Erend and Eccar emerged from the portal into the familiar back yard of the Elf Palace. The swirling vortex of energy behind them dissolved into nothingness as they stepped back into the real world.
Though only a few hours had passed here, they had spent days in the harsh landscape of the Dungeon World. Time moved differently there, but now they were back and stronger than before.
The majestic structure of the Elf Palace stood before them, its protective dome shimmering under the sun's light. They wasted no time and immediately making their way toward the throne chamber where the war council awaited.
Their pace was quick, their minds still racing with the thoughts of the dangers that lay ahead. However, at least for now they are not worried because they don't see any changes in this place since they gone. That means the Great Calamity had not launch another attack yet.
As they entered the grand chamber, the tension in the air was palpable. Almost all of the council members were present minus Saeldir and Aerchon, who were still maintaining the strongest defensive magic around the palace. Aurdis had recently joined them, lending her power to the protective efforts, so she is not here as well.
A few of the Elven advisors turned toward Erend and Eccar, their gazes hard and scrutinizing. It was clear they had questions, they are no doubt curious as to why the two Dragonborns had disappeared without a word. But King Gulben had already issued a command that no one was to question their actions. The advisors held their tongues, though their frowns spoke volumes.
Erend stepped forward, his eyes scanning the room before settling on King Gulben. "Did anything happen while we were gone?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with a hint of concern.
King Gulben who was seated on his throne shook his head slowly. "Fortunately, nothing of significance," he replied. "The defenses are holding, and we haven't had any new reports of enemy movement."
Erend exhaled, relief washing over him. He had feared the worst upon their return, but it seemed their absence hadn't caused any immediate disasters.
Eccar who was standing beside him crossed his arms, his gaze still sharp. "Good. But we shouldn't get too comfortable," he said, glancing toward the windows that overlooked the protective dome. "I have a feeling this calm won't last much longer."
King Gulben nodded solemnly. "You're right. The enemy will strike eventually. We already prepare as much as we can."
"We're stronger now," Erend said, his voice low but filled with determination. "Whatever comes next, we'll be ready for it."
"Here they come," Erend muttered, his eyes narrowing as he tried to make out more details of the two figures. But their forms remained elusive, masked by the glowing energy that surrounded them.
Before anyone could answer, the air around the two beings shimmered with a dark whiping energy. Hundreds of red jagged spikes materialized out of thin air, crackling with Magic power. The spikes floated menacingly beside the two intruders, their deadly tips aimed directly at the protective dome.
"They're about to attack!" Erend said, his voice sharp with alarm.
There was no time to hesitate. Erend and Eccar acted in unison, their instincts kicking in. Without a second thought they leaped from the window, shattering the glass as they soared into the open air.
In a flash, their Dragon Wings erupted from their backs, the powerful appendages propelling them skyward toward the looming threat.
King Gulben watched them go, his jaw clenched, tension building in his body as he looked out at the unfolding scene. He could sense the immense power radiating from the two attackers, it sent a chill down his spine.
The two figures was the last two harbinger of Doom that Adrius had said and their first move was meant to destroy the palace's last line of defense.
High in the air, Erend and Eccar closed in on the armored figures, their wings beating against the turbulent wind. But the spikes were already moving, streaking through the sky like bolts of crimson lightning, each one aimed at a critical point in the magical dome. If they struck the protective barrier could shatter.
"We have to stop them!" Eccar shouted over the roar of the wind, his eyes blazing with determination.
Erend's heart pounded as they ascended higher. These enemies were the last two of the harbinger. With the strength they had gained, they had to fight and win.
As the red spikes descended toward the dome, Erend and Eccar braced themselves for the coming clash.
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