You decide to lie
"STATE YOUR BUSINESS, BEFORE I LOSE MY PATIENCE!" the guard bellows.
"Um...I'm just a lonely travelling merchant looking for a place to spend the night," you answer, lying through your teeth.
The guard raises one eyebrow. "Well, merchant, that is if you are who you say, where
is your cart of merchandise? Why do you not at least have a horse?"
"I was mugged on the way here, oh gracious one," you begin to say, hoping that
the 'gracious one' you tacked onto the end will soften him up a little.
"Oh? Were there bandits on the road?"
"Yes, of course! Do you think I would have just given my things over to some
passers-by?" you replied, trying to sound irritated.
"I see. Were there many of them?" the guard continued, sounding annoyingly cool.
You begin to become a little less sure of yourself. "Ye-yes, about s-s-six or
seven of them, m'lord," you stammer.
He raises the eyebrow again. "Why do you stammer, merchant? Are you...LYING to me?"
"No sir!" you answer, maybe a little too quickly you think. "It's just that it
was such a terrifying experience for me, it refills my soul with fear each time
I think about it."
"How long ago did this happen?" the guard asks.
You feel a little put-on-the-spot. "Th-th-this morning, oh gracious sir. Now please, if
you do not wish to put me up for the night, kindly turn me away so I may find some
shelter before the night falls completely." You answer. This has gone on long enough,
you think.
"I'll let you stay the night, but you must leave promptly after breakfast tomorrow
morning. I'll even sell you one of my horses."
"Oh gee, thanks." you mutter. "Oh thank you, thank you
oh noble sir! I am forever grateful! I will never forget your hospi-"
He cuts you off with a: "You may thank me later, now, please, come into the castle."
Continue....
