The Masters of Darkness

by Joe Dever

Turn to 125.

  286

  As you watch the Vassagonians leave, you edge nearer to Kraagenskûl and prepare yourself to launch a surprise attack. You will need all your speed and skill if you are to catch him off-guard. From the bottom of the stairs you hear the steel door click shut and immediately you spin around to face your enemy. But he has a plan of his own and it is he who catches you by surprise. A crackling arc of blue electrical fire surges from his hand and connects with your chest, shaking you like a helpless puppet on the tip of a fiery lance.

  ‘Now tell me everything you know!’ he growls, as he increases the current. It is a torture that he has employed countless times, and always it has elicited the truth from his human victims.

  Your skin tingles and the charge causes you to shiver, yet you feel no pain. Staring down, you see that the crackling bolt is being drawn to the Golden Amulet that hangs around your chest: its magical properties are neutralizing the evil charge. Kraagenskûl senses that something is wrong. He breaks off his attack, his bulbous eyes filled with fearful suspicion. He steps back, and then utters a curse in the dark tongue, which echoes like thunder around the walls. Black mist pours from his fingers, swirling into a cone that grows in his bony palm. Shadow-shapes writhe at the core, and then gush towards you, engulfing you in a choking flood of deadly Crypt Spawn.

  If you possess the Sommerswerd and wish to use it, turn to 57.

  If you possess the Dagger of Vashna and wish to use it, turn to 171.

  If you possess neither of these Special Items or choose not to use either of them, turn to 109.

  287

  Your Arrow flies straight and true, hitting the creature squarely in the head and killing him instantly. The cries of your pursuers are growing louder, so you shoulder your Bow quickly beneath your robe and run towards the entrance to the tower.

  Turn to 308.

  288

  Part of the heavy boom glances off your shoulder, making you lose your balance and fall to your knees: lose 2 ENDURANCE points. The wound causes you to react sluggishly to the burning canvas now draped over your body and, in a matter of seconds, the flames and smoke completely engulf you. Instinctively, you fight to free yourself, and then suddenly you realize that your clothes are unaffected by the blaze, and that the tongues of fire that are licking your hands and face cause you no pain whatsoever. Without haste or urgency you cast aside the blazing sailcloth and emerge unburned.

  Turn to 101.

  289

  You are in combat with a wounded Vladoka — an élite Nadziranim temple guard. Despite his injury, you cannot evade his attacks and must fight him to the death.

  Vladoka (wounded): COMBAT SKILL 22 ENDURANCE 25

  Owing to the power of the weapon he wields, this denizen of Helgedad is immune to Mindblast and Psi-surge.

  If you win the combat, turn to 308.

  290

  The sergeant crashes lifelessly to the deck and, for a few moments, the troops that were fighting by his side stare down at his body in shocked disbelief. For six years he had led them to glory — his battle-skills and cunning ensuring their survival — and now he lies dead, killed by a Sommlending. Taking advantage of their stunned state, you cleave a path up the staircase and force your way towards the helm. You are within ten feet of the ship's wheel when Davan screams a warning: ‘Archer above you!’

  You glance up into the rigging and a cold spike of fear stabs your heart when you glimpse the gloating face of a Drakkarim marine. With one hand he holds a bow and with the other he draws back an arrow to his chin. He mouths a curse and lets fly the deadly shaft.

  Pick a number from the Random Number Table. If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Huntmastery add 2 to the number you have picked. If you have completed the Lore-circle of the Spirit, add 3 to the number.

  If your total is now 0–3, turn to 122.

  If it is 4–7, turn to 53.

  If it is 8 or more, turn to 321.

  291

  ‘Gaz dik!’ roars the guard, and reaches for his wide-bladed battle sword. Using his psychic probe — the crystal box-like device that he removed from his pouch — he has detected that it is your intention to destroy the Transfusor and kill Darklord Gnaag. Instantly, the guards spring into action, forcing you to retreat along the corridor as you fumble to unsheathe a weapon.

  Imperial Sector Guards: COMBAT SKILL 30 ENDURANCE 38

  These guards are immune to Mindblast (but not Psi-surge).

  If you possess the Sommerswerd and wish to unsheathe it, turn to 208.

  If you win and the combat lasts five rounds or less, turn to 95.

  If you win and the combat last longer than five rounds, turn to 199.

  292

  The speed and ferocity of your attack take the Drakkarim gunners by surprise. Frantically they fumble to draw their short swords as you leap amongst them and strike your first blows.

  Drakkarim Gunners: COMBAT SKILL 21 ENDURANCE 30

  Owing to the speed of your attack, ignore any ENDURANCE point losses you may sustain in the first two rounds of combat.

  If you win the combat, turn to 272.

  293

  ‘Be on your guard at all times,’ he says, solemnly. ‘The lesser creatures of Helgedad are a ruthlessly treacherous breed, forever preoccupied with their complex political intrigues. You will need to be doubly cunning if you are not to fall foul of their wilful machinations. The robe you wear marks you as one of Darklord Ghanesh's minions. He is far away at present, leading his horde in distant Lencia, but his absence will be of little help to you. Avoid all who wear robes of green and scarlet, for they are followers of Xog and Taktaal, Ghanesh's closest rivals. But above all, avoid those who wear silver-grey, the same colour as yourself, for they know their own kind and are sure to see through your disguise.’

  He walks across the chamber and picks up a curious-looking device by which he is able to tell the time of day. ‘Come, follow me. Now you will learn how you are to breach the defences of Helgedad.’

  Turn to 260.

  294

  The Kirlundin close the gaps and the Drakkarim are soon repulsed, enabling your command to catch their breath and retrieve their wounded. Yet the lull in the fighting is but a brief respite before the enemy surge forward once more, this time with even greater fury and determination. The crash and screech of combat is carried on an ever rising wind that causes the linked vessels to roll and pitch violently.

  If you possess the Magnakai Discipline of Divination, turn to 89.

  If you do not possess this skill, turn to 172.

  295

  The harbour and neighbouring wharves are filled with noise and furious industry. An army of slaves and Drakkarim overseers are at work servicing the ironclad fleet, their lanterns flickering along the rows of shiny black decks as they toil to maintain the vessels in fighting trim.

  As you enter the harbour square, you pass a line of wagons laden with heavy machinery, which are queueing to enter a dry dock. There, illuminated by the glare of huge oil lamps, is the largest ship you have ever seen — a monstrous ironclad juggernaut bristling with awesome weaponry. You stop to stare at this terrifying vessel, and overhear two Drakkarim engineers talking about their work. Your blood runs cold when you hear one of them reveal why this juggernaut is being built. It is to be used to destroy Holmgard, your country's capital city.

  Illustration XVII—Inside the harbour square you stop and stare at a monstrous ironclad juggernaut.

  If you wish to enter the dry dock and attempt to sabotage the juggernaut, turn to 76.

  If you decide to ride on and continue your search for some means of transportation to Aarnak, turn to 97.

  296

  Less than a mile along the rock shore, you catch sight of something moving in the shadows. You use your advanced Kai skill to magnify your vision and are able to see a patrol of Giaks, searching the water's edge for survivors of the battle. Some they help, carrying them on stretchers to their encampment perched high on a overhangin
g cliff; others, presumably crew from the Intrepid, they stab repeatedly with their spears and leave for the sharks to claim. Forewarned by your skill, you begin to paddle away from the patrol, keen to avoid their chilling welcome.

  Turn to 174.

  297

  Having satisfied yourself that you have overlooked no items of use, you decide to make your way to the heart of Aarnak. Your trek takes you into a maze of garbage-choked streets lined with rusting tenements and squalid huts. Hordes of slaves move to and fro, their backs bent by years of heavy labour. As you turn a corner you are confronted by a procession of these sad creatures, led by a squad of Giaks.

  The leader, a squat Giak sergeant wearing a doomwolf pelt, commands you to halt. Drakkarim are rare visitors to Aarnak, the human constitution being ill-suited to the hostile atmosphere, so the sight of you walking unescorted through the city streets, clad in Drakkarim armour, stirs his deepest suspicions. You continue walking, and immediately he raises his clawed hand — it is a signal to his squad to advance and surround you. You turn to run, but when you see that all the Giak soldiers are armed with bows, discretion prompts you to try a different tactic. Boldly you demand that the sergeant take you to the Slavemaster and, to your relief, he agrees.

  The sergeant, and a handful of his troops, take you towards the centre of the city, to a solitary tower standing in the middle of an open square. It is a curious building, tall and unbent, its surface free from any sign of decay. The sergeant speaks with another who guards its open entrance and immediately he stands aside, allowing you to enter the tower's gloomy ground floor.

  Turn to 346.

  298

  Your Kai skill enables you to detect that the creature outside your cabin door possesses magical abilities. You also sense that he, or she, is not emitting an aura of hostility.

  If you wish to open your cabin door, turn to 85.

  If you decide to ignore the knock, turn to 144.

  299

  You strike your killing blow, laying open the great beast's throat. It rears up, shuddering, its green eyes rolling wildly in their sockets. Then it gives vent to a hideous, gurgling scream that grows louder until, with a mighty splash, the Xargath topples backwards into the fog-wreathed sea.

  Turn to 217.

  300

  Dawn arrives, its hazy light barely brightening the banks of grey cloud that swirl above this bleak and desolate land. The rain has ceased but the cold wind still blows strongly, bringing patches of frost that whiten the stony soil. You check your equipment and take stock of your provisions before setting off towards a distant line of hills. You are aware that the dawn light has increased the chances of your being found by a Giak patrol should you stay too long in any one place, especially so near to the shore.

  It is nearly noon when finally you reach the top of the ridge and stare down at the valley that lies beyond. It is a barren landscape of endless pits and crags, jagged boulders, and scree. A rough, foot-worn track follows a stream that winds its way back to its source, deep among a towering range of mountains that dominates the horizon. Using your map and your Kai tracking and hunting skills, you conclude that the mountains are the northwestern tip of the Durncrag Range. Beyond them must lie the Gulf of Helenag and the Darklord naval base of Argazad. A feeling of dread overwhelms you as you realize that more than 300 miles of hostile terrain lie between you and Aarnak, the stronghold where you are to rendezvous with the Slavemaster. Silently you stare at the forbidding mountains and rack your brains for a solution to your predicament. At length, you formulate a new plan of action.

  Turn to 196.

  301

  As you scour the city below, you spot two possible landing sites. One is an open patch of ground near an iron foundry; the other is the flat roof of a building situated on the bank of the estuary.

  If you wish to land near the foundry, turn to 162.

  If you decide to land the Zlanbeast on the roof of the building, turn to 221.

  302

  You draw the seed from your pocket and hurl it down into the darkness. It strikes steel and explodes with a blinding flash, illuminating for an instant the cramped control cabin and the startled faces of the Drakkarim crew. You see that they outnumber you many times over, but at least the flash buys you precious seconds in which to make your escape to the deck above.

  Turn to 169.

  303

  Further along the tunnel lies a cavern, empty save for a mass of squeaking bats hanging from the stalactites in the roof. At your approach they begin to panic. They swarm and encircle the rough-hewn walls before diving into a dark crevasse that splits the floor in two. The only exit, other than the tunnel by which you entered, is a passage on the far side of the crevasse. Foul air rises from the dark abyss, laden with a heavy odour that reminds you of maggoty meat.

  If you have completed the Lore-circle of the Spirit and the Lore-circle of Solaris, turn to 315.

  If you wish to approach the crevasse and look for a way to get across, turn to 44.

  If you decide to abandon the chamber and attempt to retrace your route back to the Giak outpost, turn to 206.

  304

  You squeeze into a space between the rocks and listen to the grind of the wagon's wheels on the rough stone trail as it draws steadily nearer. Then a Drakkarim voice cries out: ‘Koga! Okim dag nadulheza!’ The sound stops abruptly. You strain your ears for an indication of what the enemy are doing, but all you can hear are muffled voices and the jingle of bridles and bits. Then you hear the Drakkarim escorts leave the trail and dismount close to where you are hiding. Your pulse quickens as you realize that they are preparing to strike camp here overnight.

  Fortunately, because they are deep inside their own territory, the Drakkarim do not bother to inspect their surroundings and your presence goes undetected. You listen intently to their conversations but discover little useful information except that they are from Argazad and are on their way to the outpost at the mouth of the Durncrag Pass. After eating, they settle down to a session of gambling. They have been playing for only a few minutes when one of the Drakkarim is accused of cheating. A violent argument breaks out and bloodshed is averted only when their commander, a sergeant, steps in to break it up. He finds a fistful of cards wedged up the accused Drakkar's sleeve. Angrily, he denounces the cheat and orders him to return to Argazad at first light. The game is brought to a close, and, as the disgruntled Drakkarim get ready to sleep, a bold plan springs into your mind that could make your journey through the Darklands and your entry into Argazad much easier.

  Turn to 284.

  305

  The still water is set to boiling by the shoal of glistening fish, as they swarm around the Intrepid. They have been drawn here by the warmth of the ship's hull, and as you stare down into the seething turmoil, you estimate that there must be hundreds of thousands of fish directly beneath the keel. You watch with fascination until you recall something about the sea carp that you learned when you were a novice at the Kai Monastery, something that sends a tingle of premonition down your spine.

  The tales and legends of the northern seas tell of the Xargath, a fearsome breed of giant reptilian sea creature that inhabits the black depths of the Kaltersee. Once, a century ago, the fishermen of Sommerlund trawled these waters and grew rich on the fruits of their labours, for the sea carp were plentiful and the markets of Sommerlund and Durenor paid highly for their catch. Trade thrived until the Xargath appeared and began to attack their boats. So devastating were the attacks, and so terrifying were the descriptions of the Xargath by those fortunate few who survived them, that all fishing in these waters was abandoned and has never been resumed.

  A swarm of sea carp, as huge as that which now surrounds the Intrepid, is sure to attract a hungry Xargath. You turn to look for the captain, to warn him of the danger his ship is in, when suddenly the shoal cease their thrashing and fall silent and still.

  Turn to 60.

  306

  As you strike the blow that seals t
he creature's doom, it disappears, leaving no trace whatsoever. Gnaag roars his anger and lopes awkwardly towards the Transfusor, desperate to recall his fellow Darklords to the Black City. You block his path and feel an eerie force — a tingling electric coldness — pass between you. With an unholy scream, Darklord Gnaag unsheathes his sword, Nadazgada, and prepares to engage you in a battle that will determine the destiny of Magnamund.

  If you possess the Sommerswerd, turn to 214.

  If you possess the Dagger of Vashna or Helshezag (the sword of Darklord Kraagenskûl) and wish to use either of them, turn to 88.

  If you possess none of these Special Items, turn to 3.

  307

  The fatigue of your ordeal is dulling your senses and making it increasingly difficult to keep your eyes open; so, using your Backpack for a pillow, you settle down and slip readily into a deep sleep. However, it seems as though you have only just closed your eyes when a strange snickering sound stirs you to wakefulness.

  Crouching at the entrance to the cave, and silhouetted by the flashes of storm lightning, is a hulking creature with yellow, cat-like eyes. It emits a hungry growl and leaps at your prone body, hoping to crush you beneath its huge bulk. But your reflexes thwart its aim — you roll aside and jump to your feet as it hits the ground, which shudders beneath the vast stone weight. Quickly the creature recovers and leaps once more, its hairy, lipless mouth opening in anticipation.