40
The guards are already drunk on Koumiss, fermented mare's milk, and slump to the floor. You slip into the courtyard beyond the gate and approach the palace itself but are faced with another group of guards, resplendent in red and white lacquered armour, who have seen their comrades fall. Seeing you appear suddenly through the gate they cry out and others come running towards you from a nearby barracks, some drawing swords, others readying their bows. Do you:
| Pull out your blaster and use it on them? | Turn to 139 |
| Run back out of the city, hoping to lose them? | Turn to 156 |