### 318

Oren Vanalund is the fifteenth baron of Ruanon, a noble warrior of royal lineage, and fifth in succession to the throne of Sommerlund. This once proud and chivalrous warlord now lies upon the cold stone floor of the chamber, red-eyed and whimpering like a frightened dog. ‘He has lost everything,’ says D’Val quietly. ‘Barraka has destroyed his castle, his land, his town, and his family. His sons are dead, and his only daughter has been taken captive by Barraka himself. I fear the ordeal has turned his mind.’

The pathetic man raises his tear-stained face, and with feeble voice mutters a curious rhyme, over and over again.

> When a fair royal maid on the altar dies,
> The dead of Maakengorge shall rise.

If you possess a Scroll, turn to 279.

If you do not possess a Scroll, turn to 57.