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The threat to the caravan ends abruptly when you deal the last monster a mighty blow to the base of its deformed head. As it falls from the carriage, you grab the reins and bring the wagon smoothly to a halt. Captain Chan tries to calm the alarmed members of the Khea-khan’s entourage by telling them that the threat has now passed. As their panic subsides, he and his men report to the Khea-khan’s carriage and tell Kau-Doshin that order has been restored. He is greatly reassured to hear that his Imperial Majesty is no longer in any immediate danger.

You walk back cautiously along the highway and inspect the bodies of the slain enemy. You are quickly able to determine that all three are of Agarashi descent. They have probably come down from the Hyunsei foothills in a desperate search for prey, for their corpses are badly emaciated by hunger. Sergeant Yeng rides up and confirms your belief. He tells you that long ago, during the Age of Eternal Night, this land was stalked by Agarashi—the hellish creations of Agarash the Damned. When Agarash was destroyed by the Elder Magi, his creations were scattered across the wilderness and plains of Chai. The descendants of these beasts are still alive today, hiding in hills, burrows, forests, and caves.

‘They do not usually attack travellers,’ says Chan, ‘unless driven to do so by disease … or hunger.’

Using your tracking skills, you quickly determine that there are no other Agarashi like these in this vicinity. Only then do you remount your horse and ride with Chan to the head of the column. As you pass by the Khea-khan’s carriage, Kau-Doshin calls you to halt. With a respectful bow of his greying head, he praises you for the skill and bravery you displayed while countering the unexpected attack.

‘The Khea-khan and I will not forget your act of courage, my lord,’ he says. ‘We shall ensure that you are duly rewarded upon our safe arrival in Tazhan.’

To continue, turn to 66.