### 181

The track consists of ancient paving blocks mostly overgrown with moss, but occasionally you hear the sound of a distant hoofbeat striking upon an exposed slab of stone. You follow the trail and are soon engulfed by darkness. Only the sound of forest owls and the flutter of bats can be heard as you make your way slowly through the inky black forest.

You have been walking less than an hour when you arrive at a stone bridge. The stream it once crossed has long since dried up, and the empty watercourse is blanketed with dead leaves. You are now very tired and in need of food and rest.

If you wish to stop and rest here at the bridge, turn to 204.

If you decide to forego rest and continue along the track, turn to 37.

Text copyright © 1987 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1987 Brian Williams.