The Duke's Retreat

Inside the crater left by the ancient explosion, which wiped Ascalhorn from the face of the Earth, the Black Duke directed his mount.

Being incapable of strong emotion, Ancalagon was the only creature the Duke truly cared about. Having nurtured it from shellbreak, and later on completely mastering the White Dragon by turning it into a Vampire as well.

Now it was finally on the scent. Months before the Duke has sent his Cardinal Red into the keep to free his former Planar Allies.

Of course, he had to be here in person. It seemed his orders never carried over the way he intended.

And then he was surprised.
Not flat-footed or overwhelmed; Ancalagon sniffed them out a mile away.
But truly surprised at the headlong assault from these humanoids he didn't even recognize.

Apparantly they formed an adventuring band and had prepared to meet him here.
Their attack was swift and precise.

And so he fled.
Honor is for the dead..

In the mountain he ordered Red to release all contained energy, as he went to the sealed chambers.


Minutes later the sides of the hollowed mountain rumbled.