### 180

One of the soldiers snatches your Pass and gives it a cursory glance. Even the presence of Lord Adamas’ seal does little to impress him. ‘Shieldwarden Nehdra is visiting Syada,’ he says. ‘He’s not due back till tomorrow. You’ll have to wait till then t’see him.’

He hands back your Pass and returns to his post. ‘Come,’ says Paido, ‘let’s find ourselves a roof for the night. We can come back tomorrow if need be.’

You nod your agreement and follow Paido as he descends the hill track leading back into the town. At the quadrangle you decide to stop at the Temple of the Sword and enquire about a room for the night.

Turn to 78.