The Stuffinbob wisdom test

Rambleforth watches yon Apricus closely. He learned a long time ago that not everything was always how it looked. He takes his pipe and makes a mental note to use it very soon. Rambleforth believes it’s obvious how this all stacks up. However, he doesn’t think yon troll, Apricus, will kin it easily.

Rambleforth decides to be direct. He was in the company of a fellow bandit after all. If anyone could understand a bandit, it was another bandit.

“What’s in it ‘fer me, yon Apricus? Furthermore, what if I refuse? Are yeh about to disappear me in the repository? The tales of your past deeds precede you!! We all are told of yer misdeeds from the cradle!” Rambleforth eyes Apricus sternly. At least he hopes he looks stern. He had just confronted the terror of every bandit’s childhood!

Wisdom

Not only had the troll of the repository been the terror of every little bandit’s childhood, but also the reason many bandits avoided the repository all together. Rambleforth waits for an answer before saying anymore. It was time for answers, or he was going to start working on his early retirement again!

He is starting to think it’s game over when Apricus finally speaks. “You are suspicious and with good reason. I have heard of the tales bandit parents tell the little bandits about me. Furthermore, it could be said that some of these tales are true.” Apricus lets the words hang heavy in the air.

“As for disappearing you, there is little need to worry about this matter. Furthermore, before we worry about what is in this for yer troubles, it remains to be seen if you can even pass the test.”

Apricus raises a large eyebrow at Rambleforth before continuing, “There is a great deal of responsibility, as the top portal bandit. At this level it is about more than just finding lost things and then keeping them.” Apricus moves to the far side of the room and opens a small cabinet.

Test

Rambleforth continues to watch him closely. Apricus had retrieved something from that cabinet. Furthermore, he had pocketed whatever it had been. This was getting more curious by the minute. He had to admit yon Apricus had gotten his attention. Solidly.

When Apricus returns to the table he looks at Rambleforth again, and concentrates a stare upon him. This time Rambleforth feels a tad uneasy under the added scrutiny. What did this large and strange portal bandit want from Rambleforth? Moreover, what was this test he had spoken of?

They stare at each other across the table. One bandit to another. Rambleforth feels it’s best to wait for Apricus to initiate the details. It doesn’t take long. Apricus begins speaking and Rambleforth can scarcely believe what he hears!

Apricus waits patiently for Rambleforth to catch up. Not only is he a little slow for a portal bandit but also not very trusting. This was not an uncommon trait for the portal bandit. However time was short, and Apricus was ready to begin Rambleforth’s test.

Stuffinbob

Considering Apricus was the first portal bandit of all, and he was passing the flame to Rambleforth, there was no precedent for the transfer. In fact all they had to do was handle things exactly as Stuffinbob had said. [Continue reading]