85

Standing in the corridor outside is a slim, small, seemingly insignificant figure, clad in a loose-fitting garment of plain emerald cloth. His pinched and pallid face is of human proportion, and, were it not for his pig-like snout and watery, colourless eyes, he could easily pass for one of your species.

‘Humble greetings, Cagath,’ he says, in a syrupy sweet tone that makes your flesh crawl. ‘I bring the compliments of Bazdash-Vool, my worthy master. He invites you to join him in the gallery, where he is about to host an entertainment for his illustrious fellow passengers, to make their journey altogether less tiresome. Will you grace us with your presence, noble Cagath?’

If you wish to accept this creature’s invitation and accompany him to the gallery, turn to 184.

If you decide to decline the invitation, turn to 338.