You find a letter here written in bold print:

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"I'm writing this account in dire straits. I have came here to the Nether to destroy the portal gem plaguing our land. Asgondus met me as I came through the portal. He said he was expecting me, and had several ghasts at his command ready to burn me to a crisp. I fought valiantly and destroyed his minions, and then turned on Asgondus and slew him as well. After entering Asgondus' stronghold I found a zombie here consuming the body of Mage Zandell. Apparently he was a house guest here, and once Asgondus was dead his minions found a taste for Zandell's flesh.

But alas, the undead have amassed outside the door, and I fear I haven't the strength to finish my mission. If I am to fail, and anyone reads this, I beseech you to make your way through and break the portal gem. Until the gem is destroyed, the undead plague will not end.

Lord Muford"

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You also find Mage Zandell's journal on the bookshelf. You tuck it away to read later. There is no time to waist.