### 205

You break away from the combat and rush headlong into the tall wheat. The Shom’zaa lancer attempts to pursue you but, with the aid of your Kai camouflage skills, you are able to evade it and make good your escape. You hear the creature loping away into the distance and, after a few minutes have elapsed, you begin to feel confident that the riders have lost your trail.

You head north and have just crossed into an adjoining field of barley when suddenly a barrier of piercing light erupts in front of you as first one explosion and then three more detonate among the crops. In a desperate attempt to flush you out, the riders are hurling incendiary bombs into the fields. Within seconds the tinder-dry crops are ablaze, fanned by a strong breeze. You retreat to the wheat field to avoid the roaring flames but, as you retrace your steps, your Sixth Sense tells you that you are being forced back into a trap.

If you wish to continue retreating into the wheat field to avoid the approaching fire, turn to 194.

If you wish to try to pass through the wall of fire and reach the safety of the barley fields beyond, turn to 42.