[Chapter 12] Hope - The Black Citadel

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What a timely distraction. They were flying low, and below was the usual arctic expanse. We’re not quite there.

“So you took a detour.” Astra said.

“Yes, I thought it worth showing them.”

Astra nodded, “We’ll continue later.”

Hope pressed against the glass. The ground is sloping. As it steepened, another white landscape came into view.

“The Blue Abyss floats off the coast, half a mile down.” Simon said.

Focusing on where the snowdrift fell off, Hope wished she could could see better, “Can you turn on the floodlights?”

“Sure, but it won’t do much with the distances.” Simon answered.

Passing the edge, the area below lit up. Those were stones after all. Snow sugarcoated the cliff. The bedrock went straight down, disappearing into the darkness.

“It’s a six mile drop to the new crust.” Simon announced, bringing them to a halt.

Hope turned and frowned. What’s with that? The Blue Abyss’s top was flat ice as far as the eye could see which curved downward in a quarter circle nearing the void below them. As expected so far. After that, the vertical frozen surface arched the other way and finished in gigantic icicles aimed under the arctic continent. Like an endless row of sharp teeth.

“Wondering about the shape?” Astra commented.

“Very much so.” She said.

“Look there,” Astra gestured. “As snow accumulates on the continent, some gets pushed over the edge.” She made a pulling motion, jerking the airship. What just happened?

“See?” A chunk of ice was tumbling down. “It’s a solid, so it falls normally.” Her reach is crazy.

“Once it hits the new crust, it’ll melt and become subject to a different gravitational field, dropping upwards towards the Blue Abyss.” Astra explained. “Simon, please lower us close and kill the engine.” Hope momentarily panicked before remembering the airship levitated even when shut down.

“Everyone be quiet.” Astra said once they’d stopped. Soon the silence was broken by dripping. “That’s the water landing and growing the stalactites.” So that’s why they point there.

“Enera’s awesome.” Light said.

“It was wonderful even before Sola blew it up.” Their mother replied sadly, “I wish you could’ve seen it back then.”

There was an awkward pause. “Sorry about that…” Light said. “I’m serious this time.” This time?

“My original was a real bitch, wasn’t she?” Free chimed in. What a bizarre way to lighted the mood.

“Yes, she was.” Astra smiled. “But remember, her actions have nothing to do with you.”

Live ‘free’ from the past… She considered herself. Hope… “My name… It’s because of the Pillar of Enera, isn’t it?” She asked.

Hesitating, Astra nodded, “It was Jenna’s idea.”

“Can we go out on deck?” Silver asked.

Hope looked over as if he was mad, then regretted it. I forget he feels no fear. Heights meant nothing. What’s more, with his ability, there’s little danger.

“That isn’t a good idea.” Astra said. “There’s no railings.” She’s worried we’ll follow him.

Silver was oblivious to the concern, “I won’t fall so that doesn’t matter. So I can go?”

Astra gazed hard, “Fine. If anyone wishes, I’ll freeze them on deck.”

“What?” Silver said.

“There’ll be heavy winds once we travel. If more than one falls, it’ll be hard to catch you. So I’ll lock you down and thaw you out later.”

She’s serious! Rather than wasting time, their mother preferred brute force solutions. Most wouldn’t accept, but… Silver nodded, “Alrigh——”

Soul’s hand covered his brother’s mouth, “It’s ok. We’re happy staying inside.” Good job. It’d be scary if he wasn’t around.

Issue resolved, Astra seated herself, “Simon, take us there.”

They accelerated parallel to the chasm, gaining altitude. From its star-lit outline, she could tell it went on for miles. It really happened. The Fracturing, the Dark Age, the Pillar of Enera… Everything… Some part of her had always remained skeptical. Continents in the sky… You have to see to believe.

“The Black Citadel is coming up.” Simon said. “You can spot Xarst if you try.”

Exciting. As the closest settlement, she’d read a great deal about the place. We were guaranteed to visit… Oh, there it is. Mount Xarst was a jagged silhouette against the heavens. A Black Citadel towering the arctic. The mountain couldn’t be seen with the naked eye, even when the sun was up. The stones reflect no light.

She noticed a dark patch on the plains behind Xarst. There shouldn’t be anything there. Hope hadn’t read as much as her siblings, but she took pride in what she had. “Over there…” She asked. “What is it?”

“Oh, that…” Astra grimaced.

It seems mother finds this subject troublesome. That wasn’t acceptable. She stared piercingly to convey this expectation. I want an answer.

“Switch with me.” Astra chased Simon from the driver’s seat. Hope fixed her gaze on him, “What’s that?”

“Ah,” Simon laughed. “It’s a giant herd of cattle.”

Hope intensified her glare. More is needed.

“As to why they’re there… Many Xarst residents are fond of meat.”

“Please elaborate.” Hope fired off.

“Are you familiar with Xarst’s shadow?” Simon asked.

“Yes…” Hope recalled what she knew. “So much necromancy was poured into Xarst that a ‘death field’ was unintentionally created, preventing new life. Pregnancies are impossible, and plants can’t pollinate.”

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“Correct. Incidentally, Xarst’s shadow is why Earth’s End was built so far off. Sola had to escape its effects.” Simon said. That’s interesting, but not relevant. “It’s also why the Black Citadel is called the city of exiles and immigrants. There are only nine natively born——”

“Fascinating, but can we focus on the cows?” Hope interjected. He tends to ramble.

“Right,” Simon said. “Normally thousands of calves are imported to meet demand. However, this supply was interrupted during the Dark Age.”

“While not causing a shortage ——the Citadel has granaries overflowing with seeds——, it was a time of tragedy for meat lovers. They swore they’d never again endure a vegetarian lifestyle, and that herd is the result. By the way, your mother froze them.”

All eyes turned to Astra. “Nero called me over for an ‘urgent matter’. Turned out he needed me to anchor some cattle to the bedrock.” She shook her head. The cow mystery is solved.

“We’re at the outskirts.” Astra turned off the floodlights. “Use the opportunity to see what you can.”

Between Xarst and the coast was bedrock. Another plateau breaking the white of the ice shelf. It was covered in a familiar network of metal buildings. Except more organically organized. Like veins on a leaf, there were central corridors tying everything together. The largest of these ‘arteries’ lead back to three central domes, each one dwarfing the ice fortress.

“The north one is the commercial center. South-east is the financial district where the wealthy dwell. South-west holds the outer academy.” Wise offered. He reads less than me, yet knows more. Not fair. “The inner academy is under Xarst itself.”

“Another airship!” Silver exclaimed. An enormous vessel was approaching from the North.

“Warping is costly, so most supplies are brought in on cargo ships.” Simon explained. “The docks are built into the cliff, as is standard practice. By mooring on the vertical surfaces, horizontal ones are preserved as living space.”

Hope noticed Dawn slouched on the middle island with an arm covering her face. “You alright?” She asked.

“Oh, I’m dandy. I just took in too many sights.” She shifted to glance at them. “Thank you Simon. The detour was a wonderful idea. I’ll not forget it.”

That sounded like a vow of vengeance. Hope shook off the behavior and peered down. Airships were berthed along cross sections in the rock face. The shafts must be elevators. Landing lights lit the surface. It’s bright compared to above.

“We aren’t docking here?” Rose asked.

“No, we’ll land at our destination.” Astra said, turning south.

“Your mother is a living legend, a celebrity of celebrities,” Simon added. “If she entered through usual means, it’d cause a commotion. When was the last time you made a public appearance?”

Astra considered, “Fourteen hundred years ago. Upset over Sola’s Legacy, I held a press conference and vented.”

“It’s been a while…” Simon said as they slowed. Must be a speed limit.

“How is the population maintained?” Free asked, observing the city. “Between the arctic and Xarst’s shadow, it seems an unappealing destination…”

“The oath is tied to Xarst. As long as those with the affinity are born, they’ll travel here.” Simon said. “Of course, that alone isn’t enough so Xarst’s shadow was tweaked to slow aging by two thirds, thereby reducing our immigration needs.”

“Regarding attracting residents… The citadel offers well-paying jobs, safety, and lengthened lifespans. Those are a tempting combination to many.”

“It’s hard to believe those three domes wield such power over Enera.” Rose commented.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover. The Black Citadel’s true power rests there.” Simon pointed to Xarst. “That’s where the sleepers lie. The surface is merely for interacting with humanity.”

“Could you tell us about them?” Light asked.

“I’d expect you to know already.” Simon answered. He’s beginning to understand Light.

“Oh, I do.” Light said quickly. “But I’ve never heard about them from a necromancer. Would you mind?” Honestly? Hope hid her face.

Simon froze in bewilderment, then his shoulders sagged, “Xarst graduates have the privilege of controlling their time of passing. Unless we accept it willingly, we can’t perish——”

“Doesn’t that make you invincible?” Light cut in.

“There are plenty of ways to make someone want to die.” Simon continued. “That said, we do tend to survive a long time, especially those who stay and research. Invariably we’ll grow weary. Even with the oath, channeling death gradually erodes the will to live. For those who’ve grown too tired, the common practice is to sleep for a few centuries and return to a greatly changed world. After a few such awakenings, many choose to rest permanently. Some of our strongest slumber beneath Xarst. Woe to any who give them cause to rise.”

“So, while it may seem small…” Simon said looking towards Rose, “No one dares challenge the Black Citadel. Even if half of Enera united against it, who’d win is uncertain.”

“That’s badass.” Light declared.

“Actually, it’s a little scary.” Rose corrected. “Xarst is endlessly accumulating war potential.”

“You need not fear.” Simon reassured her. “The Black Citadel has adhered to neutrality since its inception. Only a threat to Xarst itself would rouse the sleepers.”

“If you say so…” Rose said skeptically. “How do you kill a necromancer again?” Really?

“The simplest way is to slay them repeatedly until they stay dead.” Simon answered calmly.

“We’ve arrived.” Astra interrupted. They dropped towards a dome, and a section slid open.

Amid a field of gray pebbles was a two-storied building surrounded by patios and enclosed balconies. Six smaller buildings circled the space. Our guest residence has guest houses? She notice someone below. An attendant?

“Isn’t this luxurious?” Hope asked nervously.

“It’s meant for world leaders.” Simon explained. “The central building is just a gathering spot. Our quarters are the cottages.”

Exiting, an elder man in black greeted them, “It’s a pleasure to welcome you, Astra Skyfell. Nero is planning on dropping by this evening.”

“Thank you.” Astra nodded. “I’ll call if I require anything.”

“Then with your permission…” The man bowed and retreated. Tonight I’ll meet another hero…

“Let’s settle in.” Astra began. “Simon and I are taking our own cottages. The rest of you will double up. Girls and boys each get two.” She glanced towards the central building. “We’ll gather in the room of skulls in half an hour. It’s on the second floor, you can’t miss it.”

When Astra and Simon left, Free grabbed Rose, “We’ll pair up. Alright?”

“Hum, ok…” Rose answered confused. A second later her eyes lit up. Facing Hope, she mimed a ‘sorry’.

That ain’t good. As Hope retraced her sister’s logic, Dawn walked up, “I guess you’ve the honor of rooming with me. Hopefully your self-esteem will survive the privilege.”

Dang it… Is it too late to draw lots? Free and Rose had withdrawn, and Dawn was marching off. Traitors! I’ll remember this.

Hope hung her head, following listlessly. So many pebbles. Some were quite pretty. It’s fine to take a few? Searching for targets of acquisition, she noted elevated islands scattered all over, held in place by larger stones. This is a rock garden… While appreciating the appeal, something was lacking. It’s not much without plants…

Hmm? She peered closely. Oh my god, Tomb Ivy! How’d I miss that? She rushed over to the phantom plants she’d only read about. Up close, she could barely make out their whitish outlines. Nearly invisible in the daytime… Their true beauty could only be beheld in the dark, when they’d glow in fluctuating shades of blue, purple, and pink.

Jellyfish vines which drift like seaweed. Unaffected by gravity, they floated to the ceiling covered in all manner of leaves and flowers. Their features are stolen from ‘living’ plants. They didn’t feed on sunlight, but death itself. Or rather the faint aura lingering thereafter. They were often found near graves and battlefields. These must survive on energy emanating from Xarst. She wanted to touch, but couldn’t as contact with a living body would kill them. I can’t wait for tonight.

Hope entered the cottage her mood improved. The living room stretched the length of the building. Instead of windows, five glass-covered doors lead to the patio outside. Her sister was ahead studying a cabinet filled with an exotic selection of stuffed creatures.

“There are two bedrooms. Choose whichever.” Dawn said.

“Does this live up to your standards?” Hope observed the opulent surroundings.

“What?” Dawn replied confused.

Irritated, Hope continued, “You know, doesn’t this fit your ‘better than everyone’ thing?”

“I am better than everyone.” Dawn agreed. “As a fighter and person. But what does that have to do with a luxurious lifestyle? I was in the same rooms as everyone else at Earth’s End. It was never an issue.”

I suppose that’s true. Dawn’s ego operated in ways she didn’t care to comprehend. Instead she went and collapsed face-down on the nearest bed. One night. Rose and Free would pay.

“Taking a nap?” Dawn asked from the doorway. “I’m heading out.”

Hope listened to her leave. Yay, it’s gone! She rolled over and stared up. I’m the clone of Jenna Crystal, the great-granddaughter of the Northern Emperor. She considered this. I was cheated. The others were warriors, yet she was an enchantress.

Didn’t Jenna fight using a giant enchanted machine? That wasn’t something which could be build without decades and a mountain of materials. While Jenna’s mobile armor still existed, she doubted she could just borrow it. But it’d be so cool if I did get my hands on it. Hope imagined herself kicking Dawn’s ass with a giant metal golem. It was satisfying.

My god, she’s Astra’s clone! Of course her martial arts suit her so perfectly. Hope swore at the injustice of it all.

Time to find a room with skulls…