A Plague!

It had been an entire year since Baron Ethan left.

In a world where wars can drag on for years, even decades, a year might not seem extraordinary. But for Baron Ethan's absence, it was far too long. Something was off, this was anything but normal.

At first, the Baron had made a habit of sending regular letters, updating Madam Glenda and the rest of the household about his whereabouts and safety. The messages came frequently, offering reassurance. However, as time went on, the letters stopped. First, they slowed, then disappeared entirely. Now, there was nothing; no news, no reports, not even whispers of his name. It was as if Baron Ethan and the warriors who had accompanied him had vanished into thin air.