### 53

The man listens to your question while his eyes try to fathom your purpose.

‘And what would a warrior be seeking in the Street of the Sages, I wonder?’ he muses, his slim fingers stroking his long grey beard.

You are trying to think of a good answer that will not reveal the nature of your quest when the man suddenly becomes agitated.

‘I cannot help you,’ he says curtly and hurries away from the bar, vanishing into the crowds of drunken mercenaries in the blink of an eye. You are puzzled by his sudden departure—was it something you said that caused him to behave so strangely?

If you wish to approach the merchant at his table, turn to 240.

If you would rather approach the tavern-keeper, turn to 312.