### 31

For a few minutes you stare silently at the pool below. Nothing stirs in the seething waters to record the loss of your horses or the passing of the dreadful Anapheg. All three have disappeared without trace.

The distant thunder of battle pervades your thoughts, prompting you to leave the tree-bridge and move deeper into the Mordril Forest. The tall trees become denser, often forcing you to turn your body sideways in order to make any progress. Gradually dense undergrowth turns to a carpet of moss and blue-black lichen which clings to your boots like mud. A chill overwhelms you as a thick and pearly mist seeps from the cracks beneath the trees. The many sounds of the forest have disappeared to be replaced by a cold and eerie silence.

If you are in need of Tincture of Oxydine or of Oede herb, turn to 237.

If you need neither of these items, turn to 91.

Text copyright © 1987 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1987 Gary Chalk.