The Stuffinbob wisdom test (continued)

Apricus observes Rambleforth carefully. He is carefully assessing the younger portal bandit. It is important for what’s ahead. After all, there was no going back, once this was completed. Apricus feels the first twinges of hope as he prepares to lead to way.

Furthermore, he is anxious to be on his way. He was ready to no longer be, the first portal bandit!

With this in mind, Apricus gestures toward the repository. “Are you ready Rambleforth? It remains to be seen if you can pass the test. Furthermore, if you pass the test, the job begins immediately.”

Apricus surveys Rambleforth carefully, this could be the sticking point. He continues,

Stuffinbob

“Once you have taken Stuffinbob’s wisdom test, and passed, you will become the First Portal bandit.”

Rambleforth still can’t believe Stuffinbob is in this. However, he is not completely surprised. Stuffinbob was a mixture of things, but being lazy wasn’t one. He follows Apricus into the repository. And he wonders if this test is something Stuffinbob dreamed up. Moreover, Stuffinbob always made stuffy tests that were boring and annoying.

With this in mind he continues to follow Apricus through the repository. Rambleforth is stunned to see the things that are in this part of the repository. If he gets the job, he will have quite a good retirement inventory to choose from! He spots a cool item and marks it for later examination.

They reach the repository main hall. It is empty save for them. Apricus eyes Rambleforth closely. Then he surveys the main hall of the repository. His look is wistful. He turns to Ramble forth and speaks.

“Something is lost in the repository, Rambleforth. Aye, in this near limitless and profoundly bizarre place. Here, where all found things are kept. One thing is lost.” He gazes around the endless repository before continuing.

Wisdom Test

“You must find the one lost thing, Rambleforth. It is as simple as that. Find the one thing that is lost, in the repository where found things are kept.” Apricus smiles down at Rambleforth. “What do you say? Can you do it Rambleforth?”

Rambleforth eyes Apricus with suspicion. Now Stuffinbob’s involvement was obvious! Something lost in the repository, indeed! How was that even possible? The repository was only about keeping found things. No lost thing had ever been in the repository!

Furthermore, finding such a thing would be near impossible. Not only was the repository near endless, but also it was filled with found things. Found things from all the ages. All the ages.

Rambleforth remembers the first time he was in the repository. Similarly, he remembers the enormous grandeur of the place. He remembers wondering how many years it had taken to find the things that lined the walls. From floor to ceiling, the stacks of found things were enormous.

Found

Rambleforth looks around the repository once more. He is ready for the test now. Furthermore he is certain he has already learned the answer to the Stuffinbob wisdom test. Not only is he ready to become the new First Portal bandit but also he is ready to help the last.

Rambleforth looks at Apricus and grins just a bit.

“Aye yon Apricus, yeh is a clever one, ’tis true. Furthermore I know the lost thing in this place is You! You’re free now, first portal bandit of the past. You can rest easy because this test has been passed.” He grins at Apricus. Watching him smile in return.

The old bandit begins to fade away as Rambleforth watches him go. Where old bandits end up no one may ever know. Rambleforth decides that’s a worry for another day. Furthermore, there is work to do now, and he’d best be on his way! He pulls his pipe and sets up a smoke. Time to find Stuffinbob. The end?