| 214 Within the confined space of the narrow passage the Mutan is unable to wield its sword effectively and the combat is swift. It takes but a few strokes of your axe and the disgusting creatures falls heavily to the stone floor, its chest rent apart by your last blow. Cleaning your axeblade quickly on the Mutan's clothing you listen closely for any sounds from the hallway beyond. Hearing nothing to indicate approaching trouble you move out into the more brightly lit hall and survey your surroundings. As soon as you step onto the smooth stone of this new corridor the door behind you closes quietly, all trace of the Mutan and the secret passage disappearing completely. For a moment you try to establish where you are. It is obvious that you have emerged somewhere deep within Stoneholme, and certainly a part of the fortress well used by your enemies. Tapestries and other ornaments cover the walls, even though they are rotting where they hang. The floor is well swept and shows the marks of frequent usage. There is an unmistakable smell of ash on the air. You assume this is a sure sign of habitation in this part of the fortress. At first it appears you have two options of how to progress. Where you have exited the secret passageway the hall extends in two directions, one travels away to the north and the other for some distance to the east. However, from the north comes the muffled sounds of a violent conflict. Over the unmistakeable roar of a crowd watching some kind of blood sport you hear the sickening impacts of warhammers making contact with bare flesh. Each bone-breaking thud is quickly followed by mingled cries of pain and jubilation. For the moment the option to go east seems the least dangerous. Before moving on you re-check your pack and fasten your weapon securely to your belt. From the north you can hear the unseen crowd giving out a growing cry of triumph, it would appear that the conflict has been brought to a bloody conclusion. Not stopping to listen any longer you hurry on your way. At first the easterly passage remains level, the smell of ash becoming stronger as you go. About 400 metres further along you encounter a flight of stairs that descends steeply into darkness. At least, you think, its not uphill. Shrugging your shoulders you reset your pack upon your back and begin what may be a long descent.
| Turn to section 230.
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