### 262

The door is locked, but the mechanism is so rusted that it crumbles under the slightest pressure. Inside is a squalid little room filled with barrels, crates, and dusty bottles of wine, all sour. On a damp wooden bench lies a Short Sword, and beside it a plain circular Shield (if you wish to take either of these items, remember to mark them on your Action Chart, the Shield is a Special Item which adds 2 points to your COMBAT SKILL when used in combat).

If you wish to search the room further, turn to 73.

If you decide to leave the room and explore the stairs, turn to 11.