Prince Valium (continued)
You decide to take the squire hostage and force the prince to do as you say, and having decided that, you wait for the perfect opportunity.
When the squire gets close enough, you sneak up behind him, then grab him, wrapping an arm tightly around his neck and pressing the muzzle of the gun against the side of this head.
The only sound the squire is able to make as a warning to the prince is a frightened gasp.
The prince spins around to face you, sword swinging.
"What the...?"
"Hold it right there, princeling," you tell him.
"Don't try anything funny, or I'll shoot the kid."
The prince blinks.
"But why are you doing this?"
You smile grimly.
"That's for me to know and for you to find out.
You will cut through those briars with your sword for me.
When you've done that, you and the boy can go."
The prince frowns.
His eyes go to the boy's, seeing that he's okay, then with frustrated helplessness, he nods.
He turns to the briars, swinging his sword at the thorny branches.
It cuts through well enough, but you can see the prince wincing with every impact.
Five hours later, the three of you have breached the wall of briars and are at the castle door.
You realize that if you let them go at this point, they may double back on you and wreak some kind of revenge.
So you decide to keep the squire hostage a little bit longer.
"We're going to find the princess first," you tell them.
"After I've broken the spell,
then you may go."
You figure that's reasonable; at least you don't end up murdering someone.
They say nothing.
In your arms, the boy remains motionless.
"Okay," you order, "into the courtyard."
The three of you go into the courtyard and have a look around.
Here and there are sleeping figures, residents of the castle grounds.
To your left is a path leading to an open door, revealing a staircase that apparently goes up to a tower of some sort.
To your right lies the main entrance of the hall, leading to what you guess may be the living areas of the royal family, the kitchens, and other such rooms.
Where do you go first?
