[Book II Chapter 133] DAWN: Castle Safire
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“Isn’t this impressive?” Rose gestured to the ring of lush green around them as the airship traveled high above the new crust. “Garnen’s halos are really unique as far as Twisted Lands go.”
Dawn surveyed the landscape lit by a fading light bloom. “It’s alright, I guess.” She replied, not in the mood to be impressed.
Rose sighed and shook her head, turning away to gaze over the railing. <<…She really can’t get excited about anything but herself…>>
Dawn studied the back of her sister’s head from behind, resentful at the unwanted intrusion. Every one and a while, since returning from Dark Heritage, words would occasionally pop into her head. The phenomenon was deeply troubling.
She’d never cared about the opinions of others, save that they properly appreciate her brilliance. As such, telepathy wasn’t even on her list of desired skills, yet it appeared to be developing on its own, much to her dismay. At the first opportunity, I must rid myself of these voices.
This whole trip was already a disappointment. Given the choice, she would’ve preferred to have joined the saints crossing over to support assault on Mount Gull. It would’ve been a chance to see the strongest immortals in action, including her mother. Of course, she’d kept this to herself, understanding they were repaying a debt.
Cindy Omen was waiting when they landed at Castle Safire, in the middle of a large city. “Why don’t I show you to your rooms?” She declared. “We can speak after that.”
They were led through busy halls and up a grand staircases to a more isolated and luxurious portion of the castle. Dawn was appreciating the decor when they passed a lounge where a familiar figure was installed on an armchair. He waved.
“Emerit Blaze?” She approached him. “What are you doing here?“
“Why, these are the quarters for visiting saints and immortals.” Emerit smirked. “Where else would I be?”
“In Aery piloting Astrolis.” Dawn replied.
“I was,” Emerit admitted, “but now I am here.”
“When Garnen requested assistance, they sent Emerit and Astrolis.” Cindy explain. “Quite generous considering the forces they’ve deployed to Messanic.”
“It’s thanks to the twins.” Emerit added. “The Safire Ring is the closest to Aery, and they saw this as a chance for a field test. They lobbied the queen quite persistently for it.”
“Wait a second,” Rose jumped in. “It’s only been ten days. Are you telling me the retrofit is already finished?”
“Partly.” Emerit answered, his vigor visibly faltering. “They’d already designed all manner of prototypes, and it was just a matter of figuring out how to integrating them. To that end, they’ve been working night and day without rest, forcing me to do a constant string of tests. Frankly, I’m thankful for this break.”
“Emerit is staying in the room Kara vacated.” Cindy revealed. “It’s a little fancier than the rest.”
“One of the perks of immortality.” Emerit smiled smugly.
After congratulating the man and being shown their quarters, they gathered again in the lounge. Cindy addressed them with a serious expression. “Thank you for coming. The assault on Mount Gull has created a window of vulnerability for Garnen. Those immortals our neighbors are willing to spare have all been enlisted in that effort. The same is true of the Adventurer’s Guild. Even errant immortals, such as Kara, have joined in.”
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“What was Kara doing in Safire?” Rose asked.
“Nothing.” Cindy replied. “She merely retreated here to rest between her expeditions harassing Argon Blast’s Cloud Fortress Omega Nine. Her attempts to hunt down one of his masterpieces slowed their mobilization, for which we are grateful. It’s no surprise they saw her absence as a golden opportunity to launch an offensive. They’ve already started crushing dark crystals——”
“Wise told us about that.” Dawn chimed in. When crushed in a specific manner, dark crystals had an obscuring effect on foresight over a wide range. Right now Wise could only see two or three hours ahead, much to Rose’s frustration. It’ll likely grow worse by tomorrow.
Cindy nodded. “That’s the real comfirmation that, at some point in the next twenty four hours, the Grey Kingdom will attack. Safire is one of the four rings at risk of being targeted. Hence my request for your assistance.”
“What would you have us do?” Zentrias asked.
“I’d like you to join other defenders in the city protecting critical military infrastructure: Spell cannons, summon generators, wards, crystal depos, the guardian stone, etc… Ideally you’ll have little to do since Garnen’s defenses and fleet are formidable, not to mention our immortals.”
“And if the situation isn’t ideal?” Zentrias persisted. “You didn’t call us in thinking we wouldn’t be needed.”
Cindy sighed. “The main concern is a new unit fielded by Necron, one of the Grey Kindom’s military order. Headed by a man named Daniel Ryson, they’ve recently deployed a special infantry unit which wears full body armor capable of protecting them from the ill effects of brief trips through the Abyss.”
“They can open necromantic portals to teleport short distance.” Wise explained. “This means they can circumvent most barriers.”
“Exactly.” Cindy affirmed. “These Abyss troopers are an elite force, with members ranging from A-rank to saint level. In the last couple of weeks, they’ve infiltrated and cripple several cities, facilitating their takeover. Your task is to confront them if they make an appearance.”
The discussion proceeded to more technical details of their deployment. After hearing where they’d be stationed, Dawn stopped listening. She’d rely on Zentrias, Rose, and Wise when the time came.
In general, war was disinteresting. The large scale engagements made her feel inconsequential. I don’t yet have the strength to take center stage, and it’s hard to get excited when you know you’re playing a peripheral role.
When Cindy concluded her briefing, she left them to their own devices. Rose immediately turned to Wise, hoping to pry out some information despite his diminished foresight. Roxanne took this opportunity to retire early, and more words floated the Dawn’s mind. <>
Shaking off this annoyance, Dawn noticed Emerit excusing himself. She followed him, catching up as he entered his room. “Mind if we have a chat?” She asked.
“Sure.” The man seemed amused. “Come on in.”
They entered a luxurious penthouse suit, and emerit invited to table beside a wall of glass windows. The view was spectacular.
“How is Aery these days?” Dawn asked.
“That’s right…” Emerit rubbed his chin pensively. “You spent some time there didn’t you? Sorry to disappoint you, but nothing drastic has changed recently, at least as far as I can tell. Remember I’ve been cooped up in the twin’s underground workshop for a great deal of the time.”
“What about the situation in Novgard?” Dawn continued. “Is Oliver Brack still being a pain about the evacuations.”
“Actually, yes!” Emerit lit up. “Two weeks ago, the queen herself suggested that restrictions on the numbers coming in be eased, to which Oliver offered a very eloquent refusal. There’s now a growing recognition that Novgard policy will not change under his leadership, no matter how much pressure is applied, and Anastasia Vellor is leading an effort to have him replace.”
“Wonderful!” Dawn clasped her hands happily.
Emerit raised an eyebrow. “Not a fan of Oliver?”
“I have a grudge against the man.” She admitted, not bothering to hide the venom in her voice. While he’s a well-guarded immortal who is currently beyond my reach, I won’t forget what he did.
“It’s funny you should mention that topic.” Emerit gave her an appraising look. “It occurs to me that I still owe you a debt from the Isle of Dreams.”
“As far as I’m concerned, all matters between us have been settled.” Dawn stated firmly. “Unless you want to start something new?” She stared firmly at the immortal.
“Alright, alright…” Emerit backed down, chuckling. “I was only joking. Besides, I like this suite. I’d hate to find something nasty in it.”
“How did you sneak in those centipedes last time?” He added, leaning forwards.
“That’s a trade secret.” Dawn answered quickly, fleeing before he could press for more.