“This day, you reach the end of a story,” she continues, “and the last of its paths.”

“Aye, they’ll float,” nods Steady Beard.

“Time flows quickly in contemplation of the Great One’s splendor.”

“Shouldn’t you be a bit more chipper, having won and all?” prods Steady Beard.

The creature drags the struggling men deeper beneath the waves, finally tossing them aside in disgust.

“Great idea!” cuts in Steady Beard. “How about a demonstration?”

Following the glow of moonlight, the men step out eagerly into the night.

Collapsing, the maelstrom tosses the men in their barrels toward the surface.

With a rumble, the island sinks slowly into the sea, carrying all hands with it.

Heedless of the warning, the burly seals spread out as they swim, until the spell around them weakens and they become human once more.

The jaws snap shut over the shattered tree, launching the men out into the deepening darkness.

Finding the dark water empty, the men quickly regret their course of action.

The absurdity of underwater speech only adds to the wonder apparent on his face.