Section 191a A grim and lonely end Slowly you pull yourself from the water, your clothes and equipment soaked from the swim. Breathing heavily you take off your pack and fumble through it for a new torch. If you are to continue on you will need one. For a moment you move your hand through the bag, searching for the familiar touch of one of the short handled torches. A chill settles upon you when you realise you have none left. With a hint of desperation you recheck the pack, but there is nothing to be had, the torch that now floats somewhere behind you in the dark waters your last. All your years of experience in the Guild tell you that you are in deep trouble. Quickly you draw your weapon and listen intently to the sounds about you. In the absolute darkness you can see nothing, your hearing searching for any hint of danger, but it is too no avail. From the rock above you a shadow silently dislodges itself and drops like a stone, leathered wings pulled into a tight embrace as it plummets down upon you. Before you can react the full weight of the beast crashes down, long talons cutting deep into your flesh as it grabs at you. In this dark place you die, nothing more than a light snack for a beast that will care nothing for your screams. Your quest is over. In another life you will need to bring more torches. THE END The Torchlight Text Edition is the intellectual property of the author, Wayne F Densley, and all rights are reserved by him. Any questions regarding this title, or any other book in the Chronicles of Arborell series can be answered by emailing the author at densleyw@shoal.net.au