178

You draw an Arrow and take careful aim at one of the leading Lavas. As it dips its head and opens its jaw, you release your straining bowstring and send your shaft whistling towards its head. The fire-hardened tip penetrates its eye and, with a hideous shriek, it spins end over end before crashing into the parapet of the tower.

‘Fire at their eyes!’ you shout, and a cloud of Kai arrows is sent screaming through the sky to seek their elusive mark. More than half find their target, decimating the first wave of the Lavas attack at a single stroke, yet those winged creatures who do survive this deadly volley are quickly among the defenders on the tower. Suddenly you are confronted by one of these beasts who attempts to bat you over the parapet with its horny tail. You leap to avoid its scything attack, draw your weapon in mid-air, and strike your first blow the moment your feet return to the tower’s flagstones.

Lavas: COMBAT SKILL 48   ENDURANCE 46

If you win this combat, turn to 49.