55

The descent from the plateau into the valley rapidly becomes so steep that the path had to be cut in ever wilder zigzags to avoid any wheeled contraptions getting out of control. On either side of the track a lot of untamed plant life grows, making a change from the blatantly sanitized forest above. Monstrous trees, with hundreds of branches and likely centuries old have set their roots where the terrain is unfit for culture, either full of rocks, too much inclined, or otherwise inaccessible. As the sun slowly rises and burns brighter you are grateful for the ample shade afforded by the foliage of so many untouched wooden giants.

About a third of the way down as you go round a bend you see skid marks leading clean off the path over a sharp edge. Looking over you see, partly obscured by the undergrowth and a few low hanging tree branches, the remains of a carriage. It lies several feet directly below you, a little crumpled, and upside down with the spokes of one wheel catching the sun’s first rays. You can see nor hear no sign of life. But the grooves in the dirt look fresh, and where the wood is in the sun it appears a light, polished brown. This could well be a recent accident.

To climb down and investigate the wreckage, turn to 21. If you don’t want to risk falling and hurting yourself, continue along the path and turn to 65.