The swirling red hues of the fiery demon gate darkened as they spiraled closer to the pulsing ruby in the center. Although we were still several hundred yards away, the entire structure blazed with magical intensity nearing the Shards of Omniscience-overpowering my ability to inspect it with the eyes of fate.
"It's quite something," Riven muttered. Agreement coursed through the ranks of the other mages, but I found my gaze resting on the ground, where the bottom quarter of the gate sunk beneath the marsh.
A small army camped at the foot of the gate, their tent's banners flying the colors of Viriden. Soldiers surrounded the breach, vigilantly watching for changes or scanning the swamp all around. The sentries allowed us access without a word, and we marched onward until we were greeted by a man in golden armor. He was flanked by several guards dressed more like adventurers, bearing an assortment of personal gear and weapons.
