diff --git a/scripts/ai/tpl/merchant.lua b/scripts/ai/tpl/merchant.lua
index 7f7c609..0ad310b 100644
--- a/scripts/ai/tpl/merchant.lua
+++ b/scripts/ai/tpl/merchant.lua
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ function control()
     end
 
     -- See if another enemy is closer.
-    if enemy ~= target then
+    if enemy nil and enemy ~= target then
       ai.poptask()
       ai.pushtask(0, "runaway", enemy)
     end