The Pillar of Enera

[Chapter 35 part 2] Rose – Argent Tobaskus

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“This is an explosives shop.” He remarked, inspecting his surroundings.

“Indeed.” Orthos agreed. “Did you enter not knowing that?”

Simon didn’t answer. Instead, he rounded the room searching carefully.

“What are you doing here?” Hope asked.

“I came after getting a message from Agata.” Simon replied, still browsing. “Could we speak a moment once you’re done?”

“Sure,” Hope exclaimed. Satisfied, her attention returned to the RSF.

Leaving Hope and Orthos to their discussions, Rose approached Simon, “What’s your real reason for showing up?” What he said might’ve been the truth, but not the whole truth.

Simon hesitated, speaking softly, “Hope died in this shop.”

“I won’t go into the specifics, but the pendant I gave her warns me of her impending demise. A moments ago, it ‘flashed’ briefly. That means the very moment I received the signal, the death was averted. There are two explanations for this. First, that man over there ——his name is?”

“Orthos Braslin.” Rose offered.

“Orthos might’ve foreseen her death at the same time as the pendent and acted to prevent it. Did he issue any warnings while you were here?”

“He told Hope not to enchant RSF or boom.” Rose said.

Simon sighed, “That might’ve been it then…”

“And the other possibility?” Rose asked.

“There is a small chance Orthos was planning on murder, but aborted the attempt sensing my arrival. If that’s the case, his warning was a clever cover…”

Glancing back, Rose asked. “How small a chance?”

Simon shook his head, “The presence of explosives, especially RSF, complicates things. They wreck havoc with foresight. Considering the pendent’s signal was so brief I couldn’t get a cause of death, I can’t provide a hard estimate. Please be careful sharing this. The likeliest explanation remains he saved you all from an explosive demise.”

“I will.” Rose said. “Should Hope not visit again?” Orthos was the most experienced demolitionist on the Isle. She’ll be crushed if this place is off-limit.

“Now that I’ve visited, he wouldn’t dare try anything. Still, warn Hope to be prudent.”

“You’re not staying?” Rose exclaimed.

“I’ve relayed everything I needed to. Don’t worry, nothing will befall to your sister while she’s wearing that pendent. Also, about Agata’s plan, tell Hope I’ll go along with it.” With that Simon left as quickly as he’d come.

Rose mulled silently while Hope stuffed her backpack with volatile chemicals. Once they’d left, she brought her sister up to speed.

“So that’s what the pendent does.” Hope appeared unphased. “This is the second time I’ve been saved. Last time was the HEAVENLY DAO. This time it was… unclear. Which do you think? Was Orthos my savior or my killer?”

This was the question Rose had been brooding. Would Hope really have blown us up? She had trouble believing it.

“You’re the one who knows best.” Rose answered. “Were you considering enchanting the RSF?”

Hope reflected, “I was planning on ‘inspecting it’. I don’t know if that would’ve set it off…”

Guess there’s no way to tell. “Just be cautious around him… And explosives too.”

They returned slowly to the Rose Palace. No way we’re using the runways carrying that bag. Overall, it’d been a productive outing, and Hope expressed as much, describing all the ways she’d put her purchases to use. Listening, Rose was glad to have helped.

“So you’re not coming to meet Yvonne?” Hope asked at the gatehouse.

“No, Lily has arranged for me to meet Argent Tobaskus.” Rose said. “I can’t exactly blow off the Head of Isle Security.”

“Good luck.” Hope wished. They split, and Rose took the North Wing’s elevators down to the city, lost in thought.

“Samuel Lithorn.” She murmured. The name of our enemy. One-sixth of civilization fell within the Empire’s borders. If satellite states were taken into account, he held sway over a fifth of Enera.

Why’s Hope alive? She doubted those assassins were the best the Emperor could muster. What’d Gareth say again? ‘the Emperor fears revealing this peril to those around him.’ Assuming that’s Hope, he wants to conceal Jenna’s doppelganger from those who would wish to make use of her.

Could it be Astrolis? That enchanted mechanical marvel had gathered dust for millennia. With a capable pilot, its power rivaled the strongest immortals, and it could travel places nothing else could. Obviously, many would want to unlock it. Is there something incriminating in its logs? The same held true for Jenna’s workshop. Maybe some secret hidden there?

On further reflection, she rejected these conjectures. It must be the Pillar of Enera, as Simon suggested. Astrolis and Jenna’s workshop were both under the emperor’s control. Their contents wouldn’t send him into a panic. What’s he afraid of? Gareth claimed his very rule was ‘in danger’. What could topple an empire?

Since our enemy dreads it so much, perhaps it’d be best to reveal our existence? Rose pondered and shook her head. There’s no guarantee we’d be safer, and it might make Lithorn more frantic. If he made a military play, they’d be looking at a global conflict. We can’t open the pillar either… They couldn’t expose themselves at the risk of finding nothing.

Dropping these thoughts, Rose moved on. Why did our enemy release Kain’s arm? Rose contemplated. It’s to depose Lily. If the Isle fell into his hands, he’d gain control of the pillar. His victory conditions are Hope’s death or taking the Isle. He’s pursuing both approaches.

Rose stretched, satisfied. She’d reached the gap, across from the busy docks. The Isle Security’s Headquarters were towards the pillar, next to the glass bridge.

I need more firebirds. Rose had requisitioned her second phoenix yesterday, and this time it wasn’t a power trip. Not entirely anyway. She had plans for them.

She remained fixated on finding the assassins’ hideaway. If Kain’s arm is on the Isle, it’ll be there, along with Arther’s corpse. Astra had forbidden tracking assassins directly, but she doubted that applied to her familiars.

I must increase their brainpower first. Making her phoenixes less dumb had proved a challenge. I’m too weak compared to Lily. Ideally, fame’s benefits would permit her to gift them the smarts necessary.

And I must also prepare for more werewolves. Rose recalled the battle. I was lucky I could lift it. The beast’s flames had been hotter than her own.

After consulting Lily for advice, her original had explained that werewolves were essentially fire elementals. The only way to harm them with their own element was to overload them. An enormous burst of heat would destabilize their forms, and Lily had taught her a complex magic circle to achieve this. It still takes far too long to cast…

Lily had made the politically expedient decision to keep silent about the stolen arm. Rose remembered her words, “The Northern Emperor put everyone at risk by failing to warn the world. So when the next major outbreak happens, we leak news of its existence. Much of the Blame for the deaths and destruction will then fall on his shoulders.”

For now, they’d spread a rumor that the Laughing Man had devised a new method of transmitting Kain’s Curse. It’s enough to justify preparations. Astra had arranged to sponsor werewolf training at the simulation coliseums, and Rose planned to test her new spell there. I’ll invite Soul to tank the beasts so I can cast without pressure.

A white, towering building stood before Rose. On its facade were three letters: ISF. Isle Security Force… I wish I wasn’t dressed as a ninja. She took a moment to prepare herself.

Yesterday, Rose and Astra had been outraged to discover Lily relied on Sarah Godspeed as the go-between with Isle Security. How can you let a possible culprit relay updates on an investigation? Rose had pointed out the absurdity while Astra looked on with the coldest stare she’d seen. It even scared me.

Lily had weakly protested she meet with Argent regularly, but soon crumbled before the withering gaze. Rose had used the opportunity to secure herself the position of liaison. From now on, she’d be the one fetching daily updates. It’d be better if Lily did so herself, but this arrangement benefits me.

Rose still didn’t know what to make of her encounter with the steward two days ago. While probing their background, Sarah had given no indication she knew their identities. There were suspicious moments though. She’d guessed Hope was inexperienced with firearms and had asked about Dawn’s magical affinities. Either her deductions were astute, or she convincingly played dumb…

Rose sighed and entered, making her way to the front desk, “I’m here to see Argent Tobaskus. I should be expected.”

“Just a moment.” Said the lady behind the desk.

I feel out of place. At the Guild, exotic attire was the norm. Even in the city, outfits were fairly varied. Here, however, she stood out like a sore thumb amid the uniforms and serious expressions.

“I’ve confirmed your appointment. Please follow this sprite.”

Above the receptionist’s raised hand, a white figure appeared and flew off to the elevators. By the time she’d caught up, her tiny escort was waiting inside a lift, expressionlessly pointing at a button. Even the fairies are no-nonsense.

Exiting on the twenty-sixth floor, they crossed hallways and office spaces. No one questioned her presence, her teeny companion taken as validation. What do I do on the way back? Eventually, they stopped before a door with the right nameplate.

“Thank you.” Rose said quietly. Her navigator nodded and departed.

“Come in.” Said a voice after she knocked.

The room had a vibrant blue carpet, and pictures in simple frames lined the crisp white walls. She recognized Lily and Arther in some. A man with distinguished short black hair and greying sideburns sat behind an uncluttered desk. He invited her to take a seat.

Argent studied Rose attentively, “Lily let me know she was sending an envoy. She explained you’ll be collecting reports from now on. She also mentioned you were a nosy brat. Care to clarify the last part?”

Really? “I highlighted that communicating with ISF through Sarah Godspeed was a poor choice. She didn’t appreciate the honesty.” Rose said tersely.

A small smile flashed on Argent’s face but vanished just as quick, “Enduring the feud between Lily Morgana and Sarah Godspeed has been a miserable experience. The ills afflicting the Isle, including Arther’s death, are products of this divided leadership. Despite my best efforts, the situation has gradually spun out of control.”

“I was born and raised here.” Argent continued, “I care nothing for the politics of immortals and their ilk. I desire to see this place, my home, safe and secure. So tell me, young Rose: where do you fit in?”

(continued in part 3)