Set in

Ego infiltrates a fortress, firing at bots and investigating a central pillar with energy deep inside (5-10ft), finding no access points. A bot pursues her. Dorinda snipes and destroys a bot. Ego gets hit by bot energy but resists, transferring it to the floor. Izar spots more bots emerging from eastern pods, which fire but miss him completely. Dorinda ascends the spiral staircase (30ft), discovering a different angular pillar on the second floor - an inverted star shape with green pulsating energy goo and connecting cables. She fires stun pistols at the structure; the cables light up with no other effect. Meanwhile, Hrotholf confronts his brother Slenn about the squishy floor trap. Two Vardum knights (the same ones who abducted Bruno) appear behind Slenn, warning him this is "unwise." Izar reminds Ego about their Phoenix dust and urges her to reach the second floor. He uses chill touch to immobilize a bot, then flies up to a ledge 15ft high, noting all bot entry/exit points and that no bots remain in the building. Hiari torches a damaged inactive bot with fire breath. Hrotholf refuses Slenn's plea to join him, declaring he'll be king like his father. Hrotholf plunges his soul spear into the pool he's sinking into, but loses it completely. Slenn tearfully says "so be it" as the knights attack. Blue light erupts from both Hrotholf and Izar's chests, pulling them under like a wave. Hrotholf, Izar, Ego, and Dorinda awaken in a plain within the maze or ash pit.