the shore in a storm. You stare in fascination at the shattered hulls, imagining the terrifying scenes of their destruction. Then, suddenly, high above the pinnacles of stone hovers a black shadow, like a small rain cloud. It seems to be moving towards you. Suddenly you realize what the ‘cloud’ really is. It is a swarm of large Zlanbeast and possibly some Kraan. The alarm is shouted along the deck: ‘Prepare for battle!’
If you wish to stay on deck, ready your weapon and turn to 146 .
If you wish to return to your cabin, turn to 34 .
225
Seventy Durenese warships left Port Bax, but only fifty now enter the Holmgulf. The battle has claimed many brave men including Admiral Calfen, who died aboard the flagship
Durenor
, the first ship to be sunk. But despite the heavy loss, a great victory has been won, a victory which inspires the Durenese soldiers with new strength so that the past ordeal of both the voyage and the battle are now forgotten. As their optimism and determination return, all are eager to reach Holmgard and raise the siege.
It is dusk on the thirty-seventh day of your quest when you sight the spires of Holmgard on the horizon. The city still stands defiantly against the army of Darklords, although constantly under siege. Flickering in the darkness you can see the small fires which burn throughout the capital. A confident Lord Axim joins you at the prow.
‘The moonless sky will aid us this night. We shall enter the harbour unseen. Come the dawn, my men will scatter the wretched foe like dead leaves upon the wind of a storm.’
As you enter Holmgard harbour at the head of the Durenese fleet, you unsheathe the Sommerswerd and prepare to fulfil your destiny.
Turn to 350 .
227
Marching along the centre of the street are four heavily armed city guards. Rather than risk being arrested, you quickly dodge into an alley on your left. The guards suddenly halt opposite the entrance. If one of them should turn his head, you will be spotted for sure. Behind you is a small window that leads into a crowded tavern. Without hesitation, you climb in as quickly as possible.
Turn to 4 .
230
You follow the street until it turns abruptly eastwards into Beggar Lane. You can see how this street got its name, for there are scores of ragged men, women, and children huddled in doorways, all holding out their begging bowls.
As you walk towards the junction at the end of the street, you are assailed from all sides with pleas for gold.
If you wish to give any of your gold to these beggars, turn to 93 .
If you wish to push them aside and continue on your way, turn to 137 .
234
Before you can defend yourself, the Helghast has smashed into you and you both fall onto the highway below.
It may be some comfort to learn that your death was swift and painless. Your neck was instantly broken and you were spared the agony of the Helghast's black fingers tearing and burning their way through your throat. The Seal of Hammerdal is now on its way to Holmgard, which will now fall to the Darklords.
Your life and your quest end here.
236
Suddenly panic strikes. The ship is thrown into a frenzy of activity as sailors grab buckets and blankets with which to fight the fire. Flames are roaring through the hatch cover, and it takes over an hour to contain the blaze. The damage to the ship is great. The entire store of food and fresh water has been destroyed and the mid-section of the ship badly weakened.
The captain appears from out of the smoking hold and approaches you, his face black with soot. He is carrying something in a bundle under his arm.
‘We must talk in private my lord,’ he says quietly.
Without replying, you turn and follow him to his cabin.
Turn to 222 .
237
The dead zombies lie around your feet. By now, the soldiers' fear of the undead has turned to sheer hatred. A chorus of Durenese battle-cries resounds along the deck. You lead the charge along a boarding plank and onto the deck of the death-hulk, cleaving the
If you wish to stay on deck, ready your weapon and turn to 146 .
If you wish to return to your cabin, turn to 34 .
225
Seventy Durenese warships left Port Bax, but only fifty now enter the Holmgulf. The battle has claimed many brave men including Admiral Calfen, who died aboard the flagship
Durenor
, the first ship to be sunk. But despite the heavy loss, a great victory has been won, a victory which inspires the Durenese soldiers with new strength so that the past ordeal of both the voyage and the battle are now forgotten. As their optimism and determination return, all are eager to reach Holmgard and raise the siege.
It is dusk on the thirty-seventh day of your quest when you sight the spires of Holmgard on the horizon. The city still stands defiantly against the army of Darklords, although constantly under siege. Flickering in the darkness you can see the small fires which burn throughout the capital. A confident Lord Axim joins you at the prow.
‘The moonless sky will aid us this night. We shall enter the harbour unseen. Come the dawn, my men will scatter the wretched foe like dead leaves upon the wind of a storm.’
As you enter Holmgard harbour at the head of the Durenese fleet, you unsheathe the Sommerswerd and prepare to fulfil your destiny.
Turn to 350 .
227
Marching along the centre of the street are four heavily armed city guards. Rather than risk being arrested, you quickly dodge into an alley on your left. The guards suddenly halt opposite the entrance. If one of them should turn his head, you will be spotted for sure. Behind you is a small window that leads into a crowded tavern. Without hesitation, you climb in as quickly as possible.
Turn to 4 .
230
You follow the street until it turns abruptly eastwards into Beggar Lane. You can see how this street got its name, for there are scores of ragged men, women, and children huddled in doorways, all holding out their begging bowls.
As you walk towards the junction at the end of the street, you are assailed from all sides with pleas for gold.
If you wish to give any of your gold to these beggars, turn to 93 .
If you wish to push them aside and continue on your way, turn to 137 .
234
Before you can defend yourself, the Helghast has smashed into you and you both fall onto the highway below.
It may be some comfort to learn that your death was swift and painless. Your neck was instantly broken and you were spared the agony of the Helghast's black fingers tearing and burning their way through your throat. The Seal of Hammerdal is now on its way to Holmgard, which will now fall to the Darklords.
Your life and your quest end here.
236
Suddenly panic strikes. The ship is thrown into a frenzy of activity as sailors grab buckets and blankets with which to fight the fire. Flames are roaring through the hatch cover, and it takes over an hour to contain the blaze. The damage to the ship is great. The entire store of food and fresh water has been destroyed and the mid-section of the ship badly weakened.
The captain appears from out of the smoking hold and approaches you, his face black with soot. He is carrying something in a bundle under his arm.
‘We must talk in private my lord,’ he says quietly.
Without replying, you turn and follow him to his cabin.
Turn to 222 .
237
The dead zombies lie around your feet. By now, the soldiers' fear of the undead has turned to sheer hatred. A chorus of Durenese battle-cries resounds along the deck. You lead the charge along a boarding plank and onto the deck of the death-hulk, cleaving the
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