### 333

You are about to place a Gold Crown in the woman’s hand when a man appears as if from nowhere. He slaps her grubby palm with a studded gauntlet and bellows: ‘Begone, y’thievin’ hag!’

The woman’s eyes flash angrily as she nurses her bruised hand.

If you take exception to this and wish to attack the man, turn to 71.

If you wish to demand an explanation for his actions, turn to 154.

If you decide to ride away and avoid a confrontation, turn to 279.