### 240

The dust cloud grows bigger and the rumble of hoofbeats can now be heard drifting towards you across the open plain. Twenty lightly armoured riders approach, their lances bearing blue pennants embroidered with the arms of Tahou, their faces stern and unsmiling beneath the peaks of their winged helmets. Their sergeant makes a signal and the horsemen change formation, drawing up into a circle that quickly closes around you. ‘State your business here!’ bellows the sergeant. ‘Why do you ride to Tahou?’

At first you are suspicious of their identities, but your basic Kai Sixth Sense confirms that these men are genuine Anarian rangers.

If you wish to tell the sergeant your real reason for riding to Tahou, turn to 279.

If you possess an Invitation and wish to show it to him, turn to 136.

If you demand to know what right they have to hinder your passage to the capital, turn to 343.