The Pillar of Enera

[Book II Chapter 115] LIGHT: Six Days

------------------------------------------------

Light summoned two wind sprites and watched the them fly off through the small hamlet. His eyes then shifted to the stone ramparts looming to his north. They stood twice as tall as the roof he was standing on.

Most demonic beasts couldn’t fly so fortifications remained a crucial part of Tulven’s defense. In the aftermath of yesterday’s chaotic retreat, he’d been drafted to help erect new ones. It’d been an educational experience.

They’d been handed him a rampart totem, a catalyst specialized to the task. The rune-covered poll had two solid ‘flags’ at the top which could be rotated to set the directions of the structure. After planting it firmly and channeling, he’d felt the ground beneath him rise. The totems were highly efficient, and it took less time than he imagined to conjure impressive walls which would last twenty-four hours. Their duration can be extended later. In the end, he’d spent half the night doing his part. The labor had offered him the chance to organize his thoughts.

Nephrite was dead, of that he was certain. As for what he’d seen on the battlefield, it was easy enough to piece together. Those phantoms had appeared after Garreth Black, a necromancer, had arrived. They were obviously his creations. As for why one of them resembled Nephrite, this remained a mystery.

For a brief moment, he’d been tempted to barge into their headquarters to confront the man, but had swiftly dismissed the notion. Succumbing to such a brash emotional impulse would be an unforgivable lapse. Instead, he’d wait until the answers came to him. This restraint was proof of who he had become. What I saw was just a ghost. I can’t give it any weight.

His two squadmates jumped over and joined him. “What’s up, O’glorious Leader?” Akira jested.

Since neither of the two rivals could stand the idea of taking orders from the other, he’d inherited Nephrite’s position. Everyone knew he was the least equipped for the job, and occasionally Haron or Akira would bark orders in the heat of battle. Despite this, it’d worked out somehow.

“Free is healing Jayden now, which means he’ll wake soon.” He reported.

This morning, upon discovered that Leucothea was tending Jayden’s wounds, he’d immediately dragged his sister over and insisted she take over from the immortal. She was experienced healer, but Free is Free.

After a twenty minute wait, Light grew uncertain. I know she was exhausted from last night, but… What’s going on? Eventually, Free exited the house across from them, ambling in a daze. She waved up absentmindedly. “It’s done.”

“Was it that bad?” Light dropped down and asked. His sister had reassembled Rose faster than this.

“What?” Free’s eye focused on him, shining with bewilderment. “Not really. It’s more that I learned something today. When healing immortals, everything requires significantly more power. It’s terribly taxing. I’m going to lie down for a bit.”

Leucothea came to the door as Free wandered off. “He’s awake.” She said, inviting them in.

Jayden was lying on a bed inside. He appearing drained but otherwise healthy. “Sorry you had to see me like this.” He said. “What happened yesterday after I fell?”

“For a bit, everything went to hell.” Light reported. “Then Garreth Black showed up, and we salvaged the situation.”

Jayden closed his eyes and lay back. “That’s a relief…” He then turned to Leucothea. “Thank you for dragging me to safety and mending my wounds.”

“Save some of that gratitude for Light’s sister.” Leucothea said bitterly. “You woke up half a day earlier than expected because of her. I still don’t understand how she did it.” The nymph gave Light a reproachful glance.

“Free has Sola’s staff from when she was the Goddess of Healing.” Light offered, hoping to mend the immortal’s bruised pride.

“How were you injured?” Akira asked.

“I underestimated the shockwaves his weapons release and got caught by one while dodging.” Jayden revealed. “It robbed me of consciousness long enough for him to split my stomach open.”

I didn’t realize how close it was. A ninja’s substitutions were a powerful tool that could even reverse injuries, but the window to use them was small. Being knocked out for even a second was often fatal.

“Sekken has been assaulting the territories bordering Harakoune.” Leucothea offered. “It’s no surprise he’s experienced at dealing with ninjas.”

“I’ve heard the stories from my comrades there.” Jayden grimaced. “Sekken is relentless once he sets his eyes on a prize. He’ll keep attacking until Torris is evacuated. Thank god, Garreth Black is here or we’d be doomed.”

“We saw Nephrite last night.” Haron announced, causing Jayden to stiffen. “When Garreth arrived, strange phantoms spread accross the battlefield. She was one of them.”

Jayden lay still for a moment before reacting. “Oh… I understand…” He sighed. “He made her into one of his heroic spirits.”

“What do you mean?” Light jumped in.

“It’s his claim to fame.” Jayden explained. “Garreth is able to create a special type of undead which holds no malice. He calls them heroic spirits. Each is a unique, crafted from the ghosts of a fallen warriors. He must of found Nephrite’s lingering spirit near Messanic.”

So Nephrite died with regrets… The guilt and pain which had been haunting him came pouring back. He struggled to stay composed.

“I’m not sure how I feel about Garreth turning the echo of Nephrite’s soul into a weapon.” Akira said tensely.

“Was it strong?” Jayden asked.

“She easily cut off Turok’s head after we immobilized him.” Haron answered.

“Then it’s not worth making a fuss over.” Jayden declared. “We need all the help we can get.”

“I agree.” Light said. “Especially since he is using her to fight the demonic beasts who killed her. I’m sure Nephrite would approve.” What I feel when I see her is my own problem.

There was a knock on the door, and Sarah Godspeed came in. Giving Jayden a glance over, she visibly relaxed. “I’m so relieved you are alright. We really can’t afford to lose you right now. How long will it take you to recover?”

“I imagine I’ll be mobile tomorrow, but it’ll take me couple of days to be a back at full strength.” Jayden replied.

“That’s good.” Sarah nodded. “I’ll hold you to that.”

“We already have Garreth Black.” Leucothea frowned. “Is there any need to pressure him this way?”

“In six days, a fleet of airships will dock at the capital.” Sarah stated. “When it does, we are going to move everyone, all three million. I need every immortal I can get my hands on to protect them on the journey.”

Jayden sat up. “How were you able to secure enough ships for that?”

“I didn’t.” Sarah replied. “I came up with a different solution. Off Torris’s coast, there’s a twisted land called the Shattering Rocks. It’s littered with airships pillaged and abandoned by pirates. I’m going to use the barges from Pearl to salvage those wrecks.”

Leucothea frowned. “You’re planning to have the other ships tow them. That will slow their speed to a crawl while they cross hundreds of miles of demonic-beast-controlled territory…”

“It’s a terrible idea and the best option we have.” Sarah admitted as she faced their doubting stares.

“This is different from what you were planning yesterday.” Jayden said. “What’s behind this urgency?”

“When Astra is ready to assault Mount Gull, Garreth will return to Messanic to participate, along with most of the Guild’s strongest immortals.” Sarah revealed. “If Sekken were to attack at that time, what was averted last night would become reality.”

The room fell quiet. “How long do we have?“ Leucothea asked.

“I hope more than six days.” Sarah answered.