You now stand at the bottom of the ladder in a passage that curves to the right and runs out of sight. Smoldering torches line the walls. You creep down the passage slowly, listening to the noises of battle above. Suddenly a voice says, "Stop, traitor!"

You wheel about and slip on a patch of loose sand, sprawling on the floor. Salamdros is climbing down the ladder and Roderick stands above him, holding off their enemies. Salamdros raises his hands and utters a spell. A brilliant point of light flashes from his fingers and strikes you (take 7 points damage). Before you recover, Salamdros leaps on you, his weapon swinging. Though you try to protect yourself, his blow strikes true (take 11 points damage).

If you have taken more damage than you can withstand, your character is now dead. Otherwise, you barely manage to stand. Will you flee (224), reason with him (225), or fight (226)?