The interior of the agon, as it seems to be called, is lit by glowing stones circling the inner wall. In the center is a small fountain. Clear water bubbles forth and flows along a silver trough before disappearing underground. The floor is soft and spongy, like a thick bed of moss.

The leader steps forward. "Ket," he says, pointing to himself. "Ket Raka." Pointing to the others, he says, "Akim Raka, Tor Raka ..."

You repeat each name, then pointing to your- self, tell them your name. The Rakas laugh as they try to pronounce the strange sound.

Tor, who seems younger than the others, brings you something that looks like cheese but tastes like honey. Ket gives you a small pink fruit. "Ib tanga," he says, smiling.

Tanga is delicious, and you are eating a second one when a large blue-furred Raka rushes into the agon. Pointing at you, he speaks excitedly in his own tongue. Tor begins to argue with him. The others join in.

"Nar mg calla!" the blue-furred Raka says loudly. It's clear he wants you to come with him; it seems likely that he represents the chief, or leader.

Ket and Akim gesture as if you should obey. But Tor shakes his head, warning you not to go.

<aside> 🔷 If you follow the blue-furred Raka, go to page 48

</aside>

<aside> 🙅 If you refuse, go to page 50

</aside>