### 151

The advancing creature sees that you are preparing to strike the gangplank and quickly it retreats to the quayside. You deal the plank a mighty blow, splitting it cleanly in two, and both sections collapse and splash into the harbour’s freezing water. But the danger is not over.

The creature turns its icy rod around and points the blunt end towards your head. There is a brilliant flash of light and a guttering ball of flame comes speeding from the base of the rod towards your face. Your reflexes save you—you dive for cover behind a tool chest and the fireball whistles over your head to explode into the decking. Howling with anger, the creature launches a second fireball, but this one is not aimed at you—it is targeted at the ice-boat’s waterline. The deck shudders and flames leap up all around, spreading with unnatural speed. Within seconds you are engulfed by roaring flames.

If you wish to escape from this burning ship by jumping into the harbour, turn to 42.

If you wish to attempt to reach the quayside by swinging from the rigging, turn to 201.