230

You leap from the rent in the plant wall and land safely on a mound of soft black earth. As you struggle to your feet, you notice that this rich soil forms a narrow clearing between the base of the plant and the stems of many others, all of a similar species. Their colossal stalks soar into a dimly amber sky where gigantic flowering heads bend and sway in a humid breeze. Staring at this awe-inspiring canopy, hundreds of feet above, makes you feel incredibly small and vulnerable—like a tiny insect. This feeling is made worse when suddenly a huge, horse-sized beetle comes careering through the plant stems. Instinct and quick thinking save your skin. Instantly you freeze, and the shiny black monstrosity ignores you and continues its chaotic rampage through this forest of gigantic plants.

It is several moments before your pulse slows and your senses detect a distant source of energy, somewhere away to the north. You cannot discern its nature or purpose, but you feel compelled to investigate. Guided by your tracking skills, you trek through this extraordinary forest for nearly an hour before arriving at a huge clearing where, from the cover of a huge fallen leaf, you gaze upon a spectacular sight.

Turn to 334.