### 267

There is no door to the entrance of this derelict dwelling and, after checking that Wolf’s Bane has left no unwelcome surprises, you enter and find a foyer strewn with mouldering masonry. Two staircases lead off this small entrance hall: one ascends to the floor above; the other descends to the basement. The stairwell down is blocked by timbers and sheets of crumpled iron. It shows no signs of having been disturbed for years and so you choose instead to explore the upper floor.

At the top of the stairs you make an unexpected discovery. You emerge into a corridor that is lined with a seamless metallic skin. Unlike the dereliction you have so far witnessed, the walls and floor of this passage bear no signs of neglect or corrosion. They gleam like highly polished steel.

You explore the corridor and come to what, at first sight, appears to be a dead end. Then you hear a loud hiss and a concealed panel slides open to reveal another steel-lined passageway. You pause to examine the panel but you can detect no traps or residues of magic.

If you wish to enter the new passageway, turn to 252.

If you choose not to enter, turn to 274.