When they finally returned to the Archmage's tower again, Erend felt the air much different from the metallic tang of blood and rot to the familiar smell of incense, parchment, and old tomes. This was definitely much better.
A great round table already stood at the center, its surface cluttered with parchment, maps, quills, and arcane apparatus.
There were also crystals, brass orbs, and fragments of enchanted stone that Lysander had prepared.
The flicker of candlelight mingled with the soft glow of floating spheres, illuminating the space in warm and bright hues.
Lysander was already waiting inside while pacing anxiously until his master appeared.
The moment Adrius stepped through the door, the young apprentice sighed in relief.
"Master. You've returned."
Adrius gave a curt nod and moved past him, setting the rune-etched container down on the table with careful precision.
