Page 79

"We can use all the help we can get," you say. "Will you come with us, Rial?"

He shrugs. "Why not?" he says. "I've got no place better to be right now."

"And if you come with us to the Kalokathion," Merlyn adds excitedly, "You can complete your training! You can become a full sorcerer, if you've already completed the rest of the pilgrimage."

Rial shrugs again, his face conflicted. "Maybe," is all he says.

"But you'd be so much more powerful," Merlyn argues. "And we're going to need power with all these monsters appearing everywhere."

Rial snorts. "You've already got more power than you know what to do with," he says, pointing to your sword. "Why don't you learn how to use that, before you start to worry about any more sorcery?"

You're a bit offended, and consider challenging him to a practice fight right there, but decide to let it go. You've all done enough fighting for one day.

Not long later you are all lying on the ground, trying to absorb as much warmth from the fire as you can. You are about to fall asleep for the night, when the ground begins to shake again. Oh no, you think, We just got this place cleaned up.

But it isn't an earthquake. You hear people screaming. Then you hear a very loud, very deep snarl.

You roll over and look, then shoot straight up. A giant canine monster is crashing through the remains of the village. "Merlyn, what the %*@# is that?" you shout.

"It's a giant water wolf!" she gulps. "Let's go! Though I don't know if we'll be able to take this one!"

Rial has joined your party.
If you want to fight the giant water wolf: give up 15 courage points, and turn to page 85.
If you have less than 15 courage points or do not want to fight, turn to page 88.