This is the content from 2002, the year I actually completed NaNoWriMo.
Bonus Material: The Unrelated Short Story and Part 2
Excerpt Special: The Interview
"All right then," I said to Thom as the Fort came within view, "you know why we're here. You know that we're to speak to someone called The Colonel. You can be reasonably sure that this Colonel will know about The Prophecy and therefore our mission. How do you suggest we proceed?"
"Well, we tell the Colonel much the same story as that which you told the apple-grower. We insist that the Princess be released into our care for the fulfillment of Prophecy, and then we move on."
"Maybe. I think you're forgetting two things, though."
"What would those be, honored teacher?"
"Okay, three things. First, I can do without all of those 'honored' and 'revered' comments. Go ahead and call me by my name. The second and third things are named The Colonel and The Princess. You don't know anything about either one of them. Never forget that we are here to facilitate change, not impose it. This means that we prefer cooperation to intimidation. My dealings with that old man were based on an assessment of his personality. You'll remember that we had an entirely different approach planned? It happens quite often that plans involving strangers go awry almost immediately."
"So why plan at all?"
"I didn't say that planning is bad. Just don't make any assumptions about what kind of people you'll be dealing with. Craft an approach that leaves you open to several possible actions and outcomes."
That seemed to make good sense to Thom. His jaw shifted to one side and he stared at the river for a few minutes. "I think I am ready to try, Andrew. That is, if you think it wise." I bowed and indicated that he should approach the fortress gate.
We were met outside the gate by a pair of guards. They didn't seem too thrilled by the sight of a sword hilt poking up behind Thom's left shoulder, but they didn't seem too worried by it either. If nothing else the Colonel seemed to run a professional military outfit, and I've always approved of professionalism.
Thom apparently recognized quality soldiering as well. He raised both hands casually in the universal fashion that means 'I'm not going to kill you right this moment.' The guards relaxed a bit so my companion greeted them cheerfully with, "Good day, gentlemen. I have heard tell of a fair maiden within these very walls. Would a prince from faraway lands stand chance of being granted an audience with such a lady?"
One of the guards smiled. "Depends. Would the prince be willing to take her away forever?"
"Depends," Thom laughed, "on whether she truly is fair and a maiden. Beyond that who can say?"
"I'll tell you what," our friendly guard replied. "We'll let Colonel Dermott decide. I suspect he'd be as willing to let her go as to keep her, but it's not my job to read his mind." He then turned to face the gate tower. "CORPORAL! We have guests! Fetch the boss and open this gate!"
"Aye, Lieutenant," came the shouted response.
Thom's eyebrows went up. "Your commander sets an unusual duty roster, if you don't mind my saying so."
"Our commander believes that no task is too great or too insignificant for his officers to master, Your Highness. That, and he thinks I cheated him at cards the other night."
"Did you?" Thom asked politely.
"Of course not," the guard lied smoothly.
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