However, Darren Shan is required to endure the trials to earn the respect of the entire vampire race for his mentor Mr. Crepsley's 'impulsive' decision to turn him.

For the first trial, he must escape from a maze that is filling with water whilst dragging a stone weighing half of his body weight.

The second trial Darren must complete is The Path of Needles, a barefoot journey through one of the mountains many caverns littered with stalagmites and stalactites, all of which are razor sharp and could fall at any second.

During this three-day period no official business can take place meaning he gets a five-day rest before his next trial.

A veteran vampire and Larten Crepsley's mentor, Seba Nile, asks to meet with him later as he has a cure for his discomfort.

Kurda finds Darren in his room facing imminent death and encourages him to escape the mountain.

Darren runs and ends up in the Hall of Final Voyage, where dead vampires were tossed into the strong current and washed out of the mountain.

Kurda offers his hand to help pull him back to safety but Darren brands him a traitor and pushes himself out into the current.