the Wizard
by Ian Page and Joe Dever
29
As the river begins to narrow, the once clear waters of the Azan River become a murky brown. Close to the banks, there are many shallow inlets where stagnant pools and swamps are overgrown with clumps of rope-like tendrils. These tendrils form the branches of a large plant called the Yaku. The tendrils are sensitized vines that snake across the ground towards a pool or into the main river, for the rest of the limestone canyon is arid. At the heart of the Yaku plant is a cluster of sharp points, and Shan warns you to keep well clear of these poisoned barbs.
Illustration III —Stagnant pools and swamps are overgrown with clumps of rope-like tendrils.
It becomes increasingly hard to remain close to the river's edge without clusters of Yaku tendrils blocking your path.
If you wish to move further away from the Azan River and the difficult ground that borders it, turn to 54 .
If you would prefer to keep to the river, thus following a direct path to the Wall of Azakawa and the cloud forests of the Azanam that lie beyond, turn to 104 .
Grey Star the Wizard
by Ian Page and Joe Dever
31
You are very tired. Wearily, you close your eyes and call on the Elementals for their aid. Your chant ends, and at first, it seems that you have failed. Then you hear the sound of rushing water: a gigantic wave rises up further along the river. The foaming, white crest of the wave towers above the bridge in the shape of an outstretched hand. The watery fingers clench to form an immense fist that smashes onto the bridge, crushing it as though it were made of matchsticks, and drenching the three of you, as it washes the bridge downstream.
‘Such power!’ Tanith exclaims, her eyes shining with childish delight and admiration.
The spell has cost you 1 WILLPOWER point.
Turn to 75 .
Grey Star the Wizard
by Ian Page and Joe Dever
32
Skilfully you wield your Staff, shielding yourself from the creature's deadly touch as it passes overhead. You watch as the Quoku climbs in the sky, flying in a wide circle to position itself for its next attack.
Suddenly, the Quoku dives towards Shan.
If you wish to attempt a long-range attack on the Quoku, turn to 107 .
If you wish to try to defend Shan from the attack, turn to 57 .
Grey Star the Wizard
by Ian Page and Joe Dever
33
Tanith is talking quietly, addressing her words to the fire. ‘No Mother, I will not … I cannot … ’ A diminutive figure shivering by the dwindling fire, she is obviously greatly distressed. Perhaps her conscience troubles her?
If you wish to investigate, turn to 10 .
If you wish to leave Tanith to the privacy of her own thoughts, turn to 69 .
Grey Star the Wizard
by Ian Page and Joe Dever
34
The alley is deserted. Peering into the dark shadows, you step cautiously into the darkness. Suddenly you are grabbed from behind and a knife is held at your throat.
‘Turn around,’ a voice whispers, menacingly. ‘Slowly, or I'll cut your throat. Then hand over your money.’
Slowly you turn to face the shabby thief.
If you do not have any money, or if you have money but do not wish to hand it over, turn to 76 .
If you prefer to hand over your money, turn to 133 .
Grey Star the Wizard
by Ian Page and Joe Dever
35
In the flaring light, you see a narrow chamber with smooth walls. It looks like neither a natural cavern, nor like anything a man might carve. The floor is strewn with dead leaves, twigs, a few scattered bones, and ancient dust. Leading from the cavern is another tunnel, slightly wider than the one you have just come through. A cool breeze is coming from it, freshening the musty air.
You are falling asleep on your feet, and throwing caution to the wind, you decide that you will rest here, for the cavern looks as if it has been deserted for a very long time. You extinguish your light and lie down to sleep.
Turn to 59 .
Grey Star the Wizard
by Ian Page and Joe Dever
36
‘My name is Tanith,’ the girl announces.