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Your killing blow silences the Akataz and sends it tumbling backwards into the dark alcove from which it first emerged. With weapon poised, you step forward and peer into this shadowy niche to see the warhound lying limply upon a mound of flea-infested sacking. Using your weapon to avoid having to touch these mouldering rags, you bury the dog beneath them before you turn and hurry towards the stairs.

At the top of the stairs you discover a wooden door, banded with criss-crossing strips of enamelled iron. At its centre there is a polished black handle and a dial which is ringed with numbers. You examine the dial closely and determine that it controls a combination lock. By turning the dial to its correct numerical setting, you will cause the lock to disengage and the door will open.

Using your Kai Sixth Sense, you discover that the correct setting is the same as the distance in miles that you travelled aboard the Cloud-dancer, from the Kai Monastery to the Shezar Hills, divided by the 50 miles that you travelled on foot from the Shezar Hills to Gazad Helkona.

If you think you know the solution to this question, turn to the section of this book that is the same as your answer.¹⁶

If you cannot answer the question, or if your answer turns out to be incorrect, turn instead to 195.