Feuerbach, in the form of an owl, flew through the Black Forest at a preternatural speed. He skimmed over the lush vegetation below, fast approaching the meeting point.
The meeting place was conspicuous—a clearing with the stump of a giant tree at its center. It was impossible to imagine how tall it must have been when whole; now, only a remnant bearing scorch marks and moss remained.
On the splintered surface of the stump, birds of various colors were already waiting. Most were owls, defying their natural schedules. Upon seeing Feuerbach land, they nodded knowingly.
Sunlight spilled onto the wood. A form gradually materialized in the glare, and a snow-white swan descended from within it. Its arrival was accompanied by a shadow, which soon came to life as well, a black swan stepping out from it. The relationship between the Tower of Light and the Tower of Darkness was quite entangled, but the other Mages couldn't explain the details.
