### 78

You prepare yourself for combat and leap to the defence of the helpless old man just in time to turn aside the lordling’s sword.

‘Curse you, scum!’ he cries. ‘I am Roark, highborn of Amory. How dare you interfere with my sport.’

He feints withdrawal but you are not taken in by his street-brawl tactics. As his sword cuts the air in a vicious backhanded slash, you are ready to parry the blow. The tavern crowd cheer in anticipation of a good fight.

Roark: COMBAT SKILL 24 ENDURANCE 30

If you reduce Roark’s ENDURANCE to 11 points or less, do not continue the combat but turn instead to 180.