94

You make your approach to within 40 yards of the gate by means of a road that runs parallel to the fast-flowing river. At this point you leave the road and scurry to take cover behind a pile of logs that are stacked at the river’s edge, ready to be loaded aboard a barge which is moored close by. You can see a dozen soldiers patrolling the parapet above the river gate, and each one is clad in a suit of shiny armour made from lacquered steel scales and hardened leather. They are armed with bows, spears, and maces, and their shields display the head of a tiger-like creature baring ferocious fangs. Karvas whispers that it is the emblem of Autarch Sejanoz—the ruler of Bhanar.

For several minutes you observe the guards as they march back and forth with their spears couched on their shoulders. During your watch you discover that the guardsmen are not the only ones who occupy this span. On a tiled ledge running beneath the parapet is a long line of roosting crows. They are resting shoulder-to-shoulder and are almost invisible against the jet-black stonework of the arch. Your careful observations tell you that the guards are alert and observant. It will be difficult to get past these men without being seen. If you are to gain entry to the city by this river route, first you will have to create a diversion to draw away the watchful guards.

If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Elementalism and wish to use it, turn to 213.

If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, turn to 71.

If you possess neither of these skills, or if you choose not to use them, turn to 109.