>
> > my inventory:
> > 21 bronze coins
> > 6 red gemstones
> > 9 black gemstones
> > guard's sword
> >
> > stone of strengthening
> > food rations
> > rope
> > tinderbox
> >
> > sticks
> > wire clippers
> > clear focus stone
> > crate
> >
> > hammer
> > blanket
> > map
> > picture
> >
> > I left the 2nd city after Darius dumped me without doing anything else there and I feel like I missed something. I've noticed in the forum postings a key of opening that people have in their inventories--was that what I should have gotten there? Also, there was a path on the way up the mountain w/Darius that seemed like it needed searching--should I spend time doing that, too?
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> >
> > bitzi
> >
> > P.S. I hate asking for hints, but I'm getting pretty far along in 3rd city...
>
> Forget the last town by Darius, you are through w/ that area. There are two keys in this game, the one you sold and one other that you will find later. You are doing fine. Just 1 hint-how about checking out that shack in your hometown of Boredom.

Thanks for the reassurance. But about the shack--I'm checking it out now and I think I've used all options. It's locked and wire clippers won't work, can reach window w/crate but window is too small. So I guess I'm still missing something!