### 295

You take your place among the throng who are kneeling before the dais, and watch as the tall, platinum-haired figure begins to speak.

'I, Cadak of Kaag, summon forth from the Vortex of the Planes the Deliverer of Vashna, Mighty Lord of Darkness, Prince of the Legions of the Restless Dead,' he says, his words clear and confident above the howling storm. 'Come to us. Come to us now and fulfil our destiny. We, the worthy, now prove our faith in the undying power of Vashna.'

Upon hearing these words, the acolytes utter a chilling cry of affirmation and rise to their feet. By rank they follow the Elders in single file towards a smaller, shimmering metallic arch which stands to one side of the crystal dais, almost obscured by the glare of the larger one. One by one they file through this archway, under the watchful gaze of Cadak, and then return to their places where they kneel and pray.

As you approach the smaller arch, you sense a curtain of power drawn across it. Anxiously you pray to the Gods Kai and Ishir to protect you as you prepare to pass through this invisible barrier.

If you possess the Sommerswerd, turn to 166.

If you do not possess this Special Item, turn to 204.

Text copyright © 1991 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1991 Brian Williams.