126

The officer in charge of the mounted escort rides forward to meet you. He wears silvered Anarian mail and a winged helmet embossed with the crest of Tahou.

‘Hail, captain!’ says Banedon, upon seeing his crown-shaped badge of rank. The man narrows his eyes and regards you both with suspicion. He is about to reach for his sword when a woman shouts from the leading wagon.

‘Banedon! Banedon! Is that you?’

Your companion recognizes the woman and returns her wave. ‘Lortha! By the stars, I had not expected to meet you here,’ he says in a surprised tone. The captain relaxes his guard and motions to the wagons to move on, anxious that his entourage is not delayed on the highway.

‘You can fall in with us or save your reunion till we reach Navasari,’ he says, curtly, and rides on without waiting for a reply.

‘Lortha is the wife of Chiban, a famous Tahouese magician. He was my mentor when I lived and studied in the city,’ says Banedon.

If you wish Banedon to talk to this woman, turn to 209.

If you insist that you both continue your journey without delay, turn to 274.