The Fisherman’s Challenge: Entry
The time had come for Arcaster's yearly fishing challenge. Any in the kingdom could enter, but few had the skill and experience needed to defeat the kingdom's veteran fishermen.
Who would win this year's challenge? Shopkeeper Ophelia had done a bit of fishing in her time, and was of a mind to enter.
Royal Advisor Mary had announced that the annual Arcaster fishing competition had begun. All were welcome to enter. Royal Advisor Mary would have all of the details.
I should make my way up to the castle, but first I have responsibilities to take care of. Money doesn’t make itself, after all! As a newcomer, my reputation is also important, and I don’t want anybody to think I’m lazy. That wouldn’t make me any friends at all.
While snatching up bargains at the Village Shoppe, Shopkeeper Ophelia suddenly heard a commotion ahead. Dashing to investigate, Ophelia came upon quite a sight: a pair of brigands terrorizing a defenseless mother and tiny child. The fiends appeared to be trying to wrestle a bag out of the woman's hands!
What’s all this? Thieves make my blood boil! It’s just not fair that they get ahead while the rest of us are just trying to make an honest living.
This injustice would not stand! Shopkeeper Ophelia sprang into action, dashing into the fray!
Shopkeeper Ophelia: "Halt, thieves!"
Fortunately, the muggers didn't even see Ophelia coming, so a well-timed tackle was able to fell them both in an instant. The thankful mother mumbled some shaken thanks and fled off with her child into the streets. Shopkeeper Ophelia straightened her skirts and hair, deft hands fixing the damage to her appearance before completing her shopping, still feeling the thrill of victory and financial justice.
Time for a trade voyage! With any luck, we’ll make it to Crafthole and back without encountering any pirates, but if the worst comes to pass I’ll be ready. Nobody’s getting their dirty thieving hands on my trade goods!
Seemingly out of nowhere, a dreaded pirate corsair galley appeared and quickly closed on Shopkeeper Ophelia's vessel. With drums pounding and oars tearing at the sea, the evil galley prepared to attack. The crew began to panic as Ophelia stared, frantically thinking over her options.
This was no ordinary pirate vessel, and now was not the time to play hero of the high seas! The current mission was far too financially important to risk for the vain pursuit of glory and fame. Those who escaped would live to fight against thieves another day!
Shopkeeper Ophelia gave the order to flee. Try as they might, the pirate's oars couldn't match the speed of a well-crewed ship under full sail and able command. As a final indignity, Ophelia personally hurled some rather creative insults at the pirates that even got the grizzled quartermaster to blush.
The crew burst out laughing as they made their escape over the waves.
Well, today wasn’t as profitable as I’d hoped. Only 38 Simoles left to my name. Now is a perfect time to see about that fishing competition, particularly the prize money!
Where is the Royal Advisor? I don’t see her in the Throne Room...
Well, this is quite odd. I’d heard the Queen was a bit of a cultural eccentric, but why is everybody standing around talking in the bathroom?
Royal Advisor Mary: "Oh! Well, you see, the truth of the matter is, Lady Iona has asked us not to. But it’s actually so much fun we can’t give it up! Anyway, are you interested in the competition? Yes, anyone can enter. Anyone who hasn't already won, that is. The entrance fee is only 100 Simoles."
100 Simoles? I barely have a third of that!
Shopkeeper Ophelia: "I'm sure we can waive the fee just this one time. After all, I’ll invest my prize winnings right back into the kingdom’s economy! In fact, you should be paying me to enter!"
Royal Advisor Mary: "Oh, all right. I suppose we can waive the fee just this one time. Here's the deal. The person who turns in the biggest fish in the next few days will win the prize. Previous contest winners Fisherman Barney and Fisherman Marlon might be able to offer useful advice, but be warned: one of them is an old eccentric and has been known to give dubious advice. I forget which one, though. Sorry!"
Well, that wasn’t the most helpful advice. Still, the contest seemed worthwhile. After all, how hard could catching one really big fish be?