### 176

Gildas obeys your command and reluctantly he returns the arrow to his quiver. Cautiously you dismount and approach the misshapen creature on foot, for you sense your horse is too frightened to venture any closer to its lair. Using your Magnakai Discipline of Divination, you attempt to communicate with the creature telepathically. Your patience and your effort are soon rewarded when you hear its true voice speaking to you in your mind.

You learn that this ‘creature’ is human. It is the victim of an evil spell cast by the vampiric shape-changer that you encountered on the forest track. You ask if there is anything you can do to alleviate its wretched condition, and you are shocked when you hear its plaintive reply.

Strike me with your blade, kind sir. Deal me a mortal wound so that my soul may be freed from this hellish torment.

If you wish to strike the creature with your Kai Weapon, turn to 321.

If you choose not to strike the creature, turn to 114.