>TM 4
>LS 2
>PS ON
>PL66
>SM6
>CP ON
>FO OFF
>------L-----------------------!---------------------------R
		δ232δ      

	You ride the moonlit coast road, covering the 
Š	remaining twenty five miles to Bir Rabalou in little 
Š	more than three hours. Your first glimpse of the 
Š	great trading port comes when the road crests a ridge 
Š	of hills within a mile of its perimeter wall. From 
Š	here you can see that the city is built in a semi-
Š	circle between two great jutting spurs of land which 
Š	protrude into the ocean like the horns of a huge 
Š	bull. Within the city wall are hundreds of lavish 
Š	buildings, yet the grandest of all is a castle which 
Š	stands upon a steep hill at its centre. This one 
Š	towering stronghold dominates all the other splendid 
Š	structures of this rich metropolis. 

	Your arrival at the north gate at such a late hour is 
Š	greeted with suspicion from a pair of surly guards. 
Š	Eventually you are allowed to enter, but only after 
Š	Oswin bribes them with the horse that Oriah once 
Š	rode. Beyond the gate you ride along a torchlit 
Š	avenue that leads down to the harbour which is filled 
Š	with trading ships of all nationalities. The quayside 
Š	and its taverns are alive with activity as the 
Š	captains and crews of these vessels drink themselves 
Š	senseless with the money their cargoes have earned.

	You select one of the quieter taverns and stable your 
Š	horses at the rear before making your entrance. The 
Š	tavern's taproom is crowded with sailors and traders, 
Š	most of whom are listening to an uncommonly fine 
Š	musical performance being given by three Cloeasian 
Š	minstrels. Your companions are hungry and tired and 
Š	so you make your way to the counter and ask the 
Š	tavern keeper his price for food and a night's 
Š	lodging. He tells you that 10 Gold Crowns will fill 
Š	all your bellies and buy you each the use of a 
Š	comfortable room. You agree his price (deduct 10 Gold 
Š	Crowns from your ιAction Chartι) and as he hands each 
Š	of you a numbered key. The marines are not impressed 
Š	with the minstrels' classical recital and they decide 
Š	to eat their meals in their rooms. Before they retire 
Š	for the night you arrange to meet with them here in 
Š	the taproom, first thing in the morning.  

	You seat yourself at the counter and listen to the 
Š	recital as you enjoy a meal of grilled meat and 
Š	sugared desert fruits. As you wipe your mouth and 
Š	push away your empty plate, your eye is caught by a 
Š	rotund little man who is seated alone in an alcove. 
Š	"Ho, journeyman!" he calls, beckoning you with a 
Š	plump hand that is laden with gold and ruby rings. 
Š	"Please, will you join me at my table ?"

	If you possess the Grand Master discipline of 
Š	Telegnosis, turn to  β329β

	If you do not, turn to  β301β