224

The great black bird beats its massive wings, cawing hoarsely through the domed pen. Two black eyes, fierce and cold, fix you with a deadly stare as you edge nearer to its perch.

Grabbing the saddle pommel, you haul yourself up, but suddenly there is a flash of razor-sharp talons. Instinctively, you shield your face as a glint of orange sunlight is caught on the Itikar’s curved beak, for it slashes the air barely inches above your head.

If you have the Kai Discipline of Animal Kinship, turn to 308.

If you possess an Onyx Medallion, turn to 319.

If you possess neither the Kai Discipline nor the Special Item, pick a number from the Random Number Table. If you have reached the Kai Rank of Aspirant or higher, add 2 to the number you have picked.

If your total is now 8–11, turn to 287.

If your total is 4–7, turn to 240.

If your total is 1–3, turn to 370.

If your total is 0, turn to 257.