### 172

'Come in, stranger. Welcome to my humble tavern,' says the plump landlady of the eating house. 'We have wine and food and rooms a-plenty.'

At this moment, you hear Maouk's men enter the plaza and cast an anxious glance towards the open door. The landlady sees that you are nervous; she points to the cellar stairs and says in a hushed voice: 'Do not worry--we share your fear of the new Zakhan. Quickly, you must hide.' There is no time to hesitate. Maouk's warriors are already approaching the tavern.

Turn to 16.

Text copyright © 1985 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1985 Gary Chalk.