The walk deeper into the chambers was silent. Fang took point, his arm outstretched with the massive flaming broadsword leading the way. His steps were heavy and determined.

Corea followed behind, dutifully and silent. It was expected given what she endured. Her willingness to push forward, deeper into the crypt was admirable.

Fang would be sure to find the source of the necromancy and destroy it for her, for good.

The winding catacombs were dark but ahead of the flaming sword, Fang saw another source of light at the end of the tunnel. He stopped and drew his broadsword towards him to place two hands on the hilt. He tightened his grip and turned to Corea.

The young girl nodded and held her flaming dagger up, just as Fang held up his sword. The pair crept closer to the end of the tunnel, seeing the lit chamber ahead.

Fang took a steadying breath and stepped into the chamber. Ahead was a large pile of rocks supporting a massive stone coffin. Standing at the coffin was a pale young man. Behind him were ten ghouls standing silently, inert, their bodies swaying and receptive for some dark command.

The young man, his eyes wild with evil fire, turned his gaze to the wolf and the child. He smiled through yellowed teeth and his cheekbones rose up from his twisted grin.

"What have we here?" he asked.

Corea tapped at the back of Fang's ankle with her toe.

"Fang, that's the Mayor's son."

Fang studied the thin figure. The Mayor's son... Alwynn, Fang remembered. Suddenly a great deal made sense.

"Are you the necromancer?" asked Fang, though he knew the answer.

"I am, Mr. Wolf. What are you doing with the little farm girl?"

Fang stepped forward, pointing his sword towards the necromancer and the group of ghouls.

"She came in search of her brother, whom you killed. I came to stop you from raising the dead."

Alwynn raised long, thin fingers into the air and began to manipulate them in spasmodic gestures. The pale digits were covered in caked-on blood and mud. Behind him, the ghouls stirred. Each rattled and twitched from some dark command.

"You may try, but I am far more powerful than you think."

He snapped his fingers and the ghouls stepped forward in unison, each releasing a hellish moan that filled the ancient chamber.