### 165

You throw yourself flat against Bracer’s neck and the bolt parts your hair as it whistles past your head. Unharmed, you reach the cover of a dense pine copse where you quickly dismount. Having secured Bracer’s reins to a tree, you move back to the edge of the copse to try to catch a glimpse of your attackers. You have no difficulty seeing them: a dozen brigands, armed with crossbows and swords, are rushing through the undergrowth directly towards your hiding place.

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

If you do not, turn to 136.