The Pillar of Enera

[Book II Chapter 104] ASTRA: Dispatching Help Where It’s Needed

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Astra took a deep breath and activated the projector. A second later, a striking young woman with long black hair appeared. “Debra Sunder, I heard you wish to speak with me.”

The woman nodded. “I’ve received news the outskirts of Shangri-la have been raided by sovereigns from Mount Gull. I figured you’d want to know.”

Astra winced. This would explain the increased number of demonic beasts in the last few days. Shangri-la was Enera’s largest tethered realm. Just like Mount Gull, it’s a vast wilderness that populates itself with creatures from the Ether. Normally, these inhabitants wouldn’t be hostile, but demonic sovereigns could dominate lesser summons, instilling fear and hate into them.

“What is Shangri-la doing about the situation?” Astra asked.

“That’s the strange part.” Debra frowned. “I’m not sure they’re doing anything. It’s possible they don’t intent to involve themselves in this Dark Age. That’s the sense I get.”

“That would be a disaster.” Astra stated flatly. Shangri-la was where friendly sovereigns had gathered to created a realm of their own. The last time, recognizing the danger to their existence, they’d made major contributions in the battle against Sola. Representing a military force on par with Aery, their loss would be felt. “What caused this change of heart? Surely they realize that Enera’s destruction would eventually spells Shangri-la’s doom.” It was the mankind’s thoughts and dreams which formed the building blocks of realms in the Ether. Without them, they’d all eventually crumble to ruin.

“The reluctance comes from the recluse faction.” Debra said. “I’m still attempting to get a grasp on their motivation.”

Astra listened coldly. “I must say I’m disappointed to only learn of this now. What have you been doing as Kalonia’s queen?” All the entrances to Shangri-la were in Kalonia. It was the nation’s claim to fame, and the reason it was known as the land of summoners.

“It’s not just me this caught by surprise.” Debra countered. “Most of the sovereigns I’m in contact with are just as upset. They still intent to join the fight, even if Shangri-la itself never gets officially involved.”

“Speaking of failure and inaction.” She continued. “What is the Adventurer’s Guild doing about Salazar Rook? Everyone knows he’s back, somewhere south of the Green Hell.”

“Kaygren’s invasion is commanding most of our attention. However, after the assault on Mount Gull, I assure you the matter will be our highest priority.”

“Who knows what that monster might have done by then?” Debra pressed.

“The Adventurer’s Guild has sent immortals to investigate Salazar’s appearance, but it’s a dark age and we’re busy monitoring multiple threats, such as the the fact that the Author Jonathan Bark is cooperating with Torak’s disciple to open a rupture to the Moonlit Lands.”

Finishing these words, a name popped into Astra’s mind. “Any news about Reagan Bard?”

“No, he is still locked away within his sanctuary, where no one can reach him. He likely knows nothing of what’s transpiring in the outside world.”

“He’s grieved Arther’s death long enough.” Astra said. “I’m going to send my son Silver to Kalonia. You’re already familiar with his soul so you can guide him to you.”

“That might work…” Debra agreed. “But is it really worth going to such lengths to rouse Reagan early?”

“He helped Arther deal with the first Moonlit Land rupture in Nolfis centuries ago. His assistance would be a huge boon.” Astra said. “I’ll let you know when Silver enters the Ether. Now, if there is nothing else——”

“What about Earth’s End?” Debra cut in swiftly.

I knew it. “It’s safely being guarded by the Mask of Xarst.” Astra replied calmly.

“But that’s only for three years, right?” Debra pressed. “The last Dark Age lasted seven. This is an issue which will have to be dealt with at some point.”

“When the Adventurer’s Guild decides on a course of action, I’ll keep you informed.” Astra shut off the connection. She’s still obsessed with Calumn Sunder…

Gareth Black was waiting outside the office she was borrowing in Messanic. “I came to fetch you.” He said. “Stannis Gilron has returned. Yuria is bringing him now.”

She followed him outside to a courtyard where immortals and saints were mulling around. Spotting Elliot Watson, she asked, “How is Roxanne?”

“Resting in her room.” Elliot grimaced. “Despite calming down, she isn’t in a good state.”

The whole affair has been a disaster. It’d been a glaring oversight to entrust guard duty to Rose’s mentor, given her history. As a result, one of the most dangerous artifacts on Enera was lost in an undead dungeon.

“You shouldn’t have stopped her.” Said the man behind Elliot. Gordon Tyler was among the immortals who had rushed over hearing of the news. This group was determined to prevent the emergence of a second Nuzou. If they had stumbled on Zentrias first, he’d be finished.

An airship landed and Yuria walked off, followed by Stannis. “Did you secure them?” Gordon demanded immediately.

“Sadly, no.” Stannis replied. “I lost him on the second floor, in the city beneath the reapers.”

There was grumbling among those gathered. Astra turned to Yuria, who nodded. “I thoroughly searched him. He came back empty-handed.” There was relief in her voice.

“Can I leave now?” Stannis asked. “Unless there’s anything else, I have places to be.”

“Planning to report back your failures?” Astra demanded coldly. She held no regard for traitors who consorted with the enemy.

“Whatever agreements I made regarding Dark Heritage, that’s in the past.” Stannis responded calmly. “I have my own business to attend to.” Despite the smirk on his face, there was a strange tinge of truthfulness to the man’s word which Astra found hard to doubt.

“Fine, you may go.” The man hadn’t committed any crimes, so there was no reason to hold him here. “Yuria, you’ll supervise the transfer of the other artifacts to Neon.”

“I was hoping that task could be left to someone else.” Yuria objected. Astra shot her subordinate a glance which caused her to back down. “As you wish.”

Satisfied, Astra gesture to Garreth. “Come with me.”

“What about Zentrias?” Gordon called after them.

“The Adventurer’s Guild won’t be sending saints to blindly search through an undead dungeon.” Astra answered. “There’s no choice but to wait for him to emerge.”

“What if he transforms into Nuzou’s next host?” Gordon insisted.

“Then it’ll be an opportunity to dispatch one of the dark gods’ avatars early in the dark age, but I doubt we’ll be so fortunate.” She replied.

Once away, she addressed Garreth. “I’m sending you to Tulven.”

Garreth frowned. “Wasn’t I overseeing Talvi’s evaculation?”

Astra shook her head. “The last town there was overrun by Sekken, the Red Hound. That’s why I need you in Tulven. It’s likely to be his next target, and Jayden can’t handle him alone.”

“What about the assault on Mount Gull?” Garreth asked.

“I’ll call you back once I need you.” She answered. “We’re nowhere near ready.”

“Aery is being difficult?” He offered.

“I’ve contacted Barsal Farran asking him to send some immortals. Hopefully that’ll shame queen Kalista into action. If not, I’ll travel to Sovengard and confront her myself.”