While the flames rose behind them, Morpho moved ahead alone, slipping across the river and into the cave beyond. Inside, the passage appeared abandoned—no guards, no torchlight, no signs of recent life. Yet something felt wrong. The stone bore marks of recent disturbance, and deeper within, Morpho heard it: muffled screaming, cut short, followed by the unmistakable sound of something heavy being dragged across the rock. Whatever once occupied the cave was gone… but it clearly had not left peacefully.

With most of the party intent on securing the cave, Al, Raja, and Morpho attempted to get the attention of Royce, Blindrooster, and Klondike across the river. It took more than one attempt—and more than a little shouting—but eventually the message carried.

The party reunited at the cave mouth and discussed their plan: enter, inspect, secure.

Raja cast Light upon Al, turning him into a walking beacon against the gloom.

Klondike, too large in his winter wolf form to comfortably navigate the tight cave, was instructed to remain outside. The wolf complied without protest.

The party entered the cave.

The side chamber reeked before it was seen. Bedding lay piled and stained, never washed. Bottles rolled among garbage. Waste fouled the corners. It was a place of occupation, not habitation.

They searched it thoroughly. There was nothing of value—only filth and the lingering sense of rough men living roughly.

They moved on.

The larger chamber felt wrong.

An empty bottle lay near the water’s edge. Drag marks scarred the stone, leading straight into the lake—as though something bipedal had been hauled into its depths.

The water was still.

Too still.

Some descended toward it—and found not cold water, but stone steps beneath an illusion. The surface shimmered and gave way to stairs that led downward into darkness.

The party followed.

The passage turned. Then turned again. Then curved once more.

And when they emerged… they stood at the entrance of the cave where they had first entered.

The realization settled slowly.

They were trapped.

The lake chamber held two stone pillars rising from its center. Rough. Solid. Unremarkable.

Until Royce touched one.

The party tested the cave’s boundaries and found the outer entrance no longer sealed. Whatever held them had lifted.

For now.

They chose to rest.

Half the party traveled south to retrieve their camp and animals, bringing them to the ruined bandit grounds. The others cleared space and prepared for a defensible sleep.

Their portable yurt was erected and heated. Horses were secured. The ashes of the bandit camp still smoldered nearby.

Then came a short, bitter exchange.

Klondike asked if his debt had been paid. If his service was complete.

Al answered simply: yes.

There were no speeches. No ceremony. The winter wolf turned and left without looking back.

The party did not stop him.

As preparations finished, Raja sent Morpho ahead into the depths. The eidolon moved tirelessly, bound to Raja’s mind across the plane, traveling eight—perhaps ten—miles into the endless cylinder without rest.

The horses were released. Provisions secured.

The party stepped once more into the cave.