149

You leave your horses in the stable and walk through an arched corridor that opens into the taproom of the Golden Trough Inn. A warm fire and the welcoming smell of roasting meat greet your entry. The patrons of this establishment cast you no more than a cursory glance as you make your way to the counter and attempt to attract the innkeeper’s attention.

The owner of the tavern is a rotund man with freckled cheeks and an easy smile. You ask him the cost of stabling and quickly add that you and your friends will not be requiring rooms for the night. ‘Five Ren each,’ he says, ‘including their feed. You can pay in the morning when you come back to fetch ’em.’

As you are leaving the inn, you are approached by a dark-skinned man wearing a turban. He introduces himself as Fanshalla and says that he is a fortune-teller of some renown. He produces a pack of cards from his robe and offers to use them to predict your future.

If you wish to accept the man’s offer, turn to 197.

If you wish to decline his offer, turn to 62.