Eccar and the other stood before the portal, the view beyond its shimmering surface came into sharper focus. The landscape on the other side was bleak and foreboding. They can see a scorched wasteland stretched into the distance that pocked with burning embers and dusted with drifting ash.
The sky loomed dark and looked oppressive, casting a grim shadow over everything beneath it. Eccar who positioned directly in front of the portal, took it all in with a heavy heart. Even Saeldir and his apprentices who were used to unusual sights grimaced at the bleak scene.
Elena, noticing their expressions, managed a sad smile. "Yes," she said quietly. "That is our world."
Saeldir looked at Elena, then at Darek and Tovan, his expression softening. "We will do our best," he said. Then he turned back to Eccar, his gaze steady. "Are you ready?"
Eccar nodded, his voice firm when he said again. "Ready as I'll ever be."
