The Other Side: A Second Chance [Dark Isekai Drama]

Mr. Gradni, whom I soon learned is named Robert, tapped on the large map that had replaced the food on the table before us. The map was a highly detailed rendition of the province. Where we were situated, I've seen a few maps of Heinmarr before, but none were this overtly detailed. The province I'd lived in my entire life was named "Kenchala," like the river and lake. In the far upper right corner, taking up a good chunk of that side down to the middle were the Heinland and Duskland mountains, which formed a large bowl where the valley containing Oren sat. To the west was a vast plain of rolling hills interspersed with forests and dozens of smaller farms and towns. A large road snaked along the province's center from east to west, south of the Duskland mountains, where it eventually crossed over the Kenchala river and arrived at Johanneson in the southwest corner along the Alter river, which was vast in itself. Judging by the map scale, the Alter river was three gilos wide. When using my brain to convert that to good old-fashioned freedom units, that would put it just under two miles, I think. That's like… If I recall my old high school geography class, that's as big as the Nile River, again, I think.

Goddamn, I thought, you could probably fit a warship or two in that river.

Looking at this map, I saw how far my family and I traveled to Johanneson. Seeing it laid before me put things in perspective. If all we traveled was only part of a province, Heinmarr, no, Enora. Was huge. Using the scale again, the distance we traveled was roughly seven hundred gilos, which, I'll be honest, my brain was too tired and my tummy too full of food to convert to miles. Just know that's a lot of distance to travel, and we did that mostly on foot with some detours tossed into the mix.

Mr. Rosewall sipped his water, stood at the edge of the table in his office, and looked at Mr. Gradni. "Robert, you've been keeping up with the Ionans and the news. Before we make any official decisions, I need a rundown of the situation, but please, make it as brief as you can."

Gradni nodded. "I'll do my best, sir. News from the air attack is still spreading, but what I've learned since the attack this morning is that the Ionans aren't dissuaded, thankfully, however, as you learned from Lady Archon here." He gestured to Erianna. "They are concerned for their brightest minds wellbeing, and want to pull them out."

"Not want," Erianna interjected. "They are." She glanced at Rosewall. "At least those who are willing to cooperate."

Gradni cleared his throat. "Point is, the Ionans, and supposedly the Felkierans will be sending additional reinforcements once the coming storm passes."

Rosewall sighed. "Yes, the sudden Frostwind that just so happened to appear. One the size rarely ever seen," he said with a roll of his eyes.

Gradni smirked and moved his finger towards the far edge of the map, where he placed a half-empty (or half-full) glass of spiced wine to act as a marker. "Last sky watcher report from an hour ago would place the storm about here; however, at the rate it's going, it is already far past this point. At the time of reporting, estimates suggested the storm would hit Johanneson by twenty-seven hundred this night."

Rosewall bit his lip and glanced at the grandfather clock in the room. "That gives us roughly nine hours," he said, shifting nervously in his seat.

Gradni nodded. "Initial reports say it's only getting stronger," he said. In about three hours, it'll hit the frontline along the Kenchala, there's no saying what'll happen to the alliance forces there."

Erianna cleared her throat. "There are plenty of Concillium magisters stationed within the various regiments and brigades, though admittedly not all of them. Some of the forces should be able to withstand the storm."

"Possibly," Rosewall said, "But that'll leave them weakened, and I doubt our Veilland automatons care about a bit of cold weather. Once they see the Hein's Guard weakened positions they'll strike full force and punch through."

"And the only other fallback position is Johanneson itself," Father said in a low voice, and the adults all nodded.

"Can we do something?" Varis piped up. "Archon lady is a strong wizard, and so is Luna! Maybe you guys can… Push the storm away? Luna can use wind super good!"

Rosewall snorted, and Erianna sighed. "If only it were that easy, Child. What you suggest is not entirely impossible, however, it would take far more than just me and your sibling here to do such a thing."

"Weather manipulation is far from our capability, as of right now," Rosewall said, "Not until the generator is finished."

"Pardon?" Father blinked.

Rosewall straightened and clasped his hands on the table. "The generator is more than just it's name. In all actuality it's more of a siphon that allows it to funnel all traces of ether, and store it."

Erianna nodded. "As we know, ether exists all around us and in everything. Small traces of it exists in the air around us like motes of dust, yet normally too small or noticeable to manipulate."

Rosewall opened his palms and held them out facing upwards. "That is until I began the development of Project Eternity. If we can harness the innate presence of ether around us, that would allow for nearly limitless power. Small-scale testing back in my labs in Iona proved this to be the case. If the Johanneson generator proves to work and we can begin siphoning this energy, we could perhaps use this power to our benefit."

My eyes widened. "Such as using it to disperse the storm?" I said.

Rosewall smiled at me. "Exactly. When creating the generator I intended on it to not only power cities, but offer climate control, and other forms of protection. We could use the climate control function of it to shield the city from the effects of the storm once it arrives."

Gradni cleared his throat. "Only problem with that, sir," he said, "the generator isn't finished."

Rosewall sighed. "I am aware of that, Gradni, and we will finish it tonight," he said, his expression hardening.

I bit my lip. "But what about the storm? Are you close to finishing it before it arrives?" I asked, not knowing if I was even in a position to ask.

Though Rosewall regarded me respectfully and nodded. "I believe so. It'll be a tight line, but I'm sure my boys can cross it. Even if the majority of archineers leave with the Ionans the few that'll stay should be enough." However, I saw the unspoken words on his face at the end.

"I hope."

My father cleared his throat. "Hypothetically speaking," he said, "Say you don't have enough time, and the storm is going to hit. What do we do? Are there any Frostwind shelters? Any good areas for us to hunker down?"

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Rosewall glanced at Gradni, who nodded. "There are tunnels that can be accessed on the ground floor here, the hospital, and the warehouse. We use them to easily move goods around without getting in the way of the workers on the surface. The tunnels aren't made for long term usage, if the storm keeps us down there for say… a few days to a week, then things may get dicey. But initially we should be safe."

I pursed my lips in thought and glanced at Erianna, taking note of her thoughtful expression. Then, for some reason, out of the blue. A memory struck me. I recalled the day my mother took me into her cabin and how she used a golden key to take us into her tower.

"We're in my Vault of Arcanum, we got here with this key. When I became an Ethereal Archon, I was given one of these archeos by the Concilium. Very few of these exist, Luna." She had told me, and my eyes locked on Erianna's.

She, too, was an ethereal archon like my mother. Would she have one of those golden vault keys? Did she know a nearby door that we could use the key on?

Erianna's eyes met mine, and she arched a brow. "Is something on your mind, little one?" She asked.

"Lady Archon," I said, trying to sound respectful. "Do you by chance own a Vault of Arcanum?"

Both of her eyebrows rose. "How would you know about those?"

"Because my mother was an ethereal archon too," I said honestly. "Or at least she was before she left the Concillium. She had one, still does actually, but we don't have a door to use her key."

Erianna's eyes narrowed. "If your mother left the Concillium she would've needed to hand over such a device," she said flatly.

"Answer the question," Father said bluntly. "We don't have time for rules or punishments."

Erianna shot my father a look but then sighed. "Yes, I do have a Vault of Arcanum, and I had a door installed into my quarters here. But, if you're going to suggest what I think you are, the answer is no."

I gritted my teeth. "And what do you think I'm going to suggest?"

She gave me a flat look and sipped her wine. "You want to use my vault as a storm shelter most likely," she said, lowering her cup. "I cannot allow that. Matter of fact the Concillium wouldn't allow it. Etherless and non-concillium members are forbidden."

I huffed and slapped the table with my little hands in frustration. "Don't be ridiculous!" The woman's expression didn't change. "I've seen my mother's vault, the place was huge, and inside could support everyone here. I bet there's even ways to take care of those inside for far longer than a few days."

Mr. Rosewall nodded as he listened. "Not only that, it could prove to be vital if we start to run behind schedule."

The others began to murmur their agreements, and Erianna huffed. "Do not fool yourselves. The Vaults of Arcanum are specifically meant for arcane research and storage. These are not places for civilians to take refuge in. I will not have such places of knowledge be sullied."

"So you would rather have others freeze to death because you're afraid some construction worker is gonna get his oily hands on one of your books?" I snapped.

Erianna glared at me. "I will tolerate lip from the constable, dear, but I will not be insulted by some mere child."

"That is my child," Slyran growled. "And what she's suggesting, Archon." He patronized. "Is not a bad idea. God's forbid if we do not complete the project on time, having anything that could house not just us, but anyone seeking shelter comfortably is important."

I crossed my arms. "We probably won't even need yours. Mother said that all she needs to access her tower is any door compatible with her key. If you have a door here then we can use that. She isn't in the Concillium anymore, so who cares if we're breaking a rule."

"She shouldn't even have that key," Erianna said sternly.

"Then talk to her about it when she wakes up," Father said.

Erianna opened her mouth to retort, but paused when Rosewall stood up from the table. "Then we compromise. Lady Archon, we shall use Lady Ashflow's Vault in an emergency. If any flak comes your way, I shall take the blame on your behalf. However, let us pray it will not come to that." He checked the clock again. The meeting had only gone on for about fifteen minutes. "We have just under nine hours now."

He then turned to look at me and my family and bowed. "Mr. Ashflow, Lady Luna, and Master Varis, thank you for your assistance. What you've done for my men and women in the hospital is more than I could've ever asked for, because of you, we now have a chance. Know that I, Terry Rosewall, am in your debt. Whatever you may need, I will do whatever I can to assist."

Father stood from his seat and bowed to Mr. Rosewall. "Thank you, Mr. Rosewall, I noticed that your hospital and its resources at its disposal is quite extraordinary."

Rosewall smiled. "Thank you, I take pride in making sure that my employees get the best health benefits."

"Then I ask that you help us in taking care of my wife," He said, " She's the only one my daughter wasn't able to heal, and I would like it if she could stay here. With the storm coming, I fear this might be the only safe place for her."

Rosewall nodded. "I'll see to it. In return, I'll even allow you and your family to stay as well, in fact, I implore you to. I could certainly see myself needing more of your services," he said, looking at me.

I blushed. "I will help in any way I can."

"Then it's settled." Rosewall looked across the table. "For now, we continue work on the generator. Gradni, I want an hourly report sent to me regarding the storm–actually make it a half-hour." The thin man nodded and adjusted his glasses. Rosewall then turned to Erianna. "Lady Archon, if you could spare a moment, I would like to discuss something with you in private. As for everyone else, this concludes our meeting, if you could step out so I can discuss with Erianna I would greatly appreciate it."

I took a deep breath and shifted in my seat as I began to slip off. As I did so, my eyes met Erianna's, who eyed me closely. I gulped nervously, hopped off my chair, turned away from her, and saw the grandfather clock, which brought with it a new wave of anxiety.

What the hell is going on? I wanted to ask myself. About an hour ago, I came to the hospital. Now, another wizard is eyeing me closely, and a wealthy businessman is praising me for what I did. When did we get here? Why? Actually, that's a dumb question. I know why we're here. I think at least. Rosewall said this generator, which is a siphon thing, can protect us from the storm.

Did Truth know this? Did she bring us here? I wondered, but a memory came to me as soon as those thoughts appeared. I saw a vision of my time in the Cerebellium, the visage of my mother working on a blueprint, a diagram of a large tower-like construct—the very same blueprint I had seen in her cabin.

Did Mother send us here? I thought, then shook my head. No, she was unconscious, but… Truth is smarter than I; she probably connected the dots. I took a deep breath and thought, Can she hear me? Eyo, Truth, speak up.

Nothing. I could feel something in me, like a presence not too different from the Shaed. But he was still silent. That also concerned me if Shaed was gone and we came under attack again. I was afraid he wouldn't be here to take control. Not that I should rely on him anyway, but I would be lying if I said he wasn't the better fighter.

There are too many things for me to worry about… There has to be an easier way to talk to Truth and share information. If only I had a tape recorder or something… Wait a second… My enigma bag always had an assortment of junk I've tossed in while traveling with Isa and the few early days of being here in Johanneson.

As everyone began to file out of the room, I reached toward the bag at my waist and dug through it. Finding what I wanted, I pulled out the notepad and pen that Kegan had given Varis and me when he hired us.

"This could work," I said out loud to no one in particular.

I'll probably seem crazy writing notes to myself, but, honestly, I just kind of expect this now. I smirked, flipped open the notebook, and frowned. The first few pages were rows upon rows of numbers and nothing else.

Uh… Maybe I am just insane.