Amrhost's host moved quickly now, running low, weapons drawn. The bell seemed very near-

Suddenly, without warning, they found themselves facing the rear of a large company of goblins as they turned the corner of a street.

Beyond this immediate threat, some distance away, at the town's centre, Amrhost spotted Nylandor's company. It was surrounded. He had walked into a trap. Julina was with him.

Amrhost shouted, "Astargoth!" and led the attack upon the surprised goblins like a man possessed.

He soon learned his mistake. No uncoordinated mob, this: these goblins stood their ground; they were fierce, bloody-minded, well-organised, and strong. Arrows began to whiz from the roofs of nearby buildings, falling with deadly accuracy within their ranks. There was much confusion until the elven archers drew their bows and began returning the goblin's fire.

Eventually the goblins broke, but they were well-disciplined, and sought at once to regroup.

By now the centre of the town was in flames. Somewhere in that inferno was Nylandor and his company, and the townsfolk of Hollind, if they yet lived.

An elf runner approached Amrhost. "Nylandor and his force fight with their backs surrounding two large buildings, down this road and to the right" he cried, pointing. "The townspeople are inside," he added bitterly. "They were used as bait!"

The roofs of both buildings were already erupting in flame. Amrhost and his company attacked with all speed. They were none too late. Nylandor's company was hemmed in around the two buildings.




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