Barsunala-vision paints everything in shades of silver, save for blue auras around the two guards grappling with the berserk Yodhblakat, and also around the three identical figures of the sorcerer, Abzhalom Dack, who stand near the central dais. Alptraum can also feel the presence of the Light of Nala at his back, wielded by a transformed Tulani.

The wraith in armor that was Alptraum 'surveys' the scene with his blind eyes. His right hand rests upon the hilt of his dagger at his side, not willing to draw it when the light is so close. With the two guards occupied, his ears snap to the three at the dais, focusing and tilting as he tries to make out an audible difference between the three. "Now, which one of you is the real necromancer?" he thinks.

In Draconic form Tulani shifts her grip on the hilt of the light of Nala as she follows in after Alptraum. The silver dragon holds the sword ready. Her tail curls from side to side, as her neck twists, letting her look around the room.

The Light has transformed to fit the grip of its bearer once more, looking larger and slightly more liquid, as if the blade were made of slow-moving white flame.

The three Dacks abandon their work on the ritual circles. One heads for the supply crates, the second approaches the battling guards and Yodh cautiously, and the third one reaches into his cloak while grimacing at the sight of the dragon and wraith.

"I will attend to the one at the crates," the wraith whispers in his raspy voice, then heads towards that one with an odd (in appearance anyway) almost sliding walk. When he is a fair distance from the light, he draws out the dagger, readying it. While he moves, though, the one that reached into his clock is the focus of his ears, lest he find himself a victim of a surprise.

"Alright then… " The silver dragoness replies to Alptraum in an icy hiss, and then slowly begins approaching the one that reached into his cloak, deciding that the two crazed Eeee could probably handle themselves for a while longer. She approaches the standing one with her head tilted slightly to not only watch him, but keep as much of the room in focus at the moment as possible.

The sorcerer that Tulani approaches pulls out something and throws it at the ground. It appears to be a small ruby, at least in the moment before it shatters on the stone floor. A blood-red mist rises up from the fragments and begins to coalesce into a monstrous, form. Its body is like a cloven-hoofed Rhian, while its head resembles that of a bull Rughrat – except for the dripping fangs. Foul green vapors pour out of its mouth, and it smiles at Tulani.

The figure heading for the crates reaches them before Alptraum does, and pulls out a wicked-looking (and familiar) ritual dagger.

Alptraum's blind eyes narrow and his lips pull back in a grim smile. "Not today," he rasps softly and darts in, intent on stopping the figure before he can make use of the dagger.

Tulani bares her teeth and hisses at the monstrosity that forms in front of her. Blue eyes narrowing at its 'smile' she sizes it up before approaching further, lunging out with the flaming sword in her hand.

The bat manages to grab the person's dagger hand just as it was turning the blade towards its own throat. The feline face shows surprise and not a little bit of sudden fear, and then makes a grab for the restraining claws.

The Light of Nala meets no resistance, and the demon doesn't even bother trying to dodge. Tulani has to recover though, not expecting the magic blade to just pass right through the demon. "No sWorD oF LigHt caN HaRm Me!" the demon boasts.

Alptraum's grip tightens down, trying to sink his claws into the feline's wrist and force him to drop the dagger. At the same time his own dagger darts up and he tries to stab the feline with an upward strike into its ribcage. His expression is one of cold finality; perhaps appropriate for death awaits all in the end.

Tulani stumbles slightly, but quickly steps back, eyeing the demon once more, looking for anything out of the ordinary… It could just be an illusion… That, or it would be a bit trickier to deal with. She side steps, circling slightly, and looks for the one that had thrown the ruby in the first place.

At the last moment, the Khatta changes tactics to grab at Alptraum's hand… and he's surprisingly strong! It may have actually saved him, if the dagger blade didn't suddenly extend out another foot to stab into his chest.

The demon-caster is already on the move, heading for the other Dack near the skirmish of the guards (well, just 'guard' now) with the slakash. The demon doesn't let Tulani's attention shift away for long though, as it blows a noxious green cloud at the dragon that makes her eyes water and her scales itch.

Momentarily surprised that his weapon itself struck out on its own, it takes Alptraum a second to try and now focus on activating the transfer of whatever souls are waiting in the blade into his opponent. His feet grip down on the hard floor as he tries to anchor his position against the feline as well.

The illusion of being an old Khatta breaks, revealing a human male that Alptraum remembers from his encounter at the old ruins. But the man's features don't remain stable. His face contorts and bulges, taking on almost elfin features for a moment, before shifting to something more gruesome. The changes come faster and faster until the man seems to be a blur anchored by the blade and the grip on his hand. The ritual dagger falls to the floor when the man's hand momentarily becomes some sort of insect pincher.

The silver dragon immediately holds her breath, and ducks down, half-sheathing the light for the moment and trying to dodge out of the oncoming cloud and charging the demon slashing out with her claws, trying to land a blow.

"I am sorry," Alptraum finally whispers to the man during the transfer of those imprisoned, holding it until the man's body completely gives out. "May you find peace in the worlds beyond this one and upon the never ending sea."

Despite being fearless regarding swords, the demon does dance back away from the slashing claws. One of its already-tattered wings, which had been flapped forward, to help push the toxic cloud towards Tulani gets clipped by the dragon's claws however. The torn away scrap of red leather dissolves back into red dust.

The man in Alptraum's grip stops shaking for a moment, and opens his mouth to say something – but then explodes! Alptraum gets knocked back, and the man's body literally vaporizes into a golden cloud of bright motes of light. The cloud swirls up to the high ceiling, and then streaks back down and out through the stairway to the hall beyond.

Tulani presses her attack forwards as the creature dances back, thin trails of mist beginning to issue from her nostrils as she attempts to level off a frozen blast of ice at close range to the creature.

The wraith's composure is lost for a moment when he goes backward. His foot-claws scrabble for a grip on the stones beneath them and tattered wings flap and spread as he tries to regain balance. "Can't you warn me when that is about to happen, Kaira?" he thinks in case the dragon can hear him. Leaving Tulani with the demon, he tries to locate the other two 'felines' after he regains his composure.

This little event even gives the slakash pause. Roogi looks stunned, with the guard held by the throat and pinned up against the wall of the chamber. The demon turns to look as well, and so doesn't have a chance to react before the freezing mist engulfs him. Red skin turns white, and bunches of fur freeze solid and break free.

"Didn't know he'd blow like that," Kaira says into Alptraum's head.

Tulani's mouth snaps closed immediately after letting out her freezing breath, and she blinks at the display of light. She ducks warily as the light streaks by as she tries not to be distracted from her opponent. So, she quickly attempts to follow through with another blow, seeing if she can 'break' any part of the partially frozen demon.

Alptraum nods a bit at that, even though Kaira isn't actually here right now. His 'vision' flows across the room, trying to locate the remaining 'Dacks', and his ears pan as well. When his vision passes over Roogi, he actually offers her an apologetic smile because his unexpected distraction. Whether a wraith smiling at someone is comforting or not, well.

The demon's wings, being the most fragile, shatter from the first blow. The rest of the monster seems sturdier though, and with much snapping and crackling manages to shake off the ice. "NiCe," it compliments Tulani. "BuT oNly ColD ForGed Iron cAn BanIsh Me!"

The remaining two Dacks have moved to put the sarcophagus between themselves and Alptraum, and one of them now holds a slender sword while it watches the slakash finish off the last guard.

"Kaira. Advice needed. Is there anything you can do to help with the summoned demon? Or anything I could do? Could it be imprisoned?" Alptraum thinks as he starts a slow walk towards the sarcophagus. Again he holds his expression in one of cold finality. If anything, maybe it'll at least unnerve them a bit. Maybe.

"A demon is just a spirit, but your special talents probably won't work on it," Kaira reports. "I'll need to clear a chamber for it if you want to try and capture it though, and that could take a moment."

"Wait until I ask for you to clear a chamber. Tulani may not need the help," Alptraum replies to Kaira and continues onward towards the other two 'Dacks'.

The silver dragon makes no reply towards the demon, but simply circles back the other way, head tilted. Banishing it was one thing, doing enough damage to keep it out of the way was another. Its wings had certainly broken … so, logically it could be damaged otherwise as well … at least she hopes so. For now the creature is Tulani's main focus, and with a screech, she charges. Her claws bore towards it once again.

Arkold arrives, flanked by Phlagaea and Ravenia. Following in after him are Grey, two dragoons, and five pikemen. "Fan out. Pikemen, dragoons, Grey, hold the exit, be ready to fire at my target on my mark! Phlagaea, give Alptraum a hand. Ravenia, with me, we're going to help Tulani. Go," the wolf orders, waving his sword to direct men to their positions before moving in himself.

The soldiers spread out as commanded, and try not to be too shaken by the sight of the demon and dragon and wraith. The Dragoons ready their crossbows. Phlagaea freezes at the sight of Alptraum, but only until Arkold tells her what to do. Then she hurries to join him.

Dragon and Demon collide, with Tulani's talons raking at the hell-beast's chest and stomach. The demon's skin tears, but only to reveal hard black scales underneath that rebuff the attack.

Ravenia draws her saber, and tells Arkold, "I think demons are vulnerable to iron. That bullet of yours is from Abaddon, isn't it?"

Alptraum pauses in his advance on the two behind the sarcophagus. His head tilts so he can observe her with blind eyes. "You shouldn't be afraid of me; I am the same person … just with different skin," he whispers, trying to not sound too creepy with the raspy voice. "Do you still retain any miracles?"

The Silver Dragon back steps as her attack is repelled and growls loudly to Arkold without taking her eyes off the demon, "Glad for a hand Arkold! It takes iron to get rid of this thing." she states loudly, in concurrence with Raven.

"I can subdue one of them with a touch," Phlagaea tells Alptraum.

"Then help me restrain it, and I'll give 'em a bite of some off world iron cuisine," Arkold tells Tulani. He moves in near her, ready to fight, and adds, "I need a clear shot."

Seeing weaker opponents, the demon tries to run past Tulani to get at the Dragoons before they can load their crossbows.

Alptraum nods. "Stay behind me and use me as your shield," he whispers and actually pats her shoulder with a rather skeletal hand. "When I engage the one with the rapier, try to touch that one and subdue it. Then I can focus on the last safely." The wraith then moves forward quickly, trying to close ground between himself and the sword-wielding feline-illusion.

The draconic Tulani immediately rushes the demon as it tries to slip past her, attempting to unbalance or knock it to the ground, failing that, perhaps she could grapple it.

"Stay back!" the rapier-wielding Dack commands. Off to the side, Roogi and her companion pick up the body of a slain guard and heave it at the Sarcophagus. It falls short, but makes the rapier point jerk around back towards the slakash.

Arkold joins Tulani in trying to restrain the demon, although he's a bit slower in his heavy Drano-style black armor.

The demon leaps up as Tulani lunges for it, and lands on her back with its hooves. From there it leaps again, actually soaring over Arkold's head as its formerly shattered wings reappear, sprouting anew from its back.

Alptraum crouches down and then propels himself forward, tattered wings spread. His target, to get a hold of the weapon-wielding one's arm and immobilize. "This must end," he thinks.

Tulani grunts loudly as the air is knocked rather painfully from her lungs… Her head whips around, glaring at the now airborne demon and growling, her own wings swiftly unfolding as she gives chase.

"I'm getting too old for this," Arkold growls, watching the demon soar over his head. He does all he can do to keep up, chasing after it. "Pikemen, keep it back! Don't engage it at close range!"

The distance is just a little too far, and the sword swings back to block Alptraum, although the Khatta's eyes are wide now – nearly on the verge of panic.

Pikes lower to keep the demon at bay and to cover the Dragoons. The Demon roars in laughter, and exhales a cloud of noxious green vapor into the assembly of soldiers. There's is a clatter as weapons are dropped when the men reach for their throats, coughing in pain.

The silver dragon flies as high as she can without hitting the ceiling, before dropping altitude, attempting to dive down at the demons back.

Alptraum lands and his wings snap back. "If you drop your weapon, you will be spared," he offers the Khatta. "This madness must end. Stand down and let me pass." The wraith readies himself for an attack, though, remembering that the woman, if this is her, claimed she had nothing more she could lose.

Arkold breaks in to a run, shaking his head. His men don't stand a chance against that thing! "Fight me, you hell spawn," he roars, prepared to assist Tulani's flying tackle.

The Demon reaches for one of the fallen men, and then suddenly jerks its head towards the stairs. A barely audible chiming sound can be heard, as Mave enters the room. Naked save for the tiny cymbals on her fingers, the Yodhinala dances down the stairs, performing her monster-capturing ritual. For a critical moment, the demon is transfixed, until Tulani lands on top of him and pins the fiend to the ground.

The sword-wielding Khatta cries out and lunges forward at Alptraum, although it's clearly a desperation move and not a true attack – the blade could be sidestepped easily, and the attacker is wide open.

Tulani's wings immediately close, using her weight to help drive the demon to the ground, snapping her teeth for its neck as she attempts to hold it.

Alptraum does try to step to the side. His own weapon comes up … only he tries to strikes with the butt of the hilt and not the blade, against the side of the Khatta's head.

Arkold leaps on the demon as well, kneeling to try and pin an arm. He sheathes his sword, reaching to draw his pistol and take careful aim at where he hopes the demon's heart will be. "Just a moment, Tulani … and … " With a jerk of his finger, he fires!

The roar of the pistol echoes through the chamber, causing Roogi and the other slakash to cover there ears in pain. The enchantment on the powder from Draco's wizards holds, and the bullet fires true. Abaddonian steel-jacketed lead shatters the demon's self-control, and the body collapses into a pile of red dust under Tulani's weight.

The report of the pistol also causes Alptraum's opponent to jerk, letting him knock the side of its head. Phlagaea grabs at a shoulder, and the Khatta then appears to have a seizure before collapsing to the floor. The illusion that disguised it fades, revealing the woman, Meg, that had urged them all to surrender in what must seem like a lifetime ago.

"Ha- wah!" Arkold cries, his cry of victory disrupted by the call of gravity. He his the floor with a heavy chitin thunk, then climbs back to his feet. "Ravenia, see to the men. Let me know how they fair. Tulani, we should help Alptraum – I doubt this will end easily." With that, he stands up and heads off.

Alptraum also can't help but wince in pain and reach one of his hands to his notched and tattered ears once Meg goes down. "I hate guns," he growls as his attention shifts to the remaining Dack. Either this one is true, or the real one has fled. Either way, it has come down to this. "Tulani, Arkold," the wraith rasps, echoing Arkold's thoughts "To my side. Phlagaea, drag that woman to the entrance."

The Silver Dragon immediately climbs to its feet, slipping a bit on the red dust beneath her, as she refocuses her attention on Alptraum's side of the battle. She does not walk but takes to the air, gliding over and landing near Alptraum.

Ravenia heads towards the soldiers now that the poison cloud is disperses, and Mave leans against one of the walls of the stairway, having apparently been holding her breath for her entire performance.

The remaining sorcerer stands at the head of the sarcophagus, and claps his hands in slow applause. "Very impressive, I must admit. The naked priestess is really a nice touch too," Dack says.

"Everything's better with a naked priestess," Arkold adds as he rushes up to Alptraum's side.

"Glad you approve," Alptraum rasps as he starts towards Dack. "This is over."

"Hardly!" the Khatta says, grinning. "Even if you stop me this day, you only postpone things. Dagh will be reborn eventually, so long as his bloodline persists. He will reign again, and you and your lesser, myth-and-magic created gods will be forgotten forever."

"Or maybe he'll just keep losing, over and over and over, like some kind of bad recurring villain," Arkold quips, grinning. "'Ey bats, we should show 'im the future right now, eh?"

"Then perhaps bloodline will have to end, then, just as the former Queen of Necropolis' bloodline has ended," Alptraum says flatly as his fingers flex around the hilt of his dagger. "As for if I end … it does not matter. I serve the people as I can while I exist. If the world no longer needs me and I fade, so be it. All things end, Dack. Even gods." His lips then curl into a small smile and he nods to Arkold, saying, "I think I agree. Tulani, be prepared to show him the Light … up close and personal."

The sorcerer raises up a hand, bearing one of the cursed daggers, and starts to plunge it towards his own chest!

Tulani growls loudly in the Sorcerer's direction wisps of mist streaming out of her mouth, eyes trained in his direction. Cold then streams out of her mouth even as she quickly draws the light, having forgotten in the fight with the demon that she had even been carrying it…

"Uh bats, where's the Shadow anyway," Arkold quickly whispers aside to Alptraum.

The point of the dagger chips ice when it strikes Dack's chest, as his robe freezes solid under Tulani's breath. And then the man seems to glow as the dragon plunges the Light of Nala into his side. Although he screams in pain, he starts to look… younger.

"In the sarcophagus," Alptraum whispers in reply, his own dark dagger flexing in his hand. And there he waits for Dack, letting the wizard absorb some power from the light. "Now pull the light away, Tulani!" he calls out finally. "Time to end this," he adds, legs tensing to leap forward and stab Dack once the Light has been withdrawn to 'safety'.

In one, swift movement, Tulani pulls the flaming sword free of Dack's side, and slips it back within its sheath.

"Bring the Light over here," Mave calls to Tulani from the entrance. There Mave, Phlagaea and Raven are getting the soldiers onto their feet again. The Yodhgorphat chants rapidly, bestowing Gorphat's Kiss on each man to counter the effects of the demon's breath.

Arkold throws his arm up to block his eyes, fully expecting Dagh to explode in light, blood, or some mixture of both!

And forward Alptraum darts, the ebon blade forged from dragon's blood brought to the fore. His grip tightens, and he then tries to drive his dagger deep into Dack's frozen chest.

Tulani is torn between some internal desire to watch the sorcerers end, and the desire to assist the injured… After a moment of indecision she backs up and uses her wing to glide herself quickly to Mave's side, bringing the light with her.

"What is… this?" Dack asks, surprised by his renewed youth and health. The surprise turns quickly to terror as the spirit dagger pierces him, though. As with the other man, his features begin to melt and twist as he tries to take on the form of the souls pouring into him now.

"Start evacuating the others," Kaira says, popping into existence atop Alptraum's head. "This time the explosion is gonna be big." the dragonette warns.

Alptraum's eyes 'look' into Dack's own as the dump begins. To Alptraum, it feels like a flood unleashed as it streams through the blade. "This ends," he repeats with finality to Dack. Then he says louder to the others, "Everyone, out. There is going to be an explosion. I … well, I have to stay. Don't worry about me! Just go. Know that no matter what happens, I've been honored to have traveled and have known all of you."

The Light of Nala enhancing the healing spells, the soldiers are already back to their feet, if a bit dazed. Mave's own abilities are used to turn that daze into urgency to get them moving again. Roogi pushes past and rushes away up the hall to warn those in the castle proper.

Tulani looks back and Alptraum with a Solemn nod, "You've been a good friend Alptraum, don't you dare let yourself die easy." And, in case anyone didn't get the hint she also roars to the others assembled, " Hear that? Everybody OUT she herself scoops up the woman Phlagaea had immobilized and carries her out as well.

Dack's body is well past the point where the other man exploded. Instead of bursting though, he just seems to expand, getting larger and larger as he's filled up.

Glancing back, Arkold waves the others towards the exit, "Ravenia, Grey, Mave! Evacuate the others, tell the men in the hall and the Yodh to retreat, then get out!"

"You aren't staying, Alptraum," Kaira says, looking upside-down into one of Alptraum's blank eyes. "There should be just enough time for you to get out once he's full."

"What about the shadow?" Alptraum asks quietly. "I came to claim it too. If I leave it … I've failed the Countess."

"Yeah, you can do that afterwards," Kaira claims. "Anything tough enough to contain a shadow-dragon is tough enough to survive the explosion, I'm sure."

"I'm holding you to that," Alptraum tells Kaira, then resumes focus on the dagger in his hand, keeping the channel open.

Arkold backs away, but place his hand on Alptraum's shoulder. He doesn't leave, instead waiting, pushing the visor of his helmet down.

"Don't be a fool," Alptraum calls back to Arkold. "You have someone waiting for you out there. There's no need for us to both risk this!"

Out in the castle, the Yodhblakat are interrupted in their looting by Roogi's cries of alarm, and start heading for the windows. Grey takes the men out through the hacked through passage, and the unconscious woman is transferred through from Tulani's back to Lucy's on the other side. Ravenia and Mave stay with the dragon, while Phlagaea heads out with Lucy. "Let's get you changed back to normal," Mave comments to Tulani, and picks up her own clothing before heading back to the side passage where Tulani's are waiting.

"Ah shut it and blow him up already," Arkold replies, somewhat languidly.

"I'm working on it," Kaira notes. Dack's still-screaming body is on its side now, and nearly four times normal-size already. Faces form on his flesh like goose bumps, only to fade back and be replaced by new ones. Light shines through 'cracks' in the expanding flesh, only to be blacked out again by the dragon's blood that's keeping the body together.

Following Mave a cloud of cold mist billows out of the passage soon after followed by Tulani's faint grumble of, "I really need to figure out how to do this without getting wet. At least I'm not soaked."

"I hope you brought a towel at least," Raven says as she helps Tulani throw on her clothes. "I'd leave the armor if I were you," she suggests.

Alptraum doesn't argue with Arkold. Instead he just focuses on the flow. "I hope she's right about time," he thinks. "If not … well. I won't think about if not."

"Okay… stop now Alptraum!" Kaira says, thumping the Eeee on the head with her tail as well. "Twist the knife and pull it out!"

"You're right, too much time to put on." Tulani quickly replies to Raven as she cinches the ties around her wings leaving her armor behind she starts to make a hasty exit.

Kaira doesn't have to say it twice. Alptraum visualizes the gate snapping shut as the knife is twisted in his hand and he jerks it backward, trying to dislodge it.

Arkold watches Alptraum try and yank the dagger and, noting the ice, places his hand on the bat's arm and helps him free it!

The dagger comes back trailing a goopy strand of blood, the blade almost completely liquefied for a moment. The strand breaks, and the dagger becomes solid once more. Dack's body continues to grow and change, each of the tiny faces becoming scales now. "Time to go!" Kaira announces.

"Sounds good to me," Arkold says. he tugs at Alptraum, then begins running for the exit! "Time to go, bats! Last one out buys me a drink!"

"I'll buy you a drink anyway. Several, in fact!" Alptraum counters and takes off in a dead run. With each footfall of the Eeee, he shifts more and more back to normal, the tissues of his wings flowing like wax and melding back together. His white eyes clear, leaving behind the normal silvery iris and deep black pupils as well. He doesn't even try to sheath the dagger, as that would take even more time.

"Wheeee!" Kaira squeals as she holds on to Alptraum's ears. The walls of the tunnel are starting to crack, and the ground itself is vibrating now. More ominous yet, the anguished scream of Dack begins changing into the bellowing roar of a dragon.

"What did you turn him into?!" Alptraum has to ask as he runs like crazy! "You didn't say anything about him becoming a dragon!"

"Did you cram Vorg's soul in him? That much ego would make an army of heads explode, eh," quips Arkold as he runs for his life. His heavy armor doesn't seem to hinder him too much, but it does make him rather noisy.

"I didn't?" Kaira asks. "Well, you know how the dagger reacts to the Light! His body is changing into Vorgulremik's. It's the only kind that can hold out long enough, at least… until all of the life force is used up."

Arkold shakes his head. "I've had paid to see Vorg explode," he admits in a mock-sigh.

"Less talk, more run!" Alptraum calls to Arkold. And at that point, he just focuses on getting out of there. While watching a dragon explode would be fun … he doesn't want to explode with it!

After squeezing Arkold through the narrow passage Dack's minions hacked through the blocked portion of the hall, it's a clear run through to the Great Hall. Chunks of masonry are already falling now, filling the room with dust, but none strike the fleeing men. Outside the gate, a stripped-down Lucy waits to carry Arkold the rest of the way to the old watchtower where the others have assembled.

From the top of the walls of the ruined upper floor of the tower, everyone who can manage it has found a perch to watch the Twisted Keep begin to fall in on itself. Once the roof collapses, the thundering bellow of the doomed Dack-dragon can be heard.

Alptraum watches the ruined keep collapse with a mix of relief and horror. "How will I get to the Shadow now?" he thinks, "And the necklace I promised to return? All this way only to fail in what started my journey?" Still, he tries to shake his head and force such thoughts from his mind. The world is safe for now; that is what ultimately matters.

Arkold, who has since removed his helmet, stands with his arm around Ravenia's shoulder as he watches the castle crumble. "And here I was thinkin' of making that 'Castle Arkold' once all the mad dragons, sorcerers, cultists, ghosts, and so on were gone," he murmurs.

Tulani just sits quietly with her chin in her hand as she watches the castle fall, "At least Dack is gone now."

"That would have been fitting. With the way it twisted and rolled … why it would look positively normal after a night of drinking, Alptraum manages to tell Arkold. "You know, I can't believe it's over."

As the remaining tower of the castle topples, something else begins to rise above the debris. A horrible, spiked and frilled head lifts up atop a neck that's as thick around as the tower that just fell. Every scale stands out, limned in fiercely bright light that shines through the cloud of dust left from the castle's collapse.

"Don't tell me he's not going to explode," Alptraum says, his relief shifting more and more to horror as the monstrosity rises.

"He looks even worse than the original," Ravenia says, holding onto Arkold's arm tightly. Phlagaea also digs her claws into Alptraum's arm. Mave… just watches and smokes her pipe.

"Oh Dagh… " Tulani actually curses and immediately stands, ears flattening back along the sides of her head as she watches with the others.

"Vorg always was a bit of a fat-head, he'll stretch a bit," Arkold assures the others. Just in case, be pulls Ravenia closer.

The dragon is nearly halfway free of the rubble now, and it's wings spread to cast a shadow as deep as night. It arches its neck back, and screams at the heavens, loosing a column of light and flame that blasts up through the overcast and causes the clouds to actually roll back and reveal the sky – a rare sight in Sylvania (although not as rare as miles-high columns of screaming souls).

Alptraum's hand comes up to rest on the backs of Phlagaea's gripping claws. It hurts … but Alptraum doesn't try to stop her, even if she does draw blood. "A river to the heavens. A chance for those trapped in darkness for so long to finally be free," he murmurs to the others as he watches in abject awe.

"And my parents said I'd never amount to anything," Arkold adds, gesturing at the column of souls and the parting sky.

"It's the Procession," Grey comments. "The Procession of Souls, just… on end."

"Amazing… " is all Tulani can manage to faintly mumble as she watches, almost falling back on her rear end in shock.

Individual scales begin to lift free and burn now, joining the column. The effect begins to accelerate, and more and more of the dragon begins to disintegrate and get pulled upwards. Bits of stone and mortar get hauled into the updraft as well, and those on the ruined tower can feel a wind building up and flowing towards the dragon. The tops of the trees shake from it.

"Was that everyone, Kaira? Have they all now been freed?" Alptraum thinks as he watches the creature disintegrate. His long white hair whip in the wind, curling and framing his face. "Is this goodbye?"

"It's a good chunk of them," the dragon says in Alptraum's head. "Nearly half! More than I ever expected!"

"I hope no one's down there when those chunks of masonry land," Arkold remarks, rubbing his chin with his free hand.

Finally, the dragon explodes! The shrieking winds contain the fireball and draw it upwards, along with the remains of the castle. It seems to be over in a blink, with only a few chunks of stone left spinning in the air until they fall back into the empty pit that remains.

"They must have seen that as far as Gallis," Grey comments.

"Well … good. I, well. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to you yet, Kaira," Alptraum admits in thought to the dragon. "I know it's stupid, but I care about you. I … " But he's cut short with the dragon finally explodes! This time Alptraum actually ducks down, his wings snapping wide, then wrapping over himself and Phlagaea in an attempt to protect them both.

Arkold breathes a sigh of relief when the dragon finally goes. "And thus ends Dagh – again, I'm sure." He unwraps his hand from Ravenia, and says, "We're not quite done yet. We'd best check the ruins for the Shadow, and begin to deal with that."

The wind finally dies down, and then rolls back with a shockwave. It isn't strong enough at this distance to knock anyone over, however. Once the pressure normalizes, Roogi thrusts a fist into the air and shouts, "Haha! Do it AGAIN!"

Tulani quickly kneels down, wincing at the explosion and covering her face before turning to stare open mouthed at Roogi… thinking that is one crazy Eeee…

Alptraum can't help but start laughing in spite of himself. "You are too much, Roogi. I'm sorry, but we're out of evil necromancers to explode for now," he says as his wings slide back.

As if to signal that the show is well and truly over with, the curtain of clouds rolls back into the gap left by the column of light. It takes more than an explosion of souls to affect Sylvania's weather for more than a few minutes.

"I'll find more then!" Roogi declares, putting her fist up against her heart.

Arkold glances up, and shakes his head. "And it's STILL cloudy! Ha," he laughs. Shaking his head as he walks, he heads down to return to the ruins.

"Another night," Alptraum tells the Yodhblakat. He then reaches over and thumps her shoulder lightly. "You did amazing. A true and bold warrior. I'll count that as reason to allow you to retain ownership … for now." He grins, winks, and snaps his wings to return to the air and fly to the ruins.

It takes a bit of effort for Arkold to clamber over the ruins, whereas Alptraum and Tulani can just fly over them, but eventually they manage to gather together at the center of the blast. The crater is huge, but the walls are still a bit steep due to the sheer depth. At least a hundred feet below ground level, nothing is left in the crater except for smoldering dirt – except for the center. There, a stone dais remains, and the stone sarcophagus sets atop it. Something glitters in the center of the stone coffin's stone cap.

Alptraum glides his way down into the remains of the pit slowly. When he reaches the dais his wings fold in and he steps cautiously up to the sarcophagus to see what rests upon it.

Curiosity overwhelming, Tulani cautiously approaches the coffin just after Alptraum to take a look at the source of the peculiar shine.

Arkold makes his way down, mumbling something about expecting the crater to become a lake. He arrives last, walking up to the coffin and scratching his head.

It's leather cord burned away, all that remains of the dream amulet is the teardrop of molten-looking Sifran crystal, glowing like a rainbow under glass.

Alptraum carefully reaches out and picks up the crystal. He looks at it in the palm of his hand, then says, "It all began because of this; at least for me. Before this crystal I was just another gypsy, sneaking my way through life without much of a care. Then Dack came and stole this from the Duchess Eve. I swore then to their sheriff that I would retrieve it. That began my journey. This one crystal being stolen took me home to Babel. It introduced me to the family I had, the friends I would earn. It's funny how your entire life can change just because of one small object." His fingers then curl around it.

"A tale for the ages," Arkold agrees. He walks up to the coffin and nudges it with his foot, frowning. "So what do we do with this?"

Tulani places a hand on Alptraum's shoulder giving it a small squeeze before standing off to the side looking a little uncomfortable, "What was it you wanted to try to do with the Shadow Alptraum?" she asks quietly.

"Well. I think I have to open it and … stick my hand in along with the dagger. Kaira said we should be able to contain the shadow in the knife," Alptraum answers, looking a bit worried at having to do that. "Of course, opening this thing is not easy. I remember it being rather heavy."

Arkold pushes back the sleeves of his coat and nods. "Sounds like a job for a real man," he declares. Stepping up, he puts his hands on the coffin lid and grins at Alptraum. "Whenever you're ready."

"Yeah, but where are we going to find a real man out here?" Alptraum counters in jest; though probably at some level to make himself feel better. "So, Kaira. Is there anything special I should know… ?" he thinks. To the others, she says, "I would only ask if anything really bad happens. Well, be ready to deal with me."

Tulani rolls her eyes at Arkold, "Well, since you're the big strong man I'll just stand over here, if you need a hand, let me know." Then, looking more serious she nods to Alptraum, "No less, you are a good friend."

"Don't open it all the way, just enough to reach in," Kaira advises in the Eeee's head. "Don't leave it room to escape."

"Just slide it enough so I can put my hand in," Alptraum tells Arkold and draws out the dagger. His fingers play nervously on its hilt and he draws a breath. "Whenever you are ready."

"Here goes – if I slip and drop it on your fingers it's due to a lack of real manliness or somethin'," Arkold replies. He hunkers down, then heaves and begins to push the coffin open!

Alptraum readies himself as best he can; prepared to shove his hand, dagger and all, into the opening when it presents itself. "Here goes, Alptraum. Time to catch a dragon," he thinks.

Tulani makes sure the Light of Nala is tightly set in its scabbard and settles in to watch and stand ready.

The stone slab grinds as it slowly shifts. Once a corner becomes clear, a sense of chilling morbidity can be felt. When the opening is wide enough for Alptraum's hand, a second aura manifests: the more familiar, oppressive weight of a draconic aura, coming from the knife. The two auras brush against one another and slither around, trying to find openings to squeeze through. It's enough to give someone a headache, along with the urge to write depressing poetry.

"This is the most depressing lifting job I've ever done," Arkold says, after a second. "How are you holding up? I can close it if you need me to. An' if you become possessed, I'm goin' to have to punch you."

Alptraum tries to force back all the feelings that suddenly hit him. His hand visibly shakes as he holds the dagger, muscles straining to engage and push his arm into the coffin. He audibly growls, large ears flicking back, and his arm pushes forward, towards the opening. "Come on, you. I'm trying to free you. Sort of. It's better than being in this coffin for eternity, he thinks. To Arkold he manages out, "Trying. And don't be such a baby. Look at me, I'm semi-possessed; it's not too bad."

"Be strong Alptraum, you can deal with this." Tulani comments as she watches him with a neutral look.

"Are you sayin' I should give being possessed a shot? Maybe I'll stick my hand in, eh," Arkold offers, brows waggling.

Once the dagger is pushed past the Shadow's resistance, Alptraum feels ill. It feels like reaching in to the Sea of Souls, with it multitude of grabbing hands… only this time he is the one doing the grabbing. The Shadow struggles, but ultimately it comes down to a matter of will. The Shadow is a broken thing, and the Dagger holds the hunger of Vorgulremik. It isn't going quickly, but the Shadow is losing and being devoured.

"Nnngh," grunts Alptraum and he actually looks as if he's wilting a bit when the sickness hits him. He braces his free hand onto the sarcophagus to steady himself as much as he can manage and focuses on drawing the shadow in. As it enters, he tries to see if he can 'feel' anything about it; such as if it has any will of its own left, or personality. "I feel like I want to vomit," he mutters.

At that comment, Arkold takes a half step away. "Need any help there, can I do anything? Punch the shadow? Punch you?" He grins, if nervously.

Every attempt to probe the Shadow is met by more waves of nausea and feelings of rot. The dagger itself feels like it is squirming in Alptraum's hand. And then the dueling auras are gone and the dagger is still and inert once more.

"Yeah, if there's any help we can give, let us know." Tulani adds to the Eeee as she stands nervously off to the side.

Alptraum heaves and drops down to his knees. His head rolls forward and lays atop the lid of the sarcophagus. Every few seconds his body convulses with another dry heave. Weakly his arm slips from the opening, then flops down limply to his side, the dagger barely held in it. "It is done," he rasps, looking very much as if he wants to turn bright green right now.

"Then, let's go." Arkold kneels down, then scoops Alptraum up – being sure to angle the bat's head away from himself. "So, this thing's empty then?" He adds, pausing to peer inside the coffin.

"Don't know," Alptraum answers as he feebly puts the dagger away. "Gods, Kaira, that thing is horrible," he can't help but think, "So twisted." He rolls his head a bit trying to get a look now. "Should we open it the rest of the way and see?"

The clouds let loose a cannonade of thunder, voicing their anger at being so rudely treated earlier. A few fat drops of rain darken the top of the sarcophagus, followed by a wriggling, silvery fish that hits Arkold on the nose and plump frog that lands next to Alptraum. The frog looks up at Tulani, and puckers up at her as if waiting for a kiss. The inside of the coffin is bare stone now, with a thin layer of sparkling dust.

Tulani rubs Alptraum's back in a soothing manner and gives him a pat on the shoulder before catching a fish in her hand and quips, "Dinner."

Alptraum looks even more ill now. "Don't talk about eating, please. I might throw up a lung," he whimpers.

"I think the sky's mad," Arkold says, looking up as another fish bounces off his nose. Shaking his head, he peeks in to the coffin and leans down to run his finger through the dust. "It's some kind of dust," he points out.

The Sphynx gives the Eeee another gentle pat, "Sorry Alptraum, Well, let's get going before Arkold gets a concussion from a falling halibut."

"Agreed. Let'sget out of here," Alptraum says, trying to stand on his own. "I can't believe I'm considering bonding with that … thing. What does it look like in there, Kaira" he thinks to himself. "I think I can manage a flight out of the pit. Maybe," he tells the others.

"I'm way too old for this," Arkold admits. He turns around, and begins carrying Alptraum on out. "We'll gather the others and return to the village – then we can get some much needed rest."

A little tinny voice in Alptraum's mind says, "We're sorry, Kaira is unavailable right now. If you wish to leave a message, please do so at the sound of the beep." This is, predictably, followed by a 'beep' sound.

Tulani looks Alptraum up and down before saying dubiously, "Are you sure your ok to fly out of here? wouldn't want you dropping out of the sky… "

Alptraum frowns. That isn't good. He tries to push it out of his mind, though and answers Tulani, "I'll just walk for a bit, I think. You're probably right about me dropping." He also tries to not think about Kaira's little 'message' by wrapping his arms around the neck of Arkold as he helps him walk. "My big manly hero," he says in a higher, rather feminine, voice … then gives him a huge kiss on the cheek. Hey, if you're already feeling sick … why not?

"That was a … girl shadow, wasn't it," Arkold remarks, rubbing his chin. He shakes his head grimly, then chuckles and pats Alptraum's shoulder. "Let'sgo. Tulani!" He reaches over and drags the woman under his other arm, so that he's walking with both young people under his arm. "There we go. Help an' old man go home."

"I think it'll be good if we all walk together for a while… " Tulani says quietly with a small smile, giving Arkold a pat on the shoulder as she's dragged over. Even though the sorcerer was dealt with, and the shadow was contained for the moment, there was a nagging desire to stick together, like it all might be suddenly snatched away. Pushing the thought away the Sphynx settles into step with Arkold.

"Truth be told, no idea what gender," Alptraum remarks as his legs start to carry more and more of his own weight. "Let'sget out of here. It's been a long journey on a tiring road. Funny thing about roads; when you reach the end of one another always begins. There's probably something poetic in there somewhere … eh. Right now I just want to curl up with someone and sleep. We can face the new roads tomorrow."