### 354

You throw yourself to the deck, but the axe blade strikes your thigh, drawing a crimson line across the skin. You lose 2 ENDURANCE points. Suddenly, a deafening bang rings out and the Drakkar is flung backwards, his breastplate torn open by dwarf shot. He gives a long, agonizing death-cry as he disappears from sight, tumbling into the darkness that surrounds the speeding ship.

From Barrakeesh, a roll of thunder rumbles across the darkening plain. It is full of brooding menace, as if the city itself were cursing your escape. Banedon appears at your side, his face line with concern for your condition. As he offers a shaky hand to help you to stand, you notice that the makeshift bandage that binds his wound is soaked with blood. He is pale and weak, and close to collapse.

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

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

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