Wizard and the Princess prologue (manual)

His bearded chin rested on his fists, a forefinger pointing toward his temple.

At a glance he appeared an old man, withered and wiry. But something shone from his eyes - secrets, dark secrets, evil secrets. And he began to speak:

"It was a time beyond history that I, Harlin the Malevolent, evil wearer of wizardry, faced the wanderer.

"Spells fell to bravery and cunning, and the fair Princess Priscilla was rescued.

"I called on the elements and created deserts and mountains to cross, oceans to sail and chasms to span.

"But I'd underestimated the wanderer's resourcefulness. Through logic and luck, he overcame my magical obstacles.

"He plotted his path meticulously, leaving no avenue unturned, no setting unexamined. He learned the passwords that magically opened paths where none existed.

"I conjured up all the evil and dangerous creatures within my powers to block his way.

"Still he pressed onward. His possessions were few to begin, but he learned quickly to use what he found along his way - sticks and stones, apples and crackers - to defeat my beasts of diversion.

"Finally, I took shelter behind my magic. At last, I believed, the wanderer was defeated. I rested too easily. In the final hours of his search, he made his way through the corridors of my castle and solved my magical mysteries.

"The princess was rescued; I was beaten.

"But I do not accept defeat forever! My magical powers remain intact - just as strong, just as evil.

"I can reverse the sands of time with a single spell and face a new adventure - and this time I won't lose!

"Well then, my foolish friend, I offer the challenge. Should you accept, your only possessions will be a flask of water, a loaf of bread, a blanket and a knife.

"Many have tried to defeat me; only one has succeeded.

"So, you accept! Well then, welcome to the beginning of your end!"

With a boisterous cackle, he faded into time, only to be replaced by a vision far more fair: the Princess Priscilla.

"What the wizard Harlin warns is true - his magic is powerful and the obstacles great.

"But the journey is far from impossible. I can only offer you a computer and a few words of encouragement. All else you must do on your own.

Plot Your Path or Perish
"The road to Harlin's castle is long and the path confusing. You'd be wise to mark your progress on a map. Show where you've been and what you've done along the way.

"Take special care to map when you're in a maze - the bane of all adventurers. It may be a tunnel or a cave, or just a repeating scene.

"Above all, try all directions. Otherwise, you'll never know what helpful object might be found or what unlikely route should be taken to rescue me.

"I've enclosed a typical map for you to use."

A Last Bit of Advice
"I do not know the exact path to the castle. I know only that it is long and dangerous.

"Remember though that the surest route is not always the straightest. The mountains may lie north through the desert, but your weapons may be hidden elsewhere.

"You may travel the same road several times before progressing further. Don't be dismayed. It is part of Harlin's evil wizardry.

"You'll need passwords at certain points in the game. Watch and listen carefully to find them.

"The wizard is powerful and able to change his shape and that of others. Things are not always as they appear, and there may be beauty behind ugliness and evil behind beauty.

"Occasionally, you'll lose all of your possessions. But be patient and determined, and you'll get them back.

"There is no more I can say, except to wish you luck and speed; Harlin cannot hide behind his evil sorcery forever, for you have become the wanderer."