61

You enter a covered balcony running round the perimeter of an open courtyard. Suddenly you hear the dull tone of a stone bell as it tolls in a watchtower high above the fortress—the alarm bell. The balcony and the courtyard below are completely deserted, except for a wind sledge near to the courtyard gate.

You decide to take a chance, and descend a flight of steps to discover that the sledge is loaded with food and equipment from Ljuk. With the whole of Ikaya alerted to your presence, it is now impossible to complete your mission. There is nothing else you can do but make your escape on the wind sledge, while there is still time.

Ten days from now, you will reach your ship the Cardonal and regretfully report that you have failed your mission.²