### 191

You are wrenched towards the very edge of the falling bridge. Helplessly, Samu dangles at the end of the Rope, looking at the fast-moving waters of the Belzar. 'I . . . I can't hold it,' you shout in a strained voice to Urik and Hugi. They start forward, but as they step on to the bridge, bricks and stones fail into the river at an alarming rate. 'Stop!' you scream, 'or we're all doomed!'

Before anyone can act; the strain on the Rope is suddenly released and you fall backwards. Samu, seeing your plight, has cut the Rope with his sword, allowing himself to fall into the running water. Horrified, you watch as Samu struggles against the current. Then he is gone; there is no trace. 'Grey Star!' Urik shouts. 'Come away . . . the bridge!' Eyes blurred with tears, you stagger away from the bridge. Too numb to speak, the three of you walk towards the gate of the Forbidden City.

Turn to 124.

Concept copyright © 1985 Joe Dever and Gary Chalk.
Text copyright © 1985 Ian Page.