"100 years after the founding, the world has continued to prosper; my part here is done." - Final Message

Conovia is supposed to be lovely this time of year, with the sunlight reflecting off the alabaster towers of the floating castle. It is said that the 5 towers at the points of the pentagon are completely identical and soar so high that the top cannot be seen.

"I think I see it," Tarun said as he settled himself onto the grassy hillside, pointing over the mountains in the distance.

"You cannot see Conovia from here, It's supposed to be half a continent away, not to mention it doesn't even exist," I replied as I settled next to him; he was about to argue but I interrupted him "I mean think about it, if there was a floating city, how would you even get there?"

"I mean think about it, if there was a floating city, how would you even get there?"

This, I thought was the way summer should be spent, soaking up some sun and taking in the sights of a countryside in full bloom. The noises of the countryside surrounded us as we spoke about nothing, eventually overwhelming even our chatty mood. There was a pleasant peace to watching the beasts in their pastures and the men in their fields, which was utterly ruined when I heard my mother calling for me. Odd, usually she called for both of us.

As I made my way to the cottage by the road I noticed a horse on the road. Nothing like the plow beasts of our quaint village. I did not have long to wonder over it for my mother was insistent in her urgings. It was not long before I reached the door and as a second thought dusted myself off.

The man's voice shocked me as he spoke "Ah, there's a good lad" it was Ekabi all right, but it sounded so different. He gestured for me to sit down as my mother brought around some tea. Who was this man to be served by my mother in her own home?

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

"You might be wondering who I am" he spoke suddenly as if reading my thoughts. I fidgeted in my seat but tried not to give away my impatience too much as he went back to his tea and watched me over the brim of his cup.

I decided I would not give in to this strange man in his elegantly tailored finery, the clothing was in pristine condition as if he had just changed, not ridden his tall equally elegant horse.

An amused look crossed his features as I resolutely held my tongue. My mother was glaring at me from over the man's shoulder, she knew that I was aware what the proper response was; she was probably just worried that I was making her look bad.

The man spoke as he handed my mother his cup and thanked her for the tea, "I will start with why I am here, you are of the age, and we have the need." This last part sounded very formal, as something in an agreement between people.

"Of what age?" I blurted out unable to contain myself

"Has no one told you of the accord?" The man looked taken aback at my question, he started muttering under his breath then turned to my mother "Who has charge of his education?" she met his gaze and spoke clearly "The local priest does the schooling around here"

She met his gaze and spoke clearly "The local priest is responsible for the schooling around here, and does a fine job"

I dared to speak up as soon as she had finished "What is the accord?" my mother shot me another disapproving look, I was going to pay for my curiosity later.

"Ah, to be young again" the man spoke as he unfolded and refolded his handkerchief. " I have to take you to the nearest city to be tested for the aptitude" He looked distinctly uncomfortable and seemed to be growing more so "Your priest should have mentioned the accord during the teaching of the histories" 

I didn't think it would be wise to say that the priest had been missing since before I came to live here. I wondered why my mother had left that out.

"I will go prepare his things for you, I think he should have some time to ask some more of his beloved questions" My mother spoke as she swept out of the room in the direction of my bedroom, I briefly wondered if I had cleaned it this morning.

I found that all my questions were not for this man who reminded me of nothing so much as the long legged insects I saw flitting around the forest.

End of Chapter 1