47

You take off toward Ashur to help him fight the huge teal worm. After all, he is the leader of the Shadow Dragons and, if anyone needs to make it out of here alive, it’s probably him.

Slashing at its midsection, you try to distract it while Ashur throws spell after spell at it. He’s trying everything—fireballs, icy blasts, lightning strikes—but the worm is incredibly resilient. In fact, every time you manage to open up a decent gash in its side, the thing heals itself. You wonder if Tarquin’s worm is doing the same, but don’t have time to look.

Finally, the worm you and Ashur are fighting begins to slow, giving in to the onslaught of your blade and Ashur’s magic. As it writhes its last, you can finally spare a glance over to the other side of the chamber… but the news isn’t good.

It seems one sword was not enough to take on a giant, self-healing worm. Tarquin didn’t make it—and now the worm he was fighting is heading straight for you.

• THE END.