Start of a transcript of
DEAD OF WINTER
SmoochieComp 2001 Entry
(c) Copyright 2000 Christina Pagniacci
Please type ABOUT.
Release 1 / Serial number 010104 / Inform v6.21 Library 6/10 
Standard interpreter 1.0 (6F) / Library serial number 991113

>n

The Ice Queen's Cave
The inside of the cave consists solely of ice. It is mostly empty, the most
striking feature being the gigantic ice throne the Queen is sitting on.
Prominently displayed in the middle of the cave is a large, clear block of ice
inside which Saul has been frozen.

On the throne is the Ice Queen.

>t queen
'You want him back? Then bring me the Heart of Winter. It is guarded by the
Dragon, but since you have found me, I am sure you are not going to have a
problem convincing him to give it to you.'

The Ice Queen gestures, and an exit opens towards the north of the cave.

>n

Gorge of Despair
A wide, deep gorge splits the land in half. There is no way across. On the other
side, in the distance, you can make out a castle. You can also walk along the
gorge to the east and west.

An annoying little demon is fluttering around your head.

>t demon
'You want across this gorge? I can get you there, baby. Just give me what you're
holding!'

"I'm not..." you start, then realize you are holding something.

>give crystal to demon
The demon accepts the crystal, giggling maniacally.

A second later, you find yourself on an...

Ice Bank
A tiny bank of ice is all that separates the River of Storms from a rough path
leading up a mountain to the northwest.

>nw
After a long trip, you arrive at...

Castle Courtyard
This may have been an impressive castle once, and seemed to be intact from the
distance, but the courtyard is all that remains; no walls remain standing.
Strange.

You can see the Dragon here.

>x dragon
The Dragon is a handsome man with incredibly white skin and piercing black eyes.

>t dragon
'You have come for the Heart of Winter.'

You shudder at the sound of his voice. It is... old and otherwordly, yet
beautiful. "Y... yes," you manage.

'I will give it to you, under one condition. Give yourself to me, this night.
Then you shall have the Heart of Winter. What do you say?'

>>yes

The Dragon smiles sadly. 'Come with me, child.'

Afterwards, he leads you into a small chamber.

Small Chamber
This very small chamber is empty except for a large mirror hanging on one wall.

>x mirror
You see yourself in the mirror.

"I only see myself!" you shout, "where is the Heart of Winter?"

The Dragon smiles again. 'You are.'

"I am? But..."

He hushes you with a movement of his hand. 'I think you have someone to go back
to, do you not?'

At the mention of Saul, shame flushes your face. Yes, you betrayed him to save
him.

With another wave of the Dragon's hand, you are gone and find yourself...

Outside the Ice Queen's Cave
This is it. The dread Ice Queen's home lies to the north, the dark cave mouth
beckoning.

>n

The Ice Queen's Cave
The inside of the cave consists solely of ice. It is mostly empty, the most
striking feature being the gigantic ice throne the Queen is sitting on.
Prominently displayed in the middle of the cave is a large, clear block of ice
inside which Saul has been frozen.

On the throne is the Ice Queen.

>t queen
'Well,' asks the Ice Queen, 'have you brought me the Heart of Winter?'

"Yes."

'So,' she continues eagerly, 'where is it?'

"I am the Heart of Winter."

'What? It cannot be!' Her eyes alight with anger, she raises her arms. 

'Heart of Winter, eh? You will be dead of Winter!'

Glistening magic leaves her fingertips, engulfing you...

The cold freezes you to the core, turning you into an ice statue. You cannot
breathe, but you cannot die either. Helplessly, you watch as the Ice Queen
unfreezes Saul and kisses him passionately -- and he returns her kiss!

"What's this?" he asks when she releases him, pointing at you.

'Oh, just an ugly statue. Could you break it for me?'

"Sure, my love." He walks up to you and pushes you over.

You hear the laughter of the ice queen before you shatter.

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