>TM 4 >LS 2 >PS ON >PL60 >SM6 >CP ON >FO OFF >------L-----------------------!---------------------------R ä28ä Upon hearing the news that you have slain the Š Deathstalker, the mayor of Hikas summons you to his Š Grand Hall in the city's north quarter. Proudly the Š Vakeros lieutenant and his militia escort you across Š the city and during your march you receive the Š adulation of the grateful populace. The mayor hails Š you as the saviour of Hikas and he bestows upon you Š the freedom of the city. He decrees that the plaza, Š where the remains of the Deathstalker were destroyed, Š shall from this day forward be named after you in Š perpetual honour of your brave and gallant deed. You are invited to stay at the Grand Hall and feast Š with the mayor and the other dignitaries of the city. You accept the invitation and enjoy a sumptuous meal Š (restore 3 ENDURANCE points). Early the next morning, Š the Mayor presents you with a fine white stallion to Š help speed your journey to Elzian. You thank him for Š his generosity and, shortly before noon, you ride out Š through the gates of the Grand Hall, go south along Š the Avenue of the Sun, and cross the Bridge of Š Lanterns which spans the city's river. Citizens cheer Š as you pass through the southern quarter and they Š alert the guards at the busy south gatehouse so that Š by the time you arrive there you are able to ride Š through without delay. A mile beyond the south gate, the road ascends to a Š ridge where you stop to look back at Hikas for the Š last time. It is a warm and windy morning and, as you Š cast your gaze across the roooftops and towers of the Š ancient city, the sultry breeze howls like a wild Š animal. For a few moments you feel a chill in your Š blood, for the sound reminds you of the Š Deathstalker's ghastly cry. But then you shake your Š head and dismiss it. The creature is dead and there Š are still many miles left for you to travel before Š your quest is done. You salute the city farewell and set off at a brisk pace along the weather-beaten road Š that leads to Gologo. Turn to â188â