### 249

You glimpse the guard's startled eyes, made unnaturally large by the lens, and instantly you know that you have been seen. The Drakkar retreats from the observation slit and, moments later, a noise issues from the base of the tower. It is the rattle of chains and the creak of straining timbers.

A section of the tower's log wall is opening like a castle drawbridge, revealing a dark cave-like opening at its base. The noise prompts you to increase speed until you are racing towards Prarg just as fast as you can. You hope to reach him before the portal opens completely, but before the descending section hits the ground, from out of the darkness leap five vicious war-hogs. Their fearsome tusks glint like sharpened knives as they come charging across the snow to attack you head-on.

You have no time to avoid this attack; you must draw a hand weapon and fight these beasts to the death.

Nad-jaguz: COMBAT SKILL 46 ENDURANCE 46

If you possess Animal Mastery, add 2 to your COMBAT SKILL for the duration of this fight.

If you win the combat, turn to 219.

Text copyright © 1991 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1991 Brian Williams.