The short figure, wrapped in dark robes, carefully picked his way along the overgrown path leading away from Dragon Peak Academy. Man muttered curses under his breath, his eyes darting suspiciously around the shadows of the fading afternoon. Finally, Elion pushed aside the creaking wrought-iron gates and slipped into the shadowy depths of the cemetery.

After several minutes of wandering, he paused before a particularly elaborate tomb. Intricate carvings of serpents and other mythological creatures adorned its surface. Kneeling before the grave, Elion swallowed hard, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as he began to recite the words of the spell.

"Ancient magics, bind and obey..." The magician's voice wavered as he spoke, stumbling over unfamiliar syllables and struggling to maintain the correct cadence. He paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "Souls long departed, return to the flesh."

Suddenly, a thunderous crash shattered the eerie silence, causing man to whirl around in terror. His scream died in his throat as from nearby grave, a pair of gnarled, fleshless hands burst forth, clawing at the air as if seeking purchase.

Elion watched in frozen disbelief as the hands pulled themselves upward, followed by the rotting remains of a corpse clad in tattered funeral garb.

"N-no!" Man cried out, scrambling backward in panic. "O-obey me, you damned creature! I summoned you!" But his words fell flat, and the undead monstrosity paid him no heed.