### 171

Your Arrow whistles across the hall and smashes harmlessly against the armour-hard skin of the nearest creature. Instantly their hissing ceases and they fix you with frightened stares. They cradle their leathery egg protectively in their webbed hands and slink down the stairs. You run to the top of the staircase and peer down into the gloom, but you can see nothing in the darkness.

If you have a Kalte Firesphere, a Lantern, or a Torch and Tinderbox, turn to 33.

If you have a Fireseed and wish to throw it into the hole, turn to 106.

If you decide to unsheathe a hand weapon and descend the stairs into darkness, turn to 224.