Chapter 85 - The Local Brew

Upon their return from their kayak reconnaissance they reported that the natives seemed wary but not necessarily dangerous.

Their analysis was put to the test during the night when a native canoe appeared out of the darkness and two locals boarded but was proved correct.

The natives had brought with them a local root called "Kava" which after much mashing and boiling produced a liquor vaguely reminiscent of river mud but this did not put Gimli off who gladly gulped down 2 huge bowlfuls.

Your correspondent also tried some and we can report that it has anaesthetic properties - in that it puts your tongue to sleep - and in light of the strange antics of the native guides after several bowls it also has significant narcotic effects.

In the long term it would also appear to have less satisfactory effects - the heads are doing a roaring trade this morning.