The Pillar of Enera

[Book II Chapter 105] SILVER: A Subdued Interlude

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“I wish our reunion could’ve been under happier circumstances…” Silver offered sadly.

Rose and Dawn were sitting across from him and Kate at an outdoor cafe close to Messianic’s Adventurer’s Guild. Both seemed in poor spirits, but Rose particularly so. However, the real problem was their companion, who was huntched over on a nearby bench bitting her fingernails and tapping her foot nervously. Judging by the crazed bloodshot eyes, Carol was a hair-breath away from a full on panic attack.

“Should we be leaving her alone like that?” Kate asked. Rose flinched at the question.

“It’s fine.” Dawn said. “She doesn’t want to be calmed.”

This confused Kate. “What do you mean?”

“She’s a fearmancer.” Dawn explained. “And right now she feeding her summons since she asked a lot of them recently. See how she’s wearing rings on all her fingers? That’s proof she’s doing that to herself purposefully.”

He and Kate had just checked in with Astra when she abandoned them to deal with an emergency. As they waited around in the guild hall, they’d overheard news of the confrontation outside the Dark Heritage dungeon and had rushed over to greet their siblings upon their return.

“This is my fault.” Rose said quietly. “I let my guard down thinking the danger would be over once we left the dungeon. I should have predicted Roxanne’s reaction…”

“So, Dawn, what have you been up?” Silver asked, selecting the surest way to change the topic.

Without missing a beat, his sister began recounting the challenges she’d conquered in her journey to become an errant valkyrie. However, her tale lacked its usual zeal, as though she was bragging out of habit, rather than any real conviction. Her energy petered off before she’d even finished.

“I have a long way to go…” She sighed, shaking her head.

“What do you mean?” Silver wasn’t sure he’d ever understand.

Dawn gestured to the horizon. Beyond Messanic’s browning trees and great fortifications, was an expanse of grayish white. An ice sheet was covering what should have been a twisted land, and a long procession of airships pulled giant sleds, each loaded with hundreds of people, across its desolate surface.

“I can’t fathom how mother is able to maintain so much ice.” Dawn muttered quietly. “I couldn’t manage a fraction of it, and I’m a saint.”

“It must be taxing, even for her.” Silver said. Astra didn’t hold back when lives were at stake. She knows how to pace herself to avoid a breakdown, but that isn’t a healthy way to live. “Why hasn’t she destroyed the Mount Gull’s revenant pit? Surely the Adventurer’s Guild has enough immortals to manage the operation.”

“Mount Gull has over a hundred sovereigns.” Said a voice behind him. “While most are weak, the stronger ones are all gathered towards the top, not to mention the immortals from the hidden village of Fang. Since the rifts around the pit have been closed, it’d take most of the guild’s immortals to lead a foray deep enough to reach it. I can’t afford this mobilization with crises popping up around Enera——or the losses it might entail. It’s safer to endure the attacks of seven revenants, and wait until others provide reinforcements for an assault.”

Astra stood next to them in the full splendor of her ice armor. “I see…” Silver said. “And what have you decided about Jonathan Bark?”

“I’m sending August Terrance to seal the entrance to the Undermist.” Astra answered. “Hopefully that will buy us some time if the worst comes to pass.”

“Can’t we do more?” Kate objected. “It seemed whatever they’re planning will be worst than the demonic beast invasion…”

Astra shrugged. “Apprehending Jonathan Bark is impossible. He can instantly transport himself to the Moonlit Lands, where legions of monsters stand ready to defend him. While we can evict him from Thornbridge Manor, he might send Alucard against us in retaliation, which isn’t worth the risk.”

“Couldn’t we at least chase off Torak’s disciples?” Kate asked.

“After the assault on Mount Gull, I’ll see what I can I do. According to your report, we still have some time.” Astra responded “In the meanwhile, I want you and Silver to bring back, Reagan Bard.”

The name jogged Silver’s memory. “That’s one of Arther Bard’s summons.”

“His oldest one, who he gifted permanence to.” Astra nodded. “Reagan is now sovereign of a domain in Shangri-la, where he’s isolated himself. I need you to drag him back to the real world.”

“You’ll travel to Kalonia through the Ether, with Debra Sunder providing you guidance.” Astra turned to walk away. “I’ll send you off once I am back from extending the duration of my ice sheet.”

“What about Zentrias?” Carol called out. “Did… Stannis catch him?”

Astra stopped. “No, he didn’t. Your companion is still lost within the dungeon.”

A wave of relief flowed over Carol. “I’d like permission to enter and search for him.” She continued anxiously.

After the incident at its entrance, Astra had forbidden all entry into Dark Heritage to avoid further loss of life. Since the dungeon had been fully cleared, she’d judged the HEAVENLY DAO would tolerate the emergency measure.

“Exploring blindly on your own will just get you killed.” Astra replied in the quiet patient voice of someone used to such desperate demands. “Best to wait for the man to emerge himself.”

“I’ll go as well.” Rose interjected quickly.

“Me too, I suppose.” Dawn added.

Astra glanced between them with exasperation. “Fine, I’ll arrange it when I return.”

She then jumped away in flash.