### 176

Before leaving Luomi, the Prince gives you a Signet Ring that bears his royal crest (mark this as a Special Item on your Action Chart; you need not discard another Special Item in favour of this ring if you already carry the maximum of twelve items). By wearing the ring on your right hand you signify that you have the friendship of the royal court, something that may prove valuable when trying to persuade Sebb Jarel to aid you in your quest.

You exchange farewells with Prince Graygor, before checking your equipment and setting off on the dusty road to Pirsi. The road itself is little better than a dirt track that cuts across open grassland towards a wide, muddy river. Awkward heaps of grey stone dot the unkempt landscape: they are the deserted ruins of farmsteads and houses destroyed during the Drakkarim occupation.

After an hour in the saddle you arrive at the river at a point where a wide stone bridge spans its murky waters. A fire-blackened watchtower and a roofless stone hut stand at the approach to the bridge. You notice a faint wisp of wood smoke rising from the top of the tower and a saddled horse grazing close by at the river's edge.

If you wish to stop and investigate the watchtower, turn to 232.

If you prefer to cross the bridge and continue, turn to 75.

Text copyright © 1987 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1987 Brian Williams.