following mathematical equation: 24 divided by 8, multiplied by 7, less 9.
When you have calculated the solution, turn to the section of this book that is the same as your answer. 18
If you cannot solve the equation, or if your answer turns out to be incorrect, turn instead to 261 .
[18] The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.
221
You recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell Levitation and feel yourself rising up from the base of the wall. You ascend through the billowing clouds of smoke and dust until you draw level with the top of this barrier; then you cancel the spell and step onto its parapet. Quickly you follow the parapet to a place where it joins with the perimeter wall, and here you jump down onto the battlements and head off towards a distant gatehouse tower.
Through the murky air you glimpse an arched doorway in the tower wall and you run towards it. The door is unlocked and you are able to enter the tower and descend to ground level by way of a spiral staircase, but when you reach the foot of these stone steps, you are confronted by two Drakkarim who come striding into the tower through an open arch. With grunts of shocked surprise, the two leather-clad warriors snatch their swords from their belts and attempt to cut you down.
Helkona Drakkarim: COMBAT SKILL 30 ENDURANCE 35
If you win this combat, turn to 14 .
222
Possessed by Zorkaan, the corpse of Xaol rises up from the floor and extends its twisted arms towards you. An unholy fire blazes in the necromancer's eyes as he moves across the hall with unnatural speed. You pray to the Goddess Ishir for her protection as this ghastly zombie leaps upon you and attempts to fix its corpse-cold hands around your throat.
Xaol Zombie
(possessed by Zorkaan)
: COMBAT SKILL 55 ENDURANCE 43
This possessed creature is immune to psychic attack. If you are wielding ‘Alema’ or ‘Valiance’, you may add the appropriate bonus gained through their unique properties. You may reduce the total damage inflicted upon you by 5 ENDURANCE points due to the protection you gain from wearing the Platinum Amulet. However, unless you possess the Discipline of Kai-screen, you must reduce your COMBAT SKILL by 3 for the duration of this combat.
Conduct this combat in the normal way for three rounds only. If you survive these initial rounds, you may continue by turning to 260 .
226
Your psychic Kai powers warn you that the object buried in the dust is a cursed crown, an implement of torture crafted by Darklord Chlanzor's Nadziranim — his evil magicians. This cursed crown was used by the Nadziranim to extract information from the Talestrians shortly before their deaths.
Wisely you avoid touching the crown, for you suspect that the dreadful power locked within it could do you great harm. You offer up a short prayer to Ishir to guard the souls of the three prisoners who met their end here, and then you leave the pyramid and turn towards the iron steps.
Turn to 135 .
227
A massive force slams into your back and a sudden explosion of light obliterates your senses. The bolt from the Urgaroh's staff tears through your body, killing you instantly.
Tragically, your life and your mission end here, upon the platform of the observatory tower of Gazad Helkona.
229
Instinctively you know the precise location of your Kai Weapon and you are able to retrieve it speedily. But as your hand closes once more around its hilt, you sense the sudden arrival of a new and powerful evil.
Turn to 67 .
231
You watch with grim glee as the heavy statue falls end-over-end towards the ascending Drakkarim warriors, but before it collides with the leading assault trooper, its course is deflected and it smashes through the parapet to drop harmlessly into the well of the shaft. The Drakkarim curse you vehemently and hasten their determined advance towards the observatory platform.
Turn to 180 .
233
Forewarned by your
C. J. Cherryh
Learning to Kill: Stories
John O'Riley
Brenda Sinclair
Christopher George
Stephen Lloyd Jones
Karl Iagnemma
Celya Bowers
Jill Gregory
Aria Cunningham