Even in his inebriated state, Senjen was adept enough of a tracker to reunite with Ruknar. Exiting the maze, he nearly knocked her over as she stood gawping at the place they’d arrived in.

A huge meadow dotted with grand trees and dilapidated ruins undulated gently in three directions, lit by the setting sun. A lake of azure water gleamed nearby; crowds of people of all species socialised loudly in groups around it.

Far off in the distance behind the lake stood a mountain range. A long twisting path sloped past the horizon, riding the shoulder of this range to a formidable palace sat on the highest peak like a crown. It was made of blackened blocks that seemed to leech into the rock below. The sun did not shine there - dark clouds gathered above it and lightning struck the highest towers. It struck something else too, hovering just above the castle but below the clouds. A perfect sphere, gleaming red.

“Woah.” Ruk breathed.