[[Qwimby|Qwimby]] and [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] entered the expansive dining hall cautiously, their eyes scanning quickly for threats and opportunities alike. Dominating the room was the immense dragon skull, resting imposingly above the mantle, its empty eyes seeming to watch their every move. "There it is," [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] whispered sharply, nudging [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] with his elbow. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] studied the skull critically, murmuring softly, "It's far too large to carry as it is. Perhaps I can use a shrinking spell. Stand guard." [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] began chanting, his hands weaving intricate patterns as magical energy flickered around his fingers. The dragon skull started to shimmer, its enormous form gradually beginning to diminish. A chilling, mocking laugh echoed sharply through the hall, abruptly breaking [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]'s concentration. [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] spun around, revolver instantly drawn, eyes narrowed with icy fury. "How quaint," purred Ludmilla, stepping elegantly from the shadows, crimson eyes glistening wickedly. "Such determination for creatures who've lost everything already. Poor Pirate—such a tragic end. And you, wizard, How utterly pathetic." [[Qwimby|Qwimby]]'s hands trembled in rage, teeth grinding as his composure fractured. "You'll regret saying that, witch!" With a primal roar, he lunged forward, firing his revolver rapidly, blades flashing fiercely as he attacked. Ludmilla danced away, gracefully evading the bullets, laughter ringing cruelly through the hall. "You'll have to do better than that, little rogue!" She lunged forward in retaliation, claws slashing brutally, teeth snapping viciously. She landed fierce blows, each strike leaving deep, bloody wounds. [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]], desperation rising, cast his spells recklessly, bolts of fire and lightning crackling through the air, illuminating the hall in chaotic bursts of violent light. "Enough of this! Burn, vampire!" A wild arc of flame caught a massive tapestry, quickly spreading fire to the wooden furniture and beams. Smoke rapidly filled the hall, turning their battleground into a fiery inferno. Ludmilla hissed angrily, momentarily distracted by the growing flames. Seizing the opportunity, [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] launched himself at her again, his attacks swift and relentless. "For Pirate! For everything you've taken from us!" His determination proved overwhelming, and with a precise strike, [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] drove his blade deeply into Ludmilla’s chest. She let out a final, piercing shriek, her form trembling as she fell to her knees, beginning to crumble into ash. Panting heavily, [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] knelt beside her burning remains, pulling from his belt the small sword he had gifted Pirate. His hand shook slightly as he drove the blade deep into Ludmilla's crumbling body, voice thick with emotion. "A message for your master," [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] snarled fiercely, eyes blazing defiantly. Sweating and coughing from the thickening smoke, [[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]] urgently secured the now-reduced dragon skull into the spare Bag of Holding. The castle shuddered around them, echoing with distant screams. "We need to move!" [[Qwimby|Qwimby]] shouted urgently, turning toward the escalating commotion. The hall was now completely ablaze, flames roaring around them, consuming everything in sight. Without hesitation, they sprinted toward the chaos, hearts pounding fiercely as they raced deeper into the fiery inferno. [[Chapter 88. Heart of the Tower]]