Elinor regained her stability as swiftly as possible, cursing how weak her body was, but it was a sacrifice she had to endure to continue pumping points into her Death Pool.
Sari’aél giggled, hovering a few feet away while observing her. “It really is a funny feeling, experiencing a weak figure through you.”
I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, Elinor grumbled, giving her a light glare.
She was beginning to see the Seraph more as a semi-annoying friend than a possible minion, which she was actually enjoying. Her Empress racials weren’t even triggering, which proved just what type of creature she was speaking to.
Sari’aél was as close as you could practically get to divinity, or at least, that’s how she felt. The rest of the cast she’d raised were also treated on an individual basis, which meant she was actually building what she really wanted—a replacement family. Still, she was the leader of this family and had to act the part.
Once more, she was furious with her current situation.
She took the damning scroll containing Baltoma’s contract from Edmon, hiding it behind her back with one hand while gripping her wrist with the other.
Her boots tapped against the marble floors as she moved to them, stepping off of the rugs, Edmon and Violet utterly silent with their movements. It was somewhat strange that the Doom Guard’s armor made no sound, but then again, it would be kind of annoying to hear the clattering of metal all the time.
The guards outside of Baltoma’s chambers snapped to attention upon noticing her, swallowing when they realized she was heading for them and not just passing through.
Edmon cleared his throat as they stopped in front of the room. “Empress Elinor will see Statesman Baltoma.”
The men wore Baltoma’s orange and red wave-like crests emblazoned on their silk-wrapped chests, showing they were not a part of the Imperial Guard.
Elinor’s gaze shifted to the one on her left as both gave her deep, respectful bows. “Empress Elinor … Statesman Baltoma is currently entertaining representatives from three different Trade Unions.”
Her blazing green eyes didn’t leave him, Edmon being her voice. “The Empress has taken note of the fact.”
They started to sweat when they realized she wasn’t leaving, black tongues sliding out of their glistening teeth before rising and moving to the doors. “... Yes, Empress…”
The way opened, revealing a luxurious, single bed chamber that was large enough for a lounge, bed, and study; four Nalveans sat around a table, conversing. However, upon their entry, the room fell deathly silent.
“... Which is why … JadeFire, who would … Empress Elinor…” Baltoma mumbled, sharp reptilian eyes darting between her and the guards.
All four of the Nalveans took to their feet, giving her the appropriate bow for a Ruler as Elinor strode into the room.
“Empress Elinor,” The single female representative said in a surprised tone, “I was not expecting you to be joining our discussion.”
Upon rising, the male to her right turned to Baltoma. “Yes … was this arranged?”
“I’m afraid not,” Baltoma chuckled, holding up his hands in defense. “It seems the Empress has some personal matters to discuss with me. Kokativ, Mognule, Elurcia, we will have to cut our discussions short for today. I will be in touch with your Unions.”
“Hmm,” Elurcia shifted her gaze from the apologizing Nalvean to Elinor. “I see … in that case…”
Elinor watched the exchange without much interest, waiting for him to excuse his guests since she would need most Nalveans to see her in a positive light, and what she was planning was anything but friendly.
Although, she was a little surprised when Elurcia engaged her, presenting another bow. “Empress Elinor, it is my pleasure. I am with the Yul’vrna Union, dealing with Ore Extraction and Excavation of the Eluin Mines. Who might I inquire of to schedule my own time with you?”
Her focus darted to Edmon as he responded. “You may speak to Ambassador Klaus for such acts.”
Nodding, all three members seemed to take note of the response, quickly leaving the chamber; Edmon followed them out, leaving the invisible assassin, Elinor, and Baltoma alone.
Once the doors shut, Baltoma gave her a weak chuckle, more than likely restraining a groan. He motioned to a few bottles on a nearby table. “Would you enjoy some refreshments? I have some spicy tonics you might find suit your flavor; they are quite rare and expensive to create.”
“No,” Elinor stated, still staring at him with her cold green eyes.
“... Ah, I see … hmm, you do understand that I was only so forward in the previous meeting to gauge your intentions and presence within our nation? I meant no disrespect!”
Mhm…
Sari’aél was examining the strange drinks he’d pointed to. “Are these poisoned … such an unusual and ineffective method of killing.
If you say so, Elinor mumbled, knowing the Seraph had never dealt with anything like poisons since they were probably utterly useless against her race, and considering they literally bathed in miniature suns to clean themselves, it wasn’t surprising why.
Violet had just concluded that there wasn’t any kind of signal or discernible method of transmitting voice within the room as Baltoma offered her the fanciest seat in the room; he swiftly backed up, giving one of the flaming butterflies a two-foot space as it hovered toward him.
“No, I will stand,” She stated, unlatching her wrist and bringing around the scroll.
Baltoma’s eyes widened as he caught sight of it with the broken seal. “... I trust you know what this is.”
“... Hmm … there might be a misunderstanding, Empress. You see, there have been some forgeries going around recently because I don’t recognize that scroll. I’m a little hesitant to ask who gave it to you.”
Elinor would have smiled at his attempt to cover up his blunder, but she wasn’t feeling it after all the curves Demon had thrown at her. She had to admit that he was remaining relatively calm from how she expected the Statesman to react.
“I would have suspected that was the case, Baltoma,” Elinor stated, causing the man to laugh with relief.
“Yes, Empress, if I were to suspect someone … I don’t wish to say names…” He mumbled, clearly trying to get her to take the lead to urge the reveal, but she wasn’t playing to his tune. “There was this … gah, I am ashamed, Empress, but … this harlot…”
“The Eldest Prince certainly does have a temper for pinning things on others, and I understand where you’re coming from; it wouldn’t be that difficult of a story to weave, to be honest,” she mumbled, considering the type of character the prince possessed.
“However…”
Baltoma’s smile fell, teeth hiding behind his lips with his falling expression. “Yes?”
“He could have used your seals and copied your signature given the access he had that I’ve been told; it’s true. However, let’s be honest, the prince is not that smart, nor does he think that far ahead. No, you contracted with the Shadow Hand for my death and for the murder of the Imperial Head Captain. There’s no getting around it, Baltoma.”
Her tone sharpened. “The question is … Will you admit it to me?”
His tongue slid through his teeth, and he walked over to the tonics, pouring himself a one into a brightly colored vase-like cup, buying himself time to think. “... The fact that scroll is not in the hands of the High Ruler, and he is not coming with the Imperial Guard means that you are after something … I knew you were a devious one. It was a point of discussion in the meeting, actually.”
Elinor hid the scroll behind her back again, clasping her wrist. “Tell me, what is the punishment for attempted murder against a foreign Ruler?”
He downed the glass before turning to stare at the burning globes of glowing green light in Elinor’s eyes, vision falling to the fancy rugs. “What do you want? My support with the High Ruler? You’ll have it.”
“No, Baltoma,” She growled, drawing his attention again at her shift in tone. “I’m going to make this very, very simple, and I want you to do the same. I will give you this damning piece of evidence, and we can continue our relationship in a more … friendly manner.”
“Give it back?” He asked, vision narrowing. “Why would you cut a rope off of a Torlim’s neck?”
“I said, it is to be simple,” Elinor stated in a dark tone. “I will give you this with no strings attached if you give me Flight of the Morning Dew.” She continued before he could speak. “If the next words out of your mouth aren’t to conclude our deal, then I will be forced to use less pleasant methods than words.”
She could tell that he really wanted to know her desire for the art piece, but Violet’s invisible thread around his neck swiftly brought an answer as it began to tighten.
“... Y-Yes … I understand, Empress!” He choked, coughing and rubbing his neck as the thread unwove, retreating a distance in case it needed to be used again. “I … will not turn down such an offer.”
“Good,” Elinor replied, but her tone was anything but bright. “Your life for the family heirloom. How will the transfer work?”
He loosened his muscles with a loud sigh, moving over to his table to shuffle through the papers. “I … My family may own it, but it is also a national treasure, which means you will need to inform the High Ruler of the trade in ownership. Mmh … I still cannot believe it was you that was after the artwork. For what purpose is such a thing to go through such effort and go so far as to offer that kind of trade?”
“Irrelevant. Make the document and take me to my statue.”
Baltoma’s nose twitched at her demand, gathering the proper supplies. “I will write up the gift, sign, and seal it for you to hand the High Ruler…”
“After I’ve seen it.”
He sighed. “You have my life in your hands,” he mumbled. “I will not try to cheat you out of a deal that gives it back to me. Does this mean my actions are forgiven?” Baltoma tentatively asked.
Elinor hummed. “... If I have the statue, then yes. Where is it?”
His mood brightened considerably. “I see … Very well, I will send word to the Communications Center to tell my ship to sail back to port; they are currently on their way to my Estate to deliver many of the goods I had on display here in Shi’Shuka.”
The energy in Elinor’s veins ran cold. “... It’s where?”
“Currently on a ship, sailing…”
It took a concentrated effort on her part to not crush the scroll in her hand as she cut him off. “When did it set sail?”
“Umm … a few hours ago.”
“Dammit,” She growled, jaw tightening. “Get everything you need to make the transferal and take me to the fastest ship currently docked in Shi’Shuka!”
“E-Excuse me?” He stammered in confusion, hand hovering over a bottle of ink-like substance.
“I said, get your things together!” She snapped, pointing at the table. “Your ship is likely already under attack!”
“No … That can’t be. No one would attack a Statesman’s ship.”
Her green eyes blazed with agitation, causing him to nod and start preparing to leave by grabbing a nearby bag, but she explained anyway. “Like a foreign Ruler’s vessel being burned by JadeFire?” She questioned with anger. “Anything you valued on that ship will probably be either sunk to the bottom of the sea or stolen!”
Baltoma’s scales turned a darker shade of blue. “I have … priceless heirlooms and goods on it…”
“Then hurry!”
“Guards … what about guards … We should alert the…”
Elinor practically shouted, “I’m all you need, Baltoma; get your shit together and let’s go before everything is lost!”
“Y-Yes, Empress!”
Explaining the situation to Edmon, he had the guards open the doors, picking her up in preparation to rush to the docks as quickly as possible.
Baltoma’s men ran with them, causing a stir among the Imperial Soldiers as, once again, she was seen charging through the halls like a bat out of hell. However, this time, a different Statesman was with her.
Elinor couldn’t believe it; Demon had been playing with his little strings across the whole Empire the entire time. The JadeFire burning her ship was to utterly destroy any chance she had of following after the other vessels, and at the same time, it kept her away from the area to allow Sari’aél’s body to be loaded up without her notice.
Am I this easy to manipulate?! Edmon, we have to get her … No matter what! Use everything you have; I don’t care if we’re left a bit vulnerable to Baxter! Get me Sari’aél!
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Edmon’s mind sharpened on the task. “I will see it done.”
The Seraph was hovering beside them, giving Elinor a small frown. “It seems Demon has achieved quite a few of his major objectives. I find myself hoping for your success, Elinor.”
Thanks, Sari’aél … I’m just so … I’m frustrated that I was able to be read like a book! How does he do it? No … I need to calm down. She tried to give the angel a smile. I think I understand why Yesenia was so attached to you. Sari’aél … I really hope you decide to join me.
The Seraph’s golden eyes fell to the ground with her expression. “In the end … it is not my favor you must gain, Elinor.” Her full pink lips lifted into a hopeful smile. “I have learned enough. Until we meet again at the Blood Sun’s Throne.”
Elinor felt a profound sense of loss as she watched her angel vanish; somehow, she’d forcefully canceled the ability holding her to this plane of existence, demonstrating just how different she was from any other spirit.
Edmon’s helmet shifted to the right, noticing the flaming butterflies fading away. “Sari’aél?” He asked in concern.
No … she’s waiting for me to revive her, Elinor mumbled, mind turning inward.
It wasn’t the first warning the Seraph had given her. Until we meet again at the Blood Sun’s Throne… The statement sent a quake through her entire frame, but she couldn’t turn back. Whatever awaited her, she’d face it.
Sari’aél enjoyed being with her and a part of this new existence that was so foreign to her entire way of life and helping the angel explore was actually a feeling that touched her heart. She certainly was changing … Perhaps this was what it meant to be on the path of a Lich Goddess instead of a Lich Empress.
Baltoma wasn’t nearly as physically capable as Lukuroha but enough to pass through the city streets at a reasonable pace. Now that he felt at risk, he was more than willing to take the initiative, directing them to the best ship he could spot.
The Nalveans noticed the loss of her butterflies and cold resolve but kept their thoughts to themselves.
The Statesman took them to a sleek, Blackwood merchanting vessel, knowing exactly who to address. His chest was heaving as he slowed to a stop, taking one of the bags he’d brought from his room to the captain; he was more than a little taken aback by their unusual entrance.
“I … we must sail immediately, Jumbi … No questions. We go after my ship that just left a few hours ago!”
His gaze shifted to Elinor, clearly unaware of who she was, and a small hum rumbled through his throat before he tugged open the bag; she caught sight of sparkling blue gemstones inside that made the man’s eyes pop.
Jimbi quickly tied the bag shut with a wide grin. “I see, Statesman Baltoma. No questions at all, my Ruler; you got yourself a ship! Alright, ya belly draggers,” he shouted, walking away to set things up. “Out with the cargo; we got a premium job to do. Time’s the game; let’s go!”
Another Nalvean nearby that was listening motioned for them to follow him up the ship. “We’ll be setting sail shortly, Statesman; if ya be wantin’ speed, then we gotta take out the bulk. A bit of time spent early to gain more as we go.”
Baltoma’s gaze shot to her, and she nodded.
The Nalvean sailor didn’t miss the action that showed who was running the outfit.
While everyone was busy, Violet crafted another silken throne for her to rest on that would keep her stable, even if the seas grew rough. Baltoma was a little skittish about it, and many of the crew members gave them looks, but Elinor ignored them all; she was focused on the open sea.
Don’t be too late!
They soon took off, and Baltoma went to the Captain’s Quarters to finish up the document that would gift her the statue as a diplomatic gesture of good faith; apparently, according to Baltoma, her position was on the favorable side since she could open up a massive opportunity for the Trade Unions, which held even more power than the Seaweaver Church.
Jumbi made her way over to her after making sure Baltoma gave his navigator the proper course his ships took. He gave her a regal bow, which reminded her of Klaus. “Empress Elinor, I presume? The Statesman’s guards have informed me of your status as the Ruler of the Undying Empire. Is that correct?”
“It is,” Elinor passively replied, keeping her gaze on the expansive ocean as the land faded to a turbulent sea.
He hummed, eyeing Edmon beside her. “From what I understand, you came to our world through one of the Gateways that sometimes appear. You’ve taken ownership of the former Empire of the Quen’Talrat, subjugating the Ri’bot within the valley to be your subjects.”
“To be rough about the details,” Elinor stated, hands folded in her lap as she glared at the horizon.
“Wonderful!” He grinned. “So long as you remain within our world, I would be happy to be of use and to have access to your docks, which I have no doubt you will build with your expanding Empire.”
Elinor released a short sigh, turning her attention to him. “If you perform well, then I may call upon you for many ventures.”
“Excellent! We will redouble our efforts to catch the Statesman’s vessel. If you will excuse me, Empress.”
“A very opportunistic race,” Edmon mumbled, watching him leave.
More than I initially would have guessed—still, they’re ambitious, which seems to be more of a modern trait that’s been building within their culture. Having a nation specializing in trade so close to us should help increase our name’s recognition and the goods being brought into our borders…
She trailed off, not finding enjoyment in the conversation; her gut was too tight. If she could foil any of Demon’s plans to deprive her of resources, this was the most important.
Unlike any of the others that she’d seen, the ship utilized Seaweavers unrelated to the Seaweaver Church or Military Branch to work a device that propelled them forward like any standard ship on Earth.
They took shifts to keep the vessel in constant motion, and Elinor could see why Baltoma chose this vessel. The reason he paid so much had her wondering what else was on the ship.
Her gaze lifted to the partly cloudy skies and harsh ocean winds that moved them; she wasn’t particularly bothered by them or the rocking ship, given Violet’s chair. She didn’t want Edmon’s shield to block her view, though.
After forty minutes, Baltoma came up to give her the contract, which Edmon accepted, placing it in a leather pouch that appeared out of ice across his waist; it was important enough of an item to spend a point on to get a safe place to store it.
He was very nervous, arms folded and muscles tight; there was something of great value he was concerned about falling into the wrong hands.
Elinor kept her focus fixated on the horizon; Violet could have gone up to the top of one of the four masts, but that would endanger Elinor, and so, she stood beside Edmon, scanning the bright sea, water reflecting the blazing sun overhead. It was probably getting closer to noon, 15 P.M.
The lookout was the first to spot Baltoma’s massive ship, shortly followed by Violet as she scanned the direction he directed them to—it was sinking, and there wasn’t a ship in sight.
Baltoma’s shaking hands gripped the rail guard. “No … my seventeen-year-old son was on that ship,” He mumbled in horror. “Are there bodies … Is anyone alive?”
“Piracy … in the Great Ruby Lakes?” Jumbi mumbled with a deep frown. “They stay in the ocean, around the Judicus Isles … It’s crawling with the Nalvean Navy here. Why would they risk it?”
What’s the situation? Elinor asked, fingers tightly gripped together.
Violet responded in a neutral tone. “From what I can tell, there was some kind of explosive or battering ram used to destroy the ship; although, I suspect my opinion will change as we get closer. I see corpses; there is no indication of life excluding carnivorous fish, feasting on the prey.”
“Hmm…” Elinor’s tone was controlled, even though she wanted to scream curses at Demon; he was watching. “I don’t believe there are any survivors, but perhaps he was taken as a hostage. Do they do that?” She asked, giving Baltoma a questioning glance. “Where would they go if it’s so dangerous here, Jumbi?”
The merchant breathed in a long hiss of air before puffing it out. “They’d book it to the ocean, hoping to not be stopped or inspected, but … we are not equipped for this type of venture, Empress.”
“I’ll double your payment!” Baltoma swiftly interjected as almost a plea. “The Empress desires something on the ship; her guard will handle it!”
Elinor glared at him. “Don’t presume, Baltoma, but yes … Jumbi, your job is to get us to the location; Edmon will take care of the rest.” Her countenance darkened. “They took something that belongs to me … and I will have it back.”
Jumbi looked a bit torn between risking the lives of his crew and the job; he soon put it to a vote. Not one soul refused, yelling they weren’t afraid of no pirates!
Elinor expected as much; Baltoma’s attitude and her opinion of him had changed to some degree; at least he was a concerned parent.
While the vote went on, they passed by the wreckage, and Violet scanned the ocean floor with what remained. “Sari’aél is not nearby, Empress; judging by the amount of items left, it was, as you would say, pillaged. I do not sense any youth below the age of 25; they have a very distinct taste.”
That Violet could now detect the taste of things through her silk showed how advanced her senses were. Edmon … crush whoever took her.
Jumbi sent out some kind of underwater distress call that was likely disabled by an underwater team that the pirates had to cut off communication to the Great Ruby Lake’s crystal Morse code-like system.
The Nalvean Navy was alerted of the incident and were now moving out in force to discover the ocean intruders; Elinor just hoped it wasn’t the submarine, but Violet said there was an unknown type of energy left at the broken ship that wasn’t present at the previous site.
It was another forty minutes before they spotted the vessel, and it was being hailed by a sizeable Nalvean warship; they arrived as the pirate ship shot a jet of some kind of charged water cannon at them, ripping half the warship’s side off.
“By the Sea Goddess…” Baltoma mumbled in disbelief. “Where did they find a weapon like that?”
Several more gasps were heard around her; they weren’t prepared for something that could take out an entire Nalvean Warship with a single blast. The Navy vessel was slowing as it took on water, its crew frantically trying to salvage it as the pirates escaped with laughter.
The Nalveans on board were screaming to message for immediate assistance, but the crystals were dark, somehow being blocked.
Elinor’s green eyes narrowed as Violet explained the situation through the Nexus, ignoring everyone else’s panic. So … they think they’re strong. Elinor growled.
Edmon stepped away from Elinor, instructing Violet on the strategy he would employ; it was pretty straightforward, but it caused a smile to brighten Elinor’s lips.
“As you commanded, Elinor … I will show them what it means to steal from the Empire.”
Good. Give them a story to tell their grandchildren. This is one of many reasons why you do not anger or cross Empress Elinor.
* * *
Edmon finished his explanation to Violet, and she crafted the web.
Every bewildered gaze shot to him as he broke into a run at the silk that was weaving together, and once inside, he was sling-shotted over a mile into the air, arching toward his enemies at a blinding speed.
The g-forces pressing against his body were practically non-existent as he summoned his shield when nearing the correct point. Violet’s aim was masterful; he would land on the rail guard.
Air rushed past him as he unlocked his small, circular shield from the cross-shaped main body and placed a single point into a High-Tier Skill that had become available to him through his patience and conservative method of utilizing his System, Glacial Freeze.
He hurled the shimmering light blue shield at an angle to skim down the side of the ship, leaving a trail of ice before it smashed into the waves, disappearing below.
Just before landing, Edmon took a few more Skills; his Empress told him to make the moment memorable, not to her opponents but her allies.
Edmon’s armored form smashed through the thick wooden railing, sending splinters and chunks of wood spraying across the deck; shouts roared around him as the white-scaled Nalvean pirates darted away, one turning his back and covering his head to defend against the pelting bits of wood.
He was currently half stuck between the railing and deck below, his left leg stuck within the floorboards, but that was what kept him grounded as a force shot the ship up; a massive bubble of water bulged out of the sea, carrying them back a little and sending the Nalveans screaming, several pirates were jolted off the deck and into the colossal expel of exploding liquid.
Not long after, another jarring sensation struck the ship; the Nalveans that remained on the vessel were sent careening across the planks, smashing into things and losing their weapons.
Edmon released a long puff of frigid air as the temperature around him plummeted, activating Higher Frost Aura I, and before any more movement could happen, he used Higher Ice Prison I.
Glowing chains exploded from around the ship, smashing into its sides while fusing it into a locked state, and Edmon slowly broke away from the wood, now frosting over as the environment continued to represent the arctic chill he was releasing.
Blue, frothing energy emanated from his eyes as they turned downward to see a field of white; the ship had been raised out of the ocean by an immense iceberg that he’d created below, and now it was imprisoned to it by his glowing chains.
Icy footprints were left with each step he took as a howling wind was whipped up by the aura, creating a miniature snowstorm from the moisture within the air, and making his black cloak billow around him.
A Nalvean emerged out of the biting flurries, spinning around in utter confusion and terror, but Edmon simply walked past him, activating Freeze Innards I. A wave of frigid energy released from the shimmering field around him, instantly freezing the creature from the inside out.
The tip of his shield clipped the sculpture’s hand, causing it to break off, and he continued to travel below deck; the entire ship was now surrounded by the building storm; screams and shouts could be heard as people were carried off the edge, falling to the rough glacier floor below while cartwheeling against the chains on the way down.
Anyone who touched the ship’s restraints would find themselves stuck and be forced to cut off their own limb if they didn’t want the rest of their body to be frozen.
A shivering white-scaled Nalvean rushed at him as he entered the first level hold, but he was frozen before reaching him; Edmon simply walked through the creature, breaking the salamander into bits.
A smile lit his lips upon reaching the center of the ship; Sari’aél’s statue was before him.
“Empress, Sari’aél’s corpse is secured. I will look for Baltoma’s boy, clean up the rest of the pirates, and create a dock to bring you your prize.”
His Empress’s voice was like honey to his ears. Excellent! It was precisely what I envisioned.
* * *
Elinor’s lips curved into a wicked smile as Edmon flew far ahead, smashing into the ship, and soon after, a bow appeared in the water, sharp waves disrupting the natural pattern of the seas.
A shadow appeared below it, and a colossal iceberg exploded out of the water, sending the ship careening across its rising form; just before it reached the edge, chains of ice branched out of the glacier, fixing it into place.
Not soon after, the blizzard engulfed the scene.
Baltoma, Jumbi, and his crew were utterly speechless as they watched the event unfold; the iceberg was at least six times larger than the entire enemy vessel.
Edmon’s report that her prize was on board was the cherry on top. “Jumbi … prepare to dock; we have a lot of cargo to recover.”
“I … how should we dock, Empress?” He mumbled in disbelief.
“Edmon will create a way … oh, Baltoma, your boy is alive; hurt, but alive.”
The father breathed in a shuddering breath before collapsing to the deck. “... T-Thank you, Empress…”
She shifted her legs to the opposite side, resting her elbow against the arm of the chair and her head leaned against the back of her hand. If you can find their captain, keep him alive. We could discover valuable information about these islands Jumbi mentioned.
“I will begin a search, but I may have already killed their leader.”
That’s fine; corpses work, too. It’s just an afterthought. Violet, Edmon … this was a massive win! We’re going to go after your mother, Violet.
She could feel a tremor run through her connection to the youngest Spider Sister. “I still feel my mother, Empress … she is very distant, but I am looking forward to seeing her return.”
As am I, Violet … As am I. When we return, we will make the High Ruler aware that we need to meet as soon as possible. Something urgent has come up back home.
Elinor stepped onto the icy steps that Edmon had created, using rough ice that would hold a grip, and she used the path he’d fashioned to enter the frozen hull of the ship; she had to make sure it wasn’t a fake.
Sending out her butterflies, Elinor’s grin grew. Sari’aél … I have you. Oh, and Edmon, grab that magical cannon they used, or whatever it was.
“Heh … I was going to ask if I could keep it,” Edmon chuckled. “It could prove useful if I took some time to deconstruct it and learn how to harness its power.”
I know, it’s like your sweet tooth, Elinor giggled; she was feeling great. Take it apart and figure out what makes it tick.