The Storms of Chai

Joe Dever

134

You let loose your straining bowstring and your Arrow flies straight and true. It strikes the doomwolf between its feral eyes and the sharp tip penetrates deep into its brain, killing it instantly. It falls off the tree bridge and plunges head first into the ravine. The weight on the fallen tree is lessened by the demise of the second doomwolf. You urge your companions to push harder against the pine and it starts to give. The compacted earth beneath it cracks and crumbles.

‘Get clear!’ you shout, and hastily they leap away as the tree trunk sinks with the collapsing edge of the gully. There is a loud rumble and you see the tree and the loosened earth fall away into the yawning fissure. The remaining two doomwolves howl with terror as they tumble off the falling trunk and plummet to their doom at the base of the ravine, one hundred feet below.

Quang and the Watchers are greatly impressed by the way in which you have dealt with the doomwolves. They punch the air and shout in unison: ‘Paizar!’

You smile and nod your head in acknowledgement of their generous praise. As the echo of their cheer fades away among the surrounding trees, you feel a sudden wave of weakness coursing through your body. It makes your stomach churn and leaves you gasping for breath. Once again, the Eye of Agarash has activated and this time it drains you of 5 ENDURANCE.

Wiping a trickle of cold sweat from your brow with the back of your trembling hand, you swallow hard and quickly reassure your companions that you are fit to continue.

Turn to 10.