"Just over there," Lady Amber pointed towards the largest manor of the sector. The building was massive, surrounded by what seemed to be a moat fed by the nearby stream. Its only access point was a thick stone bridge that looked as ancient as the house it led to. As they traversed its weathered surface, Karn marvelled at it, noticing centuries of wear etched into the stones.
This part of the sector was undoubtedly the oldest, and from what Lady Amber had said, it served as both her residence and a town centre, where locals gathered for daily errands and tasks. As they approached, many locals came forward with urgent queries, seeking immediate help from the Lady.
It quickly became apparent that the city was facing a real food crisis. The temporary slave curse that had absorbed the entire city for a time, disrupting their day-to-day activities, and the dire situation with the Sorina fields only added to the threat of a possible famine.
As they walked, she offered them words of advice and comfort, vowing that the food crisis was foremost on her priority list.
As they neared the manor, Karn took in the sight of the castle-like structure. A stone tower stood tall on the right side, with rows of towering levels extending from it. The wooden façades were stained in a matte shade of brown, while the massive wooden beams supporting the structure added a darker hue.
A neglected vegetable patch to the left of the manor stole Lady Amber's attention. Its poor condition and lilting vegetation clearly distressed her. With a sigh of frustration while restlessly fidgeting with her hands, she revealed her deep love and dedication to maintaining the field. The untended plot seemed to embody her desire to care for her people, even in the face of adversity.
As they moved under the stone entrance, the massive wooden doors opened almost noiselessly, revealing a vast and polished wooden floor stretching out before them.
The interior was surprisingly spacious, revealing a vast and open area. As Karn peered upwards, his eyes danced across the expansive roof, decked with intricate wooden carvings of leaves and branches that looked almost lifelike. Above, to either side were open walkways providing access to higher floors, offering sweeping views of the entire area. As Karn and his friends surveyed the space, they couldn't help but marvel at the elegance and sophistication that etched every corner. The grandeur of the manor was not only a reflection of Lady Amber's status but also served as a symbol of unity for the entire sector. The vastness of the space made it an ideal central hub, where locals could gather to communicate with their leaders and seek guidance in times of need.
The natural theme of leaf patterns continued throughout the architecture, symbolizing the harmony between the magical aura of the sector and the surrounding natural world.
The group of people seeking Lady Amber's help walked behind her in sombre silence, their worried expressions a clear reflection of the turmoil the sector was facing. Ahead of them, another group had already gathered, filling the space with hushed whispers and anxious gazes. As they waited, the air seemed heavy with anticipation, each person hopeful that their concerns would be heard.
"I don't care what they told you!" a sharp voice pierced the air.
Karn turned to Lady Amber, recognizing the similarity between the piercing voice and hers, only with that added note of scorn. Lady Amber's expression turned sour as she eyed the source of the voice as the crowd parted to allow the newcomers closer.
"Like I’ve said before, the Lady's floor has been locked, and she’s the only one with a key. Even if we had a key, that floor is reserved for the Lady of the sector, not you, miss," the man replied firmly.
The word 'miss' seemed to enrage the woman, who had her back to them, standing beside two servants carrying luggage.
"Like I told you!" she jabbed her finger at the man with each word. "That woman has abandoned you! As an Amber, it is my right."
"You're right to what exactly?" Lady Amber strode forward.
The woman spun around, looking both surprised and defiant. "Oh, look, the coward is back."
The woman bore a striking resemblance to Lady Amber, with many features mirroring those of the Lady, but there was an air of ruggedness about her, with etched lines on her face, making her look decades older. While Lady Amber exuded elegance and poise, this woman had a more weathered and coarse disposition.
Lady Amber raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her eyes. "So, it's cowardice to flee from certain death? The Mad King ordered my execution for having an opinion. What would you have done, Sybillia?"
A look of triumph flashed across the older woman’s face. "Ordered your death? As a royal decree, your law infraction gives you no right to own the sector."
"Own the sector?" Lady Amber's amusement widened. “Is that what you think?”
She glanced around at the assembled people who had come seeking her aid. "We are not here as conquerors; we don't own these people but serve them."
Karn’s attention solidified as he recounted the same sentiment his father had once claimed.
The onlookers nodded in agreement, their support clearly shifting towards the Lady.
Sybillia scoffed. “This sector is called the Amber sector, not the people sector. As an Amber, I do have claim.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
As Sybillia asserted herself, the crowd grew restless, murmurs of discontent spreading like wildfire.
"And where is your coward husband?" Sybillia spat with venom in her voice, her words dripping with disdain.
Karn couldn't help but sense the tension in the air as he witnessed the exchange between the two women. Lady Amber's expression tightened, revealing her true feelings about Sybillia for a split second, but she managed to maintain her composure. "Careful, cousin," she warned in a controlled tone.
Sybillia's eyes flashed with arrogance, and she let out another dismissive scoff. It was evident that the two women shared a long-standing history filled with rivalry and tension. Karn could feel the weight of their complicated past in the charged atmosphere.
Lady Amber's hand slightly tightened on her dress, a subtle sign of her suppressed frustration. Karn knew she was trying to keep the situation from escalating further, especially with the restless crowd nearby. But Sybillia seemed determined to provoke a reaction.
The servants accompanying Sybillia shifted uncomfortably, sensing the rising hostility in the crowd directed at their mistress.
Lady Amber's voice rang out, cutting through the tension like a soothing melody. "My husband has gone to assess the situation within the High Keep. He will bring home word of the future of Brancourt.”
“Words? Our people have no need for gilded words. We need food!” Sybillia spat back with a look of triumph.
The crowd seemed to waver, torn between the two Amber women. Some nodded in agreement with Lady Amber, acknowledging the genuine concern in her words, while others still seemed swayed by Sybillia's assertiveness for the current crisis.
Lady Amber continued, her voice unwavering, "We are well aware of the unrest in Sorina. We are here to provide aid and guidance in this time of need. This sector is a community where we support and care for one another."
The tension in the air slowly eased as Lady Amber's words resonated with the locals, who began to nod in understanding. Sybillia, however, remained defiant, her eyes locked in a challenging gaze with her cousin.
"We must work together as one, united," Lady Amber implored, reaching out to bridge the gap between them.
Sybillia hesitated for a moment, and then her shoulders slumped in defeat. The hardness in her eyes softened, and she took a step back, breaking the standoff. "Fine, but don't expect me to agree with you," she muttered.
Lady Amber smiled warmly. "Agreement is not necessary, but unity is."
With that, the atmosphere gradually relaxed, and the people seemed reassured by Lady Amber's steadfast commitment. With the potential confrontation averted, and a sense of hope lingered in the air, fostering opportunity for the community to come together and face the challenges ahead as one.
Karn's eyes followed Sybillia and her servants as they stormed out of the manor, their frustrated footsteps echoing in the grand foyer. He couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and tension, grateful that the confrontation had ended without further escalation, yet still wary of the unresolved conflict between the two women.
Turning his attention back to Lady Amber, Karn observed how she gracefully composed herself, maintaining her regal demeanour even after the confrontation. She glanced at the concerned faces of the onlookers, offering them a reassuring smile before addressing their needs and concerns.
The atmosphere in the foyer seemed to shift, the tension replaced by a sense of trust and gratitude towards their Lady. Karn could see the admiration and respect in the eyes of the locals, as they knew they could rely on her for guidance and support during these challenging times.
The man who’d been involved in the initial quarrel with Sybillia stepped forward and introduced himself as Coffin, offering them to be escorted to rooms. Karn’s group had been thankful during the exchange of greetings and quickly gathered themselves to follow.
As they made their way to the third floor, Coffin led them through the upper corridors. The architecture and design of the building was fascinating. Polished wooden floors beneath their feet gave way to intricately carved patterns along the walls depicting the Amber family's long-standing heritage. The sight reminded Karn of the Froggian tapestries he’d seen within the pollywog tower.
Upon reaching the third floor, Coffin directed Hope, Ellie, and Ralina to a room within the southern hallway, assuring them it would be a quiet and cozy space. The girls smiled and thanked him before entering their designated room.
For Karn, Charles, and Maze, Coffin led them to a spacious room with a view facing the north, providing expansive views of the Amber sector. The room was indeed huge, with four large double beds adorned with high balustrades, giving each bed a sense of privacy and elegance. Yet there was enough space in-between each bed to place his entire childhood bedroom there.
The room was decorated with earthy-coloured linen and patterns, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to the space. Large windows lined one side of the room, allowing a wide view of the landscape beyond. The panoramic scene showcased the beauty and vibrancy of the Amber sector, making Karn appreciate the breathtaking scenery even more.
At the furthest end of the room, a roaring fireplace added to the cozy atmosphere. The crackling fire emanated a comforting glow that filled the room with warmth.
Charles whistled in appreciation. “Now this is living.”
"Trust Lady Amber to provide us with such comfortable accommodation," Maze remarked with a grin. "Although I do miss the Duchess."
"Duchess? Who's that?" Karn inquired.
Charles chuckled. "His horse."
"Well, she was only half of it. She used to haul my entire collection of books and blankets," the old man explained, settling into one of the beds with appreciation. "Although this will serve nicely. I do hope Arthur takes good care of the girl."
“Don’t worry mate, I bet she’ll be fine,” Charles replied as he claimed his own bed and tested the mattress, glancing up at Karn. "About time we settled in a real bed. How long has it been?"
Karn let out a sigh as he tossed his pack off his shoulders and sat down, relieved. "Too long." He kicked off his shoes and stretched out on the bed, feeling instant relief as it soothed his aching back muscles. "Far too long."
After a moment of comfortable silence with their feet up, Charles broke the calm. "I appreciate this little adventure here. Don't get me wrong, this place is great. But what are we really doing here?"
Karn turned toward his best friend, then glanced over at the old man, whom he wasn't too familiar with. He thought to himself that if Charles trusted him, he should, too. His eyes shifted to his pack, and he felt a decisive urge. He sat up, grunting with effort, pulled his pack closer, and unzipped it.
Maze observed him intently, seemingly almost knowing what was inside. As his eyes fell upon the blood-red cover of the book, he looked alarmed, as if he wasn't prepared to believe it existed until that very moment.
"So, it's your book again," Charles said seriously.
Karn nodded. "There's something about this that I need to tell you."
Both Charles and Maze sat in silence, their gazes fixed on the book, their expressions dark.
"This isn’t simply a book like the ones I've seen before, like Farlen's," Karn began to explain.
Maze nodded and produced the two books in his possession: the green tome he owned and the blue one he stole in Branside, still bearing a few droplets of blood from its previous owner. Karn almost flinched at the sight of the two additional books, but then he relaxed when he saw Maze's calm expression as he held them closed on his lap.
"This book, the Book of the Known, has an entire universe of living creatures, magic and spirits trapped inside. And I’m here to find out how to release them."