### 282

You follow the narrow, winding street, passing rows of dusty houses and shops. The noisy clack of window shutters signifies an end to another day’s business as the shopkeepers close for the night. The street turns eastwards and begins to climb Fortress Hill.

Halfway up the rise you approach a squat building of green-glazed stone. A fat merchant stands in the doorway, waiting impatiently for customers despite the late hour. ‘Good evening, gentlemen,’ he says, in a thin and wheedling voice. ‘Welcome to the emporium of Rath Radis, the storehouse of miracles.’ Through the open doorway you can see that the shop is brim-full of curious magical paraphernalia.

If you wish to enter the shop, turn to 316.

If you choose to ignore the merchant and continue along the street, turn to 204.