### 371

The axe howls through the dark; you sidestep, guided only by instinct, for you cannot see the lethal axe-blade, which hurtles towards you. Black steel bites into your side, the sudden pain making you gasp in shocked surprise. You clutch at your wounded ribs to feel warm blood oozing through your fingers. Lose 4 ENDURANCE points.

A deafening bang rings out and the Drakkar is flung backwards, his breastplate torn open by dwarf shot. He screams a long, agonizing death-cry as he disappears from sight, tumbling into the darkness, which surrounds the speeding sky-ship. From Barrakeesh, a roll of thunder rumbles across the dark plain, full of brooding menace, as if the city itself were cursing your escape.

Banedon appears at your side, his face lined with concern. As he offers a shaky hand to help you to your feet, you notice that the makeshift bandage which binds his wound is soaked with blood. He is weak and pale, and close to collapse.

If you have the Kai Discipline of Healing, turn to 377.

If you do not possess this skill, turn to 339.

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