### 236

An arrow pierces your breeches and gouges a crimson line across the back of your thigh, making you cry out in pain. You stumble, but you manage to stay on your feet: lose three ENDURANCE points.

Cursing the pain, you hobble into the dingy passage beyond and descend by slope and stair to a rectangular hall which is lined with ancient stone statues, their features made unrecognizable by age. Tar-soaked torches fixed to the two longest walls illuminate this musty chamber with a flickering amber light, and the air is heavy with their oily stench. In the distance you see an archway and the passage continuing away into darkness. Your injured leg aches viciously and the thought of resting for a few minutes seems irresistible.

If you wish to stop here for a few minutes' rest, turn to 29.

If you decide to press on without stopping, turn to 177.

Text copyright © 1991 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1991 Brian Williams.