### 97

The chest is plain except for a small square of red metal bolted to the top. There is no lock, but, instinctively, you avoid opening the lid with your hands in case it is booby-trapped. Nearby, you notice a wooden bucket and a ladle. Using the ladle, you lever open the chest and push back the lid. The chest itself is not booby-trapped, but your caution was well placed; coiled on a bed of jewel-encrusted maces lies a Yas, a non-poisonous but very large Vassagonian snake. A red forked tongue flicks out of its yellow head as it prepares to defend its valuable bed.

If you wish to attack the Yas, turn to 194.

If you wish to flick shut the lid and leave the armoury by the north door, turn to 14.

Text copyright © 1985 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1985 Gary Chalk.