The golden morning light spilled into Aleyn’s cabin, its warmth filling the room with the smell of cedar wood. Sky awoke without having moved an inch in his sleep, his muscles still aching from the intense ordeal he had suffered through the night before. He could feel the ship still moving through the waters, rocking back and forth through the waves. The quiet hum of the turbines, subtly resonating through the walls, gave the cabin a sense of life, as if the ship itself were breathing in rhythm with the sea.
He jolted awake when he looked at his hand and found the necklace that had lain there was missing. Panic surged through him for a moment, but the soft sound of music—gentle and lilting—flowed through the room, slowly soothing his nerves.
The sound was coming from a gramophone set beside the workbench, its mechanical and magical hum filling the air like a soft caress. The delicate needle of the gramophone seemed to glow faintly as it spun, playing a serene melody that mixed the mechanical clink of its gears with the ethereal tones of an ancient song, a mix of strings and wind, calm, almost as if the ship itself was trying to comfort him.
Aleyn sat across from him with his back turned, working on something at his workbench. The smell of burning metal wafted through the air. With a silver hammer raised, he brought it down onto his work with a loud clank, sending sparks flying. Sky bolted upright, his eyes widening as he instinctively reached for the gemstone in his mind, panic clawing at his throat as he envisioned Aleyn shattering it.
Inhaling sharply, his heart racing, he briefly felt the cabin shrink and the air grow heavy. The chair on which Aleyn sat creaked as he spun around, a wide grin breaking across his face.
“Oh, you’re awake, are you?” he said, his stout frame contrasting with the slender humans around him. “Aye, take it easy now. You’ve had a right rough night, lad. I hope you don’t mind, but…” He reached around, revealing the necklace he had been clinging. “I grabbed this while you were sleeping. The chain was broken, so I fixed it for you.”
Sky blinked in disbelief, relief flooding over him as he realized the gemstone was untouched. Its broken golden chains replaced with the shining silver of dwarven mithril craft. As he placed the necklace into his hands, the weight of his situation pressed down on him like a leaden cloak. He allowed himself to breathe, a quiet moment of security amidst the chaos.
With his precious gemstone secured, a wave of calmness washed over Sky. Aleyn’s gaze lingered on the necklace, a mix of intrigue and sympathy reflected in his eyes. Through a turbulent past, Sky found solace in this gemstone that tied him to his former life. He placed the necklace in Sky’s hands. There was warmth in his expression. He viewed the gemstone as a treasured possession, not something to hide.
“Go on, put it on!” Aleyn urged. Sky extended the chains and placed it over his head. The necklace rested lightly on his chest, oddly warm to the touch. Aleyn noticed the first smile crack on Sky’s face since he had rescued him. “That thing must mean a lot to ye. Best not lose it again, eh?”
“I—I…” Sky stuttered, his voice cracking as he fought to find the words. A wave of frustration washed over him like smoke. It weighed him down, pinning him to silence once more.
“Ah, don’t fret over it, lad. I did me best with the bandages, but it’s always best to have a doctor take a gander at that,” Aleyn said. Besides the thick bandages wrapped tightly around his body, someone had given him a new set of used brown and gray leather clothes, stitched together—suitable for a sea voyage. At least they were warm. Aleyn’s grin stretched wide as he observed Sky. “I hope ye don’t mind the clothes, either. Found a few things in the back that’d suit ye just fine. Better than wandering about in rags, aye?”
He leaned back slightly, his expression a mix of pride and awkwardness, clearly still getting used to the idea of caring for a young boy.
Sky felt the necklace, giving it a few gentle taps on his chest. His arms shook as he fought to keep his balance against the bed to stand. His muscles were in pain. Aleyn stood from his chair, offering a steadying hand to help him up.
As Sky took in his surroundings, he noticed the cabin was a testament to Aleyn’s life—a master craftsman’s sanctuary filled with the tools of his trade. The candle wicks burned low, sending pillars of light smoke curling toward the ceiling, remnants of the previous night’s work. The workbench was a cluttered array of hammers, crafting tools, and metal dust, evidence of countless projects undertaken with care and precision.
His eyes shifted to a corner; there, a gramophone sat. It was unlike any he had ever seen; its base crafted from an intricate blend of polished wood and gleaming metal. A delicately placed needle atop a spinning, faintly glowing disc played a soft, harmonious tune, filling the room with a peaceful aura. The tune was soothing, a blend of melodic strings and wind, with just a touch of mechanical clinks as the device worked.
Sky's fingers traced the edges of the workbench, his curiosity piqued by the musical device. He had seen nothing quite like it—both mechanical and magical — working together to create a sound that felt almost otherworldly. The gramophone's gentle hum seemed to slow his racing thoughts, its soothing notes wrapping around him like a soft blanket.
Noticing Sky's fascination, Aleyn chuckled, a warm smile tugging at his lips. "Curious about that, are ye?" he asked, moving toward the device. "It's a bit of a novelty, this one. A hybrid of old-world magic and the latest in mechanical craft. Let me show ye how it works. I won it off in an old card game back in my earlier years." He was especially proud of this, his grin widening as he fondly recalled the memory.
His movements showed mastery of the device. With a few quick, practiced motions, he wound around the base, setting the needle gently onto the spinning disc. The machine hummed to life, the sound beginning as a soft crackle before music flowed through the room—soft, slow, and rich with emotion.
Sky watched intently, his fingers still resting on the workbench. The music’s depth, its ability to fill the space, and its steadying effect on his pulse surprised him.
"Now ye try," Aleyn said, stepping back. "Place the needle, wind it up, and let the magic do the rest. There's no rush—take yer time."
Sky hesitated, then mimicked Aleyn's movements, feeling the weight of the needle as he guided it onto the disc. The room revived with a soft hum.
For a moment, Sky felt the tension in his chest ease slightly. The music washed over him, gentle, like a distant memory of peace. He felt something stir within him—a faint, fleeting warmth—but the weight of the previous night's events still clung to him. Despite his aching heart and the looming sadness, the music for once kept it at bay, even if just slightly.
Sky paused, eyes unfocused, absorbing the melody. It offered minor solace, a brief respite from lingering mental turmoil. He didn’t know how to embrace it, how to let himself enjoy it fully, but he felt it—a quiet connection to something beyond the pain.
Above him, an impressive display of weapons hung on the walls—pairs of battle hammers, intricately designed daggers, pistols, and rifles, all arranged symmetrically, always in twos.
Sky’s belongings lay on a separate table. He opened the waterlogged journal;
“Ah, we saved your book, too. I hope nothing is missing,” Aleyn said, his tone light but carrying the weight of understanding.
A far-room clock announced the year 396, ushering the new morning hour. Next to it, pinned to the walls, were old photos. Worn down by time, the colored images had faded to a brown tint. Each captured a moment of joy—one showed a man with a broad grin, his eyes sparkling with pride as he posed beside a massive fish he had caught; another depicted him standing arm-in-arm with a sturdy figure, his father, both of them laughing heartily. In a different setting, a woman and a little girl, their faces radiating joy, evidently enjoying a loving moment together.
“See that fella, the handsome one? That’s me!” Aleyn exclaimed, his chest puffing out with pride as he pointed to the photo. A broad smile illuminated his features, momentarily bathing the cabin in nostalgic warmth. “Aye, that was a good day, catching that big fish.”
A shiny object caught Sky’s attention while scanning through the photos. It lay on the table beneath the pictures, glittering with gold and smelling of oil, metal, and ammonia. It was a circular device with a button at the top of it. Pushing it revealed the open face of a mechanical clock—a pocket watch. A large gash marked the face of its glass cover, like a bullet had scrapped it. Inside was a beautiful assembly of thin gold and silver cogs, but much to his surprise, the mechanisms were stuck in place; its silver hands remained frozen at 4:51.
Aleyn’s voice filled the room, a hint of nostalgia coloring in his words. “Oh, that old thing? From a lifetime ago, it is. It's meant to chime every hour, but it broke long ago, and I just… didn’t have the time to mend it.” The warmth of his usual cheeriness dimmed, replaced by a shadow of something deeper.
Sky darted back to the table where he had found it and saw the means to fix the pocket watch lay disturbingly in plain sight. The toolboxes and implements were all there: screwdriver sets, tweezers, pegwood, case openers, grease, putty, oil containers, and eyeglasses. There was even a watchmaker's staking kit, its latches tense to the touch.
Aleyn’s eyes lingered on the pocket watch for a moment longer before he shook himself from his thoughts. “Ah, don’t fret over it. I’ll fix it soon enough,” he added quickly, a smile returning to his face but not quite reaching his eyes.
Sky gazed at the watch; Within the details of the face were tiny but intricate etchings and carvings of beings from ancient myths, no doubt telling a story from another culture he didn’t fully understand. He smiled, appreciating the care that had gone into making it.
A sudden sound drew his attention—footsteps, lighter and faster than Aleyn’s heavy boots, like the soft patter of running feet. His head jerked around, expecting to see someone sneaking up on him, but to his surprise, there was no one but Aleyn standing next to him. He looked around, confusion flickering across his features as he scanned the room for any sign of movement.
“Something wrong, lad?” Aleyn asked, noticing the change in Sky’s demeanor. Sky shook his head, feeling a strange warmth in his chest, an echo of something he couldn’t quite grasp. He placed the pocket watch back where he found it, but the memory of those footsteps lingered in his mind.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts; it was Rowan.
‘Captain, we’re about to make port.’ Elysian was in sight over the horizon.
“Ha! That’s our cue!” Aleyn exclaimed, leading Sky out of the cabin. As they stepped into the corridor, the smell of burning stoves wafted through the air. Sky felt the weight of the morning press down on him; his appetite was absent, his thoughts still lost in silence.
He took a moment to gather his belongings, wincing as he shifted his weight and his muscles ached. The ship swayed gently beneath him, and each step felt like a battle. Aleyn walked beside him, his sturdy presence a reassuring anchor. “Easy now, lad. Just take it slow,” he encouraged, his voice warm and welcoming.
As they moved along the corridor, the sounds of laughter and chatter grew louder. The sizzling of cooking food mingled with the fragrant aroma of freshly cooked sausages and eggs, making Sky’s stomach rumble as if it were about to drop out of his body.
“Almost there,” Aleyn said, glancing down with a smile. He gently nudged Sky forward, his hand steadying him at the small of his back.
Finally, they reached the end of the noise-echoing corridor. Aleyn pushed open the door to reveal a grand dining room. The sight was overwhelming: a long wooden table stretched across the room, surrounded by Aleyn’s crew, all shouting and cheering as Sky entered.
“Come on in, lad! We’re just in time!” Aleyn beamed, gesturing for him to take a seat. Sky felt the warmth of their welcome wash over him, though his legs felt unsteady beneath him. Aleyn’s face lit up with glee as he announced Sky to the crew. A wave of excitement filled the room; the crew toasted him as he approached. The ship's cook, bustling with energy, brought forth a generous dish piled high with salted meats, hardtack biscuits, pickled vegetables, and a hearty stew simmering with potatoes and root vegetables.
“The finest food you’ll ever find out here in these seas!” Aleyn declared, his enthusiasm infectious. He radiated warmth, gesturing animatedly as he spoke, his laughter ringing out like music. Despite his age, he possessed the spirit of a young boy, his eyes sparkling with mischief and joy. He had an uncanny ability to lift the surrounding mood, effortlessly raising his voice to share tales of adventure and camaraderie.
As Sky settled into the warm atmosphere of the dining room, he noticed the crew exchanging knowing smiles as they watched Aleyn interact. Their familiarity with him was clear—his dwarf heritage did not surprise them, but by his unusual charm and positivity. He was an old friend, a source of inspiration, who filled their days with laughter.
“Ah, ye know me well!” Aleyn said, winking at a few of the crew members who chuckled in response. He spun stories of his past, captivating everyone with his charisma. With every word, he created a feeling of belonging, helping Sky feel less like an outsider and more like a family member.
Aleyn gestured with his pint toward Sky, a twinkle in his eye as he asked if the young man also drank rum. Sky was slow to reply, because of exhaustion, but he shook his head, refusing. The sudden movement made Aleyn crack up, his laughter booming through the room. “No lad, of course ye don’t drink at this hour!”
With a flourish of his hand, Aleyn grabbed a nearby large mug, almost as big as he was, slammed a pint of water down on the table in front of Sky. “Go on! Drink!” he encouraged, his infectious charm lighting up the room.
Although an intense man, Aleyn’s passion shone through, and Sky sensed the genuine care behind his words. He grabbed the mug and took a big gulp as subtly as he could; the vessel was enormous enough to cover his face.
The crew raised their mugs in a toast, their laughter ringing out as they drank their morning rum and resumed digging into their food. Sky hesitated, but joined in, raising his mug in a shy toast. “Chin up, always keep your chin up.” Aleyn called out, his voice filled with warmth.
As Sky turned back to his plate, eager to start his meal, he noticed that a piece of fried fish had vanished. Confused, he blinked and glanced across the table to find the crew still feasting, oblivious to the sudden disappearance. He tried to make sense of it, but then he heard a scuffle beneath the table, the soft sound of paws padding against the wooden floor.
Curious as he was, Sky bent over, taking a peek beneath the table—but there was nothing there. Looking up again, he was startled to see that someone had taken a piece of fried fish. As he turned to his side, he spotted a malamute puppy standing on the long seats next to him, wagging its fluffy tail with unrestrained excitement. The pup wore a thick coat of black and white fur, and its bright blue eyes sparkled with mischief as it chewed on the stolen food.
With a squeaky bark, the puppy turned its attention to Sky, vetting him. Around its neck was a metal collar, reflecting the engraving of the name ‘Smoky.’
“Oi, Smoky! What are ye doing, boy, stealing our friend’s food?” Aleyn cried out, his voice booming with laughter. Smoky perked up at the sound, then bounded over to Sky, sniffing at his face. The ticklish sensation made Sky break into a smile, the warmth of the moment easing his worries.
“Don’t mind Smoky; he’s a lovely wee bugger! Always been an excellent judge of character he is. You take care of him, and he’ll take care of ye,” Aleyn said with a grin. Smoky responded by licking Sky’s face, filling the air with joyous yips.
For a fleeting moment, Sky could forget his troubles, dodging the enthusiastic puppy while being careful not to disturb his bandages. Aleyn took a bouncing red ball from his pocket, waving it in the air. Smoky’s eyes widened with excitement, and in an instant, he leaped off the seat and lunged after it, eager to play.
As Sky dug into his food, the atmosphere around them transformed into one of relaxation and ease. He spent his time playing with the exuberant Malamute, Smoky trying to catch Sky’s hands in their own version of whack-a-mole. The room filled with laughter and the joyful energy of newfound friendship.
“Come see this!” Aleyn waved his hand, urging Sky to follow him up to the ship deck, with Smoky trailing behind.
As they emerged into the open air, Sky heard them before he saw them—the distant sound of seagulls, their calls echoing against the backdrop of the sky. He looked up, and his breath caught in his throat. Hundreds of birds soared above, flitting through the parted clouds that revealed a clear blue sky, an endless expanse stretching toward the horizon. The ocean breeze brushed against his face, carrying with it the smell of salt and freedom. The warm sunlight illuminated the path ahead, guiding them toward their destination.
Aleyn stood beside him, a broad smile on his face as he pointed toward the island in the distance. There it stood, rising from the blue waters—Elysian. From afar, it appeared to be a vast city of shining gold, glittering in the sunlight like a jewel. Towering buildings and skyscrapers that seemed to pierce the clouds, their grandeur unlike anything Sky had ever imagined marked the skyline. It appeared like a paradise from a different world, a dream he had heard tales of but never imagined he would encounter.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
A crew member tossed a rope and secured it as the ship rumbled against the harbor, edging toward the dock. The vessel finally lurched to a halt. They had arrived.
As the ship extended its walkway bridge, connecting it to solid land, Aleyn waved as he stepped off. “C’mon, we’re here!” he called, beckoning Sky to follow.
Sky paused, gazing at the ocean, then the pier. He took a deep breath, the weight of his uncertain future pressing down on him, before taking his first step onto Elysian.
What met his eyes was nothing short of breathtaking. The city unfolded before him like a dream—an enchanting paradise of white marble and gold. It seemed to shimmer under the sun, which bathed everything in a warm, golden hue. It looked as though it had stood for thousands of years; everywhere he looked, every stone appeared placed, as if the hands of the gods themselves had sculpted the city.
The architecture rose, each building a testament to extraordinary craftsmanship, while lush flora intertwined with the structures, creating a harmonious palette of white, gold, and green. Awe and disbelief warred within Sky, the present moment’s beauty battling the pain of his losses.
“So, lad, what do ye think? Beautiful or what?” Aleyn turned his head, noticing the gentle smile beginning to form on Sky’s face. In a moment, Sky’s eyes lit up, showing a glimpse of peace amid turmoil.
Silence was his only reply, the enormity of the experience still overwhelming him.
“Wait till you see the rest of it.” Aleyn chuckled.
Among the golden and ivory towers and marvelous construction, scaffolding rose in various areas, a sign of Elysian’s constant evolution. Looking up, Sky saw groups of architects and builders laboring away, their hands skilled and precise as they crafted new sculptures and erected new buildings. Some men wielded tools with deftness, shaping metal and stone into magnificent forms, while others were busy mixing mortar and laying bricks, all contributing to the city’s ever-expanding grandeur.
Sky took a slow, measured breath as his gaze swept across the bustling city. The air was thick with life, vibrant with the hum of activity. Yet, it was beneath the streets where the true pulse of the city lived, a pulse Sky could feel reverberating through the very ground beneath his boots.
As he walked, his eyes caught the soft glow beneath the cobblestones. Faint, but undeniable. A lifelike flicker illuminated the city; it breathed. It wasn’t the light of lanterns or torches—this light was subtle, almost ethereal, yet it permeated every step he took. Sky kneeled, placing a hand over the ground where the light seemed strongest. He felt it then, a faint warmth, a buzz of power, like the city itself was alive with arcane energy.
Crystalline conduits, embedded deep beneath the city, carried streams of pulsing light—blue, green, and soft violet—trailing through the streets like veins of magic. The energy flowed through the ancient stone pathways, unobtrusive yet undeniable, weaving between the foundations of the towering structures above. Every so often, the light would spill upward, visible through cracks in the streets, glimmering softly as if the city’s heartbeat were making itself known. It was this subtle force that powered the very essence of Elysian—the buildings, the lights, even the airships above. Sky could sense the weight of it in the silence of the streets, like an invisible energy running through everything.
The surrounding citizens seemed unaware, or at least undisturbed, of the magic that pulsed so near to them. They walked with purpose, their footsteps in rhythm with the hum of the city, as if the energy beneath their feet was simply part of the world they lived in. Sky, though, couldn’t look away. He sensed a strange, inexplicable life force, a powerful resonance deep within him, something that moved his soul.
As he moved further, Sky’s attention shifted to a set of large, ornate pylons—crystal structures towering above the city’s heart. From each one, energy arced like delicate threads of lightning, pulsing rhythmically through the air before feeding into the crystalline conduits below. The pylons stood like silent sentinels, bathed in light, as if guarding the flow of the city’s lifeblood. Faintly shimmering runes adorned each pylon. A low hum, the city’s power vibrating, filled the air.
Somewhere far above, airships passed by, their sails catching the wind as their hulls glowed faintly with the same arcane energy that powered the city’s heart. Streets buzzed with an energy of their own; sidewalks made from materials that glimmered in the light of the floating ships above. The entire city seemed to be suspended in an endless dance with magic, its very foundation an intricate web of power.
Aleyn and Sky walked side by side among the bustling crowd, with Smoky trotting closely behind, his tail wagging in excitement.
“By the time the folk finish building on this side, something new will always start somewhere else,” Aleyn remarked with pride, nodding toward the work in progress, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Elysian and the promise of what was to come.
As they made their way through the bustling streets of Elysian, Aleyn towered over the crowd, his stout frame and robust demeanor setting him apart from the taller, slender humans around him. The locals occasionally glanced at him with a mix of curiosity and amusement, their eyes flickering from his broad shoulders to the intricate designs of his leather tunic.
“Don’t mind them,” he said, catching Sky’s sideways glance. “A dwarf in Elysian is like a fish out of water. Most folk here think we’re all miners and blacksmiths. I’ll have them know we can be more than just axe-wielding brigands!” He chuckled, his voice rich and hearty.
As they passed a group of children playing in the streets, one boy pointed at Aleyn and asked, “Are you a giant, mister?”
Aleyn bent down, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Nae, laddie! I’m just a wee bit more stout than the rest of ye. But if ye cross me, I might just throw ye into the sea!” The children erupted in laughter, and Aleyn straightened up, his heart warming at their joy.
Sky watched this interaction, a smile tugging at his lips. Aleyn’s ability to connect with others despite their differences was a sight to behold. It reminded him that even in a world filled with uncertainty, friendship could thrive.
A horn from the harbor sounded, breaking the moment. Aleyn turned to see Sky gazing out toward the ocean, where other ships were approaching, their sails billowing in the breeze. As they drew closer, the sight of people spilling onto the docks caught his attention—refugees, their faces a mix of exhaustion and hope as they offloaded their belongings.
Sky's heart ached as he observed families reuniting, joy lighting their features. Among them, he spotted a young boy and his mother, their embrace tight and filled with relief. They stood amidst their possessions, which seemed to shine with promise, as though they had stepped onto a path toward a brighter future. The contrast struck Sky like an icy wave; they were the lucky ones, starting anew. The laughter of families reuniting around him felt like a bittersweet melody, beautiful yet painfully out of reach.
His own breath felt heavy in his chest as he looked down, hands clenching tightly around the fabric of his clothes. A swirl of emotions churned within him—longing, sadness, and an unsettling sense of being left behind. As laughter and cheers erupted around him, he fought to keep the weight of his thoughts at bay, the brightness of the moment feeling achingly distant.
As the last of the refugees disembarked, a group of healers moved into action, guiding them toward a large tent set up nearby. Immaculately dressed in flowing white robes that hugged their wasp-like figures, revealing physiques honed by gymnastics and dance, the healers moved into action. Their skin was fair and smooth as silk, and their hair cascaded around their shoulders like running water. A subtle scent of coastal tea trees lingered in the air as they worked, their hands and feet adorned with light golden jewels shaped like laurel leaves.
Aleyn gestured for Sky to follow, his expression serious yet supportive.
“Come on, lad. They’ll want to check on ye,” he said, leading Sky through the bustling crowd. Refugees were already forming lines, weary faces lit by the promise of safety and hope.
The air buzzed with a mix of anxious chatter and the comforting aroma of food being prepared. Nearby, the sound of children’s laughter rang out as loved ones embraced them and reunited families.
Sky watched as the healers began assessing the newcomers, their movements efficient and graceful. They checked for injuries with ruthless precision, bandaging wounds and distributing water and simple meals. It was a scene of chaos and care, the community springing into action to support those who had lost everything, their beauty rivaled only by their skill. The doctor completed each stitch without a single patient shedding a tear, and Sky felt a flicker of hope amidst the turmoil.
Amidst the group of healers, Sky caught sight of a young woman who stood out among them, dressed in golden ivory and sapphire clothing. She attracted more royal guards around her than any other healer, her commanding and firm posture unmistakable as she directed the efforts to ensure everyone received proper care. Though they did not interact, Sky felt drawn to her presence, noting the confidence she exuded as she coordinated the scene before her.
An older gentleman stood cradling his visibly shaken wife in his arms, a look of desperation etched on his face as he scanned the crowd. When his gaze landed on Sky, his expression shifted from confusion to urgency. “Hey, did you just arrive on the boat?”
Sky felt a jolt of anxiety at the man’s sudden focus on him. The grip on his shoulders was firm but shaky, revealing the man’s desperate need for answers.
“Where is my son? Zain, did he make it?”
Sky’s heart pounded. The man’s eyes searched Sky’s face, a flicker of hope mingling with fear.
“Did he make it off the boat with you?” the man pressed, tightening his grip as he shook Sky slightly, urgency tinging his voice.
The pressure of the moment was suffocating. Sky opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. He could only manage a breathy whisper, “Zain…”
The man’s expression changed, hope flickering. “What? What do you know?”
Before Sky could gather his thoughts, Aleyn stepped in, positioning himself protectively between Sky and the man. “Give him some space!” he commanded, his voice firm but calm. He faced the man; his gaze unwavering. “You need to back off. He’s been through enough.”
But the commotion was growing. Other refugees, desperate for news of their loved ones, swarmed around Sky.
“Have you seen my daughter? She’s only four.”
An unfamiliar voice shouted, asking the whereabouts of the grandson.
“You cannot be the only survivor!” shouted a man, his voice thick with panic.
“Help me, please, you must’ve seen my grandmother!” pleaded a woman, tears streaming down her face.
Seeing the situation escalate, a pair of knights moved in, their silver armor gleaming with sapphire markings as they commanded attention. Each of their steps was an audible thud, echoing through the chaos as they towered easily over the heights of the refugees. “Step back! Everyone, form a line!” one of them bellowed, his voice cutting through the din with authority. The soldiers separated the crowd, their polished shields displaying the Elysian insignia as they ushered people back, restoring some order amid the rising tension. Taking advantage of the distraction, Aleyn quickly grabbed Sky’s arm, leading him away from the crowd. “This way, lad,” he urged, guiding him through the thinning mass of people until they reached a quieter corner of the area.
Sky’s breath came in shallow gasps, the overwhelming pressure of the moment crashing down on him like a tidal wave. He leaned against the wall, cradling his head in his hands as he fought to regain control. Hope briefly sparked within him in the new world before chaos dragged him back to despair.
“Just breathe, slowly,” Aleyn spoke, placing a reassuring hand on his back. “Ye’re safe here. Focus on my voice.”
Sky nodded, but the anxiety swirled within him, his heart racing as he tried to steady his breathing. The weight of the world felt crushing, but Aleyn’s steady presence offered a lifeline, anchoring him in the storm of emotions. As Sky leaned against the wall, struggling to catch his breath, an officer approached, his armor adorned with intricate golden trimmings that signified his rank. The embellishments glimmered in the light, contrasting with the silver of his breastplate. A serene calmness washed over him. “What’s happening here, Aleyn?” he asked, glancing between Sky and the dwarf.
Aleyn calmly stated the recent arrival’s presence.
The officer's face turned in concern. “I was informed that Zain was supposed to rendezvous with you. Where is he?”
Aleyn, unable to offer an answer of his own, shook his head. “I’m sorry, he’s gone. All I found among the wreckage was him.” Aleyn pointed to the young boy.
The officer scrutinized Sky, searching for any sign of confirmation. “I'm sorry. Do you have any proof that it was indeed Zain's ship?”
Aleyn turned to Sky, his encouragement gentle. “Sky, do you have the trinkets with ye?”
Sky’s heart raced at the mention of Zain. He instinctively reached into his bag, fingers trembling as he pulled out two objects—Zain's sigil, plain to see, and another wrapped in cloth. He held them out toward Aleyn, who took them and presented them to the officer.
The officer examined Zain’s sigil closely, recognition dawning in his eyes. “I know Zain well,” he said, his voice heavy with understanding. “He was a good man.” Then, curious about the second item, he unwrapped it, revealing the Elysian Family crest. The crest was weathered and rustic, but unquestionably recognizable. His eyes widened in shock. “The royal family crest,” he said, disbelief coloring his tone. “Where did you find this?”
Aleyn stepped forward, his expression serious. “It was among the wreckage.”
The officer's demeanor shifted as he processed the implications of what they had found. “We'll take this to the royal family. You both need to come with me,” he said, looking from Aleyn to Sky.
Sky felt a mix of confusion and apprehension at the thought of meeting royalty, but he nodded, sensing the urgency in the officer's words. He led Sky and Aleyn through the bustling crowd. They passed by groups of refugees being tended to by the healers. The lively chatter and laughter around them felt like a stark contrast to the turmoil swirling inside Sky. He glanced back at the ship, where Smoky would stay, his absence already creating a slight ache rang in his heart.
“Stay here, boy,” Aleyn had said earlier, ruffling Smoky's fur affectionately. “The crew will look after you. We’ll be back before ye know it.”
The group pressed on, escorting them to the nearby train station that connected the docks to the city and eventually led to the palace. The veins of the city came alive, bustling with activity.
They ascended a flight of metal stairs to reach the platform, where several carriages awaited them. Sky and Aleyn boarded, and the escorting guards seemed to relax in his presence. A lost-looking youth presented no apparent threat, they assumed. The seats lined the sides of the carriage, facing inward. Sky sat, astonished, gazing out the window as the guards took their seats and settled in.
The train’s horn blared, and the grinding of the locomotive wheels shot sparks as they fought for traction. With a jolt, the train moved forward.
Inside the carriage, Sky stared out the window, watching the world blur by. The train, vital to the sprawling city, made several stops along the way. It started fully crowded, but with each stop, groups of people stepped off, revealing a residential area, a marketplace, an academic wing, a hospital, and an arcana wing, among many others. He watched as people of all kinds went about their daily lives, each engaged in their own routine.
The train picked up speed, and the buildings outside grew taller, more magnificent. Yet it wasn’t the grandeur of the structures that held his attention; it was the shimmer just beneath the surface.
As the train rumbled on, Sky’s gaze shifted to the ground far below, where, through the cracks in the stone streets, a faint glow emerged. It started as a faint glimmer, barely perceptible, but as the train moved, it grew stronger. The glow pulsed in waves, flowing through the veins of the city like stars blinking to life in a vast, dark expanse.
The crystalline conduits, buried deep beneath the city, revealed themselves to him in silent, radiant threads. They glittered like the constellations of a forgotten sky, their energy arcing beneath the streets. Blue, violet pulses mirrored the train’s rhythm, flowing city-wide, a hidden life source. In the night, they would have been stars; here, in the daylight, they glowed softly, a shimmering network that powered everything—yet remained hidden, as though it were the city’s secret, a quiet hum beneath the bustling activity above.
Sky leaned closer to the window, his fingers gently brushing against the glass. The city’s veins stretched out in all directions, crisscrossing between the towering buildings and under the bustling streets. He could almost imagine the conduits—lines of magic and power, feeding the heart of Elysian, pulsing with a rhythm all their own.
As the train passed over a bridge, Sky glimpsed a larger conduit—one of the great pylons that stood like silent sentinels, its light brighter than the rest. The energy arced from it in a great, radiant beam that fed into the city below, a physical manifestation of the power that kept it alive. It reminded him of the stars—so distant and beautiful, yet so intimately tied to the pulse of the world.
He briefly considered whether Elysian’s vibrancy stemmed from these conduits. With every pulse, the city seemed to breathe, moving forward in tandem with the energy that hummed beneath its streets. It was a strange comfort to him, seeing the world in this new light.
As the train halted at each station, Sky felt the weight of the stares directed at him, even though he didn’t meet anyone’s gaze. Upon looking back, observers swiftly averted their gaze, embarrassed by his presence. Sky maintained a stoic expression, but inside, he battled an incomprehensible pain of isolation.
After the last few stops, the train revealed a breathtaking view of a vast golden city flanked by forests and majestic mountains stretching toward the horizon. Architectural marvels of ivory, gold, and blue adorned the skyline, each building more magnificent than the last.
Even newcomers easily recognized that building’s glamor. It resembled a heavily fortified fortress, towering over the city with a glorious, luminous sheen of ivory and gold. Perched high on an incline, separating it from the surrounding residences, was the grand royal palace—their destination.
As the train came to a stop, Sky stepped out, his gaze drawn upward. The palace entrance loomed before him, a towering structure that made him crane his neck in awe.
Leading up to the palace entrance was a grand flight of stairs covered by a blue velvet carpet outlined in gold.
“This place is amazing,” Sky thought to himself, awestruck by the opulence surrounding him.
“I never tire of coming here,” the officer remarked, a hint of pride in his voice. “The fairest of all the land, I can assure you. Within these walls, you are as safe as you can be, where all things are pure. Outside of these walls, however, are horrors you can barely imagine. Barbarians, savages, wild beasts that would tear you to shreds—creatures of an… ‘Orcish’ nature.”
“Orcish?” Aleyn questioned, frowning at the thought.
“We’ve been vigilantly monitoring our borders.” “Now let’s hope what you have to say resonates well with everyone inside.”
The palace loomed before them, its many balconies and towers standing tall under heavy guard. They finally reached the main entrance door, a massive structure guarded by over a dozen soldiers. It was a giant gunmetal monument of engineering expertise, decorated with intricate sculptures and surrounded by runes in ancient languages.
The officer gestured to the guards above to open the gate. The latch mechanisms clicked, and giant gears ground as they spun. With a sound reminiscent of an enormous dragon’s bellow, the door creaked open, revealing the grandeur within.
As the grand doors creaked open, revealing the dimly lit interior of the palace, a shiver ran down Sky's spine. Shadows danced across the walls, and he caught glimpses of ornate tapestries and armored guards standing vigil. The weight of the royal crest in his pocket felt heavier than ever.
Would they welcome him, or was he entering a world beyond his grasp?
With his heart racing, Sky took a step forward, aware that his life would never be the same.