Chapter 200

It caught my right shoulder, danced briefly over the short stubby spikes, and died out.

Approximating my assailant's position, I lunged - and closed my fist on empty air. Two sharp daggers sprung into my hands.

"Come out, come out, whoever you are," I said in a singsong voice.

No one stirred, but the tunnel grew hot and tight. The sulphur stench worsened, making my eyes water. It was as if all oxygen was being sucked out. I spread my arms out to reassure myself the walls weren't closing in and dragged in a deep breath, but failed to get a good lungful of air, because my armor seemed to have shrunk and was now crushing my ribs. If I got rid of it, however, I'd be a sitting duck. The pressure grew and I crashed to my knees, bent over double with my head pressed to the concrete.