### 253

You use your advanced healing skills to staunch the flow of blood from your gashed neck and to mend the torn tissue. Within a few moments the pain subsides, and sufficient strength returns to your aching limbs to enable you to break from cover and run after your horse.

You enter the dense pine copse to find Bracer standing among the trees, whinnying nervously. You calm him down and secure his reins to a branch; then you go back and try to catch a glimpse of your attackers. As you reach the edge of the trees you have no difficulty seeing them: a dozen brigands, brandishing crossbows and swords, are rushing through the knee-high undergrowth towards your hiding place.

If you possess a Bow and wish to use it, turn to 330.

If you do not, turn to 136.