### 333

Your punch lifts the Elder clean off his feet and sends him tumbling over the side of the boat. A cry goes up along the deck, a shout of alarm that one of the Elders has fallen overboard. Scores of acolytes rush to the rail in response but there is nothing they can do. The longboat is travelling so fast that he is already hundreds of metres behind the stern and cannot be seen amidst the churning water.

Fortunately, none of the acolytes saw you throw your punch; they all assume the Elder fell accidentally. However, those who were seated near you have now become uncomfortably curious about who you are. To avoid their attentions, you move to the stern where you find a score of acolytes kneeling in prayer.

Turn to 124.

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