95

All is silent once more. A third volley of bolts does not appear. Fortunately, the Shadakine are unaware that their attacks are weakening your Shield of Sorcery and have decided that further assaults are useless.

An hour passes. Then, from out of the reeds, a large barrel arcs through the air, a dark liquid spurting from holes drilled into the sides. It splashes into the lake. ‘What are they up to?’ you murmur.

‘Who can say?’ replies Urik. ‘Shadakine have much cunning.’ More barrels are thrown into the lake. Gradually, the thick liquid they contain forms a film on the water, reflecting the light of the setting sun, and soon the entire lake is polluted by the black liquid.

Suddenly, a lighted torch sails through the air and, as it hits the water, ignites the oily surface, transforming the lake into a raging inferno. You are surrounded by flames and soon your clothes begin to smoulder; you wince as the intense heat sears your flesh. Urik fixes you with a panicked stare, primeval fear of fire twisting his features.

If you have the Magical Power of Elementalism and wish to use it, turn to 210.

If you wish to attempt to swim underwater, turn to 297.