"You've fallen into my trap, I'm afraid."

A huge globe of fire formed above his head. It would be dangerous, but he would rather risk a cave-in than a monster unslayed.

What could be down there? No ship had ever flown so low and returned. Those that attempted were taken by the Pull and lost forever.

"Bryce! Look out!!" Too late. The creature's rusty spear tore right through his stomach before he could even turn his head.

"Yes, please," I replied, "it would be wonderful if you could undo the spell."

Arg! That blasted alarm! It's time to get up already? Ugh.

I called them "jackals" because, frankly, that's what they looked like. They had thin heads with sharp muzzles and pointed ears.