203

Your Kai Mastery alerts you to a beam of ultraviolet light at the exit from the ford. This pencil-thin beam emanates from behind the age-worn keystone of the old bridge, crosses the exit just inches off the ground, and disappears into some bushes opposite.

‘Column halt!’ you shout, bringing the regiment to a stop at the approach to the ford.

‘Is something wrong, Grand Master?’ asks D’Val, anxiously.

‘Perhaps,’ you reply, staring at the beam which is invisible to the captain’s eyes. ‘Wait here, captain, while I satisfy my curiosity.’

You urge your horse forward and approach the fallen keystone. As you draw closer, you sense that it conceals an explosive device constructed from materials not of this world. It is an elaborate booby trap planted here by Naar’s minions, and it is set to detonate should any large creature unwittingly break the beam.

If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, turn to 274.

If you possess Grand Nexus and wish to use it, turn to 71.

If you possess neither of these skills, or if you choose not to use them, turn to 22.