Hera: The Sword of Rhin/The Skull Mountain

Summary of the clues

In Castle Thierry: An ugly prisoner says: "I was once a servant of Zarebae. Ask the fisherman where he D)wells." A fisherman says: "There are great fortunes in the depths of the sea." D: "It has got to be the skull."

In Capaal: A bartender asks: "Would you like a stout?" F: "I hear one of the prisoners in Rara Avis knows about the C)rystal."

In Rara Avis: A prisoner says: "I have done wrong and I must pay the price." C: "I hear the crystal is on the lower level of Skull Mountain."

In Paranor: A viking says: "Zarebae draws his power from the green gem." A thief says: "Zarebae and the gem can become one. Both must be destroyed to ensure victory." A guard says: "Ask a prisoner in Helwan about the P)owers of the sword."

In Helwan: A prisoner says: "Leave me alone." P: "To utilize the complete sword's power, I have heard one must attack from a distance. It must be done at the right time and the right place, or it may result in your destruction."

Skull Mountain

Map of ground floor and floor −1 of the Skull Mountain

Map of ground floor of the Skull Mountain.
A few, small differences make the Apple II version more challenging

The entrance hall leads to five stairways. Clockwise from the left:

1. Three chests; eventual dead end.
2. 3 locked doors, Zarebae.
3. Six chests; eventual dead end.
4. Dead end.
5. Five chests, crystal.

Make sure you collect the Crystal first, then go fight Zarebae.

In the MS-DOS version, it is possible to reach Zarebae without descending a second time on the lower floor. In fact, three passageways allow to walk straight north from the "hall of stairs" to Zarebae's location.

Boss: Zareabe

When you eventually reach Zarebae, hit him once, and he will jump into a dark hole to escape. Jump in the hole after him, and you will lose most of your items, including any map you were carrying.

In this dark basement, start by going to the right (to the left is a short dead end). Hug the wall to your character's left (north, in the beginning) and follow the twisted maze. Eventually you will reach a wide, dark area. Proceed north. Zarebae's fireballs will be proof he is near. When Zarebae is just within your field of view, attack from the distance.

When Zarebae "disappears" by merging into the green gem, attack the gem.

When the gem is destroyed, enjoy the ending.