>TM 4 >LS 2 >PS ON >PL64 >SM6 >CP ON >FO OFF >------L-----------------------!---------------------------R ä146ä You ride all night along the empty coast road and Š make good progress. Shortly after dawn you pass a Š stone signpost pointing to the south. Carved into its Š surface is the following message written in ancient Š Vassagonian script: Bir Rabalou - 160 miles. Beyond this sign the coast road ascends into an Š expanse of arid hill country which is populated by Š herds of wild goats. Occasionally to the east you Š glimpse the ocean beyond the barren hills, while to Š the west you can see a range of distant mountains, Š their snowy peaks glistening starkly white beneath Š the fierce desert sun. Shortly before noon you happen Š upon the town of Kilij which lies in a narrow pass Š between two steep hillsides. Oriah and the marines Š are tired and sore after the long night ride and they Š urge you to stop here so that they might eat and rest Š awhile. Together you ride into the town's busy market Š square and dismount at a stone water trough where you Š allow your horses to drink their fill. Around you the Š mood of the townspeople is friendly as they barter Š and trade their wares. A young boy offers to look Š after your horses while you visit the market. Š Initially you are suspicious of his motives until Š your sixth sense confirms that he is an honest lad, Š and one worthy of your trust. Oriah gives him a Gold Š Crown and his face beams with joy - he'll be able to Š eat well this week! The marines want to explore the market's bazaar in Š the hope of finding some blankets and rope with which Š they can improvise saddles and reins for the horses. Š Oriah is intrigued by the sheer number of people who Š fill Kilij's market square and she wants to find out Š what has drawn such a large crowd to this remote Š town. You, too, are curious and you agree to Š accompany her. After arranging to meet the marines at Š the horse trough in one hour's time, you follow Oriah Š as she pushes her way through the teeming crowd. When Š finally you reach the centre of the market place you Š are confronted by an unexpected and shocking sight. Turn to â31â