The Pillar of Enera

[Book II Chapter 109] SILVER: Shangri-La

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Debra Sunder greeted them on a stone terrace, an assured smile on her face. “Welcome to Kalonia.” She announced dramatically. “You stand on the Palace Plateau.”

“Thank you. We’re glad to be back on Enera.” Silver glanced at the foggy corridor stretching behind them. While they’d traveled through seven realms journeying to Pharos, there’d been no side stops returning.

“It’s an honor to meet you again.” Kate added.

Their host wore a relaxed pose and high heels, and her long black hair flowed freely over her close-fitting indigo dress. She was as beautiful as he remembered from the Isle of Dreams, but he had a better appreciation of her power now. Not only had she been able to reach deep into the Ether and find them, she’d opened a passageway all the way to them——albeit one the size of a coin. She also did ten times the work during the stabilization. Effortlessly too. There wasn’t a drop of sweat on her shapely figure.

Around them were pathways through a lush garden, with grandiose buildings further out. However, what immediately captured his attention was the sight over the terrace’s railing. The landmass they were on was a good half mile higher than anything else, offering a magnificent view.

“Mind if we have look?” Silver asked. He and Kate approached the edge.

“Take your time.” Debra invited graciously.

Across from them was a familiar shattered landscape with chunks of earth floating at various elevations. Of special note was the spread out city a few miles away which appeared to have been badly broken up. He counted at least twenty pieces, all at different heights. Tiny airships darted to and fro between quays built into the rock face.

“That’s Niangu?” Silver confirmed.

Debra nodded. “The Fracturing really did a number on our capital. So many people were left stranded… It was a nightmare.”

Silver couldn’t imagine the chaos it must’ve been. “How did you sort it out?”

“The old palace, which was split into five piece, was converted into shelters until transportation could be ironed out.” Debra explained. “I took the opportunity to relocated here afterwards.”

Small towns surrounded the capital, with agricultural lands between. In many of the fields, throngs of people walked between row of tents. Refugee camps, like those on Neon’s outskirts. He noticed the inbound roads were well-trafficked.

“Has Kalonia already experienced disaster?” Kate asked.

“Fortunately, no.” Debra walked over to the railing. “This is the preemptive evacuation I ordered immediately once the dark age began. A necessity really.”

“Kalonia is an island nation at the bottom of the Monarch’s right wing, encircled by Blue Abyss. It’s indefensible.”

The Monarch is another name for the butterfly continent, Silver recalled. He had traveled to the Flux Planescape was at the bottom of the left wind, but this was farther south still.

“When the undead rose from ocean last time, half our population perished. We would have lost everyone if my husband, Calumn, hadn’t rallied Shangri-la’s sovereigns to our aid.”

“It’s funny.” Debra smiled sadly. “I am the summoner, yet he always had a closer relationship with them.”

That’s the one she wants to resurrect. Astra had warned him Debra would butter them up. She’s after the secrets buried at Earth’s End.

“All those rifts lead to Shangri-la?” Silver asked. At a dozen spots in the city and villages were the shimmering of entrances to the Ether.

“The entire realm of Shangri-la is anchored to this region through twenty three portals.” Debra replied. “We’re gradually moving people into Premier and the valley as they arrive.”

Unlike other places, Kalonia’s inhabitants were not seeking the Safety of Bastion. It makes sense given the proximity to Shangri-la, but removing that many souls from Enera ever so slightly tilts the scales against us.

“It has been a while since I saw you both.” Debra began abruptly. “You in particular, Silver, have changed a great deal. How was your time in the Flux Planescapes?”

“It was mostly studying, fighting, and opening passageways, repeated ad nauseam.” Silver answered. “It’s not something worth recounting.” His experiences there were not something he cared to delve into.

Debra smirked at his evasiveness. “Is Dwaine doing well?”

“You knew him?” Silver exclaimed, genuinely surprised.

“While saints head for the Flux Planescapes, Kalonia is the destination of choice for weaker summoners.” Debra revealed. “Dwaine trained in Niangu, and I had the chance to met him on several occasions.”

Silver briefly wondered why his mentor hadn’t mentioned these encounters then understood the answer. They were lost among the countless experiences in his long life.

“I wonder which one of us is stronger today.” Debra continued. “I didn’t judge his talents as particularly impressive before he left, but he’s had fourteen thousand years since then, so who knows? I’m amazed he’s survived that long.”

“He’s cautious and highly valued by the Empire of Man.” Silver replied. “I believe he’ll be around for many millennia yet.”

“Enough small talk.” Silver declared. “We should be on our way.”

“You sure?” Debra responded. “You could always take the day off and depart tomorrow. You’d be our honored guests.”

“Thanks for the offer, but Astra assigned us an important task.” Kate spoke firmly. “Reagan Bard’s aide is urgently needed due to the threat from Moonlit Lands.”

“Then come this way.” Debra sighed. “There’s a rift in this garden.”

Passing a grassy field and a grove of trees, they arrived at small courtyard in the corner of a palace wing. A small shimmering veil stood at the center. Without a word, Debra stepped through.

Silver followed and frowned. The other side appeared the identical to where they’d left: a courtyard surrounded by buildings and trees.

“Did it malfunctioned?” Kate asked, just as confused.

“Not at all.” Debra smiled, releasing a fairy. “You’ll understand soon.” She led them back the way they’d came. The garden remained the same, but the view beyond was changed. “Demetri created this place for me, a perfect replica of real world. You are indeed in Shangri-la, and before you is Premier, its capital.”

A multileveled city was spread out before them on giant platforms held aloof by a network of white metal strands stretching to the ground. The wide streets and building were interspersed by vibrant green parks, and a railway system connected everywhere together. One large saucer stood apart from the rest, high in the sky with palatial structures. That must be where sovereigns meet.

The terrain below appeared similar to the landscape outside, villages separated by fields of crops. The notable difference was that the surface was perfectly flat. It resembles the Kalonia of old, before the Fracturing.

“You can barely see them in the distance, but Premier is surrounded by by high cliffs which form the ‘Valley’. It’s here that virtually all humans live and where the people of Kalonia will eventually seek shelter.”

“And where is Reagan Bard?” Silver asked.

“He’s in the wilds beyond. I called two of his neighbors to guide you to him.” Debra answered, then hesitated. “Just so you know, while they’re wonderful and kind, Agatha and Mane are an immortal and a sovereign who married. They are regarded as a taboo couple by many…”

“Why is that?” Silver asked. Sovereigns can assume human form. It isn’t strange that some would enter into relationships with immortals.

“Because Mane was originally Agatha’s summon who she made permanent.” Debra said softly.

“Oh…” Silver gasped stupidly. Your summons are a reflection of yourself. To regard them that way… He felt ill.

“Here they are.” Debar announced. “Try not to bring up the topic.”

A airship landed in the terrace, and a petite brunette walked off followed by towering man with blond hair. Silver’s eyes flicked between the two. She created her lover… He felt a poke in his side. Kate was giving the look. I was staring too hard. He took a deep breath and relaxed.

“Thank you for coming so fast.” Debra greeted them.

“It was no issue.” Agatha looked them over and smiled. “So these are the two you want us to host, Arther’s clone and Lily’s adopted daughter. It’ll be our pleasure. We don’t often have visitors.”

Silver shot Debra a questioning glance. “It might take a few days to get through to Reagan.” She explained. “You’ll stay at their estate until then.”

“You aren’t coming?” Kate asked.

Debra shook her head. “I have my responsibilities as queen.”

Once on-board, Mane entered the cabin, leaving them with his wife on deck. They took off and flew over the areal districts of Premier. Animal of all types could be seen walking the streets alongside humans.

“So the city is full of summons?” He asked.

“Premier is home to those who value human company.” Agatha answered. “Those who prefer solitude and nature chose the Wilds. Finally, those who hunger for conflict and battle head for the Borderlands.” According to mother, the raids from Mount Gull happened in the Borderlands.

They left Premier, rising high and exiting the Valley. Although below them were grassy plains, tropical forests and snow covered hills were visible in the distance. Shangri-la is the size of a continent, Silver remembered.

“Is it far?” He asked.

“Not at all.” Agatha pointed. “See the yellow ahead? That’s Mane’s savanna. We’re almost there.”

“I didn’t realize airships worked here.” Kate observed. “Sure is practical.”

“All it takes is a few adjustments for them to function.” Agatha agreed happily.

They passed over yellow plains towards a large oasis. In the middle, on a hill rising from the water, was a sprawling mansion. They landed on the lawn outside.

“See that golden dome?” Agatha motioned one side of the savanna. “That’s where Reagan has sealed himself in. He and Mane were both emperor lions, which is why Johan gave them territories close together.”