### 278

You turn your head to see a shambling, blunt-nosed horror emerge from the shadows. It emits a hideous, snickering cry and lashes out with one of its four razor-sharp claws, sending you tumbling backwards across the muddy flagstones. You quickly regain your feet, but the surprise attack has opened a gaping wound in your arm. (You lose 3 ENDURANCE points.) The creature's eyes glow with hatred as it shuffles hungrily towards you.

If you have a bow, turn to 198.

If you do not have a bow, turn to 343.

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