139

You prise open the visor of the dead warrior’s helmet, half-expecting to see the rough features of a bandit or highwayman. It comes as a shock to find the cold and empty eyes of a dead woman staring back at you. The shape of her body was concealed by the thick plates of armour and a clutch of magras reeds in the mouth-piece of her visor had effectively disguised her voice.

You find few clues to identify her: an Axe, a pouch containing 11 Gold Crowns, a Dagger, and a Silver Brooch are all she carries: hired killers travel light. You examine the Silver Brooch and decide to keep it. (Mark this as a Special Item on your Action Chart.) There is something vaguely familiar about her face but you cannot remember why. Suddenly, your thoughts return to the plight of your companion—his life is in danger. You mount your horse without further delay and gallop across the Denka Bridge in pursuit.

Turn to 39.