The Crimson Guards' fort was situated on the edge of the lake. A wooden bridge, built on pylons of magically raised earth from the depths, crossed to the island in the middle. A few mages were working on extending the fortifications to the bridge itself, constructing the foundation of a guard house and wall.
Word had spread of my appearance, and the soldiers stopped mid-spell, saluting me crisply. I timidly waved back, sticking close to Rylam.
As we moved out onto the bridge, I rested my hands on the low wall and gazed over the side. Now that I was there, the crater from the Starfall really did look more like a caldera. The sides were glossy and smooth as obsidian, forming a perfect circle without flaw or erosion. The water lapped at the rim, but never quite spilled over, save for the river entering and exiting the valley.
