49

The defenders on the tower 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 leave the Tower and tour the battlements, offering words of comfort to the wounded and praising those Kai who have shown exceptional bravery. You are returning to the Grand Hall when you see Banedon approaching from the other direction.

‘The time is ripe for you to begin your mission, Grand Master,’ he says. ‘The enemy have lost a great number 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.