### 248

There is a blinding flash of scarlet light upon the instant that your blade strikes the shaft of the Claw, and a searing wave of heat sends you spinning backwards to the ground: lose 4 ENDURANCE points.

Stunned and gasping for breath, you drag yourself to your feet and stagger to the altar stone which is now wreathed with trails of grey smoke. To your dismay, you discover that the Claw is still intact. Despite the huge burst of energy that your blow released, you discover no mark or blemish upon its gnarled shaft.

The blade of your Kai Weapon, however, is notched and discoloured at the point where it struck the shaft of the Claw. (The damage to your Kai Weapon has caused a permanent reduction of 1 point to its COMBAT SKILL bonus. You should now adjust the bonus on your list of Special Items.)

To continue, turn to 103.