### 261

Your action to avoid being struck by the arrow is a success. The slaver and his archer cannot believe what they have seen and for a few vital seconds they stand frozen in stunned disbelief. You seize this advantage and rush towards the platform with the hope of catching them before they regain their senses, yet as you make your leap you see the archer drop his bow and reach for his sword. His blade clears its scabbard barely a second before you make your attack, yet he is able to turn aside your first blow. The skill with which he handles his blade leaves you in no doubt that you are facing an expert swordsman. Frightened slaves throw themselves off the platform as you and Svolta begin a desperate fight to the death.

Svolta: COMBAT SKILL 37 ENDURANCE 36

You may add 2 to your COMBAT SKILL in the first round of this fight, due to the momentum of your attack.

If you win the combat, turn to 212.