Aaron and the others had moved quickly on their outward journey. One day of travel from Suzail brought them near Great Swamp. They rested there overnight, spent a day reaching the Cult of the Dragon's hidden domain, then rested for another day after returning to Great Swamp before setting out again.
On the return journey, the escorted convoy moved much more slowly, and the soldiers were listless. Having to work overtime during a national public holiday, go out on assignment, and brave the dangers of the road really was a miserable job.
Charlotte, however, was excited. After a good rest, the young lady decided to show her little brother her powerful magic.
Seventh Circle spell—Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion!
At Charlotte's command, the magic item in her hand vanished, and a magnificent mansion appeared before them, bathed in radiance and distinctly baroque in style.
"So this is... Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion?" Aaron rubbed his chin with interest as he studied her creation.
The mansion was built of stone and brick, without a scrap of wood. Its exterior had a circular layout, while its baroque interior was lavish and grand.
The splendid crystal hall contained countless gold and silver vessels, paintings, porcelain, tapestries, and other royal furnishings. Its walls were white, its floors marble, and its ceiling a glittering dome of creamy alabaster.
A branching crystal chandelier hung from the dome of Charlotte's entrance hall. Embroidered velvet covered the floor, with antique bronze lions standing to either side.
The architecture alone made it clear that she disliked winter. This magical mansion was plainly designed as a summer retreat. Aaron could almost picture the bright, warm afternoon sunshine outside, a garden full of citrus trees or grapevines, and a sparkling swimming pool.
But none of that mattered. What mattered was the Seventh Circle spell, Mordenkainen's