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"Sorry you're all going to die," Alexius says, but he pushes hard toward the shore. Therko stands up as the first wave of crossbow bolts flies toward you. They clatter off his skin with enough force to knock him backward into the canoe, but you don't have time to wait; you leap out of the canoe and race up the grassy slope. But as you charge, your wounds start to burn. To your frustration and fury, you drop your machete and fall into the grass.

A ferocious battle rages around you, one that you cannot join. After several agonizing and infuriating seconds, you master your pain and force yourself up to your knees. You grab your machete just as Vecla shouts, "Crowchar! They're gone." She helps you back to the canoe. When you look back, nothing remains of the ophidians.

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