The Black Citadel

After the smoke clears you find that Zirder has transformed into a Serpenantus (a giant black serpent). You prepare to cast another spell but the momentary lapse has given all the time that the serpent needs. The serpenantus starts slithering towards you and makes a deadly lunge. You sidestep the serpent and strike out with your staff, connecting with the serpent's soft underbelly. The serpent has only become more agitated and it quickly makes another lightning fast lunge. The serpent's sharp fangs bite down into your waist and you drop your staff and scream out in agony. As you fall down, the serpent lets go of you for a short instant, only to sink its fangs down onto your head.