[Chapter 14 part 2] Astra - Nero Ebonwood

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Nero looked towards Soul, “Believe in yourself. Also, make sure to properly thank Barsal.”

“I’m not sure I understand…” Soul responded.

“You’ll know later,” Nero said playfully.

I should explain. “If he’s being ambiguous, it’s for a reason.” Astra was familiar with this pattern, having been through it herself. “Just listen and try to recall when the time is right.”

Nero put a hand on Dawn’s shoulder, “I’m sorry.”

“What?” Said her bewildered daughter.

“Tomorrow, you’ll have a bad day.”

Dawn’s eyes lit up, and her face went ashen, “Is it… Do you…”

“I know.” Nero said grimly. “And yes. Good luck.”

The cryptic exchange didn’t perturb Astra. Usually it’s something vital to the person, but meaningless to others.

Nero shook his head at Silver. “You’re certainly fast.”

“And that means?” Silver asked.

“Nothing.” Nero said, “I wish you both the best of fortunes.”

“I don’t follow, but thanks.” Silver played along.

Nero frowned at Light, “I’d warn you not to, but you’d do it anyway. That said, absolutely remember what I say next.”

“Alright?” Light said, unsure.

“Only take four.” Nero spoke gravely.

“Only take four?” Light repeated.

“Yes,” Nero stressed. “Four is still ok, but five is the end. There’ll be no recovery.”

Nero probably saved his life. How he’d done it would become clear in time. While depressing, she had too much on her plate to dwell on an averted death.

“That’s everything.” Nero stood. “I’d love to join you on the balcony for a chat.”

Astra smiled, “Alright.” She clapped. “You heard him. Back to your cottages. Don’t stay up all night with the projectors.”

Nero scoured the bar as they left, “That girl did a thorough job cleaning out the best spirits. But let’s see…” He reached into a cupboard. “As I suspected, she missed one.” Without asking, he happily poured two drinks. That’s a problem with Nero, he acts without permission. The undiscerning were often offended. Astra accepted the glass, and they seated themselves outside.

“Before we proceed…” Nero reach up, gently guiding the magics of death. Beginning with the balcony’s ceiling, everything above vanished. The roof and the layer of tomb ivy covering it melted away. Before them the ice shelf reflected a familiar green.

“Better, don’t you think?” Astra agreed. The space is refreshing.

“I’m sorry about Arther.” Nero said.

“It’s painful, but losing Jenna and Ethan was worse. I also have a wall of worry to distracted me.” Astra looked to her companion. “What about you? How’re you taking it?”

“Me?” Nero chuckled. “I rarely get asked that. People presume necromancers capable of coping with death. In my case, they’d mostly be right. The tragedies I’ve witnessed, real and foreseen, have dulled my sense of grief. In spite of this, his passing bites deep… Although it still pales compared to back then.”

Nothing holds a candle to the Dark Age. “I spoke to Lily. She appeared stressed, even before the children.”

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“She’s learning the pain of loss.” Nero said glumly. “Her experience was different than ours. When her homeland was destroyed, she’d spent most of her life studying abroad. Afterwards, the desensitization of war prevented her from building strong bonds. Even Jenna and Ethan were only the loss of close work colleagues. Meanwhile, Arther Bard was a friend she’d spent millennia with. She’s taking it hard.”

Astra listened and knew the words were true. Even then, her mind didn’t change, “She must grow up.”

Nero peered deeply into her eyes. Finally, he pleaded softly, “Don’t break her in the process.”

“I’ll try.” She promised. “What do you make of the message left behind?”

“You should take it seriously. A Dark Age is near.”

“How are you so certain?”

Nero sighed, “Because the situation is ‘ripe’ for it. Remember the Dark Age’s first half? It was mostly the world tearing itself apart. Sola merely set the spark. The power vacuum after the Black Banquet enabled all manner of mayhem. Even catastrophes like the blue-backed spiders only inflicted such damage because of the chaos.”

“Today, Enera has reached a similar state, with disputes simmering under the surface. All that’s missing is a catalyst.”

“You’re referring to the ‘Grey King’?” Astra asked.

“Partly, but he’s not alone. Enera is wallowing in prosperity, with many itching to claim it for their own. A fragile international order is holding this back. In a way, the Northern Emperor is to blame. His out-sized influence blocks tensions from resolving naturally. If it disappeared…”

“You believe the ‘spark’ will involve Lithorn?”

“Likely. It’s hard to imagine a dark age while his authority remains unchallenged, yet a large enough disruption might achieve it. Whatever the case, a possible trigger is near.”

That’s bad. “There’s a new ‘Sola’?”

“A potential ‘Necromancer of the End’ exists. This I feel, rather than know.”

Damn. “How soon?”

“The day of Arther’s funeral in three weeks. I’ve no idea where or why though.” Nero confessed.

“How do you know the date but not the cause?” Astra asked.

“I didn’t arrive at this answer with my usual foresight.” Nero explained. “When necromancers scour the future, we search a sea of possibilities centered on ourselves. Below this, cloaked in darkness, is the true future, what’s destined to happen. It’s only possible to catch the vaguest glimpses. Paradox obscures everything which could cause a divergence.”

Paradox, the force born from the Ether’s rejection of contradictions. I knew it protected the past but hadn’t heard this. If necromancers made changes when they traveled back in time, Paradox would try to crush them out of existence. The pressure exerted was proportional to the alterations. Which is why major events are set in stone.

“Incidentally, Simon Black is an expert at toying with time.” Nero said. Don’t go off-topic reading my mind.

“Anyway, I routinely survey the true future to anticipate trouble. For instance, on the day the White Dragon appeared, it went entirely dark. It’s the same with Arther’s funeral. From there on, I see nothing.”

The White Dragon… Three countries reduced to ash. A dozen more suffered partial destruction. An utter cataclysm, with millions dead. Yet preferable to a Dark Age.

“So on the anniversary of the Dark Age’s end, in three weeks, Paradox is hiding a world-shaking incident…” Astra sighed heavily. “And you’ll not be participating this time?”

“Yes, that was the deal when I took this position. The citadel’s leader must remain neutral. It’s why I gifted the book to Wise. It’ll act as my replacement.”

Astra nodded. Enera already owed Nero a debt and had no right to ask for more. Wise better treasure the gift.

They sat as southern lights and phantom ivy weaved through the stars. “What’s your opinion of the Laughing Man?” Astra asked.

“He’s far more insane than Sola ever was. A madness backed up by unworldly strength and the most twisted intelligence. He’s been committing atrocities, directly or by proxy, and no one’s been able to stop him. Arther tried and is dead. Once a Dark Age commences, the damage he’ll inflict will be catastrophic.”

“As expected.” Astra sighed. “Let me just confirm: he can’t be it, right?”

“Correct, the ‘focus’ must be a necromancer.” Nero said. “Which is perplexing as the Laughing Man is too outsized a player not to be involved. Perhaps the next Dark Age will have two architects instead of one.”

“Be careful.” He added. “The Mask of Xarst hunted him for a hundred years. Although this forced him underground, his survival is a testament to his might. Don’t let him lure you into trap, as he did Arther. Face him on your own terms.”

“Of course.” Astra said wearily. “You should know I’m not the same.”

It’d been Arther Bard’s flaw and his greatest strength. When he saw injustice, he had to act. This compulsion had earned him the title ‘First Hero’ while also causing his downfall. His heart of gold was exploited against him. Those involved would pay for that.

It’s getting late. Astra downed her drink, ”I was hoping for one last favor.”

“Done,” Nero answered.

Astra rolled her eyes. Would it kill him to say it out loud? “To confirm, what will you be helping me with and how long will it take?”

Nero smiled, “Your ship will be piloted to the Isle within two days.”

“Thank you.” Astra got up. “I also appreciate you safekeeping Earth’s End.”

“Don’t give it a thought. I’m just glad you’re finally out and about.” Nero rose himself. “I’ll be departing first.”

For the tiniest fraction of a second, blackness flashed. Then everything was back to normal. The balcony was enclosed, and the dome had a roof. As for Nero, he was nowhere to be seen.

I’m not the only one who’s learned new tricks. In Xarst’s shadow, where necromancy reigned supreme, it wasn’t surprising the citadel’s leader could teleport. Nevertheless, Astra was impressed how casually Nero wielded the supreme magic.

Time for work. In the blink of an eye, Astra jumped to her cottage. I’ve a busy day ahead.