(Act 4: The inn.)

The Inn was there - where it had always been - in the most magnificent tree.
The tree had however once been elsewhere before it was ripped off it's roots
and placed here on the crossroad in the southern realm. Captain felt relieved.
Nothing seemingly wrong here. He tied his horse before the stairs and felt bad
for a moment because he couldn't offer his steed anything to drink, there was
no water. Rushing upstairs Captain hoped he would meet knights, loremasters
and soldiers alike up there. Frion would serve strong Shadowkepian beer and a
meeting would be held, explaining
everything. If it came to that, he would volunteer his life to a battle
against whatever it was.

Seizing a short pause before turning the handle on the door Captain heard
familiar voices from the Inn. Concentrating on a "As you were, gentlemen!"
greeting and a wide smile he would pose he entered.

It was all there, carved in brown ancient wood. The bar was there. Thank
goodness. There was a warm fire burning, a scent of beer could be sensed. But
the bar was empty, there was noone to be seen. Tables and chairs scattered
around, bar unattended. Just when Captain thought about the voices he had
heard through the door just a moment earlier there was a shy sobbing
"..hello?.." from the corner.

It was Frion. Crouched and burying his face between his legs and arms.
Shivering and his voice without the normal tone. "mmm-me, Captain, sir" he
replied cautiously, closing in on Frion in the corner. "What's going on,
where's Lord Meneor?" Captain asked checking the rest of the inn.

Frion sounded a moment like he was sobbing tears and told that he had sent
Meneor away to gather and warn everyone. Captain was the first to arrive after
Meneor had left some hours ago. Ill news from Shadowkeep had descended during
the night. "YES! I know this, I've seen!" Captain shrieked, "What news? Who?
Argh what the hell are you sitting down in the corner like that!". The Captain
held a small pause as to emphasize his authority to get some answers and
waited.

Frion started to stand up from the dark corner and sighed stating "Because ..
See for yourself, because I can't anymore..." and he stood up and opened his
gentle blue eyes which weren't there anymore and looked - or pretended to
look - right through Captain. His eyes were gone, as was Captain's will to
live at the moment along with any further idea what had happened or what was
about to.