39

Moving under cover of the forest’s edge, Shan leads the way along a worn path. Unexpectedly, he stops, head tilted to one side, listening intently. ‘What is it?’ you whisper.

‘I heard a shout, ahead of us. Listen!’ In the distance, you can hear angry voices and the ring of steel against steel. Cautiously, you creep forward and peer through the dense undergrowth.

Six armoured knights, clad in blue and red robes, are battling with twenty Shadakine warriors. The knights are defending a heavily laden wagon that stands in the middle of a wide stone bridge. Perched on the wagon sits an unarmed man, richly clothed, looking fearfully upon the battle. He and his knights are outnumbered. Though skilled swordsmen, as the many Shadakine dead attest, they are hard-pressed and have little chance of holding the bridge.

‘They don’t stand a chance,’ you murmur.

‘But these are no ordinary soldiers,’ replies Shan. ‘Look at the design on their shields—a mountain crowned with two stars. They bear the Royal Arms of Durenor. These are Knights of the White Mountain, warrior lords of Durenor, a free kingdom in the far north.’

If you are to continue your journey south along the Azan River, you will have to somehow pass this battle without the Shadakine seeing you.

If you wish to go to the aid of the Knights of the White Mountain, turn to 55.

If you wish to try to skirt around the battle and cross the road, turn to 208.