### 141

The bore-hole is cramped and you can progress only by crawling along on your hands and knees. A gentle breeze stirs the dust at the base of the shaft and a faint glow in the distance sheds just enough light for you to be able to see your way ahead. Gradually the slope becomes steeper and you are forced to climb a crude staircase formed by jagged outcrops of rock. Above you see a strip of daylight and it draws you upward with its promise of escape.

As you climb nearer to the opening you hear a hissing sound off to your right. Instantly you freeze as you catch sight of a black serpent, its jaw open and its venomous fangs glinting in the gloom of a hollow. It is coiled upon a nest of eggs less than an arm's length from your face.

If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control, turn to 35.

If you wish to ignore the snake and continue your climb, turn to 235.

If you decide to retreat along the bore-hole and attempt to climb the chasm wall instead, turn to 135.

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