### 285

You storm the steps and attack. The guards fire a volley of deadly bolts, and a metal-tipped shaft passes straight through the hood of your cloak. Miraculously, you are unharmed. You raise your weapon and strike, cracking the neck of the guard who fired at you. No sooner has he fallen than another steps forward to take his place. There is no room to evade combat, and you must fight him to the death.

Guard: COMBAT SKILL 16 ENDURANCE 28

If you win the combat, turn to 71.