text: [Themes: gender-neutral protagonist, fantasy, castle]
  
  > examine the castle
  The castle is built with large dark-gray stone blocks. It looks hundreds of years old. The name BARTHOLLOCO is engraved in large letters above the archway.
  
  > look at River
  The river below you sparkles very nicely (hence the name).
  
  > examine the road
  The road winds away to the south.
  
  > Go north
  This tall wood-paneled room is mostly empty. In the very center of the room stands a display case, and next to that a stone statue. A wooden door to the north is closed, and a tall archway leads south.
  
  (Note: This game is unlosable. Don't be afraid to try things!)
  
  > examine the case
  It's an open wooden case lined with velvet. A strange symbol is engraved on the front of the case: it looks like a circular chain of ten links.
  
  The case contains a magic wand.
  
  > take the wand
  You take the wand from the display case. A moment later, you are startled by a loud rattling. You turn in time to see a steel portcullis slam down inside the archway!
  
  > examine the statue
  It's a granite statue of a robed wizard. He looks about five feet tall, not counting his pointy hat.
  
  > look at the door
  The wooden door is closed. A square steel plate is affixed to it.
  
  > look at the plate
  It's a featureless square steel plate, about a foot wide.
  
  > open the plate
  That's not a command I recognize. (Type HELP for command info.)
  
  > P yourself
  Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.
  
  > look at the wand
  The wand is about a foot long with a carved wooden handle, a colorful shaft, and a crystal star on the end.
  
  > Go north
  The wooden door is closed.
  
  > use the door
  As soon as you touch the wooden door, you receive a painful shock!
  
  > P statue
  The statue suddenly comes to life! "Ah! Greetings!" it says.
  
  > ask the stautue about the door
  That's not a command I recognize. (Type HELP for command info.)
  
  > wait a while
  Time passes.
  
  The statue continues, "My name is Bartholloco, of course. Welcome to my little challenge."
  
  Time passes.
  
  The statue continues, "Before you begin, I should tell you a little about that wand you're holding."
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The statue continues, "If you look closely, you'll see that the wand's shaft has three colored sections. When you came in, the colors were red-green-blue."
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The statue continues, "When the wand is red-green-blue, it can animate a depiction of a human, as you are witnessing right now!"
  
  > Wait
  Time passes.
  
  The statue continues, "If you rotate the sections, they will change color! Each section has ten possible colors."
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The statue continues, "Some color combinations will give the wand other interesting and useful powers. Most combinations won't do anything."
  
  > examine the shaft
  The wand is about a foot long with a carved wooden handle, a colored shaft (set to red-green-blue), and a crystal star on the end.
  
  The statue continues, "For example, red-white-brown is a very useful setting. It can open things that are closed."
  
  > look at star
  It's a traditional five-pointed crystal star.
  
  The statue continues, "You'll need that power, because you MUST NOT TOUCH anything in the castle. Maybe you discovered that already. Everything is strongly warded against vandals and thieves. (I do apologize for the implication.)"
  
  > Set colors
  I didn't understand that SET command. (Type WAND for help.)
  
  The statue continues, "If you can beat this challenge, there's a prize for you!"
  
  > Wand
  You can SET a sequence of three colors on the wand like this: SET RED GREEN BLUE.
  
  To save typing, you can abbreviate using one letter for each color like this: SET RGB. To make it even shorter, you can just type the three letters: RGB.
  
  There are ten colors. In reverse alphabetical order they are yellow (Y), white (W), red (R), purple (P), orange (O), green (G), gray (A), brown (N), blue (B), and black (K). (Note that gray, brown, and black do not go by their first letter.)
  
  > Rwb
  You set the wand to red-white-blue.
  
  The statue continues, "Good luck! And remember that other setting: red-white-brown."
  
  With that, the statue stops moving.
  
  > RWN
  You set the wand to red-white-brown.
  
  > P door
  You hear a click, and the wooden door creaks open until it lies flat against the wall.
  
  > Go north
  This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is a barred door. You can also go south.
  
  (Since you aren't supposed to touch anything, I'm going to turn off the USE command. I don't want you to get hurt.)
  
  > examine the sofa
  The sofa is fashionably upholstered. There are several small pillows on it: all are light pink except for one, which is brown velvet with the number 2 stitched on it.
  
  > Pwp
  You set the wand to purple-white-purple.
  
  > examine the cabinet
  The tall oak cabinet contains several decorative dishes. One is painted with a landscape. Another is made of silver. A third is solid purple with the number 3 on it.
  
  Next to the cabinet, you notice a hole in the wall like a large mousehole.
  
  > look at the hole
  It's about twice the size of a typical mousehole.
  
  > examine portrait
  The portrait shows a distinguished gentleman wearing a long black coat and carrying a cane. Oddly, he is wearing an orange glove with the number 1 on it.
  
  > Floyd onp
  That's not a command I recognize. (Type HELP for command info.)
  
  > Onp
  You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
  
  > RGB
  You set the wand to red-green-blue.
  
  > P portrait
  The gentleman in the portrait comes to life and nods at you. "Hello," he says soberly.
  
  > RGB
  The wand is already set to red-green-blue.
  
  The gentleman produces a scroll from his coat and unrolls it. It shows a somewhat abstract illustration of five torches. All the torches are lit except the fourth one.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The gentleman replaces the scroll in his coat and says, "Thank you for your attention." He stops moving.
  
  > enter the hole
  That's not a command I recognize. (Type HELP for command info.)
  
  > look at the table
  It's a small carved wooden table. A message is lying on the table, secured by a paperweight.
  
  > look at the message
  The message, written on parchment, says, "One combination of colors will allow you to levitate objects made of stone, such as this paperweight."
  
  > Opn
  You set the wand to orange-purple-brown.
  
  > P paperweight
  The paperweight slowly rises into the air!
  
  > look at the message
  The message, written on parchment, says, "One combination of colors will allow you to levitate objects made of stone, such as this paperweight."
  
  > take the message
  The USE command has been deactivated. I don't want you to get hurt.
  
  > P message
  Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.
  
  The paperweight slowly settles back on top of the message.
  
  > P door
  The door rattles against the bar.
  
  > Examine bar
  It's a long bar, apparently made of slate.
  
  > Onp
  You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
  
  > P bar
  The bar slowly rises out of its hooks until it is floating just above the door.
  
  > P door
  The door swings open until it lies flat against the wall.
  
  > go to the north
  You can see very little in this dark room, but your footsteps echo on a tiled floor. Dim light comes through doorways to the east, west, and south. The light glints off a large object above your head, possibly a chandelier.
  
  > Go east
  This spacious library is lit by an arched window in the east wall. The collection must have once been extensive, but now the bookshelves lining the walls are empty. A desk stands near the window, and the south wall is dominated by a large fireplace. A doorway leads west, and a wooden door to the north is closed.
  
  > examine the fireplace
  The brick fireplace is filled with a cheerful, smokeless fire.
  
  > examine the desk
  There are two books on the oaken desk: one large, one small. The small book lies open. The desk also features a closed drawer.
  
  > examine the small book
  The left-hand page shows a drawing of a magnifying glass. The right-hand page is written in an odd foreign language. It says, "Lipu mazorv poppa varsh diron pip trochent las grokoko. Rigo ducki plup VOLLIN las TROFF; rigo zips pip BUCKOR."
  
  > examine the large book
  The large book has a leather cover inscribed with the title "Fables Old and New".
  
  > P drawer
  The drawer slowly slides open. There is a key inside.
  
  > look at the key
  It's a large brass key.
  
  > P large book
  The large book flips open to a bookmarked spot.
  
  > look at it
  The book is open to a well-known fable called "The Traveling Magician":
  
  "A traveling magician met an elephant on the road one day. 'Would you like a ride?' asked the elephant. The magician accepted. Later, as he rode, a bluebird landed on the magician's shoulder. 'Would you like to hear a song?' asked the bird. The magician nodded. That evening, as they rested, a cat approached. 'Don't worry,' said the cat, 'I will not bring you misfortune. In fact, I have a hot tip on a horse race in the next town.' The following day, the magician won 35 silver pieces and bought some nice gifts for his new friends.
  
  "The moral: Always accept favors from animals."
  
  A slip of paper acts as a bookmark. On it is written, "The wand can ignite an object such as a torch or candle. Use the combination—"
  The
  rest of the paper is torn off.
  
  > look at desk
  There are two books on the oaken desk: one large, one small. Both books are lying open. The desk also features an open drawer.
  
  > examine the drawer
  The drawer contains a brass key.
  
  > take the key
  The USE command has been deactivated. I don't want you to get hurt.
  
  > Abk
  You set the wand to gray-blue-black.
  
  > P object
  With a flash, the little candles in the chandelier come to life!
  
  Your footsteps echo on the tiled floor of this ornately decorated hall. The north and south walls are lined with a variety of paintings. A large chandelier hangs above you. You can exit through doorways to the east, west, and south.
  
  > examine the paintings
  There are about twenty paintings of various shapes and sizes: landscapes, still-lifes, and other scenes. They include three portraits, which are larger and framed in gold: a young lady, a small boy, and a frowning matron.
  
  > look at the matron
  The matron wears a severe black dress and an odd black hat. She seems like the kind of person who frowns habitually.
  
  > look at lady
  The young lady is wearing a light-colored ball gown and long gloves. She is seated with her hands folded on her lap.
  
  > look at the boy
  The boy is wearing a sailor suit and a straw hat. He looks at the ground shyly.
  
  > RGB
  You set the wand to red-green-blue.
  
  > P boy
  The small boy comes to life. He puts his hands in his pockets and shuffles his feet.
  
  > P lady
  The young lady suddenly stirs. She clears her throat.
  
  The boy takes a deep breath like he is about to speak, but then he hesitates.
  
  > wait a while
  Time passes.
  
  The young lady and the boy both start to speak over each other. You can't understand what either one is saying.
  
  > wait for a while
  Time passes.
  
  The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.
  
  The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The boy takes a deep breath like he is about to speak, but then he hesitates.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The boy starts to talk, but you hear strange fragments, as if he is only saying the beginning of each word. You can't make it out.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.
  
  > P lady
  The young lady suddenly stirs. She clears her throat.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The young lady begins speaking in a strange language. You have no idea what she is saying.
  
  > Wait
  Time passes.
  
  The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.
  
  > P matron
  The matron comes to life. She speaks briefly in a stern tone, but all you can hear are separated fragments, like she is only saying the end of each word. It sounds very unnatural, and you can't understand any of it.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The matron smooths her dress.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The matron huffs and stops moving.
  
  > P boy
  The small boy comes to life. He puts his hands in his pockets and shuffles his feet.
  
  > P matron
  The matron comes to life and begins speaking. The young lady and the boy start to speak as well. You hear a bizarre babble as all three portraits talk at the same time.
  
  > Wait
  Time passes.
  
  The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.
  
  The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.
  
  The matron smooths her dress.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The boy starts to talk, but you hear strange fragments, as if he is only saying the beginning of each word. You can't make it out.
  
  The matron smooths her dress.
  
  > P matron
  Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.
  
  The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.
  
  The matron huffs and stops moving.
  
  > P matron
  The matron comes to life. She begins speaking in strange fragments. At the same time, the young boy starts speaking in fragments as well. Strangely, despite their different voices, the fragments mesh in a way you can understand. It sounds like, "To fix what is broken, try yellow-orange-orange."
  
  > look at the chandelier
  The chandelier has several tiers of icicle-like glass drops and prisms, and many small candles. It is quite dazzling to look at.
  
  The boy tugs at his collar, and then reverts to his normal lifeless state.
  
  The matron smooths her dress.
  
  > go west
  This hall is lit by arched windows in the west wall. The long mahogany dining table could seat at least twenty people, if the chairs were still here. A doorway leads east, and a wooden door to the south is closed.
  
  > Go east
  Your footsteps echo on the tiled floor of this ornately decorated hall. The north and south walls are lined with a variety of paintings. A large chandelier hangs above you. You can exit through doorways to the east, west, and south.
  
  > look at the bookshelves
  You wonder where all the books went.
  
  > examine the window
  Through the window you can see the wooded countryside east of the castle.
  
  > look at the door
  The door is closed.
  
  > Yoo
  You set the wand to yellow-orange-orange.
  
  > P door
  The doorknob rattles a few times. It sounds like the door is locked.
  
  > look at the table
  The mahogany table sits on a long carpet. The table is well-polished, and the sides and legs are ornately carved.
  
  Near the center of the table are a bowl of apples and a row of five candles. The third, fourth, and fifth candles are lit.
  
  > Kba
  You set the wand to black-blue-gray.
  
  > Go south
  This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is an open door. You can also go south.
  
  > examine the sofa
  The sofa is fashionably upholstered. There are several small pillows on it: all are light pink except for one, which is brown velvet with the number 2 stitched on it.
  
  > examine the cabinet
  The tall oak cabinet contains several decorative dishes. One is painted with a landscape. Another is made of silver. A third is solid purple with the number 3 on it.
  
  Next to the cabinet, you notice a hole in the wall like a large mousehole.
  
  > examine the carpet
  The long carpet is woven with a pattern of diamond shapes.
  
  > look at the apples
  The bowl is attached to a large square base. The apples look real, though you can't be sure.
  
  > P door
  The doorknob spins around, making a few clunks. It sounds broken.
  
  > Yoo
  You set the wand to yellow-orange-orange.
  
  > go south
  The castle kitchen has been mostly cleared out, but it still contains an iron stove and a long counter with several items on it. There is a coal box on the floor near the stove. You can exit north or south.
  
  > look at the box
  The box is filled with chunks of coal. A brass scoop lies on top.
  
  > examine the stove
  The round iron stove sits on four carved legs. You see some ashes on the floor below it. The front of the stove is closed.
  
  A copper pot sits on top of the stove.
  
  > look at the pot
  The copper pot is half-full of chicken broth.
  
  > P oven
  The front of the stove swings open. It seems to be empty.
  
  > look at the counter
  There are several items on the counter: a cookbook, a baltavakia, a knife, a spatula, and some large ceramic shards.
  
  > Examine cookbook
  The book has a cloth cover with the title, "Quick Recipes for Busy Wizards."
  
  > P cookbook
  The cookbook flips open to a dog-eared page.
  
  > examine it
  The current dog-eared page contains a recipe: "RING SOUP. Boil one slice of baltavakia in chicken broth until it sparks. Immediately lower heat. (Overcooking will yield unpleasant results.)"
  
  > examine the baltavakia
  The baltavakia is a strange magical vegetable. It looks like a long purple corkscrew zucchini with pink spots.
  
  > examine the shards
  The shards look like pieces of some ceramic object.
  
  > Yoo
  You set the wand to yellow-orange-orange.
  
  > P shards
  The shards glow with a golden light, and carefully reassemble themselves. When the glow fades, you see a ceramic figurine of a chef.
  
  > P chef
  The little chef comes to life. He rubs his hands together and says in a tiny voice, "Listen carefully. Using red-black-orange you can cause a portable tool or utensil to perform its function." Then he stops moving.
  
  > Go north
  This hall is lit by arched windows in the west wall. The long mahogany dining table could seat at least twenty people, if the chairs were still here. A doorway leads east, and a wooden door to the south is open.
  
  > Go east
  Your footsteps echo on the tiled floor of this ornately decorated hall. The north and south walls are lined with a variety of paintings. A large chandelier hangs above you. You can exit through doorways to the east, west, and south.
  
  > Rko
  You set the wand to red-black-orange.
  
  > P key
  The key swiftly flies over to the door, turns itself in the keyhole with a click, and returns to its drawer.
  
  > RWN
  You set the wand to red-white-brown.
  
  > Go north
  This narrow wood-floored hallway runs north and south. At the northern end of the hall, winding stone steps lead upward.
  
  A few paces from the steps, a small dragon lies curled up on a rug.
  
  > examine the dragon
  The jet-black dragon is small, but it still fills the width of the hallway. It seems to be asleep. Thin wisps of smoke rise from its nostrils.
  
  > examine the rug
  The rug is almost completely covered by the dragon.
  
  > go south
  This spacious library is lit by an arched window in the east wall. The collection must have once been extensive, but now the bookshelves lining the walls are empty. A desk stands near the window, and the south wall is dominated by a large fireplace. A doorway leads west, and a wooden door to the north is open.
  
  > Go south
  This room must have stored a lot of food at one time, but now the shelves are empty. A cupboard is mounted on one wall. You can exit to the north.
  
  > examine the cupboard
  The cupboard is made of stained wood. It is closed.
  
  > P it
  The cupboard door swings open. At the same time, a lattice door slides across the north doorway.
  
  > examine the cupboard
  The cupboard is open. A labeled jar is the only thing inside.
  
  > examine the jar
  The glass jar is open and contains some kind of thick dark paste. The label is covered with writing, but it is so tiny that you can't read it.
  
  > look at the lattice
  The door is a lattice of wooden slats, and you can see the kitchen beyond. It looks like a sheet of paper is attached to the other side of the lattice.
  
  > examine paper
  The paper is attached to the other side of the lattice door. If there is anything on it, you can't see it.
  
  > P lattice
  The lattice door retracts from the doorway. At the same time, the cupboard door swings shut.
  
  > examine the candles
  There are five candles standing in small brass holders. The third, fourth, and fifth candles are lit.
  
  > P first
  The first candle lights up.
  
  > P second
  The second candle lights up.
  
  > P fourth
  The fourth candle flares up for a moment.
  
  > examine the candles
  There are five candles standing in small brass holders. All the candles are lit.
  
  > look at the stove
  The round iron stove sits on four carved legs. You see some ashes on the floor below it. The front of the stove is open.
  
  A copper pot sits on top of the stove.
  
  > examine the ashes
  It's just a small pile of ashes on the floor.
  
  > Examine book
  The current dog-eared page contains a recipe: "RING SOUP. Boil one slice of baltavakia in chicken broth until it sparks. Immediately lower heat. (Overcooking will yield unpleasant results.)"
  
  > P scoop
  The brass scoop comes to life. It picks up a small pile of coal, carries it to the stove, and dumps it inside. It then returns to the coal box.
  
  > check your inventory
  You are holding a wand.
  
  > examine counter
  There are several items on the counter: a cookbook, a baltavakia, a knife, a spatula, and a ceramic figurine.
  
  > look at the spatula
  It's a square wooden spatula with a long handle.
  
  > Go north
  This hall is lit by arched windows in the west wall. The long mahogany dining table could seat at least twenty people, if the chairs were still here. A doorway leads east, and a wooden door to the south is open.
  
  > Yko
  You set the wand to yellow-black-orange.
  
  > go to the north
  You take a deep breath and very carefully step over the dragon. It's not easy. Your foot brushes it, but luckily it does not seem to react.
  
  As you take your next step, however, you hear a thunk and the floor shifts under your weight. A trapdoor opens. You tumble down a chute....
  
  You are in a damp dungeon cell. Sunlight comes through a small square opening in the ceiling. There is nothing here except the pile of straw you landed on and the heavy wooden door in the south wall.
  
  > look at the straw
  The straw is not exactly soft, but the pile is big enough to prevent injury to falling prisoners.
  
  You notice a dark gray flagstone in the floor next to the straw. It looks odd, since the rest of the stones are lighter.
  
  > P flagstone
  The dark gray flagstone slowly rises, revealing a gap in the floor.
  
  > examine the gap
  The following is written in the gap where the flagstone used to be: "LOOK AT THE FLAGSTONE."
  
  > examine the flagstone
  A message is scratched into the bottom of the flagstone. You can barely read it in the dim light: "IMPORTANT. ORANGE-GREEN-GRAY. ONLY WORKS ON LIVING CREATURES."
  
  > examine the door
  It's a heavy wooden door reinforced with bronze. Someone has engraved "HA" right in the middle.
  
  The flagstone settles back into the floor.
  
  > P door
  The door shakes slightly, but it is obviously locked.
  
  > Oga
  You set the wand to orange-green-gray.
  
  > P yourself
  You are immersed in a shower of orange sparkles! You feel a strange sense of displacement....
  
  This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is an open door. You can also go south.
  
  > P dragon
  The dragon is immersed in a cloud of orange sparkles. When they clear, the dragon is gone.
  
  > examine the rug
  The middle of the rug is woven with an image of the wand you carry. It shows the colors blue-gray-purple.
  
  > Bap
  You set the wand to blue-gray-purple.
  
  > Go north
  This narrow wood-floored hallway runs north and south. At the northern end of the hall, winding stone steps lead upward.
  
  A few paces from the steps you see a rug on the floor.
  
  > go to the north
  As you near the steps, you hear a thunk and the floor shifts under your weight. A trapdoor opens and you tumble down....
  
  You are in a damp dungeon cell. Sunlight comes through a small square opening in the ceiling. There is nothing here except the pile of straw you landed on and the heavy wooden door in the south wall.
  
  > Bap
  The wand is already set to blue-gray-purple.
  
  > P straw
  You feel a strange shudder in the wand, but nothing happens to the straw. It might be a safety feature.
  
  > Oga
  You set the wand to orange-green-gray.
  
  > P yourself
  You are immersed in a shower of orange sparkles! You feel a strange sense of displacement....
  
  This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is an open door. You can also go south.
  
  A small dragon is lying on the sofa.
  
  > go to the south
  This cheery room must have been used for the reception of guests. It is furnished with a sofa, several chairs, an end table, and a tall cabinet. A framed portrait hangs on one wall. To the north is an open door. You can also go south.
  
  A small dragon is lying on the sofa.
  
  > look at the hole
  It's about twice the size of a typical mousehole.
  
  > Bap
  You set the wand to blue-gray-purple.
  
  The young lady begins speaking in a strange language. You have no idea what she is saying.
  
  > P lady
  Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.
  
  The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.
  
  > examine the oven
  The round iron stove sits on four carved legs. You see some ashes on the floor below it. The front of the stove is open, and you see a small pile of coal inside.
  
  A copper pot sits on top of the stove.
  
  > P oven
  There is a flash, and the coal inside the stove starts to burn with an orange glow.
  
  > P knife
  The knife rises into the air, floats over to the baltavakia, and cuts a thin slice off the end. It rests itself back on the counter.
  
  > Onp
  You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
  
  The chicken broth starts to bubble.
  
  > Rko
  You set the wand to red-black-orange.
  
  > examine the stove
  The round iron stove sits on four carved legs. You see some ashes on the floor below it. The front of the stove is open, and inside you see some coal burning with an orange glow.
  
  A copper pot sits on top of the stove.
  
  > look at the pot
  The copper pot is half-full of boiling chicken broth.
  
  > P spatula
  The spatula rises and floats over to the baltavakia. It carefully picks up the slice, carries it across the kitchen, and drops it into the pot. As soon as the slice touches the broth, it puffs up into a little ball. The spatula returns to the counter.
  
  > examine the ball
  The little baltavakia ball is covered with shiny speckles.
  
  > wait for a while
  Time passes.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The little ball in the pot starts to throw off bright sparks.
  
  > P spatula
  The spatula floats toward the baltavakia and tries to lift up the whole thing, but fails. It settles back on the counter.
  
  The little ball continues to spark.
  
  > P ball
  Nothing happens, as far as you can tell.
  
  The little baltavakia ball vibrates violently. Suddenly it leaps out of the pot and explodes in a cloud of brown dust, producing a really terrible odor.
  
  > look at the pot
  The copper pot is half-full of boiling chicken broth.
  
  > examine counter
  There are several items on the counter: a cookbook, a baltavakia, a knife, a spatula, and a ceramic figurine.
  
  > Onp
  You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
  
  > examine the shelves
  The shelves are completely bare. Not a speck nor crumb.
  
  > go to the south
  The castle kitchen has been mostly cleared out, but it still contains an iron stove and a long counter with several items on it. There is a coal box on the floor near the stove. You can exit north, but a lattice door blocks a doorway to the south.
  
  > look at the lattice
  A sheet of paper attached to the lattice door reads, "To translate foreign languages, use purple-gray-blue."
  
  > Pab
  You set the wand to purple-gray-blue.
  
  > P small book
  The small book starts to shimmer with a silvery light, and the writing changes.
  
  > examine the small book
  The left-hand page shows a drawing of a magnifying glass. The right-hand page says, "You may see an enlarged view of that which is very small or far away. The first color is neither ORANGE nor BLACK; the second color is WHITE."
  
  > Pab
  You set the wand to purple-gray-blue.
  
  The young lady begins speaking in a strange language. You have no idea what she is saying.
  
  > Wait
  Time passes.
  
  The young lady continues speaking in a strange language. She finishes, nods her head, and returns to lifelessness.
  
  > Pab
  The wand is already set to purple-gray-blue.
  
  > P lady
  The portrait of the young lady begins to shimmer with a silvery light.
  
  > P lady
  The young lady suddenly stirs. She clears her throat.
  
  The portrait of the young lady stops shimmering.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The young lady begins speaking in a strange language. You have no idea what she is saying.
  
  > RGB
  The wand is already set to red-green-blue.
  
  > P lady
  The portrait of the young lady begins to shimmer with a silvery light.
  
  The young lady continues speaking, but suddenly you hear your own language. She says, "Likewise, the dragon guards information that will extinguish open flames. But do not be misled: BLUE means BLACK, and GRAY means GREEN." She nods her head and returns to lifelessness.
  
  > RGB
  You set the wand to red-green-blue.
  
  The portrait of the young lady stops shimmering.
  
  > Pab
  You set the wand to purple-gray-blue.
  
  > Kgp
  You set the wand to black-green-purple.
  
  > P fourth
  With a puff, the fourth candle goes out.
  
  With a soft grating sound, the bowl slides sideways, revealing a message!
  
  > look at the message
  The message has been carved right into the mahogany tabletop. It says, "My favorite effect is the one that magnifies small or faraway things. The first color is either orange, green, or black; the third color is red."
  
  > go to the south
  The castle kitchen has been mostly cleared out, but it still contains an iron stove and a long counter with several items on it. There is a coal box on the floor near the stove. You can exit north, but a lattice door blocks a doorway to the south.
  
  > P door
  The lattice door retracts from the doorway.
  
  > Gwr
  You set the wand to green-white-red.
  
  > P jar
  A huge image of the jar's label appears in your mind. You can read it. It says "WEIGHT REDUCER" followed by a very long list of ingredients. Under that is printed, "The wand also has the power to reduce the weight of a living creature (temporarily). Ring soup will show what the first and second colors might be, and what the third color CANNOT be. I have placed another clue elsewhere."
  
  > P knife
  The knife cuts a thin slice off the end of the baltavakia.
  
  > P spatula
  The spatula carefully picks up the slice, carries it across the kitchen, and drops it into the pot. As soon as the slice touches the broth, it puffs up into a little ball.
  
  > Kgp
  You set the wand to black-green-purple.
  
  > wait for a while
  Time passes.
  
  > P oven
  The glow inside the stove dies away.
  
  The pot stops boiling.
  
  The little ball continues to spark.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The sparks are getting brighter.
  
  > wait for a while
  Time passes.
  
  The baltavakia ball suddenly dissolves into the broth with a hiss. The broth thickens, and vivid rings of color appear in it.
  
  > examine the soup
  The copper pot is half-full of thick, colorful soup. A series of white, purple, brown, and yellow rings expand slowly from the middle.
  
  > examine the window
  Through the windows you have a lovely view of the Glittering River and the farmland beyond.
  
  > Gwr
  You set the wand to green-white-red.
  
  > P window
  A huge but incomprehensible image appears in your mind.
  
  > P fire
  The fire vanishes with a loud poof.
  
  > look at the fireplace
  You look inside the brick fireplace. The following is written on the back wall in soot-resistant chalk:
  "WEIGHT REDUCER:
  First is either red, gray, brown, or orange.
  Second is either green, white, blue, or black.
  Third is either purple, black, yellow, or brown."
  
  > Nwk
  You set the wand to brown-white-black.
  
  > P yourself
  You suddenly feel much, much lighter.
  
  > go to the north
  This round chamber looks like a hobbyist's workshop. It contains a long worktable with several items, as well as an easel holding a painting. The north and east windows are boarded up, but the west window is open. Stone steps wind down to the south.
  
  > look at the painting
  It's a head-and-shoulders portrait of a wizard. He looks a lot like the statue back in the Entry Chamber, except he has no mouth.
  
  > RGB
  You set the wand to red-green-blue.
  
  The pleasant feeling of lightness goes away. You're back to your normal heft.
  
  > look at the easel
  A painting of a wizard sits on the easel.
  
  The painting continues to move silently for a few moments. Then it stops.
  
  > look at the table
  There are several items on the worktable. On the left is an iron cage holding a kimpert. Next to that, a shallow bronze bowl sits on top of a small brazier. Further along the table is what looks like a bronze scale.
  
  A rock is sitting on the scale.
  
  > examine the rock
  It's a rock about as big as your fist.
  
  > examine bowl
  The bowl sits on top of a small brazier. It is empty.
  
  > examine kimpert
  The kimpert looks like a large olive-colored hamster. Kimperts have a few well-known characteristics: they are very fast, they have a strong homing instinct, and they love bronze.
  
  The kimpert looks rather displeased.
  
  > examine the window
  Looking out of the west window, you see a similar tower on the opposite side of the castle, with its own window facing you. A banner with a message is hanging beneath that window, but it's too far away to read.
  
  > Gwr
  You set the wand to green-white-red.
  
  > P banner
  A large image of the banner appears in your mind. The message reads, "Produce the following sequence on the scale: 5, 3, 1, 3, 2, 0, 2, 5. The buzzer means you must start over. Good luck!"
  
  > examine scale
  The scale consists of a bronze tray on top of a box with a gauge. The gauge runs from zero to five. Currently, it's pointing to two.
  
  A rock is sitting on the scale.
  
  > examine brazier
  The brazier contains some unlit charcoal.
  
  > look at the table
  There are several items on the worktable. On the left is an iron cage holding a kimpert. Next to that, a shallow bronze bowl sits on top of a small brazier. Further along the table is what looks like a bronze scale.
  
  A rock is sitting on the scale.
  
  > P kimpert
  The kimpert is bathed in orange sparkles and vanishes.
  
  > wait for a while
  Time passes.
  
  The kimpert comes flying up the steps, races across the room, leaps all the way into the bronze bowl, and instantly relaxes.
  
  > P charcoal
  The charcoal starts to burn with a soft glow.
  
  The kimpert squirms and hops from the bowl onto the bronze scale. The scale's pointer moves to five. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > examine the cage
  The iron cage is closed and empty.
  
  > P rock
  The rock rises into the air above the scale. The scale's pointer moves to three. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > Nwk
  You set the wand to brown-white-black.
  
  > P kimpert
  The kimpert seems to un-sag slightly, as if someone had pumped a little air into it.
  
  The scale's pointer moves to one. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The rock falls back on the scale. The scale's pointer moves to three. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > P charcoal
  The glow disappears.
  
  The kimpert seems to sag a little. The scale's pointer moves to five. The scale buzzes loudly.
  
  A moment later, you hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > Onp
  You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
  
  > P rock
  The rock rises into the air above the scale. The scale's pointer moves to three. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > Nwk
  You set the wand to brown-white-black.
  
  > P kimpert
  The kimpert seems to un-sag slightly, as if someone had pumped a little air into it.
  
  The scale's pointer moves to one. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > Oga
  You set the wand to orange-green-gray.
  
  The rock falls back on the scale. The scale's pointer moves to three. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > P kimpert
  The kimpert is bathed in orange sparkles and vanishes.
  
  The scale's pointer moves to two. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > Onp
  You set the wand to orange-brown-purple.
  
  The kimpert comes flying up the steps, races across the room, leaps all the way into the bronze bowl, and instantly relaxes.
  
  > P rock
  The rock rises into the air above the scale. The scale's pointer moves to zero. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  The rock falls back on the scale. The scale's pointer moves to two. You hear a ding from the scale.
  
  > P charcoal
  The charcoal starts to burn with a soft glow.
  
  The kimpert squirms and hops from the bowl onto the bronze scale. The scale's pointer moves to five. The scale dings three times.
  
  A slot in the scale opens up, and a paintbrush shoots out onto the floor.
  
  > examine the paintbrush
  The wooden paintbrush is broken nearly in half. The tip seems to be wet with a little bit of shimmering magical paint.
  
  > P paintbrush
  The paintbrush flops around weakly on the floor.
  
  > P paintbrush
  The paintbrush glows and joins itself back together. It looks as good as new.
  
  > P brush
  The paintbrush rises from the floor and floats over to the painting. It reviews the painting for a moment, then carefully adds a mouth. It rests itself on the tray of the easel.
  
  > P painting
  The painting comes to life. "You've done very well," says the wizard. "Now I'll give you one more tip."
  
  > Wait
  Time passes.
  
  The wizard continues, "The wand can make steel objects disappear. Quite powerful. The setting is black-purple-black." He reverts to lifelessness.
  
  > go south
  You descend the steps. As soon as you walk into the hallway, you hear a thunk and the floor shifts under your weight. A trapdoor opens and you tumble down....
  
  You are in a damp dungeon cell. Sunlight comes through a small square opening in the ceiling. There is nothing here except the pile of straw you landed on and the heavy wooden door in the south wall.
  
  > go south
  This tall wood-paneled room is mostly empty. In the very center of the room stands a display case, and next to that a stone statue. A wooden door to the north is open. The archway to the south is blocked by a portcullis.
  
  > P statue
  The statue slowly rises until it hovers about a foot off the floor.
  
  > examine the statue
  It's a granite statue of a robed wizard. He looks about five feet tall, not counting his pointy hat.
  
  > examine the portcullis
  It's a heavy steel portcullis, and it's preventing you from leaving.
  
  > Kpk
  You set the wand to black-purple-black.
  
  The statue slowly returns to the floor.
  
  > P portcullis
  The steel portcullis disintegrates into a fine mist that quickly drifts away.
  
  > go to the south
  You leave the castle and head home with your prize, excited about your prospects. You should be able to achieve a lot with this wand.
  
  The next day, you wake to find that the wand has disappeared! In its place is a small box with a note attached: "I hope you didn't think I would let you keep my wand! You escaped in 523 turns, so here is your prize."
  
  You open the box and find a small pile of silver coins inside! That certainly justifies the trip!
  
  > Go north
  This tall wood-paneled room is mostly empty. In the very center of the room stands a display case, and next to that a stone statue. A wooden door to the north is closed, and a tall archway leads south.
  
  (Note: This game is unlosable. Don't be afraid to try things!)
  
  > get wand
  You take the wand from the display case. A moment later, you are startled by a loud rattling. You turn in time to see a steel portcullis slam down inside the archway!
  
  > Kpk
  You set the wand to black-purple-black.
  
  > Go south
  You leave the castle and head home with your prize, excited about your prospects. You should be able to achieve a lot with this wand.
  
  The next day, you wake to find that the wand has disappeared! In its place is a small box with a note attached: "I hope you didn't think I would let you keep my wand! You escaped in five turns (astonishing), so here is your prize."
  
  You open the box and find several large diamonds inside! That certainly justifies the trip!