### 345

The warrior makes no attempt to parry your attack, and your blow rips deeply into his unguarded chest. He stares at you in disbelief as he clutches at his wound and drops heavily to his knees. ‘Why?’ he croaks, as his eyelids flicker and close.

A howl of maniacal glee arises from the black creatures. As the warrior falls into the smoky abyss, they slink towards you with long, loping strides.

If you wish to stand and fight these creatures, turn to 249.

If you decide to evade them by escaping into the archway opposite, turn to 241.