307

Rimoah ushers you to a refectory table at the entrance to the chamber where Lord Ardan is carefully arranging some magically-crafted artefacts upon a sheet of scarlet silk. He invites you to inspect these items and Lord Ardan steps aside to allow you a closer look. The first object to catch your eye is a double-edged sword with a jewel-encrusted hilt. The blade looks exceptionally sharp and appears to have been crafted from a rich golden alloy. It shimmers brightly, like sunlight on water, even in the gloom of this torchlit chamber.

‘This is “Skarn-Ska”,’ says Rimoah proudly. ‘It was crafted by Lord Ardan and myself in the weapons forge at the Kai Monastery, during your absence. It was tempered in spell-fire and is imbued with Old Kingdom magic. It will never lose its razor-keen edge. There are few blades better suited to the slaying of the Dark God’s foul spawn than this.’

‘Aye,’ comments Ardan, ‘and we have named it in your honour, Grand Master. In the tongue of the Old Kingdoms, “Skarn-Ska” means “Wolf’s Blade”.’

If you wish to take this Special Item, turn to 50.

If you do not, turn to 89.