### 21

You journey along the road and, to Shan's surprise, discover that it is deserted. 'I can't understand it,' he says, puzzled. 'This road is usually teeming with traders.'

You have been walking for three hours when you sight a wagon parked by the roadside. A group of men are sitting around a camp fire near a small grove of trees. 'Wait here,' says Shan. 'I'll see if I can get some information out of these merchants about the road that lies ahead.'

He returns shortly, carrying a short sword. He smiles broadly. 'A bargain,' he says. 'Only 5 Nobles. It must be worth at least 20. Always ready to strike a bargain with a fool,' he beams.

'What about the road?' asks Tanith, impatiently. 'Why is it empty?'

'The Shadakine are searching for us,' he replies. 'The roads and bridges have been closed until they discover us. These merchants were stranded and have made camp.'

'We'll have to keep to the cover of the forest from now on,' you say, worried. You enter the forest and continue your journey cautiously.

Turn to 39.

Concept copyright © 1985 Joe Dever and Gary Chalk.
Text copyright © 1985 Ian Page.