Aric stood at the fortress, the sea breeze brushing past him as he gazed toward the distant horizon. The clouds above were calm, yet he knew the journey ahead would be anything but. The Subdeacon Giselle stood a short distance away, overseeing the final preparations for the voyage to the Sky Island. It was time to meet the Ecumenical Council, the governing body of the Church, and perhaps, if things went as he hoped, the Patriarch himself.
"You've been silent ever since you got back from mountain," Giselle noted, her eyes watching him closely.
Aric turned to her, shrugging slightly. "I’m just preparing myself for what’s to come."
Giselle frowned, folding her arms. "Don’t think the Council will be easy on you. They don’t look kindly upon those who step out of line, especially when they’re Acolyte candidates. You’re lucky they’re even allowing you this far."
"I’m not looking for their approval," Aric replied calmly. "I need answers, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get them."
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She sighed, shaking her head. "You're going to ask to meet the Patriarch again, aren't you?"
Aric nodded. "I am. Once this business with the Forgotten Isles is dealt with, I need to speak with him. There’s more going on than what we’re seeing—Blights, Aberrations, and something far worse. I need to understand what’s happening."
Giselle’s expression hardened. "The Patriarch doesn’t meet just anyone, especially someone in your position."
"I know," Aric said, locking eyes with her. "But that’s not going to stop me."
Before the conversation could continue, one of the Church members approached, informing them that everything was ready. The special boat designed to ascend into the sky stood at the dock, waiting for them. Aric glanced at the ship, its design sleek and lined with enchanted runes, enabling it to transform into an airship.
"Let’s go," Giselle said, turning on her heel and motioning for him to follow.
The journey would be long, but for now, Aric allowed himself to focus on what lay ahead. He would deal with the Council, and he would find a way to speak to the Patriarch.
As the vessel set sail and the preparations were complete, Aric retired to his quarters. The room was small but comfortable, a welcome respite after the chaos of the past few days. He sat on the edge of the bed, his body aching from the climb back up Mount Morris and the battle he had endured. His thoughts drifted to the coming days. The Council was waiting, and beyond that, the unknown.
"One step at a time," Aric muttered under his breath, lying down.
As the night settled in, he closed his eyes, his mind racing with what was to come. He needed his rest, for tomorrow, they would make their way to the Sky Island—and what awaited him there was anyone's guess.