### 125

You insert the key in the door and twist it. To your relief, you hear and feel the lock disengage and then the door creaks open to reveal a flight of spiral stairs which ascend into darkness above.

Hurriedly you climb these stone steps and come to a landing where several corridors converge. Some are occupied by gaolers and other officials of Sesketera’s citadel who are going about their duties. Then you hear the sound of footsteps ascending the stairs behind you, and it reminds you of the pressing need to keep moving. You draw upon your Magnakai Disciplines of Huntmastery and Pathsmanship to help in choosing the best route and, to your surprise, in so doing you discover a secret panel in the wall at the head of the staircase. You reach out and press a raised stud and the concealed panel slides open to reveal a narrow passageway beyond. Quickly you enter this passage and the panel automatically clicks shut behind you.

Turn to 170.