>TM 4 >LS 2 >PS ON >PL60 >SM6 >CP ON >FO OFF >------L-----------------------!---------------------------R δ150δ Fernant's servant returns to the room with a Š beautiful young woman by his side. She is dressed in Š the simple brown robes of a peasant girl, yet her Š long black tresses and smooth olive complexion Š indicate that she is of high-born ancestry. For a Š moment she holds you with her deep brown eyes and you Š sense at once that she is as intelligent as she is Š beautiful. "This is Oriah," says Fernant, rising from his seat. "Welcome my dear. You are among friends here." The Š young woman offers him her elegant hand and he kisses Š it lightly before turning to face you. "I have Š promised her safe passage to Bisutan aboard the ιPride Š of Sommerlundι. I trust you do not object ?" he says. Š At first you are wary of permitting a stranger to Š join the ship. She is a very attractive young woman, Š and her company would certainly be appreciated during Š the long voyage south, but the agents of Naar have Š been known to adopt many guises to further their evil Š aims. Fernant, sensing your reticence, attempts to Š persuade you by explaining the predicament in which Š Oriah has been placed through no fault of her own. You learn that Oriah is the daughter of Khazullo - Š the Funtal of Fio Fadali - a rich, powerful, and very Š ruthless man. He has pledged his daughter's hand in Š marriage to Sesketera, the ruler of the city-state of Š Ghol-Tabras in northern Shadaki. Sesketera is a cruel Š and brutal suitor, and Oriah will be sure to spend Š the rest of her life as little more than his slave if Š the marriage takes place as her father has planned. Š Her father is deaf to her wishes; his only concern is Š for the political union of the two cities. His Š daughter's happiness means nothing to him when Š compared to the riches and power he will gain from a Š marriage to the House of Sesketera. Oriah has run away from her father's palace in Fio Š Fadali and she has sought refuge in Barrakeesh. But Š agents in the employ of her father and Sesketera, Š have traced her to the capital and now she must flee Š once more. Fernant, moved by the plight of this brave Š young woman, has pledged to help her reach Bisutan Š where trusted friends will smuggle her to safety in Š neighbouring Kakush. After having heard her story and satisfied yourself Š that she poses no threat to your mission, you agree Š to allow her to travel with you to Bisutan aboard the Š ιPride of Sommerlundι. Oriah and Fernant thank you for Š your compassion, and the Lord-lieutenant suggests Š that perhaps it is time to retire for the night. He Š has his servant take Oriah to an adjoining chamber, Š and he offers you the use of a room upstairs. It is a Š very warm and humid night and you decide that perhaps Š it would be more comfortable if you were to sleep Š outside on the roof. Fernant has his servant bring Š you a mattress upon which you settle down to sleep Š under the desert stars. If you possess the discipline of Astrology, turn to Š β133β If you do not possess this skill, turn to β327β