93

Prince Karvas does not relish the prospect of having to face these riders, yet he goes along with your decision and patiently you sit and wait as they draw closer. Their leader is a broad-shouldered man with a ginger beard and long wavy hair. His hair fans out from around the edges of a conical helm that is topped by a pair of polished antlers. He brings his horse to a halt before you and regards your mounts with an appraising eye.

‘I see you ride Cavalian colts,’ he says, and he points to the eagle brands that mark your horses’ hindquarters. You nod in acknowledgement but you do not offer any explanation. The man narrows his blue eyes and strokes his beard thoughtfully. ‘You do not know who I am, do you?’

You shake your head dumbly, hoping that he will take you for a simpleton and return to his deer hunting. ‘I am Halx—the Inquisitor-major of Cavalia. Among my many duties is the regulation and taxation of horses, mules, and oxen. You both ride Cavalian steeds, yet I do not recall seeing either of you in the city before. I trust your saddle taxes have been paid? Perhaps you would be kind enough to furnish your names and places of lodging so that, upon my return to Cavalia, I am able to confirm that this is so?’

You sense that your continued silence is beginning to irritate the Inquisitor-major. His followers are also growing impatient.

If you wish to say that you are special emissaries on your way to Seroa to witness the crowning of Baron Sadanzo, turn to 116.

If you wish to say that you are new recruits to the Cavalian Citadel Guard, turn to 123.

If you decide not to say anything at all, turn to 44.