Richard picked up the flaming Torch of Transparency and held it in front of him.
"I can see it," he whispered. "I can see everything."
The creature lay before him, barely breathing. Its belly was half-open, but Richard couldn't tell which parts had been clawed apart by an unknown swarm, and which had been torn open by the creature itself. Quick, but deep cuts littered the remaining flesh, but it was clear that most of the creature's lifeblood had leaked away long before.
Richard looked on guiltily - he couldn't suppress a faint sense of pity for this beast which for so long had had so much control over him. He felt a sense of anti-climax - a romantic desire that such a mighty being should meet its demise in some proud battle, rather than like this. Rather than in dark obscurity.
With slow, steady breaths, he put out the flame, and headed back towards the surface. Somewhere, there was still daylight.
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