“Who’s there?” I called.
The voice that came back to me out of the darkness echoed hollowly.
“I am Isstvan, Skeeve. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“You know who I am?” I asked, surprised.
“I know all about you and your friends. I’ve known all along what you’re trying to do.”
I tried to set wards about me, but I couldn’t find a force line. I tried to run, but I was rooted to the spot.
“See how my powers dwarf yours? And you expected to challenge me.”
I tried to fight back a wave of despair.
“Wait until the others come,” I cried defiantly.
“They already have,” the voice boomed. “Look!”
Two objects came rolling at me out of the darkness. I saw with horror that they were heads! Tanda’s and Quigley’s!
I felt ill, but clung to a shred of hope. There was still no sign of Aahz. If he was still at large, we might….
“Don’t look to your Pervert for help,” the voice answered my thoughts. “I’ve dealt with him too.”
Aahz appeared, sheathed in fire. He staggered and fell, writhing on the ground as the flames consumed his body.
“Now it’s just you and me, Skeeve!” the voice echoed. “You and me.”
“I’ll go!” I shouted desperately. “You’ve won. Just let me go.”
The darkness was moving closer.
“It’s too late. I’m coming for you Skeeve . . . Skeeve….”
“Skeeve!”
Something was shaking my shoulder. I bolted upright, blinking my eyes as the world swam back into focus.
The camp was asleep. Aahz was kneeling beside me, the glow from the campfire’s dying embers revealing the concerned expression on his face.
“Wake up, kid! If you keep thrashing around, you’ll end up in the fire.”