Now that the House of Shokoti has been risen from the Sands, and Lord Masque has been defeated, the heroes retire to bed for the night, planning to investigate the temple in the morning. But Stanlin, whom Melaktha has refused permission to join the expedition, is determined to see inside the temple for himself, and forces Ram Man (who has been put on night guard) to ram down the temple's door for him. Ram Man gives in to his wishes, but is knocked unconscious by the force of the blow, and Stanlin soon finds himself a helpless prisoner of Shokoti herself.....