### 271

The Kraan-rider screams past to your left, spun off course by your swift counter-blow. He is now over a hundred feet below but is turning the Kraan for another attack. You wheel towards the south to avoid being caught between the two converging squadrons of Kraan-riders. Your change of direction increases the distance between you and your pursuers, but the Itikar is badly wounded and terrified by the shrieking Kraan.

You are close to despair; your feathered mount is losing a lot of blood and could lapse into unconsciousness at any moment and drop you like a stone from the darkening sky. Suddenly you spot something in the distance--a sight that renews your faith in miracles.

Turn to 221.

Text copyright © 1985 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1985 Gary Chalk.