### 34

Swiftly you sidestep the oncoming wave of automatons and leave them hacking uselessly at the air with their swords. The Demoness is putting on an armoured breastplate of varnished black steel, and she is kneeling to allow her attendants to fasten the straps. They are clumsy, and she is distracted and does not see you approaching dangerously close to the dais and the Deathstaff until it is too late. You grab the staff's cold, metallic haft and instantly you feel the terrible power that is locked within its core.

If you possess Helshezag--the sword of Darklord Kraagenskûl, turn to 94.

If you do not possess this Special Item, turn to 225.

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