---

Clutching the scroll in both hands, Qwyfyx was swept into a vortex of swirling light and colour. Strange creatures emerged - creatures of earth, air, fire and water. Around him, the signs of the zodiac were in eternal conflict and great rocks flew about, smashing into each other. Terrified, he watched as an enormous green dragon swallowed its tail and an equally large red one breathed smoke and flames. He smelled the sulphurous fumes of boulder-spitting volcanoes. Red hot lava flowed violently into the oceans, emitting vast clouds of steam.

Tempestuous gales rent the sky and bolts of blue lightning cracked and thundered. Qwyfyx felt himself being tugged in all directions. At first he was wrenched up into the airy void, then down towards the depths of the water. But the pull of the earth was the most powerful and, beneath him, the mouth of a boundless cavern opened. As he fell, Qwyfyx just had time to examine the scroll. In that moment, every detail of the strange chart was engraved permanently on his mind. He was then swallowed by blackness.

© Graeme Whittle 1996