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The defenders on the North Watch fight like lions. The battle is fierce and bloody throughout the monastery, but the struggle is soon won and the shaken remnants of the winged attackers are repelled with heavy losses. A great cheer goes up as the last of the battered Lavas limps into the air and makes its escape towards the Durncrags.

You are moving slowly along the battlements, helping the wounded and praising those Kai who have shown exceptional bravery, when Banedon approaches.

‘The time is ripe for you to begin your mission, Grand Master,’ he says, as he watches the last of the enemy wave disappearing into the mountains. ‘They have lost many this night—it is unlikely they will return before the dawn.’

‘Yes, my friend,’ you reply, touching the pocket of your tunic which contains the Sun-crystal, ‘you are right. The time has come. I will leave for Raven’s Eyrie at once.’

Turn to 40.