Shabakan lunged at Kael. The accursed serpent was fast — faster than any mortal creature. Its fangs aimed for the knight's heart. But Kael dodged.

— I NEED A VESSEL! ONE OF YOU SHALL BECOME MY HOST!

The warriors scattered. They all knew the truth — Shabakan could not be killed. Only imprisoned. Only transferred.

— Someone must accept, Silas cried. Someone must become the new vessel!

— No! cried Rastacan, struggling to his feet. No one should suffer as I have suffered…

He staggered toward the serpent.

— Shabakan… come back… I will take you back…

— YOU RETURN TO ME? YOU ACCEPT ME WILLINGLY?

Rastacan nodded, tears running down his face.

— Yes. But this time, I will not fight. This time, I accept you completely. And together, we shall return to that prison. Forever.

— No! Kael cried, rushing toward them.

Too late. Shabakan entered Rastacan. The prince screamed in pain as the scales grew back across his body. But this time, Rastacan was not fighting. He was accepting. And in that acceptance, he found a form of control.

He turned to the warriors, his face half human, half serpent.

— Seal me. Use the sword. Close the door. And never open it again.

— Rastacan… Kael whispered.

The prince smiled sadly.

— Tell my father… that I loved him. Tell him I found peace. Even if that peace is a prison.

The magic chains closed. Kael was the last to leave, his eyes filled with tears.

— You could have been a great king, he whispered.

— Perhaps in another life.

The warriors passed through the door. Elyndra shattered her runes into white light. Grundar struck the door with the sword of Nerecleiss. It closed with a terrible rumble. The fourteen seals reformed. Rastacan was imprisoned. Forever.