Begin, O seeker, where sea meets stone — where merchants whisper and gulls cry over the quay. There, take your first steps beyond the city’s open maw, through gates that guard both wealth and woe.

“Eastward tread, where dawn is born,

Past beaks that peck at scattered corn,

When rightward turns your shadow’s gaze,

Five steps lift you through marble haze.”

Climb the five ancient steps and enter the hall of Ripam Romam, where waters ripple like whispers of forgotten Rome. Two gilded watchers gleam beside the pool — the guardians of reflection. Circle them once, and take your leave through the door opposite your arrival.

“Leftward now, by straw and steel,

Where tools of toil their secrets conceal,

The talk of soldiers drifts on air —

Move past the words, don't you linger or stare.”

Beyond the gossiping guards, three hidden hens nest low in the undergrowth — their eyes see more than men suppose. Move beyond them, and mount six stone risers until the man of marble truth greets you. His mouth gapes open, carved and cold, and beneath, the words “Mouth of Truth.”

“Face of stone, with silent scream,

Truth devours the liar’s dream,

Rightward turn by his stony jaw,

Then step askew — obey this law.”

Shift a couple of paces leftward, then turn right once more. The hospitium lies to your left — ignore its temptations of rest and wine. Move forward beneath the arches of brick, but halt before the gates that beckon you in. Turn left instead, where the scent of hay fades and the shadow of the tower falls.

“By wall where circus ghosts still gleam,

A fading sign recalls this dream,

The door is watched, a guard is near,

Yet enter bold — the prize is here.”

Pass through the tower door where the guard stands sentinel. Behind the door, hidden from mortal eyes, lies the Golden Axe — gleaming proof of your cunning. Claim it, traveller, and let Aquilonia whisper your name.