Page 62

"Renn, it's okay. The earthquake is over."

You push yourself up and look at the ground beneath you. There is no crack; it is solid. Did I imagine that? you ask yourself. The falling, the lava...was it all a dream? But it was so real...

"Renn, are you alright? I'm talking to you."

You shake your head, trying to clear it. Remnant images of blood and flame still flash behind your eyes. But you sit up and look at Deke. "I'm okay," you croak.

Now you get your first look around at the village square. Another earthquake must have struck, you reason. Half the buildings in the square have crumbled completely to the ground, and the other half look ready to fall at any moment. People scream, cry, and choke, and fires rage. One man is pulling himself across the ground on his hands and stomach, his legs hanging uselessly behind him. A young child is stumbling blindly around, screaming for her mother. Even Deke and Merlyn, now sitting up next to you, are covered in soot and dust.

"Merlyn, what � " you start to ask, but her gaze doesn't turn.

"That fire," she says, staring straight ahead. You look and see a burning building. Suddenly a new burst of flame explodes out of the roof, and a few seconds later another. "That fire," she continues. "It's unnatural."

"This is all unnatural!" Deke cries in exasperation.

The entire building bursts apart in flame, its walls and roof flying outward and upward.

"It's caused by magic," Merlyn continues. "Someone is causing that fire!" She pushes herself upright. "Come with me; we have to stop them!"

Indeed, the fire is already spreading to the rest of the square. And more continues to burst forth. Still a bit dazed, you scramble to your feet, and with some help from Deke follow Merlyn to the remains of the flaming building.

"Stop!" Merlyn shouts, her voice amazingly steady. "Whoever you are, stop your magic!"

In answer, a giant snake of flame shoots forward and knocks her on her back.

You rush forward to help her, but Deke catches you and holds you back. There is nothing you can do.

Another firesnake comes barreling straight for Merlyn. But, still lying on the ground, she sends a water spell to meet it. The snake and water both vaporize.

"Who are you?" comes a drawn, haunted shout from inside the house of flames. "You will never stop me. Run now, while you have the chance!" He sends another firesnake at Merlyn, which she again neutralizes just in time.

"We have to fight him!" you cry.

"We can't � he's a sorcerer!" Deke rationalizes. "Even if we could defeat him we can't kill him � he's another human being!"

"I don't care!" you respond. "We have to stop him, and Merlyn can't do it on her own! Come on, Deke, please, help us!"

If you want to fight the sorcerer: give up 10 courage points, and turn to page 71.
If you do not have enough points or do not want to fight the sorceror, turn to page 69.