18

You leave the Ixian ship and go in search of Captain Lanza. You find him with his men by the watchtower—they are building a bonfire out of rags and broken bones. A toothless sergeant empties a gallon of skark oil onto the heap and a burning torch sets the whole thing ablaze.

You stride over to Lanza and slap him heartily on the back. ‘Well fought, captain. You and your men have brought honour to Lencia this day.’

Captain Lanza greets your compliment with a sombre face. ‘Nay, sire,’ he says, sadly. ‘ ’Tis the enemy who’ve won. The ice-boat is sunk and we cannot sail you to Ixia.’

‘We can use the enemy ship, Captain,’ you reply. ‘It is perfect for the task. All I need of you are some provisions and a crew.’

Lanza’s face brightens. He orders his men to prepare the Ixian ship and within the hour you are ready to set sail.

‘May the gods watch over you, Grand Master,’ says Prarg, as you bid him and Lanza farewell.

‘Do not fear,’ you reply. ‘I shall soon return.’

Pick a number from the Random Number Table.

If the number you have picked is 0–4, turn to 332.

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