### 44

You strike the rune a mighty blow that explodes it into a thousand fiery shards. At once there is a screeching cacophony of noise and the platform bucks like a wild stallion as the evil power of the rune is sucked out of the hall and into the heart of the raging storm. Desperately you cling to the floor as seething rays of electrical fire dance around the edges of the aperture and arc back and forth between the ceiling and the hall below. Then a ghastly shriek echoes above the deafening noise as the approaching Vaag are consumed by fire and lightning. As their dying cries fade, so the storm abates, and you are able to stagger to your feet and take hold of the parapet rail with both hands.

Gasping for breath in the dust-choked air, you look down and see a patrol of Eldenoran guardsmen come rushing through the door. Vandyan is with them, bellowing orders and threatening them with death if they should allow you to escape. The guards are armed with bows, and when they see you standing at the edge of the platform, they immediately take aim and open fire.

If you possess a Bow and wish to return fire at the Eldenoran guardsmen, turn to 291.

If you wish to try to evade Vandyan and his men, turn instead to 145.