200

The cooperage is stacked to the ceiling with barrels, kegs, vats, and casks. They form a wall around a broad-shouldered man with thinning grey hair who is busily fitting a hoop of metal to a new water butt. You approach him and ask if his name is Hulsta.

‘Aye, I’m Hulsta,’ he replies, wearily, ‘and you can go back to Captain Zharm and tell him that his barrels will be ready tomorrow at noon, like we agreed.’

‘But I’m not from Captain Zharm,’ you reply.

Hulsta laughs and then apologizes for his mistake. ‘Well, trooper,’ he says, ‘how can I help you?’

‘I’m looking for a barrel of a special kind. A very special kind. It must be a barrel made from Sommlending oak.’

Upon hearing the password, Hulsta smiles and nods his head. ‘Well I’m sure I can help you there,’ he says, and he turns to summon one of his apprentices from the rear of the shop.

‘Here, Jyke,’ he calls, ‘you can finish this one. I’m taking this customer through to the workshop. You be sure to look after things while I’m gone. We may be gone a while.’

Turn to 115.