You open the first door, eager to meet a castle-dweller. You are very surprised to see, however, another knight! Surely, this man should be down helping the party? But, you introduce yourself.
"I am X'Athuph," he says, in a meloncholy voice. "The party is very sad indeed, wanderor. Do not go to it."
"Why?" you ask.
X'Athuph shakes his head. "The king is sad, so the others are sad as well. They all act cheerful, sure, but they really are rather unhappy with this situation." He looks at you and sees a rather blank expression. "I suppose you don't know about the Prince?" he asks.
You shake your head, no.
"I am most certainly not the one to tell you," he says, quietly. "But if you can find the prince, I'm sure he'll fill you in."
There is a soft padding of feet and you realize that you've been joined by a feline. Her fur is a sparkling red and her eyes are a very bright blue. Her entrance, however, seems to lighten the knight's mood.
"Ahh, my Hyant'oui!" he exclaims, patting the creature as she encloses his legs.
"She came to me from the mountains, when the Wood shifted. I suppose she has seen more things than I ever will. But, go now, wanderor, and seek out the Prince.
