>TM 4
>LS 2
>PS ON
>PL58
>SM6
>CP ON
>FO OFF
>------L-----------------------!---------------------------R
		â38â

	The lightning bolt struck the skyship's hull directly Š	below the helm, rendering you unconscious as the Š	concussive force of the blast was transmitted through Š	the deck (lose 5 ENDURANCE points).

	On regaining consciousness you discover that the Š	éStarstrideré is now more than five miles clear of the Š	fissures. As slowly your vision clears you see that Š	Acraban has taken control of the wheel. He smiles Š	when he sees that you are still alive. You notice Š	that he looks gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger Š	hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his Š	efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely Š	drained his magical energies. As you stagger to the Š	helm you sense that the steering has become more Š	erratic. The éStarstrideré has lost altitude and her Š	deck is starting to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Š	Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright. 

	"We have lost one stabiliser and the other is badly Š	damaged," says Acraban, grimly. "I have done all I Š	can to repair it but I fear it will fail us at any Š	moment. Without stabilisers we cannot stay airborne."
	
	Acraban orders his crew to prepare for a crash Š	landing. Some of the young men tie themselves to the Š	ship's mainmast, whilst others brace themselves Š	against the rails and place their fate in the hands Š	of the Goddess Ishir. Prince Karvas has found refuge Š	in a rope locker which is bolted to the main deck. He Š	lifts the lid and calls out to you to join him for Š	there is sufficient space for two inside.


	If you wish to climb into the rope locker alongside Š	Prince Karvas, turn to  â79â

	If you choose to stay with Acraban at the ship's Š	helm, turn to  â199â