams and yo0 soon a4a.e5
As yo0 eyes o6en3 yo0 see a smoo2h3 4hi2e-6las2e,ed dome a-o1e yo03 a sin/le
li/h2 7,0s2al han/in/ 2he,e5 The /,o0nd -enea2h yo0 is ha,d and 0ne1en5 Yo0 si2 063
+indin/ yo0,sel+ lyin/ on 2he 2,i6le-se,6en2-s6i,al5 Yo0 ha1e -een ,e20,ned 2o yo0,
4o,ld5 Yo0 s2and and s2,e27h3 +indin/ yo0,sel+ 4hole and 0nha,med3 e87e62 +o, a +e4
a7hes +,om slee6in/ on ha,d s2one5 Glan7in/ o02 2he 4indo43 yo0 7anno2 de2e,mine
ho4 m07h 2ime has 6assed: 2he ni/h2 is as 2hi7. as i2 4as 4hen yo0 en2e,ed he,e5
Yo0 ,emo1e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s3 and 6la7e 2hem -a7. in 2hei,
-o83 4hi7h yo0 ,e6la7e in 2he al7o1e5 Yo0 2hen 7onside, 4ha2 2o do ne825
Al2ho0/h yo0 7an?2 see any di++e,en7e ye23 ma.e a no2e 2ha2 yo0 ha1e -een >oined 2o a
se,6en2-4oman5
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
634
LCai2MN yo0 7,y o025 LI ha1e in+o,ma2ion 2ha2 7an hel6 yo05N
Da,m 6a0ses in his s6ell 7as2in/ and loo.s a2 yo0 7,i2i7ally5 L$e,y 4ell3 I 4ill
lis2en 2o yo05 B02 2he s0,es2 4ay 2o sa1e yo0, li+e is 2o /i1e me 2he Diamond KeyMN
I+ yo0 ha1e a +a.e Diamond Key and yo0 4an2 2o o++e, i2 2o him as a 4ay o+ /e22in/
7lose 2o him3 20,n 2o 6+8
I+ yo0 .no4 2he Col+?s se7,e2 and 4an2 2o ,e1eal i2 2o Da,m3 20,n 2o 502
O2he,4ise yo0 4ill >0s2 ha1e 2o ma.e some2hin/ 065 T0,n 2o 575
=*(
FF - Diamond
636
Ta.in/ o02 2he diamond 4and3 yo0 hold i2 -e+o,e yo0 as 2he 0ndead ho,de
ad1an7es5 Yo0 +eel some so,2 o+ ene,/y -0ildin/ 06 inside 2he 4and3 and 4hen yo0
+eel i2 ,ea7h a 6ea.3 yo0 4a1e i2 2o4a,ds 2he sham-lin/ s.ele2ons in2en2 on yo0,
des2,072ion5
Ano2he, 0n+el2 4ind seems 2o -lo4 2h,o0/h 2he 7a1e,n3 and 2he s.ele2ons all
7olla6se3 /hos2ly +lesh 1anishin/ as -ones 20m-le and s6ill o1e, 2he +loo,5 In momen2s
all is s2ill on7e mo,e and yo0 602 2he 4and a4ay5 As yo0 /o3 yo0 -,ie+ly e8amine 2he
4ea6ons 2he on7e-he,oes 4ielded5 Mos2 a,e dama/ed and 7o,,oded5 B02 yo0 s6y 2he
/limme, o+ -,i/h2 me2al in one 6ile o+ -ones and /o o1e, 2o in1es2i/a2e5
Yo0 60ll +,om 2he -ones a /a0n2le2 made o+ sil1e,3 se2 4i2h o6als3 a,o0nd 4hi7h
/olden se,6en2s a,e inlaid5 Yo0 e82,a72 2he lim- 2ha2 is s2ill inside3 and a+2e, a 7a,e+0l
sni++ o+ 2he in2e,io,3 yo0 sli6 yo0, o4n hand in5
As soon as yo0 do so3 2he /a0n2le2 2i/h2ens on yo0, hand and seals i2sel+ 2o yo0,
+lesh5 I2 does no2 h0,23 -02 yo0 s2ill 2,y 2o 60ll i2 o++5 I2 4ill no2 -0d/e5 I2 melds 2o
yo0, +lesh so 7losely i2 seems yo0, s.in is 6ain2ed sil1e, and /olden se,6en2s and o6als
a,e inlaid in yo0, +lesh5
Yo0 do no2 .no4 4ha2 2he s2,an/e /a0n2le2 does3 so yo0 a,e no2 s0,e ho4 2o +eel
a-o02 i25 Cal.in/ 2h,o0/h 2he +ield o+ -ones3 yo0 7lim- 2he s2ai,4ay on7e mo,e5 A
lone se,6en2-/0a,d 4ai2s +o, yo03 and yo0 see 2ha2 he is s0,6,ised and dis6leased 2ha2
yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Silen2ly he mo1es o++ and yo0 +ollo4 him -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he
-,o.en hills5 On7e yo0 a,e in 2he /a,dens3 mo,e se,6en2-/0a,ds a66ea, 2o es7o,2 yo0
-a7. 2o 2he sh,ine5 Yo0 s2e6 inside and a ,adian2 4hi2e mis2 -e/ins o-s70,e 2he
/a,den5 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome
in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 6a0se 2o e8amine yo0, +inds on7e mo,e5 The
am0le2 4ill de+ini2ely aid yo0, 90es23 -02 i2 is ,eally no2hin/ s6e7ial5 "e,ha6s 2he
s2,an/e /a0n2le2 yo0 4ea, 4as 2he 6,iKe 2ha2 2he se,6en2-!0een mean2 4o0ld aid yo05
B02 yo0 ha1e 2o +ind o02 ho4 i2 4o,.s5
"leased3 yo0 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s in 2he +loo, and ,e6la7e
2hem in 2he lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
635
De7idin/ 2o 0se 2he sil1e, /a0n2le23 yo0 ,aise yo0, a,m and 6oin2 i2 a2 Da,m5 He
smiles ind0l/en2ly3 o-1io0sly no2 ,e7o/nisin/ 2he /a0n2le25 Yo0 7lose yo0, eyes and
7on7en2,a2e5 Yo0 ,ea7h in2o 2he hea,2 o+ 2he ma/i7al 6o4e, o+ 2he /a0n2le25 Tend,ils
a,e ,eleased and 6l0n/e do4n4a,ds3 2h,ead-2hin3 see.in/ 2he 6o4e, 4i2hin 2he ea,2h5
The 2end,ils >oin 4i2h 2he 1eins o+ 6o4e, 4i2hin 2he ea,2h3 and s0ddenly s4ell 2o 2he
2hi7.ness o+ 2,ee-2,0n.s as ma/i7al 6o4e, 6o0,s in2o yo0, a,m5
Yo0 7,y o02 in 6ain and 4ill 2he ene,/y 2o -0,s2 +o,2h5 I2 does so3 and yo0 +eel li.e
yo0, a,m is -ein/ 2o,n a6a,25 The,e is a ,oa,in/ and 7,a7.lin/ so0nd a77om6anied -y
a -lindin/ li/h25 A+2e, all is 90ie23 yo0 o6en yo0, eyes and loo. a2 2he des2,072ion
-e+o,e yo05
The +loo, is /o0/ed o02 in a 6a2h -e24een yo0 and 4he,e 2he 2h,one 0sed 2o -e5
The -las2 has 602 a hole in 2he 4all o+ 2he 6ala7e3 and ano2he, -la7.ened hole in 2he
=*E
FF - Diamond
4all o+ 2he 7i2adel5 Th,o0/h 2he hole yo0 7an see dis2an2 ,oo+2o6s on +i,e5 O+ Da,m
2he,e is no si/n5
LIs he deadON yo0 as. Kianmay3 20,nin/ 2o see he, si22in/ on 2he +loo, in sho7.5
Yo0 h0,,y o1e, 2o hel6 he, 063 yo0 hand s2ill n0m-5 Sha.en3 she says; LYes5 He
ne1e, s0s6e72ed yo0I7o0ld ha1e s07h 6o4e,5N She o-1io0sly ne1e, s0s6e72ed ei2he,5
The,e is no -ody3 and yo0 7an?2 hel6 4o,,yin/ 2ha2 Da,m 4ill ,e20,n3 -02 he ne1e,
does5
T0,n 2o 622
672
Yo0 and Kianmay 4ande, 2h,o0/h 2he 6ala7e3 4al.in/ 7almly as se,1an2s and
soldie,s ,0sh a,o0nd yo05 In 2he 7on+0sion 7,ea2ed -y 2he hole in 2he side o+ 2he
6ala7e3 yo0 es7a6e in2o 2he 7i2y 4i2ho02 in7iden25 The,e a,e many 6eo6le in 2he
s2,ee2s3 hel6in/ 2o e82in/0ish 2he +i,es o, 4a27hin/ 2hem -0,n3 and yo0 6ass 2h,o0/h
2hem3 ,e7ei1in/ a +e4 /lan7es5 One 6e,son as.s yo0 4ha2 ha66ened3 -02 yo0 2ell him
yo0 do no2 .no4 and a77om6any Kianmay as she mo1es 2h,o0/h 2he 7old3 da,.
s2,ee2s5
She does no2 s6ea. 0n2il yo0 ,ea7h 2he 2em6le o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess3 4he,e she
6a0ses 2o loo. 06 a2 2he s2a20e o+ 2he ,o-ed 4oman e82endin/ he, a,ms 2o 2he 4o,ld5
LCha2 4ill yo0 do no4ON she as.s yo03 ne1e, 2a.in/ he, /aKe +,om 2he s2a20e5
Beyond /e22in/ some slee6 i2 is a 90es2ion yo0 had no2 7onside,ed5 Yo0 sh,0/5
LThe,e is al4ays 4o,. +o, a me,7han2 /0a,d5N
LIs 2ha2 s2ill eno0/h +o, yo0ON she as.s5
LCha2 do yo0 meanON
Kianmay 7loses he, eyes 4ea,ily5 LA+2e, all yo0 ha1e seen3 a+2e, all yo0 ha1e
done5 Can yo0 /o -a7. 2o 2ha2 li+eO Is 2he,e no desi,e in yo0 2o se,1e some2hin/
/,ea2e, 2han yo0,sel+ON
LA,e yo0 as.in/ me 2o -e7ome a 6aladin o, some2hin/ON yo0 as.3 in2endin/ 2o
smi,.3 -02 yo0 2oo a,e s0ddenly 2oo 2i,ed 2o -o2he,5
Kianmay 20,ns and +o,7es he, eyes o6en 2o loo. a2 yo05 LCe a,e 6a,2in/ no43N
she 2ells yo03 a 2,a7e o+ sadness in he, 1oi7e5 LA 6,ies2ess and a me,7han2 /0a,d a,e
0nli.ely 2o 7,oss 6a2hs a/ain5 I 4onde, 4he,e yo0 4ill /o and 4ha2 4ill -e7ome o+
yo05N
Yo0 /lan7e 06 a2 2he s2a20e a-o1e yo05 LI don?2 .no45N
Kianmay smiles5 LCome3 2a.e shel2e, he,e 2oni/h23 2hen 2omo,,o4 yo0 7an
lea1eIo, s2ay5N
Yo0 a77e62 he, o++e, and 2o/e2he, yo0 7lim- 2he s2e6s 2o 2he 2em6le5
THE END
670
Goin/ o1e, 2o 2he 2,a6doo,3 yo0 /,as6 2he handle and li+2 i2 063 ,e1ealin/ a na,,o4
s2ai,4ay li2 a2 in2e,1als -y li/h2 7,ys2als5 Yo0 6,o7eed do4n 2he s2ai,s3 7losin/ 2he
2,a6doo, -ehind yo05 The s2ai,4ay /oes do4n4a,ds3 2o a small ,oom 4i2h a hin/ed
=)*
FF - Diamond
6anel in one 4all3 a s4i27h -eside i25 Yo0 /o 06 and 60ll on 2he s4i27h5 I2 ,eleases a
7a27h and 2he 6anel s4in/s o024a,ds ,e1ealin/ a -,i/h2ly-li2 ,oom5
Yo0 2ense in 7ase anyone is inside 2he ,oom3 -02 all ,emains 90ie2 and s2ill5
Rela8in/3 yo0 s2e6 o02 in2o 2he s20dy and 7lose 2he 6anel3 4hi7h on 2his side is a la,/e
6ain2in/ o+ a -a22le5 Yo0 lo7a2e 2he s4i27h on 2his side3 +indin/ i2 0nde, 2he ima/e o+ a
se,6en2 !UEEN in 2he 6ain2in/
The s20dy is lined 4i2h massi1e -oo.shel1es 2ha2 ,ea7h 2he hi/h 7eilin/3 6a7.ed
4i2h -oo.s5 The 7eilin/ is o1e, 24i7e yo0, hei/h2 a-o1e and o1e, a 2hi,d o+ 2he -oo.s
a,e -eyond yo0, ,ea7h5 The -oo.shel1es +ill mos2 o+ 2he 4alls e87e62 +o, 2he se72ion
o+ 4all -ehind yo05 O66osi2e 2he 6ain2in/ is an e1en 4ide, 7lea, s6a7e3 2he 4all +illed
4i2h a la,/e ma6 o+ 2he .no4n 4o,ld3 al2ho0/h i2 seems 2ha2 Da,m .no4s mo,e o+ 2he
4o,ld 2han yo0 7an ,emem-e, seein/ -e+o,e5 The massi1e des.3 4hi7h a66ea,s 2o -e
made +,om dee6 60,6le 7,ys2al3 si2s -e+o,e 2he ma63 an e90ally o,na2ely sha6ed 7hai,
si22in/ -ehind i25 In 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7ham-e, is la,/e 7a,6e2 6a22e,ed in -l0e and /old5
To yo0, ,i/h2 2he,e is a se2 o+ do0-le doo,s +illed 4i2h s2ained /lass de6i72in/
/eome2,i7 desi/ns3 and 2o 2he le+2 ano2he, doo, 4hi7h yo0 /0ess leads 2o 2he main
hall4ay5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
&oo. a2 2he -oo.shel1esO T0,n 2o 658
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
O,3 lea1e 2his ,oom and /o -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
67+
Yo0 +lail 0selessly as 2he ma,-le +in/e,s 7lose in3 immo-ilisin/ yo05 Da,m 4a1es
ano2he, hand and se2s yo0 on +i,eI
I2 2a.es some 2ime +o, Da,m 2o 4o,. o02 ho4 2o e82,a72 2he Diamond Key +,om
yo0, 7hes23 -02 he does so3 and e1en20ally yo0 die a 2,0e dea2h +,om 4hi7h yo0 do no2
,e20,n5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
=))
FF - Diamond
671
Da,m shields himsel+ +,om 2he hail o+ 7oins3 2hen 6oin2s his +in/e, a2 yo05 Yo0 see
him s2a,2 2o 7han23 -02 as yo0 d,a4 7lose he loses his ne,1e and a-andons 2he s6ell3
2h,o4in/ himsel+ -a7. and sna27hin/ 06 a lon/ -,oads4o,d 2ha2 si2s in a s2and ne82 2o
his 2h,one5 He -,in/s i2 a,o0nd >0s2 in 2ime 2o +end o++ yo0, -lo45 He se2s himsel+
and mee2s yo0, a22a7.5 Than.s 2o yo0, s077ess+0l ma/i7al a22a7.s3 Da,m is
7onside,a-ly 4ea.ened5
KING DARM SKI&& )* STAMINA )* DB )* ARMOUR )*
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 556
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
673
Yo0 loo. o1e, 2he 2i2les3 no2 s0,e 4ha2 yo0 a,e loo.in/ +o,5 As yo0 6ass Da,m?s
des.3 yo0 s6y 2he,e an o6en -oo.5 I2 is o6en a2 a 6a/e 4i2h a dia/,am o+ a 2,i6le s6i,al
o+ se,6en2s >0s2 li.e 2he 7ham-e, a-o1e5 Yo0 6i7. i2 06 and s2a,2 2o ,ead5
I2 2ells yo0 2ha2 in a di++e,en2 ,ealm 2he,e d4ells a ,a7e o+ se,6en2-6eo6le5 They
a,e a mani+es2a2ion o+ ma/i7 i2sel+: ma/i7 -ein/ a li1in/ +o,7e5 As s07h 2hey a,e
-o0nd 2o se,1e all 4ho 6,a72i7e ma/i73 -02 2o se,1e 2hem in 2he manne, o+ 2hei, o4n
7hoosin/5 A so,7e,e, may /o 2o 2hem and o-2ain o->e72s and s.ills o+ 6o4e,5 B02 2he
/,ea2es2 6o4e, is 2o -e +o0nd 4hen one is a-le 2o >oin 4i2h one o+ 2hei, se,6en2
4omen5 I+ 2his is done3 2hen 2he se,6en2 4oman?s ma/i7al -ein/ -e7omes 6a,2 o+ 2he
so,7e,e,3 losin/ he, o4n a4a,eness5
This lea1es 2he so,7e,e, 4i2h many 2imes /,ea2e, 6e,sonal 6o4e, 2o 4ield and 2he
a-ili2y 2o na20,ally 2a6 in2o 2he 1eins o+ 6o4e, 4i2hin 2he ea,2h5 As s07h3 i2 is so0/h2
a+2e, -y all3 -02 +e4 a,e /,an2ed s07h a 6,i1ile/e5
Yo0 602 2he -oo. do4n and loo. do4n a2 yo0,sel+5 Yo0 +eel no di++e,en23 ye2 yo0
no4 ha1e /,ea2 ma/i7al ,ese,1es a2 yo0, 7ommand5 B02 yo0 a,e no so,7e,e,5 Yo0
/0ess 2ha2 no4 i+ yo0 0se ma/i7al o->e72s3 2he +o,7e 4ill -e many 2imes /,ea2e,5
Sin7e yo0 a,e a2 Da,m?s des.3 yo0 sea,7h i25 The,e a,e d,a4e,s 0nde,nea2h and in
2hem yo0 +ind 6a6e,s and in. and 6ens and -lo7.s o+ 4a8 +o, 2he seal 2ha2 si2s on 2he
des.5 Yo0 also +ind 24o small 7hes2s5 One is 0nlo7.ed and is +0ll o+ /old 7oins3
4hi7h yo0 i/no,e +o, no45 The se7ond has a 7om-ina2ion lo7. in 2he 2o65 Yo0 7an?2
+o,7e i2 o6en -e7a0se i2 is ma/i7ally sealed and has no 7,a7. 2o +o,7e any2hin/ in2o5
=)
FF - Diamond
The,e a,e 2h,ee 4heels 4i2h n0m-e,s +,om ) 2o E5 I+ yo0 4an2 2o /0ess 2he
7om-ina2ion3 o, i+ yo0 someho4 .no4 4ha2 i2 is3 yo0 7an 20,n 2o 2he 6assa/e n0m-e,
2ha2 7o,,es6onds 2o yo0, 7om-ina2ion5 I+ 2ha2 6assa/e ma.es no sense3 yo0 m0s2 20,n
-a7. 2o 2his 6assa/e5
A+2e, yo0 ha1e +inished 4i2h 2he -o83 yo0 602 i2 -a7. in2o 2he d,a4e,5 The ,es2 o+
2he des. ,e1eals no2hin/3 and yo0 7onside, yo0, ne82 7o0,se o+ a72ion5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
677
A small li/h2nin/ -ol2 a,7s +,om Da,m?s hand and s2,i.es yo0 in 2he 7hes23 -las2in/
yo0 -a7.4a,ds 4i2h 6ain 7o0,sin/ 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody and lim-s5 Yo0 a,e .no7.ed 2o
2he /,o0nd @min0s )* STAMINAA5
I+ yo0 s0,1i1e3 20,n 2o 873
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2 20,n 2o 531
I+ yo0 a,e >0s2 .illed3 20,n 2o 561
678
Hea,in/ s7,a6in/ so0nds in 2he dis2an7e /e22in/ 90i7.ly lo0de,3 yo0 h0,,y -a7.
2o4a,ds 2he sh,ine5 Yo0 hea, no si/ns o+ 60,s0i23 -02 do no2 slo4 yo0, s2e6s5
Rea7hin/ 2he sh,ine yo0 -o0nd 06 on2o 2he 7i,7le5 As soon as yo0 a,e -a7. in 2he
7i,7le3 ,adian2 mis2 -e/ins 2o o-s70,e 2he /a,dens a,o0nd yo05 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/
a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0
2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23
,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
674
Ci2h a +inal >ol23 2he ma/i7al ene,/y dissi6a2es3 and yo0 s2a//e, 2o yo0, +ee25
Da,m loo.s do4n a2 yo0 4i2h a loo. o+ 7on2em625 LYo0 a,e hel6less -e+o,e meM
A 4o,m 2,yin/ 2o de1o0, a d,a/onM I ha1e no 6a2ien7e +o, 6hysi7al 7on2es2 anymo,e5
I am a so,7e,e, no43 and yo0 4ill no2 -es2 me 4i2ho02 ma/i7M &e2 0s ha1e a 7on2es25
O, 4ill yo0 -e 4ise and /i1e me 2he Diamond KeyO Da,e yo0 ma27h yo0, 6i2i+0l
s.ills a/ains2 meON
LI 4ill no2 /i1e yo0 2he Diamond Key3N yo0 say +i,mly5
=)<
FF - Diamond
LMany a +ool is 0sed +o, en2e,2ainmen2MN Da,m sna,ls3 -02 2hen 7alms himsel+5
L$e,y 4ellM I shall le2 yo0 /o +i,s25 Do 4ha2 ma/i7 yo0 4ill 2o a22a7. meMN
Cha2 ma/i7 4ill yo0 6e,+o,mO
Read a s7,oll;
Arcane scroll3 20,n 2o 4+7
Fireball3 20,n 2o 603
Lightning3 20,n 2o 61+
Null-magic3 20,n 2o 665
Fungus3 20,n 2o 516
Revelation3 20,n 2o 680
Use a sil1e, /a0n2le23 20,n 2o 635
Use an ea/le ,in/3 20,n 2o 510
Use a 2o6aK-se2 /old ,in/3 20,n 2o 521
Use a Diamond Cand3 20,n 2o 688
I+ yo0 ha1e no ma/i73 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o ,0n a2 him -y 20,nin/ 2o 614
676
&ea1in/ 2he /a,dens3 yo0 as7end 2he s2ai,s one mo,e and ,ea7h 2he -al7ony5
S2e66in/ in2o 2he s20dy3 yo0 7onside, yo0, ne82 7o0,se o+ a72ion5
&oo. a2 2he -oo.shel1esO T0,n 2o 658
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
O,3 lea1e 2his ,oom and /o -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
675
The 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 2ea,s 2h,o0/h yo0, 2o,so3 lim-s and head3 -las2in/ yo0 in2o
0n7ons7io0sness e1en -e+o,e yo0, -ody is smashed a/ains2 2he +a, 4all5 Yo0 a,e dead
lon/ -e+o,e yo0 hi2 2he +loo,5
Yo0 +loa2 is a s6innin/ -la7.ness +o, a 4hile3 -e+o,e 2hin/s 7alm and 4i2h
,ene4ed s2,en/2h3 yo0 ,ise 2o 2he s0,+a7e on7e mo,eI
Yo0 o6en yo0, eyes and si2 065 Yo0 see Da,m and Kianmay s6ea.in/ on 2he
o2he, side o+ 2he ,oom5 As yo0 mo1e3 2hey 20,n as one 2o ,e/a,d yo0 4i2h sho7.5 Yo0
s2and 065
Da,m s2a,es a2 yo0 in 7on+0sion3 and yo0 s2a,e -a7.3 0n7e,2ain 4ha2 2o do5 The
silen7e las2s +o, se1e,al momen2s3 -02 is -,o.en -y 2he o6enin/ o+ 2he 2,eas0,y doo,5
In 4al.s a small ,o20nd 7,ea20,e3 -ea,in/ a 6,o0d smile on his +a7e and 2he Diamond
Key in his hands5 Ba,,ed 2o a72ion3 Da,m sho02s a 4a,nin/3 -02 i2 is 2oo la2e5 Yo0 lea6
=)=
FF - Diamond
o1e, and sna27h 2he Diamond Key3 2hen .i7. 2he li22le man a4ay5 He s7,ee7hes and
+alls3 2hen +lees +,om 2he ,oom 4i2h a lim65
Yo0 602 2he Diamond Key inside yo0, a,mo0,3 4he,e 6,essed a/ains2 yo0, s.in3 i2
adds i2s 6o4e, 2o 2ha2 o+ 2he one in yo0, 7hes25 Yo0 7an a720ally +eel -o2h o+ 2hem
no43 2h,o--in/ 4i2h a slo4 -ea2 li.e 2he hea,2 o+ 2he ea,2h i2sel+5
Da,m la0n7hes ano2he, li/h2nin/ -ol2 a2 yo05 I2 s2,i.es yo0 and smashes yo0 -a7.
a/ains2 2he 4all5 B02 2he healin/ /lo4 en1elo6es yo0 and yo0 do no2 6ass o025 By 2he
2ime yo0 ha1e 7lim-ed 2o yo0, +ee23 yo0 a,e ,es2o,ed on7e mo,e5 I+ yo0 ha1e los2 an
a,m3 i2 4ill no4 ,e/,o43 and yo0 may ,es2o,e 2he los2 SKI&& 6oin25
Yo0 ad1an7e on Da,m 7a02io0sly5 He does no2 seem 2oo ala,med3 ,a2he, he is
+,o4nin/5 He 4a1es his hand and 2he +loo, -e/ins 2o sha.e5 S0ddenly a n0m-e, o+
ma,-le s6i.es sho2 06 a,o0nd yo03 6ie7in/ 2he 7a,6e2 and 7losin/ a,o0nd yo05 Yo0
+ind 2ha2 2hey a,e on all sides o+ yo03 and yo0 a,e soon 2,a66ed5
I+ yo0 a,e 4ieldin/ a +i,es4o,d3 20,n 2o 5+1
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a sil1e, /a0n2le23 and ha1e lea,n2 ho4 2o 0se i23 20,n 2o 8+4
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a sil1e, /a0n2le2 -02 ha1en?2 lea,n2 2o 0se i23 20,n 2o 621
I+ Bama, Qi o++e,ed yo0 his assis2an7e3 20,n 2o 613
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 67+
682
On7e yo0 ha1e ,e7o1e,ed3 yo0 s2and and en2e, 2he ,oom3 7losin/ 2he doo, -ehind
yo05 &oo.in/ a,o0nd 2he ,oom yo0 a,e a4ed -y 4ha2 yo0 see5 I2 is an a,mo0,y3 +illed
4i2h 4ea6ons and a,mo0, o+ all .inds5 Ra7.s o+ 4ea6ons s2and a/ains2 2he 4alls
4hile in 2he +loo, s6a7e in 2he 7en2,e a,e 4ooden s2ands holdin/ e,e72 s0i2s o+ a,mo0,5
Han/in/ on 2he 4alls a,e 4ea6ons o+ /,ea2 1al0e and -ea02y5
Yo0 ,0- yo0, hands 2o/e2he, 4i2h /lee5 Yo0 7an ,e6la7e yo0, 4ea6ons and
a,mo0, he,e3 o, 2a.e e82,a5 The a,mo0,y has e1e,y2hin/ 2ha2 yo0 4o0ld +ind a2 a
4ea6onmas2e,s sho6 in a ma,.e25 On7e yo0 ha1e e90i66ed yo0,sel+ 4i2h mo,e
m0ndane i2ems3 i2 is 2ime 2o loo. +o, some2hin/ o+ /,ea2e, 1al0e5
The 4ea6ons on 2he 4alls 6,o1e 2o -e mo,e de7o,a2i1e 2han 6,a72i7al5 The
02ili2a,ian 4ea6ons yo0 ha1e al,eady ins6e72ed a,e mo,e a66,o6,ia2e +o, yo0,
60,6oses5 Ye2 yo0 do no2 /i1e 065 The,e m0s2 -e some2hin/ o+ 1al0e he,e5 This is
Da,m?s 6e,sonal a,mo0,y a+2e, all5
The a,mo0,y is laid o02 in a 6,a72i7al 4ay3 and ye2 2he,e is a doo,-siKed -lan.
s6a7e on 2he +a, 4all5 Ini2ially yo0, /aKe 6assed o1e, i2 0nseein/5 "e,ha6s a ,a7. 4as
,emo1ed5 B02 no4 de2e,mined 2ha2 2he,e m0s2 -e some2hin/ mo,e he,e3 yo0 e8amine
2he -lan. 4all 4i2h /,ea2e, in2e,es25
On 7lose, e8amina2ion yo0 see 2ha2 i2 is no2 -lan. a+2e, all5 In 2he 7en2,e is a small
hole5 Sin7e i2 is a2 head-hei/h23 yo0 602 yo0, eye 2o i2 and see a small 7a1i2y -eyond3
in 4hi7h is a small >ade mas. 4i2h 2iny eme,alds se2 in sil1e, +o, eyes5 The 7a1i2y is
li2 -y a 2iny sli1e, o+ a li/h2 7,ys2al in 2he 7eilin/ o+ 2he 7a1i2y5
=)#
FF - Diamond
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
"o.e some2hin/ in2o 2he holeO T0,n 2o 447
T,y 2al.in/ 2o 2he mas.O T0,n 2o 403
I+ yo0 ,a2he, no2 2,y yo0, l07. 4i2h 2he hole a2 all3 yo0 7an lea1e and 6,o7eed +0,2he,
06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 4123 o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady 2,y 2he doo, o66osi2e 2he
a,mo0,y -y 20,nin/ 2o 824
680
Yo0 +ish a,o0nd inside yo0, 6a7. 0n2il yo0 +ind 2he s7,oll yo0 4an25 Yo0 se2
yo0,sel+3 /lan7in/ 06 a2 Da,m 4ho is loo.in/ do4n a2 yo0 4i2h an ind0l/en2 smile5
Yo0 7onside, 2he s7,oll in yo0, hands5 Cha2 does 2he Re1ela2ion s6ell doO A,e yo0
s066osed 2o 7as2 i2 on Da,m3 o, may-e yo0,sel+IO
To 7as2 2he Re1ela2ion s6ell on Da,m3 20,n 2o 6+0
To 7as2 2he s6ell on yo0,sel+3 20,n 2o 461
To 7as2 2he s6ell on Kianmay3 20,n 2o 523
68+
Da,m ,ea7hes +o, 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond5 Yo0 le2 him 2a.e i23 and d,o6 one
hand -a7. 2o yo0, -el25 Yo0 /,i6 2he hil2 o+ yo0, da//e, and d,a4 and 2h,0s2 i2 a2 his
side in one s4i+2 mo1emen25
The -lade s2,i.es his side3 -02 yo0 +eel i2 slide o++ some so,2 o+ mail hidden 0nde,
his ,o-es5 Da,m s2a//e,s -a7.3 7l027hin/ 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond5 Yo0 l0n/e a2 him
a/ain3 2his 2ime aimin/ +o, his 2h,oa25 Da,m a1oids 2he -lo4 -y le22in/ himsel+ +all 2o
2he +loo,3 and sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5
As yo0 ma.e 2o lea6 on him3 yo0 +eel 2he ai, 2hi7.enin/ a-o02 yo0I
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,3 o, a /olden a,m-andO
I+ so3 20,n 2o 606
I+ no23 20,n 2o 615
681
Yo0 slash +0,io0sly a2 2he s.ele2ons3 one eye on 2he sham-lin/ mass 2han 7omes 2o
seal yo0, doom and 2he o2he, on 4i2h +adin/ ho6e 2he dis2an2 e8i25 The s.ele2ons?
4ea6ons 702 in2o yo0 a/ain and a/ain3 and yo0 7olla6se 0nde, 2hei, 7o,,oded s2eel5
Yo0 +ade in2o da,.ness3 -02 yo0 7an +eel some2hin/ /,as6in/ yo05 A /olden se,6en2
has hold o+ yo03 and yo0 +eel i2 7ome 2o li+e 4i2hin 2he am0le2 yo0 4ea,5 I2 2,ies 2o
-ind yo0 4i2h ma/i7 2o se,1e as a /0a,dian o+ 2he 7ham-e,3 -02 2he Diamond Key
4i2hin yo0, 7hes2 seems 2o dissol1e 2he ma/i7 as i2 is laid 06on yo05
Soon all is s2ill3 and yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ ,isin/ 06 2h,o0/h 2he da,.ness5 Yo0 o6en
yo0 eyes and si2 065 Yo0 a,e s2ill in 2he dim limes2one-7o1e,ed an7ien2 hall3
s0,,o0nded -y -ones5 Yo0 loo. and see 2ha2 2he se,6en2 am0le2 is -a7. on 2he 4all5
=)%
FF - Diamond
Yo0 s2and 06 and ,e2,ie1e yo0, 4ea6on5 Yo0 a,e -e/innin/ 2o s0s6e72 2ha2 2he
am0le2 is no2 2he se7,e2 2,eas0,e a2 all5 A+2e, all3 i2s 6o4e,s a,e 90i2e modes25 Yo0
,e7all ho4 i2s ma/i7 2,ied 2o 2,a6 yo0, so0l3 and yo0 loo. a2 all 2he o2he, +oolish
4a,,io,s 4ho no4 lie as -ones a,o0nd yo0, +ee25 I+ i2 4e,e no2 +o, 2he Diamond Key3
yo0 4o0ld ha1e >oined 2hem5
Yo0 loo. a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e, +o, any si/n o+ a 7on7ealed 2,eas0,e3 -02 yo0 7an?2
+ind any2hin/5 E1en20ally yo0 /i1e 06 and 7on2em6la2e 2he am0le2 on7e a/ain5 The
ma/i7 2a.es a +e4 se7onds 2o assem-le 2he a,my3 and no4 2ha2 yo0 .no4 4ha2 4ill
ha66en3 yo0 7an 6,o-a-ly sna27h 2he am0le2 and ma.e a ,0n +o, i25 O+ 7o0,se3 i+ yo0
4an2ed 2o -e s0,e o+ es7a6e3 yo0 7o0ld s4ee6 all 2he -ones aside5 Tha2 4o0ld 2a.e a
4hile3 and mi/h2 se2 o++ some o2he, de+ensi1e ma/i75
I+ yo0 4an2 2o sna27h 2he am0le2 and ma.e a ,0n +o, i23 20,n 2o 846
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,is. s4ee6in/ 06 2he -ones3 20,n 2o 6+7
I+ yo0 4o0ld 6,e+e, 2o >0s2 lea1e3 20,n 2o 566
683
Yo0 sea,7h 2h,o0/h yo0, 6a7.3 loo.in/ +o, a s0i2a-le i2em5 Yo0 7onside, and
,e>e72 a +e43 2hen o02 o+ 2he 7o,ne, o+ yo0, eye yo0 see 2he +i,e s2a,2 2o die5 Yo0 20,n
yo0, head in 2ime 2o see i2 1anish 7om6le2ely5 Da,m ,ises +,om his 2h,one5
LMy 20,nMN He 4a1es his hands and -e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 540
687
Yo0 2han. 2he 7,ea20,e +o, his ad1i7e 4i2ho02 6,omisin/ 2o +,ee him and 90i7.ly
s2and 065 As soon as yo0 do so3 2he da,.ness a,o0nd yo0 1anishes and yo0 +ind
yo0,sel+ -a7. in 2he dinin/ hall3 2he m02ed 7andle-li2 -,i/h2 2o yo0, eyes5 Yo0 s2e6
a4ay +,om 2he 2a-le and 4hen yo0 1ision ,e20,ns 2o no,mal e8amine 2he s7ene on7e
mo,e5 "as2ed 2o 2he -a7. o+ ea7h 7hai, is a shee2 o+ 6a,7hmen23 and yo0 7onside, 4ha2
2o do5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,i6 o++ all 2he 6a,7hmen2?s 20,n 2o 611
I+ yo0 ha1e lea,ned eno0/h a-o02 2his +eas2 and 4an2 2o in1es2i/a2e 2he s2ained /lass
doo,s on 2he +a, side o+ 2he ,oom3 20,n 2o 488
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an lea1e 2he dinin/ ,oom and /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 4053 o, mo1e +0,2he, 06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 825
688
G,i66in/ 2he diamond 4and3 yo0 7ha,/e a2 Da,m5 He /i1es yo0 an in7,ed0lo0s
loo. and 4a1es his hand a2 yo05 A li/h2nin/ -ol2 e8i2s his hand3 -02 2he 4and /lo4s
=)'
FF - Diamond
and 2he li/h2nin/ -ol2 +iKKles o02 2o no2hin/3 2he +inal +e4 0seless s6a,.s d,a4n in2o
2he diamond 4and5 He s2ands and 7han2s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,3 -02 2he 4and /lo4s and
4ha2e1e, he 4an2ed 2o ha66en doesn?25 Yo0 -o0nd 06 2he s2e6s o+ 2he 2h,one3
d,a4in/ yo0, 4ea6on5
Da,m +alls -a7. and sna27hes 06 a lon/ -,oads4o,d 2ha2 si2s in a s2and ne82 2o his
2h,one5 He -,in/s i2 a,o0nd >0s2 in 2ime 2o +end o++ yo0, -lo45 He se2s himsel+ and
mee2s yo0, a22a7.5
KING DARM SKI&& )* STAMINA * DB )* ARMOUR )*
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 556
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
I+ yo0 a,e >0s2 .illed3 20,n 2o 125
684
"0llin/ +,ee o+ Kianmay3 yo0 -a,,el in2o Da,mTs -a7.3 sho1in/ him 2h,o0/h 2he
-,o.en hole5 Da,m 7,ies o02 in ala,m3 and 2h,ashes a2 2he ai, -e+o,e 6l0n/in/
do4n4a,ds o02 o+ si/h25 Yo0 s2e6 7a,e+0lly 2o 2he ed/e >0s2 in 2ime 2o see 2he e1il
mona,7h smash on2o 2he s2ones -elo45
Yo0 nod in sa2is+a72ion3 and 20,n 2o +a7e Kianmay 4i2h a smile5 Yo0 see one o+
2he a,,o4s 2ha2 2he 7i2adel /0a,ds shoo2 a2 yo0 s2,i.e he, in 2he side3 and -lood -looms
on he, 4hi2e ,o-e5 She does no2 e1en +lin7h3 he, eyes on yo0 4i2h /,ea2 so,,o45
One o+ 2he a,,o4s s2,i.es yo0 in 2he ne7. and 2he -o2h o+ yo0 die 4i2h yo0, eyes
lo7.ed 2o/e2he,: he, so,,o4 and yo0, 7on+0sion5 Chy 4asn?2 she ha66y 2ha2 yo0
des2,oyed an e1il manO
He, ,adian2 s6i,i2 /a2he,s 06 yo0, +ee-le so0l and 7a,,ies yo0 a4ay +,om 2he
mo,2al 4o,ld5 Un+e22e,ed -y 2he ill0sions o+ 2he 6hysi7al 4o,ld3 yo0 -e/in 2o see and
0nde,s2and5 B02 yo0 a,e a -o0nd so0l5 The 4heel 20,ns and yo0 +o,/e2 all yo0 ha1e
lea,ned 2o -e7ome no mo,e 2han yo0 a,e5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
686
The ai, a-o02 yo0 2hi7.ens 0n2il i2 is +eels solid5 E1en 2he ai, in yo0, l0n/s and
2h,oa2 ha,dens3 6a,alysin/ and s0++o7a2in/ yo05 Da,m s2ands3 loo.s a2 2he .ey-sha6ed
diamond3 2hen 2h,o4s i2 2o 2he /,o0nd in ,a/e5 I2 smashes in2o 6ie7es5
He -e/ins 2o 4a1e his hands3 7as2in/ ano2he, s6ell5 Yo0 +eel yo0, mind -e/innin/
2o +ill 4i2h haKe as do2s dan7e -e+o,e yo0, eyes5 &i/h2nin/ -0,s2s +,om Da,m?s hands
and s2,i.es yo03 -las2in/ yo0 -a7.4a,dsI
T0,n 2o 564
=)(
FF - Diamond
685
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6ons3 yo0 hold 06 yo0, hands5 The se,6en2-/0a,d3 lo4e,s
himsel+ do4n sli/h2ly3 -02 .ee6s his s6ea, ,eady 2o s.e4e, yo05 S7,a66in/ so0nds in
2he dis2an7e /,o4 lo0de,3 and soon a 6,o7ession a66ea,s5
5 Bla7.-s7aled sna.e-men a,mo0,ed in /olden -,eas26la2es 4i2h ,ed-7,es2ed helms
mo1e do4n 2he 6a2h5 Ea7h one holds a 6ole-s4o,d 2ha2 loo.s li.e an o,na2e s7imi2a,
-lade on a lon/ sha+25 The,e a,e +o0, o+ 2hem3 s0,,o0ndin/ ano2he, +i/0,e5 This one is
a sna.e-4oman3 4hose se,6en2 -ody and 2ail is also -la7.5 She 4ea,s a so,2 /,een
sil.en 7oa2 4i2h a hi/h 7olla,3 he, -la7. hai, 4o0nd 06 in2o a -0n and held in 6la7e
4i2h 7om-s o+ /old and >ade5
She a66,oa7hes yo0 4i2h na,,o4ed eyes3 he, +ea20,es mo,e h0man-loo.in/ 2han
2hose o+ 2he /0a,ds a,o0nd he,5
LCho a,e yo0 and 4hy ha1e yo0 7ome he,eON she demands in a no,mal-so0ndin/
1oi7e3 2ho0/h 4i2h a s2,an/e a77en25
Yo0 don?2 .no4 4ha2 2o say5 LE,3 4ha2 is 2his 6la7eON
The 4oman loo.s s0,6,ised3 -02 2hen -e7omes 70,io0s ,a2he, 2han s0s6i7io0s5
LThis is 2he "ala7e o+ !0een Shimishis5 Ho4 did yo0 7ome 2o -e he,eON
Feelin/ 2ha2 she is no2 dan/e,o0s3 yo0 2ell he, 2he 2,02h5 LI +o0nd a s6i,al made o+
2h,ee se,6en2s on 2he +loo, in a ,oom3 2hen I 602 some /ems in 2he eyes so7.e2s3 and I
+o0nd mysel+ he,e5N
LSo yo0 a,e no2 a so,7e,e,ON 2he 4oman says3 he, eyes s6a,.lin/ 4i2h am0semen25
LYo0, mas2e, 4o0ld no2 -e ha66y 2o .no4 yo0 ha1e -een 6layin/ 4i2h his ma/i7.s5
Bes2 yo0 ,e20,n -e+o,e yo0, in2,0sion is dis7o1e,ed5N
Yo0, 70,iosi2y a-o02 2his 6la7e is +a, +,om sa2is+ied3 ye2 2hese se,6en2-6eo6le 7o0ld
4ell -e allies o+ Da,m5 Cha2 sho0ld yo0 doO
I+ yo0 4an2 2o lea1e 4i2ho02 ha,m3 20,n 2o 40+
I+ yo0 4an2 2o .ee6 as.in/ 90es2ions3 20,n 2o 6++
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2ell 2hem a-o02 Da,m in 2he ho6e o+ /ainin/ 2hei, aid3 20,n 2o 527
642
Sea,7hin/ 2h,o0/h yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 7ome a7,oss 2he 0ni7o,n?s ho,n5 Yo0 60ll i2 o02
and ,e/a,d i2 7a,e+0lly5 I+ i2 is /oin/ 2o -e 0se+0l3 2his is 6,o-a-ly 2he only 2ime5 Ci2h
2ha2 2ho0/h2 yo0 2oss 2he ho,n in2o 2he ,in/ o+ +i,e5
The +lames 20,n o,an/e3 2hen s4ee6 in4a,ds and /a2he, 06 2he ho,n as 2hey +o,m a
s6he,e +loa2in/ in 2he ai, a-o1e 2he -la7.ened 7a,6e25 A+2e, a momen2 o+ s0s6ense 2he
o,- o+ +i,e len/2hens3 2o07hin/ 2he /,o0nd on7e mo,e3 +illin/ o02 in2o 2he sha6e o+ a
la,/e ho,se3 4i2h an o6al-li.e ho,n 6,o2,0din/ +,om i2s +o,ehead5 I2s lon/ 2ail +loa2s
06on 2he ai, as i2 20,n 2o ,e/a,d yo0 4i2h -,i/h2 -l0e eyes3 ma/i7al li/h2 dan7in/ o1e,
i2s sno4y hide5
LSo3 .ille,3N a disem-odied 4oman?s 1oi7e add,esses yo03 so0ndin/ sad ,a2he,
2han an/,y5 LChy ha1e yo0 s0mmoned meON
Kille,O LChy a,e yo0 7allin/ me 2ha2ON yo0 as. 0neasily5
LYo0 .illed me 2o 2a.e my ho,n3N 2he 0ni7o,n e86lains5 LChy 4o0ld yo0 do s07h
a 2hin/O Am I yo0, enemyON
=)E
FF - Diamond
Yo0 a,e some4ha2 s2a,2led 2ha2 yo0 a,e +a7in/ 2he 0ni7o,n a/ain3 -02 -oldly >0s2i+y
yo0, a72ions5 LI needed 2he 6o4e, o+ 2he ho,n 2o de+ea2 2his so,7e,e,M He is e1il5 I as.
yo0, +o,/i1eness and -e/ yo0 2o aid me a/ains2 him5N
The 0ni7o,n is silen2 +o, a momen2s3 2hen s6ea. on7e mo,e5 Yo0 7all him e1il5 I+
2his is -e7a0se he does ha,m 2o o2he,s 2o a7hie1e his desi,e3 2hen I loo. a2 yo0 and see
no di++e,en25 Shall I des2,oy yo0 alsoON
LI am +i/h2in/ +o, /ood3N yo0 de7la,e5
L"e,ha6s 2his one 4ishes 2o do /ood also5 B02 I see yo0 s2and 4i2h a 6,ies2ess3
and 2ho0/h she 4o0ld ne1e, a66,o1e o+ yo0 .illin/ me3 I see 2ha2 yo0 a,e allied 4i2h
he,5 The,e+o,e I shall allo4 yo0 2o se,1e /ood a77o,din/ 2o yo0, na20,e5 Yo0 ha1e
.illed me 2o /ain 6o4e, a/ains2 2his one5 Th0s o++e, 2o me yo0, li+e3 and I shall sa1e
2his one +,om his e1il5N
LCha2ON yo0 as.5 LI ha1e 2o dieON
LTo /i1e yo0, li+e 2o sa1e ano2he, is a deed o+ /,ea2 me,i25 Yo0 4ill .ill 2o de+ea2
him5 Cill yo0 no2 die 2o sa1e himON
I+ yo0 ha1e a diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2 and 4an2 2o o++e, yo0, Jli+e?3 20,n
2o 528
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,eally o++e, yo0, li+e3 20,n 2o 667
I+ yo0 4an2 2o as. +o, ano2he, 4ay3 20,n 2o 547
640
Yo0 7all o02 lo0dly +o, "allim0i5 Yo0 see an e86,ession o+ s0,6,ise 7,oss Da,m?s
+a7e as yo0 sho02 2he name o+ his 90een5 Yo0, sho02 e7hoes a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e,3 -02
2he,e is no ,es6onse5 B0s2 as yo0 -e/in 2o 2hin. she has a-andoned yo03 "alli0mi
ma2e,ialises nea,-y5 She is d,essed in 6lain -la7. ,o-es3 he, hai, 4o,n 06 and held in
6la7e 4i2h i1o,y 7om-s5 He, +a7e is 0n7o1e,ed and she smiles a2 Da,m 4hen she sees
his sho7.5
LI2 ends he,e3N she s2a2es 4i2h de2e,mina2ion5
Da,m ,e7o1e,s +,om his s0,6,ise 2o la0/h5 LYo0 a,e my s20den2M And I ha1e only
2a0/h2 yo0 a 6a,2 o+ 2he &esse, Mys2e,iesM The only 2hin/ 2ha2 7an end he,e is yo05N
LI a/,ee3N "alli0mi ,e6lies3 s2ealin/ a4ay Da,m?s s7o,n5 LI 7anno2 -ea, 2o -e 4i2h
yo0 li.e 2his any mo,e5 I 4o0ld ,a2he, dieM So 2his day ei2he, yo0 4ill -e de+ea2ed3 o,
I shall -e dead5 B02 I am no2 alone he,e5 Yo0, 1i72o,y is no2 so ass0,ed5N
Da,m loo.s o1e, 2he 2h,ee o+ yo0 +a7in/ him3 and his li6 70,ls5 LA 6,ies2ess3 an
a66,en2i7e and a 2h0/M Yo0 2hin. 2ha2 e1en 2o/e2he, yo0 7an de+ea2 meON
"alli0mi smiles5 LYo0 +o,/e2 2ha2 my +a2he, 4as a /,ea2 so,7e,e,5 Don?2 yo0 2hin.
2ha2 he may ha1e 2a0/h2 me ma/i7O Ma/i7 2o 6,o2e72 me 4hen my li+e 4as in 6e,ilON
Da,m?s smile +ades as he 7onside,s 2his5 Yo0 no2e 2he dan/e,o0s /lin2 in his eyes
as +o, 2he +i,s2 2ime he -elie1es his li+e may -e in 2,0e 6e,il5 Yo0 ha1e seen 2he loo.
=*
FF - Diamond
-e+o,e and yo0 .no4 4ha2 is 7omin/5 Yo0 /lan7e a2 "alli0mi and see she is en>oyin/
6layin/ de+ian7e3 and 7anno2 see 4ha2 is /oin/ 2o ha66en5
Yo0 .no4 2ha2 Da,m 4ill a22a7. "alli0mi 2o ,emo1e he, as a 2h,ea25 Cha2 4ill yo0
doO
Th,o4 yo0,sel+ in +,on2 o+ he, 2o 6,o2e72 he, so she 7an a22a7. him in 20,nO T0,n 2o
645
Cai2 0n2il he a22a7.s he,3 and s2,i.eO T0,n 2o 537
64+
Yo0 slash +0,io0sly a2 2he s.ele2ons3 one eye on 2he sham-lin/ mass 2ha2 7omes 2o
seal yo0, doom and 2he o2he, 4i2h +adin/ ho6e on 2he dis2an2 e8i25 The s.ele2ons?
4ea6ons 702 in2o yo0 a/ain and a/ain3 and yo0 7olla6se 0nde, 2hei, 7o,,oded s2eel5
Yo0 +ade in2o da,.ness3 -02 yo0 7an +eel some2hin/ /,as6in/ yo05 A /olden
se,6en2 has hold o+ yo03 and yo0 +eel i2 7ome 2o li+e 4i2hin 2he am0le2 yo0 4ea,5 I2
-inds yo0, so0l 4i2h ma/i75 No4 yo0 2oo 4ill -e7ome a /0a,dian o+ 2he 2,0e 2,eas0,e
hidden 4i2hin 2he 7ham-e,
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
641
Yo0 90i7.ly sea,7h yo0, 6a7. +o, 2he mos2 6o4e,+0l i2em 2ha2 yo0 ha1e5 Feelin/
2he 7hill o+ 2he 7old 7,ys2al e1en 2h,o0/h 2he 2hi7. -lan.e2s a,o0nd i23 yo0 de7ide 2o
60ll o02 2he +,os2y -0ndle5
E1en 4,a66ed in 2he -lan.e23 2he 7old -i2es 6ain+0lly in2o yo0, +in/e,s3 and yo0
2oss 2he 4hole -0ndle in2o 2he ,in/ o+ +i,e5 The +lames 20,n ,ed and s0,/e in4a,ds
2o4a,ds 2he -0ndle3 s4ee6in/ i2 06 as 2he +lame ,ise in2o a s6he,e a-o1e 2he -la7.ened
7a,6e25 The s6he,e han/s in 2he ai, +o, a momen23 2hen -0,s2s a6a,2 as a ho4lin/ 4ind
eme,/es +,om 4i2hin5 The ai, 20,ns 7old and yo0 e1en see i7e 7,ys2als +o,m in 2he ai,
a,o0nd a d0ll -l0e dense 1ol0me o+ ai,5 The i7e 7,ys2als ,ain 2o 2he +loo, as 2he i7e-
elemen2al s2,ea.s a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e,3 a77om6anied -y a ho4lin/ 4ind5 The s6i,i2
seems 7on+ined3 as i+ sea,7hin/ +o, a 4ay o025 Yo0 7an see 4i2hin i2s +o,m a 1a/0e
sha6e3 4i2h a,ms and head5 I2 +inally 6a0ses in 2he ai, hi/h a-o1e3 2he ,ainin/ 7,ys2als
li.e sno43 -e+o,e i2 ,oa,s and +lies do4n 2o4a,ds Da,m5
Ba1elins o+ i7e shoo2 +o,2h3 and Da,m has 2o 4a1e his hands 2o e,e72 a shield
a/ains2 2hem5 The >a1elins sha22e, a/ains2 an in1isi-le 4all5 The ne82 momen2 2he
elemen2al is 06on him and a +0,io0s -a22le ens0es5 The elemen2al slashes a2 Da,m3
ins0-s2an2ial 7la4s 4o0ndin/ him dee6 4i2hin5 Mean4hile Da,m s0mmons +i,e and
-0,ns 2he ai,5
I2 7on2in0es +o, a min02e o, so3 4hen e1en20ally 2he elemen2al dissi6a2es and 2he
7oldness lea1es 2he ai, a,o0nd yo05 Da,m 7olla6ses in his 2h,one3 -02 /la,es a2 yo0
-ale+0lly5 Yo0 ha1e 4o0nded him /,a1ely3 -02 2he,e is s2ill mo,e 2han eno0/h +i/h2 in
him5
=)
FF - Diamond
A+2e, a momen2 he 60shes himsel+ 7a,e+0lly 2o his +ee23 and s2ands 2all5 LCell
doneM B02 yo0 7anno2 ,e6ea2 2his a22a7.3 and 4e ha1e only >0s2 -e/0nM No4 I 4ill
2a.e my 20,nMN
He 7as2s a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 540
643
Da,m loo.s do4n a2 yo0 4i2h a /la,e3 no lon/e, smilin/5 B02 he does no2 a22a7.
yo0 a/ain5 I2 seems he is s2ill 6layin/ 2he /ame +o, no45 Yo0 7onside, yo0, ne82
mo1e5
Cha2 ma/i7 4ill yo0 6e,+o,mO Remem-e, 2ha2 yo0 7an?2 0se 2he same i2em 24i7e3
and s6ells 7an only -e ,e6ea2ed i+ 2he 7as2in/ does no2 7ons0me 2he 6a,7hmen25
Read a s7,oll;
Arcane scroll3 20,n 2o 457
Fireball3 20,n 2o 62+
Lightning3 20,n 2o 506
Null-magic3 20,n 2o 665
Fungus3 20,n 2o 6+5
Revelation3 20,n 2o 535
Use a sil1e, /a0n2le23 20,n 2o 635
Use an ea/le ,in/3 20,n 2o 510
Use a 2o6aK-se2 /old ,in/3 20,n 2o 474
Use a Diamond Cand3 20,n 2o 688
I+ yo0 ha1e no ma/i73 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o ,0n a2 him -y 20,nin/ 2o 614
647
S4ee6in/ o02 yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 7ha,/e a2 Da,m5 He 4a1es a hand a2 yo0 and yo0
+eel 2he ai, momen2a,ily 2hi7.en3 -02 2hen yo0 -,ea. 2h,o0/h 4ha2e1e, ma/i7 i2 4as
and 7on2in0e yo0, 7han/e on Da,m5
Ci2h no 2ime 2o 7as2 ano2he, s6ell3 he +alls -a7. and sna27hes 06 a lon/
-,oads4o,d 2ha2 si2s in a s2and ne82 2o his 2h,one5 He -,in/s i2 a,o0nd >0s2 in 2ime 2o
+end o++ yo0, -lo45 He se2s himsel+ and mee2s yo0, a22a7.5 Than.s 2o yo0, s077ess+0l
ma/i7al a22a7.s3 Da,m has -een 4ea.ened 7onside,a-ly5
KING DARM SKI&& )* STAMINA )* DB )* ARMOUR )*
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 556
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
=
FF - Diamond
648
Yo0 sli6 2he ,in/ on and mo1e do4n 2he s2ai,s5 Rea7hin/ 2he -o22om3 yo0 mo1e
o02 in2o 2he /a,dens3 lea1in/ 2he ,in/ on in 7ase 2he,e is someone3 o, 2hin/3 4ande,in/
a,o0nd5 The /a,dens a,e +illed 4i2h -eds o+ +lo4e,s and +o0n2ain 6ool +0ll o+ -,i/h2ly
7olo0,ed +ish5 B02 a2 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he /a,dens 2he,e is an 0n0s0ally la,/e 2hi7.e2 o+
dense 2,ees5 Yo0 mo1e inside and +ind a la,/e 7lea,in/3 e87e62 2he s0,,o0ndin/ 2,ees
ha1e .ni2 2hei, -,an7hes in2o a dome-li.e ,oo+ a-o1e3 shieldin/ 2he in2e,io, +,om 2he
eyes o+ 2hose a-o1e5
In 2he 7lea,in/ yo0 see a h023 o02side 4hi7h is a small 7,ea20,e 7oo.in/ a +ish +,om
2he 6onds o1e, a small +i,e5 I2 is an odd 7,ea20,e3 d,essed in ,a/s 4i2h si7.ly yello4ish
s.in and 2hin 6a27hy 4hi2e hai,5 I2 si2s 4ai2in/ +o, 2he +ish 2o 7oo.3 loo.in/ 1e,y -o,ed
and mise,a-le5
I+ yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o 2a.e o++ yo0, ,in/ and 2al. 2o 2he 7,ea20,e3 20,n 2o 84+
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, s2ay in1isi-le and sea,7h i2s h023 20,n 2o 5+8
644
The ele6han2 20,ns and -e/ins 2o 4al. 2o4a,ds 2he 4all5 Chen i2 ,ea7hes 2he 4all3
i2 lo4e,s i2s head and 7on2in0es a2 a s2a2ely 6a7e5 The 4all 7,a7.s and +alls in4a,ds as
2he ele6han2 6,o7eeds 4i2ho02 6a0se3 seemin/ly e++o,2less5 I2 20nnels 2h,o0/h 2he
6ala7e3 2he 4alls +allin/ a4ay as easily as i+ 2hey 4e,e made o+ 6a6e,5
C0,io0s3 yo0 and Kianmay +ollo4 a+2e, i25 The -,o.en 6assa/e seems s2a-le
eno0/h and yo0 4al. 2h,o0/h se1e,al ,ooms 2o 2he ed/e o+ 2he 6ala7e5 Yo0 see 2he
ele6han2 60sh 2h,o0/h 2he 7i2adel 4all3 ma.in/ 2he an7ien2 s2ones 7,0m-le and +all
do4n5 A +e4 a,,o4s a,e sho2 a2 2he -eas23 -02 -o0n7e o++ ha,mlessly5 Yo0 hea, a
70,se-,idden sho02 2ellin/ 2he /0a,ds 2o 7ease 2hei, a22a7.5 Choe1e, 2he o++i7e, is3 he
so0nds a4ed and s7a,ed5 Yo0, o4n +eelin/s a,e no2 so di++e,en25
The hole yo0 s2and in 2he ed/e o+ is 2oo hi/h a-o1e 2he /,o0nd +o, yo0 2o
7on2in0e: 2he holy ele6han2 is so -i/ 2ha2 2he /a6 -e24een 2he ed/e o+ 2he 6ala7e and
2he 7i2adel 4all 6,esen2ed no 6,o-lem5 Yo0 s2and and 4a27h 4i2h Kianmay3 and e1en
Da,m 7omes 2o s2and a2 yo0, side3 s2a,in/ o02 in2o 2he 7i2y5
The /ian2 ele6han2 4al.s 2o4a,ds 2he nea,es2 ho0ses3 o1e, 2h,ee 2imes 2he hei/h2
o+ 2he ,oo+2o6s3 yo0 4in7e as yo0 see i2 ,ea7h 2he +i,s2 ho0se3 -02 i2 does no2 +all do4n5
The ele6han2 s2e6s 06 on2o 2he ho0se and 7on2in0es on i2s 4ay3 4al.in/ a7,oss 2he
,oo+2o6s as i+ i2 is as li/h2 as a -i,d5
Yo0 see i2 2,a1el 2o4a,ds 2he Tem6le o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess: 2he s6i,es o+ 4hi7h
yo0 7an see in 2he dis2an7e5 B02 yo0 .no4 i2s 2,0e des2ina2ion5 I2 is /oin/ 2o +e27h 2he
Diamond Key 2ha2 yo0 hid in 2he sh,ine o+ A,in/a,a2o, ne82 2o 2he 2em6le5
The ele6han2 -e7omes a do2 in 2he dis2an7e5 Yo0 -,ie+ly see a +ain2 +lash o+ li/h25
The G,ea2 Kin/ 2hen ma.es i2s 4ay -a7. a7,oss 2he ,oo+2o6s 2o4a,ds yo03 i2s -ody
no4 /lo4in/5
Se1e,al min02es la2e, i2 a,,i1es3 and i2s 1oi7e ma.es 2he ea,2h 2,emo,5 LI ha1e
2a.en 2he Diamond Key in2o my -ody5 I2 shall -e -o0nd 2o 2he ea,2h 2h,o0/h me5N
The /,ea2 -l0e eyes +i8 on Da,m5 LThe,e is no 6o4e, in 2his 4o,ld 2ha2 7an 2a.e 2he
Diamond Key +,om me5 Do yo0 .no4 2hisON
Da,m nods3 and adds in a s2,an/led 1oi7e; LYes5N
The ele6han2 loo.s a2 Kianmay5 LFa,e4ell3 6,ies2ess5N
=<
FF - Diamond
The /,ea2 -ody 20,ns in2o mis2 and dissi6a2es 06 in2o 2he ni/h2 s.y3 4i2nessed -y
2he /a,,ison o+ 2he 7i2adel and mo,e 2han a +e4 o+ 2he 2o4ns6eo6le 4ho ha1e
4ande,ed o02 +,om 2hei, homes5
Yo0 s2and -em0sed3 0n2il yo0 hea, Kianmay add,ess Da,m3 and yo0, a22en2ion
sna6s -a7. 2o 2he Kin/5 LYo0, Ma>es2y5 Ha1e 4e yo0, 6e,mission 2o 4i2hd,a4ON
A 2o,,en2 o+ emo2ions a,e 6layin/ o1e, 2he .in/?s +a7e3 -02 as he loo.s a2 2he 24o
o+ yo03 a loo. o+ annoyan7e se22les in 6la7e5 LBe/oneM I ha1e no need o+ ei2he, o+
yo05 T,o0-le me no mo,e5N
He 20,ns a4ay3 s2ill s2a,in/ o02 in2o 2he ni/h25 Kianmay 60lls a2 yo0 a,m3 -02 yo0
hesi2a2eI
I+ yo0 4an2 2o /i1e Da,m a sho1e and ha1e him 6l0n/e 2o his dea2h3 20,n 2o 684
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, >0s2 lea1e3 20,n 2o 672
646
&ea1in/ 2he sa+e2y o+ 2he 2hi7.e23 yo0 on7e a/ain ma.e yo0 4ay +,om 7o1e, 2o
7o1e,5 Yo0 hea, no si/ns o+ 60,s0i23 -02 do no2 slo4 yo0, s2e6s5 Rea7hin/ 2he sh,ine
yo0 -o0nd 06 on2o 2he 7i,7le5 As soon as yo0 a,e -a7. in 2he 7i,7le3 ,adian2 mis2
-e/ins 2o o-s70,e 2he /a,dens a,o0nd yo05 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and
soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 2a.e 2he /ems
+,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2
in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
645
Yo0 dash a7,oss 2he ,oom and lea6 in +,on2 o+ "alli0mi5 As yo0 s2a,2 yo0, ,0n3
Da,m li+2s his hand and sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5 A /,ea2 -all o+ 7,a7.lin/ -la7. ene,/y
-0,s2s +o,2h and s2,i.es yo0 >0s2 as yo0 2h,o4 yo0,sel+ in +,on2 o+ 2he so,7e,essI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 6+1
I+ yo0 don?2 -02 ha1e a Diamond .ey em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 651
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 573
==
FF - Diamond
662
Yo0 7an?2 hel6 20,nin/ yo0, head a4ay as 2he ma/i7al ene,/y shoo2s do4n yo0,
a,m and in2o yo0 hand3 4he,e i2 -0,s2s +o,2h5 Yo0 hea, yo0, a22a7. ,oa, 2h,o0/h 2he
ai,3 and o6en yo0 eyes >0s2 in 2ime 2o see Da,m 4a1e his hands3 ma.in/ 2he ma/i7
0n,a1el and 2he a22a7. +ades in2o no2hin/3 a +e4 s6a,.s hi22in/ his ,o-e5
L"a2he2i7MN He de7la,es5 LHo4 7an a +oo2-soldie,?s s6ell ha,m meON
He la0/hs 7on2em620o0sly and -e/ins 2o 7as2 ano2he, s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 5+4
I+ no23 20,n 2o 677
660
Yo0 90i7.ly sea,7h yo0, 6a7. +o, 2he mos2 6o4e,+0l i2em 2ha2 yo0 ha1e5 Feelin/
2he 7hill o+ 2he 7old 7,ys2al e1en 2h,o0/h 2he 2hi7. -lan.e2s a,o0nd i23 yo0 de7ide 2o
60ll o02 2he +,os2y -0ndle5
E1en 4,a66ed in 2he -lan.e23 2he 7old -i2es 6ain+0lly in2o yo0, +in/e,s3 and yo0
2oss 2he 4hole -0ndle in2o 2he ,in/ o+ +i,e5 The +lames 20,n ,ed and s0,/e in4a,ds
2o4a,ds 2he -0ndle3 s4ee6in/ i2 06 as 2he +lame ,ise in2o a s6he,e a-o1e 2he -la7.ened
7a,6e25 The s6he,e han/s in 2he ai, +o, a momen23 2hen -0,s2s a6a,2 as a ho4lin/ 4ind
eme,/es +,om 4i2hin5 The ai, 20,ns 7old and yo0 e1en see i7e 7,ys2als +o,m in 2he ai,
a,o0nd a d0ll -l0e dense a,ea o+ ai,5 The i7e 7,ys2als ,ain 2o 2he +loo, as 2he i7e-
elemen2al s2,ea.s a,o0nd 2he 7ham-e,3 a77om6anied -y a ho4lin/ 4ind5 The s6i,i2
seems 7on+ined3 as i+ sea,7hin/ +o, a 4ay o025 Yo0 7an see 4i2hin i2s +o,m a 1a/0e
sha6e3 4i2h a,ms and head5 I2 +inally 6a0ses in 2he ai, hi/h a-o1e3 2he ,ainin/ 7,ys2als
li.e sno43 -e+o,e i2 ,oa,s and +lies do4n 2o4a,ds Da,m5
Ba1elins o+ i7e shoo2 +o,2h3 and Da,m has 2o 4a1e his hands 2o e,e72 a shield
a/ains2 2hem5 The >a1elins sha22e, a/ains2 an in1isi-le 4all5 The ne82 momen2 2he
elemen2al is 06on him and a +0,io0s -a22le ens0es5 The elemen2al slashes a2 Da,m3
ins0-s2an2ial 7la4s 4o0ndin/ him dee6 4i2hin5 Mean4hile Da,m s0mmons +i,e and
-0,ns 2he ai,5
I2 7on2in0es +o, a min02e o, so3 4hen e1en20ally 2he elemen2al dissi6a2es and 2he
7oldness lea1es 2he ai, a,o0nd yo05 Da,m 7olla6ses in his 2h,one3 -02 /la,es a2 yo0
-ale+0lly5 Yo0 ha1e 4o0nded him /,a1ely3 -02 2he,e is s2ill mo,e 2han eno0/h +i/h2 in
him5
A+2e, a momen2 he 7a,e+0lly 60shes himsel+ 2o his +ee2 and s2ands 2all5
T0,n 2o 650
66+
On7e mo,e yo0 s6in 2he ,o6e and le2 2he hoo. soa, 064a,ds5 To yo0, deli/h2 2he
hoo. sails 2h,o0/h 2he o6enin/ and ,a22les lo0dly a-o1e5 Yo0 60ll 2he ,o6e 0n2il i2 is
2a0n23 2hen -e/in 2o 7lim- 064a,ds5
On7e yo0 a,e hal+4ay 06 yo0 hea, a 7,y o+ 2,i0m6h +,om 2he 4all -elo4 and 20,n
yo0, head 2o see a /,o06 o+ /0a,ds loo.in/ a2 yo05 The ne82 momen2 an a,,o4 7,a7.s
=#
FF - Diamond
in2o 2he 4all -eside yo05 The /0a,ds ma.e a disa66oin2ed 7,y5 Yo0 a,e -ein/ 0sed
+o, 2a,/e2 6,a72i7e5
Yo0 7lim- +as2e,3 and mo,e a,,o4s -o0n7e o++ 2he 4all a,o0nd yo03 7,a7.in/ 2he
ma,-le5 Finally one hi2?s i2s ma,. and yo0 s2i++en5 The ,o6e sli6s 2h,o0/h yo0,
4ea.enin/ /,as6 and yo0 6l0n/e 2o 2he /,o0nd -elo43 smashin/ in2o 2he 6a1ed s2one
o+ 2he -al7ony5 The s2a,s a-o1e yo0 s6in as yo0 sli6 in2o da,.ness5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, -ody3 20,n 2o 437
O2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
661
Yo0 2,y 2o 7on7en2,a2e3 -02 7an?2 .ee6 yo0 mind +o70sed as Da,m 4a1es his hand
and se2s yo0 on +i,eI
I2 2a.es some 2ime +o, Da,m 2o 4o,. o02 ho4 2o e82,a72 2he Diamond Key +,om
yo0, 7hes23 -02 he does so3 and e1en20ally yo0 die a 2,0e dea2h +,om 4hi7h yo0 do no2
,e20,n5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
663
Yo0 6e,0se 2he -oo.s on 2he shel1es3 +indin/ no2hin/ in any lan/0a/e yo0 .no4
o, ha1e e1en seen -e+o,e5 Yo0 4e,e 6,o0d 2o -e a-le 2o ,ead as a 7hild5 O+ 7o0,se a2
2ha2 2ime yo0 had no idea 2he,e 4e,e so many lan/0a/es 2o -e i/no,an2 o+5 No4 yo0
+eel ,a2he, small5
S0ddenly yo0 see a -oo. 4i2h a 2i2le 4,i22en in 2he 7ommon 2on/0e5 I2 is en2i2led;
Magical !tems' An E$haustive +atalogue of Magical !tems for the ;se of the Non-
Magic-;ser5
I+ yo0 ha1e a sil1e, s7a,a- and 4an2 2o loo. i2 063 20,n 2o 042
I+ yo0 ha1e a >ade 7olla, and 4an2 2o 2,y and loo. i2 063 20,n 2o +56
O2he,4ise yo0 7an;
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
O,3 lea1e 2his ,oom and /o -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
=%
FF - Diamond
667
Yo0 s2and 06 s2,ai/h25 LI 4ill o++e, my li+e 2o sa1e Da,m +,om his e1il5N
The 0ni7o,n says no2hin/3 -02 4al.s o1e, 2o yo0 and ,aises he, head5 Yo0 see a
+li7.e, o+ 4hi2e +lame s6,o02 +,om 2he 2i6 o+ 2he ho,n and +loa2 06 in2o 2he ai, li.e a
sno4+la.e5 I2 d,i+2s do4n4a,ds and lands on yo0, head5 Cold 4hi2e +i,e +lo4s do4n
o1e, yo0, -ody5 Yo0 4a27h 4i2h 4onde, as 2he +i,e ea2s a4ay a2 yo0, +lesh3
dissol1in/ yo0 2o no2hin/ 4i2hin se7onds5
Yo0, s6i,i2 +loa2s a-o1e 2he /,o0nd3 and yo0 see yo0, -ones and a,mo0, dissol1e
in2o smo.e as 4ell3 lea1in/ no2hin/ -02 a -la7. 7i,7le on 2he +loo,5 The 0ni7o,n 20,ns
+,om 4he,e yo0 4e,e and +a7es Da,m5 I2 says no2hin/3 -02 i2s ho,n s2a,2s 2o /lo4
so+2ly5
In ,es6onse3 Da,m?s s.in s2a,2s 2o s6a,.le5 An loo. o+ 4onde, +ills his +a7e3 -02
2hen an e86,ession o+ /,ie+ 7on2o,2s his +ea20,es3 and he +alls 2o his .nees and s2a,2s 2o
4ee65 The /lo4 +ades3 -02 he 7on2in0es 2o 7,y li.e a 7hild5 The 0ni7o,n 20,ns in2o
4hi2e smo.e3 4hi7h -,ea.s a6a,2 and dis6e,ses 2o4a,ds 2he 7eilin/5
Many min02es 6ass3 and +inally Da,m s2ands5 He loo.s mo,e a2 6ea7e and s2a,es
a2 Kianmay 4i2h a smile5 LI do no2 .no4 4ha2 has ha66ened 2o me5 B02 I ,emem-e,
all yo0, 4o,ds3 and no4 2hey ,esona2e 4i2hin me 4i2h 2he ,in/ o+ 2,02h5 Be+o,e I 4as
2oo a+,aid 2o e1en lis2en 2o yo05 F,om 4hen7e 2his 7o0,a/eO This li+2in/ o+ -lindness
+,om my eyesON
Kianmay 7anno2 ans4e, him5
Yo0 s2a,2 2o d,i+2 a4ay3 and 7anno2 hea, 4ha2e1e, else is said5 Yo0 de6a,2 +,om
2he mo,2al 4o,ld in2o a 4o,ld o+ li/h25
THE END
668
Yo0 .ee6 as s2ill as yo0 7an3 2,yin/ no2 2o -,ea2he5 B02 2he se,6en2-man has
de2e72ed yo0, s7en2 and -e/ins 2o 2h,0s2 2he s6ea, in2o 2he -0shes5 Yo0 a,e +o,7ed 2o
60sh i2 aside so 2ha2 i2 does no2 end 06 in yo0, 2h,oa25
The se,6en2 man ,ea,s 06 and -a7.3 2hen -e/ins 2o 2h0m6 2he /,o0nd 4i2h his 2ail5
A4a,e o+ yo0, e82,emely 10lne,a-le 6osi2ion3 yo0 7ha,/e +,om 2he -0shes 4i2h yo0,
4ea6ons a2 2he ,eady5 Yo0 +a7e o++ 4i2h 2he se,6en2-man as yo0 hea, mo,e s7,a6in/
so0nds a66,oa7hin/5
Ge22in/ in2o a +i/h2 no4 is o02 o+ 2he 90es2ion5 The,e+o,e yo0 7an;
S0,,ende,3 20,n 2o 685
R0n3 T0,n 2o 446
664
LAs yo0 m0s2 .no4 2he,e is a nomadi7 .in/ in 2he /,ea2 20nd,a 4ho 7alls himsel+
2he Col+3N yo0 -e/in5
LYesON Da,m says in a ne02,al 2one3 -02 yo0 see 2ha2 he is in2e,es2ed5
LI2 is no se7,e2 2ha2 he in2ends 2o a22a7. 2his 7i2y 2o 2a.e +o, himsel+5 B02 he has
ano2he, se7,e2 2ha2 I ha66en 2o .no4 4hi7h 4ill aid yo0 a/ains2 him5N
='
FF - Diamond
LCell3 4ha2 is i2ON Da,m as.s im6a2ien2ly5
LThe Col+ is in +a72 a 4e,e4ol+MN
Da,m nods slo4ly3 loo.in/ a2 yo0 2ho0/h2+0lly5 LThis I .ne4 al,eady3 -02 i2
6leases me 2ha2 yo0 s6ea. 2,02h+0lly 2o me3 no4 2ha2 I hold yo0, li+e in my hands5
"e,ha6s I HN
Yo0 +eel some2hin/ s2i++enin/ yo0, -ody5 Yo0 2,y 2o s6ea. -02 yo0 a,e 6a,alysed5
Yo0 -e/in 2o h0,2 as yo0 +eel yo0, -ody -ein/ s2,e27hed and 7om6,essed5 Yo0 +a7e
e82ends3 and 2hi7. hai, s6,o02s all o1e, yo0, -ody5 Amids2 2he 6ain yo0, h0man mind
s2a,2s 2o sli6 a4ay as a 6o4e,+0l h0n/e, ,ises 4i2hin yo0, hea,2I
The h0man 6a,2 o+ yo0 1anishes as yo0 a,e 2,ans+o,med in2o a 4ol+5 Be7a0se yo0
ha1e -een 2,ans+o,med -y ma/i7 ,a2he, 2han 2he 7y7le o+ 2he moon3 yo0 ,emain in
yo0, 4ol+ sha6e5 Yo0 4ill ne1e, .no4 ho4 yo0 +led 2he 6ala7e3 +eedin/ on se1e,al
h0mans on yo0, 4ay3 -e+o,e ,0nnin/ 2h,o0/h 2he 7i2y and +indin/ +,eedom in 2he
20nd,a5 As a 4e,e4ol+ yo0 s2and 24i7e as hi/h as any no,mal 4ol+3 and a,e 7o1e,ed in
2hi7. -la7. +0,5 Yo0 li1e alone -y yo0, ins2in72s 0n2il a 4ol+ 6a7. ado62s yo05 They
2oo a,e la,/e and -la7. li.e yo03 -02 2hey 7an 2,ans+o,m in2o 24o-le//ed 7,ea20,es3 and
lead a /,ea2 a,my o+ 24o-le/s5
Yo0 >oin 2hem3 ,0nnin/ a2 2hei, side as 2hey 7o1e, 2hemsel1es in me2al and a22a7. a
/,ea2 7i2y o+ s2one5 E1en20ally yo0, 6a7. and 2hei, 24o-le/ a,my is 1i72o,io0s and yo0
si2 in /olden halls ne82 2o 2he .in/3 his 7om6anion +o,e1e,5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
666
Yo0 lis2en a2 2he doo,3 -02 he,e no2hin/3 so yo0 o6en 2he doo, and 6ee. inside5
Inside yo0 see a la,/e -a2hin/ 7ham-e,5 The 4alls a,e mi,,o,ed and lined 4i2h la,/e
ma,-le -asins +illed 4i2h +lo4e,in/ 6lan2s3 4hile -i,ds sin/ +,om 2he -,an7hes o+ small
2,ees 2ha2 /,o4 in la,/e, 6o2s in 2he 7o,ne,s o+ 2he ,oom5 The li/h2 in 2he ,oom 7omes
+,om 2he domed 7eilin/3 4hi7h /lo4s so+2ly 4i2h a yello4ish li/h2
In 2he 1e,y 7en2,e o+ 2he ,oom s2ai,4ays +,om all sides des7end do4n in2o a la,/e
-a2h +0ll o+ s2eamin/ 4a2e,5 Yo0 s2e6 inside 2o loo. a,o0nd3 -02 i2 seems 2o -e no
mo,e 2han a -a2hin/ 7ham-e,5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2a.e a -a2h3 20,n 2o 555
I+ yo0 ha1e o2he, 2hin/s yo0 sho0ld -e doin/3 yo0 7an lea1e 2his ,oom and;
En2e, 2he 7en2,al doo,s -y 20,nin/ 2o 4+4
O, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an en2e, 2he doo,s o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 442
665
Ta.in/ o02 2he s7,oll3 yo0 7lea, yo0, 2h,oa2 and ,ead 2he 4o,ds o+ 2he s6ell5 Yo0
+eel ma/i7al ene,/y /,o4in/ in 2he ai, a,o0nd yo03 and 4i2h yo0, +inal 4o,d yo0 +eel
some2hin/ se22le in2o 6la7e5 Yo0 90i7.ly 2oss 2he 6a6e, aside and d,a4 yo0, 4ea6on3
7ha,/in/ 2o4a,ds 2he 2h,one5
=(
FF - Diamond
Da,m is +,o4nin/3 +eelin/ 2he e++e72s o+ yo0, s6ell5 Seein/ yo0 ad1an7e3 he s2ands
and 7han2s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,3 -02 4ha2e1e, he 4an2ed 2o ha66en doesn?25 Yo0 -o0nd
06 2he s2e6s o+ 2he 2h,one3 d,a4in/ yo0, 4ea6on5
Da,m +alls -a7. and sna27hes 06 a lon/ -,oads4o,d 2ha2 si2s in a s2and ne82 2o his
2h,one5 He -,in/s i2 a,o0nd >0s2 in 2ime 2o +end o++ yo0, -lo45 He se2s himsel+ and
mee2s yo0, a22a7.5 Be7a0se yo0 a,e 0nde, 2he e++e72s o+ 2he s6ell also3 any -ene+i2s
+,om ma/i7al i2ems a,e 7an7elled5 This in7l0des yo0, 4ea6ons and a,mo0,3 4hi7h
4ill +0n72ion in 2he same 4ay as 2hei, m0ndane 1e,sions
KING DARM SKI&& )* STAMINA * DB )* ARMOUR )*
I+ yo0 4in in less 2han # ,o0nds3 20,n 2o 556
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
I+ yo0 a,e s2ill +i/h2in/ a+2e, # ,o0nds3 20,n 2o 633
652
Yo0 6la7e a ma/i7al i2em on 2he 2,ay3 and 2he se,6en2 4oman in 2he sho,2 /,een
sil. 7oa2 smiles and -o4s he, head -e+o,e 2a.in/ 2he 2,ay 06 2o 2he dais -ehind 2he
s7,eens5 Yo0 no2i7e 2han 2he se,6en2 4oman .ee6s he, eyes do4n7as2 as she e82ends
2he 2,ay5 A momen2 la2e, she 4i2hd,a4s 4i2h 2he em62y 2,ay5
The 1oi7e +loa2s o02 +,om -ehind 2he s7,een on7e mo,e5 LTa.e him and /i1e him a
ne4 a,m3 2hen ,elease him -a7. 2o his 4o,ld5N
The se,6en2 4oman a2 yo0 side -o4s3 2hen 4i2h a smile in1i2es yo0 2o +ollo4 he,5
Yo0 do so and she leads yo0 +,om 2he 2h,one ,oom in2o ano2he, 7ham-e, o++ 2o one
side5 Yo0 a,e 70,io0s as 2o ho4 yo0, a,m 4ill -e ,es2o,ed3 -02 2he se,6en2 4oman
sim6ly 7oils he,sel+ 06 2o one side o+ 2he ,oom in +,on2 o+ a 2a-le and -e/ins 2o 4,i2e
on a 6ie7e o+ 6a6e,5
LHo4 4ill yo0 ,es2o,e my a,mON yo0 as. he,5
LCi2h 2his3N she says3 holdin/ 06 2he 6ie7e o+ 6a6e,5 I2 is a sim6le s90a,e o+ 6a6e,
no la,/e, 2han yo0, 6alm3 and on i2 2he se,6en2 4oman has 4,i22en a n0m-e, o+
sin0o0s ,0nes5 She o6ens a small 7e,ami7 6o23 and 4e2s a -,0sh 4i2h 2he 7lea,3 s2i7.y
7on2en2s5 She 6la7es a da- on 2he -a7. o+ 2he 6a6e, s90a,e3 2hen 6a7.s 06 he,
e90i6men2 and 0n7oils he,sel+3 a66,oa7hin/ yo05 LHold o02 yo0, se1e,ed a,m3N she
ins2,072s5
Bem0sed3 yo0 do so and she 6as2es 2he 6a6e, s90a,e 2o 2he end o+ yo0, s20m65
She 2hen in1i2es yo0 2o +ollo4 he, a/ain5 Ci2h a /,o06 o+ se,6en2 /0a,ds es7o,2in/
yo03 yo0 a,e 2a.en -a7. 2o 2he sh,ine 4he,e yo0 +i,s2 a66ea,ed5 As yo0 s2e6 06 in2o
2he sh,ine3 yo0 ,aise yo0, a,m3 +eelin/ +oolish 4i2h 2he 6a6e, s90a,e s207. on 2he,e5 I2
i27hes 0n7om+o,2a-ly5
LHo4 does 2his 4o,.ON yo0 as.5
LRe20,n 2o yo0, 4o,ld3 and yo0, a,m 4ill -e ,es2o,ed3N she says5
Ci2h no2hin/ else 2o do3 yo0 4a1e /ood-ye and 6,o7eed in2o 2he sh,ine5 As soon as
yo0 a,e -a7. in 2he 7i,7le3 ,adian2 mis2 -e/ins 2o o-s70,e 2he /a,dens a,o0nd yo05 Yo0
+eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+
Kin/ Da,m5
To yo0, s0,6,ise and 6leas0,e3 2he 6a6e, s90a,e is /one3 and in i2s 6la7e is a ne4
a,m5 I2 +eels n0m- a2 +i,s23 -02 in7,easin/ly +eelin/ ,e20,ns: mos2ly i2 h0,2s and i27hes5
=E
FF - Diamond
B02 soon eno0/h i2 is s2,on/ and +0lly +0n72ional a/ain5 Yo0 may ,es2o,e yo0, los2
initial and current SKI&& 6oin25
Yo0 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined
7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
650
L$e,y /ood3N Da,m m022e,s da,.ly5 LYo0 a,e mo,e 2han a me,e +oo2 soldie,5 I
0nde,es2ima2ed yo05 B02 no4 I 4ill /i1e yo0 no +0,2he, 7han7e 2o de+y meM He
-e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ellI
Cha2 4ill yo0 doO
Tell him yo0 ha1e in+o,ma2ion 2ha2 7o0ld -e o+ 0se 2o himO T0,n 2o 634
I+ "alli0mi 6,omised 2o assis2 yo03 yo0 7an 7all on he, no4 -y 20,nin/ 2o 640
I+ Bama, Qi 6,omised 2o assis2 yo03 yo0 7an 7all on him no4 -y 20,nin/ 2o 504
I+ yo0 /a1e Kianmay a sil1e, s7a,a-3 20,n 2o 5+7
O2he,4ise3 yo0 4ill >0s2 ha1e 2o 7ha,/e a2 him: 20,n 2o 548
65+
Yo0 loo. o1e, 2he -oo.s and +inally +ind a 7a2alo/0e o+ ma/i7al i2ems5 I2 is
s6,ead a7,oss se1e,al 1ol0mes3 -02 2h,o0/h 0sin/ 2he 7on2en2s 6a/e3 yo0 90i7.ly
lo7a2e 2he ,ele1an2 7ha62e, o+ 2he 7o,,e72 1ol0me5
&oo.in/ 2h,o0/h3 yo0 +ind a 6i720,e o+ a simila,-loo.in/ /a0n2le23 and ,ead 2he
des7,i62ion5 I2 isn?2 e8a72ly 2he same3 -02 6e,ha6s i2 is 7lose eno0/h5 The -oo. 2ells
2ha2 /a0n2le2s o+ 2his na20,e 4e,e made d0,in/ 2he A/e o+ Con+li723 4he,e 2he 4o,ld
4as almos2 des2,oyed in /,ea2 ma/i7al -a22les5 They 4e,e desi/ned 2o ena-le 2he
4ea,e, 2o 0se ma/i7 4i2ho02 d,ainin/ 2hei, o4n ene,/y3 d,a4in/ ins2ead 06on 2he
ma/i7 4i2hin 2he ea,2h3 2a66in/ in2o 2he 1eins o+ 6o4e, 2ha2 +lo4 2h,o0/h 2he 6lane25
=<*
FF - Diamond
The 6assa/e also e86lains 2ha2 2he 4ea,e, me,ely needs 2o 0se 2he s.ills o+
7on7en2,a2ion 2o 0se 2he /a0n2le23 on7e i2 -e7omes 6a,2 o+ 2hei, -ody as i2 has 7lea,ly
yo0,s5
I+ yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o 6,a72ise 0sin/ 2he /a0n2le2 no43 20,n 2o 572
O2he,4ise3 i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an;
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
O,3 lea1e 2his ,oom and /o -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
651
The 6ain 2ha2 +ills yo0, -ody is in7om6,ehensi-le3 -02 las2s only +o, a +e4
momen2s as yo0 +eel e1e,y2hin/ inside yo0 24is2in/5 Yo0 a,e dead -e+o,e yo0 +all 2o
2he +loo,5 Yo0, s6i,i2 +loa2s in da,.ness +o, a 2ime3 2hen ,0shes -a7. 2o4a,ds 2he li/h25
Yo0 o6en yo0, eyes3 and hea, a /as65 Yo0 si2 063 seein/ Kianmay and "alli0mi
.neelin/ a2 yo0, side5 Kianmay smiles3 4hile 2he 90een loo.s sho7.ed5 Yo0 s2and 06
and s2,e27h3 loo.in/ a,o0nd +o, Da,m5
LChe,e is 2he Kin/ON yo0 as.5
LHe is /one3N "alli0mi says 4i2h a sa2is+ied smile5 LMy +a2he,?s ma/i7IN
She does no2 ela-o,a2e3 and s2a,2s 2o loo. los25
LNo4 yo0 7an ,0le3N yo0 2ell he,5 LAnd ,0le >0s2ly5N
B02 "alli0mi sha.es he, head5 LFe4 .ne4 2ha2 Da,m had a 90een5 I do0-2 I 4o0ld
ha1e 2he s066o,2 I 4o0ld need 2o ,0le5 I 4o0ld ,a2he, >0s2 disa66ea,3 any4ay5N
LCill yo0 7ome 4i2h meON Kianmay as.s he,5
LTo -e a 6,ies2essON "alli0mi as.s5
Kianmay is a li22le s0,6,ised3 -02 2hen nods5 LI 4ill 1o07h +o, yo05N
"alli0mi s2a,2s 2o loo. s2,on/e, and smiles5 LThen I shall 7ome 2o yo0 soon5 Fo,
no4 I 4ill 6,ay +o, my h0s-and?s so0l5N
She s2ands and 4al.s o1e, 2o a 6oin2 -e+o,e 2he 2h,one and .neels do4n5 Kianmay
2o07hes yo0, a,m and 2he 24o o+ yo0 silen2ly lea1e 2he hall5
T0,n 2o 622
=<)
FF - Diamond
653
The hoo. 7lan/s lo0dly in2o 2he ma,-le -elo4 2he 4indo43 2hen +alls 7la22e,in/ 2o
2he +loo,5 Yo0 4in7e a2 ea7h lo0d noise5 Yo0 hea, a sho02 +,om one o+ 2he /0a,ds
-elo4 2he -al7ony3 -02 no2hin/ else ha66ens as yo0 7,o07h3 s4ea2in/ on 2he -al7ony5
A+2e, a min02e3 yo0 /a2he, 06 2he ,o6e and hoo. and 7on2em6la2e ha1in/ ano2he,
2h,o45
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ha1e ano2he, 2h,o43 yo0 m0s2 2es2 yo0, SKI&& on7e mo,e5
I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 508
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 454
O2he,4ise yo0 m0s2 ,e20,n 2o 2he dinin/ hall 4he,e yo0 7an;
Tea, one o+ 2he 6a,7hmen2s o++ a 7hai, 2o see 4ha2 ha66ens -y 20,nin/ 2o 483
Si2 in one o+ 2he 7hai,s3 -y 20,nin/ 2o 410
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an lea1e 2he dinin/ ,oom and /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 4053 o, mo1e +0,2he, 06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 825
657
LG,ea2 Kin/M I am in 2he se,1i7e o+ 2he li/h2 a/ains2 2his se,1an2 o+ e1ilM Gi1e me
2he s2,en/2h 2o ma27h his ma/i7MN
The /ian2 4hi2e ele6han2 loo.s do4n a2 yo0 +o, se1e,al momen2s -e+o,e 2he /,ea2
1oi7e s6ea.s5 LCha2e1e, se,1i7e yo0 /i1e 2o /oodness is momen2a,y and 7ondi2ional5
Yo0 hea,2 4ill easily 4a1e, in 2he +a7e o+ 2,0e 7hallen/e5 Un+o,20na2ely 2his one 4ill
ne1e, /i1e yo0 2he 7han7e 2o ,0n5 Yo0 shall -e des2,oyed -e+o,e 7o4a,di7e 7an d,i1e
yo0, hea,25 In 2,02h 2he o027ome o+ 2his -a22le -e24een yo0 is o+ no ,ele1an7e5
Che2he, ei2he, o+ yo0 a,e immo,2al o, no2 4ill no2 7han/e 2he 4o,ld3 e1en i+ yo0 ,0le
2he en2i,e 4o,ld as .in/5 "eo6le 4ill s2ill li1e and die and li1e and die a/ain3 ea7h
so0l as7endin/ o, des7endin/ as -e+o,e5 Che2he, one .in/ o, many ,0le 2he 4o,ld
2his 4ill no2 7han/e 2he 2,02h o+ 2hin/s3 0nless a man o+ 2,0e 4o,2h has a 7,o4n 06on
his head5 Nei2he, o+ yo0 a,e s07h men5N
LB02Ihe 4ill ,0le -eyond his allo22ed 2imeMN yo0 6,o2es25
The /,ea2 1oi7e ,e6lies sadly5 LOne 6e22y .in/ ,0lin/ +o, a 2ho0sand yea,s is no
di++e,en2 2o * 6e22y .in/s ,0lin/ +o, a 2ho0sand yea,s5 A -o0nd so0l 4ill -e ,e4a,ded
and 60nished ,e/a,dless o+ 4he2he, i2s 4heel 20,ns s4i+2ly o, slo4ly5 The /oodness
yo0 se,1e is -02 2em6o,a,y5 Ho4 7an I 4ho sees a7,oss e2e,ni2y aid yo0ON Be+o,e yo0
7an ans4e,3 2he ele6han2 7on2in0es5 LI shall aid yo0 -e7a0se o+ 2his 6,ies2ess he,e3
4ho has 4i2hin he, hea,2 2he a-ili2y 2o -0il2 some2hin/ e2e,nal5 Fo, he, sa.e I 4ill aid
yo05 I+ yo0 a,e 4ise3 yo0 4ill heed he, ad1i7e5N
The ele6han2 ,ea7hes o02 4i2h i2s 2,0n. and 2o07hes yo0 on 2he +o,ehead5 Yo0 +eel
ene,/y ,0shin/ in2o yo0, -ody5 Yo0 may in7,ease yo0, initial s.ill -y 6oin2s3 yo0,
initial STAMINA -y # 6oin2s3 and yo0, &UCK -y 6oin2s5 Yo0 may also ,aise yo0,
current s2a2is2i7s 2o 2hese le1els5
The ele6han2 4i2hd,a4s i2s 2,0n. and 20,ns 2o Kianmay5 LFa,e4ell3 6,ies2ess5N
The /,ea2 4hi2e -ody s0ddenly 20,ns 2o mis2 and dis6e,ses 06 2h,o0/h 2he ai,5 Yo0
and Da,m loo. a2 ea7h o2he, in 0n7e,2ain2y5 The Kin/ seems sha.en5 Kianmay s2e6s
+o,4a,d5 LT0,n a4ay +,om e1il3 yo0, ma>es2y5 Yo0 see ho4 2he /ods loo. 06on yo05
They do no2 in2e,1ene -e7a0se 2he /,ea2es2 ha,m yo0 do is 2o yo0, o4n sel+MN
=<
FF - Diamond
Da,m sha.es his head3 a snee, 70,lin/ his li6s5 LThe /ods do no2 0nde,s2and 0sM
They 4ill ne1e, si7.en and dieM Chy sho0ld I lis2en 2o 2hemO I am si7. o+ hea,in/
yo0, 4o,dsMN Da,m loo.s -a7. a2 yo03 a mali7io0s /leam in his eye5 LYo0 ha1e
4o,.ed yo0, ma/i7M No4 i2 is my 20,n on7e mo,eMN
He 7as2s a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 5+4
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 677
658
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ an ame2hys2 7ondo, am0le2O I+ so3 20,n 2o 806
I+ no23 20,n 2o 663
654
Yo0 sea,7h 2h,o0/h yo0, 6a7.3 loo.in/ +o, a s0i2a-le i2em5 Yo0 7onside, and
,e>e72 a +e43 2hen o02 o+ 2he 7o,ne, o+ yo0, eye yo0 see 2he +i,e s2a,2 2o die5 Yo0 20,n
yo0, head in 2ime 2o see i2 1anish 7om6le2ely5 Da,m ,ises +,om his 2h,one5
LMy 20,nMN He 4a1es his hands and -e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 5+4
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 677
656
Sea,7hin/ 2h,o0/h yo0, 6a7.3 yo0 7ome a7,oss 2he 0ni7o,n?s ho,n5 Yo0 60ll i2 o02
and ,e/a,d i2 7a,e+0lly5 I+ i2 is /oin/ 2o -e 0se+0l3 2his is 6,o-a-ly 2he only 2ime5 Ci2h
2ha2 2ho0/h2 yo0 2oss 2he ho,n in2o 2he ,in/ o+ +i,e5
The +lames 20,n o,an/e3 2hen s4ee6 in4a,ds and /a2he, 06 2he ho,n as 2hey +o,m a
s6he,e +loa2in/ in 2he ai, a-o1e 2he -la7.ened 7a,6e25 A+2e, a momen2 o+ s0s6ense 2he
o,- o+ +i,e len/2hens3 2o07hin/ 2he /,o0nd on7e mo,e3 +illin/ o02 in2o 2he sha6e o+ a
la,/e ho,se3 4i2h an o6al-li.e ho,n 6,o2,0din/ +,om i2s +o,ehead5 I2s lon/ 2ail +loa2s
06on 2he ai, as i2 20,n 2o ,e/a,d yo0 4i2h -,i/h2 -l0e eyes3 ma/i7al li/h2 dan7in/ o1e,
i2s sno4y hide5
LSo3 .ille,3N a disem-odied 4oman?s 1oi7e add,esses yo03 so0ndin/ sad ,a2he,
2han an/,y5 LChy ha1e yo0 s0mmoned meON
Kille,O LChy a,e yo0 7allin/ me 2ha2ON yo0 as. 0neasily5
LYo0 .illed me 2o 2a.e my ho,n3N 2he 0ni7o,n e86lains5 LChy 4o0ld yo0 do s07h
a 2hin/O Am I yo0, enemyON
Yo0 a,e some4ha2 s2a,2led 2ha2 yo0 a,e +a7in/ 2he 0ni7o,n a/ain3 -02 -oldly >0s2i+y
yo0, a72ions5 LI needed 2he 6o4e, o+ 2he ho,n 2o de+ea2 2his so,7e,e,M He is e1il5 I as.
yo0, +o,/i1eness and -e/ yo0 2o aid me a/ains2 him5N
=<<
FF - Diamond
The 0ni7o,n is silen2 +o, a momen2s3 2hen s6ea. on7e mo,e5 Yo0 7all him e1il5 I+
2his is -e7a0se he does ha,m 2o o2he,s 2o a7hie1e his desi,e3 2hen I loo. a2 yo0 and see
no di++e,en25 Shall I des2,oy yo0 alsoON
LI am +i/h2in/ +o, /ood3N yo0 de7la,e5
L"e,ha6s 2his one 4ishes 2o do /ood also5 B02 I see yo0 s2and 4i2h a 6,ies2ess3
and 2ho0/h she 4o0ld ne1e, a66,o1e o+ yo0 .illin/ me3 I see 2ha2 yo0 a,e allied 4i2h
he,5 The,e+o,e I shall allo4 yo0 2o se,1e /ood a77o,din/ 2o yo0, na20,e5 Yo0 ha1e
.illed me 2o /ain 6o4e, a/ains2 2his one5 Th0s o++e, 2o me yo0, li+e3 and I shall sa1e
2his one +,om his e1il5N
LCha2ON yo0 as.5 LI ha1e 2o dieON
LTo /i1e yo0, li+e 2o sa1e ano2he, is a deed o+ /,ea2 me,i25 Yo0 4ill .ill 2o de+ea2
him5 Cill yo0 no2 die 2o sa1e himON
I+ yo0 ha1e a diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2 and 4an2 2o o++e, yo0, Jli+e?3 20,n
2o 528
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,eally o++e, yo0, li+e3 20,n 2o 667
I+ yo0 4an2 2o as. +o, ano2he, 4ay3 20,n 2o 583
655
Yo0 2,y 2o 60ll yo0, /aKe a4ay3 -02 s0ddenly +ind 2ha2 yo0 a,e indeed 2,a66ed5
Ci2h a /,ea2 e++o,23 yo0 2ea, yo0,sel+ 6hysi7ally a4ay3 -02 no ma22e, 4he,e yo0 +a7e3
2he eyes a,e 2he,e5 Yo0 see i2s mo02h o6en in a /,in3 ,e1ealin/ small 6oin2ed 2ee2h5
Kno4in/ no4 2ha2 i2 is e1il3 yo0 ,edo0-le yo0, e++o,2s 2o 60ll a4ay5
Yo0 +eel li.e yo0 a,e 2,yin/ 2o 7lim- o02 o+ an i7e-4alled 6i2 as yo0 7on2in0ally
sli6 -a7. in2o 2he de62hs o+ 2he 7old male1olen2 /aKe o+ 2he 6ale 7,ea20,e5 In
des6e,a2ion yo0 /a2he, yo0, s2,en/2h and ins2ead o+ 2,yin/ 2o es7a6e 2h,o4 yo0,sel+
+o,4a,d and d,i1e yo0, +ea, and a//,ession ,i/h2 in2o 2he massi1e eye -e+o,e yo05
The eyes ,e7oil and 2he 6ale 7,ea20,e -lin.s5 Fo, a momen2 yo0 a,e +,ee3 and yo0
2h,o4 yo0,sel+ a4ay +,om i25 Yo0 +eel yo0,sel+ hi2 2he /,o0nd 4i2h a 7,ash3 and
90i7.ly 7,a4l a4ay as 90i7.ly as yo0 7an5 Yo0 smash in2o a 7a-ine23 and ,e-o0nd3
+allin/ 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0, 1ision 7lea,s in 2ime 2o see 2he 7a-ine2 ,o7. and e>e72 a la,/e
n0m-e, o+ 6ain2ed 6o,7elain 6la22e,s 2ha2 smash lo0dly on 2he +loo, a,o0nd yo05
Chen all se22les3 yo0 loo. a,o0nd3 and see 2he 7hai, yo0 4e,e si22in/ in on i2s side5
Yo0 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee23 -,o.en sha,ds o+ 6o,7elain 2in.lin/ 2o 2he +loo, yo0 -,0sh
yo0,sel+ o++5
S0ddenly 2he doo,s 2o 2he dinin/ ,oom o6en and yo0 s6in a-o023 yo0, 4ea6on
7omin/ 2o hand5
S2andin/ in 2he doo,4ay is a small 7,ea20,e no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e
,o20nd5 He smiles3 and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his .il25 LThe,e?s no need +o,
2ha25N He says3 /lan7in/ a2 yo0, 4ea6on5 LHis Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He
in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei
is 4i2h him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e -o4s3 2hen 20,ns and ma.es i2s 4ay -a7. in2o 2he 7o,,ido,5 Fo,
a momen2 yo0 7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e in1i2a2ion
+,om Da,m3 i2 is 6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion mi/h2 -e sen2
2o +e27h yo05
"022in/ a4ay yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 slo4ly +ollo45 The 7,ea20,e is ma.in/ his 4ay 06
2he hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0 a,e +ollo4in/ him o,
=<=
FF - Diamond
no25 The 7,ea20,e soon /oes 2h,o0/h 2he doo, a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02
lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he la,/e 6olished 4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e
la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
522
Yo0 4ande, +,om 2he 6ala7e3 as2o0nded -y 4ha2 yo0 ha1e seen5 The 6ala7e
/0a,ds -,ie+ly de2ain yo03 -02 yo0 m0m-le some s2o,y and 2hey le2 yo0 /o5 Cha2
4o0ld 2hey do i+ 2hey .ne4 2hei, .in/ has disa66ea,edO
Yo0 4ande, 2he s2,ee2s3 alone 4i2h yo0, hel6lessness 0n2il yo0 +eel some2hin/
4a,m shinin/ on yo0, +a7e5 Yo0 loo. 063 +indin/ yo0,sel+ in +,on2 o+ 2he Tem6le o+
2he Chi2e Goddess5 The 4a,m2h seems 2o -e 7omin/ +,om 2he s2a20e 2ha2 s2ands
-e+o,e yo03 a,ms e82ended as i+ in 4el7ome5
Yo0 2hin. a-o02 Kianmay and 4ha2 li+e yo0, 6a2h 4ill no4 2a.e5 Yo0 a,e
de2e,mined no2 2o disa66oin2 he,5 Yo0 s2e6 +o,4a,d3 a77e62in/ 2he 4el7ome o+ 2he
Chi2e Goddess5
THE END
520
Yo0, 7ha,/e in2e,,062s Da,m and he s20m-les o1e, 2he 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5 He 2,ies
2o 7as2 a ne4 s6ell3 -02 -e+o,e he 7an 7om6le2e 2he in7an2a2ion yo0 a,e on him5 Yo0
.no7. him do4n and ,aise yo0, 4ea6on5 Yo0 see 2he +ea, in his eyes and i2 7hills
yo03 -02 yo0 do no2 hesi2a2e as yo0 -,in/ do4n yo0, 4ea6on3 s2,i.in/ him in 2he head5
The li/h2 +ades +,om Da,m?s eyes as -lood ,0ns do4n o1e, his +a7e5 He sl0m6s
-a7. and lies s2ill3 +inally dead5
Finally i2 is done5 Yo0 7lean yo0, 4ea6on and 4al. o1e, 2o 4he,e "alli0mi and
Kianmay a,e 4ai2in/5
LI am so,,y3N "alli0mi 2ells yo05 LI sho0ld ha1e hel6ed yo05 Yo0 7o0ld ha1e -een
.illed5 B02 2han. yo05 No4 I am +,ee5N
LNo4 yo0 7an ,0le3N yo0 2ell he,5 LAnd ,0le >0s2ly5N
B02 "alli0mi sha.es he, head5 LFe4 .ne4 2ha2 Da,m had a 90een5 I do0-2 I 4o0ld
ha1e 2he s066o,2 I 4o0ld need 2o ,0le5 I 4o0ld ,a2he, >0s2 disa66ea,3 any4ay5N
LCill yo0 7ome 4i2h meON Kianmay as.s he,5
LTo -e a 6,ies2essON "alli0mi as.s5
Kianmay is a li22le s0,6,ised3 -02 2hen nods5 LI 4ill 1o07h +o, yo05N
"alli0mi s2a,2s 2o loo. s2,on/e, and smiles5 LThen /o and lea1e 2his 6la7e5 I shall
,emain +o, a 2ime5 Then I 4ill +ollo4 yo0 and lea1e 2his 6la7e +o,e1e,5N
Kianmay nods3 and s2e6s a4ay3 /es20,in/ +o, yo0 2o +ollo45 The 24o o+ yo0
lea1e3 4hile "alli0mi 6,ays +o, he, h0s-and?s so0l5
T0,n 2o 622
=<#
FF - Diamond
52+
LI2?s >0s2 a li22le .iss3 -a-y3N yo0 e86lain5 LI2 doesn?2 mean I?m /oin/ 2o ma,,y
yo05 I2?s >0s2 +o, +0n5 Yo0 en>oyed i2 didn?2 yo0ON
The 1i6e,-4oman s2a,es a2 yo0 in 7on+0sion3 -02 he, eyes 2hen s2a,2 2o loo. 1e,y
-,i/h2 and ha,d5 LYo0 mean3 I am a /ame 2o yo0ON
LNo2 a /ame3 -a-y3N yo0 ,e6ly5 LI?1e ne1e, had a .iss 2ha2 4as so s6e7ial -e+o,e5
B02 ma,,ia/e is s07h a se,io0s 2hin/5 The,e?s no need 2o s6oil o0, +0n 4i2h 2al. li.e
2ha25 B0s2 ,ela8 -a-y3 and I?ll sho4 yo0 a /ood 2ime5N
Yo0 7an +eel 2he +o,7e o+ he, hos2ili2y as i2 -laKes o02 o+ he, eyes5 She ,ea,s 06
and d,a4s -a7. he, a,m 2o sla6 yo05 Yo0 a,e /oin/ 2o le2 he, 1en2 he, an/e,3 -02 a2
2he las2 min02e yo0 ,ealise yo0 mi/h2 ha1e made a mis2a.e5 B02 -y 2hen i2 is 2oo la2e5
Ra2he, 2han sla6 yo03 she sli7es yo0, e86osed +a7e 4i2h he, lon/ nails5 Yo0 +lin7h
-a7.4a,ds3 2he 4o0nds -0,nin/ 4i2h some 6o2en2 1enom5
B02 she is no2 +inished ye25 Ca1in/ he, hands in a 7om6le8 /es20,e3 she 7han2s
and s0ddenly +lin/s he, hands o02 a2 yo05 &i/h2in/ a,7s +,om he, +in/e,s and
7om-ines in2o a -ol2 2ha2 -las2s yo0 a2 sho,2 ,an/e3 sendin/ yo0 +lyin/ -a7.4a,ds and
smashin/ in2o 2he 4all he,ad +i,s25
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 543
O2he,4ise 2he 6oison -0,ns 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody 2o yo0, hea,2 andI
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
521
&i+2in/ yo0, hand 4i2h a 2o6aK ,in/ on i23 yo0 7on7en2,a2e and 2,y 2o ,e1eal 2he
ma/i7al 6,o6e,2ies o+ 2he ,in/5 Da,m 4ai2s 6a2ien2ly3 an ind0l/en2 smile 70,1in/ his
li6s5 Yo0 +eel 2he ma/i7al hea,2 o+ 2he ,in/3 and yo0 +eel 2he 6o4e, 0nlo7.ed 4i2hin
eme,/e5
The 2o6aK s2a,2s 2o /lo4 4i2h a so+23 4a,m li/h25 Yo0 4ai2 e86e72an2ly3 -02 2he,e
doesn?2 seem 2o -e any2hin/ else ha66enin/5 Yo0 hea, Da,m 7h07.le5 LI /a1e a ,in/
li.e 2ha2 2o my assassin5 I ho6e yo0 did no2 do him any ha,mO A 2imid 7,ea20,e3 -02
he 7an 602 a .ni+e in man?s -a7. and es7a6e -e+o,e his 4ido4 no2i7es he, ne4 s2a20s5
I da,e no2 .ee6 him inside 2he 6ala7e 4i2h me5N He s2ands and li+2s his hand5 LYo0
ha1e had yo0, 20,n5 No4 I 4ill ha1e mineMN He -e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,3 o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 5+4
I+ no23 20,n 2o 677
523
Yo0 -e/in 2o ,e7i2e 2he ma/i7 4o,ds3 sendin/ 2he /a2he,in/ ma/i7 2o4a,ds
Kianmay5 She 4a27hes yo0 4i2h -em0semen23 shi+2in/ a-o02 0n7om+o,2a-ly as she
+eels 2he ma/i7 se22lin/ a,o0nd he,5 S0ddenly she /as6s and +alls 2o he, .nees5 Yo0,
in7an2a2ion ,ea7hes an end and yo0 4a27h a66,ehensi1ely5
Kianmay s2a,2s 2o 4,i2he3 and s0ddenly 2he -a7. o+ he, ,o-e is 2o,n as 24o /,ea2
,ed s6i.es 6,o2,0de o025 She s2ands3 2ea,in/ a2 he, 7lo2hes 4i2h 7la4ed +in/e,s5 The
=<%
FF - Diamond
6ie7es o+ 7lo2h +all a4ay 2o ,e1eal he, -ody /,o4in/ 2iny ,ed s7ales5 Only he, head
,emains 2he same3 4hile 2he s7ales /,o4 2o 7o1e, he, -ody and 2he /,ea2 ,ed s6i.es on
he, -a7. 0n+0,l in2o massi1e -a2 4in/s5 Finally she is 7om6le2e and s7,ee7hes 4i2h an
0nholy s7,eam3 a lon/ +o,.ed 2on/0e lashin/ 2he ai,5
She lea6s 064a,ds3 2he 4in/s s6,eadin/ o02 mo2ionless3 ye2 s066o,2in/ he,
ma/i7ally as she ho1e,s in 2he ai,5 She loo.s a2 yo0 a2 la0/hs5 She ,aises one hand3 a
/lo4in/ >a1elin a66ea,in/ in i25 Yo0 dash +o, 7o1e, and lea6 -ehind a 7hes2 as 2he
>a1elin is h0,led in2o 2he +loo, 4e,e yo0 4e,e momen2s 6,e1io0sly3 /o0/in/ o02 a
/,ea2 hole5
Yo0 ,ealise 2he 7hes2 4ill no2 6,o2e72 yo03 -02 as yo0 ,ise 2o ,0n3 yo0 see 2ha2
Da,m has 2a.en ad1an2a/e o+ Kianmay?s a22a7. on yo0 2o s2,i.e a2 he,5 A 2end,il o+
/,eyish mis2 ,ises +,om 2he /,o0nd -elo4 he,5 I2 has en/0l+ed he, and seems 2o -e
some so,2 o+ -a,,ie,5 &i/h2 a66ea,s in Kianmay?s hands and +o,ms in2o a lon/ 70,1ed
-lade 4i2h 4hi7h she slashes a2 2he -a,,ie, and sli6s o02 in 2ime 2o ,e7ei1ed 2he -,0n2
o+ a massi1e li/h2in/ -ol2 7as2 -y Da,m5
I2 7,a7.les o1e, he,3 60shin/ he, -a7. in 2he ai,3 -02 seems 2o lea1e he, mos2ly
0nha,med5 He, 2ail lashes 2he ai, in i,,i2a2ion as she s2,ea.s +o,4a,d3 shinin/ -lade in
hand5 Da,m s20m-les -a7. and e,e72s an in1isi-le 4all 2ha2 Kianmay 7,ashes in2o5
She slashes a2 is 4i2h a s7,eam3 2he ma/i7al de+en7e sha22e,in/ and +ie,y sha,ds +,om
he, 4ea6on s2,i.in/ Da,m5
He 7,ies o02 in 6ain3 and as Kianmay des7ends on him 2o deal 2he dea2h--lo43 he
60lls o02 a small -la7. 70-e and sho02s some 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5 A 4hi2e -ol2 -las2s o02
o+ i2 and s2,i.es Kianmay5 She +alls +,om 2he ai, li.e a s2one and lands hea1ily on 2he
+loo,5 Da,m loo.s a2 2he 70-e in annoyan7e and 2osses i2 aside5 A66a,en2ly i2 is
em62y no45
He s2ands o1e, Kianmay and 7han2s3 4a1in/ his hands 0n2il he, -ody 2,ans+o,ms
-a7. in2o a 4oman3 al2ho0/h s2ill 4i2h 2iny 4in/s and a 2ail5 He 2a.es o++ his +ine
o02e, ,o-e and d,a-s i2 o1e, he, na.ed -ody3 2hen in his 0nde, ,o-e lim6s a4ay +,om
he, 2o /la,e a2 yo05
LTha2 4as +oolish5 Yo0 endan/e,ed he, mos2 o+ allMN
Kianmay s2i,s3 and s2a,2s 2o ,ise3 holdin/ he, head5 She loo.s a,o0nd in 7on+0sion3
7l027hin/ 2he ,o-e a,o0nd he, -ody5 Seein/ Da,m so 7lose3 she s7,am-les 2o he, +ee2
and ,e2,ea2s 7lose, 2o yo05 She 6i7.s 06 2he ,emains o+ he, ,o-es and -e/ins 2o d,ess
he,sel+ in 2hem -enea2h Da,m?s ,o-e3 as i+ she 4ishes 2o 7as2 i2 aside as soon as she
7an5
Da,m snee,s and 20,ns 2o yo03 2hen -e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,3 o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
O2he,4ise 20,n 2o 540
527
Yo0 -,ie+ly 2ell 2he se,6en2 4oman a-o02 2he Diamond Key3 Kin/ Da,m3 and yo0,
90es2 2o s2o6 him someho45 He, eyes 4iden as she lis2ens3 and yo0 sense 2ha2 yo0
4e,e ,i/h2 2o 2,0s2 he,5 Chen yo0 ha1e +inished3 she nods 70,2ly5
LDa,m is .no4n 2o 0s5 Many 2imes he has 7ome he,e3 ye2 4i2h 2he 7o0,2esy o+ a
s4ine-he,de, ,a2he, 2han a .in/M I shall 2a.e yo0 2o 2he 90een and yo0 4ill ma.e yo0,
7ase5 I ho6e 2ha2 she 4ill assis2 yo05N
=<'
FF - Diamond
She mo1es o++ and yo0 +ollo4 a+2e, he,3 2he +o0, se,6en2-/0a,ds +o,min/ 06
a,o0nd yo05 The main 6a2h 2h,o0/h 2he /a,dens 4inds -a7. and +o,2h3 and yo0 no2i7e
2he,e a,e no s2,ai/h2 se72ions any4he,e5 Ho4e1e,3 ,a2he, 2han -ein/ led 2o a hole in
2he /,o0nd3 2he 4indin/ 6a2h leads 2o a /,ea2 6ala7e o+ ,ed and /old5 The,e is a
ma,-le slo6e ,a2he, 2ha2 a s2ai,4ay3 and 2he se,6en2-6eo6le sli2he, 06 i23 4hile yo0
4al. 06 0n7om+o,2a-ly5 The /0a,ds 6eel o++ 2o 2he sides and disa66ea,3 4hile 2he
4oman leads yo0 2h,o0/h an o6en a,7h4ay in2o a la,/e ,e72an/0la, 7ham-e, 4i2h a
6ai, o+ 7losed doo,s a2 2he +a, end5 The,e a,e some la,/e o,na2ely 7a,1en 7hai,s
a/ains2 2he 4alls and yo0 a,e in1i2ed 2o si25
Yo0 2a.e a sea2 and admi,e 2he 6ain2ed 6a6e, lan2e,ns 2ha2 han/ +,om 2he 7eilin/5 I2
is only a +e4 min02es la2e, 4hen a /on/ so0nds3 and 2he doo,s o6en5 A 6ai, o+
se,6en2-/0a,ds eme,/e5 Thei, sna.e 6a,2s a,e -la7. s7aled3 and 2hey ha1e o,na2e /old
-,eas26la2es inlaid 4i2h ,0-ies5 They 7a,,y -anded ,ods in 2hei, hands3 and 4ea,
7i,7le2s on 2hei, heads5
LT,a1elle,MN -ooms one5 LYo0 ha1e 7ome 2o 2he 7o0,2 o+ !0een ShimishisMN
LEn2e, and 6ay yo0, ,es6e72sMN -ooms 2he o2he, in 20,n5
Yo0 s2and and ne,1o0sly a66,oa7h3 6assin/ -e24een 2hem5 Yo0 en2e, a 2h,one
,oom 4i2h a 7eilin/ hi/h a-o1e5 A -al7ony ed/es 2he 066e, le1els3 and yo0 see many
se,6en2-6eo6le s2a,in/ do4n a2 yo03 mos2 4i2h 0n+,iendly +a7es5 The 4all a,e hidden
in 2he da,.ness -ehind 2he s066o,2in/ 6illa,s o+ 2he -al7onies3 e87e62 +o, 2he 4all
ahead3 06on 4hi7h is mo0n2ed a h0/e /olden dis73 inlaid 4i2h >ade3 ala-as2e, and
ony8 +o,min/ a s6i,al o+ 2h,ee se,6en2s5 Unde,nea2h is a slo6e-ed/ed dais3 and on 2o6
is a se2 o+ 6ain2ed sil. s7,eens3 -ehind 4hi7h yo0 7an 1a/0ely see some mo1emen25
The 7a,6e2 yo0 a,e 4al.in/ on ends se1e,al ya,ds -e+o,e 2he +oo2 o+ 2he dais and
yo0 ins2in72i1ely 7ome 2o a s2o6 2he,e5
Silen7e 6e,1ades 2he ai, +o, se1e,al momen2s3 2hen a 1oi7e 7omes +,om -ehind 2he
s7,een5 I2 is a so+2 and 90ie2 1oi7e3 /e2 i2 7a,,ies a sense o+ 0n-elie1a-le s2,en/2h5
This is one 4ho ne1e, needs 2o sho023 +o, all 4ill -end 2hei, ea, 2o hea, 2he -,ie+es2
4o,d she s6ea.s5
LChy does a 4a,,io, 7ome 2o my hallON
Yo0 s4allo4 ne,1o0sly and 2a.e a -,ea2h 2o 2ell he, a-o02 yo0, 90es2 a/ains2
Da,m5
T0,n 2o 638
528
Yo0 s2and 06 s2,ai/h25 LI 4ill o++e, my li+e 2o sa1e Da,m +,om his e1il5N
The 0ni7o,n says no2hin/3 -02 4al.s o1e, 2o yo0 and ,aises he, head5 Yo0 see a
+li7.e, o+ 4hi2e +lame s6,o02 +,om 2he 2i6 o+ 2he ho,n and +loa2 06 in2o 2he ai, li.e a
sno4+la.e5 I2 d,i+2s do4n4a,ds and lands on yo0, head5 Cold 4hi2e +i,e +lo4s do4n
o1e, yo0, -ody5 Yo0 4a27h 4i2h 4onde, as 2he +i,e ea2s a4ay a2 yo0, +lesh3
dissol1in/ yo0 2o no2hin/ 4i2hin se7onds5
Yo0, s6i,i2 +loa2s a-o1e 2he /,o0nd3 and yo0 see yo0, -ones and a,mo0, dissol1e
in2o smo.e as 4ell3 lea1in/ no2hin/ -02 a -la7. 7i,7le on 2he +loo, 4i2h 2he Diamond
Key si22in/ in 2he 7en2,e5 The 0ni7o,n 20,ns +,om 4he,e yo0 4e,e and +a7es Da,m5 I2
says no2hin/3 -02 i2s ho,n s2a,2s 2o /lo4 so+2ly5
In ,es6onse3 Da,m?s s.in s2a,2s 2o s6a,.le5 An loo. o+ 4onde, +ills his +a7e3 -02
2hen an e86,ession o+ /,ie+ 7on2o,2s his +ea20,es3 and he +alls 2o his .nees and s2a,2s 2o
=<(
FF - Diamond
4ee65 The /lo4 +ades3 -02 he 7on2in0es 2o 7,y li.e a 7hild5 The 0ni7o,n 20,ns in2o
4hi2e smo.e3 4hi7h -,ea.s a6a,2 and dis6e,ses 2o4a,ds 2he 7eilin/5
Many min02es 6ass3 and +inally Da,m s2ands5 He loo.s mo,e a2 6ea7e and s2a,es
a2 Kianmay 4i2h a smile5 LI do no2 .no4 4ha2 has ha66ened 2o me5 B02 I ,emem-e,
all yo0, 4o,ds3 and no4 2hey ,esona2e 4i2hin me 4i2h 2he ,in/ o+ 2,02h5 Be+o,e I 4as
2oo a+,aid 2o e1en lis2en 2o yo05 F,om 4hen7e 2his 7o0,a/eO This li+2in/ o+ -lindness
+,om my eyesON
Kianmay 7anno2 ans4e, him5
Yo0 s2a,2 2o d,i+2 a4ay3 and 7anno2 hea, 4ha2e1e, else is said5 Yo0 de6a,2 +,om 2he
mo,2al 4o,ld and s2a,2 2o 6l0n/e do4n in2o da,.ness5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
524
Yo0 2a.e o02 yo0, 4ea6on and /i1e 2he h02 a .i7.3 ma.in/ i2 sha.e5 LHeyM Gi1e
me 4ha2e1e, i2ems o+ 6o4e, yo0 ha1e3 o, I 4ill smash yo0, h02 2o 6ie7es and 2hem
yo0MN
L"leaseM &ea1e me aloneM I ha1e no2hin/MN 2he 7,ea20,e 7,ies 6a2he2i7ally5
Unmo1ed3 yo0 -e/in 2o smash 2he h023 6ie7es +allin/ o++ a2 e1e,y s2,o.e5
E1en20ally yo0 .i7. 2he h02 a/ain3 and i2 +alls o1e, in 6ie7es5 The 7,ea20,e is h0ddled
2he,e3 hands o1e, his head3 7han2in/ a4ay5 Yo0 le1el yo0, 4ea6on3 -02 -e+o,e yo0
7an 2h,ea2en him3 yo0 +eel 2he ai, -0KKin/ 4i2h ma/i73 and 2he 7,ea20,e s2a,2s 2o /,o45
Yo0 s20m-le -a7.4a,ds as i2 s4ells and e86ands o1e, yo0, head5 The yello4ed s.in
/,o4s +0, 2ha2 2hi7.ens and da,.ens3 7la4s s6,o02in/ on 2he +in/e,s5
In momen2s yo0 a,e +a7ed 4i2h a /ian2 yello4-eyed -ea, 2ha2 ,oa,s and ,0shes a2
yo05 Yo0 m0s2 +i/h2 i25
GIANT BEAR SKI&& ) STAMINA <# DB )* ARMOUR
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 465
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 55+
I+ yo0 a,e >0s2 .illed3 20,n 2o 125
526
I+ she 7an hel6 yo0 2o es7a6e3 yo0 7an al4ays a-andon he, la2e,5 LYo0 7an 7ome
4i2h me3N yo0 say3 /i1in/ he, a smile5
She 7la6s he, hands in e87i2emen25 LConde,+0lMN
LHo4 lon/ 4ill i2 2a.e yo0 2o 6a7. yo0, 2hin/sON
LI may 2a.e no2hin/ 4i2h me3N she ,e6lies3 7losin/ he, eyes and -e/innin/ 2o 4a1e
he, hands5 Then he, -ody s4ays5 I2 loo.s li.e she is dan7in/3 e87e62 yo0 7an +eel 2he
ai, a,o0nd yo0 -e/in 2o mo1e3 and 2in/lin/ +ills yo0, -ody5 She mo1es +o,4a,d and
602s he, a,ms a,o0nd yo03 6,essin/ he,sel+ 7lose3 2hen she sens0o0sly 4,a6s he,
se,6en2 6a,2 a,o0nd yo0 and he, h0man 6a,25 As 2he 7oils ,ise hi/he,3 yo0 -e/in 2o /e2
ne,1o0s3 -02 some2hin/ is +lo4in/ 2h,o0/h yo0 +,om he, and yo0 +ind 2ha2 yo0 7anno2
s6ea.3 o, mo1e5
=<E
FF - Diamond
Yo0 s2a,2 2o 6ani73 -02 yo0 a,e soon en7losed and 2he 2in/lin/ +eelin/ -e7omes all
yo0 7an +eel3 0n2il 2he,e is an 0n6leasan2 sensa2ion no2 0nli.e some2hin/ slidin/ do4n
yo0, 2h,oa25
E1en20ally 2he sensa2ions +ade3 and 4hen yo0 7an see a/ain3 yo0 a,e s2andin/ as
-e+o,e3 -02 2he se,6en2 6,in7ess is no4he,e 2o -e seen5 Yo0 2,y 2o 20,n yo0, head 2o
loo. a,o0nd 2he ,oom3 -02 yo0 7anno25 Yo0, a,m ,aises -y i2sel+3 and yo0, head -ends
2o loo. a2 yo0, a,m5 Yo0 2hen -e/in 2o 4al.3 >e,.ily a2 +i,s23 -02 2hen 4i2h in7,easin/
7on+iden7e5
Yo0 a,e a 6assen/e, 4i2hin yo0, o4n -ody5 Yo0 -ody /oes -a7. 2o 2he doo,4ay
and o6ens i2 7a,e+0lly5 "ee,in/ o023 yo0 and yo0, -ody see 2ha2 2he,e is no one 2he,e3
so yo0 mo1e 90i7.ly 4i2h so+2 s2e6s 2o4a,ds 2he na,,o4 7o,,ido, 4he,e yo0 en2e,ed5
A +e4 min02es la2e, yo0 ha1e le+2 2he 6ala7e and a,e in 2he /a,dens5 To yo0, /,ea2
7ons2e,na2ion3 yo0, -ody 2i62oes 2h,o0/h 2he /a,dens 4i2h e8a//e,a2ed s2e6s3 as i+ yo0
4e,e 4al.in/ on d,ied lea1es ins2ead o+ /,ass5 Yo0 no2i7e se,6en2-/0a,ds in 2he
dis2an7e3 -02 yo0, -ody only /lan7es a2 2hem and does no2 seem ala,med3 -02
7on2in0es i2s silly so+2-s2e66in/5
I2 2a.es o1e, hal+ an ho0,3 -02 yo0 e1en20ally a,,i1e -a7. a2 2he sh,ine5 D0,in/
yo0, >o0,ney yo0 ha1e lea,ned 2ha2 2he se,6en2 /0a,ds o-1io0sly ha1e 6oo,e, eyesi/h2
2han yo03 and 7anno2 see o1e, 2he dis2an7es yo0 7an5 Yo0 also ,eason 2ha2 someho4
,0nnin/ +oo2s2e6s 4ill d,a4 2hem3 4hi7h is 4hy 2hey 4e,e a-le 2o 2,a7. yo0 4hile yo0
,an5 The so+2 s2e6s mean2 2he se,6en2-/0a,ds 7o0ld no2 sense yo0, 6assin/5
Yo0 do no2 .no4 4hy i2 is so3 -02 yo0, -ody 4al.s 2,i0m6han2ly in2o 2he sh,ine3
4his2lin/ a 20ne5 I2 s2e6s in2o 2he s2one 7i,7le and a l0mino0s 4hi2e mis2 -e/ins 2o
o-s70,e 2he /a,dens a,o0nd yo05 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0
a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5
Yo0 s2and 2he,e and 4ai2 +o, yo0, -ody 2o mo1e o++3 -02 i2 does no2hin/5
E86e,imen2ally 70,lin/ yo0, 2oes3 yo0 +eel 2hem mo1e3 and yo0 ,ealise yo0 a,e no4
-a7. in 7on2,ol o+ yo0, -ody5 Than.+0lly3 yo0 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he
se,6en2s and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 do no2 .no4 4ha2 ha66ened 2o 2he se,6en2-6,in7ess3 and yo0 e8amine yo0,sel+
as -es2 as yo0 7an3 -02 7an see no di++e,en7es5 Ho4e1e,3 ma.e a no2e 2han yo0 ha1e
-een >oined 2o a se,6en2-4omen5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
525
Yo0 nod slo4ly5 LThis e86lains many 2hin/s5N
Da,m smiles 4a,mly5 LAnd 4ill yo0 /i1e me 2he Diamond KeyON
I+ yo0 ha1e a +a.e Diamond Key and yo0 don?2 ,eally -elie1e him3 yo0 7an o++e, 2he
+a.e .ey as a 4ay o+ /e22in/ 7lose 2o him5 To do 2his 20,n 2o 02+
I+ yo0 do -elie1e him and 4an2 2o 2ell him 4he,e 2he Diamond Key is 7on7ealed3 20,n
2o 468
O2he,4ise yo0 4ill ha1e 2o 2ell him 2ha2 yo0 don?2 ,eally -elie1e him3 20,n 2o 574
==*
FF - Diamond
502
I+ yo0 ha1e s4o,n an oa2h no2 2o ,e1eal 2he Col+?s se7,e23 20,n 2o 664
O2he,4ise 20,n 2o 5+5
500
Ca,,yin/ 2he -o8 o+ /ems o1e, 2o 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he desi/n 4he,e 2he se,6en2s heads
mee2 yo0 7onside, 4hi7h 7om-ina2ion 2o 2,y;
G,ey-,0-y3 -la7.-sa66hi,e3 4hi2e-eme,ald: 20,n 2o 836
G,ey-,0-y3 -la7.-eme,ald3 4hi2e-sa66hi,e: 20,n 2o 473
G,ey-sa66hi,e3 -la7.-,0-y3 4hi2e-eme,ald: 20,n 2o 451
G,ey sa66hi,e3 -la7.-eme,ald3 4hi2e-,0-y: 20,n 2o 601
G,ey-eme,ald3 -la7.-,0-y3 4hi2e-sa66hi,e: 20,n 2o 612
G,ey-eme,ald3 -la7.-sa66hi,e3 4hi2e-,0-y: 20,n 2o 571
50+
As Da,m -e/ins 2o 7as2 his s6ell3 yo0 see Kianmay 2a.e o02 2he sil1e, s7a,a- yo0
/a1e 2o he,5 She 7loses he, eyes and -e/ins 2o 7on7en2,a2e5 Sensin/ some2hin/3 Da,m
s2o6s his in7an2a2ion and s6ins a,o0nd 2o +a7e he,5
An a0,a o+ 7olo0,ed li/h2 a66ea,s a,o0nd Kianmay3 and an e86,ession o+ /,ea2
6ea7e and >oy a66ea,s on he, +a7e5 She o6ens he, eyes and loo.s a2 Da,m and 2hen
yo05 I2 is no2 Kianmay yo0 a,e loo.in/ a25 I2 is 2he Chi2e GoddessM Yo0 -lin.5 She
has Kianmay?s3 s.in3 and +a7e and hai,3 d,essed in 2he same 4hi2e ,o-e3 -02 e1e,y2hin/
is also di++e,en23 mo,e555,adian25
The Chi2e Goddess loo.s -a7. a2 Da,m and an e86,ession o+ sadness +ills he,
eyes5 Da,m +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd and s2a,2s 2o 4ee65 The Chi2e Goddess /lides +o,4a,d
and ,ea7hes do4n3 d,a4in/ him 064a,ds and holdin/ his hands5
Da,m loo.s a2 he,3 eyes 4ide 4i2h amaKemen25 LI don?2 4an2 2o die3N he says5
LI2 is no2 ye2 yo0, 2ime3N 2he Chi2e Goddess ,e6lies5 LThis 6la7e is no2 /ood +o,
yo05 F,ee yo0, son3 and 4e 4ill /o5N
Da,m nods5 He 20,ns and 4a1es his hands3 2he ma,-le a,ms im6,isonin/ yo0
slidin/ do4n and +lo4in/ -a7. in2o 2he +loo,5 The .in/ 20,ns -a7. 2o 2he /oddess 4i2h
a smile5 The /oddess smiles a2 him3 2hen 2a.es o++ one he, sli66e,s5 The sli66e,
/,o4s and 2,ans+o,ms in2o a /,ea2 d,a/on o+ dee6 ,ed and ,adian2 /old5 The Chi2e
Goddess 2a.es3 Da,m?s hands and 2hey s2e6 06 on2o 2he -a7. o+ 2he -eas23 4hi7h li+2s
i2sel+ e++o,2lessly in2o 2he ai,5
The Chi2e Goddess loo.s do4n a2 yo0 and s6ea.s5 LBe4a,e5 Yo0, hea,2 is on a
6,e7i6i7e5N
The d,a/on 2hen +lies a4ay3 6assin/ 2h,o0/h 2he 7eilin/5 In momen2s all is s2ill and
90ie2 and yo0 a,e alone5
T0,n 2o 522
==)
FF - Diamond
501
S0,,o0nded -y a hea1y 7a,1ed 4ooden +,ame3 a small 6anel a2 2he -o22om o+ 2he
6ain2in/ says; *he /attle of *he Front% I2 is a -a22le -e24een h0man 4a,,io,s mo0n2ed
on ho,ses a/ains2 all manne, o+ -eas2s3 in7l0din/ a la,/e--,eas2ed 4oman 4ho is a
se,6en2 -elo4 2he 4ais25 She 4ields a s7e62,e and di,e72s o2he, se,6en2s3 4i2h h0man
heads3 2o a22a7.5
I+ yo0 ,ead 2he no2e in 2he lo7.ed -o8 in 2he so,7e,e,?s a6a,2men23 2hen yo0 .no4
some2hin/ a-o02 2his 6ain2in/5 Use 2he al6ha-n0me,i7 .ey -elo4 2o +ind 2he n0m-e,
7o,,es6ondin/ 2o 2he sin/le-4o,d 7ode4o,d +,om 2he le22e,5 On7e yo0 ha1e yo0,
n0m-e,3 m0l2i6ly i2 -y )# and add E5 This 4ill /i1e yo0 2he ,e+e,en7e yo0 need 2o
20,n 2o5
a * c d e f g h i 9 k l m
) < = # % ' ( E )* )) ) )<
n o p : r s t u ; . < y =
)= )# )% )' )( )E * ) < = # %
O2he,4ise yo0 7an;
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
I+ yo0 ha1e an ame2hys2 7ondo, am0le23 yo0 7an s20dy 2he -oo.s -y 20,nin/ 2o 806
O, yo0 7an lea1e 2his ,oom and /o -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o 6,o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall
@825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
503
T,yin/ 2o i/no,e Da,m3 yo0 7on7en2,a2e on 2he /a0n2le25 Yo0 +eel in1isi-le
2end,ils eme,/e +,om i2 and ,ea7h o023 sea,7hin/ +o, some2hin/5 The 2end,ils ,ea7h
do4n in2o 2he ea,2h +a, -elo4 and 7onne72 4i2h massi1e s2,eams o+ 6o4e, 2he,e3 2he
1eins o+ 2he ea,2h5 The 2h,ead-li.e 2end,ils s0ddenly s4ell 4i2h 6o4e,3 -e7omin/ as
2hi7. as 2,ee 2,0n.s and +eedin/ 2he 2o,,en2 in2o yo0, hand5 Yo0 +eel li.e yo0 a,m is
/oin/ 2o -0,s23 and 4ill 2he ene,/y 2o shoo2 o02 o+ yo0, hand5
Yo0 +eel li.e yo0, a,m is -ein/ 2o,n a6a,23 and shield yo0, eyes +,om 2he -lindin/
li/h2 as yo0, ma/i7al a22a7. ,oa,s and 7,a7.les5 A+2e, all is s2ill3 yo0 o6en yo0, eyes
and 7he7. +i,s2 2ha2 yo0, a,m is s2ill 2he,e -e+o,e loo.in/ a2 2he 6a2h o+ des2,072ion
e82endin/ o02 +,om yo0, sha22e,ed 7a/e5
The +loo, has -een /o0/ed o023 2he ed/es o+ 2he 7a,6e2 on +i,e5 Mos2 o+ 2he 4all
o66osi2e is /one3 a 20nnel 2o,n 2h,o0/h se1e,al ,ooms and o02 o+ 2he 6ala7e3 e1en
smashin/ 2h,o0/h 2he 7i2adel 4all5 Th,o0/h 2he hole in 2he 4all yo0 7an see dis2an2
,oo+2o6s a-laKe3 and hea, sho02 and 7,ies in 2he ni/h25 O+ Da,m and Kianmay 2he,e is
no si/n5
T0,n 2o 422
==
FF - Diamond
507
The li/h2nin/ -ol2 s2,i.es yo0 in 2he 7hes23 .no7.in/ yo0 -a7.4a,ds5 B02 a6a,2
+,om 2he 6hysi7al sho7. 2he,e is no 6ain as yo0, ma/i7al 6,o2e72ion a-so,-s 2he ene,/y
o+ 2he s6ell5 Yo0 ,oll 2o yo0, +ee2 and +a7e Da,m on7e mo,e5
The so,7e,e,-.in/ ,aises one eye-,o45 LSo yo0 ha1e some ma/i7al a-ili2y a+2e,
allO In2e,es2in/5 "e,ha6s yo0 4ill 6,o1ide a 7hallen/eM I am a so,7e,e, no43 and yo0
4ill no2 -es2 me 4i2ho02 ma/i7M &e2 0s ha1e a 7on2es25 O, 4ill yo0 -e 4ise and /i1e
me 2he Diamond KeyO Da,e yo0 ma27h yo0, 6i2i+0l s.ills a/ains2 meON
LI 4ill no2 /i1e yo0 2he Diamond Key3N yo0 say +i,mly5
LMany a +ool is 0sed +o, en2e,2ainmen2MN Da,m sna,ls3 -02 2hen 7alms himsel+5
L$e,y 4ellM I shall le2 yo0 /o +i,s25 Do 4ha2 ma/i7 yo0 4ill 2o a22a7. meMN
Cha2 ma/i7 4ill yo0 6e,+o,mO
Read a s7,oll;
Arcane scroll3 20,n 2o 4+7
Fireball3 20,n 2o 603
Lightning3 20,n 2o 61+
Null-magic3 20,n 2o 665
Fungus3 20,n 2o 516
Revelation3 20,n 2o 680
Use a sil1e, /a0n2le23 20,n 2o 635
Use an ea/le ,in/3 20,n 2o 510
Use a 2o6aK-se2 /old ,in/3 20,n 2o 521
Use a Diamond Cand3 20,n 2o 688
I+ yo0 ha1e no ma/i73 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o ,0n a2 him -y 20,nin/ 2o 614
508
On7e mo,e yo0 s6in 2he ,o6e and le2 2he hoo. soa, 064a,ds5 To yo0, deli/h2 2he
hoo. sails 2h,o0/h 2he o6enin/ and ,a22les lo0dly a-o1e5 Yo0 60ll 2he ,o6e 0n2il i2 is
2a0n23 2hen -e/in 2o 7lim- 064a,ds5
On7e yo0 a,e hal+4ay 06 yo0 hea, a 7,y o+ 2,i0m6h +,om 2he 4all -elo4 and 20,n
yo0, head 2o see a /,o06 o+ /0a,ds loo.in/ a2 yo05 The ne82 momen2 an a,,o4 7,a7.s
in2o 2he 4all -eside yo05 The /0a,ds ma.e a disa66oin2ed 7,y5 Yo0 a,e -ein/ 0sed
+o, 2a,/e2 6,a72i7e5
Tes2 yo0, &UCK5 I+ yo0 only ha1e one a,m3 yo0 m0s2 add < 2o 2he di7e ,oll sin7e
yo0 a,e no2 a-le 2o 7lim- as +as2 as yo0 7o0ld 4i2h 24o a,ms5
I+ yo0 a,e l07.y3 20,n 2o 8+2
I+ yo0 a,e 0nl07.y3 20,n 2o 534
==<
FF - Diamond
504
As Da,m is 7as2in/ his s6ell3 yo0 inhale 2o sho02 2he name o+ 2he Kin/?s
Cham6ion5 B02 as yo0 o6en yo0, mo02h a -laKe o+ li/h2 s2,ea.s a7,oss 2he ,oom and
s2,i.es Da,m in 2he 7hes23 sendin/ him s6,a4lin/3 his ,o-es i+ no2 his +lesh in +lames5
The .in/ 7,ies o02 in 6ain3 and ,olls alon/ 2he +loo, 2,yin/ 2o e82in/0ish 2he +lames5
As he ,olls a-o023 yo0 see a /lo4in/ +i/0,e s2e6 in2o 1ie45 I2 is 2he Kin/?s Cham6ion5
The 2all3 da,. s.inned 4a,,io, 7lad in 7,ys2al -,eas26la2e and helm s6a,es nei2he, yo0
no, Kianmay a /lan7e3 -02 loo.s 4i2h s0,6,isin/ loa2hin/ on his mona,7h5
Da,m e82in/0ishes 2he +lames3 and ,olls o1e, >0s2 in 2ime 2o see Bama, Qi 2o4e,in/
o1e, him3 >0s2 -e+o,e he 6l0n/es 2he 7,ys2al s6ea,head o+ his 4ea6on in2o Da,m?s
7hes25 The 7,ys2al -laKes3 and Da,m o6ens his mo02h is a silen2 s7,eam as his insides
a,e -0,n2 a4ay5
The .in/ sl0m6s dead 2o 2he +loo,5 Bama, Qi 20,ns a4ay and a66,oa7hes yo05 LTo
2hin. I 7o0ld ha1e slain him so easily a2 any 2ime5 Ye2 I did no25 Yo0 and yo0,
7o0,a/e3 e1en in yo0, 4ea.ness3 has sho4n me 2he 4ay 2o +,eedom5 I 2han. yo05N
He /i1es yo0 a -o43 and ano2he, 2o Kianmay -e+o,e lea1in/ 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 622
506
Yo0 2a.e o02 2he s6ell +o, li/h2nin/5 Yo0 se2 yo0, s2an7e3 e82end yo0, hand3 and
,ead 2he s6ell in a lo0d3 7lea, 1oi7e5
Ha1e yo0 -een >oined 2o a se,6en2-4omanO I+ so3 20,n 2o 450
I+ no23 20,n 2o 517
505
Yo0 2,y 2o lose yo0, 60,s0e,s -y 2,a7in/ a 6a2h 2ha2 ma.es no sense3 e1en -a7.
2,a7.in/ on yo0,sel+5 B02 4ha2e1e, yo0 do3 yo0 see 2hem in 2he dis2an7e3 al4ays
d,a4in/ di,e72ly 2o4a,ds yo05 I2 soon -e7omes 7lea, 2ha2 2hey 7an?2 see yo0 4hen yo0
see 2hem3 and yo0 a,e 6e,6le8ed as 2o ho4 2hey 7an d,a4 2o4a,ds yo0 so 0ne,,in/ly5
As 2he dis2an7e /e2s 2oo 7lose +o, 7om+o,23 yo0 /i1e 06 yo0, s2,a2e/ies and ,0n di,e72ly
2o4a,ds 2he sh,ine5
Yo0 ,0n 4i2h all yo0, mi/h2 and ,ea7h 2he sh,ine sa+ely3 -o0ndin/ 06 on2o 2he
7i,7le5 As soon as yo0 a,e -a7. in 2he 7i,7le3 ,adian2 mis2 -e/ins 2o o-s70,e 2he
/a,dens a,o0nd yo05 Yo0 see se1e,al se,6en2-/0a,ds only 6a7es a4ay and ,ealise yo0
ha1e made 2he slimmes2 o+ es7a6es5 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon
yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 6a0se 2o ,es2 +o, a +e4
min02es3 2hen 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he
lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
===
FF - Diamond
5+2
The 90een?s aim is a770,a2e and 2he -all o+ ene,/y smashes in2o yo0, 7hes23
sendin/ yo0 +lyin/ -a7.4a,ds3 4i2h a -0,nin/ 6ain s0,/in/ 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody +,om
2he im6a72 6oin25 Yo0 -a,ely +eel i2 is as yo0 smash in2o 2he no4 ha,d +loo,3 sendin/
yo0, 6l0n/in/ in2o -la7.ness
Yo0 a4a.e some 2ime la2e, se1e,ely -a22e,ed and in 6ain @,ed07e yo0, 70,,en2
SKI&& -y 24o 6oin2s3 and hal1e yo0, 70,,en2 STAMINAA5 Yo0 a,e s2ill lyin/ on 2he
+loo, in 2he 90een?s 7ham-e,3 -02 2he o2he, +i/0,e 6,esen2 is no2 2he 90een5 I2 is a
,o20nd li22le man no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee5 He smiles3 and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he
-el2 o+ his .il25 LTha2?s i2M U6 yo0 /e25 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es
yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h
him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e 20,ns and -e/ins 2o 4al. a4ay5 G,o//ily yo0 s2and and s2a//e,
a+2e, 2he small 7,ea20,e5 Yo0 s2a,2 2o +eel -e22e, as yo0 mo1e alon/5 Yo0 loo. a,o0nd
+o, 2he 90een3 -02 she is no4he,e in si/h25 By 2he 2ime yo0 ,ea7h 2he en2,an7e o+ 2he
-ed7ham-e,3 2he 7,ea20,e is /one3 -02 2he doo,s a2 2he end o+ 2he hall4ay ha1e -een
le+2 a>a,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay inside5
T0,n 2o 4+4
5+0
Da,m 6oin2s a2 yo03 and yo0 +eel yo0, s.in 2in/le as ma/i7 is laid 06on i25 Yo0
see Da,m ,ela8 4i2h a smile5 Yo0 mo1e +o,4a,d 2o smash him3 -02 yo0 +ind yo0,
-ody so s2i++ yo0 7an only mo1e a +e4 in7hes5 Yo0, +lesh is ,a6idly ha,denin/5 As
yo0, eyes ha,den yo0, 1ision disa66ea,s3 and yo0, o2he, senses disa66ea, as 4ell5
Yo0 ha1e -een 20,ned 2o s2one3 and yo0, so0l soon +l022e,s a4ay 2o +ind a ne4
6la7e 2o ,oos25
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
5++
Yo0 -a22le a/ains2 2he s.ele2ons3 -02 7anno2 7lea, yo0, es7a6e -e+o,e 2he o2he,s
s.ele2ons s0,/e 2o4a,ds yo0 and >oin 2he -a22le5 Yo0 ,e2,ea2 2o a 7l0s2e, o+
==#
FF - Diamond
s2ala/mi2es3 smashin/ do4n a +e4 s.ele2ons 2ha2 a,e 2,yin/ 2o 7lam-e, 2h,o0/h 2o /e2
yo05 The +oo2in/ is sli66e,y on 2he sli7. s2one3 -02 a2 leas2 2hey 7anno2 7ome a2 yo0
easily o+ all a2 on7e5
In 2he +ollo4in/ -a22le3 2he s.ele2ons 7an only 7ome a2 yo0 < a2 a 2ime5 Chen one
o+ 2he +i,s2 < +alls3 ,e6la7e i2 4i2h 2he ne82 s.ele2on on 2he lis25 Good l07.5
SKE&ETON ) SKI&& ' STAMINA E DB % ARMOUR *
SKE&ETON SKI&& % STAMINA ( DB = ARMOUR )
SKE&ETON < SKI&& ( STAMINA # DB ( ARMOUR *
SKE&ETON = SKI&& % STAMINA % DB % ARMOUR )
SKE&ETON # SKI&& # STAMINA ( DB * ARMOUR *
SKE&ETON % SKI&& ' STAMINA ' DB ( ARMOUR *
SKE&ETON ' SKI&& ' STAMINA E DB )= ARMOUR
SKE&ETON ( SKI&& )* STAMINA ' DB )* ARMOUR )
SKE&ETON E SKI&& # STAMINA # DB ( ARMOUR *
SKE&ETON )* SKI&& # STAMINA )* DB % ARMOUR *
SKE&ETON )) SKI&& ( STAMINA % DB = ARMOUR )
SKE&ETON ) SKI&& ' STAMINA ( DB ( ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 681
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 4+5
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 125
5+1
S4in/in/ 2he +i,es4o,d3 yo0 702 2h,o0/h 2he ma,-le +in/e,s holdin/ yo0 and -,ea.
yo0, 4ay o025 Yo0 7ha,/e a2 him3 -02 he s2ill does no2 seem a+,aid5 He 4a1es his
hands on7e mo,e3 and yo0 a,e hois2ed 06 in2o 2he ai,3 yo0 7on2in0e 2o d,i+2 +o,4a,d3
and soon 7ome 2o a s2o6 in 2he ai, a +e4 ya,ds a4ay5
Yo0 slash a-o02 4i2h 2he +i,es4o,d3 -02 yo0, -lade mee2s no2hin/5 Da,m smiles a2
yo03 and -e/ins 2o 4a1e his hands5 Kianmay s0ddenly sho1es him3 -,ea.in/ his
7on7en2,a2ion5 Yo0 +all 2o 2he /,o0nd3 and des6i2e landin/ a4.4a,dly and 24is2in/
yo0, an.le3 yo0 >0m6 +o,4a,d3 s4in/in/ 2he des2,072i1e -lade5 Yo0 an.le is healed -y
2he se7ond s2e6 and yo0 lea6 a2 Da,m3 4hose eyes o6en 4ide in +ea,3 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,
s6,in/in/ 2o his li6s5
B02 i2 is 2oo la2e5 The ho2 -lade 702s him in 24o3 se22in/ +i,e 2o his ,o-es5 The 702s
a,e sea,ed3 so 2he,e isn?2 e1en any -lood5 Da,m 20m-les 2o 2he /,o0nd in 24o 6ie7es5
The smell o+ -0,n2 +lesh +ills 2he ai, as he dies on 2he +loo,5
T0,n 2o 622
==%
FF - Diamond
5+3
T0,nin/ a4ay +,om 2he 6ool3 yo0 2a.e 2he nea,es2 20,n5 Yo0 ha1e only 2a.en a +e4
s2e6s 4hen yo0 hea, a s7,a66in/ so0nd3 as i+ some2hin/ is -ein/ d,a//ed s4i+2ly alon/
2he /,o0nd5 Yo0 7a27h a /lim6se o+ mo1emen2 2h,o0/h 2he 2,ees ahead5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,0n o++ 2he 6a2h and hide 2o see 4ho is 7omin/ and 4ha2 2hey a,e
d,a//in/3 20,n 2o 530
I+ yo0 4o0ld 6,e+e, 2o 4ai2 and 7on+,on2 2hem3 20,n 2o 553
5+7
As Da,m -e/ins 2o 7as2 his s6ell3 yo0 see Kianmay 2a.e o02 2he sil1e, s7a,a- yo0
/a1e 2o he,5 She 7loses he, eyes and -e/ins 2o 7on7en2,a2e5 Sensin/ some2hin/3 Da,m
s2o6s his in7an2a2ion and s6ins a,o0nd 2o +a7e he,5
An a0,a o+ 7olo0,ed li/h2 a66ea,s a,o0nd Kianmay3 and an e86,ession o+ /,ea2
6ea7e and >oy a66ea,s on he, +a7e5 She o6ens he, eyes and loo.s a2 Da,m and 2hen
yo05 I2 is no2 Kianmay yo0 a,e loo.in/ a25 I2 is 2he Chi2e GoddessM Yo0 -lin.5 She
has Kianmay?s3 s.in3 and +a7e and hai,3 d,essed in 2he same 4hi2e ,o-e3 -02 e1e,y2hin/
is also di++e,en23 mo,e555,adian25
The Chi2e Goddess loo.s -a7. a2 Da,m and an e86,ession o+ sadness +ills he,
eyes5 Da,m +alls 2o 2he /,o0nd and s2a,2s 2o 4ee65 The Chi2e Goddess /lides +o,4a,d
and ,ea7hes do4n3 d,a4in/ him 064a,ds and holdin/ his hands5
Da,m loo.s a2 he,3 eyes 4ide 4i2h amaKemen25 LI don?2 4an2 2o die5N He says5
LI2 is no2 ye2 yo0, 2ime3N 2he Chi2e Goddess ,e6lies5 LThis 6la7e is no2 /ood +o,
yo05N
Da,m nods3 and 2he /oddess smiles a2 him3 2hen 2a.es o++ one he, sli66e,s5 The
sli66e, /,o4s and 2,ans+o,ms in2o a /,ea2 d,a/on o+ dee6 -l0e and ,adian2 /old5 The
Chi2e Goddess 2a.es Da,m?s hands and 2hey s2e6 06 on2o 2he -a7. o+ 2he -eas23 4hi7h
li+2s i2sel+ e++o,2lessly in2o 2he ai,5
The Chi2e Goddess loo.s do4n a2 yo0 and s6ea.s5 LBe4a,e5 Yo0, hea,2 is on a
6,e7i6i7e5N
The d,a/on 2hen +lies a4ay3 6assin/ 2h,o0/h 2he 7eilin/5 In momen2s all is s2ill and
90ie2 and yo0 a,e alone5
T0,n 2o 522
5+8
The h02 is so small 2ha2 yo0 ha1e 2o /e2 do4n on yo0, hands and .nees 2o s2i7.
yo0, head inside5 Inside is a -lan.e2 on a 6ile o+ d,y 24i/s and lea1es5 The ,es2 o+ 2he
h02 is -a,e5
Yo0 a,e a-o02 2o lea1e 4hen yo0 s6y some2hin/ /lin2in/ inside 2he lea1es5 Yo0
,ea7h o02 2o 2a.e i23 -02 yo0, hand >0s2 6asses 2h,o0/h 2he 24i/s and lea1es5 The /lass
=='
FF - Diamond
,in/ s2o6s yo0 +,om /,a--in/ any2hin/ 2ha2 mo1es a,o0nd so m07h5 The /,o0nd
doesn?2 mo1e3 and so has some .ind o+ 6e,manen7e +o, yo0 2o ,es2 on5
A2 leas2 yo0 no4 .no4 2ha2 2he 7,ea20,e has some2hin/ 2ha2 may -e o+ 1al0e 2o
yo05
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2a.e o++ 2he ,in/ and 2al. 2o 2he 7,ea20,e3 20,n 2o 84+
I+ yo0 >0s2 4an2 2o lea1e3 20,n 2o 676
5+4
Da,m sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e, and 2h,0s2s his hand a2 yo05 The ai, i2sel+ ,0shes
2o4a,ds yo03 2hi7.enin/ in2o a s6ea, o+ +o,7e5 I2 s2,i.es yo0 so s4i+2ly and 6o4e,+0lly
2ha2 2he im6a72 is li.e -een hi2 -y a -a22e,in/ ,am5 Yo0, ma/i7al 6,o2e72ion 0n,a1els
2he ma/i73 -02 i2 only needs a momen2 2o in+li72 # 6oin2s o+ dama/e 2o yo0,
STAMINA
I+ yo0 a,e s2ill ali1e3 20,n 2o 873
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
I+ yo0 a,e >0s2 .illed3 20,n 2o 627
5+6
The 6oison 4o,.s i2s 4ay s4i+2ly 2o yo0, -,ain and yo0 +all 2o 2he /,o0nd as yo0,
lim-s -e7ome 4ea. and 90i1e,in/5 Soon yo0 7an +eel no2hin/ a2 all as yo0, senses
+ade one -y one3 6l0n/in/ yo0 in2o a silen23 em62y da,.ness5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
5+5
LAs yo0 m0s2 .no4 2he,e is a nomadi7 .in/ in 2he /,ea2 20nd,a 4ho 7alls himsel+
2he Col+3N yo0 -e/in5
LYesON Da,m says in a ne02,al 2one3 -02 yo0 see 2ha2 he is in2e,es2ed5
LI2 is no se7,e2 2ha2 he in2ends 2o a22a7. 2his 7i2y 2o 2a.e +o, himsel+5 B02 he has
ano2he, se7,e2 2ha2 I ha66en 2o .no4 4hi7h 4ill aid yo0 a/ains2 him5N
LCell3 4ha2 is i2ON Da,m as.s im6a2ien2ly5
LThe Col+ is in +a72 a 4e,e4ol+MN
Da,m nods slo4ly3 loo.in/ a2 yo0 2ho0/h2+0lly5 LThis I .ne4 al,eady3 -02 i2
6leases me 2ha2 yo0 s6ea. 2,02h+0lly 2o me3 no4 2ha2 I hold yo0, li+e in my hands5
"e,ha6s I sho0ld no2 .ill yo05N
He s2e6s o1e, 2o a small 2a-le ne82 2o his 2h,one3 4he,e yo0 see an i1o,y -o85 He
o6ens 2he -o8 and 2a.es o02 a /olden 6endan2 on a sho,2 7hain3 >0s2 lon/ eno0/h 2o
en7i,7le yo0, ne7.5 Holdin/ i2 in his hands3 he 4al. do4n +,om 2he 2h,one and
a66,oa7hes yo03 -02 s2o6s se1e,al ya,ds a4ay5
LAny 4a,,io, 4ho se,1es me loyally is /,an2ed one o+ 2hese5 Yo0 see my si/n5N
He sho4s yo0 2he 6endan23 4hi7h is o1al-sha6ed3 a-o02 as la,/e as yo0, 2h0m- and
inlaid 4i2h ony8 in 2he +o,m o+ a ,am6an2 lion3 s0,,o0nded -y se,6en2s in ,ed
==(
FF - Diamond
7o,nelian5 LA/,ee 2o se,1e me and I shall /i1e yo0 no2 only yo0, li+e3 -02 2his
6endan23 4hi7h shall /,an2 yo0 6o4e, in -a22le5N
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a >ade ,in/3 20,n 2o 630
Yo0 loo. a2 him and 2he 6endan2 d0-io0sly5 I2 mi/h2 -e a 2,i7. o+ some so,23
al2ho0/h he o-1io0sly has 2he 6o4e, 2o .ill yo0 i+ he 4an2s 2o5 I+ 2he 6endan2 does
indeed ma.e yo0 s2,on/e, yo0 7o0ld 0se i2 a/ains2 him3 o, a2 leas2 /e2 7lose, 2o him5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2a.e 2he 6endan2 and 602 i2 on3 20,n 2o 584
I+ yo0 7an?2 2,0s2 him3 yo0 had -es2 a22a7. him 4hile he is ,ela2i1ely 7lose5 T0,n 2o
548
512
&ea1in/ 2he 7o1e, o+ 2he 2hi7.e23 yo0 7a,e+0lly 7,ee6 2o4a,ds 2he 6ala7e5 Mo1in/
in2o 2he 2,ees 2ha2 ,in/ 2he 6ala7e3 yo0 mo1e a,o0nd 0n2il yo0 see a small doo, a2 2he
2o6 o+ a na,,o4 ,am65 Yo0 4a27h and 4ai2 +o, se1e,al min02es3 -02 see no 6a2,ollin/
sna.e-men5
Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 h0,,y o02 and 7lim- 06 2he ,am65 To yo0, deli/h2 2he
doo, is 0nlo7.ed and yo0 sli6 inside in2o a na,,o4 6assa/e5 Inside 2he 4alls a,e -la7.
4i2h s7enes 6ain2ed in me2alli7 7olo0,s as 4ell as i,ides7en2 -l0es3 /,eens and 60,6les5
They all de6i72 se,6en2-4a,,io,s in -a22le3 0s0ally 4ieldin/ ma/i7 a/ains2 +oes o+ all
.inds5 "a6e, lan2e,ns 6ain2ed in so+2e, 7olo0,s han/ +,om -eamed 7eilin/s3 and 2he
+loo,s a,e 6olished ma,-le o+ 1a,io0s h0es5
Yo0 -e/in 2o e86lo,e3 on 2he loo.o02 +o, 0se+0l i2ems o, in+o,ma2ion5 Rea7hin/ a
doo,4ay in2o a la,/e, hall3 yo0 6a0se 2o 7he7. 2ha2 i2 is 7lea,3 2hen mo1e o025 B02
yo0, l07. has ,0n o025 Rea7hin/ a doo,3 yo0 7onside, o6enin/ i23 4hen 2he doo, 6,e-
em62s any a72ion o+ yo0,s and s4in/s o024a,ds5 Yo0 7ome +a7e 2o +a7e 4i2h a
s2a,2led se,6en2-4omen5
Unli.e 2he se,6en2-/0a,ds yo0 sa43 2he 4oman?s +a7e is en2i,ely h0man3 and
-ea02i+0lly so5 &on/ -la7. hai, 7as7ades a,o0nd so+2 4hi2e sho0lde,s3 and a
de7o,a2i1e 4hi2e -,eas26la2e 2ha2 ,e1eals mo,e 2han i2 7o1e,s s0,,o0nds he, 2o,so5 The
a,mo0, a66ea,s 2o -e 7a,1ed +,om i1o,y and ado,ned 4i2h +lo4e,s5 He, eyes 2ho0/h
a,e a li22le dis20,-in/3 -ein/ ,ed: ,ed li.e he, s7aled ne2he, 6a,23 4hi7h is 2he -,i/h2 ,ed
o+ a 6oisono0s 1i6e,5
She ,ea,s 06 in s0,6,ise3 -,in/in/ he, lon/-nailed hands +o,4a,d5 B02 2he /aKe she
di,e72s a2 yo0 is 70,io0s mo,e 2han hos2ile5
LH0manMN she e87laims5 LChy a,e yo0 he,eO I may .ill yo0 me,ely +o, seein/
me5N
Yo0 a,e no2 s0,e 4ha2 she means3 -02 yo0 smile ,eass0,in/ly a2 he,5 LMy
a6olo/ies5 I ha1e 7ome 2o 2his s2,an/e /a,den -y means I do no2 0nde,s2and3 and ha1e
-een e86lo,in/ -lindly5N
She lo4e,s he,sel+ so 2ha2 he, +a7e is le1el 4i2h yo0,s and e8amines yo0 slo4ly
4i2h he, -lood-,ed eyes5 LCome 4i2h me3 h0man5 I2 is no2 sa+e +o, yo0 he,e5N
She 20,ns a,o0nd and sli2he,s -a7. in2o 2he ,oom +,om 4hi7h she 7ame5 Yo0 s2e6
a+2e, he,3 seein/ a 6,i1a2e 7ham-e,5 The 1i6e,-4oman 7loses 2he doo, -ehind yo03
2hen 20,ns 2o e8amine yo0 7losely on7e mo,e3 e1en mo1in/ 7lose 2o smell yo05 She
2hen ,ea7hes o02 and 7a,e+0lly 2o07hes yo0, +a7e 4i2h he, +in/e,s5
==E
FF - Diamond
Al2ho0/h she is a sna.e +,om 2he 4ais2 do4n3 he, h0man 6a,2 is 1e,y a22,a72i1e3
4i2h so+23 sno4y 4hi2e s.in3 and yo0, eyes 4ande, do4n 2o he, a,mo0,-a77en20a2ed
7lea1a/e5 She seems 2o li.e yo05
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2,y and .iss he,3 20,n 2o 46+
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, 2al. 2o he,3 20,n 2o 585
510
Ta.in/ o02 2he ea/le-se2 ,in/3 yo0 sli6 i2 on2o yo0, +in/e,3 hidin/ i2 +,om Da,m so
2ha2 he 7an?2 an2i7i6a2e 4ha2 4ill ha66en: 4ha2e1e, 2ha2 4ill -e5 Yo0 7on7en2,a2e and
2,y 2o ,e1eal 2he ma/i7al 6,o6e,2ies o+ 2he ,in/5 Da,m 4ai2s 6a2ien2ly3 an ind0l/en2
smile 70,1in/ his li6s5 Yo0 +eel 2he ma/i7al hea,2 o+ 2he ,in/3 and 2he 6o4e, lo7.ed
4i2hin eme,/es5
Yo0 +eel yo0, a4a,eness s2a,2in/ 2o ,ise +,om yo0, -ody5 The 6hysi7al 4o,ld
a,o0nd yo0 -e7omes +ain23 and yo0 see ano2he, s6i,i20al 4o,ld o7706yin/ 2he same
s6a7e5 Yo0 a,e a /lo4in/ -i,d o+ some so,23 7onne72ed 2o yo0, -ody -y a sil1e, 7o,d5
Da,m is a ,adian2 se,6en23 7oiled 2i/h2ly a,o0nd 2he mo0nd o+ his 6hysi7al -ody5 Yo0
loo. a2 Kianmay3 and a,e s0,6,ised 2o see he, loo.in/ di,e72ly a2 yo05 He, s6i,i20al
sel+ is 2he simila, 2o he, 6hysi7al -ody3 -02 she +loa2s na.ed and l0mino0s3 /,ea2
/lo4in/ 4in/s s6,ead +,om he, -a7. and a se,6en2-li.e 2ail 4hi66in/ -ehind he,5
He, s6i,i2 li+2s one ,adian2 a,m 2o 6oin2 2o4a,ds Da,m5 LThe ,in/ 4ill 2,ans6o,2
yo0 2o 4he,e1e, yo0 4ish 2o -e5 Ta.e yo0 s6i,i2 2o his side3 and yo0, -ody 4ill
+ollo4 in an ins2an25 Then yo0 may s2,i.e him5 May his s6i,i2 +ind 6ea7e5N
Yo0 d,i+2 +o,4a,d and se22le -eside Da,m5 Yo0 4a27h him +o, many momen2s3 -02
i2 seems 2ime has -een s0s6ended5 His s6i,i2 does no2 ,ea72 2o yo0, 6,o8imi2y5 Yo0
+o70s on yo0, 6hysi7al -ody3 2,yin/ 2o ,e0ni2e 4i2h i2 a2 yo0, ne4 lo7a2ion
Yo0 +eel some ,esis2an7e and 60sh a/ains2 i25 Ci2h a s0dden ,0sh yo0 +eel yo0,
-ody >e,.ed 2h,o0/h 2ime and s6a7e and yo0 6l0n/e -a7. in2o yo0, 1esselI
Tes2 yo0, STAMINA5 I+ yo0 a,e s2,on/3 20,n 2o 560
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea.3 20,n 2o 628
51+
LG,ea2 Kin/M "lease hel6 0s -y 6,o2e72in/ 2he Diamond Key +,om 2he am-i2ions o+
men5 E1en i+ 2his one is slain3 men see.in/ immo,2ali2y 7o1e, 2his 4o,ld li.e +lies on
7o,6seM Is 2he,e any2hin/ yo0 7an do 2o 6,o2e72 2he Key +,om s07h menON
The /ian2 ele6han2 loo.s a2 yo0 +o, se1e,al momen2s5 LThe,e is indeed ho6e +o,
yo05 I shall do as yo0 as.5N
Do yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2O I+ so3 20,n 2o 748
I+ no23 20,n 2o 644
=#*
FF - Diamond
511
A2 +i,s2 /lan7e 2he la,/e 7ham-e, a66ea,s 2o -e em62y5 The so+2 li/h2in/ 7omes
+,om a sin/le li/h2 7,ys2al s0s6ended a2 2he 2o6 o+ 2he dome5 The in2e,io, o+ 2he dome
is 6las2e,ed smoo2h and 6ain2ed 4hi2e5 The +loo, is 2iled in ma,-le3 layin/ o02 an
a,7ane desi/n5
S2e66in/ o1e, 2o loo. a2 2he desi/n3 yo0 see a 2,i6le s6i,al +o,med -y 2h,ee
se,6en2s5 I2?s meanin/ es7a6es yo0, 7om6,ehension3 so yo0 soon 20,n a4ay 2o
in1es2i/a2e 2he ,es2 o+ 2he 7ham-e,5 Mo1in/ a,o0nd 2he 6e,ime2e, o+ 2he 7ham-e,3 yo0
ma.e no2e o+ 24o 2hin/s5 One is a 6olished 4ooden 2,a6doo, leadin/ do4n4a,ds3 and
2he o2he, is a small al7o1e in 2he 4all in 4hi7h is a /olden 7hes2 de7o,a2ed 4i2h s6i,als
o+ se,6en2s5
Ca,y o+ 2,a6s3 yo0 7a,e+0lly +li7. 2he lid o+ 2he -o8 o6en3 and +ind 4i2hin si8 la,/e
/ems; ,0-ies3 sa66hi,es and eme,alds5 Yo0 6i7. 06 one and +eel i2 2in/le in yo0,
hands5 I2 is o-1io0sly ma/i7al5 Sin7e 2he /ems a,e he,e and no2 in some s2,on/-o83
yo0 /0ess 2ha2 2hei, 60,6ose is lo7a2ed some4he,e in 2his ,oom5
Re-e8aminin/ 2he 2,i6le-se,6en2 s6i,al in 2he +loo,3 yo0 see 2ha2 2he eyes o+ ea7h
se,6en2 a,e /em-siKed inden2a2ions5 O-1io0sly 2he /ems a,e mean2 2o -e 6la7ed
inside5 B02 >0s2 as 2he 2h,ee se2s o+ /ems a,e di++e,en23 so 2o a,e 2he se,6en2s5 One is
laid o02 in 4hi2e ma,-le3 ano2he, in -la7.3 and 2he las2 in /,ey ma,-le5
Yo0 7onside, yo0, o62ions5
To 2,y a 7om-ina2ion o+ /ems in eye so7.e2s3 20,n 2o 500
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
513
The 90een sha.es he, head and smiles5 LAny4ay3 my lo2 is 7as25 B02 yo03 yo0
ha1e many 7hoi7es5 I 0,/e yo0 2o es7a6e5 Yo0 7anno2 de+ea2 Da,m5N
LI m0s23 L yo0 ,e6ly5
LA,e yo0 s0,eON she as.s so+2ly5
LI am 3N yo0 s2a2e 4i2h 7e,2ain2y5
The 90een 602s do4n he, 7065 LThen I m0s2 do e1e,y2hin/ I 7an 2o hel6 yo05 I
ha1e a 4ea6on 2ha2 4ill aid yo05 Ce,e I 2o -ea, i2 I 4o0ld no2 -e s2,on/ eno0/h3 -02
yo0I6e,ha6s yo0 7an slay him 4i2h i25N
She /oes 2o a 7a-ine2 and o6ens i2 -y 2,a7in/ a ,0ne 06on 2he doo,5 Inside she
2a.es o02 a la790e,ed 4ooden -o8 and 7a,,ies i2 o1e, 2o a lo4 2a-le5 She .neels and
-e7.ons yo0 o1e, as she li+2s 2he lid5
Yo0 see a so+2 /lo4 7omin/ +,om 4i2hin3 and s2e6 o1e, 7a02io0sly 2o see he, d,a4
o02 a da//e, 4i2h a -lade o+ /lo4in/ 7,ys2al5 LThis 4ill 6ene2,a2e his a,mo0,5 Ge2
7lose 2o him and yo0 may s2a- him des6i2e his a,mo0,5 Then he 4ill die and I shall -e
+,ee5N
She slides 2he /lo4in/ -lade -a7. in2o a 6lain lea2he, shea2h5 She holds 2he
7,ys2al da//e, o02 2o yo03 and yo0 2a.e i25
=#)
FF - Diamond
LGo no43N she says5 LHe 4ill -e 4ai2in/ +o, yo05N
Yo0 2han. 2he 90een and 20,n a4ay5 Yo0 do no2 loo. -a7.3 -02 7an +eel he, eyes
-0,nin/ in2o yo0 4i2h -,i/h2 ho6e5 Yo0 e8i2 2he -ed7ham-e, and 7lose 2he doo,
-ehind yo05
Che,e 2o no4O
To en2e, 2he doo,s a2 2he end o+ 2he hall3 20,n 2o 4+4
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,s o66osi2e yo0 -y 20,nin/ 2o 666
517
Yo0 7an?2 hel6 20,nin/ yo0, head a4ay as 2he ma/i7al ene,/y shoo2s do4n yo0,
a,m and in2o yo0, hand3 4he,e i2 -0,s2s +o,2h5 Yo0 hea, yo0, a22a7. ,oa, 2h,o0/h 2he
ai,3 and o6en yo0 eyes >0s2 in 2ime 2o see Da,m 4a1e his hands3 ma.in/ 2he ma/i7
0n,a1el and 2he a22a7. +ades in2o no2hin/3 a +e4 s6a,.s hi22in/ his ,o-e5
L"a2he2i7MN He de7la,es5 LHo4 7an a +oo2-soldie,?s s6ell ha,m meON
He la0/hs 7on2em620o0sly and -e/ins 2o 7as2 ano2he, s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
I+ no23 20,n 2o 540
518
Yo0 a66,oa7h 2he massi1e des. and loo. +i,s2 on 2o63 4he,e yo0 see an o6en
-oo.5 I2 is o6en a2 a 6a/e 4i2h a dia/,am o+ a 2,i6le s6i,al o+ se,6en2s5 The,e is a /,ey
se,6en2 4i2h /,een eyes3 a -la7. se,6en2 4i2h -l0e eyes and a 4hi2e se,6en2 4i2h ,ed
eyes5 Yo0 602 2he -oo. do4n and 7on2in0e yo0, sea,7h5
The,e a,e d,a4e,s 0nde,nea2h and in 2hem yo0 +ind 6a6e,s and in. and 6ens and
-lo7.s o+ 4a8 +o, 2he seal 2ha2 si2 on 2he des.5 Yo0 also +ind 24o small 7hes2s5 One is
0nlo7.ed and is +0ll o+ /old 7oins3 4hi7h yo0 i/no,e +o, no45 The se7ond has a
7om-ina2ion lo7. in 2he 2o65 Yo0 7an?2 +o,7e i2 o6en -e7a0se i2 is ma/i7ally sealed
and has no 7,a7. 2o +o,7e any2hin/ in2o5
The,e a,e 2h,ee 4heels 4i2h n0m-e,s +,om ) 2o E5 I+ yo0 4an2 2o /0ess 2he
7om-ina2ion3 o, i+ yo0 someho4 .no4 4ha2 i2 is3 yo0 7an 20,n 2o 2ha2 6assa/e n0m-e,
=#
FF - Diamond
2ha2 7o,,es6onds 2o yo0, 7om-ina2ion5 I+ 2ha2 6assa/e ma.es no sense3 yo0 m0s2 20,n
-a7. 2o 2his 6assa/e5
A+2e, yo0 ha1e +inished 4i2h 2he -o83 yo0 602 i2 -a7. in2o 2he d,a4e,5 The ,es2 o+
2he des. ,e1eals no2hin/3 and yo0 7onside, yo0, ne82 7o0,se o+ a72ion5
Cha2 do yo0 4an2 2o doO
&oo. a2 2he -oo.shel1esO T0,n 2o 658
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
O,3 lea1e 2his ,oom and /o -a7. in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
514
Kno4in/ 2ha2 yo0 a,e 2oo +a, a4ay +,om Da,m 2o -e a-le 2o 7ha,/e him -e+o,e he
7an 7as2 a s6ell3 yo0 loo. +o, ano2he, o62ion5 I+ yo0 had some2hin/ 2o 2h,o4 a2 him5
Yo0, hand /oes 2o 2he 60,se a2 yo0, -el2I
I+ yo0 ha1e no 7oins3 20,n 2o 631
I+ yo0 ha1e less 2han )* 7oins3 20,n 2o 586
I+ yo0 ha1e mo,e 2han )*3 20,n 2o 541
516
Yo0 60ll o02 2he 6a,7hmen2 +,om yo0, 6a7.3 4hile Da,m 4ai2s 4i2h an ind0l/en2
smile5 Yo0 se2 yo0,sel+3 7lea, yo0, 2h,oa2 and ,ead 2he s6ell in a lo0d 7lea, 1oi7e5 The
4o,ds o+ 6o4e, ,in/ 2h,o0/h 2he 7ham-e,3 and as 2he las2 e7ho dies3 2he 6a6e, in yo0,
hand s2a,2s 2o s4ell 065 Yo0 d,o6 2he 6a6e, and 4a27h as i2 /,o4s 2a.es ,oo2 and s2a,2s
2o /,o4 064a,ds5 I2 loo.s li.e a m0sh,oom3 and e1en20ally yo0 a,e 7on+,on2ed 4i2h a
/,o42h as 2all as yo05 The s2em is 7,eamy 4hi2e3 and 2he 2o6 -,o4nish 4i2h -l0e s6o2s
s7a22e,ed o1e, i25
Da,m 7h07.les5 LA so,7e,e, 4i2h a sense o+ h0mo0, 6e,ha6sON
His smile +ades as he -e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ell5 He sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e, and +lin/s
his hand a2 yo05 A /,ea2 -ol2 o+ li/h2nin/ shoo2s o02 2o4a,ds yo05 B02 i2 70,1es in i2s
6a2h3 d,a4n 2o4a,ds 2he m0sh,oom5 I2 s2,i.es 2he m0sh,oom and 2he +0n/al /,o42h
e86lodes3 sho4in/ yo0 4i2h smo.in/ 6ie7es5
Chen all is 90ie23 Da,m loo.s s0,6,ised5 LOdd3 -02 e++e72i1e5N
He /es20,es +o, yo0 2o 2a.e yo0, ne82 20,n5
=#<
FF - Diamond
Cha2 ma/i7 4ill yo0 6e,+o,mO
Read a s7,oll;
Arcane scroll3 20,n 2o 4+7
Fireball3 20,n 2o 603
Lightning3 20,n 2o 61+
Null-magic3 20,n 2o 665
Revelation3 20,n 2o 680
Use a sil1e, /a0n2le23 20,n 2o 635
Use an ea/le ,in/3 20,n 2o 510
Use a 2o6aK-se2 /old ,in/3 20,n 2o 521
Use a Diamond Cand3 20,n 2o 688
I+ yo0 ha1e no ma/i73 yo0 4ill ha1e 2o ,0n a2 him -y 20,nin/ 2o 614
515
Yo0 ,ea7h o02 and 2o07h 2he la,/e -,eas2ed 4oman5 As yo0 do so3 2he 7an1as
s2,e27hes in4a,ds3 and yo0 +eel a small -0m6 2he,e5 Yo0 6,ess i2 and some2hin/
7li7.s5 The ne82 momen2 2he 6ain2in/ is s4in/in/ -a7. and yo0 >0m6 o02 o+ 2he 4ay5
Re1ealed is a small ,oom5 C0,io0s3 yo0 s2i7. yo0, head in and see a na,,o4
s2ai,4ay leadin/ 064a,ds 2o 2he side3 6a,allel 2o 2he 4all o+ 2he s20dy5 S2e66in/
inside3 yo0 loo. 06 2he s2ai,4ay3 seein/ i2 is li2 a2 in2e,1als -y li/h2 7,ys2als5 Glan7in/
-a7. yo0 see 2he,e is a s4i27h on 2he 4all ne82 2o 2he 6anel 2ha2 is 2he -a7. o+ 2he
6ain2in/3 and 7on+iden2 yo0 7an o6en 2he 6anel a/ain3 yo0 60ll i2 7losed5
T0,nin/3 yo0 7lim- 2he s2ai,s 0n2il yo0 ,ea7h a 2,a6doo,5 Ca,e+0lly yo0 60sh on i23
o6enin/ a 7,a7. 2h,o0/h 4hi7h yo0 6ee, 2o see a dim 7ham-e,5 Yo0 60sh 2he doo,
+0,2he, 064a,ds3 2he hin/es 7,ea.in/ in 2he silen7e5 Yo0 s2e6 06 in2o 2he ,oom and
lo4e, 2he 2,a6doo, -a7. in2o 6la7e -e+o,e loo.in/ a,o0nd5
T0,n 2o 511
532
LG,ea2 Kin/M I am in 2he se,1i7e o+ 2he li/h2 a/ains2 2his se,1an2 o+ e1ilM Gi1e me
2he s2,en/2h 2o ma27h his ma/i7MN
The /ian2 4hi2e ele6han2 loo.s do4n a2 yo0 +o, se1e,al momen2s -e+o,e 2he /,ea2
1oi7e s6ea.s5 LCha2e1e, se,1i7e yo0 /i1e 2o /oodness is momen2a,y and 7ondi2ional5
Yo0 hea,2 4ill easily 4a1e, in 2he +a7e o+ 2,0e 7hallen/e5 Un+o,20na2ely 2his one 4ill
ne1e, /i1e yo0 2he 7han7e 2o ,0n5 Yo0 shall -e des2,oyed -e+o,e 7o4a,di7e 7an d,i1e
yo0, hea,25 In 2,02h 2he o027ome o+ 2his -a22le -e24een yo0 is o+ no ,ele1an7e5
Che2he, ei2he, o+ yo0 a,e immo,2al o, no2 4ill no2 7han/e 2he 4o,ld3 e1en i+ yo0 ,0le
2he en2i,e 4o,ld as .in/5 "eo6le 4ill s2ill li1e and die and li1e and die a/ain3 ea7h so0l
as7endin/ o, des7endin/ as -e+o,e5 Che2he, one .in/ o0, many ,0le 2he 4o,ld 2his
4ill no2 7han/e3 0nless a man o+ 2,0e 4o,2h has a 7,o4n 6la7ed 06on his head5
Nei2he, o+ yo0 a,e s07h men5N
=#=
FF - Diamond
LB02Ihe 4ill ,0le -eyond his allo22ed 2imeMN yo0 6,o2es25
The /,ea2 1oi7e ,e6lies sadly5 LOne 6e22y .in/ ,0lin/ +o, a 2ho0sand yea,s is no
di++e,en2 2o * 6e22y .in/s ,0lin/ +o, a 2ho0sand yea,s5 A -o0nd so0l 4ill -e ,e4a,ded
and 60nished ,e/a,dless o+ 4he2he, i2s 4heel 20,ns s4i+2ly o, slo4ly5 The /oodness
yo0 se,1e is -02 2em6o,a,y5 Ho4 7an I 4ho sees a7,oss e2e,ni2y aid yo0ON Be+o,e yo0
7an ans4e,3 2he ele6han2 7on2in0es5 LI shall aid yo0 -e7a0se o+ 2his 6,ies2ess he,e3
4ho has 4i2hin he, hea,2 2he a-ili2y 2o -0il2 some2hin/ e2e,nal5 Fo, he, sa.e I 4ill aid
yo05 I+ yo0 a,e 4ise3 yo0 4ill heed he, ad1i7e5N
The ele6han2 ,ea7hes o02 4i2h i2s 2,0n. and 2o07hes yo0 on 2he +o,ehead5 Yo0 +eel
ene,/y ,0shin/ in2o yo0, -ody5 Yo0 may in7,ease yo0, ini2ial s.ill -y 6oin2s3 yo0,
ini2ial STAMINA -y # 6oin2s3 and yo0, &UCK -y 6oin2s5 Yo0 may also ,aise yo0,
70,,en2 s2a2is2i7s 2o 2hese le1els5
The ele6han2 4i2hd,a4s i2s 2,0n. and 20,ns 2o Kianmay5 LFa,e4ell3 6,ies2ess5N
The /,ea2 4hi2e -ody s0ddenly 20,ns 2o mis2 and dis6e,ses 06 2h,o0/h 2he ai,5 Yo0
and Da,m loo. a2 ea7h o2he, in 0n7e,2ain2y5 The Kin/ seems sha.en5 Kianmay s2e6s
+o,4a,d5 LT0,n a4ay +,om e1il3 yo0, ma>es2y5 Yo0 see ho4 2he /ods loo. 06on yo05
They do no2 in2e,1ene -e7a0se 2he /,ea2es2 ha,m yo0 do is 2o yo0, o4n sel+MN
Da,m sha.es his head3 a snee, 70,lin/ his li6s5 LThe /ods do no2 0nde,s2and 0sM
They 4ill ne1e, si7.en and dieM Chy sho0ld I lis2en 2o 2hemO I am si7. o+ hea,in/
yo0, 4o,dsMN Da,m loo.s -a7. a2 yo03 a mali7io0s /leam in his eye5 LYo0 ha1e
4o,.ed yo0, ma/i7M No4 i2 is my 20,n on7e mo,eMN
He 7as2s a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 540
530
Yo0 90i7.ly s2e6 o++ 2he 6a2h and 60sh yo0, 4ay in2o 2he dense -,an7hes o+ a
-0sh3 4he,e yo0 7,o07h do4n and 4ai25 The s7,a66in/ 7omes 7lose, and yo0 see 2he
+i/0,e ,es6onsi-le +o, 2he s2,an/e so0nd5 Ra2he, 2han 4o,shi66in/ se,6en2-6eo6le3 2he
/a,den is 6o60la2ed -y 2hem5
The 6a2,ollin/ /0a,d is a -,oad-sho0lde,ed man in a s2eel -,eas26la2e3 4i2h shinin/
helm and s6ea,5 Belo4 2he 4ais2 he is a -,o4n-s7aled sna.e as 2hi7. as a 2,ee-2,0n.5
His -ody and 2ail sna.es +o, se1e,al me2,es -ehind him as he 6a2,ols5 Yo0 7a27h a
/lim6se o+ his +a7e3 hai,less and 4i2h la,/e sli2 eyes and almos2 no nose a2 all5 His
2on/0e e1en +li7.e,s in 2he ai,5
As soon as he ,ea7hes yo0, 6osi2ion3 he /,inds 2o a hal23 and li+2s his +a7e3 as i+
2as2in/ 2he ai, 4i2h his 2on/0e5 He /,i6s 2he s6ea, as i+ he is 6,e6a,in/ 2o 0se i25
I2 a66ea,s yo0 may ha1e -een de2e72ed5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,0sh o02 and a22a7. him3 20,n 2o 467
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,emain 90ie2 and s2ill in 2he ho6e 2ha2 he 4ill mo1e on3 20,n 2o 668
=##
FF - Diamond
53+
Da,m shields himsel+ +,om yo0, hail o+ 7oins3 2hen 6oin2s a2 yo0 4i2h a sa1a/e
/,in5 As yo0 +eel yo0, s.in 2in/le yo0 ,ealise yo0 ha1e 2imed 2hin/s 6oo,ly5 Yo0
mo1e +o,4a,d 2o smash him3 -02 yo0 +ind yo0, -ody s0ddenly s2i++en5 Yo0 +all o1e, as
yo0 le/s 7an?2 .ee6 06 4i2h yo0, momen20m and yo0 7,ash 2o 2he +loo,5 Yo0, +lesh is
,a6idly ha,denin/5 As yo0, eyes ha,den yo0, 1ision disa66ea,s3 and yo0, o2he, senses
disa66ea, as 4ell5
Yo0 ha1e -een 20,ned 2o s2one3 and yo0, so0l soon +l022e,s a4ay 2o +ind a ne4
6la7e 2o ,oos25
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
531
Slo4ly 2he li/h2 +ades3 and yo0 +loa2 in da,.ness5 The Diamond Key -ea2s 4i2hin
yo0 li.e an e2e,nal hea,23 and soon yo0 ,ise 06 on7e mo,e 2o4a,ds 2he li/h2I
Yo0 o6en yo0 eyes and 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee25 Da,m and Kianmay a,e -o2h nea,-y3
and 2he .in/ s6ins a-o02 as yo0 s2and5
LYo0 ha1e 2ha2 Diamond KeyMN he e87laims5 LGi1e i2 2o me no4MN
Ra2he, 2han ans4e,3 yo0 6i7. 06 yo0, 4ea6on and 7ha,/e a2 him a/ain5 Ci2h an
annoyed e86,ession3 Da,m ma.es a /es20,e 4i2h his hand and 2he +loo, ,0m-les5 Yo0
s2a//e, and nea,ly +all as +o0, l0m6s a66ea, in 2he +loo,5 The 4hi2e ma,-le ,ises 06
and /ian2 h0manoid a,ms s2a,2 2o +o,m5 Be+o,e yo0 7an mo1e a4ay3 2hey s0ddenly
lash o02 and /,as6 yo0 -y 2he a,ms and le/s3 li+2in/ yo0 06 4i2h yo0, lim-s s2,e27hed
hel6lessly o023 hois2in/ yo0 o++ 2he +loo,5 Yo0 2,y 2o 60ll +,ee3 -02 2he /,i6 o+ 2he
ma,-le hands is 6ain+0lly 2i/h25 Yo0 7anno2 e1en mo1e yo0, hand eno0/h 2o s2,i.e
one 4i2h yo0, 4ea6on5
LThe,e 4e a,e3N Da,m smiles5 LNo4 4e 7an -e 7i1ilised5N
Yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 yo0 a,e hel6less5 Chen he does no2 +ind 2he Key on yo0, -ody3
2he,e 4ill -e no 4ay +o, yo0 2o 6,e1en2 him +,om 7022in/ yo0, 7hes2 o6en and 2a.in/ i2
o02 2ha2 4ay5
Da,m s2a,2s 2o 4a1e his hands3 and yo0 loo. des6e,a2ely a2 KianmayI
I+ yo0 /a1e Kianmay a sil1e, s7a,a-3 20,n 2o 50+
I+ Bama, Qi 6,omised 2o assis2 yo03 no4 is 2he 2ime +o, him 2o in2e,1ene5 T0,n 2o 613
I+ none o+ 2hese a66ly 2o yo03 20,n 2o 542
=#%
FF - Diamond
533
All o+ yo0, ma/i7al i2ems a,e 2oo 6,e7io0s 2o yo05 LIsn?2 2he,e some2hin/ else I
7an /i1eON
The 1oi7e -ehind 2he s7,een is silen2 +o, a 2ime3 2hen s6ea.s5 LYo0, 6e22iness is
2i,esome5 Ye2 I 4ill /,an2 yo0 4ha2 yo0 as.5 Chen yo0 ,e20,n 2o yo0, 4o,ld3 yo0
4ill ha1e a ne4 a,m3 2ho0/h yo0 ne1e, .no4 4ha2 has -een los25 Sessimass3 2a.e him
a4ay5 E82,a72 2he 6enal2y3 ,es2o,e his a,m3 2hen ,elease him -a7. 2o his 4o,ld5N
The se,6en2 4oman 4i2h 2he 2,ay -o4s 2o 2he s7,een3 2hen 2a.es yo0, a,m3 leadin/
yo0 a4ay5 LCha2 is 2he 6enal2yON yo0 as. 2he s7,eens as yo0 a,e 60lled a4ay5
B02 2he,e is no ,e6ly5
T0,n 2o 428
537
Yo0 2ense yo0, sel+3 2hen 4hen Da,m is in 2he mids2 o+ his s6ell3 yo0 7ha,/e
+o,4a,dI
Tes2 yo0, SKI&& and yo0, &UCK5 Roll = di7e5 I+ 2he 2o2al is 2he same o, less 2ha2 2he
s0m o+ yo0, 70,,en2 SKI&& and &UCK s7o,es3 20,n 2o 520
I+ 2he 2o2al is hi/he,3 20,n 2o 557
538
The sensa2ion ,ea7hes a 6ea.3 2hen dies do4n5 Yo0 4ai2 e86e72edly3 -02 no2hin/
ha66ens5
Yo0 loo. hel6lessly a2 Kianmay 2hen Da,m5 The .in/ smiles and -e/ins 2o 7as2 a
s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 540
534
Yo0 des6e,a2ely 60ll yo0,sel+ 064a,ds as a,,o4s 7,a7. in2o 2he 4all a,o0nd yo03
and /lan7e o++ yo0, a,mo0,5 S0ddenly3 one s2,i.es yo0 in 2he -a7. o+ 2he ne7.3 and
yo0 +eel 2he ,o6e sli6 2h,o0/h yo0, /,i65 Yo0 6l0n/e do4n4a,ds and smash on2o 2he
6a1ed s0,+a7e o+ 2he -al7ony5
The s2a,s a-o1e s6in as yo0 sli6 in2o da,.ness5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, -ody3 20,n 2o 437
O2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
=#'
FF - Diamond
536
C,ee6in/ o1e, 2o a 2,ee 4i2h dense +olia/e3 yo0 7lim- as 90i7.ly and 90ie2ly as
yo0 7an3 0n2il yo0 7an see 2he se,6en2-men mo1in/ -elo43 loo.in/ 2he siKe o+ no,mal
sna.es5 Yo0 se22le in2o a 7om+o,2a-le 6osi2ion and 4ai25 The se,6en2-/0a,ds sea,7h
a-o02 2he 2hi7.e2s +o, some 2ime3 -02 e1en20ally mo1e o++5 Yo0 4ai2 +o, a 1e,y lon/
2ime >0s2 2o ma.e s0,e 2hey ha1e /one -e+o,e yo0 slo4ly 7lim- do4n a/ain3 e1e,
4a27h+0l o+ mo,e /0a,ds5
Chen yo0 ,ea7h 2he /,o0nd3 yo0 6ee, a-o02 7a,e+0lly3 and ,e/a,d 2he ,ed and /old
6ala7e nea,-y5 Sin7e 2he se,6en2-men seem 2o -e a-le 2o sense yo0 someho43
1en20,in/ +0,2he, 4i2hin mi/h2 no2 -e a /ood idea5
I+ yo0 2hin. i2 is -es2 2o /o -a7. 2o 2he sh,ine and /e2 on 4i2h yo0, mission3 20,n 2o
646
I+ yo0 a,e de2e,mined 2o e86lo,e +0,2he,3 20,n 2o 512
535
Yo0 +ish a,o0nd inside yo0, 6a7. 0n2il yo0 +ind 2he s7,oll yo0 4an25 Yo0 se2
yo0,sel+3 /lan7in/ 06 a2 Da,m 4ho is loo.in/ do4n a2 yo0 4i2h an ind0l/en2 smile5
Yo0 7onside, 2he s7,oll in yo0, hands5 Cha2 does 2he Re1ela2ion s6ell doO A,e yo0
s066osed 2o 7as2 i2 on Da,m3 o, may-e yo0,sel+IO
To 7as2 2he Re1ela2ion s6ell on Da,m3 20,n 2o 6+0
To 7as2 2he s6ell on yo0,sel+3 20,n 2o 550
To 7as2 2he s6ell on Kianmay3 20,n 2o 463
572
Gi1in/ yo0,sel+ some ,oom3 yo0 ima/ine a +oe s2andin/ o66osi2e yo03 and e82end
yo0, hand5 Yo0 7lose yo0 eyes and 7on7en2,a2e3 2,yin/ 2o +eel 2he 6o4e, in yo0, hand5
Yo0 se22le yo0,sel+ 4i2h dee6 -,ea2hs and soon yo0 -e/in 2o +eel yo0, hand 7onne72ed
2o 2hin 2end,ils 2ha2 ,ea7h o023 sea,7hin/I
All 2oo s0ddenly 2hey ma.e 7on2a72 4i2h 2he /,o0nd +a, -elo45 The 2end,ils 4hi7h
4e,e li.e 2h,eads3 s0ddenly s4ell 2o 2he siKe o+ 2,ee-2,0n.s as 6o4e, +lo4s in2o yo0,
hand5 I2 -0,s2s o023 and yo0 +eel li.e yo0, hand has -een 2o,n o++ as a /,ea2 ,oa,in/
and 7,a7.lin/ so0nd is a77om6anied -y -lindin/ li/h2 and hea25 Yo0 +all 2o 2he
/,o0nd as 2he,e is a lo0d smashin/ and 7,ashin/ so0nd and yo0 shield yo0, head 4i2h
yo0, hands3 +ea,in/ 2ha2 2he 6ala7e is +allin/ do4n a,o0nd yo05
The,e a,e a +e4 mo,e 7,ashes and 2he so0nd o+ /lass 2in.lin/ as 2hin/s se22le3 as
4ell as 7,ies o+ 6ain and ala,m -o2h 7lose and dis2an25 Slo4ly yo0 loo. 06 and /a6e a2
2he des2,072ion 4,o0/h2 -y yo0, hand5 The 4all 2ha2 on7e ho0sed 2he s2ained /lass
doo,s is /one3 -oo.shel1es and all3 as 4ell as a +ai, 6o,2ion o+ 2he 7eilin/ and +loo,5
The,e 4as a -al7ony -eyond 2ha2 no4 has -een /o0/ed o02 -y 2he 6assa/e o+ 2he
ene,/y 7as2 +,om yo0, hand5 The 4all o+ 2he Cas2le o+ E2e,nal &i/h2 has a h0/e hole
in i23 4i2h 2he -a22lemen2s a-o1e +allin/ in2o 2he /a,dens and 7o0,2ya,d -elo45
Th,o0/h 2he /a6 yo0 7an see ,oo+2o6s on +i,e5
Yo0 loo. a2 yo0, o4n hand3 +indin/ i2 n0m-3 and -la7.ened 4i2h soo23 -02
o2he,4ise +ine5 Yo0 ,e7all on7e mo,e 2ha2 2he -oo. 2old yo0 2he /a0n2le2 4o0ld 2a6
=#(
FF - Diamond
in2o 2he 6o4e, o+ 2he ea,2h3 and also 2ha2 Kianmay on7e 2old yo0 2ha2 A,an2a2o, 4as
one 6la7e 4he,e 2he 1eins o+ 6o4e, in 2he ea,2h me25 No 4onde, 2he 6o4e, 4as so
/,ea25
The doo, 2o 2he s20dy o6ens3 and yo0 s6in a,o0nd3 e82endin/ yo0, a,m
2h,ea2enin/ly5 B02 2he small 7,ea20,e s2andin/ 2he,e does no2 seem 2h,ea2ened5 He is
only as hi/h as yo0, .nee3 -02 90i2e ,o20nd5 He smiles and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he
-el2 o+ his .il2 as he loo.s o1e, 2he des2,072ion yo0 ha1e 4,o0/h23 0na+,aid o+ 2he a,m
yo0 ha1e 6oin2ed a2 him5 LThe,e?s no need +o, 2ha25 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2
yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady
Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e holds o6en 2he doo, and /es20,es 6oli2ely5 Fo, a momen2 yo0
7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is
6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
&o4e,in/ yo0, a,m3 yo0 +o,7e a smile a2 2he 7,ea20,e5 LYo0 +i,s25N
The li22le 7,ea20,e >0s2 smiles and -o4s3 2hen disa66ea,s 2h,o0/h 2he doo,5 Slo4ly
yo0 +ollo43 6ee.in/ o02 7a02io0sly -e+o,e s2e66in/ o02 in2o 2he hall5 The 7,ea20,e is
ma.in/ his 4ay 06 2he hall 2o4a,ds 2he +a, end3 and does no2 loo. -a7. 2o see i+ yo0
a,e +ollo4in/ o, no25 Yo0 +ollo4 ,el072an2ly and see 2he 7,ea20,e /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo,
a2 2he +a, end5 He disa66ea,s inside3 -02 lea1es 2he doo, a>a, +o, yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h 2he
la,/e 6olished 4ood doo,s a-o02 a min02e la2e,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he
,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
570
Yo0 s2e6 o1e, 2o mee2 2he yo02h+0l a1a2a, o+ Da,m5 Yo0 se2 yo0,sel+ and ,aise
yo0, 4ea6on5 I+ yo0 a,e 0sin/ a +i,es4o,d3 Da,m?s ma/i7al a,mo0, 4ill -e +0lly
e++e72i1e a/ains2 i25
KING DARM SKI&& ) STAMINA = DB )* ARMOUR (
I+ yo0 4in 2he -a22le3 20,n 2o 37
I+ yo0 a,e de+ea2ed3 20,n 2o +73
57+
"o0,in/ a 706 o+ s6i7ed 4ine3 yo0 7a,,y i2 o1e, 2o he,5 She 2a.es i2 and 6oin2s 2o a
sea25 Yo0 o-edien2ly si2 do4n5
She li+2s 2he 706 -ehind he, 1eil and si6s +,om i25 LYo0 a,e he,e 2o .ill 2he Kin/3
a,en?2 yo0ON She as.s5
LI am he,e 2o ,es70e a 6,ies2ess he has 7a620,ed3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LHe is a 6o4e,+0l so,7e,e,3N she ,e6lies5 LHo4 do yo0 ho6e 2o de+ea2 himON
LI don?2 .no43 ye25N
LYo0 a,e no2 2he +i,s2 2o 7ome he,e3 2,yin/ 2o des2,oy him5 Cham6ions ha1e 7ome
+,om nea, and +a,5 All mo,e 6o4e,+0l 2han yo05 Yo0, 6,ies2ess 4ill no2 7ome 2o
ha,m3 so do no2 +ea,5 Da,m is no2 so 6e22y as 2o ha,m a 4oman5 He 4as on7e a no-le
.in/5N
=#E
FF - Diamond
LHo4 did yo0 7ome 2o -e his 90eenON yo0 as.3 ho6in/ 2o /e2 he, 2al.in/5
LI am 2he da0/h2e, o+ 2he 4iKa,d Ha/an2a,o5 Da,m 4ed me so 2ha2 he 7o0ld /ain
+a1o0, 4i2h my +a2he,5N
LB02 Ha/an2a,o died h0nd,eds o+ yea,s a/o3N yo0 say in 7on+0sion5
LHe disa66ea,ed h0nd,eds o+ yea,s a/o3N 2he 90een 7o,,e72s5 LB02 he is indeed
dead no43 and I s0s6e72 Da,m?s hand in 2he ma22e,5N
The 90een seems 1e,y sad5 LA,e yo0 2,a66ed he,eON yo0 as.5
LT,a66edON she ,aises on eye-,o45 L"e,ha6s5 I 7an 7e,2ainly lea1e3 -02 4he,e
shall I /oO Cha2 shall I doON
LYo0 7an /o any4he,e3N yo0 2ell he,5 LE1en i+ yo0 ha1e no money3 yo0 7an s2ay
in a 2em6le3 o,-L
LA 2em6le3N she m0ses 4i2h a small smile5 LI on7e 4ished 2o -e a 6,ies2ess5 B02
my +a2he, said 2ha2 de1o2ion 4as 2he 6a2h o+ lesse, 6o4e,5 No4 Da,m ha2es e1en 2he
si/h2 o+ any holy s2a20e5 He smashed all my s2a20es o+ 2he Chi2e GoddessIN
Do yo0 ha1e a s2a20e o+ 2he Chi2e Goddess yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o o++e, he,O
To o++e, he, a s2a20e o+ >ade3 20,n 2o 4+0
To o++e, he, a s2a20e o+ 7,ys2al3 20,n 2o 455
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 513
571
"022in/ 2he /ems in 6la7e3 yo0 6a0se -e+o,e se22in/ 2he las2 in2o i2s so7.e25
Immedia2ely 2he /ems all -e/in 2o /lo4 as yo0 has2en 2o lea1e 2he 7i,7le5 B02 -e+o,e
yo0 ha1e 2a.en a s2e6 2he se,6en2s -elo4 yo0 s2a,2 2o dan7e3 and 2he 7ham-e, a,o0nd
yo0 -e/ins 2o disa66ea,5 A 4hi2e mis2 s0,,o0nds 2he 7i,7le o+ dan7in/ se,6en2s3 and
yo0 +eel 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 s4ee6in/ yo0 065
The sensa2ion +ades a+2e, a momen23 and yo0 +ind yo0,sel+ s2andin/ 06on 2he same
7i,7le inside a shine 2ha2 si2s in 2he 7en2,e o+ a lands7a6e o+ +lo4e,in/ /a,dens3
2o4e,in/ 2,ees and shimme,in/ 6onds5 Ye2 yo0 a,e s0,e 2his is some ma/i7al 6lane3
+o, 2he s.y a-o1e is 6ale /,een3 4i2h a 2,io o+ /olden s0ns /lo4in/ so+2ly a-o1e5
Yo0 s2e6 slo4ly o++ 2he 7i,7le and o02 o+ 2he sh,ine5 A 6a2h4ay leads a4ay +,om
2he sh,ine and 4inds i2s 4ay -e24een 2he +lo4e,-eds3 6onds and /,o1es5 Ca02io0sly
yo0 +ollo4 2he 6a2h3 4a,y o+ any inha-i2an2s5
The 6a2h leads yo0 2o an in2e,se72ion3 in 2he 7en2,e o+ 4hi7h is a la,/e ,o0nd 6ool
+illed 4i2h lilies5 In 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 6ool is a -,onKe s2a20e o+ a la,/e--,eas2ed
4oman 4i2h lon/ +lo4in/ 2,esses5 B02 -elo4 he, 1ol0620o0s hi6s 2he 4oman
-e7omes a sna.e3 si22in/ on 2he s7aled 7oils o+ he, o4n -ody5 On he, head she 4ea,s
a 7,o4n and in one hand holds a small 6o23 o02 o+ 4hi7h a s2,eam o+ 4a2e, 6o0,s5 In
he, o2he, hand she holds a s7e62,e5
=%*
FF - Diamond
Yo0 4onde, 4ha2 so,2 o+ 6eo6le 4o0ld 4o,shi6 a se,6en2-/oddess5 &oo.in/
do4n in2o 2he 4a2e, yo0 see se1e,al me2alli7 o->e72s s6a,.lin/ 2he,e5 Coins and /ems
and 706s and o2he, 6,e7io0s o->e72s5 This 7an only -e an o++e,in/ 6ool5
A diamond as -i/ as yo0, +is2 7a27hes yo0, eye5 I+ yo0 7o0ld 2a.e 2ha2 alone -a7.
4i2h yo03 yo0 4o0ld ne1e, ha1e 2o 4o,. a/ain5 On 2he o2he, hand3 s2ealin/ +,om 2he
6ool 7o0ld -e a -ad idea5 "e,ha6s yo0 sho0ld ma.e an o++e,in/ ins2ead5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o sna27h 2he diamond3 20,n 2o 445
I+ yo0 4o0ld li.e 2o ma.e an o++e,in/3 yo0 7an 2h,o4 in a +e4 7oins -y 20,nin/ in2o
624
I+ yo0 4o0ld ,a2he, .ee6 e86lo,in/3 20,n 2o 5+3
573
The 6ain 2ha2 +ills yo0, -ody is in7om6,ehensi-le3 -02 las2s only +o, a +e4
momen2s as yo0 +eel e1e,y2hin/ inside yo0 24is2in/5 Yo0 a,e dead -e+o,e yo0 +all 2o
2he +loo,5
Sho7.ed in2o a72ion3 "alli0mi 0nleashes he, +a2he,?s ma/i73 4hi7h .ills Da,m
4he,e he s2ands5 "alli0mi has no in2e,es2 in ,0lin/3 and so she lea1es 4i2h Kianmay 2o
-e7ome a 6,ies2ess5 One o+ Da,m?s /ene,als 2a.es 2he 2h,one5 B02 days a+2e, his
ela-o,a2e 7o,ona2ion 7e,emony 2he Col+ a22a7.s A,an2a2o, and de6oses him5
As +o, yo03 yo0, -ody is 2a.en and -0,ied ne82 2o 2he 2em6le o+ 2he Chi2e
Goddess5 A sh,ine is -0il2 o1e, 2he si2e and "alli0mi and Kianmay ma.e o++e,in/s o+
/,a2i20de 2o yo0 e1e,y day3 -lessin/ yo0, s6i,i25
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
577
Yo0 sha.e yo0, head a2 2he 4oman?s a,,o/an7e3 and 20,n a4ay5 Yo0 do no2 hea,
2he 4oman s6ea. o, mo1e3 -02 -e+o,e yo0 ,ea7h 2he doo,s o+ 2he -ed7ham-e,3 2hey
o6en o+ 2hei, o4n a77o,d3 and yo0 see s2andin/ 2he,e a small 7,ea20,e no hi/he, 2han
yo0, .nee3 4i2h a +a2 li22le 6o2 -elly5 He smiles and hoo.s his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his
.il25 LAh3 he,e yo0 a,e5 His Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o
his 6,esen7e a2 on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5 "lease
+ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e holds o6en 2he doo, and /es20,es 6oli2ely5 Fo, a momen2 yo0
7onside, smashin/ 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5 B02 des6i2e 2he 6oli2e in1i2a2ion +,om Da,m3 i2 is
6,o-a-ly an o,de,3 and i+ yo0 ,e+0se i23 a la,/e, minion mi/h2 -e sen2 2o +e27h yo05
LYo0 +i,s25N
The li22le 7,ea20,e >0s2 smiles and -o4s3 2hen disa66ea,s 2h,o0/h 2he doo,5 Yo0
loo. -a7.3 -02 do no2 see 2he !0een5 Slo4ly yo0 +ollo43 6ee.in/ o02 7a02io0sly
-e+o,e s2e66in/ o02 in2o 2he hall5 The 7,ea20,e /one3 -02 2he 7en2,al doo,s no4 s2and
a>a,5 Yo0 s2e6 2o4a,ds 2hem3 2hen 2a.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0 en2e, 2he ,oom5
T0,n 2o 4+4
=%)
FF - Diamond
578
Yo0, eyes da,2 o1e, 2he a66,oa7hin/ 2h,on/3 and yo0 see 2ha2 2he sham-lin/
0ndead a,e ea7h 7omin/ di,e72ly 2o4a,ds yo03 heedless o+ ea7h o2he,5 They do no2
4o,. 2o/e2he, 2o seal o++ yo0, es7a6e5
Remainin/ s2ill +o, a momen2 2o le2 2hem /a2he, 7lose, 2o/e2he, in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he
7ham-e,3 yo0 s0ddenly dash 2o 2he side3 s7,am-lin/ des6e,a2ely o1e, sli7. limes2one5
Yo0 sli6 and +all3 -02 mana/e 2o 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee2 a/ain5 Yo0 a,e +a7ed 4i2h only
2h,ee s.ele2ons -e24een yo0 and 2he e8i23 -02 2he o2he,s a,e a66,oa7hin/ +as25
Fi/h2 2he +ollo4in/ s.ele2ons +o, # ,o0nds5
SKE&ETON ) SKI&& ( STAMINA ' DB % ARMOUR *
SKE&ETON SKI&& % STAMINA % DB ) ARMOUR *
SKE&ETON < SKI&& ' STAMINA ( DB = ARMOUR *
I+ yo0 des2,oy s.ele2ons in # ,o0nds3 20,n 2o 607
I+ yo0 a,e s2ill +i/h2in/ o, mo,e a+2e, # ,o0nds3 20,n 2o 5++
I+ yo0 die 4i2hin less 2han # ,o0nds -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23
20,n 2o 681
I+ yo0 >0s2 die3 20,n 2o 64+
574
LI don?2 -elie1e yo03N yo0 in+o,m him5
LShe is a demonMN Da,m says in7,ed0lo0sly5 LHo4 7an yo0 2,0s2 a demonON
LI 2,0s2 he,3N yo0 say5 LBe she a demon3 2hen I 2,0s2 a demon5N
LI see3N Da,m says an/,ily5 LThis is yo0, las2 7han7e5 Cill yo0 /i1e me 2he
Diamond Key o+ yo0, o4n +,ee 4illON
LI 4ill no23N yo0 ,e6ly5
T0,n 2o 452
576
",o7eedin/ 2o4a,ds 2he /lass doo,s3 yo0 o6en 2hem 7a,e+0lly and 6ee, o025 Yo0 see
a la,/e -al7ony5 I2 is >0s2 a-o1e 2he le1el o+ 2he 4all o+ 2he 7i2adel3 so yo0 s2e6 o02
=%
FF - Diamond
7a02io0sly5 The -al7ony is -a,e and em62y3 -02 2he,e is a -,ea. in 2he ,ail 2o one side3
and yo0 s2e6 o1e, 7a,e+0lly 2o see a s2ai,4ay leadin/ do4n 2o a 6,i1a2e /a,den5
Des7endin/ 2he s2ai,4ay 4ill 2a.e yo0 4i2hin si/h2 o+ any-ody 6a2,ollin/ 2he 7i2adel
4all5 Do yo0 4an2 2o ,is. i2O
To des7end 2he s2ai,s3 20,n 2o 444
O2he,4ise yo0 7an ,e20,n 2o 2he s20dy and;
&oo. a2 2he -oo.shel1esO T0,n 2o 658
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
Go 2h,o0/h 2he s2ained /lass doo,sO T0,n 2o 576
O,3 /o -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he s20dy and in2o 2he hall 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
575
Yo0 2,y 2o 2hin. o+ some2hin/ 2ha2 4ill s2ay Da,m?s hand5 Ho6e+0lly yo0 a,e no2
2oo 2i,ed o, 4o0nded 2o 2hin. o+ some2hin/ /oodI
Tes2 yo0, STAMINA5 Roll = die5 I+ 2he 2o2al is 2he same o, less 2han yo0, current
STAMINA s7o,e3 20,n 2o 458
I+ i2 is /,ea2e,3 20,n 2o 565
582
LI 4an2 6o4e,3N yo0 anno0n7e5
The 4oman?s smile +ades as she loo.s a2 yo0 4i2h 6i2y5 LI+ 2ha2 is 2,0ly yo0, 4ish
I shall 2a.e yo0 2o ma.e a 6e2i2ion5 B02 I 4a,n yo0 2ha2 yo0 4ill +ind mo,e /oodness
in yo0, sim6le li+e 2han yo0 4ill in a li+e o+ 6o4e,5 Ra,ely do 2hose 4ho 7ome he,e
ha1e any 6ea7e o, ha66iness in 2hei, li1es5N
She mo1es o++ and yo0 +ollo4 a+2e, he,3 2he +o0, se,6en2-/0a,ds +o,min/ 06
a,o0nd yo05 The main 6a2h 2h,o0/h 2he /a,dens 4inds -a7. and +o,2h3 and yo0 no2i7e
2he,e a,e no s2,ai/h2 se72ions any4he,e5 Ho4e1e,3 ,a2he, 2han -ein/ led 2o a hole in
2he /,o0nd3 2he 4indin/ 6a2h leads 2o a /,ea2 6ala7e o+ ,ed and /old5 The,e is a
ma,-le slo6e ,a2he, 2ha2 a s2ai,4ay3 and 2he se,6en2-6eo6le sli2he, 06 i23 4hile yo0
4al. 06 0n7om+o,2a-ly5 The /0a,ds 6eel o++ 2o 2he sides and disa66ea,3 4hile 2he
4oman leads yo0 2h,o0/h an o6en a,7h4ay in2o a la,/e ,e72an/0la, 7ham-e, 4i2h a
6ai, o+ 7losed doo,s a2 2he +a, end5 The,e a,e some la,/e o,na2ely 7a,1en 7hai,s
a/ains2 2he 4alls and yo0 a,e in1i2ed 2o si25
Yo0 2a.e a sea2 and admi,e 2he 6ain2ed 6a6e, lan2e,ns 2ha2 han/ +,om 2he 7eilin/5 I2
is only a +e4 min02es la2e, 4hen a /on/ so0nds3 and 2he doo,s o6en5 A 6ai, o+
se,6en2-/0a,ds eme,/e5 Thei, sna.e 6a,2s a,e -la7. s7aled3 and 2hey ha1e o,na2e /old
-,eas26la2es inlaid 4i2h ,0-ies5 They 7a,,y -anded ,ods in 2hei, hands3 and 4ea,
7i,7le2s on 2hei, heads5
=%<
FF - Diamond
LT,a1elle,MN -ooms one5 LYo0 ha1e 7ome 2o 2he 7o0,2 o+ !0een ShimishisMN
LEn2e, and 6ay yo0, ,es6e72sMN -ooms 2he o2he, in 20,n5
Yo0 s2and and ne,1o0sly a66,oa7h3 6assin/ -e24een 2hem5 Yo0 en2e, a 2h,one
,oom 4i2h a 7eilin/ hi/h a-o1e5 A -al7ony ed/es 2he 066e, le1el3 and yo0 see many
se,6en2-6eo6le s2a,in/ do4n a2 yo03 mos2 4i2h 0n+,iendly +a7es5 The 4alls a,e mos2ly
hidden in 2he da,.ness -ehind 2he s066o,2in/ 6illa,s o+ 2he -al7ony3 e87e62 +o, 2he
4all ahead3 06on 4hi7h is mo0n2ed a h0/e /olden dis73 inlaid 4i2h >ade3 ala-as2e, and
ony8 +o,min/ a s6i,al o+ 2h,ee se,6en2s5 Unde,nea2h is a slo6e-ed/ed dais3 06on 4hi7h
si2s a se2 o+ 6ain2ed sil. s7,eens3 -ehind 4hi7h yo0 7an 1a/0ely see some mo1emen25
The 7a,6e2 yo0 a,e 4al.in/ on ends se1e,al ya,ds -e+o,e 2he +oo2 o+ 2he dais and
yo0 ins2in72i1ely 7ome 2o a s2o6 2he,e5
Silen7e 6e,1ades 2he ai, +o, se1e,al momen2s3 2hen a 1oi7e 7omes +,om -ehind 2he
s7,een5 I2 is a so+2 and 90ie2 1oi7e3 /e2 i2 7a,,ies a sense o+ 0n-elie1a-le s2,en/2h5
This is one 4ho ne1e, needs 2o sho023 +o, all 4ill -end 2hei, ea, 2o hea, 2he -,ie+es2
4o,d she s6ea.s5
LChy does a 4a,,io, 7ome he,e 2o see. 6o4e,ON 2he hidden 90een as.s5
I+ yo0 only ha1e one a,m and 4an2 2o as. 2o ha1e 2he missin/ one ,es2o,ed3 20,n 2o
404
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2ell 2he !0een a-o02 Da,m and ,e90es2 he, assis2an7e3 20,n 2o 638
To say 2ha2 yo0 4an2 2o -e7ome a so,7e,e,3 20,n 2o 552
580
Ci2h a +inal s2,o.e3 yo0 +inish o++ 2he hideo0s -eas23 4hi7h 7olla6ses a2 yo0, +ee2
4i2h a s2in.in/ /0,/le3 s2eamin/ -la7. -lood s6,eadin/ o1e, 2he +loo,5 Yo0 s2e6
a,o0nd 2he -eas2 and a66,oa7h Da,m5
LIs 2ha2 all yo0?1e /o2ON yo0 /oad -,ea2hlessly5
Da,m 7h07.les5 LIm6,essi1e5 B02 2his /,o4s 2i,esome5 I2 is 2ime 2o /e2 4ha2 I
4an25N
He 4a1es his hands and sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5 The +loo, ,0m-les and yo0
s2a//e, 2o .ee6 yo0, -alan7e5 Fo0, -0m6s a66ea, in 2he +loo, and in momen2s s4ell
064a,ds3 2a.in/ on 2he +o,m o+ 2hi7. a,ms3 7om6le2e 4i2h /,as6in/ hands 2ha2
s0ddenly lash o02 and /,a- hold o+ yo0 -y yo0, a,ms and le/s3 li+2in/ yo0 06 in2o 2he
ai, and s2,e27hin/ yo0 o02 hel6lessly5
Da,m s2ands and des7ends +,om his 2h,one5 LI ha1e a +,iend he,e 4ho 7an /e2
yo0, 7o,6se 2o 2ell me any2hin/ I 4an2 2o .no43 so in 2,02h I need no2 .ee6 yo0 ali1e
o, e1en 4hole5 So 4ill yo0 2ell me 4he,e 2he Key is3 o, shall I ha1e yo0 2o,n a6a,2ON
Yo0 s2,0//le a/ains2 2he -onds3 -02 yo0 7anno2 mo1e5 Da,m 2a.es yo0, silen7e as
de+ian7e and s2a,2s 2o 4a1e his hands5 Yo0 loo. des6e,a2ely a2 KianmayI
I+ yo0 /a1e Kianmay a sil1e, s7a,a-3 20,n 2o 50+
I+ Bama, Qi 6,omised 2o assis2 yo03 no4 is 2he 2ime +o, him 2o in2e,1ene5 T0,n 2o 613
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 7all on "alli0mi3 20,n 2o 608
I+ none o+ 2hese a66ly 2o yo03 20,n 2o 542
=%=
FF - Diamond
58+
The -all o+ ma/i7 hisses 6as2 yo03 s2in/in/ yo0, s.in as i2 6asses5 The 90een
+,o4ns 2hen -e/ins 2o 4a1e he, hands on7e mo,e5
LYo0, Ma>es2yMN 7alls o02 a hi/h-6i27hed 1oi7e5
The 90een s2o6s 4ha2 she is doin/ and loo.s do4n5 S2andin/ 2he,e is a ,o20nd
li22le man no hi/he, 2han yo0, .nee5 The 90een +loa2s -a7. do4n 2o 2he /,o0nd3 2hen
4a1es a hand 2o4a,ds yo05 LTa.e him3 2hen5 B02 he 4ill /i1e 2he Kin/ no 2,o0-leMN
The li22le 7,ea20,e 20,ns 2o yo0 and smiles3 hoo.in/ his 2h0m-s in 2he -el2 o+ his
.il25 LHis Ma>es2y is ea/e, 2o mee2 yo05 He in1i2es yo0 2o 7ome 2o his 6,esen7e a2
on7e5 He also in+o,ms yo0 2ha2 &ady Alyn Mei is 4i2h him5 "lease +ollo4 me5N
The li22le 7,ea20,e 20,ns and -e/ins 2o 4al. a4ay5 Ca,e+0lly yo0 s2e6 -a7. do4n
on2o 2he +loo,3 +indin/ i2 solid on7e mo,e5 Reass0,ed3 yo0 s2e6 a+2e, 2he li22le 7,ea20,e5
As yo0 6ass 2he 90een3 she says; LNo4 yo0, +a2e is sealed5 Ho4 7an yo0 ho6e 2o
de+ea2 Da,mON Yo0 see 2he an/e, in he, eyes3 and yo0 see 2ha2 she 4ishes 2ha2
someone 4o0ld des2,oy him5 No2 .no4in/ 4ha2 2o say3 yo0 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay5
By 2he 2ime yo0 ,ea7h 2he en2,an7e o+ 2he -ed7ham-e,3 2he 7,ea20,e is /one3 -02
2he doo,s a2 2he end o+ 2he hall4ay ha1e -een le+2 a>a,5 Ta.in/ a dee6 -,ea2h3 yo0
ma.e yo0, 4ay inside5
T0,n 2o 4+4
581
LI2 4o0ld -e my hono0, 2o 4ed yo03N yo0 ,e6ly5 The se,6en2-maiden smiles and
.isses yo0 a/ain5 A min02e la2e, yo0 60ll -a7. and as.; LCha2 is yo0, nameON
LSessimass3N she ,e6lies5 LCome3 I m0s2 in2,od07e yo0 2o my mo2he,5N
She 2a.es yo0 -y 2he hand and leads yo0 -a7. 2o4a,ds 2he doo,4ay5 T,yin/ no2 2o
a66ea, ,el072an23 yo0 .ee6 06 he, side as she sli2he,s ha66ily alon/5 The 24o o+ yo0
mo1e o02 in2o 2he 6assa/e4ay and -e/in 2o 2,a1el alon/ i25 Yo0 see ahead 2he na,,o4
side 6assa/e 2ha2 yo0 en2e,ed 2h,o0/h3 and 2ho0/h2s o+ es7a6e +ill yo0, mind5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ma.e a ,0n +o, i23 20,n 2o 618
I+ yo0 4an2 2o s2ay and mee2 yo0, +020,e mo2he,-in-la43 20,n 2o 56+
583
LIsn?2 2he,e ano2he, 4ayON yo0 as.5
The disem-odied 1oi7e 2a.es on an ed/e5 LYo0 a,e as m0ndane as I e86e72ed3 as I
+ea,ed yo0 4o0ld -e5 The o2he, 4ay is +o, me 2o sho4 me,7y3 4hi7h I shall do5N
A ,ed s6a,. dan7es 06 2he ho,n o+ 2he 0ni7o,n and +li7.s 2h,o0/h 2he ai,3 s2,i7.in/
yo05 I2 6en2,a2es dee6 inside yo0 and a 6ain +ills yo0, en2i,e -ein/5 Yo0 7,0m6le 2o
2he /,o0nd 4i2h a 7,y5 The 6ain only las2s a +e4 momen2s3 and yo0 soon 7lim- 2o
=%#
FF - Diamond
yo0, +ee2 a/ain3 -02 +eel m07h 4ea.e,5 Yo0, initial SKI&& and &UCK ha1e -een
,ed07ed -y <3 and yo0, initial STAMINA -y #
Da,m a66ea,s am0sed5 He s2ands 065 LNo2 many men ha1e enemies in o2he,
6lanes o+ e8is2en7e5 Yo0 sho0ld +eel s6e7ial5 No4 i2 is my 20,nMN
He -e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 47+
O2he,4ise 20,n 2o 540
587
T0,nin/ 2o 2he ,ed3 s7aly demon3 yo0 4a27h i2 24i,l 2he .ni+e in i2s lon/ 7la4s +o,
se1e,al momen2s5 I2 no2i7es yo0 4a27hin/ and 20,ns slo4ly 2o yo0 -e+o,e yo0 7an
s6ea.5 I2s dee6 60,6le eyes a,e s0,6,isin/ly 7alm3 ,a2he, 2han 2he ,a/in/ mons2e, yo0
4e,e hal+ e86e72in/5
LHello3N yo0 say a2 las25
The demon has -een e8aminin/ yo0 and o6ens i2s 2oo2h-+illed -ea. 2o ,es6ond5
LYo0 a,e a me,e mo,2al3 no2 -o0nd -y 2he ma/i7 2ha2 holds 2he ,es2 o+ 0s5 Chy a,e
yo0 he,eON
LI am he,e 2o s2o6 Kin/ Da,m 7ommi22in/ a /,ea2 e1il3N yo0 ,e6ly3 7on+iden2 2ha2
2his one 4ill ha,-o0, no lo1e +o, his 7a62o,5
Yo0 see 2he eyes li/h2 06 4i2h ho6e5 LThen 4ell-me2 indeed3 mo,2al5 I am
K,ish.a,a7inilama,en5 &o,d o+ 2he Se1en &o4e, Seas o+ Ra/ando,amana,5 The
On7e-Kin/ So,7e,e, Da,m has indeed /,o4n 6o4e,+0l5 His ,ea7h e82ended e1en
do4n 0n2o hell and -o0nd me he,e 2o se,1e him5 Ye2 he is a mo,2al s2ill3 and shields a
+,a/ile -ody 4i2hin a s2,on/ a,mo0, o+ ma/i75 E1en yo03 4a,,io, 7an des2,oy him3
4i2h my aid5N
LYo0 4ill aid meON yo0 as.5
LIndeed3N K,ish.a,a7inilama,en ,e6lies5 LI+ yo0 aid me5 The On7e-Kin/ -o0nd
0s he,e 2o se,1e him5 Sim6ly +,ee 0s and his 6o4e, 4ill -e /,ea2ly ,ed07ed5 To do
2his3 sim6ly 2ea, as0nde, 2he 6a,7hmen2s 2ha2 a,e sealed 2o ea7h 7hai, in 2his a770,sed
dinin/ hall3 and 4e shall -e +,ee5 Th0s in one s2,o.e yo0 4ill +,ee me and aid yo0,sel+
in yo0, o4n s2,0//le5 B02 -e 4a,ned3 2he On7e-Kin/ 4ill 7e,2ainly +eel yo0,
dis,062ion5 Th0s yo0 m0s2 a72 90i7.ly 2o +,ee 0s3 and 2hen s2and ,eady +o, his
,es6onse5N
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ a >ade ,in/3 20,n 2o 464
I+ no23 20,n 2o 687
588
Da,m ,ea7hes +o, 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond5 Yo0 le2 him 2a.e i23 and d,o6 one
hand -a7. 2o yo0, -el25 Yo0 /,i6 2he hil2 o+ yo0, da//e, and d,a4 and 2h,0s2 i2 a2 his
side in one s4i+2 mo1emen25
The -lade s2,i.es his side3 -02 yo0 +eel i2 slide o++ some so,2 o+ mail hidden 0nde,
his ,o-es5 Da,m s2a//e,s -a7.3 7l027hin/ 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond5 Yo0 l0n/e a2 him
=%%
FF - Diamond
a/ain3 2his 2ime aimin/ +o, his 2h,oa25 Da,m a1oids 2he -lo4 -y le22in/ himsel+ +all 2o
2he +loo,3 and sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5
As yo0 ma.e 2o lea6 on him3 yo0 +eel 2he ai, 2hi7.enin/ a-o02 yo0I
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,3 o, a /olden a,m-andO
I+ so3 20,n 2o 606
I+ no23 20,n 2o 686
584
Yo0 lo4e, yo0, 4ea6on and 4al. +o,4a,d5 Da,m smiles3 and holds o02 2he
6endan2 2o yo05 Yo0 ,ea7h o02 7a,e+0lly and ssnaa27h i2 a4ay +,om him5 Yo0 +eel 2he
6endan2 2in/le 6o4e,+0lly in yo0, hands and /loa2 in4a,dly a2 2he 2ho0/h2 o+ 2he
6o4e, 4i2hin 2ha2 yo0 7an 0se 2o des2,oy 2he +oolish .in/5 Yo0 602 2he 7hain a,o0nd
yo0, ne7. and +as2en i25 Yo0 2hen /i1e 2he .in/ a snee, and ,aise yo0, 4ea6on5 B02
2hen 2he an/e, and de+ian7e yo0 +eel +ades a4ay3 2o -e ,e6la7ed -yI7on2en2men25
E1e,y2hin/ is 2he 4ay yo0 4o0ld li.e i2 2o -e5 Yo0 loo. a2 Da,m3 2he /,ea2 Kin/M He
smiles a2 yo0 and yo0 +eel ,0sh o+ >oy a2 his a66,o1al5
LNo43 4he,e is 2he Diamond KeyION
Yo0 deli1e, 2he Diamond Key 2o yo0, ne4 mas2e, and +ind 6ea7e in li+e as Da,m?s
se,1an25 He .ee6s yo0 7lose 2o him and yo0 se,1e him +ai2h+0lly 0n2il yo0, 2h,oa2 is
2o,n o02 -y a 4e,e4ol+ a +e4 4ee.s la2e,5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
586
S4ee6in/ o02 yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 also ,ea7h a hand in2o yo0, 60,se and +lin/ a hand+0l
o+ 7oins a2 Da,m5 The hea1y 6ie7es o+ me2al in2e,,062 his s6ell 7as2in/ as he shields
his +a7e5 Yo0 7ha,/e +o,4a,d3 and Da,m -e/ins 2o 7as2 a ne4 s6ellI
Tes2 yo0, SKI&& and &UCK5 Roll = di7e5 I+ 2he 2o2al is 2he same o, less 2han 2he s0m
o+ yo0, 70,,en2 SKI&& and &UCK s7o,es3 20,n 2o 671
I+ i2 is /,ea2e,3 20,n 2o 53+
585
S2e66in/ a4ay 2o dis7o0,a/e he, a22en2ions3 yo0 say; LTell me a-o02 2his 6la7e5N
The se,6en2-maiden ,olls he, eyes5 LI2 is -o,in/M The,e is no2hin/ 2o do he,e5 My
mo2he, is 90een and I m0s2 s2and ,eady 2o ,0le a+2e, he,3 4hi7h 4ill no2 ha66en +o,
millenniaM I 4an2 2o lea,n a-o02 yo0, 4o,ld5 Tell me a-o02 i2MN
LCell3 2he,e is lo2s 2o 2ell3N yo0 say5 LCha2 a,e yo0 in2e,es2ed inON
LE1e,y2hin/MN she e87laims5
LE1e,y2hin/ 4o0ld 2a.e a lon/ 2ime5N
LI ha1e no2hin/ -02 2ime3N 2he 6,in7ess e87laims5
=%'
FF - Diamond
LI do no23N yo0 say5 LI m0s2 lea1e 2his 6la7e soon and /o -a7. 2o my 4o,ld3 I ha1e
d02ies 2he,e 2ha2 7anno2 4ai25N
Ra2he, 2han -e disa66oin2ed3 a 7,a+2y loo. 6lays a7,oss 2he 6,in7ess? +a7e5 LI see3N
she says5 LThen I 4ill 7ome -a7. 2o yo0, 4o,ld 4i2h yo0M B02 4e m0s2 .ee6 i2 a
se7,e25 My mo2he, has +o,-idden me 2o 2,a1el 2o o2he, 4o,lds3 -02 I ha1e lea,n2 2he
me2hod in se7,e25 All I need is +o, yo0 2o a/,ee5N
Yo0 4onde, ho4 she 4ill +a,e in yo0, 4o,ld3 -02 4i2h he, assis2an7e es7a6e is
ass0,ed5
Do yo0 4an2 2o a/,ee 2o 2a.e he, -a7. 4i2h yo0O I+ so3 20,n 2o 526
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ,e+0se and lea1e3 20,n 2o 546
542
Kianmay l0n/es a2 Da,m and 2,ies 2o s2o6 him 7as2in/ his +inal s6ell3 -02 he 60shes
he, a4ay and 7om6le2es his in7an2a2ion5 The s2one hands 2i/h2en 2hei, /,i6 on yo0
and -e/in 2o 60ll yo0 a6a,25
Fo,20na2ely +o, yo03 Da,m is me,ely in2e,es2ed in o-2ainin/ 2he Diamond Key3 and
no2 in 2o,20,in/ yo03 so 2he s2one hands 2ea, yo0 in2o 6ie7es a2 an e++i7ien2 6a7e 2ha2
sends yo0 6l0n/in/ in2o me,7i+0l da,.ness a+2e, only a +e4 momen2s o+ e87,07ia2in/
6ain5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
540
A small li/h2nin/ -ol2 a,7s +,om Da,m?s hand and s2,i.es yo0 in 2he 7hes23 -las2in/
yo0 -a7.4a,ds 4i2h 6ain 7o0,sin/ 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody and lim-s5 Yo0 a,e .no7.ed 2o
2he /,o0nd @min0s )* STAMINAA5
I+ yo0 s0,1i1e3 20,n 2o 643
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes2 20,n 2o 531
I+ yo0 a,e >0s2 .illed3 20,n 2o 561
54+
Ho6in/ yo0 a,e no2 a-o02 2o -e2,ay yo0,sel+ 2o one o+ Kin/ Da,m?s allies3 yo0 60ll
yo0, hand +,om Sessimass? /,as6 and s2e6 +o,4a,d on7e mo,e5 LYo0, Ma>es2yM In my
4o,ld 2he,e is a man3 a .in/3 4ho has -e7ome a 6o4e,+0l so,7e,e,5 He see.s 6o4e,
+o, he +ea,s dea2h5 Th0s he see.s a 2,eas0,e +,om o0, 4o,ld 7alled 2he Diamond Key5
This o->e72 has /,ea2 6o4e,3 and i+ a man -ea,s i23 he is /,an2ed immo,2ali2y5 Ye2 i+ i2
is 6lan2ed 4i2hin 2he ea,2h3 i2 -,in/s 6,os6e,i2y 2o all 4ho d4ell 06on 2he land5 I ha1e
2,a1elled 4i2h a 6,ies2ess 4ho so0/h2 2o 6la7e 2he Key in 2he Ea,2h3 -02 she has -een
7a620,ed -y Da,m5 No4 I m0s2 ,es70e he, and someho4 602 his s7hemes 2o ,es25N
The 90een 7on2in0es 2o s2i, he, 7on7o72ion3 and yo0 4ai2 ho6e+0lly5
A+2e, a momen2 she s6ea.s5 LThe On7e-Kin/ Da,m 4ell .no4n 2o 0s3 and he
dis6leases me5 He has demanded many 2hin/s o+ 0s5 I do 4ish 2ha2 yo0 4o0ld
=%(
FF - Diamond
s077eed in yo0, 90es23 ye2 I 7anno2 allo4 yo0, 7,imes he,e 2o /o 0n60nished5N She
s2i,s +o, a +e4 momen2s mo,e5 LI sense 2ha2 yo0 a,e one 4ho 1al0es ma2e,ial o->e72s5
Th0s I shall 2a.e 2hese +,om yo05 A+2e, all3 yo0 do ha1e many ma/i7al i2ems 4hi7h
a,e o+ 0se 2o 0s5N
The 90een /i1es a si/nal 2o 2he /0a,ds 4ho 7ome +o,4a,d 2o sea,7h yo0 and yo0,
6a7.5 They 2a.e all o+ yo0, ma/i7al i2ems3 -02 lea1e yo0 4i2h yo0, a,mo0, and any
s7,olls yo0 may ha1e -een 7a,,yin/5 I+ yo0, 4ea6on is ma/i7al3 2hey 2a.e 2ha2 as 4ell5
The 90een 7on2in0es5 LYo0 may +eel so,ely 2he loss o+ 2hese i2ems3 -02 in 2,02h3
yo0 4ill need only 4ha2 I /i1e yo0 2o de+ea2 Da,m5N She 20,ns 2o one o+ he,
a22endan2s5 LTa.e him and 6,e6a,e him 2o -e >oinedMN
The 90een ,e20,ns 2o he, 7a0ld,on3 and a -la7.-s7aled 4oman 4i2h ,ed hai, and a
sho,2 /,een 7oa2 a66,oa7hes yo05 She -o4s and in1i2es yo0 2o +ollo4 he,5 Yo0 do no2
.no4 4ha2 is ha66enin/3 -02 do as yo0 a,e as.ed3 /lan7in/ -a7. a2 Sessimass5 The
1i6e,-maiden is al,eady s0llenly sli2he,in/ +,om 2he ,oom3 and does no2 e1en loo. a2
yo05
Yo0 a,e 2a.en 2o a small 7ham-e, and 2old 2o 0nd,ess and -a2he in a small 20-5
Yo0 ,el072an2ly do so5 Chen yo0 a,e +inished3 24o se,6en2 4oman3 heedless o+ yo0,
na.edness3 7ome 2o 2a.e yo0 and yo0, -elon/in/s in2o ano2he, 7ham-e,5
This 7ham-e, is ,o0nd and 2he -la7. s2one 4alls a,e 7o1e,ed in sin0o0s ,0nes
6ain2ed in /old5 The se,6en2 4omen 2a.e -,0sh and 6o23 and 7o1e, yo0, -ody in ,0nes
also3 2hen as. yo0 2o s2and in 2he 7en2,e o+ 2he 7ham-e,5
They lea1e3 and yo0 s2and na.ed and shi1e,in/ +o, se1e,al min02es5 E1en20ally
2he doo,s di,e72ly in +,on2 o+ yo0 o6en on7e mo,e3 and yo0 sli2he,in/ 2o4a,ds yo0 a
1i6e,-maiden simila, in a66ea,an7e 2o Sessimass5 He, sna.e 6a,2 is -lood-,ed3 he,
s.in so+2 and 4hi2e5 &on/ -la7. hai, +lo4s do4n a,o0nd he, slende, sho0lde,s5 He,
eyes a,e ,ed and loo. a2 yo0 d0lly3 as i+ she is en2,an7ed5 He, en2i,e -ody is 7o1e,ed
in ,0nes3 6ain2ed on s.in and s7ale ali.e5 She sli2he,s 2o4a,ds yo03 and a-,062ly
6,esses he, -ody a/ains2 yo0,s5 She 4,a6s he, a,ms a,o0nd yo03 and yo0 -,in/ yo0,
a,ms 06 2o 7las6 he, so+23 7ool -ody5 She -e/ins 2o 7oil he, se,6en2 6a,2 a,o0nd 2he
-o2h o+ yo03 sealin/ o++ 2he o02side +,om 2he /,o0nd 065 As she sh02s o02 2he li/h23
yo0 +eel 2he 2in/lin/ o+ 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 and she s2a,2s 2o 7han25
Yo0 +eel inne,mos2 7o,e -ein/ o6ened 06 -y 6o4e,+0l ma/i7 and yo0 +eel
some2hin/ sli66in/ inside yo05 B02 2hen yo0 a,e 6l0n/ed in2o 0n+eelin/ -la7.ness5
E1en20ally yo0 s2a,2 2o ,e/ain sensa2ion and yo0 a,e d,eamin/5 B02 2hey a,e no2
7om+o,2a-le d,eams and yo0 soon a4a.e5
As yo0 eyes o6en3 yo0 see a smoo2h3 4hi2e-6las2e,ed dome a-o1e yo03 a sin/le
li/h2 7,0s2al han/in/ 2he,e5 The /,o0nd -enea2h yo0 is ha,d and 0ne1en5 Yo0 si2 063
+indin/ yo0,sel+ lyin/ on 2he 2,i6le-se,6en2-s6i,al5 Yo0 ha1e -een ,e20,ned 2o yo0,
4o,ld5 Yo0 s2and and s2,e27h3 +indin/ yo0,sel+ 4hole and 0nha,med3 e87e62 +o, a +e4
a7hes +,om slee6in/ on ha,d s2one5 Glan7in/ o02 2he 4indo43 yo0 7anno2 de2e,mine
ho4 m07h 2ime has 6assed: 2he ni/h2 is as 2hi7. as i2 4as 4hen yo0 en2e,ed he,e5
Yo0 ,emo1e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s3 and 6la7e 2hem -a7. in 2hei,
-o83 4hi7h yo0 ,e6la7e in 2he al7o1e5 Yo0 2hen 7onside, 4ha2 2o do ne825
Al2ho0/h yo0 7an?2 see any di++e,en7e ye23 ma.e a no2e 2ha2 yo0 ha1e -een >oined 2o a
se,6en2-4oman5
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
=%E
FF - Diamond
541
S4ee6in/ o02 yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 also ,ea7h a hand in2o yo0, 60,se and +lin/ a
hand+0l o+ 7oins a2 Da,m5 The hea1y 6ie7es o+ me2al in2e,,062 his s6ell-7as2in/ as he
shields his +a7e5 Yo0 7ha,/e +o,4a,d3 +lin/in/ ano2he, hand+0l a2 him3 2hen /,i6 yo0,
4ea6on in ea,nes2 as yo0 7lose 2he +inal ya,ds5
Ci2h no 2ime 2o 7as2 a s6ell3 he +alls -a7. and sna27hes 06 a lon/ -,oads4o,d 2ha2
si2s in a s2and ne82 2o his 2h,one5 He -,in/s i2 a,o0nd >0s2 in 2ime 2o +end o++ yo0,
-lo45 He se2s himsel+ and mee2s yo0, a22a7.5 Than.s 2o yo0, s077ess+0l mai7al
a22a7.s3 Da,m has -een 4ea.ened 7onside,a-ly5
KING DARM SKI&& )* STAMINA )* DB )* ARMOUR )*
I+ yo0 4in3 20,n 2o 556
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 531
543
Yo0 4a.e 063 +indin/ yo0,sel+ in a la,/e 7ham-e, 4he,e se1e,al se,6en2 4omen
a,e /a2he,ed3 2ho0/h yo0, eyes a,e d,a4n +i,s2 2o 2he se,6en2-/0a,ds 2ha2 a,e 7oiled -y
2he doo,s3 7lad in /olden -,eas26la2es inlaid 4i2h ,0-ies and -ea,in/ 24in--laded
s6ea,s5
The 7ham-e, a66ea,s 2o -e a la-o,a2o,y o+ so,2s3 2he 4alls lines 4i2h shel1es +illed
4i2h >a,s and -o8es and -oo.s5 Small 2a-les s7a22e,s 4i2h 2ools and meas0,in/ >a,s
and s7ales ,in/ 2he 7en2,e s6a7e3 a2 4hi7h a 1i6e,-4oman s2i,s a 7a0ld,on5
The se,6en2-4omen a22endin/ he, a,e s7aled in dee6 /,een on 2hei, se,6en2-6a,2s3
2he h0man 6a,2 -ein/ d0s.y s.inned 4i2h -la7. hai, 4o,n loose3 o,na2e -,eas26la2es o+
7o66e, 7o1e,in/ 2hei, 2o,sos5 The 1i6e,-4oman has so+2 4hi2e s.in and ,ed eyes3 and
is 6o4e,+0lly and sens0o0sly -0il23 ,emindin/ yo0 o+ 2he s2a20e yo0 sa4 in 2he
/a,dens5 She 4ea,s no2hin/ 2o 7on7eal he,sel+3 -02 -e>e4elled i1o,y -ands en7i,7le
he, a,ms and an in2,i7a2e ne7.6ie7e o+ /old and 6ea,ls is d,a6ed a,o0nd he, sho0lde,s5
He, hai, is 4o0nd 06 on2o he, head and held in 6la7e -y an i1o,y 7om- ado,ned 4i2h
diamonds5
She does no2 loo. 06 +,om he, 7on7o72ion as yo0 slo4ly 7lim- 2o yo0, +ee23 -02
s6ea.s in a 1oi7e so+2 ye2 0ndenia-le5 A 4oman ass0,ed in he, 6o4e, 4ho does no2
need 2o sho023 +o, all 4i2h -end 2hei, ea,s 2o hea,5
LYo0 a,e no so,7e,e,3 ye2 yo0 ha1e s2,an/e 6o4e,s indeed 2o ,esis2 dea2h5N
LI do3N yo0 ,e6ly3 no2 s0,e 4ha2 else 2o say5
LF,om 4he,e 7omes 2his a-ili2y3 immo,2alON She as.s5
Do yo0 4an2 2o 2ell he, a-o02 2he Diamond Key and Da,mO I+ so3 20,n 2o 462
I+ yo0 2hin. i2 is -es2 2o ma.e 06 some o2he, s2o,y3 20,n 2o 558
547
LIsn?2 2he,e ano2he, 4ayON yo0 as.5
The disem-odied 1oi7e 2a.es on an ed/e5 LYo0 a,e as m0ndane as I e86e72ed3 as I
+ea,ed yo0 4o0ld -e5 The o2he, 4ay is +o, me 2o sho4 me,7y3 4hi7h I shall do5N
='*
FF - Diamond
A ,ed s6a,. dan7es 06 2he ho,n o+ 2he 0ni7o,n and +li7.s 2h,o0/h 2he ai,3 s2,i7.in/
yo05 I2 6en2,a2es dee6 inside yo0 and a 6ain +ills yo0, en2i,e -ein/5 Yo0 7,0m6le 2o
2he /,o0nd 4i2h a 7,y5 The 6ain only las2s a +e4 momen2s3 and yo0 soon 7lim- 2o
yo0, +ee2 a/ain3 -02 +eel m07h 4ea.e,5 Yo0, initial SKI&& and &UCK ha1e -een
,ed07ed -y <3 and yo0, initial STAMINA -y #
Da,m a66ea,s am0sed5 He s2ands 065 LNo2 many men ha1e enemies in o2he,
6lanes o+ e8is2en7e5 Yo0 sho0ld +eel s6e7ial5 No4 i2 is my 20,nMN
He -e/ins 2o 7as2 a s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 5+4
O2he,4ise 20,n 2o 677
548
Yo0 de7ide 2o ,is. e1e,y2hin/ on a +inal 7ha,/e a2 Da,mI
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-andO I+
so3 20,n 2o 647
O2he,4ise 20,n 2o 514
544
Yo0 2,y 2o lose yo0, 60,s0e,s -y 2,a7in/ a 6a2h 2ha2 ma.es no sense3 e1en -a7.
2,a7.in/ on yo0,sel+5 B02 4ha2e1e, yo0 do3 yo0 see 2hem in 2he dis2an7e3 al4ays
d,a4in/ di,e72ly 2o4a,ds yo05 I2 soon -e7omes 7lea, 2ha2 2hey 7an?2 see yo0 4hen yo0
see 2hem3 and yo0 a,e 6e,6le8ed as 2o ho4 2hey 7an d,a4 2o4a,ds yo0 so 0ne,,in/ly5
As 2he dis2an7e /e2s 2oo 7lose +o, 7om+o,23 yo0 /i1e 06 yo0, s2,a2e/ies and ,0n di,e72ly
2o4a,ds 2he sh,ine5
Yo0 6o0nd 2he /,o0nd 4i2h yo0, +ee23 -02 yo0 hea, 2he s4i+2 sli2he,in/ /,o4
,a6idly -ehind yo05 B0s2 as 2he sh,ine 7omes 4i2hin si/h23 some2hin/ 702s yo0 do4n
+,om -ehind and yo0 +all 2o 2he /,o0nd 4i2h a 7,y3 20m-lin/ 2o a s2o6 in a +lo4e, -ed5
T4o se,6en2 men a66ea, a-o1e yo0 and s2a- a2 yo03 s4i+2ly endin/ yo0, li+e5
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key inside yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 543
O2he,4iseI
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
546
LTha2 4o0ldn?2 -e a /ood idea3N yo0 say5 She 2,ies 2o 7on1in7e yo03 o+2en
6leadin/ li.e a 7hild3 4hi7h >0s2 ma.es yo0 mo,e +i,m in yo0, de7ision5 E1en20ally
yo0 ,ealise 2ha2 yo0 7anno2 say any2hin/ 2o 7on1in7e he,3 so yo0 20,n 2o lea1e5
LHo4 da,e yo0 20,n yo0, -a7. on meMN 2he 6,in7ess s7,ee7hes and 2hen -e/ins a
7han2 2ha2 ma.es 2he hai,s on 2he -a7. o+ yo0, ne7. ,ise5 Yo0 /lan7e -a7. >0s2 in 2ime
2o see 2he li/h2in/ -ol2 2ha2 a,7s +,om he, +in/e,s and 6o0nds in2o yo0, -a7.3 sendin/
=')
FF - Diamond
yo0, s6,a4lin/5 Yo0 slide a7,oss 2he +loo, and yo0, ne7. sna6s as yo0 slam 6ain+0lly
in2o 2he 4all head-+i,s25
I+ yo0 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 20,n 2o 543
O2he,4ise;
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
545
Da,m sees yo0, 7omin/3 his 4a,,io, ,e+le8es s2ill sha,65 He 24is2s aside and
s2a//e,s -a7.3 7l027hin/ 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond5 Yo0 l0n/e a2 him a/ain3 2his 2ime
aimin/ +o, his 2h,oa25 Da,m a1oids 2he -lo4 a/ain -y le22in/ himsel+ +all 2o 2he +loo,3
and sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5
As yo0 ma.e 2o lea6 on him3 yo0 +eel 2he ai, 2hi7.enin/ a-o02 yo0I
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,3 o, a /olden a,m-andO
I+ so3 20,n 2o 606
I+ no23 20,n 2o 615
562
The hoo. sails 2h,o0/h 2he 4indo4 and ,a22les on 2he +loo, 4i2hin5 Yo0 4in7e a2
2he so0nd3 -02 hea, no sho02s o+ ala,m5 "0llin/ -a7. 2he ,o6e3 yo0 le2 2he hoo. 7a27h
and >e,. 2he ,o6e 2o 2es2 i25 I2 holds +i,m and yo0 -e/in 2o 7lim-5
Hal+4ay 06 2he 4all yo0 loo. o1e, yo0, sho0lde, and 7a27h a /lim6se o+ 2he
shado4y +i/0,es a2 2he +i,e5 They do no2 seem 2o ,ea723 so yo0 .ee6 7lim-in/ as
90i7.ly and 90ie2ly as yo0 7an5 Rea7hin/ 2he 4indo4 +,ame3 yo0 60ll yo0,sel+ inside
and 7lam-e, 2o yo0, +ee23 loo.in/ a,o0nd a2 2he 7ham-e, 4i2hin5
T0,n 2o 511
560
Yo0 a,e slammed -a7. in2o yo0, -ody and s2a//e,3 diso,ien2a2ed5 Yo0, eyes 7ome
-a7. in2o +o70s and yo0 see yo0,sel+ s2andin/ ne82 2o Da,m?s 2h,one3 2he .in/ on his
+ee2 only 24o ya,ds a4ay3 al,eady s6innin/ 2o +a7e yo05
Ci2ho02 6a0sin/ e1en 2o d,a4 yo0, 4ea6on3 yo0 lea6 a2 him and 2he -o2h o+ yo0
/o 20m-lin/ do4n 2he s2ai,s 2o 2he +loo, -elo45 Yo0 /i1e Da,m a /ood 60n7h 2o 2he
>a43 2hen s4ee6 o02 yo0, 4ea6on and -,in/ i2 do4n on his head5 A2 2he las2 momen2
yo0 see his eyes 4ide 4i2h +ea,5
The -lo4 lands3 s6li22in/ 2he .in/?s head o6en5 He sl0m6s -a7. dead5
T0,n 2o 622
='
FF - Diamond
56+
The na,,o4 6assa/e 6asses and yo0 4a27h i2 /o 4i2h lon/in/5 On7e i2 has /one
yo0 +eel ,esi/na2ion se22le hea1ily on2o yo0, hea,25 Sessimass leads yo0 2h,o0/h
o60len2 hall 2o a la,/e 7ham-e, 4he,e se1e,al se,6en2 4omen a,e /a2he,ed3 2ho0/h
yo0, eyes a,e d,a4n +i,s2 2o 2he se,6en2-/0a,ds 2ha2 a,e 7oiled -y 2he doo,s3 7lad in
/olden -,eas26la2es inlaid 4i2h ,0-ies and -ea,in/ 24in--laded s6ea,s5
The 7ham-e, a66ea,s 2o -e a la-o,a2o,y o+ so,2s3 2he 4alls lines 4i2h shel1es +illed
4i2h >a,s and -o8es and -oo.s5 Small 2a-les s7a22e,s 4i2h 2ools and meas0,in/ >a,s
and s7ales ,in/ 2he 7en2,e s6a7e3 a2 4hi7h a 1i6e,-4oman s2i,s a 7a0ld,on5
The se,6en2-4omen a22endin/ he, a,e s7aled in dee6 /,een on 2hei, se,6en2-6a,2s3
2he h0man 6a,2 -ein/ d0s.y s.inned 4i2h -la7. hai, 4o,n loose3 o,na2e -,eas26la2es o+
7o66e, 7o1e,in/ 2hei, 2o,sos5 The 1i6e,-4oman is o-1io0sly Sessimass? mo2he,3
ha1in/ 2he same so+2 4hi2e s.in and ,ed eyes3 -02 is mo,e 6o4e,+0lly and sens0o0sly
-0il23 ,emindin/ yo0 o+ 2he s2a20e yo0 sa4 in 2he /a,dens5 She 4ea,s no2hin/ 2o
7on7eal he,sel+3 -02 -e>e4elled i1o,y -ands en7i,7le he, a,ms and in in2,i7a2e
ne7.6ie7e o+ /old and 6ea,ls is d,a6ed a,o0nd he, sho0lde,s5 He, hai, is 4o0nd 06
on2o he, head and held in 6la7e -y a i1o,y 7om- ado,ned 4i2h diamonds5
The 90een does no2 loo. 06 as Sessimass d,a/s yo0 06 2o 2he 7a0ld,on5
LMo2he,MN She e87laims in e87i2emen25 LThis h0man has as.ed me 2o ma,,y
himMN
LTha2 I do0-2 1e,y m07h3N 2he 90een ,e6lies 4i2ho02 e1en loo.in/ a2 yo05 He,
1oi7e is so+2 and 90ie23 -02 mo1es 4i2h 2he ine8o,a-le 4ei/h2 o+ a mo0n2ain5 This is a
4oman +i,mly /,o0nded in he, 6o4e,5
LHe does3N Sessimass insis2s3 2hen 20,ns 2o yo05 LTell he,MN
LI 4ill ,es6e72 yo0, mo2he,?s 4ishes i+ she -elie1es I am 0ns0i2a-le3N yo0 say5
Sessimass o6ens he, mo02h3 -02 +alls silen2 as he, mo2he, s6ea.s5 LThis h0man
also .illed one o+ o0, -,o2he,s5 And des6i2e his 6,esen7e he,e3 he is no2 a so,7e,e,5 I2
seems he has s20m-led in2o 2his 6la7e5 E82,a72 2he 6enal2y +,om him and le2 him /o5N
LMo2he,3 6leaseMN Sessimass 6leads5 LHe lo1es meMN
The 90een says no2hin/ and Sessimass sl0m6s in de+ea25 She 2hen -e/ins 2o lea1e3
d,a//in/ yo0 a4ay5
I+ yo0 4an2 2o le2 he, e82,a72 2he J6enal2y? and ,elease yo03 20,n 2o 428
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2ell 2he 90een a-o02 Da,m and ,e90es2 he, assis2an7e3 20,n 2o 54+
561
The li/h2nin/ -ol2 smashes in2o yo03 ele72,i7i2y 7o0,sin/ 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody3
,i66in/ and -0,nin/5 Yo0 +ly -a7.4a,d3 -o0n7in/ and ,ollin/ alon/ 2he /,o0nd 0n2il
yo0 7ome 2o a s2o63 -0,n2 and -,o.en5
Yo0 2,y 2o s2and3 -02 4ha2 isn?2 in 6ain is n0m- and does no2 ,es6ond5 Slo4ly 2he
li/h2 +ades and yo0 a,e 6l0n/ed in2o da,.ness5 B02 0nli.e Da,m3 yo0 a,e no2 a+,aid5 I2
4ill -e /ood 2o ,es25 And so a2 6ea7e3 yo0, so0l sli6s in2o 2he 4a,m em-,a7e o+ dea2h5
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
='<
FF - Diamond
563
&ea1in/ 2he /ems -ehind yo0 /o -a7. 2o 2he 4indo4 and 6ee.in/ o02 see 2ha2 2he
da,.ened +i/0,es a2 2he nea,es2 4a27h+i,e ha1e 2hei, -a7.s 20,ned5 Yo0 7a,e+0lly 7lim-
-a7. do4n 2he ,o6e and ali/h2 on 2he -al7ony5 Yo0 a,e 0na-le 2o dislod/e 2he hoo.3
so yo0 a,e +o,7ed 2o lea1e yo0, /,a66lin/ hoo. and ,o6e -ehind5
Goin/ -a7. in2o 2he dinin/ ,oom3 yo0 ma.e yo0, 4ay -a7. 2o 2he hall4ay 4he,e;
I+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady3 yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he doo, o66osi2e -y 20,nin/ 2o 4053 o,
mo1e +0,2he, 06 2he hall -y 20,nin/ 2o 825
567
Da,m ,ea7hes +o, 2he .ey-sha6ed diamond5 Yo0 le2 him 2a.e i23 and d,o6 one
hand -a7. 2o yo0, -el25 Yo0 /,i6 2he hil2 o+ 2he ma/i7al da//e, and d,a4 and 2h,0s2 i2
a2 his side in one s4i+2 mo1emen2I
Tes2 yo0, SKI&&5
I+ yo0 a,e s.il+0l3 20,n 2o 617
I+ yo0 a,e 0ns.il+0l3 20,n 2o 545
568
Yo0 s2a,2 2o des7end 2he s2ai,s3 4hen yo0 see a /0a,d 6a2,ollin/ alon/ 2o4a,ds
yo05 Yo0 2,y 2o .ee6 a 7as0al s2e63 -02 2he /0a,d s0ddenly 7alls o02 in ala,m and
,aises his -o45
Yo0 20,n and +lee -a7. 06 2he s2ai,s3 as a,,o4s 7,a7. in2o 2he s2e6s -ehind yo05
Yo0 ,0n -a7. in2o 2he s20dy and 7lose 2he doo,s5 Yo0 mo1e a4ay +,om 2he doo,s3 -02
no a,,o4s smash 2h,o0/h and all seems 90ie2 o02side5
Cha2 4ill yo0 do no4O
&oo. a2 2he -oo.shel1esO T0,n 2o 658
S20dy 2he 6ain2in/O T0,n 2o 501
Sea,7h Da,m?s des.O T0,n 2o 518
O,3 lea1e 2his ,oom 2o;
",o7eed +0,2he, 06 2he hall @825A o, i+ yo0 ha1en?2 al,eady yo0 7an /o 2h,o0/h 2he
doo,s a7,oss 2he hall @434A
564
The li/h2nin/ -ol2 7,a7.les a-o02 yo03 sendin/ 6ain a,7in/ 2h,o0/h yo0, -ody as
yo0 +ly -a7.4a,ds and -o0n7e and ,oll a7,oss 2he +loo, @min0s )* STAMINAA5
I+ yo0 a,e s2ill ali1e3 20,n 2o 674
I+ yo0 a,e .illed3 20,n 2o 561
I+ yo0 a,e .illed -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23 also 20,n 2o 674
='=
FF - Diamond
566
De7idin/ a/ains2 ,is.in/ any2hin/3 yo0 sim6ly lea1e 2he 7ham-e, and 7lim- -a7.
06 2he s2ai,s on7e mo,e5 A lone se,6en2-/0a,d 4ai2s +o, yo03 and yo0 see 2ha2 he is
s0,6,ised and dis6leased 2ha2 yo0 ha1e ,e20,ned5 Silen2ly he mo1es o++ and yo0
+ollo4 him -a7. 2h,o0/h 2he -,o.en hills5 On7e yo0 a,e in 2he /a,dens3 mo,e se,6en2-
/0a,ds a66ea, 2o es7o,2 yo0 -a7. 2o 2he sh,ine5 Yo0 s2e6 inside and a ,adian2 4hi2e
mis2 -e/ins o-s70,e 2he /a,den5 Yo0 +eel 4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0
a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+ Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he
eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s in 2he +loo, and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined 7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he
7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
565
LCell3 I hea,d 2ha2Isomeone3 ano2he, 4iKa,dM The,e?s ano2he, 4iKa,dInea,-y5
In 2he 7i2y5 He 4an2s 2o a22a7. yo0 and .ill yo0 and -e7ome .in/5N
LI see3N Da,m ,e6lies5 He 6oin2s a2 yo0 and says a +e4 4o,ds o+ his o4n5 Yo0
+eel yo0, -ody s2i++en and yo0, s.in ha,den5 Yo0 lose yo0 si/h2 +i,s23 2hen yo0, o2he,
senses all 1anish as yo0 a,e 20,ned 2o s2one5 Yo0 so0l +l022e,s +,ee and see.s
else4he,e 2o ,oos25
YOUR AD$ENTURE ENDS HERE
552
LI may -e a me,e 4a,,io,3 -02 I see. 6o4e,5 Cill yo0 assis2 meON
The,e is silen7e -ehind 2he s7,een +o, a 2ime3 4hile so+2 1oi7es +l022e, a,o0nd yo0
+,om 7o0n2less dis70ssions in 2he -al7onies a-o1e5 They 4his6e,s a-,062ly +all silen2
as 2he hidden 90een s6ea.s5
LThis ,e90es2 is a 2i,esome one indeed5 Many 7ome he,e s07h as yo0 ha1e3
,e90es2in/3 demandin/ 6o4e, 4i2ho02 any 7a0se -eyond 2hei, o4n am-i2ion5 Tho0/h
4e a,e -o0nd 2o allo4 yo0, 6e2i2ion3 4e a,e 0nli.ely 2o /,an2 yo0 6o4e, 4i2ho02 /ood
7a0se5 Tell 0s 2hen 4ha2 yo0 4o0ld do 4i2h s07h 6o4e,ON
I+ yo0 4an2 2o 2ell 2hem a-o02 Da,m no43 20,n 2o 638
I+ yo0 4an2 2o ma.e 06 ano2he, ,eason3 and 2,y 2o in7l0de some2hin/ in i2 +o, 2hem3
20,n 2o 45+
='#
FF - Diamond
550
Yo0 +o70s 06on yo0,sel+ and ,ead +,om 2he s7,oll3 /a2he,in/ 2he /,o4in/ 6o4e,
in4a,ds and -a2hin/ yo0,sel+ in i25 Yo0 +eel yo0, -ody 2in/lin/3 0n2il e1e,y 6a,2 o+
yo0, is +illed 4i2h sensa2ionI
I+ yo0 ha1e d,0n. 4ol+?s -lood o, -een -i22en -y a 4e,e4ol+ 4i2ho02 /e22in/ 70,ed3
20,n 2o 435
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 538
55+
Some 2ime la2e,3 yo0 a4a.en5 Yo0 si2 06 and +ind 2ha2 yo0 a,e alone5 C,ea20,e3
h023 and +i,e a,e /one5 Only some soo2 on 2he /,o0nd and 2he smell o+ ,oas2in/ +ish
a,e le+25 Yo0 s2and 06 and 7on2in0e on yo0, 4ay5
T0,n 2o 676
551
Da,m sees yo0, a22a7. 7omin/5 He 24is2s aside and s2a//e,s -a7.3 7l027hin/ 2he
.ey-sha6ed diamond5 Yo0 l0n/e a2 him a/ain3 2his 2ime aimin/ +o, his 2h,oa25 Da,m
a1oids 2he -lo4 a/ain -y le22in/ himsel+ +all 2o 2he +loo,3 and sho02s 4o,ds o+ 6o4e,5
As yo0 ma.e 2o lea6 on him3 yo0 +eel 2he ai, 2hi7.enin/ a-o02 yo0I
A,e yo0 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0,3 o, a /olden a,m-andO
I+ so3 20,n 2o 606
I+ no23 20,n 2o 686
553
Yo0 2a.e on a 7as0al s2,oll as yo0 mo1e +0,2he, 06 2he 6a2h3 6as2in/ a +,iendly
smile on2o yo0, +a7e5 B02 4hen yo0 7lea, 2he -end in 2he 6a2h and see 2he
a66,oa7hin/ +i/0,e3 yo0, smile 1anishes in2o sho7.5 The a66,oa7hin/ /0a,d is on
6a2,ol3 d,essed in a s2eel -,eas2 6la2e and helm 4i2h a lon/ s6ea, in hand5 B02 -elo4
2he 4ais23 2he,e is a 2hi7. se,6en2?s -ody3 s4e,1in/ se1e,al me2,es -ehind him5
The se,6en2 man is also s0,6,ised 2o see yo0 and ,ea,s 06 and -a7.: 2hen -e/ins 2o
2h0m6 2he /,o0nd 4i2h his 2ail5 No2in/ i2s a//,essi1e 6os20,e yo0 ins2in72i1ely ,ea7h
+o, yo0, 4ea6on3 -02 6a0se as yo0 hea, mo,e s7,a6in/ so0nds a66,oa7hin/5
Ge22in/ in2o a +i/h2 no4 is o02 o+ 2he 90es2ion5 The,e+o,e yo0 7an;
S0,,ende,3 20,n 2o 685
R0n3 T0,n 2o 446
='%
FF - Diamond
557
As yo0 ,0n +o,4a,d3 Da,m mo1es his hand 2o4a,ds yo0 and 7om6le2es 2he s6ell5
A 7,a7.lin/ -all o+ -la7. ene,/y shoo2s o02 o+ his hand and s2,i.es yo0 a2 sho,2
,an/eI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 6+1
I+ yo0 ha1e no ma/i7al 6,o2e72ion -02 ha1e a Diamond Key em-edded in yo0, 7hes23
20,n 2o 651
O2he,4ise 20,n 2o 573
558
LCell3 4hen I 4as a -a-e3 I 4ande,ed in2o a /oddess? o,7ha,d and a2e some o+ he,
ma/i7al a6,i7o2s5 The,ea+2e, I 4as /i1en 2he 6o4e, 2o ,ise +,om 2he dead i+ slain5N
The 90een does no2 ,ea723 -02 4a1es a hand3 a2 4hi7h 2he se,6en2 /0a,ds sli2he,
+o,4a,d and de2ain yo03 hois2in/ yo0 o++ 2he /,o0nd5 LYo0, immo,2ali2y 4as /,an2ed
2o yo0 -y 2he Diamond Key3N she /es20,es 2o one side and yo0 /lan7e o1e,3 s2a,2led 2o
see 2he Diamond Key si22in/ on one o+ 2he side 2a-les5 LI ha1e e82,a72ed i25 I .no4
no2 ho4 yo0 7ame 2o 6ossess s07h a 2hin/3 -02 one s07h as yo0 does no2 dese,1e s07h
6o4e,5 Ta.e him -a7.5N
Yo0 s2,0//le and 6,o2es23 -02 2he /0a,ds 7a,,y yo0 e++o,2lessly 2h,o0/h 2he 6ala7e3
2hen 2h,o0/h 2he /a,dens and 06 2o 2he sh,ine5 They 7as2 yo0 -a7. in2o 2he 7i,7le3 and
as yo0 7lam-e, 2o yo0, +ee2 2he 4hi2e mis2 ,ises 2o o-s70,e 2hei, s0llen +a7es5 Yo0 +eel
4o,lds shi+2in/ a,o0nd yo0 and soon yo0 a,e -a7. 0nde, 2he dome in 2he 6ala7e o+
Kin/ Da,m5 Yo0 602 a hand 2o yo0, 7hes25 Yo0 +eel no di++e,en23 -02 no4 yo0 ha1e
los2 2he Diamond Key3 and 4ill no lon/e, ,e7ei1e i2s -ene+i2s5
Yo0 sadly 2a.e 2he /ems +,om 2he eyes o+ 2he se,6en2s and ,e6la7e 2hem in 2he lined
7hes23 ,e6la7in/ 2he 7hes2 in i2s al7o1e5
Yo0 2hen 7onside, yo0, ne82 s2e65
To lea1e 1ia 2he 2,a6doo,3 20,n 2o 670
I+ yo0 en2e,ed -y 2he 4indo4 and 4an2 2o /o -a7. 2ha2 4ay3 20,n 2o 563
554
The sensa2ion ,ea7hes a 6ea.3 2hen dies do4n5 Yo0 4ai2 e86e72edly3 -02 no2hin/
ha66ens5
Yo0 loo. hel6lessly a2 Kianmay 2hen Da,m5 The .in/ smiles and -e/ins 2o 7as2 a
s6ellI
I+ yo0 a,e 4ea,in/ 7,o4 a,mo0,3 sil1e,-s20dded lea2he, a,mo0, o, a /olden a,m-and3
20,n 2o 5+4
O2he,4ise3 20,n 2o 677
=''
FF - Diamond
556
Ci2h a +inal s2,o.e yo0 slash Da,m?s ne7. o6en and he 7olla6ses3 2o 2he +loo,3
-lood s6illin/ o1e, his +,on25 He loo.s 06 a2 yo0 4i2h +ea, and ho,,o,3 -e+o,e sli66in/
a4ay in2o da,.ness3 his +a7e 7on2o,2ed as i+ in /,ea2 6ain5
Da,m is dead and his 90es2 2o -e immo,2al ended5
T0,n 2o 622
555
The 4a2e, 7e,2ainly loo.s in1i2in/5 Yo0 602 do4n yo0, 4ea6ons and 6a7. and
-e/in 2o 0nd,ess5 On7e yo0 a,e na.ed3 yo0 des7end in2o 2he -a2h and ,elish 2he +eel o+
2he 4a2e, as i2 ,ises 06 yo0, -ody5 Yo0 s4im o02 in2o 2he 4a2e,3 +eelin/ i2 2in/le
ma/i7ally o1e, yo0, -ody3 60,i+yin/ yo0, s.in5 Yo0 di1e 0nde, 2he s0,+a7e and +eel
in1i/o,a2ed5
Yo0 +ind a sea2 4he,e yo0 7an si2 and en>oy 2he sensa2ions o+ 2he 4a2e,5 Soon i2
,es2o,es all o+ yo0, s2a2is2i7s 2o 2hei, ini2ial le1els5 Yo0 ,ela8 and doKe +o, some 2ime5
Yo0 a,e s0ddenly a4o.en -y 4a2e, s6lashin/ in yo0, +a7e5 Yo0 s2and 063 sha.in/
yo0, head 2o 7lea, yo0, eyes5 S2andin/ on 2he ,im o+ 2he -a2h o66osi2e is a small
/,innin/ 7,ea20,e
I2 is no 2alle, 2han yo0, .nee -02 90i2e ,o20nd3 d,essed in a .il25 I2 hoo.s i2s 2h0m-s
in i2s -el25 LKin/ Da,m /,o4s im6a2ien2M He is 4ai2in/ +o, yo03 and he,e yo0 a,e3
,ela8in/ in his o4n -a2hM Come no45 I2 is 2ime 2hin/s a,e -,o0/h2 2o a 7on7l0sion5N
Yo0 i/no,e 2he 7,ea20,e?s 7h07.les and 7lim- +,om 2he -a2h5 Yo0 +ind a 2o4el on
a small shel+ and d,y yo0,sel+ o++ -e+o,e d,essin/5 On7e yo0 ha1e 602 on yo0, -oo2s
and 2he ,es2 o+ yo0, 2hin/s3 yo0 4al. 2o4a,ds 2he doo,5
The 7,ea20,e holds 2he doo, +o, yo03 2hen /es20,es +o, yo0 2o en2e, 2he 7en2,al
doo,s3 4hi7h s2and a>a,5 Yo0 2a.e a dee6 -,ea2h3 2hen 6,o7eed inside5
T0,n 2o 4+4
0222
Kin/ Da,m has -een 2,ans+o,med3 and immedia2ely -e/ins 2o ma.e 7han/es5
Tho0/h i2 is s2ill 2he middle o+ 2he ni/h23 he ,o0ses his se,1an2s and a,med men3 /i1in/
o02 so many o,de,s yo0 loose 2,a7. o+ 4ha2 he is 2,yin/ 2o a77om6lish5
Da,m?s s0->e72s o-ey him 4i2h a mi820,e o+ +ea, and 7on+0sion3 and a small
meas0,e o+ 7a,e+0l o62imism5 Yo0 4a27h as 2hey 4o,. 2o 7lean o02 Da,m?s 90a,2e,s
and ,ea,,an/e 2hin/s3 -,in/in/ i2 -a7. 2o li+e and -anishin/ 2he 2in/e o+ da,.ness in 2he
ai, as he /i1es 06 his ,esea,7h in2o 2he da,.e, a,2 o+ ma/i75
E1en20ally a se,1an2 7omes 06 2o yo0 and in1i2es yo0 2o +ollo4 him 2o 4he,e
some 90a,2e,s ha1e -een 6,e6a,ed +o, yo05 Yo0 /,a2e+0lly /o 2o yo0, ,es25 Chen yo0
eme,/e in 2he mo,nin/3 a se,1an2 7hee,+0lly /,ea2s yo0 and as.s yo0 4ha2 +o,
-,ea.+as25
Yo0 o,de, some -,ead and 7heese and e//s and as. a-o02 2he .in/5 The se,1an2
smiles and 2ells yo0 2ha2 2he Kin/ has /one o02 4i2h a small 6a,2y 2o mee2 4i2h 2he
Col+5 Yo0 as. a-o02 Kianmay and a,e 2old 2ha2 she has /one 4i2h 2he .in/3 as his
ne4 ad1iso,5
='(
FF - Diamond
Yo0 4ai2 ne,1o0sly 0n2il midday 4he,e06on 2he .in/ ,e20,ns and s0mmons yo0 2o
his 2h,one ,oom5 As yo0 en2e, 2he /ilded hall3 Da,m s2ands and 4al.s do4n 2o 2he
+loo, 2o /,ee2 yo05 He s2ill 4ai2s +o, yo0 2o 7ome 2o him: he is s2ill a .in/ a+2e, all5 As
yo0 a66,oa7h3 2he 7o0,2ie,s all loo. a2 yo0 in 7on+0sion3 -02 smile in/,a2ia2in/ly a2
yo05
Kianmay si2s in a 2h,one li.e 7hai, on 2he +loo,3 d,essed in a +ine 4hi2e ,o-e 4i2h a
,ed and /old sash ,e6,esen2in/ he, ne4 a66oin2men25 She smiles a2 yo03 2hen 20,ns
he, eyes 2o Da,m 4i2h a loo. o+ 4onde, and admi,a2ion 2ha2 ma.es yo0, hea,2 -0,n
4i2h >ealo0sy5
Ano2he, 6a,2y is /a2he,ed nea, 2he 2h,one and seein/ 2hem yo0 +al2e, in yo0, s2e65
I2 is a /,o06 o+ -ea,ded man 4i2h sha1en heads3 d,essed in 7hainmail and +0,s5 One
s2ands a2 2he +o,e3 d,essed in a 4hi2e -ea,s.in and smo.in/ +,om a 6i6e5 I2 is 2he
Col+M
Yo0 ,ea7h Da,m3 and no2 .no4in/ 4ha2 else 2o do3 /i1e him a nod5 Da,m /,ins
and ,ea7hes o02 2o 7las6 yo0 hand5 LThis man is no2 my s0->e72 ye2MN he -ooms
>o1ially5 LB02 4e shall see 4ha2 4e 7an do a-o02 2ha2M I2 is 2o yo0 2ha2 I o4e 2he
mos25 And so I 4o0ld li.e 2o o++e, yo0 2he 6osi2ion o+ Ca62ain o+ my Royal G0a,dM
Cha2 say yo0O I+ 2ha2 is no2 2o yo0, li.in/3 name yo0, hea,2?s desi,e and I shall see.
2o /,an2 i2 2o yo0MN
Yo0 /lan7e a2 Kianmay3 2a.en -y s0,6,ise5 LTha2 4o0ld -e +ine3N yo0 ,e6ly5
LE87ellen2MN Da,m says5 LThen .neelMN
Yo0 .neel do4n on one .nee3 and a Da,m holds o02 his hand3 in2o 4hi7h a se,1an2
6,om62ly 6la7es a +ine -,oads4o,d 4i2h a ,ed sil. /,i6 and a 6ommel 7a,1ed o+ >ade
in2o a lion5 Da,m?s 6o4e,+0l 1oi7e +ills 2he 7ham-e, as he 2o07hes yo0 4i2h 2he s4o,d
and ma.es yo0 a Kni/h23 a4a,din/ yo0, land and 2he 6osi2ion o+ 7a62ain o+ his Royal
G0a,d5
He -ids yo0 2o ,ise3 6,esen2s yo0 4i2h 2he s4o,d and di,e72s yo0 2o s2and aside5
Yo0 do so +eelin/ some2hin/ 7lose 2o -e4ilde,men25 Da,m -e/ins 2o s6ea.3 de7la,in/
2he 7han/es 2ha2 4ill 2a.e 6la7e3 e86o0ndin/ 2he im6o,2an7e o+ 7onne72in/ 4i2h
nei/h-o0,s +o, mo,e 2han 2,ade3 +o, no2 allo4in/ old ha2,eds 2o 6ass on 2o +ollo4in/
/ene,a2ions5
As yo0 lis2en3 yo0 +eel a hand /,as6 yo0, o4n and yo0 loo. do4n 2o see Kianmay
has s2e66ed o1e, 2o yo0, side5 She ,eleases yo0, hand and d,o6s he, /aKe shyly3 he,
7,eamy s.in 20,nin/ ,ed5 LI .ne4 2he,e 4as /,ea2 /oodness in yo03N she says 90ie2ly5
LIIN yo0 -e/in3 -02 no2hin/ +ollo4s5
Kianmay loo.s 06 2o yo03 he, eyes -,i/h25 LI ha1e -een /i1en 6e,mission 2o 4ea,
2he ,o-e o+ a 6,ies2ess3 so 2ha2 I 4ill no2 +o,/e2 4he,e I ha1e 7ome +,om3 and so all 4ill
see 4ha2 I s2and +o,5 B02 2o a77e62 his Ma>es2y?s o++e, and -e7ome his ad1iso,3 I 7an
no lon/e, -e a 6,ies2ess5N
LYo0IN On7e mo,e yo0 7anno2 +ind 2he 4o,ds5
Kianmay 2a.es yo0, hand a/ain3 -02 2his 2ime he, eyes shine -,i/h2ly as she /aKes
in2en2ly a2 yo05
LOhIN Yo0 smile -,oadly5 Yo0 -end do4n 2o 4his6e,5 LShall 4e /o 2o my
90a,2e,sION
Kianmay?s smile does no2 +al2e,3 -02 a disa66,o1in/3 and 022e,ly 0ns0,6,ised loo.
7omes in2o he, eyes5 LIn1i2e me 2o yo0, -ed 4hen i2 is o0, ma,,ia/e -ed5 I am no2 a
6e,+0med lady5N
Yo0 s2,ai/h2en3 no2 disa66oin2ed5 "e,+0med ladies3 li.e many 2hin/s3 a,e no2
eno0/h +o, yo0 any mo,e5 Yo0, s6i,i2 h0n/e,s and only ,i/h2eo0s 60,6ose 7an sa2is+y
='E
FF - Diamond
i25 Yo0 4a27h 2he .in/3 no2 hea,in/ his 4o,ds as yo0 en>oy /en2ly holdin/ Kianmay?s
so+23 deli7a2e hand in yo0, 7allo0sed +is25
THE END
=(*