Suddenly, there is a great swoosh of air and a shout. A massive dark shadow appears, blotting out the moonlight. You turn to see an enormous owl hunched on the ice, Tully trapped underneath its talons. Helplessly you watch as the talons tighten and the owl begins to lift Tully off the lake.

Halpra reacts instantly, drawing a dagger and throwing it at the owl’s face. It grazes an ear tuft and the owl shrieks in annoyance. By now Roth is ready with his crossbow and sends a bolt whizzing into the owl’s leg. The owl’s annoyance turns to pain. It drops Tully and backs off a few paces to reassess this frustrating meal. Tully tries to get up, but something is wrong with her leg. Halpra races forward, her sword drawn. The owl’s head swivels at this new distraction. It lunges at Halpra.

“Tolo, get Tully! Make for the island!” Roth commands, sending another bolt at the owl. You haul Tully away from the battle, desperately pulling her towards safety. Her beathing is ragged, shocked. Sand grits under your boots as you clamber onto the rocky beach and collapse, panting. In the darkness, you can hear the owl raging.

“Hello.” says a voice in the dark behind you.