### 27

Spurring your horse up the steep path to the manor house, you pass beneath its turreted gate and halt at a small outhouse whose walls are embellished with intricate ironwork. The top half of a stable door swings open, and a spiky-haired youth leers at you.

‘Be wantin’ a Cess for Amory?’ he says offhandedly. ‘Three Gold Crowns.’

He holds a square of blue card in one hand and presents an open palm with the other.

If you wish to ask him what a ‘Cess’ is, turn to 273.

If you wish to pay him 3 Gold Crowns, turn to 304.

If you decide to ignore him and continue along the highway, turn to 146.