Meanwhile, all the time that they had been so intent on getting the stone out of the throat, Bodkin had been perching high on the ridge in the cavern walls, watching the Nuckalavee.

And what Bodkin had seen made his heart beat ever so quick.

Slowly,

Slowly,

Ever so slowly,

As Crusher and Wish and Xar and the sprites and Caliburn were all concentrating on getting the stone out of the Nuckalavee’s throat… the Nuckalavee was very gently lowering his top jaw.

Slowly,

Slowly,

Ever so slowly,

The Nuckalavee was shutting his mouth.