With a piercing screech, the creature disappears back into the depths.

The orbs lead on, out through the cavern’s deep tunnels and beyond the island.

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

Surfacing, they find themselves men once more, who, for the moment, splash about like happy children under the moonlit sky.

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

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

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

“Give me water, and I’ll teach it to carry me!”

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

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

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

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