### 256

You crouch down, making use of the cover afforded by a leafy tree, and draw an Arrow to your lips. Two of the creatures have clambered through the foliage and halted less than ten paces away, offering themselves as perfect targets. You release your bowstring and send the shaft thudding into the chest of one, knocking it backwards with the force of the shot. Instantly, its companion emits a strange, high-pitched twittering sound, alerting the others to your position, and before you can either reload or run away, they close in from all sides and attack.

Ookor: COMBAT SKILL 21 ENDURANCE 43

Unless you possess the Magnakai Discipline of Huntmastery, deduct 2 points from your COMBAT SKILL for the first round of combat, owing to the speed of your enemy’s attack.

If you win the combat, turn to 203.