This Guy's Problem (TWS)

You should probably go home. Leave on a high note, lest you be tempted to drink more and embarrass yourself.

Graciously, you thank the group, and ask Otto to send your regards to the LORD. They ask that you stay but ultimately you persuade them that its best for you to turn in early.

The night is crisp and pleasant. The light from the stars and quarter-moon allows you to see just enough of the countryside. There is a well-worn path before you. It's one of several that connect the CASTLE and surrounding VILLAGE to the FARMLAND and more rural areas, such as the COTTAGE.

NORTHWARDS you see the outline of the CASTLE, where the KING resides. You believe it was initially built as a simple defensive fortification, but at some point the KING and his MILITIA took up residence there and eventually PEASANTS and TRADESMEN took up shop around it for the defense it provides, forming the VILLAGE that surrounds it. You don't know if the KING sees the VILLAGE as loyal subjects he must protect, or as a MOAT of UNIMPORTANT PEONS that serves as a first line of deterrence from an invading force.

You actually do not know. The KING is sort of an enigma. Even when he makes a public appearance he never speaks, only WATCHES.

Between the VILLAGE and the CASTLE PROPER you can make out the silhouette of the OUTER WALLS, which house the more important buildings and citizens. The only two you can make out at this distance are the spires from the top of THE LORD'S CATHEDRAL, and the LORD'S MANSION. You really think he does it on purpose.

You glance the other way down the path towards THE LORD'S COUNTRY CHAPEL. The FRIAR is probably asleep at this hour, though he has been known to make some LATE NIGHT TRIPS to the VILLAGE. You assume he is just...oh no.

You really hope what you think is the case is not the case. You run off of the cottage's front steps and head towards the side facing the CHAPEL, where the HORSES are tied.

Or where your horse should be tied.

It was probably the work of the HUMILIATED KNIGHT, seeing how his horse is missing as well. You will probably have to make a CASE out of this.

For the time being, however, you are out of an EASY WAY HOME. Your own cottage is about 10 miles away, on the WEST side of the VILLAGE. You suppose you have a few options.

You could just WALK STRAIGHT HOME. 10 miles isn't really that far and you should get there in a few hours. You're feeling fairly refreshed right now and while you'll probably be tired when you get home, you're sure your LOVING WIFE has stayed up waiting for you, and will be VERY HAPPY to see you.

Though walking alone for a few hours at night risks running into VAGRANTS and you aren't very well armed.

You could also GO BACK TO THE PARTY and ASK TO BORROW A HORSE. You're certain someone would help but it runs the risk of MORE DRINKING, which may keep you EVEN LATER.

You could also attempt to WAKE THE FRIAR and see if he could offer any assistance (though he doesn't have a horse and may not even be in the CHAPEL).

Or you could take the LONG WAY back through the VILLAGE, it's may be slightly SAFER but it would take you longer to GO TO YOUR WIFE.

Or you could try something else, you've been known for having creative ideas.

>_