Chapter 22: Return to Life

After Niamh called out, the dungeon came alive.

Fergal had stayed with Shandalar at the front of the dungeon, where he took it upon himself to scream and flap at every elf who tried to enter. Aengus had to drag an exhausted Queen back to the daylight as the elves lucky enough to make it past Fergal took care of the King. Niamh was shaking from the cold, damp air and unsavory conditions of the dark dungeon, and the emotion of the moment had taken the last of her strength.

"You can see him again when we get outside," the general promised.

"You must make sure we get the rest of the King's loyal, fighting elves out of there too," Niamh coughed, and then fell to her knees.

Aengus called to Shandalar, "The dungeon is too cold for the Queen, let Fergal fly while you help with the Queen."

At those words, Naimh drifted off into a deep sleep. She felt strong arms loop under hers and lift her up, then she felt herself being carried across uneven ground. The last she heard before the deep slee