🏆 Ye've Done It
“This day, you reach the end of a story,” she continues, “and the last of its paths.”
🥇 A Bargain to Make
“Right, then. Let’s be off!” commands Brave Beard, striking a leaderly pose.
🥇 Begone!
The men push off, paddling the raft beyond the island and into the night.
🥇 Thus is Thy Fate Sealed
With a rumble, the island sinks slowly into the sea, carrying all hands with it.
🥇 Nice Day
Surfacing, they find themselves men once more, who, for the moment, splash about like happy children under the moonlit sky.
🥇 Well Met…
“Er, hullo,” stammers Brave Beard.
🥇 …Bearded Travelers
The absurdity of underwater speech only adds to the wonder apparent on his face.
🥈 The Long Way
“Really very sorry for scuttling your promotion and all that,” offers Steady Beard.
🥈 Complimentary Trip to the Afterlife
“Shouldn’t you be a bit more chipper, having won and all?” prods Steady Beard.
🥈 Vengeance Satisfied
The creature drags the struggling men deeper beneath the waves, finally tossing them aside in disgust.
🥈 QUITE GOOD AT FLOWERS
“Quick, while we’ve a chance!” whispers Hasty Beard, leading the way to the boat.
🥈 QUITE GOOD AT THROWING
“Great idea!” cuts in Steady Beard. “How about a demonstration?”
🥈 Getting Your Beards Wet
The orbs lead on, out through the cavern’s deep tunnels and beyond the island.
🥈 The Back Door
Following the glow of moonlight, the men step out eagerly into the night.
🥈 Into the Deepening Darkness
The men paddle furiously, but the widening vortex is inescapable.
🥈 Out of the Deepening Darkness
Collapsing, the maelstrom tosses the men in their barrels toward the surface.
🥈 In Need of Assistance
Heedless of the warning, the burly seals spread out as they swim, until the spell around them weakens and they become human once more.
🥈 Poor Beastie
With a piercing screech, the creature disappears back into the depths.
🥈 Foiled by the Tree
The jaws snap shut over the shattered tree, launching the men out into the deepening darkness.
🥈 She's a Goner
Clinging to wooden barrels, they watch their beloved ship sink into the depths.
🥈 Womenfolk in the Water
Finding the dark water empty, the men quickly regret their course of action.
🥉 Great Barnacled One
It’s dark inside the whale, but the men appear to be intact.
🥉 Wooden Trousers
“Aye, they’ll float,” nods Steady Beard.
🥉 Fountain of the Faithless
“Give me water, and I’ll teach it to carry me!”
🥉 The Path of Waiting
“Time flows quickly in contemplation of the Great One’s splendor.”