188

You stable both horses and investigate the mouth-watering smell of freshly baked wheat cakes that wafts from the doorway of the inn. ‘Welcome,’ hails a friendly voice as you cross the threshold. ‘Come in and dry yourselves by the fire.’

Illustration VIII—A black-bearded dwarf, with an equally black patch covering his right eye, stands behind the counter.

A black-bearded dwarf, with an equally black patch covering his right eye, stands behind the counter, his barrel-like body obscured from the chest down. ‘Perhaps you two gentlemen would care for some fare?’ With an open sweep of his hands he draws your attention to the plates of cakes and kegs of ale that are spread along the bar.

If you wish to buy some food and ale, turn to 145.

If you choose to dry yourself before the fire, turn to 232.

If you wish to engage the dwarf in conversation, turn to 26.