Darvis had met up with the two much earlier in a tavern not far from the cave they were in now. The two thieves had shown him the treasure map, and had promised great wealth, if they were able to navigate the traps and corridors the map spoke of. Darvis told them that it would not be a problem, and they had set off for the cave the next day.

As Darvis promised, their adventure through the cave was easy. The traps were a cinch to either disarm or avoid, and the passages were well marked on the map. They didn't even run into the green-eyed monster the map had warned them of. All in all, their journey was short, and the three thieves soon found themselves at the end of the dungeon.

As the group turned the last corner, they found themselves gawking at a humongous pile of gold. Treasure stacked to the ceiling glittered, almost glowing in the torchlight. After their state of awe had passed, they quickly lept onto the pile and started gathering treasure.

Darvis quickly began stuffing his sack with gold pieces, jewelry, gems, various weapons, and other assorted goodies. He could hear his companions scrambling over the pile, doing just the same thing; gathering their own share of treasure. Gradually his sack began to fill, until there was so much that he could hardly lift it.

Suddenly, his eyes gazed upon a beautiful, elegant crown made of the purest, brightest gold he'd ever seen. Blazing gems were embedded in its sides, while purple velvet lined the bottom. Designs etched into the sides completed the most extraordinary piece of jewelry he'd ever seen in his life.

He wanted it. Every impulse in his mind was compelling him to take it. Soon this urge was so powerful that it overwhelmed him. He forgot everything else and began climbing the pile. At the top, he reached a hand up and grabbed the crown with a grin. His grin quickly faded as two other hands grabbed the crown from opposite sides of the pile. Darvis quickly glared into the faces of his fellow adventurers, Christopher and Hans. it was clear on their faces that they wanted the same thing he did, and that only one of them could have it.

Without a word, Christopher suddenly lunged at Darvis, catching him off guard, sending them both sprawling on the floor. Christopher, who was on top of Darvis, drew his knife, and was about to strike when Hans suddenly shoulder tackled him. The two of them flew across the room. They quickly got to their feet, drew their swords, and began to fight.

Darvis attempted to use this as a distraction. Drawing his own sword, he crept toward the dueling duo, not trying to attract much attention. Just when he was about to stab Christopher in the side, Christopher shoved Hans away, noticed his attack, and parried it. Darvis swung again, but it was quickly deflected and countered. Darvis was unprepared, and the sword cut open a deep gash in his midsection. He grimaced in pain. holding his bleeding stomach. He collapsed on the floor and watched as Christopher and Hans resumed their quarrel.

For a time, they simply sat in stalemate, neither one gaining any ground on the other. Then, they slowly began to work back toward Darvis. Even through the pain, Darvis wasn't done for yet. Taking his sword, he crawled over to them, wincing in pain as he went. As soon a he was a sword's length away from them, he gripped his sword and prepared for one final swing.

Before he could even lift his sword, however, the two dashed at each other and ran each other through. The two thieves and their swords slowly sank to the ground, falling in one lifeless heap.

Darvis could not believe his good fortune. He was the last alive. The treasure was his! Grinning, he crawled his way back over to the pile of treasure that was now his. He ran his fingers through the gold, shaking it, letting it fall between his fingers. He placed the crown on his head and was surprised at how well it fit. He was thoroughly pleased with himself.

Suddenly, a rush of blood came up from his stomach. He coughed and sputtered, his mouth red and blood-stained. He realized, all too late, that he would not live long enough to enjoy his treasure. He suddenly questioned his thoughts and actions, and did not like them. He tore the crown from his head, looked at it for a time, and then cast it across the room. It landed next to the treasure map, now useless, and a dagger, covered with blood. As Darvis looked at the objects, the horrible irony of the situation overwhemed him. As Darvis' life slowly passed, he realized what the green-eyed monster really was. The map had tried to warn them, but it was too late. The green-eyed monster had gotten to all of them, and not a single one was spared. With a final sob, Darvis' life ended.