### 24

After what seems like an hour, but in reality is only a few minutes at the most, the scorching heat subsides and the tunnel air becomes painless to breathe. You press on and soon arrive at an archway, where the shiny steel tube enters a chamber gouged out of solid black iron. There a spiral staircase ascends to a portal. You climb the stairs and peer out through the portal. A sight greets you that sets your pulse racing. Before you stands a gleaming block of solid gold--the back of Lord Zahda's throne. Above it, hovering motionless in the air, are two perfect crystals: one glows darkly with black fire; the other radiates a pure golden light that sends a shiver down your spine. It is the object of your quest--the Lorestone of Herdos.

If you wish to reach up and take the Lorestone, turn to 42.

If you wish to attack the black crystal, turn to 138.

If you prefer to examine the throne, turn to 98.

Text copyright © 1986 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1986 Gary Chalk.