Page 90

You sleep around the fire outside of the inn. No more monsters, earthquakes, or other disasters come to call during the night. In the morning you are gifted with supplies for your journey by the villagers of Bray � as thanks for all your help yesterday � and you prepare to leave for Kalokathir.

As you get everything packed up, an elderly man approaches you, one you haven't seen before despite meeting many of Bray's people yesterday.

"You look to be preparing for a journey," the man says. "This is a dangerous time for traveling. Are you youngsters in search of adventure and excitement?"

"Something like that," you tell him.

"Hah!" the man laughs, throwing his head back and clasping his thick hands around his substantial belly. "So am I, as it happens! The name's Rochibal, and I'm a blacksmith by career but a treasure-hunter by hobby. And as my home and shop've all been destroyed, I figure to do some hunting to get back on my feet. Which way are you youngsters headed, north or south?"

"North, toward Kalokathir," Deke tells him.

"Hah! That's the direction I figure to head, too! What d'you know; I get a new surprise every time I turn around! Say, how'd you all like to travel together? Nothing beats a little company while hunting treasure, I always say. How about it?"

You all confer quietly. Merlyn's eyes narrow. "He's old," she says. "He'll slow us down."

You nod. "Especially if he wants to stop and hunt treasure all along the way."

Deke shakes his head. "Hey, he might be old, but he still looks pretty strong and vigorous. And maybe he'd help us out; old guys know a lot, you know?"

You all look at Ryal. "Well, I don't care if we're slowed down," he says.

It seems to be two votes against two. Once again, everyone turns to you to make the decision.

If you want Rochibal to join you, turn to page 92.
If you don't want him to join you, turn to page 93.