>TM 4 >LS 2 >PS ON >PL60 >SM6 >CP ON >FO OFF >------L-----------------------!---------------------------R ä325ä "Put that on my bill!" says a voice behind you. The Š words are spoken by a smiling, fair-haired young man Š who is attired in a cloak of darkly patterned wool. Š He has strong Sommlending features and the cut of his Š clothes tell you that he is a member of a guild from Š your homeland. "Well met, master Kai," he says, offering his hand in Š friendship. "I am Melchar, journeyman to the Š Silversmiths Guild of Toran. I'm honoured to make Š with your acquaintence. Come, join me for a meal. The Š food here is indiscribable...but it fills an empty Š belly. You look in need of food. Come, join me." You thank the young journeyman for his generosity Š and, as you share a meal, you learn more about him Š and this region of Shadaki. Melchar is on his way home to Toran. He has spent the Š past six months studying in Tiklu at the workshops of Š a famous silversmith of that city. During his stay he Š also studied the history of this region. On hearing Š of your encounters at sea he tells you that the Š buccaneers of Shadaki are renegades from the remnants Š of a great fleet that was created by the Wytch-king Š Shasarak. Following the overthrow of their master, Š these renegades were banished to the wastes of the Š Sadi desert by Grey Star - the Wizard Regent of the Š Free Peoples. However, the buccaneers have recently Š returned to prey upon the rich sea lanes, and their Š piracy has grown unchecked ever since Grey Star Š disappeared three months ago from his palace in the city of Shadaki. His court officials maintain that he Š is abroad on a quest to Western Magnamund, but rumour Š is rife that he has been abducted by necromancers who wish for a return to the dark days of Shasarak's Š rule. Melchar asks what has brought you to this part of the Š world and you tell him simply that you are on your Š way to the Port of Suhn to meet with Lord Zinair of Š Dessi. On hearing this, Melchar says that he may be Š able to help you reach your destination. Turn to â235â