### 22

Zorkaan looms above you, his swirling black form swelling in volume and menace as it prepares to deal you a final, devastating blow. Valiantly you struggle to resist, but you are fearful that you no longer possess the strength to counter this powerful foe. An evil laugh echoes in your mind as slowly the wispy mass of black vapour spirals down towards your face. Desperately you lash out at your mocking adversary, but you lose your balance and collapse to your knees. With a prayer to Ishir on your lips, you watch with growing horror as a glowing spike of radiant energy appears at the core of Zorkaan’s form. It hangs directly above you, like a sorcerous lance poised to deliver a killing blow.

Turn to 196.