The twelve witches each stood beneath a hazel tree and began to chant an ancient song. Suddenly, seven stone pillars silently emerged from the grassland in the forest. From the soil in the middle of the stone pillars rose a giant sacred white rock, upon which there was a crack, dark and gaping like an entrance to Hell.
It was easy to see that the stone gate and pillars were carved from natural rock, with some twisted and corroded writing that Brand could barely make out as an ancient dwarf language.
"Lord, this gate will only remain open for half a quarter of an hour; please quickly decide whom you wish to bring," said Barbara in a hoarse voice as the white rock appeared.
Brand had already decided on his choices. "Barbara, select five trustworthy subordinates to go with me first. Count Oting, you lead the knights in afterward. The rest of you, protect Her Highness, the Princess. I want you to swear to the Goddess of the Pillar of Purgatory."
