Grave tidings (part 2)

The hall housing the mana portal at the von Conradie estate had transformed into a battlefield.

On the left side of the portal, knights had taken positions, their firearms trained and aimed with some of them kneeling in readiness as they anticipated the arrival of travelers. Behind them, archers nocked their arrows, bowstrings taut. While on the opposite side, Arkin and the select group of knights he had assembled for this watch stood at the ready with their swords drawn.

Adela, too, was ready in her Emorian armor, standing directly in front of the portal. She struggled to contain her fear as the blinding light finally filled the room, her anxiety reaching its peak as her husband materialized through the portal.

Taking two shaky steps between all the weapons, Egon von Conradie doubled over and began coughing up blood profusely.