— 13 —
Critos was a trained soldier, at one time one of the Guards of Karinth, but a Guard of Karinth was no match for a U.S. Army vet in unarmed, hand-to-hand combat.
Nelson's first kick hit Critos square in the chest. He fell backward, dropping the M‑16. It was over in just a few seconds. Nelson dropped on the man's chest and heard bones snap; he grabbed the neck and twisted, and saw the silent body twitch.
Quickly, Nelson picked up the M‑16 and checked it. It was undamaged; a piece of pure good luck. He made sure it had a full clip, then slung it. Next he retrieved his Colt, checked it, and soon had it back in his shoulder holster beneath his warm furs. Finally he took back his knife and was ready to ride.
None too soon. As he mounted his horse, the first arrow whizzed past his head.
Damn, Nelson thought. Critos must have known his men wouldn't obey that order to stay behind. And they hadn't. All seven were riding toward Nelson. Three more had bows at the ready, while the other four showed every intention of charging home.
Good thing they're coming in bunched up like that, Nelson told himself as he readied the M‑16.
Nelson uses his Ordnance value of 9 for all rounds. He fights on Chart A.
In the first round, three bandits with an Ordnance value of 3 each fire. In the second round, four bandits, minus the number killed in the first round, attack by melee with a Melee value of 3 each. In all succeeding rounds all surviving bandits melee with a Melee value of 3 each. All bandit attacks use Chart D.
If all of the bandits are killed, go to section 15.
If Nelson is killed, go to section 29.