Set in

**Battle Aftermath:** Dorinda sniper-shoots Darnit, who collapses but survives. Hrothulf regains clarity (eyes no longer purple) and wonders what happened. Ego casts shatter, destroying three skeletons. Hrothulf performs CPR on Darnit while confused about the situation. **Gliton's Test:** Izar questions Gliton, who reveals this is a loyalty test. Izar heals Darnit, Hrothulf, and himself for 20 hp each using the bracelet shell. Darnit awakens, realizes Dorinda shot him, then vanishes in blue light. **Cage Reunion:** The cage descends. Ego fails to reach healing flames and is helped up by Hildegar (Hrothulf's sister). Brecca explains they were all cast here by Slenn after refusing his makeshift thrones. Each sibling shares their perspective: - Brecca: First test subject, believes Vardum knights poisoned Slenn - Hildegar: Angry, seeks retribution against Slenn - Hrothgar: Thinks Slenn is controlled by another power - Wiglaf: Sad about their father's improper burial (body burned into Slenn's crown) They theorize defeating Slenn requires wresting power from the Vardum knights. All pledge loyalty to Hrothulf with military salutes and forearm handshakes (lava flows merge). **Blue Tethers & Introductions:** Ibi notices blue tethers. Ego explains they're from Thiton (god of water/life). Ego appears in Slaad form with a pulsing green forehead gem, unable to shapeshift. **Gliton's Challenge:** Gliton announces "round two," mocking their obedience to gods and suggesting they learn to say "No." Dorinda defiantly responds "No." **The Wheel:** A giant steel circle (20-foot diameter, ⅛ narwhal thickness) emerges from ashes. It has 13 spokes with platforms bearing polygon symbols (triangle, quadrilateral, etc.). Everyone gains 25 hp from orange light through blue chest tubes. **Escape & Pursuit:** The Salamander guard spots 8-12 purple lights approaching from the southwest (200-300 ft away). They stand the cold wrought iron wheel upright and roll it east, but the purple lights gain ground—revealed as large ember cats (actually displacer beasts). **Weapons Distribution:** - Wiglaf: plasma rifle - Ibi: dragon ouroboros armor belt - Guard: curved blade from Dorinda - Hildegar: gold sword - Chi'ssek (Salamander guard): light crossbow and force blade Izar advises targeting the eyes. Hrothulf wonders why the Vardum knight warned against sending them here, recalling that Vardum knights infiltrated and corrupted elemental temples. The wheel rolls faster than physics should allow as displacer beasts close in.