256

As your fingers close around the chief’s wrist, you twist his hand aside with all the strength you can muster. He screams in frustration and tries to counter your unexpected move by grabbing at your throat with his free hand. In the desperate struggle the blade passes within an inch of your chest. He tightens his grip until you can no longer breathe, but you fight tenaciously to maintain your hold. The tip of the dagger wavers, dangerously close, and then jerks upwards and cuts through your bonds. Instinctively you lash out with your freed hand and knock the chief down with a forceful punch to the jaw. By the time he has recovered and staggered to his feet, you have stripped away the remaining ropes and freed yourself from the totem. He still holds the dagger, but he is alone—his clansmen are deeply entranced and oblivious to the struggle that is taking place before them.

‘Heng will be appeased!’ screams the chief, and lunges once more at your heart.

Chief Drawoher: CLOSE COMBAT SKILL 17   ENDURANCE 28

If you win the combat, turn to 136.