The Pillar of Enera

[Chapter 16 part 1] Silver - Landing in the Rose Palace

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In the pink marble courtyard, all eyes were on Dawn. Breath calming, she released her grip on the handle, leaving deep indentations. She then stood tall and declared, “I’m afraid of heights.” Unbelievable, Dawn admitting a fault… She’s not good at it. Her tone had been challenge rather than shame.

“That’ll be a problem, won’t it?” She added, shoulders sagging.

“A bit, yes,” Simon answered, dematerializing the sphere.

“Since when?” Astra asked coolly.

“Since always,” Dawn explained. “Even parts of the fortress made me antsy. What we just went through… It’s just plain wrong.”

Since this wasn’t the time or place, everyone was quiet. The mocking will happen later.

“Hum, excuse me.” They turned to find a girl in her late teens. “My name is Kate. Lily sent me to greet you.”

She was gorgeous, but what really caught Silver’s attention were the cat ears atop her short amber hair. A tail also peeked out of her leather outfit.

“Who’re you?” Astra stared piercingly.

“I’m Kate, Lily’s adopted daughter.” Kate answered flustered. This isn’t going well.

“You might be scaring her.” Silver said.

Registering his comment, Astra reexamined the fidgeting girl, face softening, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to intimidate you.”

“No, that’s fine.” Kate waved her arms, appearing even more frantic. Did that make her more nervous?

“One question,” Astra said. “Why didn’t you address yourself as ‘Kate Morgana’?”

Eyes widening, Kate stammered, “That’s… I… Sorry, I should’ve.”

Astra’s lip tightened. Why’s that’s upsetting? Their mother wasn’t usually a stickler for such fanfare. “We should meet Lily.” Astra said, smiling again.

Kate nodded quickly, “Follow me.” She turned and marched off stiffly. She seems a bit clumsy, but it might be the anxiety. Either way, it’s cute.

The Rose Palace was filled with colonnades, archways, and open-air corridors. Hey, a section of the fortress looks like this. While there was nobody about, fiery birds covered the upper structures. I wonder which one will end up Rose’s pet.

They entered a fire-filled room. The left and right walls were thick flames from floor to ceiling, and an inferno raged in a large brazier between the two. As they crossed, it erupted, and Fayla coalesced. She’s human-sized in person too. The fiery sprite waved, “Greetings everyone. I’m Fayla, overseer of the inner palace and secretary to Lily Morgana.”

“Nice to see you again.” Astra replied. “We’ll be relying on you later.”

“No problem,” Fayla said joyfully and vanished. What’s the Inner Palace? He was curious. I bet Wise knows.

They found Lily at the head of a familiar marble table. Behind was the terrace and the Pillar of Enera. Several phoenixes were perched on chairs. They were three feet tall, formed from fire and embers. Their flames only burn when they want them to.

“Astra, welcome back,” Lily greeted, not bothering to rise. “You’re a few minutes late. That’s unusual.”

“We took a moment to meet your daughter.” Astra answered. “I was surprised.”

“Ah, Kate,” Lily nodded. “She’s an orphan Arther picked up and foisted on me. It was something he started doing nine hundred years ago. Since she’s already living here, I told her about your children. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Having someone their age who knows is a good thing.” Astra responded casually. “I’m more interested in what you just said. So Kate isn’t your first?”

“No, there have been many before.“ Lily sighed. “Most died chasing immortality, and old age took the rest. Yet, every time, Arther brought another. He was strangely insistent so I couldn’t turn him down. You’re the thirty second, right Kate?” Astra wasn’t the only one who wanted Lily to mature.

“Correct.” Kate confirmed uneasily. Is it us or Lily who’s agitating her? Silver had no idea. Deciphering the emotions of strangers is hard.

“You never mentioned these children during your visits.” Astra noted. She’s… annoyed? Silver’s instincts warned him something was up.

“Why would I tell you about people you’d never meet? Maybe if you traveled to the Isle occasionally, I might’ve felt the need.” Lily explained. “But enough of this. Everyone is expecting us. Simon, could you go ahead and let them know we’ll arrive shortly?”

“Certainly,” He turned to Astra. “See you at the Adventurer’s Guild.”

Once he’d left, Lily resumed, “Why doesn’t everyone remove their veils and introduce themselves.”

They did as instructed without theatrics. Mother hammered this point home. “You changed their hair color.” Lily commented.

“What do you think? With their faces covered, it should be enough.”

“It’s fine.” Lily said. “More importantly, what are your plans for them while you’re off on Guild business?”

“They’ll be living here,” Astra answered, “in your care.”

“I thought so.” Lily said. “And you didn’t think to check first?”

Astra hesitated, then nodded, “Would you please watch over my children?”

“Thanks for finally asking.” Lily said satisfied. “They can stay… except for her.” Lily pointed at Rose in the back. “I’m sorry, but you’ll have to find another solution. She can stay on the Isle, but not here. I can’t deal with that on a daily basis. My apologies.”

Rose can’t stay? What’s going on? He glanced at his siblings’ worried faces. This is where my stomach should be tying itself in knots. He’d read about the phenomenon. Cold! A chill had seized the room.

Astra was staring at Lily expressionlessly, but Silver could tell by her tightened jaw muscles that she was furious. As if the temperature wasn’t clue enough. Lily was visibly rattled. This’ll be interesting.

“What are you doing?” She asked as her phoenixes scattered.

“This is no time for games, Lily.” Astra lectured sternly. “Rose will remain with her siblings, here, at the palace.”

“And if I say no?” Lily persisted.

“For starters, I’ll give you a spanking.” Astra stated with glacial promise.

Lily opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She knows it’s a serious threat. This was paralyzing her.

“If you insist on acting like a child, I’ll treat you as one.” Astra continued. “You’re right, I should’ve confirmed before hand. I was busy and forgot. However, asking would’ve been a formality. These are my children. Nero, Barsal, and Arther would’ve offered shelter without hesitation. The you from two thousand years ago would have too. Now, will you risk my daughter’s safety because she makes you feel uncomfortable?” This’ll go badly if Lily isn’t careful.

For a second, Lily matched Astra’s glare as frost spread over the table. Then her pride gave way, and her gaze dropped, “Alright, she can stay. Happy?”

“Good,” Astra drew closer while ice covered the walls. “And if anything happens to them, I’ll hold you responsible. Am I clear?”

Lily wasn’t ready for this and simply nodded. Satisfied, Astra returned to them. As the air warmed, Lily recovered her voice, “You’re a bully. I wasn’t just being fussy. It really hurts to look at her. It’s as if the world’s mocking me. You’ve no know idea what it’s like being trapped in a child’s body…”

“Would you rather have spent millennia in the arctic?” Astra demanded. Lily recoiled, beaten. “Whining about your lot in life serves no one, least of all yourself.”

While the others had been ill at ease, Silver had appreciated the confrontation without such distraction. Lily got crushed. Astra must’ve been an authority figure to the small immortal. She fears challenging her. Also, Astra’s ‘arctic isolation’ countered Lily’s ‘perpetual child’ card. Lastly, Astra was obviously stronger. Otherwise coercion wouldn’t have been effective. He felt pride. Sure, mother threatened a child, but she deserved it. The exile attempt had lost Lily a lot of good will.

“Now apologize.” Astra demanded. “You made Rose feel unwelcome.”

Crush them when they’re down. Lily never stood a chance. You didn’t cross Astra if you could avoid it. Unless you’re Free or Soul. His sister feared boredom more than anything. As for Soul, Astra was weak against him. Must be related to her brother.

Lily went through a range of emotions. She’s far too expressive compared to Astra. First her eyebrows rose at the absurdity of the demand. Next she grimaced, disgusted by the injustice of it all. Finally, she slumped in resignation. That’s when she saw what was perched on Rose’s shoulder.

“That’s mine!” She exclaimed, forgetting everything.

Rose admired the fiery bird. “When Astra chilled the place, I invited it over.” She explained happily. “Won’t you let me keep it? As an apology gift?”

The sheer shamelessness had Lily speechless again. She turned to Astra as if to protest but saw only cold unyielding expectation. Dejected, she gave up, “Fine, keep it. But no more, understand?”

“Thank you!” Rose smiled brightly. This put Silver’s lingering concerns to rest. By butting heads with Astra over the years, Rose had inherited some of her demeanor. She could handle her original just fine. Lily might be the one in trouble.

“We should go.” Lily said. “Everyone’s waiting.” Trying to cut her losses…

Astra paused then nodded, “Yes, I have a volcanic eruption to deal with.”

“Great.” Lily expressed with relief. “In the meantime, Kate can show them the Inner Palace.”

“Sure.” Kate said. “But do they have the proper permissions?”

“We’ll take care of that now.” Lily stood up. She’s nearly a foot shorter… Did Rose really grow that much in the last three years? Lily must’ve noticed as well because she scowled.

“I’ll be by the brazier.” She disappeared leaving a blazing trail behind. Didn’t want to walk side by side, huh… Unbothered, Rose was playing with her stolen pet. Life will be exciting.

Once they caught up, Fayla joined them. “Hello again. I’ll be needing a drop of blood from you, you, and you.” She pointed at Soul, Hope, and Free.

“Just us?” Soul asked.

“Lily, Astra, Barsal, Nero, and Arther already have access to the Inner Palace.” Fayla answered. “Their doppelgangers obviously enjoy the same benefit. However, Ethan and Jenna perished before Lily became reagent, so I never knew them. The same is true of Sola.”

“Need a knife? I can grab one.” Kate offered.

“That won’t be necessary.” Free said lazily. From her sleeve, three roots shot out. With pinpoint precision, they pierced three necks.

“Ouch.” Hope rubbed herself. “Warn us next time.”

“Sorry.” Free faced Fayla, “Do you need it in the brazier?”

“Yes, please.”

The drops were quickly deposited while Kate watched fascinated. If she’s surprised by that, wait until she sees what the rest of us can do. Silver was anticipating it.

“All set.” Fayla said. “You can lead them down, Kate.”

“This way.” Kate approached one of the flaming walls.

(continued in part 2)