30

The three men exchange wary glances before offering you a seat. A pock-marked warrior snaps his fingers and shouts across the crowded hall: ‘Wench! Four flagons of ale!’

Beer is drawn into four large earthenware vessels, each of which holds half a gallon of ale. Staggering beneath their weight, the serving girl finally arrives and places the flagons on the table.

‘Eight Gold Crowns, sir,’ she says, breathlessly, the perspiration standing out on her freckled brow.

If you wish to pay for the ale, turn to 230.

If you cannot or do not want to pay for the ale, turn to 159.