Degrey, in his pride, had tried to seal the breach with his own soul. But doing so trapped him halfway—neither living nor dead, his left hand now the only key that can turn the lock.

The water is rising. The First Rain is smiling. And somewhere in the depths, Aldric Dullkight is laughing.

: Possible themes could include the struggle against adversity (the curse), exploration of character (Degrey and the Dull Knight), and overcoming dullness or a monotonous existence.