### 203

Darkness descends as you ride down from the hill pass, but the twisting trail is kept illuminated by a spectacular host of twinkling lights which swoop and soar above the glimmering waters of the lake. It is a wondrous display but you are not deceived into thinking that all is well. There is a great and evil magic at work here; you can sense it.

You have ridden to within five miles of Vorn when you are forced to leave the trail and take cover. Ahead you see a group of Vakovarian bandits encamped on a bridge which carries the trail across a fast-flowing stream. Rather than risk a confrontation, you take cover in a wooded grove and spend a restless night waiting for the dawn. Due to the proximity of the enemy, you are unable to sleep—lose 3 ENDURANCE points.

To continue, turn to 339.