| 135 "Sir, wait!" The boy is running towards you, waving his hands wildly above his head. His sudden appearance startles you momentarily. A quick survey of the rise shows no other person near nor any sign of how he got here. You know that such a young child should not be out here on his own, and you think for a moment that your first task on this journey may have to be ensuring the safe return of the boy to his home. It is a delay you would rather not have to make up for later. "What it is you want boy? I'm in a hurry." There is something unsettling about the child. As if sensing your own unease Pallenten half rears backwards as the boy approaches. "Please Sir, is your name Halokim Vesh?" Stunned by the boy's words you hesitate then answer, "Yes, but how do you know this?" "I have been sent by my master, the Maturi Len, to ask that you experience the hospitality of his house prior to continuing on your journey south." The boy hesitates for a moment as if he is listening to another unseen presence. "He says that it will be to your benefit to do so". The child appears unusually calm as you fight for control of Pallenten. The great horse rears up, as if about to strike out with one of its enormous hooves. It is just as you fear the boy will be trampled that you see him smile, then quickly disappear into a wisp of vapour. In an instant he is gone. Again Pallenten rears up and you are forced to fight the reins for balance. Out of the air above you comes a soft, gradually fading voice. "If you wish to talk with the Maturi Len take the west fork to Kal Arbor. There you shall find him." Spurring Pallenten on you ride quickly down the hill. Your horse seems eager to leave the rise and you have to admit you are of a like mind. It is at the bottom of the incline that you encounter the fork in the road leading to Kal Arbor.
| If you wish to take this fork to the west turn to section 227. If you have no time for what might be a dangerous diversion turn to section 232.
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