Page 44

"I fear you'll be fighting sooner than you anticipate, Deke," Sharalinda says to them. "Though Vulkaro has not undergone the metamorphosis into a demon yet, there are manifestations of his anger all through the land, especially in the wilderness. And your party is a bit limited in the way of weapons. Take this." And she hands you a small pouch.

"This is a weapon?" you ask, incredulous.

"No, that is a purse full of shrin," says Sharalinda. "It should be enough to buy you a decent sword. The nearest blademaker has a shop in the village of Bray, about thirty miles north of here. Deke and Merlyn should know the way. Buy a sword for yourself and then meet me tonight at the inn in the village. I must go consult with the gods Zephiro, Kuaro, and Kalyro about what to do next. I wish you strength, courage, and good luck. Farewell!" she waves her hand and once again disappears in a cloud of smoke. But a happy, peaceful feeling comes over you.

"Well, let's get going!" says Deke, and the three of you leave the circular room. You exit the inn and start on down the road, Deke eagerly pushing on ahead.

After a short distance, you come to a fork in the road. Deke starts down one path.

"No, not that way," Merlyn tells him. "The eastern road is much faster." She points down the other way.

"I always go the western way to get to Bray," Deke insists stubbornly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Let's let the hero decide," Merlyn mimics Deke's pose and turns to you.

But I'm not a hero, you think to yourself as they look at you expectantly. What have I gotten myself into?

Sharalinda has given you 3 strength, 3 courage, and 3 luck points, and 300 shrin.
If you want to take the eastern road, turn to page 31.
If you want to take the western road, turn to page 40.