### 153

The arrows screech past on all sides but your lightning reactions save you and your mount from their merciless bite. You dig in your heels, urging your horse on towards the ford, but as you are about to enter the shallows an arrow buries itself deep in your horse's neck. He shrieks in pain and crashes to his knees, hurling you into the river. You gulp a mouthful of the icy water and struggle to your feet, coughing and cursing, just in time to see your ambushers pour out of the nearest hut and advance towards you. Some are reloading their bows as they run.

If you have a bow and wish to use it, turn to 131.

If you wish to try to escape by wading across the ford, turn to 166.

If you wish to draw a hand weapon and prepare for combat, turn to 251.

Text copyright © 1987 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1987 Brian Williams.