Puzzletober 2026: Apple
PRELUDE A swordsman and an archer travel deep within an apple orchard. The swordsman says, "Felix, you know as well as I that the cave is countless paces behind us. When would you tell me where we're going?" The archer replies, "Now, since we're here. We've come to get you a new weapon." They stop as soon as they enter the glade. The swordsman perks up a bit and claims, "Tell me it's an enchanted blade, capable of piercing the strongest of armors, and I'll be respectful." Felix says, "It is enchanted, Renn. The questmaster said as much." Renn asks, "The questmaster? I was there with you; she said nothing of this... and why would it still be here, anyhow?" In a dash of realization, Felix states, "I went on my own terms to someone different from that woman who wanted the map. He said nobody else wants it." Renn sulks and says, "I care not for lame enchantments," to which Felix assures him: ...