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The boat glides silently through the dark, syrupy water and within minutes the huts are lost to sight. Unlike the smooth muddy banks of Dakushna's Channel, the shores of this newly-formed passage comprise a tangle of exposed roots and rotting vegetation. A foul-smelling mist clings to these torn roots, exuding a corpse-like chill that, despite your Kai skills, makes you shiver involuntarily.

You have been following this unwelcoming canal for nearly a mile when it starts to meander towards the east, and soon you are brought to a halt when an unexpected obstruction looms into view. A matted raft of floating, frost-covered weeds has become ensnared upon the right bank, partially blocking the way ahead.

You are observing the raft, looking for a way to steer around it, when suddenly your senses alert you to a hidden danger.

If you possess Kai-alchemy, turn to 104.

If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, turn to 47.

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