### 198

‘Pah!’ spits the sergeant, accusingly. ‘Just as I thought. That’s Halgar’s whip you have—there’s no other like it. I’d wager he didn’t part with it gladly.’

On hearing this, the others reach for their swords and you catch the unmistakable glint of murder in their eyes. You begin to explain but they refuse to listen. Instead they unsheathe their blades and begin to encircle you.

If you wish to evade combat, turn to 39.

If you wish to stand and fight them, turn to 118.