### 95

The warrior is halfway across the walkway when a hungry shriek resounds from the arch. He spins on his heel and crouches in readiness for combat. A murmur of low mutterings follows; the sound chills you. Then, gurgling and hissing through clenched teeth, three creatures, their shiny skins as black as night, creep from the shadows and fix you both with fiery stares. The warrior begins to shake, his sword wavering in his gloved hand. As the creatures stalk forward, his nerve breaks and he turns and flees towards you.

‘Save yourself, stranger. They’ll eat you alive!’

If you wish to run with the warrior and evade the creatures by escaping into the archway opposite, turn to 87.

If you wish to attack the warrior as soon as he is close, turn to 345.

If you decide to let him pass and face the creatures alone, turn to 249.