### 153

As you look all around, your eyes come to rest on a large cask, one of many that line the opposite wall. However, whereas all the others have small puddles of ale on the ground beneath their wooden taps, the large cask in the middle is perfectly clean, as if it had never been used. You twist the wooden tap, but instead of a stream of ale pouring out, there is a dull click, and the entire circular front of the cask swings open to reveal a secret portal and a stairway descending into darkness.

You exchange glances with Paido and then follow him as he makes his descent into the unknown.

Turn to 259.

Text copyright © 1987 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1987 Gary Chalk.