### 100

You chance a glance around the pillar and your stomach churns when you see the awe-inspiring figure of Autarch Sejanoz standing at the far end of this ancient crypt chamber.

Encased from neck to toe in black armour, inlaid with lavish gold filigree, he stands a sword’s length taller than you. His great tiger helm conceals his face, and swirling around him are the folds of a voluminous scarlet cloak. Only his hands are visible and they seem incongruous when compared to the grand scale and design of his armour. They are like twisted claws, the skin wrinkled and fragile like ancient parchment. Hanging over them are four long, curved, needle-like claws of steel which sprout from the back of the golden bracers that encase his wrists.

Cowering in a corner of the crypt are the Imperial Family, their eyes wide with naked terror. One of the Autarch’s Imperial Guard Captains stands over them with a glowing stave held firmly in his gauntleted hands. The tip of the stave trails wisps of blue-grey smoke, indicating that it is this weapon, and its wielder, who were responsible for the death of Sergeant Yeng.

The Autarch calls for you to surrender. ‘Resistance is futile, mortal. My troops are everywhere.’ You are about to give voice to a defiant reply when a sudden pain lances through your head.

If you possess Kai-screen, turn to 294.

If you do not possess this skill, turn to 28.