Chuck opened his eyes after another uneventful night following an uneventful day. He quickly sat up when he noticed something had finally changed. He had gone to sleep at their campsite but now they appeared to be in a circular stone room similar to the first tower. Chuck looked over and was relieved to see Tess was still asleep next to him.
Chuck gently shook Tess awake and they both got up to look around. The room looked similar but was decorated differently than the first tower. There was still a large desk but so far no one was around. There were also no doors that he could see. “Hello.” Chuck called out.
There was no answer but a few minutes later the desk was covered in smoke and when it dissipated another cloaked figure was present, sitting at the desk. “Welcome to the second tower. My it has been a while since I’ve had visitors. Please, make yourselves comfortable.” The cloaked figure gestured to the seats in front of the desk in a feminine voice.
“I’m sure you are aware of who we are by now but who are you?” Chuck asked as they sat down. “You may refer to me as the Caretaker.” The cloaked figure said. “The caretaker of what?” Tess asked. “Of this tower and the surrounding area of course. And as of now your lives.” The caretaker replied, laughing.
“That certainly sounds ominous.” Chuck said as Tess grabbed his hand. “Don’t worry, I mean you no harm. I am happy to see champions after such a long time.” The Caretaker said with a giggle. Chuck wasn’t convinced though and kept his guard up.
“Just tell us what we need to do to go home.” He said gritting his teeth while trying to be civil. It wouldn’t do to piss off someone so powerful but Chuck was tired of being toyed with. “Of course, of course. All in good time however. Why don’t you enjoy yourselves first and have something to eat.” The Caretaker said, waving her hand and making delicious looking food appear on the desk in front of them.
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Chuck had to admit he was hungry after waking up and the smell of the food was making his mouth water. He still didn’t trust the Caretaker but if the Caretaker wanted them dead, then poisoning their food wasn’t necessary. Tess didn’t hold back and started digging in. He sighed and started eating himself.
The food tasted as good as it looked and smelled and he tried to savor it. It had been a long time since they’d eaten anything that tasted even remotely good. Chuck couldn’t see the Caretakers face beneath the hooded cloak, but he could somehow sense that they were smiling. It didn’t take long before they had wolfed down the meal.
“Now champions, I will tell you about your final task. As you know, the first tower is in place to guard the cemetery and this tower has a similar function. Instead of a cemetery, there is an alter in the nearby mountains that resembles the altar that brought you here. The altar attracts monsters however, so you won’t be able to just stroll up to it. Your task will be to reach the altar and pour the contents of this vial on it which will stabilize the alter until the next champions arrive. As you may have noticed, there is no path past the second tower. There will be nothing to guide you from now on but the altar is marked by two obelisks so you will have no trouble finding it. Once your task is completed, the altar will activate and send you wherever you want to go.” The caretaker explained, placing a vial of blood red liquid on the desk.
“Why can’t you pour the vial on the altar yourself?” Chuck asked, taking the vial and studying it. “Only champions are capable of this task I’m afraid. Now, good luck champions and don’t fail. It has been long past time to stabilize the altar so it is good new champions have finally been summoned.” The Caretaker replied, waving her hands again.
“Wait, what happens if the altar isn’t stabilized?” Chuck tried asking but before he knew it, smoke had enveloped he and Tess and they were back at their campsite outside the tower. “I was hoping to at least spend the night in an actual bed.” Chuck grumbled but Tess only smiled at him and they both started breaking camp.