>TM 4
>LS 2
>PS ON
>PL60
>SM6
>CP ON
>FO OFF
>------L-----------------------!---------------------------R
		δ287δ      

	Upon emerging from the Bukimi Channel, the ιPride of 
Š	Sommerlundι is caught by a strong south-easterly wind 
Š	which propels her swiftly towards the Vassagonian 
Š	coast. For two days and nights she rides the scudding 
Š	waves, her speedy passage more than making up for any 
Š	time lost in the Lakuri Isles. Then, late on the 
Š	third day, the lookout catches his first glimpse of 
Š	Barrakeesh. Excitedly the crew gather on deck to 
Š	stare at the golden domes and minarets of the city
	which glimmer like orbs of burnished gold in the glow 
Š	of the setting sun. In fading light, Paoll brings the 
Š	ship silently into the great curve of Barrakeesh 
Š	harbour and moors her at the end of a vacant quay. 
Š	Few eyes notice another trade caravel, but one pair 
Š	take a special interest. They belong to Lord-
Š	lieutenant Fernant, the Sommlending envoy to this 
Š	rich, desert realm. When finally the ship is docked 
Š	and the gangplank is lowered to the quayside, he is 
Š	waiting there to greet your arrival. 

	Fernant is a tall man in his mid-forties, clean-
Š	shaven, and of slim and athletic build. His face has 
Š	characteristics which are unmistakably Sommlending, 
Š	yet his skin is richly tanned from the many years he 
Š	has spent in this sun-drenched land. After a brief 
Š	talk with Captain Raker to confirm that the ship will 
Š	be ready to sail tomorrow at noon, he offers you the 
Š	hospitality of his house in the city. After nearly a 
Š	month at sea, you gladly welcome the chance to bathe 
Š	in a proper bath and sleep in a proper bed.

	Fernant's house is only a short distance from the 
Š	harbour. It is a large, two-storied dwelling with a 
Š	flat roof and a walled garden that smells sweetly of 
Š	picanda and larnuma fruit. After a luxurious bath and 
Š	a feast fit for a king, Fernant tells you something 
Š	about the changes which have occurred in Vassagonia 
Š	since the demise of its hated ruler - Zakhan Kimah -
	who, during the Darklands War, allied himself and his 
Š	reluctant nation to the Darklords of Helgedad.

	"Shoualli is the new Zakhan now," says Fernant, as he 
Š	peels the skin from a ripe larnuma and slices it 
Š	neatly in two with a pearl-handled dagger. "He is an 
Š	honourable and intelligent man. He has brought peace 
Š	back to this land through trade. Its enemies, who 
Š	once swore to destroy Vassagonia, now come and barter 
Š	their wares in the rich markets of Barrakeesh and 
Š	Bisutan." Later during the evening, talk turns to the 
Š	details of your mission. Fernant is unaware of its 
Š	true purpose; all he knows is that he is to offer you 
Š	every assistance to ensure your swift and safe 
Š	passage to Elzian. When you tell him that you are not 
Š	at liberty to fully discuss your mission, he nods 
Š	sympathetically and vows he will refrain from ever 
Š	mentioning the subject again.

	Shortly before midnight there is a knock at the front 
Š	door of Fernant's house. He signals to one of his 
Š	servants to go and answer it and you comment that it 
Š	is an uncommonly late hour for someone to be paying 
Š	him a visit. "Quite so," he says, "but this is a 
Š	visitor I've been expecting. It's someone I'd 
Š	especially like you to meet."


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