### 65

‘Would you overlook my lost papers if I were to donate a few Gold Crowns to the gatehouse?’ you say, choosing your words with care.

‘Well, that would depend on just how many Gold Crowns you’d want to donate,’ replies the shorter of the two guards, mimicking your appeasing tone. His taller comrade is more direct in his manner and he comes straight to the point.

‘Look, trooper,’ he growls, ‘we want 10 Gold Crowns, and your horse, or we’ll throw you in the cells to rot. Pay up … or we’ll lock you up!’

If you possess 10 Gold Crowns and wish to pay the guard, turn to 203.

If you do not have sufficient Gold Crowns, or if you choose not to pay the bribe, turn instead to 23.