### 21

You are within a few dozen yards of the shoreline when you feel the body of a massive underwater creature come surging past. Battered by its swell, you fumble desperately to unsheathe your weapon as this fearsome monster circles around and comes powering through the dark water for a second attack.

Ixian Gybia: COMBAT SKILL 45 ENDURANCE 58

Reduce your COMBAT SKILL by 4 points for the duration of this underwater combat, due to the lack of oxygen.

You may attempt to evade combat after four rounds by turning to 138.

If you win the fight, turn to 68.