### 289

You follow Captain D’Val as he hurries down the broad watchtower steps and out to the barricade. A rolling sound like distant thunder fills the air. Cavalry are pouring onto the plain from all sides, grouping up into battalions in preparation for the advance. Columns of foot soldiers in bright scarlet armour march through their ranks, herding a frightened wall of people before them.

‘They’re Ruanese!’ cries D’Val, his hand shielding the light from his eyes. ‘That cur Barraka; he’s using them as a shield!’

All around you, the captain’s men have drawn their bowstrings, awaiting his signal to fire. But it is an order he dare not give. Suddenly a hidden catapult hurls a massive black rock through the air, straight towards the barricade. You stare in horror as it bursts into flame and disintegrates, showering a rain of blazing oil on everyone beneath. The soldiers cannot evade the deluge, and many are badly burnt before the flames are smothered. A battle-cry resounds from the enemy ranks: the signal to attack. The Ruanese are pushed aside and trampled by the onrush of scarlet warriors who now race towards the barricade.

The blazing oil has scattered D’Val’s men, and the barricade is poorly defended. You hear D’Val shout your name. His cloak and tunic are ablaze, and he is screaming for your help.

If you have reached the Kai rank of Warmarn (you possess 8 Kai Disciplines), turn to 255.

If you wish to help the captain, turn to 5.

If you wish to rally the defenders before the enemy reach the barricade, turn to 86.