[Book II Chapter 119] SILVER: Dalyse
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“So Simon Black shattered the Pillar of Enera?” Reagan asked. His aura flared up, causing his hair to sway.
“Yes…” Kate replied awkwardly. “Is that upsetting? I know you worked together…”
“I assumed his opposition to the Laughing Man meant he could be trusted.” Reagan shook his head. “I should’ve remembered how many good men have fallen under Torak’s sway.”
On hearing about the Dark Age, Reagan had insisted to be brought up to speed and had selected Kate for the task. So they’d returned to Agatha’s terrace for a lengthy discussion of their adventures on the Isle of dreams. Unexpectedly, Kate had omitted any mention of their relationship. Although this stung a little, he had an inkling why she’d made that choice.
“What has occurred since then?” Reagan asked.
Kate took a deep breath, and dutifully launched into another round of exposition. Silver listened quietly, sipping his tea. Although anxious to depart, he understood this process was necessary. Besides, reaching this point was a major milestone. There was no need to rush.
He was more concerned by a new development. Since confirming his identity, Reagan had refused to make eye contact or acknowledge his presence. This treatment could prove troublesome.
“Training under Kara is both brave and foolish.” Reagan observed. “I pray the hardship proved worthwhile at least?”
Kate nodded. “It was efficient, if brutal.”
The man lowered his gaze. “I see you are wearing one of my bracers.”
Kate grabbed her wrist, covering the metal. “Sorry, I——”
Reagan raised a hand. “Arther wouldn’t have objected. Neither will I.”
“On this subject…” Kate explained the issue worrying them.
“The bracers were specially attune to Arther. It’s best that——” The immortal glanced briefly in Silver’s direction. “——his doppelganger inherits them. I’ll fashion you your own pair.”
“That would be amazing!” Kate exclaimed, bowing her head. “Thank you so much…”
“Think nothing of it.” Reagan smiled sadly. “This is something Arther asked me to do if you ever became a saint.”
It was late afternoon before Kate wrapped up. Reagan leaned back and closed his eyes, taking it all in. The then turned to their host. “What do you two make of these raids on Shangri-la?”
“That’s something Mane’s been looking into…” Agatha turned to her husband.
“I have.” Mane nodded. “However, there’s someone more qualified then I to speak on this subject.” He pointed to the horizon, but Silver couldn’t make out anything. “Dalyse will arrive in a few minutes.”
“Oh, right…” Agatha looked guilty. “She insisted on being notified as soon as you emerged. I hope you don’t mind.”
Reagan didn’t seemed bothered, but he glowered nevertheless. “The situation is serious if she’s involving herself. These are more than simple raids.”
“Who’s Dalyse?” Silver asked.
Reagan paused, unsure how to respond to this interjected. Finally, he answered. “In terms of ruling sovereigns, Shangri-la has five architects and three generals. Dalyse is one of the five, the Harmonist who governs the heavens. She shapes the weather and crafts the climates for plants to thrive. Someone that important wouldn’t normally investigate simple raids.”
Stolen novel; please report.
“Threats to Shangri-la are usually the domain of the generals.” Agatha added.
“Speaking of which, what’s this I hear about Shangri-la sitting out this dark age?” There was anger in Reagan’s voice.
“For now, we will only involve ourselves in the defense of Kalonia.” Mane revealed. “And the decision about aiding on other fronts is deferred until later.”
“We could’ve really used you at the last assembly.” Agatha reproached.
Reagan grimaced. “That’s the problem with this paradise. Those who dwell here grow reluctant to face the sometimes grim reality outside.”
“Dalyse is here.” Mane announced.
From the sky, a huge white heron descended. Gracefully touching down, it drew its wings around itself and shone blindingly. When the glow faded, a gorgeous woman stood in its place, grayish-blue hair flowing over white robes.
“Reagan, you certainly kept me waiting a long time.” She said with a wry smile.
“My apologies, I have no excuse.” Reagan bowed deeply, as did Agatha and Mane. Kate and Silver quickly joined in.
Rising back up, determination reflected in Reagan’s eyes. “Could you tell me about the raids on Shangri-la?” He asked.
Dalyse nodded. “On more than a dozen occasions, sovereigns from Mount Gull broke have broken into the borderlands, dominating all the fauna and transforming them into demonic beasts. These invasions happened in the more remote regions, so it took a while for the news to reach Premier.”
“What about the borderland sovereigns?” Reagan asked. “Why didn’t they report them?”
“One of them eventually did.” Dalyse replied. “And when we questioned the others, they reluctantly revealed the scale of incursions.”
“That bunch of recluse hate socializing.” Mane observed. “That’s why they reside all the way out there.”
“Indeed.” Dalyse sighed. “It’s painful to motivate them if it doesn’t involve their territory.”
“What is being done about the situation?” Reagan asked.
“At the moment, only increased patrols.” Dalyse shrugged. “There is no doubt Kaygren’s claws are being used to open the rifts, but, since there have been no witnesses so far, we don’t know how. Without the precise details, it’s difficult to form a contingency plan. The Borderlands are too vast, and this issue doesn’t warrant a large mobilization.”
Reagan reflected silently. “All this is what I’d expect and doesn’t explain your interest in the subject. Normally, you’d leave this to generals… So why are you here?”
Dalyse pursed her lips. “Mount Gull has expanded too fast. In the span of a couple months, its size almost rivals Shangri-la.”
“You find this threatening?” Reagan guessed.
“Not exactly…” Dalyse took a couple of steps to side, staring into the distance. “While Kaygren’s strength isn’t lacking, merging so many tethered realm so rapidly is beyond him. He simply lacks the ability to balance all aspects of such a colossal space… Unless an experienced hand was guiding him and offering advice.”
Agatha gasped, and Reagan frowned. “You suspect there is a traitor assisting him.” He interpreted. “Also, this would be an architect or someone directly under them.”
Dalyse tilted her head in agreement. “And whoever it may be is undoubtedly involved in this matter, which is why I want to borrow your nose. Although Mount Gull has closed the obvious rifts, I surmise there are more. Determining their location would provide valuable intelligence on Kaygren’s co-operators.”
“I understand.” Reagan said. “We should depart this instant.”
Watching Mane go fetch the airship, Silver approached Reagan. “What about returning to Messanic? Astra is waiting for you. The Moonlit Lands menace Enera.” He whispered urgently.
“This will take less than a day.” The immortal answered without looking at him. “Furthermore, we can use one of the rifts to reach your mother. It’ll be faster than any other method.”
Kate punched the immortal in the gut, eliciting his first shocked reaction. “Why are you ignoring Silver?” She demanded. “It’s awkward and makes me feel terrible.”
“That’s——” Reagan glanced at Dalyse who watched with amusement. “This morning I was still grieving. Please be patient with me.”
“You’re the one with centuries of wisdom.” Dalyse interjected softly. “Shouldn’t you be accommodating their immaturity rather than the other way around?”
Reagan winced, shutting his eyes. “Aye, I should…”
“Part of me perished with Arther.” He continued. “Even now, not a moment passes where I don’t wonder what his opinion would be or question what option he’d choose. Half my existences was tied to the man. The thought that I’ll never argue with him again… Never berate him on his ever-softhearted approach… It’s crushing.”
Reagan opened his eyes and stared hard at Silver. Initially, he flinched but maintained his gaze. Eventually, whatever internal pain plagued him faded away and he appeared to Relax. “You are not Arther. Pardon my rudeness.” He said calmly.
“There we go.” Kate clapped happily. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“Now tell me…” Reagan turned to Kate. “What exactly is the relationship between you two?”
Oh, boy…