| 281 The sodden grass and soft earth make for a hazardous surface upon which to do battle. The assassin fights in a ruthlessly efficient manner, his skill in hand-to-hand combat unmistakable and well -practised, but your sword carries with it too much force for his dagger to fend for long. After a short and violent confrontation the assassin lies dead at your feet. Kneeling beside the prostrate form you try and conduct a search of his possessions, perhaps there is some evidence here of who he is, and what his mission may have been. In the power of the storm it is hard to see much, he is definitely Kalborean in origin although a scrawny runt of a man. His clothes prove to be far more interesting though. Made of black leather and almost seamless in manufacture they have been purpose made for this man's craft. He was obviously a professional in his chosen life but why would he be after you? A quick look about does not give any further indication of his identity or purpose. He appears to have no other equipment except for the dagger he wielded so efficiently in combat. The dagger proves to be extraordinary. Finely carved and well tempered it is a remarkable weapon, one which could be highly valued in any armoury. You consider for a moment if you should take it with you. (If you wish to take the assassin's dagger record it on your character sheet) As you stand you see that the storm is beginning to abate, to the north the horizon is beginning to clear and the winds have dropped away. Returning to the farmhouse you wait for the remainder of the storm to pass and then lead Pallenten out onto the sodden ground. Both Pallenten and yourself are stiff from the wet and cold and it takes a short while for sore muscles to unlimber. All about the plains are covered in water, the land now a patchwork of shallow pools and muddy ground. For a moment you look out to the south and see the storm pounding away at the unprotected lands, great bolts of lightning crashing into the ground with such force that can feel the vibration of their impact through your boots. You where truly lucky to survive but time to ponder your good fortune will have to be found later, now you must continue on. After brushing Pallenten down you remount and ride on towards the south-west.
| Turn to section 267.
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