![[Redbrand Hideout.jpg]] $\hspace{1cm}$ The narrow tunnel was filled with the wet _slurp_ of the cube dragging itself forward. It shimmered like green glass, filling the corridor from wall to wall — a rolling wave of translucent death. [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s eyes darted across the walls, calculating. “[[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]], can you create a distraction? We need to hit it from a distance!” [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]’s fingers sparked with light. “I’ve got just the thing.” He drew a symbol in the air and hurled a bolt of crackling flame. “_Firebolt!_” The spell struck dead-centre, sending ripples of heat through the gelatinous mass. It hissed and bubbled — but kept advancing. [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] puffed out his chest. “Foolish mortals! Your magic cannot stop _Lord [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]], Vampire of the Night!_” He struck a pose as the cube inched closer, ignoring the way it filled half the corridor. “Focus, [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]!” [[Ellette|Ellette]] snapped. “We’re fighting, not hosting a masquerade!” [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]] gestured silently for them to fall back, taking up position between the others and the oncoming horror. His expression was calm — but his stance ready. Inside the cube, something moved. “Help me, Master [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]!” came Tim’s muffled voice, distorted by the ooze. “I can’t—!” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] froze. His vampire grin faltered. “You’re just… a mere minion…” He hesitated, watching as Tim’s silhouette thrashed inside the translucent prison. [[Ellette|Ellette]]’s tone softened — only slightly. “[[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]. Get it together. Don’t you _dare_ let him die.” The cube surged forward, slamming into [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]]’s shield. The Goliath rolled aside, barely escaping as acid hissed across the stone where he’d stood. He pointed toward the wall, gesturing for an escape route — or a distraction. “I’ll weaken it further,” [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] shouted. He conjured another _Firebolt_, sending it streaking down the corridor. The cube convulsed as the flames spread through its surface — yet it still refused to die. “Good try,” [[Ellette|Ellette]] said through clenched teeth. “But we need something stronger.” She turned to [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]. “Bite it again!” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] blinked. “What?” “Just _do something!_” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] nodded solemnly, his eyes glinting. “I will not let you consume my thrall!” He lunged, baring his teeth and sinking them into the cube’s sizzling surface. Steam hissed where his fangs met slime, his blood magic flaring crimson through the transparent mass. The cube quivered violently, glowing with a nauseating blend of acid green and [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]’s infernal red. [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]] raised his mace, nodding his encouragement. “I have an idea!” [[Ellette|Ellette]] shouted, pulling a small glass vial from her pack. “On my mark… now!” She hurled it. The vial shattered on impact, spreading a wave of burning flame across the cube’s body. The creature screamed — or something close to it — as fire consumed its form. “Don’t get too close!” [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] called, his hands rising again as he channelled more energy into the inferno. The fire blazed brighter, melting through the ooze’s quivering body. Inside, Tim reached toward [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]], his voice breaking. “Milord! Save me!” “Hold on, Tim!” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] cried, plunging both arms into the burning sludge. His skin blistered, but he didn’t stop. [[Ellette|Ellette]] and [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] unleashed one final barrage of magic, the flames roaring down the tunnel. With a guttural, bubbling roar, the gelatinous cube imploded — collapsing into a puddle of steaming goo that spread across the stone floor. ![[Chp13.1.jpg]] For a moment, the only sound was ragged breathing. Then [[Ellette|Ellette]] stepped forward, brushing acid droplets from her sleeve. “Tim! Get out of there!” A hand shot up from the sludge, followed by a very slimy, very shaken Tim. He gasped for air, his clothes half-dissolved. “Milord,” he wheezed, “you saved me!” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]], covered head to toe in slime and burn marks, raised his arms dramatically. “Yes! I am _Lord [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]_, conqueror of gelatinous foes!” [[Ellette|Ellette]] rolled her eyes. “Let’s hope your next challenge is a little less… squishy.” [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] dusted himself off. “Next time, we find a fountain that doesn’t make you think you’re a vampire.” [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]] simply gave a thumbs-up, surveying the room for further traps. As the group collected themselves, the remains of the cube sizzled into stillness. [[Ellette|Ellette]] stepped forward, eyes fixed on the door at the end of the corridor. “Let’s keep moving,” she said. [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] stood proudly, Tim’s half-melted torso now draped over his back like an awkward backpack. “Fear not,” [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] declared, “for I, _Lord [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]],_ carry my loyal minion into battle!” Tim’s head peeked over his shoulder, a mixture of pride and deep existential regret. “I may be slightly less mobile, but I still serve, milord!” [[Rock, the Silent Fighter|Rock]] rubbed his temples and silently gestured for everyone to proceed. The heavy wooden door creaked open, echoing down the stone hallway ahead. [[Ellette|Ellette]] took a steadying breath and stepped forward. “Let’s see what else this place is hiding. Stay alert.” Behind her, [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] struck a heroic pose, the faint squelch of Tim’s slime trailing behind him as the party pressed deeper into the Redbrand hideout. [[Chapter 14. Nothic left to lose]]