| 399 As you move forward the structure begins to sway more and more. Although not evident from the near bank, the bridge has been seriously undermined by the fast flowing rapids below. Nudging Pallenten in the flanks you try and guide her carefully but with greater speed over the stronger parts of the bridge, hoping to make the far side before the entire thing collapses under your weight. You are not that lucky. Within 10 metres of the far bank the bridge fails, support beams tumble from the centre of the structure, its uprights toppling over under the pressure of the rushing water below. With the uprights gone the middle of the bridge collapses completely and pulls the section of bridge upon which you stand backwards and down into the river. Pitched backwards by the collapse you have no chance to save yourself from the fall into the boulders below. For an instant Pallenten finds a firm footing in the falling structure and lurches sideways, attempting to make the far bank with one final lunge for safety, but it is all in vain. Hard rock and the icy mountain water of the Laneslem are all that await you both as you crash headlong into the river. Here you drown, caught in the chill grip of a river that slowly carries your body southwards, never to be seen again. __________________________________________________________ Home | ReadMe | Instructions | Inhabitants | Map of Northern Kalborea Quick Find Page| Email | Book Two - Earth and Stone