L) You walk over to the stone. Slowly, you lift the large rock and peer underneath. You see something wrapped in a felt cloth. As you unravel the cloth you find a bronze dagger and a small bag of roasted wheat kernels. The old man exclaims, "These are for you on your journey to the city-state of Ur. The desert is dangerous. Bands of thieves and fierce nomads wander through it. May Utu, the sun-god be merciful as you cross his land." You hear your father calling for you, and thank the old man for his gifts. You and your father harness the onagers and start on your way. It is late in the day, and the sun begins to set. The temperature drops dramatically. You pull your woolen cloak around your shoulders, thankful that you remembered to bring it. Voices? Suddenly, you think you hear voices. Then silence. You feel a little uneasy. Minutes go by like hours. "Yaaaarrraaaahhh" Thieves!! Your heart pounds as you see three men, faces wrapped, running at your cart. They wave their clubs wildly in the air.

Do you?

N) FIGHT

O) FLEE

START OVER

copyright Jay D'Ambrosio 1998