Chapter 103 – An’Larion, The Chalk Capital (1)

Once again standing on the deck of an airship, Midhir and his classmates watched the horizon. As moments passed, the overgrowth passed below them, and the white jewel of the Eldorian Empire finally entered their field of view.

“Beautiful…” Arwen breathed out in awe as her eyes widened.

The circular city was built around a lake, fed by three wide rivers that flowed down from the mountains surrounding it. An island stood at the centre of the lake, connected to the mainland by a single wide, marble bridge. Atop that island was the Imperial Keep, the vermillion centrepiece – home of the Ardagh House, where power consolidated.

“Breathtaking, isn’t it?” Instructor Soraya asked with a mischievous smile on her lips as she approached them. Leaning on the railing, she winked at Willow. “Many in the empire are envious of those who live in the capital.”

“I would have never imagined it to be so…” Arwen hesitated as she sought the right words. “So clean,” she finished her sentence. “I didn’t think the waters would be so clear and pure.”

Midhir couldn’t help but smile.

“I also didn’t think that the mist you talked about would be so prevalent.” Arwen added with a darker tone.

The thirteenth district, the northern part of the city, which was bordered by two of the widest rivers, was covered in grey-silver mist. Rooftops, towers and eaves poked out, proving the city was under the mist somewhere.

“It’s been growing thicker each passing year.” Instructor Soraya shrugged. “The Enforcers are always busy containing it, but it’s never affected the rest of the city.”

“Is it even safe for people to live so close to it?” Arwen asked, folding her arms. Her lips formed a thin line, and her eyes narrowed as she leaned forward to see better.

“It is,” Willow piped up. “The real danger isn’t the mist – it’s the weak veil beneath that section of the city. Apparently, about fifteen years ago, a tear formed, and plunged the whole place down into the abyss.” She snapped her fingers as if she was trying to remember something. “I think the whole ground collapsed. How far was it? Ten meters?”

“Seven,” Midhir absentmindedly corrected her. “Though it could fall further – there supposedly are tunnels beneath the district.” He took a deep breath before turning to Instructor Soraya. “Instructor, you still haven’t explained why we’re going to the capital, or why you’re accompanying us.”

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Instructor Soraya rolled her eyes. “Always so serious, you and Alistair. Try and live a little, you’re too young to be acting like this.” She stepped away from the railing. “Someone else will do the debrief this time, I don’t know much more than you do.”

The airship shook as its nose turned down slightly. As they began their descent, Arwen quickly rushed back to the lower decks, while the others simply held on tighter, enjoying the view, and trying to suppress the worries surfacing.

There was no one to welcome them at the hangar. Instead, they followed Instructor Soraya. She led them outside, then northward. As they walked on the central street, there was nothing blocking their view of the Vermillion Keep. It’s towering structures cast a vast shadow on the earth. Simply looking at it made one feel small and insignificant.

“The view here never gets old.” Willow glanced at Alistair. “You had seen it before, hadn’t you?”

The young Orlein noble hesitated. “Once, when I was very young. It’s just as terrifying as I remember it to be.” He clenched his fist. “And I feel just as small as I did then.”

“It does that,” Willow nodded.

Arwen was silent as they walked, her gaze fixed on the Vermillion Keep, her hands clenched around the cloth of her cloak, and her brows furrowed with what seemed to be worry.

They soon reached the plaza where the bridge connected the city to the Vermillion Keep. The Imperial Guard stood by the entrance to the bridge, blocking the path to the Keep.

“It’s so empty…” Willow whispered, shooting Midhir a quick, questioning glance.

She was right, the plaza was almost always crowded with tourists from afar and citizens of An’Larion alike. Now though, there were only a handful of people, and certainly no tourists. It was eerie how quiet it was despite it almost being noon.

“Calador.” He replied quietly. “The civil war has already started affecting Eldoria.” It was only a guess, of course, but it was the only plausible reason he could come up with. Before he could continue, he noticed a familiar figure standing by the guards.

Her white hair cascaded behind her back like a waterfall of moonlight. A glimmering silver sword was struck against the ground next to her, and her palm rested calmly on its pommel. She wore a simple, dark blue uniform.

“Principal!” Willow breathed out as they approached her.

Principal Moira shook her head. “You will address me as Commander Aoidh during your stay here.” Her voice was cold as ice, her gaze harsh and emotionless. “Welcome to An’Larion, the Chalk Capital. You mission is to shadow members of the Imperial Guard and enforcers who will be introduced to you later. You will follow any orders from them as they are the law.”

Midhir gulped. Something was off. Moira was too cold, too distant, and too worried. He could see it in her eyes. Despite her stoic appearance, her eyes constantly scoured their surroundings, seeking something – or someone.

“Understood.” Instructor Soraya bowed slightly.

“You will split in two groups.” Moira continued. “Willow and Alistair will accompany Captain Herbert here,” she tilted her head towards the tall man on her right. “Midhir and Arwen will accompany an Enforcer, Guard Aaron will take you to them.” She pointed to her left, towards a younger guard. “Instructor Valien, walk with me. Dismissed!”