258

The old man invites you all to come into his tent. You dismount, and the children look after your horses while you file into his spacious dwelling. He gives each of you a glass of mulled wine and a piece of unleavened bread, and while you are enjoying the plain fare, he invites you to examine the wares and trinkets that lie strewn about the tent.

Gildas nudges you and points to a rickety table that is heaped with simple straw-coloured robes, much favoured by Bhanarian plainsmen. ‘These may be a wise purchase, Sir Kai?’ he mutters. ‘I fear our tunics may arouse suspicion the further south we venture.’ You nod in agreement and ask the old man how much he wants for four of his robes.

‘One hundred and twenty Ren, kind sir,’ he replies, cheerfully.

The old man’s price is the equivalent of 12 Gold Crowns. The rangers do not have any money, so if you wish to purchase these garments you must pay the full price.

If you can afford to pay the man’s price, turn to 286.

If you do not have sufficient Gold Crowns to pay for the robes, turn to 45.