The Storms of Chai

Joe Dever

95

You dismount and tether the reins of your horse to a tubular stone rail near the Library’s entrance, then hurry inside to get out of the heavy rain. A young librarian, clad in long green robes and a yellow skull cap, approaches from behind a lacquered desk and bows respectfully.

‘Sir, the Library is about to close. Do you have items to return? If not, then I must request you leave.’

You have no library books or manuscripts to return and so you bid the polite Librarian good evening and turn to leave. Some Chai citizens are also leaving and one of them asks if he may speak with you under the awning of the front door. You nod your consent and accompany him from the building.

‘Forgive my impertinence, but I cannot help but notice you’re not a Penseian. My name is Hengdo. I’m a trader.’ He glances at your backpack and says: ‘I was wondering if you may have any items you’d like to sell?’

You can sell Hengdo any of the items you have noted on your Backpack List. He will pay 20 Ren for each item, regardless of how much it originally cost. If you wish to sell any of your items to this trader, erase them from your list and add 2 Gold Crowns (20 Ren) per item to your Belt Pouch.

To remount your horse and continue, turn to 155.