### 36

You are a few feet from the wagon when your horse refuses the jump. It rears up, its forelegs scrabbling at the air. The long day's ride has taken its toll, and your horse has neither the strength nor will left to clear such a daunting obstacle.

You lurch backwards, falling over the horse's rump and desperately cling to the tightening reins as it teeters on its hind hooves. Suddenly, the horse falls, pinning you beneath her as she crashes to the ground.

Agonizing pain gives way to numbness as you fight to hang on to life, but it is a battle that you can no longer win.

Your life and your quest end here.

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