| 252 The combat is short but bloody. The Hresh is obviously better skilled at attacking defenceless villagers than defending itself against a skilled foe. With its body a crumpled heap at your feet you kick it aside and go searching for more of the Hordim. Amongst the chaos of the burning buildings it has become impossible to find any more of the vile creatures though. Smoke billows from all directions, the cries and shouts of frightened children and panicked townsfolk combine with the fiery destruction to obscure from view the more purposeful retreat of the Hordim. Calling Pallenten to your side you mount and ride out of Melem's Fork in the direction of the main body of the raiding party. As you reach the edge of the village all thoughts of pursuing the Hresh end however, as the heavens open and a deluge of rain falls from the dark clouds above. Instantly the way ahead is obscured, and the ground underfoot begins to dissolve into a muddy quagmire. Pallenten stops, unsure of her footing as enormous bolts of lightning begin to strike the higher ground to the north. You have no choice but to find shelter and wait out the storm. To your left is an old abandoned barn, partly collapsed at one end. In the rainstorm it is the nearest shelter, so you run with Pallenten by your side towards it. Luckily one piece of the roof is still intact and it is here you decide to wait for the rain to stop. As you stand in the shelter of the old barn watching the rain you curse the delay and pull uncomfortably at the collar at your neck.
| Turn to section 131.
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