On the night of May 16, Suzail, on the shores of Dragonmere, was engulfed in flames.
Lady Yew's Club was like an enormous labyrinth. They raced through vast vaulted halls and long, low corridors, passed through endless rooms and narrow passageways, and descended white stone stairs that plunged almost vertically into the depths underground.
"Quick! Quick!" The Bane Godspawn and his companions had retreated here, and he shouted at his subordinates to hurry.
"Ugh... ngh..." The wounded Duke Caspar groaned weakly.
Mannacorn brought Duke Caspar into the underground complex. The heavy stone doors closed, shutting out the clamor outside.
"Your Excellency, what should we do now?" a subordinate immediately asked.
The Bane Godspawn glanced at the unconscious Dennitz and made a chopping gesture toward him, even as he said, "Spare no expense. The duke must be saved!"
"Yes." The subordinate, named Keel, immediately carried Dennitz into a room. Looking at his old superior, a trace of pity crossed his face.
But his lord's orders were absolute. The moment he thought of his chance to replace Dennitz, the last scraps of sympathy buried deep within him were swallowed by greed and fanaticism. He drew the short sword at his waist and aimed it at Dennitz's face.
"Sorry, sir."
Just as he was about to strike, Dennitz's chest began to twitch, his rib cage bulging unnaturally.
It was as though something had taken up residence in his chest-and now it wanted out!
"What?" Keel leaned closer to get a better look.
Splat! The chest burst open. A tentacle shot out and bound Keel tight, impossibly tight.
"AAAAH!"
Human screams and cries for help came from the room, but no one outside reacted. Everyone knew Keel was dealing with Dennitz.
A little while later, Keel emerged. Traces of blood still stained the naval