### 159

‘Just as I thought,’ says the sergeant, anger in his voice. ‘This is Halgar’s whip. And judging by these bloodstains I’d wager he didn’t part with it gladly.’

On hearing this, the other partisans reach for their swords and you catch the glint of murder in their eyes. You begin to explain but they refuse to listen. Instead they unsheathe their blades and encircle you slowly. (Delete the Bullwhip from your list of Special Items.)

If you wish to evade combat, turn to 39.

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