| 258 As the Hordim are in retreat there doesn't seem to be any useful purpose in pursuing them into the nearby brush. Instead you gallop into the village to see if you can render any assistance to the stricken villagers. Melem's Fork is in chaos. Most of the houses edging the main thoroughfare are well alight. Through the smoke you can see at least three bodies in the street. The village healer is moving quickly between the surviving wounded, but it appears that most of them are only slightly injured. All about you the smoke is thick and choking, forcing you to jump from Pallenten's back and lead her carefully through the litter of debris and personal possessions that are scattered over the roadway. As you reach the centre of the settlement you can see a group of villagers looking upwards, some of whom are pointing to the sky. You look up as well and see that the sky has turned dangerously dark, massive black clouds building into gigantic towers that look like they are poised to fall upon you. At once a huge blast of lightning explodes from the sky and impacts against a tree near the road's edge. The tree erupts brightly, showering burning wood and ash over a wide area. Running for cover the villagers scatter to whatever shelter they can find. Another burst of light is followed immediately by a deafening drum roll of thunder claps and a deluge of rain. Looking about you see an old barn that will provide some protection. It is old and missing a large part of its roof, but a further blast of lightning, altogether too close for comfort, is enough for you to make the decision that this will be your best haven from the storm. Running towards it you lead Pallenten who needs little encouragement to follow. Standing in the damp shadows of the barn you can do nothing but watch the torrents of rain fall. It seems that now even the weather is conspiring to delay your journey to Stoneholme. It may just be your imagination, but in the dank gloom of your shelter the collar at your neck is feeling much tighter.
| Turn to section 131.
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