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Once past the Silver Naga, Jack investigates the platform overhead, where he discovers a pair of steel treasure chests.

They contain Gold and Silver Coins, a pair of fine Rubies, and a Potion of Antidote, all of which he tucks into the Pouch of Ghrul.

A Green Pipe projects from the ceiling; it is another of the machine shafts which continuously expels Constructs into the chamber. Jack fights his way through a few of the machine creatures, finding it progressively easier to do so, and comes to the high Green Pipe he encountered earlier.

This shaft likewise contains a fan, which generates an Air Elemental, but unlike the earlier Green Pipe, he is able to leap over the Elemental without having to engage it in combat. He does so, landing upon another pair of treasure chests – and an even more welcome surprise.

Standing on a platform not far from the one on which Jack perches, menaced by a Crimson Slime and a pair of Red Constructs, is a woman of the Lorikeet Guard – alive and well, although lacking her usual weapons and armor. Seeing Jack, she cries out a greeting – for all on the flying island of Windflower know Perilous Jack and his associates.

Jack leaps across and strikes the mouth-pseudopod from the Crimson Slime with the Rune Sword, and then dashes forward to thrust at the Constructs behind the Lorikeet Guard. In moments, the combat is over, and the woman is safe.

“Oh, Jack!” she cries. “When I saw that Phae the Fairy Dragon escaped, my one hope was that she would find you or one of your friends! I am so glad to see you!”

Jack embraces the woman. Her name is Aamina, and she is the youngest of the Lorikeet Guard.

Jack asks. “Aamina, are all the Lorikeet Guard captive here in the castle?”

The woman nods her head. “They separated us from each other and from our Eagles. I don’t know where the other Lorikeets are; I think they’re probably scattered around the castle.”

“Have you seen the Giant?” asks Jack. “Do you know where he is?”

Aamina shakes her head. “I have only seen his minions. I heard them mention the Hall of Lava; it sounds like an important place. Perhaps the Giant is there.”

“You should leave the Castle,” Jack urges, drawing a spare weapon from his pouch and pressing it into her hands. “The exit is nearby. Wait for me there.”

The woman nods, taking the gift with a determined scowl.

“Jack, be careful,” she says. “Some of the Green Pipes contain Giant Centipedes. You won’t see them until they are already on top of you.”

“Thank you, Aamina,” Jack says, and urges the woman on her way. He investigates the two chests on the upper platform, and finds two more on the floor, yielding more treasure for his pouch.

Add 300 Gold, 800 Silver, a Diamond, 2 Rubies, 4 Emeralds, and a Star Crystal to the Pouch of Ghrul and remove a spare weapon. If he has Giant’s Bane or Storm Fist, he’ll need it to face the Giant – so don’t give it away!

Add the following to Jack’s Journal: There is an important room in the castle called the ‘Hall of Lava’. The Giant may be there. The Lorikeet Guard are captive in the castle along with their Eagles. The Lorikeets are scattered; I will have to keep an eye out to make sure I find them all. They are:

• Aamina (found!)
• Dalal
• Faiza
• Hadia
• Hana
• Ibtisam
• Isra
• Jumana
• Karima
• Layla
• Samira
• Thamina

Turn to 42.