### 169

As you part the dense foliage, you suddenly topple headlong over the edge of a steep drop and fall with a crash onto a wide forest track below. Less than ten feet away kneels a bandit examining the hoof of his horse and prising out a sharp stone from the animal’s shoe with a long, curved dagger. The noise of your fall alerts him, and he turns with his weapon raised for attack.

Bandit Warrior: COMBAT SKILL 16 ENDURANCE 24

If you win the combat, you notice that a group of bandits are closing in from the north. You spot them just in time to make a hasty escape.

Turn to 123.