### 348

Your companion heeds your warning and shouts a reply, but you fail to hear what he says. A tremendous noise fills your ears as the giant snake rises into the air, lifted by a pair of powerful feathered wings. Two vulture-like legs, tipped with sharp, rending claws, scrabble the air as it dives towards your chest. A bolt of crackling energy surges past your head and streaks towards the onrushing snake. But the creature is quick to avoid Banedon’s attack; it banks over to the left and the bolt arcs harmlessly into the distance. You barely have time to unsheathe a hand weapon as it closes for the kill.

Turn to 82.