(Act 3: En route to river city.)

Three hours to the walk and Captain came upon a familiar hill in the horizon.
A hill which marked the beginning of the lands of the city by the river. It
was dawning already, but the sky wasn't the usual light blue - a promise of
clear sunny day - but of yellow and red.

"It's not burning or anything?". Haven't spoken in hours the Captain was a bit
embarrassed to hear his own voice. And it was true, there was no sign of smoke
or smell of anything burning although the sky had the color. He ran uphill to
greet the flag of the city. Hail the good old flag and hurry down to the city
to catch a boat downstream, that's a plan as good as any - he thought.

Reaching the top the Captain came upon two things at the same time: the flag
wasn't all there and the city below was in chaos. The flagpole stood as
straight as ever but the flag was torn, there was some of it still up in the
pole and two pieces laying on the ground.

"Who would do such a thing!" the Captain screamed out loud when he came upon
the disgrace. City folk had always made sure their flag represented their
pride and just ways. Shining white background, with a royal blue cross. They
had always been careful that the flag didn't even touch the ground when they
lowered it down to get washed. And now it was ripped in pieces. He realized he
was making himself too upset over the flag on purpose, as if turning his mind
of the city in distress below. Screams could be heard, people running
aimlessly around and horses fleeing in panic. And the river - it was no more.
It was all gone.

Riding his horse south the Captain tried to comprehend what happened an hour
earlier. He had come upon the city, her flag was torn and the whole city in
chaos. And the river was gone, nothing left but an empty channel. Murky, muddy
bottom had had a few dead fish lying around and even they had been like
skeletons of themselves. Not skeletons of a fish, but skeletons of their
entire being. Grey, dead, but not eaten. Half of everything.

He had been able to calm a stray horse. He had had to abandon the saddle
because it was broken, and he felt himself a bit uncomfortable riding at this
speed but he know he had to. The city has not been in war with anyone,
although even the city seal on the saddle had been carved off. There had not
been an enemy. Just panic. He couldn't help but hope for some answers if he
ever got to the Inn. Perhaps there would be some of the other bards and
soldiers.

There might be some news from Shadowkeep and what was going on the in the
world. At least old Frion the barkeeper should be there, he never left his
post. And lord Meneor, he had military background so he could organize a
counter attack if they had figured out at whom. Or what. Riding south a road
next to an empty river channel, Captain hoped for the best.