"He found the knowledge at the heart of the universe; Returned, and cut his story into stone..." -- The Epic Of Gilgamesh Whom The Telling Changed By Aaron A. Reed Would you like instructions?>yes "Whom the Telling Changed" is interactive fiction, meaning both that you must read it and interact with it. Whenever you see the prompt: >...you may type something that will shape the story. This can be a single word, such as LOOK to remind yourself of where you are, or REPEAT, to remind yourself of what was recently said. Certain words will be highlighted, drawing your attention to important objects or topics of conversation. You may also type simple commands to perform actions. The story understands basic VERB NOUN combinations the best, such as TAKE ROCK, GO OUTSIDE, TALK TO ISI, or ATTACK ISI. Try the verbs TALK, PRAISE, MOCK, or SHOW TO to interact with characters. If you don't want to do anything, try LISTEN or WAIT. Finally, you may type STORY at any time to see how the choices you've made have shaped the ongoing story. HELP will repeat these instructions. Press any key to begin. The people have always gathered on moonless nights to hear the telling, since the time of your ancestors' ancestors. The heat of the fire and the glow in the storyteller's eyes make the past present, and the path to the future clear. Tonight the stars are bright, but the minds of your people are troubled. May the words of the telling guide your way. ----------- The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough. The symbol of your occupation hangs from the central support of the tent. >take symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >medicine bag The leather strap feels cool and familiar in your hands as you take your medicine bag down from its place. >go outside You step outside into the warm night air. It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive. In the darkness a few feet away, Sihan and Saiph talk quietly in strained tones. As you approach, your enemy grows silent. Your love turns to you with a look of relief and reaches out a hand. >show love Who do you mean, Sihan or Saiph? >saiph (the feather circlet) It seems now is not a good time for that; your enemy is watching you narrowly while your lover holds out a hand to you. >take hand Which do you mean, Sihan or Saiph? >saiph You clasp Saiph's strong hand and turn to Sihan with a frown. "What business have you here?" you ask her coldly. Sihan tosses her hair and fixes her sharp gaze on you. "I came to see if Saiph is truly a man of action and not only of words," she says levelly. "But I see that, like you, he is counted among the cowards and the weaklings. I have no more to say." She turns and vanishes into the darkness without a sound. >follow sihan Let her go; she is clearly not in the mood for your company. >talk to saiph "I care for you more than you know," you say, kissing Saiph on the cheek. Saiph frowns. "Her heart clamors for war with these newcomers," your lover says, "and was upset to find I do not share her views. We shall see if your enemy has better luck at the telling." He looks up to the stars, and adds, "It is a good night for it." >explain the telling [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >telling "It is almost time," your love says seriously. "I wonder, what story will we hear tonight? The people are buzzing about the newcomers; perhaps the teller's story will be about them." >newcomers "Have you heard the news?" he asks. "Young Ada found traces of a camp less than an hour's walk from here, and more than half a day from their fires in the valley. Sihan and her friends are already sharpening their spears and preparing for war," he says darkly. >hug saiph You wrap your arms around your love and receive a quick kiss in return. "Calm yourself," Saiph says, a corner of his mouth rising, "there will be time for that after the telling." >leave saiph But you aren't in Saiph. >find sihan She is not nearby. >go to tent The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough. Saiph's copper dagger hangs from the central support of the tent. >grab dagger [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >dagger Saiph's dagger is long as your forearm and lovingly oiled and sharpened. It is his most prized possession, a talisman against times of woe. >get dagger You carefully take Saiph's weapon down from the wall and study it thoughtfully for a moment. >get wine Water for your hands, oil for your lamp, wine for your thirst. You need none of them now, but knowing they are there brings comfort. >take dagger You already have that. >leave tent [That action is unimportant to this story.] >find saiph He is not nearby. >find newcomers He is not nearby. >go to telling You step outside into the warm night air. It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive. Your beloved gazes up at the stars. >listen A gust of cool wind tugs your clothes. Saiph glances towards the fire pit and takes his dagger from you, sliding it into its familiar place at his waist. "Let us join the gathering and hear the story," your love says lightly, and turns to the fire at the center of the village. >go to fire You walk to the firepit with Saiph, and friends and neighbors greet you with a nod or quiet word. Always the fire pit is the center of the village, and always the people gather there. Faint smells of tonight's great feast still linger, but the fire now smolders low, only a shadow of its roaring fierceness at sunset. Isi and Nabu stand near the fire, along with a growing crowd. Saiph stands near your side. >listen A bat circles above the fire for a moment, then swoops away. >praise Whom do you want to praise? >praise ii [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >praise isi "My brightest light," says Isi as she always does, a smile lighting her face as she pulls you down to kiss your cheek. >show medicine bag Whom do you want to show the medicine bag to? >isi Isi smiles as she fingers the leather strap. "I will always remember your face, night after night, as you helped me through the sickness all those years ago," she says. "Only fifteen summers you were, but that face held more concentration and focus than any healer I have known." Saiph places a hand on your shoulder. "Go on, my love," he says softly. "Give the circlet of office to the storyteller. It is time." >go to storyteller You can't see storyteller nearby. >find storyteller The teller is older than time and thick as space; wise as the moon, and sharp as the stars. The storyteller is older than the oldest king and will live yet when the last spark of the sun dies out. >show circlet to storyteller That title is meaningless until the circlet is placed on the storyteller's head. >give circlet to storyteller Your people have always believed in the power of names. For such an important ceremony as this, you must use the teller's name. >give circlet to nabu You approach your uncle Nabu and hand the circlet to the small old man. He takes it delicately, eyeing the craftsmanship, and then looks up at you and smiles warmly. Carefully, he lifts it up to his old head--and now before you is no longer your father's brother, but the storyteller... a role he has taken every new moon for many years. >listen to storyteller You focus on the story intently, letting the words form pictures and thoughts in your mind. Sihan approaches the far side of the fire and greets some friends warmly. >greet sihan "Sihan," you call across the fire. "Can we not hear the story as friends?" Sihan snorts. "That is unlikely," she says, "unless you have come to your senses and accepted the need for defense." Sihan turns away with contempt and laughs with her friends, but you catch a guarded glance thrown your way a moment later. Saiph kisses your cheek. "May the story bring you what you seek," he whispers, then slips into the crowd. Your beloved has always liked to hear the stories by himself. >steal saiph's dagger [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >mock sihan "Will you and your cronies hear tonight's story, Sihan?" you call across the fire. "Or will you be too busy sharpening spears and grinding axes?" Sihan stares at you with dagger eyes. "Your taunts only reveal your immaturity," she says. "Do not trouble me with more of them." The murmurings of the people die away as the storyteller rises to his feet and raises two bony hands. >listen to storyteller You focus on the story intently, letting the words form pictures and thoughts in your mind. The storyteller shouts, "In this time of darkness the people gather for the telling. Will the people hear?" >yes You call out your response along with many others. The crowd cries out with one voice, "The people are ready." The teller bows humbly, accepting the people's blessing, then straightens with the hint of a smile. "Tonight," he says, "we shall hear an old, old story, from days long ago when great cities and mighty kings ruled this land. May you find in the story that which you seek." >story This is a story about a healer in the village who was in love with a strong warrior man, Saiph. On the night of the telling, when the healer's uncle Nabu became the teller, their enemy Sihan tried her best to turn the people towards needless war with the outsiders. The healer stayed quiet while Sihan rallied the people to war. >disagree with sihan You laugh with unconcealed contempt. "Who believes these foolish words?" you ask. "It is clear the speaker has little of value to add to the story." Sihan ignores your baiting, set jaw and steel gaze focusing on the storyteller, but the crowd looks uncertainly between the two of you. >continue [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >sihan response It is no longer the right time to make that part of the story. The storyteller lifts his hands in invocation. "Our story begins," he says quietly, "in the far-off city of Uruk. Uruk of the broad streets, Uruk of the mighty walls. Can you see them, gleaming in the desert heat?" The teller gestures into the night, and in your mind the walls come alive, shimmering in the desert air. "Come," he continues, "cross the ancient threshold, walk the streets and orchards and markets. Walk the streets and climb the great stone steps to the temple. Climb the steps and find the box of burnished copper. Find the box and undo the lock and draw out the great tablet of deep blue stone. Draw out the tablet and read of Uruk's king, Uruk's pride, Uruk's greatest hero. Hear of the trials of Gilgamesh." >read tablet The story has moved on; there are other things to say. >say them It is no longer the right time to make that part of the story. Sihan smiles broadly. "Ah, good!" she says, "a story of my ancestor Gilgamesh. There, there was a true hero to inspire the people in troubled times." Some in the crowd murmur in excitement, but older faces look as if they question Sihan's claim of lineage. >attack sihan You step forward in a rage and raise your hands, but before you have gone more than a few steps, Saiph is at your side, holding you back. "No," he says softly, "do not lessen yourself this way." "That's right," says Sihan with a sneer, "control your dog before he bites more than he can swallow." "Enough of this," says the teller harshly. "Are you children? Do not interrupt the story again with your pointless bickering, or I shall become angry." He fixes each of you with a fierce stare. >praise storyteller "The story is well told tonight," you say. "It comes alive in my mind with strength and clarity." There are many murmurs of agreement. "Tell us of the city of Uruk," calls a young woman from the crowd. "Uruk, mighty Uruk of the wide streets," the teller says with shining eyes, "its heart the temple of Inanna, towering over all; its skin mighty walls of oven-fired brick, their like unmatched in all the world. Uruk, planned by the seven sages and filled with orchards and gardens. Never was a city more mighty and proud than Uruk, and never had any city so great a king." Sihan glowers at you from across the flames. >question about uruk You snort and raise your voice. "So it is Gilgamesh you descend from now, is it Sihan?" you say derisively. "Last moon it was Sargon of Akkad, was it not?" A few near you snicker as Sihan flushes furiously, then she turns away from you with cold disdain. The teller continues. "Mighty was Gilgamesh, a lord among lords. Mighty is he who both leads the way and guards the rear. Mighty is he who both crashes like a wave and shelters the weak. Gilgamesh was tall, strong, bearded, a roaring bull among his people. Aruru, mother of the Earth, gave him his form, and Adad the Storm gave him courage, and Shamash the Sun gave him beauty--but," the teller's piercing eyes fixate on the crowd, "he was still a man, nonetheless." >where is gilgamesh [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >gilgamesh death Gilgamesh had something of the gods in him, it seems, but also something of men. Which, you wonder, shaped him more? >men "With so many gods to shape him, how is it that Gilgamesh was only a man?" you ask. "The gods did shape him," the storyteller replies with a nod, "but gave him no godly powers: no magic touch, or gift of foresight, or long, ageless life. Gilgamesh shared the fate of all mankind, and this was why long after many of the old gods fell and were forgotten, the people of Uruk remembered him, for he was one of them." >story This is a story about a healer in the village who was in love with a strong warrior man, Saiph. On the night of the telling, when the healer's uncle Nabu became the teller, their enemy Sihan tried her best to turn the people towards needless war with the outsiders. >question sihan The time is not right to weave that into the story. "How awesome to have such divinity in one's creation," Sihan says. "The people of Uruk were blessed indeed to have such a king to lead them." "And they knew it," says the teller with a twinkle in his eye, "even if they sometimes wished for a leader who provoked awe less frequently." Whispers of assent float across the fire; a few nod visibly at these words. You catch a glimpse of your love Saiph's face, darkened by a frown. >go to saiph Saiph likes to hear the story alone. He will find you once the story is over. The telling continues. "With his friend and companion Enkidu," the storyteller says, "Gilgamesh ruled Uruk with a young and prideful heart. But he saw the dead and dying in the streets of Uruk, and his mind was troubled." >continue [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >listen more It is no longer the right time to make that part of the story. >question enkidu It is no longer the right time to make that part of the story. "Death comes to the weak quicker than the strong," Sihan's voice calls out from across the circle. "It is the way of things, and cannot change. Gilgamesh spent his worries needlessly." Her eyes meet yours for a moment, as if challenging you to agree or disagree. >disagree "Any noble king would feel pity for the sick and the weak," you say. "Such a feeling is what separates a king from a tyrant." An old mother behind you squeezes your arm for a moment. Across the circle, your love gives you a tiny nod of approval. >continue [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >sihan response It is no longer the right time to make that part of the story. The storyteller continues. "One night," he says, "as Gilgamesh knelt in prayer, Shamash, god of the sun, came down to whisper in his ear. Shamash whispered to Gilgamesh of a far off place called the Cedar Forest, where dwelt the demon Humbaba. Shamash whispered that he who could defeat Humbaba would gain fame greater than any man. He who could chop down the tallest cedar and defeat Humbaba the guardian would gain everlasting fame. He would burn in the minds of men forever. He would never be forgotten. And the heart of Gilgamesh became restless." >restless Doubtless the heart of Gilgamesh stirred at a chance for glory; but was this Humbaba a valid opponent? >yes "You said King Gilgamesh was restless when he heard Shamash's call," you say loudly. "And of course he was! What king would not seize a chance for glory, to prove his strength and power? A leader is trebled in stature when admired by the people." Voices mutter in agreement; for one or two, this point has touched home. >listen to saiph A log falls in the fire, sending a shower of sparks up into the night. "What kind of tree is called 'cedar'?" a young boy near you calls out. "I've never heard of it." "Uruk was a land like ours," the teller answers, "where the tree is scarce and the wood is poor. Cedarwood is strong, and beautiful, and pleasant to see and smell, and in those days was valued as gold. In the Cedar Forest far, far away, the cedar trees are so thick you could not see a man a hundred paces away; and so tall you could not see the sky." >wait and agree I only understood you as far as wanting to wait. >wait A gust of cool wind tugs your clothes. The story moves on. "The heart of Gilgamesh burned with the words of Shamash," says the teller. "Gilgamesh sought out his friend Enkidu and said to him: 'You came from the wild. My friend, you came from the wild and you know the secret paths of animals. Do you know the way to the Cedar Forest?' "Enkidu sighed and his heart grew heavy," says the teller, and then seems to become young and strong as the gruff guise of Enkidu comes over him. "'Yes, I know the way to the Cedar Forest, but it is long and lonely. And what awaits you at its end but the demon Humbaba? The lord of all gods, mighty Enlil, has set him there to guard the Cedar Forest. What man or god could defeat him, my brother?'" >gilgamesh "What better task for Gilgamesh to take on?" you wonder aloud. "If he succeeds, his people will love him and follow him all the more; and if he fails, his name will live on in death as one who showed no fear." "As it has," the teller says, "though which of those outcomes found Gilgamesh has not yet been told." >tell Whom do you want to tell? >the teller What do you want to tell Nabu about? >newcomers He is not nearby. >sihan It is no longer the right time to make that part of the story. "Subtle is the art of the storyteller," Sihan says with a smile. "Do you see why Gilgamesh is the leader and Enkidu only a follower? He hesitates in the face of danger; when courage is called for, he backs away. It is Gilgamesh whose bravery will be remembered and loved." People murmur in agreement and nod. The storyteller's eyes sparkle in the firelight, inscrutable. Wisps of clouds mark moving black shadows on the stars above. >attack sihan Your rage boils; but you will prove to your people that you are capable of containing it. The telling continues. "Gilgamesh looked at Enkidu with disapproving eyes," continues the teller, who then seems to grow tall and strong. "Is this the brave Enkidu I know?" he asks in the voice of the king. "Is this Enkidu who fought with the wild beasts and once challenged King Gilgamesh himself? Have you traded courage for cowardice? Our days are few, and chances for glory far between. Do you not wish to burn forever in the minds of men?" The teller becomes Enkidu again, and seems to consider the words of Gilgamesh. "'You have set your mind, I see. You will make this quest no matter what your friend Enkidu counsels. Since that is your road, I will go with you. I will guide you on the hidden paths; I will find for you the hidden water; I will help you on your quest for glory. Enkidu will go with you.'" >go on quest [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >explain quest [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >quest Is Gilgamesh right to set off on this quest for personal glory? Should he rather stay and help the people of Uruk? >stay The time is not right to weave that into the story. "But why didn't he want to fight the demon?" asks an incredulous child. "Many have wondered that in the ages since this story was first told," says the storyteller. "What do you think?" "I think he was afraid," the boy says, after a moment's thought. >no You shake your head, muttering dangerous words to yourself. The wind picks up, bending the fire's smoke and rustling your hair. >brush hair [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >hug kid [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >hug boy Now is not the time for that. The story continues. "Gilgamesh rejoiced," the teller says, "and summoned the blacksmiths to forge mighty weapons for the companions. He summoned the blacksmiths and summoned the servants to prepare food and supplies. He summoned the servants and summoned the priestesses to make generous sacrifices, to ask the gods for good fortune." "When all was ready, Gilgamesh and Enkidu passed through the seven gates of Uruk and set off into the desert. The people watched them go," he says softly, "the people of Uruk in silence watched them go." >what sacrifice [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >sacrifices "What were the sacrifices Gilgamesh made to the gods?" you ask. "They were many," the teller responds, "and befitting of such a strong king; three fattened oxen and twelve fattened sheep; four golden bowls of honey and five silver bowls of butter. The incense was lit and the prayers were sung; the priestesses sang the prayers while the stars turned above." >weapons You call out, "What weapons did the blacksmiths of Uruk make for Gilgamesh and Enkidu?" "They were like the weapons of the gods," says the storyteller, spreading out his hands, "axes taller than men; knives with mighty pommels and inlaid patterns of gold and lapis; armor that no ordinary man could have bore. But Gilgamesh and Enkidu took them all and used them with skill." >listen Wisps of clouds mark moving black shadows on the stars above. "How solemn the folk of Uruk must have been," says Sihan, "to recognize the seriousness of such a moment, and not protest like fearful children." Voices mutter in agreement; for a fair number, this point has touched home. You feel but do not see Saiph's gaze burning on your face. >stare saiph [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >look at saiph You peer anxiously through the faces in the crowd. For a moment you see your love's hair; then it is gone behind a tall shepherd's shoulders. >follow saiph Saiph likes to hear the story alone. He will find you once the story is over. "Hot were the sands of the desert," continues the teller, "hot were the sands and hard was the way. Many bones of less fortunate travellers marked their journey. But Enkidu knew the secret paths of the animals and the secret hiding places of water, and the land fell behind them swiftly." "The first mountain range they crossed in a day; the first desert and mountain range they crossed in a single day. On the next day they crossed the second desert and the second mountain range; on the next they crossed the third desert and the third mountain range. On the third night they lay down to sleep, utterly exhausted from their journey." >bones "Did the companions not stop to perform burial rites on the bones of those who had died in the desert?" you ask. "Why should they?" says Sihan. "Those who failed the journey were weak, and their fate was decided accordingly. We should not pity the weak." >attack sihan Your rage boils; but you will prove to your people that you are capable of containing it. A muffled snore floats across the circle, and heads turn towards an old woman asleep on her feet. As the crowd giggles, she jerks awake, and looks around guiltily. "I was but picturing the story in my head," she sniffs in a defensive tone. "Do not fret, old mother," the teller says with a wink in his voice, "after the desert crossing the tale becomes much more exciting." The crowd laughs uproariously. >continue tale [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >laugh Whether this is an appropriate time or not, you cannot help yourself. The teller continues. "In the darkest hour of night Gilgamesh woke with a start and clutched his chest. 'Who walks there?' he gasped. 'Why does my flesh tingle? Has a god touched me?' Enkidu heard and awoke, saying, 'Have you dreamt, Gilgamesh? Tell me your dream and I will unravel its meaning.' 'I dreamt we walked in a gorge beneath a mighty mountain, you and I,' said Gilgamesh. 'We were like flies beneath its massive bulk. Then, with a rumble, the mountain collapsed on top of us. What is its meaning, my friend?'" >dream Dreams are sent by the gods. Was this dream sent by Shamash, to presage the fall of Humbaba? Or, perhaps, by Enlil, warning of the consequences of destroying his guardian? >shamash "Though masked in tragedy, this is a fortunate dream," you say musingly. "Shamash has sent it to symbolize the fall of Humbaba at the hands of the heroes." The storyteller bows to you. "And this is how Enkidu, too, unraveled the dream of Gilgamesh. 'The mountain is the demon Humbaba,' he said. 'Shamash has sent us this dream to show that we will defeat the demon, and his fall will shake the earth.' And Gilgamesh heard his words, and was at peace." Murmurs of support come from the crowd nearby. The crowd is listening with rapt attention to both you and Sihan. >peace The time is not right to weave that into the story. "Dreams of portent are frightening," says a young mother, pulling her wrap tighter around her. "I do not like the gods to enter my head in the night." "Wise you are to be cautious," says the teller with a nod. "The ways of the gods are strange and obscure to men, their dealings laced with complexities we cannot understand." Whispers move around the circle. Many look in your direction with smiles and nods. >smile You'll have to specify whom you wish to greet. As the teller speaks more of the journey across the desert, a strong hand presses on your shoulder. You turn to see Sihan's angry face only inches from yours. "You made your feelings towards me clear when you tried to raise your hand against me," she breathes quietly, face a mask of contempt, "but I ask you to put aside your animosity and think of the people, as I have done. For the course of action our village must take, tell me: are you with me or against me?" >[Nothing entered.] >with "I am with you," you say. "We shall see," says Sihan cautiously. "There is still much of the story to be told." She turns and fades back into the crowd without a backward glance. >follow sihan Now is not the time for idle chatter, but response to the story. [The bar along the top of the screen shows some possible topics, or type REPEAT to hear the latest part of the story again.] You turn your attention back to the teller. "On the seventh day," he is saying, "the companions crossed the seventh desert and the seventh mountain range, and came at last to the edge of the Cedar Forest." "The cedars were green, and the forest cool after the barren heat of the desert, and it smelled inside of wood and soil. But quiet it was under the boughs of the trees; quiet, with a lingering whisper of fear." >fear Fear, you wonder, of the unknown? Or the dreadful fear of a terrible evil? >dreadful "This fear is portentious," you say. "Fear is a warning; a harbinger of terrible things and dangerous times. It is the gods themselves warning us of doom." A young warrior behind you squeezes your arm for a moment. The crowd is as excited as you have ever seen them, looking between you and Sihan with growing confidence. >hug warrior He is not nearby. >forest "What did this mighty forest look like?" you say. "Tall were the trees," says the teller, "tall and broad were the trees of the cedar forest, their wide arms grasping each other high above. The Cedar Mountain sloped up, up, up, and the trees were a pale green blanket wrapping it tight. >quiet "But is this not normal for a forest? I have never heard of noisy trees," you say with a smile. "This forest was too quiet: quiet as a temple, quiet as a tomb," the teller chants, "no creature stirred within the Cedar Forest; not hare nor hawk nor rat nor owl. No beetles crawled on dampened leaves; no crickets chirped. Even the wind seemed to lose its voice as it entered the cool wood." The teller speaks slowly, lingering over each word. "Enkidu and Gilgamesh stepped into the cedars with care, but," he says, picking up speed, "the demon Humbaba, Humbaba, Humbaba heard the rustle of every leaf in the forest." The teller leaps up and spreads his arms wide, and the people shrink back in fear. "A wind blew through the trees," the teller says quickly, "and a freezing terror seized the companions. Nightmare faces leered behind gnarled branches: blood-smeared faces, faces of rabid lions, faces with hideous tusks, always changing, always horrible. But the demon did not appear before them." >faces Sihan is speaking before you can react. Sihan raises her voice above the crowd. "Truly Humbaba was hideous!" she shouts. "These changing faces that precede him are like those of all liars and thieves who mask their true self." "Only too true," nods a gaunt woman from the crowd. "Evil is often couched in deception and lies." >liars "Be careful in your words," you say to Sihan thoughtfully. "Humbaba is a demon; horrible; terrible; frightening. But we have heard nothing of lies from him; nor of thievery." Sihan laughs. "One does not need to wait for the lion to attack before fleeing," she says. "One does not need to wonder each time stormclouds gather whether there will be rain. Those who do are the simple and the foolish, to be pitied or ridiculed by those with sense." >mock sihan You laugh with unconcealed contempt. "Who believes these foolish words?" you ask. "It is clear the speaker has little of value to add to the story." "I pity you if you have not the wit to comprehend my words," Sihan lashes back; the crowd looks to you with grins, though some shake their heads. >praise crowd "Well said," you call out, and others grunt their agreement. The story goes on. "With a cry, Enkidu fell to his knees," says the teller, mimicking the action. "'I cannot go on, friend Gilgamesh! You must leave me and go on alone. I must return to Uruk in shame, for I cannot withstand the terrors of Humbaba!'" "Gilgamesh pulled Enkidu to his feet. 'Courage, friend,' he said. 'Two may prevail where one would fall. Together, we are stronger than any single man. Touch my heart and you will not fear death.' And Enkidu placed his hand on Gilgamesh's chest, and he felt no fear. Together they journeyed deeper into the forest." >together "So true are the words of Gilgamesh," you say. "Two together are stronger than two divided. Such a simple thing to say, but how many can remember it?" A current of energy runs through some in the crowd, who mutter affirmation with somber faces. >continue [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >fell Does this episode show a weakness in Enkidu, or does it illustrate a strength in Gilgamesh? >strength "Gilgamesh is a true friend," you say thoughtfully. "He has learned something about friendship since the start of this journey, when he called Enkidu a coward for questioning him." "You would think Enkidu might have learned something as well," grumbles an old man from the edge of the circle. "Abandoning his friend to a demon at the moment of truth? These are not the actions of a hero." >disagree A frown crosses your face as you murmur your disagreement. Sihan lets out a contemptuous snort. "So a few shadows in the dark is all it takes to subdue this Enkidu?" Sihan asks. "I would have expected more from one of Uruk's greatest heroes." "You would expect the entire village to walk off a cliff if it would make them seem more honorable," Saiph says hotly, but the mood of the crowd is clearly against him. "Be quiet and let the story continue," shouts a voice from the back of the circle. >continue story [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >listen A flash of lightning on the horizon catches your eye, followed by a low, rumbling wave of thunder. "Soon before them rose up a mighty cedar," continues the storyteller, so tall its top seemed to touch the sky. 'Surely, this must be the tallest cedar in the forest,' Gilgamesh cried, and unsheathed his axe. But his first blow had scarcely fallen when Humbaba screamed with rage. The leaves rustled and the ground shook, and in an instant Humbaba the terrible had come." "His face shimmered and whirled with a thousand forms," says the teller, eyes wide as if the demon stands before him, "a thousand nightmare faces whirled and shimmered down at them. Humbaba's breath scorched their faces; his screeches cut their ears." >first "On the very first blow of Gilgamesh the demon came?" you ask. "That is so," nods the teller, "the sound of the splitting tree had not yet died when the ground began to shake with Humbaba's rage." "He is cunning," you say, "this demon. He hides behind shadows and terror, waiting for his victims to grow complacent before striking." Voices mutter in agreement; for a fair number, this point has touched home. The crowd is listening with rapt attention to both you and Sihan. >breath "Humbaba's breath was fire?" you ask. "Not fire like this," says the teller, nudging a smoldering log. "It was as if the air itself was burned; scorched and withered inside and out." A current of energy runs through a fair number in the crowd, who mutter affirmation with somber faces. The crowd is listening with rapt attention to both you and Sihan. >screech "What made the demon's cry so horrible?" you ask. "Humbaba's voice tore the air in two," says the teller, clawing a bony hand through the air, "sucked at the clouds and stirred up the lightning with its ferocity. The mountains trembled, and mothers in distant lands looked to the skies in fear and clutched their little ones to them tightly." The story goes on. "Gilgamesh trembled and fell to his knees. 'I cannot face him!' he cried to Enkidu, 'My blood has turned to ice. You must go on and fight him without me!' Enkidu pulled Gilgamesh to his feet. 'Courage, friend,' he said. 'The well-twined rope is stronger than a single strand. Together, we are stronger than any single man. Touch my heart and you will not fear death.' And Gilgamesh placed his hand on Enkidu's chest, and he felt no fear. Together they drew their weapons and faced the demon Humbaba." >friend "The true friend is always there to help," you say. "What would Gilgamesh have done without Enkidu?" "Spent less time talking and more fighting!" says a young man, whose friends all laugh uproariously. A current of energy runs through some in the crowd, who mutter affirmation with somber faces. Saiph catches your eye with a puzzled look. >gilgamesh "Ahh," you say, a great smile breaking over your face despite yourself. "And now it is your mighty Gilgamesh who falls to his knees in fear. Will you mock him too, as you did Enkidu?" Sihan stares back at your with narrowed eyes. "Do not make light of the story," she says quietly. Sihan glowers at you from across the flames. >smack sihan [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >stab sihan Your rage boils; but you will prove to your people that you are capable of containing it. The story continues. "Humbaba laughed, and the mountains shook," the teller says, then draws himself up and cries out in a great, booming voice: "'What fools are these? What fools are these who dare challenge the demon Humbaba? I will crush your bodies and leave your corpses bloody and mangled on the ground. You will never see your homes again and your women and children will mourn an empty grave.' And with a roar like the splitting of the heavens, Humbaba charged." "Enkidu stabbed with spear; Gilgamesh slashed with sword; Humbaba ripped with claws. Trees crashed to earth; the ground was torn asunder; lightning and thunder split the skies over the forest. Gilgamesh and Enkidu fought like no men ever fought before; but still the demon Humbaba drove them back, and the companions came ever closer to defeat." >rage [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >defeat Before you can speak, Sihan steps forward. "Awesome must it have been, to see such a fight," Sihan says. "You would not have wanted to be too close!" warns the teller, bringing a nervous laugh from the audience. "The clouds turned to a poisonous shroud; the very mountains were split by the fury of Humbaba's rage. It was all the companions could do to stay alive." >lightning You open your mouth to speak but a middle-aged widow turns with a look of annoyance. "You speak too much." she says frostily, "Be quiet and let the rest of us hear how the story ends!" She turns eagerly back to the teller, as several nearby people hide their smiles. The wind blows with a steady drone, like a backdrop to the teller's words. >attack middle-aged widow [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >mock widow [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >attack sihan Your rage boils; but you will prove to your people that you are capable of containing it. The teller continues. "Gilgamesh cried to the sky, 'Shamash, my lord! Help your servant Gilgamesh in his hour of need!' And Shamash heard Gilgamesh's cry, and sent all the mighty winds of the world to rail against Humbaba: The Winds of the North and the South and the West and the East and the Rainstorm and the Snowstorm and the Icestorm and the Sandstorm; the Screaming Winds and the Piercing Winds and the Cruel Winds and the Devil Winds and the Winds of Simurru. Thirteen winds Shamash sent against Humbaba, and not even he could stand against them all. Enkidu threw a net over Humbaba and Gilgamesh seized him from behind." >behind Before you can speak, Sihan steps forward. "How awesome an ally," Sihan marvels, "how great an honor the companions of our story received! Could their quest be any more justified than with the divine blessing, the divine assistance of Shamash, lord of the skies?" Whispers of assent float across the fire; a fair number nod visibly at these words. Saiph scowls darkly across the flames. >listen to saiph A gust of wind makes the ashes of the fire hiss. Sounds of scuffling come from the back of the circle. People crane their necks in alarm, but it is only two young boys reenacting the capture of Humbaba. "Got you!" one of them shouts, as his parents pull him away with tiny smiles. >raise medicine ba [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >open medicine bag There is no one here who needs your help. The teller continues. "Humbaba saw the way things were and cried out in fear. Humbaba the demon cried out, 'Do not kill me, mighty heroes! If you let me live I will be your slave, your eternal servant. I will let you cut down all the trees you want; I will cut them for you. I could have attacked you when first you set foot in my forest, but I showed you mercy. Now return the favor and spare my life.' "Gilgamesh heard Humbaba's words and took pity on the monster. He lowered his sword. But Enkidu cried out: 'Do not listen to him! Show no mercy to this cunning foe, this evil creature. If you let him live he would attack us the moment our backs were turned.'" >mock humbaba The story has moved on; there are other things to say. >pity "Curious," you say, "that mighty Gilgamesh, so strong and proud, would take pity on the creature in this way." "He has been through a great battle," says Sihan, "and the great windstorm has doubtless muddled his wits." The people huddle together as a hot, damp wind catches their clothes. >evil You try to remember other stories you have heard where an evil creature cried for mercy with such eloquent words, but cannot. But perhaps this demon is cunning, and the depths of his monstrosity are dark and deceptive. >monstrosity "My people," you call out, "is the evil of this demon Humbaba not clear? Hideous he is, with changing faces; he strikes fear into the hearts of all men; he threatens Gilgamesh. He must be destroyed." >wait In a sudden flash of lightning the whole valley is illuminated around you; then you are plunged back into darkness. >leave\ [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >leave The telling has begun. If you left now, you would miss the story. The storyteller continues. "Humbaba the demon called out in fear, 'Please, mighty heroes, do not slay Humbaba! I was set by Enlil, father of the gods, to guard over the forest. If you slay me he will be angry and his judgment severe.' "Gilgamesh heard the demon and again took pity on him, lowering his sword, but Enkidu cried out, 'Gilgamesh, do not listen to his words; close your ears! Kill the demon before you become confused. Kill him now before he can tell the gods anything. Kill him now and claim your fame!'" >enkidu Enkidu now seems as rash and merciless as he was hesitant at the journey's start. Has he forgotten himself, or realized that Gilgamesh's way is the right one? >forgotten "Where did this thirst for blood come from in wise Enkidu?" you ask. "Did he not once counsel Gilgamesh to give up this quest?" "The story does not say," the teller mutters softly. The wind blows with a steady drone, like a backdrop to the teller's words. >look at saiph You peer anxiously through the faces in the crowd. For a moment you see your love's hair; then it is gone behind a tall shepherd's shoulders. >look at sihan Sihan, Sihan: strong, fierce, proud, graceful. She is the eldest daughter of Tanhar, the people's richest merchant, and they say the fire of the gods burns within her. She says this too, and for this and other reasons you have not seen eye to eye for many years. >listen In a sudden flash of lightning the whole valley is illuminated around you; then you are plunged back into darkness. "Enkidu has had a change of heart," Sihan says. "When once he opposed Gilgamesh in the quest to slay Humbaba, he now is more set on this mission than even Gilgamesh." >listen The coming storm blows through the darkness around the fire, unseen. The teller continues. "Gilgamesh looked into Enkidu's eyes," says the teller's powerful voice, "Gilgamesh, the King, looked into the eyes of his friend Enkidu and made his decision. He knew..." A gasp rises from the far side of the circle. Out of the darkness three dozen strangers appear, bearing long spears and faces painted with dark blue lines. It is the newcomers, the invaders in your valley, and as they approach your fire, the rain begins to fall. Amongst them one stands out: tall, with sharp features and a thick leather vest. You guess at once that he is their leader. >greet "Your visit is unlooked for," you say with a frown. "State your business quickly." The warrior leader steps out of the darkness and bares his teeth. "You will give us half your sheep," he says in a strange, harsh accent, "and half your grain. You will gift us these things or we will take them, now." The men behind him grip their spears tightly. >disagree "Half?" you say mockingly. "Beggars should not be so greedy. Why should we give you anything at all? We are strong, and do not fear your threats." The warrior leader's face darkens and he grips his spear tightly. "My people are also strong," he says coldly. "I ask you one last time. Either give us what we want; half your sheep and grain; or we shall raze your village to the ground." >spear The enemy looks to be about an even match--but perhaps they will respond to a show of force. >force "Tell your companions to put their spears down," you say firmly, "or we will be forced to take action." "I have heard enough of your words," the leader snarls at you, and with a sudden twist of his hand thrusts a spear into one of your people. The faces at that moment, friend and enemy framed by the swirling smoke, will be carved in your memory forever. Then, with screams, it begins. >attack You grapple an enemy soldier charging for one of your cousins, giving him an opening to stab the warrior's throat with a dagger. As the enemy soldier falls to the ground you seize hold of his spear with sweaty hands. >stab You lash out at an attacker. But your grip is wrong and the weapon fumbles at the last moment. You barely manage to keep it in your hand as you dodge a retaliatory stroke from your opponent. The leader's face appears out of the swirling crowd like a demon's. He strides towards you with terrible speed, his face an emotionless mask. With a hideous scream, the enemy plunges his spear into your gut. You feel no pain, at first, just the strength of the leader's hands, connected to your flesh by the shaft of the spear. His eyes reflect, for a moment, something like pity... You slump to the ground, feet and dirt swimming up to meet your face, but all turn to black before you reach them. blackness [Press any key to continue] You open your eyes to see red coals. Slowly, the dampness of the ground and the pain in your side become real and solid. You sit and, after a moment, stand. It seems you have survived another battle. A scattered few nurse wounds or stare vacantly into the embers, sitting on ground wet with rain and blood. >find saiph Your love's face is smeared with blood; but after a panicked moment you see that it is someone else's. Saiph seems shaken, but uninjured. >hug saiph You hold your love tightly. Though much has changed tonight, some things remain the same. >find sihan She is not nearby. >dead The time is not right to speak about that. Saiph rushes up to you and embraces you fiercely. "You're alive," he says, "thank all the gods, you're alive. But wounded?" he adds with alarm, seeing the blood on your clothes with fear. "It is nothing," you say. "There are many here who have received far worse." >enemy "How is Sihan?" you ask. "Flushed with victory, no doubt," says Saiph. "She has not come back yet from the rout." Saiph places a firm hand on your shoulder. "There is sad news," he says. "The storyteller is dying; as are many others. But the storyteller asked to speak with you. You should hurry," he adds quietly, pointing towards the storyteller's tent near the edge of the village, "for there is not much time left to him." >tent You pull aside the flap of the teller's tent and step inside. A lamp burns low, its nearly-spent wick barely lighting up the storyteller's small tent. Nothing adorns the walls or brightens up the floor; all that is here is a small straw mat, on which the teller lies, breathing shallowly. >dying The time is not right to speak about that. The teller smiles at your arrival, and beckons you closer with a weak hand. You kneel by the old straw mat and grasp the cold fingers tightly. "I see you also have wounds this night," he says with effort. "I thank you for coming to me despite your hurt." The teller seems to look through your eyes to something hidden at the core of your being, and weigh it with great care. "The people did not hear the end of the story," he says presently. "For good or ill a great decision was made tonight, before the story was complete. Would you know how it ends?" >yes "Yes," you say, "I would hear the end of the story." The teller smiles and closes his eyes. "Gilgamesh faced a choice," he says quietly. "Whether to take pity on Humbaba and spare his life, or kill him, as his friend Enkidu counseled. Gilgamesh looked into Enkidu's eyes, and made his choice. He reached into the demon's throat and pulled out his insides, pulled them out of the demon's body by his tongue. Enkidu chopped off Humbaba's head, and the ground shook, and the forest trembled, and the soil ran with blood. And then it rained, it rained, it rained..." The storyteller trails off, eyes unfocused, as if lost in another world. After a long moment, he comes back and looks at you. "You are like Enkidu, in a way. Enkidu spoke, at first, for peace. When Gilgamesh told him of the quest to the Cedar Forest, Enkidu advised against it. Yet when they stood before Humbaba, his friend Enkidu was the one who urged Gilgamesh to slay him. Why did Enkidu change his mind?" >peace The time is not right to speak about that. "Do you not know?" the teller asks, studying you carefully. "That is troubling. Stories are complex: their meanings shift between tellings and tellers, but the world is more complex still. One must have a firm grip on the rudder to navigate it." The teller sighs, and sinks back into his pillow, and your uncle Nabu lies before you once again. "I am no longer the teller," he says softly, "But another will come. Another will hear the call to the telling soon, and they will tell the stories that our fathers and grandfathers and ancestors have always told, when the moon dies in the hills of this land. Perhaps then will you learn how to shape the story. Perhaps then will you let the story shape you." The voice falls silent, then, and there is much darkness before the next story begins. [Press any key to continue] This is a story about a healer in the village who was in love with a strong warrior man, Saiph. On the night of the telling, when the healer's uncle Nabu became the teller, their enemy Sihan tried her best to turn the people towards needless war with the outsiders. The healer spoke against this reckless path, and rallied the people as the story unfolded. Words flew between these two firebrands, but their rancor was too bitter and curdled to heal. The arrival out of the blackest night of the strange newcomers was the perfect end to the lesson of war, and spears and swords were soon red with blood. The battle was short, brutal, decisive. The healer and many of the people were wounded. And the teller lay dying, stabbed in the fight though he fought like a lion, and in his final moments called the healer to his side. He told the healer how the story ended, and whom the telling changed. When the teller died, the healer was alone, for a time. But the story can never be silenced. *** This telling has ended *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, or read the AFTERWORD? >RESTART