### 236

The Gem hovers above the mouth of the skeleton king, glowing a fierce red. Suddenly, an explosion of searing crimson flame lashes upwards from the sarcophagus, destroying the Gem completely. You are thrown against the far wall and knocked unconscious.

When you awake, the chamber is completely empty. The skeleton king and the sarcophagus have vanished. You have lost 6 ENDURANCE points, and your initial COMBAT SKILL is reduced by 1 point for the rest of your life. (Remember to erase the Vordak Gem from your Action Chart. If you had two Gems, you need erase only one.)

You carefully get to your feet and stagger towards the tunnel.

Turn to 104.