### 283

The vast swarm reels back to feast upon the mutilated remains of their kin that lie piled in heaps all around you. Your arms, legs and hands are bleeding from several small nips and gashes, where one or more of the rats broke through your formidable defence to bury their chisel-like teeth into your skin. Your victory has bought you time to think, but it will be only a matter of seconds before the rats launch another attack.

If you wish to climb over the reef of jagged rocks to your left, turn to 336.

If you decide to drag your coracle back into the water and escape from the bay, turn to 117.

Text copyright © 1986 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1986 Gary Chalk.