### 203

You speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell Lightning Hand and level your right arm at the creature’s eyes. A bolt of blue-white flame leaps from your fingertips and arcs towards the beast, but as it nears its head, the creature slams its glowing fists together and catches it in mid-air. Instantly, your bolt explodes in a shower of sizzling sparks. The shock of this violent discharge stuns the creature and it recoils with a high-pitched shriek. But it quickly recovers, and then it comes lumbering towards you with both its fiery fists raised.

Fearful that your missile’s fate could be your own if you allow this creature to get too close, you turn to face the secret panel and step towards the passageway that lies beyond.

Turn to 159.