### 18

The cell door does not open again until the sun has dipped below the peaks of the Dahir mountains. You prepare yourself to meet the Zakhan, to demand your immediate release and safe passage back to Sommerlund, but it is not only the Zakhan who awaits you in the Grand Hall. He has a guest who has travelled many miles for this special meeting. His name is Haakon. He is a Darklord of Helgedad.

Unarmed and helpless, you are forced to kneel before the Darklord. With wicked relish, Haakon squeezes the life from your body with his own hands.

Your life and all hopes for your country end here.

Text copyright © 1985 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1985 Gary Chalk.