Spetyco chases Aphtarin down a narrow spiral slope in the darkness. He knows this is not the way out of the Death Realm, so Aphtarin must have something else in mind for him. Though he is wary he continues the chase. He refuses to let Aphtarin get away. He notices some symbols carved into the wall of the cavern as he continues his chase. "I've seen these before," he thinks to himself. "I have a good idea where we are headed."
The chase seems to last for hours, or was it days, or did they just get here. It was difficult to measure time in this place.
Then the path stops. Aphtarin is no where to be seen, and directly in front of Spetyco is the prison. This is the place Spetyco first met Aphtarin all those years ago. This was where Aphtarin had been imprisoned by Talad himself, only to have Spetyco come by and let him out. He feels the pangs of guilt deep in his gut.
"You were so naive!" Spetyco turns quickly to find Aphtarin staring back at him. "You never even questioned why I was in there. Somehow you wandered down here, I told you I knew the way back to Yliakum and so you released me. You never even asked!" Aphtarin laughs wildly. "For centuries I was trapped in that cage. Many came by, but no one would come near because they new I was caged for a reason, even if they did not know why. But you didn't even question me." The guilt overcomes Spetyco so fiercly he grows weak and almost collapses. "Now we are here again, and this time it is you who will be caged!" Aphtarin grabs Spetyco and starts to push him into the cage. Spetyco is so overcome with grief and guilt he doesn't resist. "I deserve this fate," he whispers to himself.
At that moment Xlaal appears out of the shadows. In an instant before either Spetyco or Aphtarin have realized what has happened Spetyco finds himself lying on the cavern floor while Aphtarin is trapped in his cage once again.
"No! You fools! I will get you for this!" He struggles with the bars, but to no avail.
Spetyco looks up at Xlaal. "Xlaal, is that you? How did you get here?" Spetyco is still struck with guilt though he is much relieved to see the vile Aphtarin back in his prison.
"I died, of course." Xlaal replies.
"Me too," returns Spetyco, his spirits lifting lightly.
There was a sound like thunder, and an other-worldly voice calls out, "Spetyco! It is finished! Now I will return you and Xlaal to the rest of your friends!" The voice booms in the cavern, though there is no body to go with it. A portal opens before them.
"What was that," asks Xlaal.
"That was Talad," Spetyco replies with tears of joy. "He gave me the task of stopping Aphtarin after I was the one to set him free. Now that task is finished!" A shadow lifts from Spetyco. "Now I am free! Come, my friend, let's return."
They walk through the portal and find themselves in the middle of the campsite. There is destruction all around them, ulber flesh surrounding the campsite which is riddled with smoking craters. Zorbels is tending to Zhai, and everyone has a smile on there face.
"Hey guys," Spetyco says with a smile. "Looks like I missed all the fun!" He walks over to shake Farren's hand, but trips and they both end up falling to the ground.
The whole campsite bursts into laughter.
