Chapter XVI

Garden Underneath the Crystal Moon

Julius III

A silver mountaintop gleamed in the near distance, showered in the rays of a Sun that had risen not too long ago. Only a short while remained till they reached their destination. Over the bridge crossing the river Trinosten and a few minutes more.

The path here had been undisturbed. Annea, Edwin, and Julius walked mostly quietly and safely. The Prince turned King walked first, leading the way. This short adventure of theirs was coming to an end. Or at least the two behind him thought.

He believed otherwise. When he had connected with the throne, he had seen things. Not quite the future, not quite the past, and not the present. Fragmented possibilities, shattered knowledge, scattered memories. Julius no longer detested his father, although he did not know why. His feelings, his beliefs, his own thoughts changed. But they were still his. They merely adapted to newfound wisdom.

They stopped before the bridge. Julius gazed towards the southeast, toward the grand mountain of Alattras. Alata’uch did the denizens call it. The feet of Light and Day in an old tongue. It had been spoken more widely, but centuries under foreigners tend to wash such things away.

Three archways stood before them leading towards a town underneath the mountain. They were several meters high and carved from a white wood with delicate care. Large pearls surrounded by silver stood atop the arches, and letters he could not understand were stretching below it.

In the distance, on the mountain itself, were many lights that led upwards. Pure and pristine. He could barely differentiate between them and the few stars that still lingered in the sky. Thousands of them were all across the mountain. At the very end of that lightened road was what appeared to be a tower, or perhaps a fort of some sort. It could barely be made out, camouflaging itself with its stone.

The town below the mountain had houses that both surrounded it and went uphill. They had rooftops that swirled and curled, plated with colours of the forest and the sky. Forty, or maybe fifty-something buildings were located in this town. Julius could not make out more.

A manor had been prepared for the King a short walk up the mountain. They had been expected, apparently. Very much so. The people here cheered Julius on the moment he had entered the town. Flowers and garlands, petals and gold dust were thrown afore his path. And the place they had prepared for him obviously belonged to some lord. It was very large, adorned with trinkets and flora, with round windows surrounded by marble and silver crosses. On the third floor was a terrace that overlooked the entirety of the town.

He was pleased. At least by the outward appearance. Who knew what the inside looked like? He could not know until he saw it. But there was no reason to worry.

“Strange smell,” Edwin suddenly said.

“Hm?” Julius took a deep whiff of air. “True. A strange dankness in the air, nothing I ever smelled before.” He had not noticed it prior to Edwin mentioning it, but there really was some sort of grassy scent in the air. “Familiar, Annealys?” He had noticed her not really looking too surprised by the smell.

“I, er, yes, my lord.” She nodded. “But this is the first time in years I came across it.”

Before she had come to Dammrias, then. A Valoryan scent, then? Not a widely known one, that was certain. He had been subjected to plenty of their perfumes during feasts and celebrations. And such a smell would surely not be used for the purpose of smelling nice. And if it was Valoryan, should it really be here? Unless the lord of this town was awfully rich and had bought some exotic scent, it really should not be here. And if he were awfully rich, Julius would know him. Therefore… something was amiss. That, or he was overthinking.

“Think there’s good food here?” Edwin asked.

“Venison, fish, and lamb, I think. Judging by what they have here, at least,” Julius said. “Expect stews.”

They approached the grand manor doors. A wooden gate that was three heads taller than Julius and filled with swirling adornments that were carved into both doors. He grabbed the knocker stuck in the mouth of a bronze wyrm and hit the door twice.

The door had already begun to open during his second knock. The person expecting them had been standing behind the door, just waiting for a knock. “Welcome, your Grace,” spoke the youthful man. He was no doubt around the king’s age. His hair was black, slicked back and dropped down his shoulders. A peculiar thing about his hair, something Julius had seen before, was that the right-side of his bangs was coloured gold and hovering above his eye.

“I am grateful for the accommodations. Might I have your name?” Julius asked.

“Ah, of course, your Grace. I am Emieal Meyiern, a grand pleasure to meet you.” He bowed.

A Meyiern was the lord of Alattras? He knew the family well, one of the richest families in the Fatherlands, counts of Grain Weald. Loyal to the Azure throne, but close with the Valoryans that bordered them. And the golden bangs that they had were sort of like a crest of arms. Men had a golden right side, women had a silver left side.

“I do not believe I have ever seen you at the capital,” Julius said.

“I’ve never strayed far from my family’s estates, your Grace. Besides, I’m merely count Lothean’s cousin and nothing more, undeserving of visiting the royal city.” He wore a smile on his face.

“Nothing much to see there anyhow.” Julius was slightly annoyed at the man’s false humility. He did not show it, though. Would not want to insult the young host.

“I’ll take your word for it. Now, would you let me show you to your rooms?”

“If you could.” Strange that there was no servant to do it for him. The interior of the mansion was well-maintained and spotless, so there must have been a servant or two. Unless he cleaned it himself, which was… commendable. But harmful for relations with the nobility if word got out. Maybe that was the reason he kept to his cousin’s demesne.

Emieal walked them to the uppermost floor, climbing up an ornate stairwell towards an interior balcony that extended towards five doors. Bedrooms for guests, it seemed. One room had larger doors compared to the others, a master bedroom reserved for Julius. Annea was given the room to the right of that one, and Edwin to the left.

The host opened the doors of the grand bedroom and allowed Julius to enter. There was a gateway to the terrace opposite the entrance covered by a sliding door and curtains. One third of the room, the part at the very entrance, was cut off by a wall and archway that led into the rest of the bedroom. Proceeding underneath the arch revealed the large bed. Blood-red and white were the sheets and pillows, and golden ornaments surrounded it.

There was a bookshelf and a desk with a chair, too. And, to the left of the bed, was a nightstand with a flower. Though no, it was not a flower, more like a strange plant. A plant whose smell he did not immediately notice, as he had been wrapped up in it the moment he came to town. But the smell came from this plant. There was not a single doubt in his mind.

“What sort of flower is this, Emieal?” he asked and pointed.

“That? Why, that is the…” He stopped for a moment and gave an embarrassed chuckle shortly after. “I’m afraid I don’t know the name, your Grace. It was a gift.”

“I see. Does the smell not bother you?”

“Is there a smell? I haven’t noticed but, if it bothers you, I may remove it.”

Julius felt as if the man did not lie. Did the townsfolk not smell it either? The three of them could, which was strange. “Who gave you this gift, and when?”

“Oh, no, this gift belongs to my father. He was supposed to greet you today, but had urgent business in Gadreas. As for who it’s from… I’ve no clue, your Grace. Please, forgive me.” He made a short, apologetic bow. Poor child.

“That is quite alright, Emieal. Thank you for your help.”

He clasped his hands. “Lunch will be served downstairs in the next hour. Is there anything else you may need in the meanwhile?”

Julius looked at the plant again. “Try to find out who sent this gift.” He felt as if the stench was making him slightly tipsy. “And take it somewhere else for the time being.”

“Very well.” The man smiled and obeyed.

Sometime later, after lunch had already finished, Julius returned to his room. They had eaten stew, just as he had said they would. Good stew, though. And a nice cup of blackberry wine, as well. A bit too sweet for his tastes, but fine enough.

He closed the room door behind him and walked onto the terrace. He went towards the stone railing and gripped it tightly with his hands. The town he stared at was peaceful and quiet. No shouting, no noise from large crowds. The houses were pretty to look at, too. They were all different in some way. Multiple engravings on the walls, a lifted roof corner here and there, an extra room on the outskirts. Definitely not as homogenous as in Dammrias. The only different thing there was the colour of the rooftops.

A wind blew, rustling the leaves of the nearby forest. He could see the hills behind the forest, and the smaller mountains, as well. Alattras was three time as high as the second highest mountain in this range. So high that there was snow at the very top, even though it was summer. Good thing they would not need to climb that high.

A wind blew, making the grass in the fields dance with it. He noticed the people of the town working away in their workshops and farms. There were mostly artisans here. Masters of their craft. If Julius remembered correctly, most tools and a lot of toys were exported to Dammrias from here. There was a smithy here, too, though he did not know if weapons were bought from here.

A chilling wind blew. Julius was not alone on this terrace. A man stood next to him, staring off into the same distance Julius was looking at, long hair swaying with the wind. Julius could not quite glimpse his face. No matter how hard he tried, he simply could not make sense of that man’s face.

“Do birds fly because they are free, or because they must?” the man asked again.

“You told me that they fly because they must. They are not free. Testing if I remember?”

The man remained silent for a while. “Are you free?”

“There are things I must do, but I am free to not do them. I will still do what I must, though. I would rather not be a strain on others. But yes, I am free.”

“Your resolve is still there.”

“Is there a reason it should not be?”

“Not yet.”

Julius chuckled. “I know what awaits me. I saw it, after all. I know that this body will not move forwards soon enough. But I am still resolved. The soul proceeds, after all.”

“Will it proceed until the end?”

Julius let go of the railing. “I do not know. But I will fight regardless.”

“We will finish what we started.”

“We, huh? I do not remember starting anything. And you – who, exactly, are you?”

His long hair covered his eyes as he turned towards Julius. “The King of Dammrias.” His eyes glowed brightly through his hair. Green, like the glow of Julius’ sword. And, just as when he had appeared, a chilling wind blew.

Julius was now alone on the terrace. He let out a sigh, turned around, and leaned against the railing. He looked at his fingers and closed two. “Looks like there will be no snow for me this year.” Softly, slowly, he smiled. The quiet wind blew behind his back.

The king left for a short walk and the Sun had already set. Crickets replaced the cicada’s shrill cries and the stars travelled instead of the clouds. Above the mountain, the night’s curtain was visible to all. Silk gowns traced the sea in-between and, seldom though it was, the stars showered the ground.

Julius was all alone below that sky. Through the forest trail did he walk all by his lonesome. But, even knowing he was alone, even seeing that he was alone, he could not help but feel someone’s eyes upon him these past few days. Constantly glaring from somewhere high up. Owls and bugs on trees, that was all he saw. Their presence was not what he felt.

He came upon a small fountain embedded into the mountainside. Cobblestone and copper were all that built it. Plenty of coins sat underneath the water’s surface. Foreign coins, as well. Must have been travellers from far away, as the only currency in Saarast was the mark. Silver and gold marks.

Julius inspected one of the strange coins. He would place it back, of course. No reason to pick up money he already had. Although, this coin was peculiar. It had a square hole in the very middle and was made from copper. Writing he had never seen before, either. Must have come from the west, from beyond the desert and the Wall.

He tossed the coin back in. It was time to return. Eat some dinner, drink a cup or two, and sleep. Maybe some exercise before sleep. His body felt stronger than before, but some extra muscle work never hurt.

Steak had been the main course for dinner. A bit too undercooked and chewy, but it had been a fine enough meal. Not like he was expecting anything better here. He shared a few words with both Annea and Edwin and went off to his own room.

He broke a sweat on the terrace and, when he felt exhausted enough, he climbed into his bed. The summer heat did not call for sheets, and they did feel soft underneath. They were nice sheets. Soft and nice sheets. Nice sheets. Sheets.

It was hard to think. Hard to think. This room… the plant. The plant was not removed. The plant was still here. The plant was right there. The plant’s fault. Must have been. The plant. The plant. Whose plant!?

He stumbled out of bed. Towards the terrace. Towards fresh air. It still held him. But it cleared out. Slowly.

There was a knock on the door. No, there were no knocks. The door just opened. And it closed. In the dead of the moonlit night, a spectre walked right in. Long robes. White silk, nearly transparent on her limbs. She dragged her feet.

“My lord…” she uttered. She kept walking forward and did not notice the bed. She fell onto it face first. She lifted her head just barely and reached out with her hand towards Julius. Her pupils were solid and flat. The whites themselves were bloodshot. Her breathing was strange, erratic. She was under the influence of the plant, as well. Who…?

His head felt clear enough. He went into his room and grabbed the potted plant then chucked it as far as he could out into the wild. He had told him to remove the plant, so he would have no right to complain about the gone herb, right!?

Annea was still rolling on the bed, her head bobbing up and down. Her lips were parched and, come to think of it, Julius’ throat was dry itself. “Rest,” he told her. “We have been poisoned.”

“My lord…” Was she unable to say anything else? “…with me.” She muttered something out. “Come…” Her hand tried to grasp Julius, but he was too far. “Please… he’ll be mad.”

“Who?”

Tears welled in her eyes. “Please…”

Someone ordered her to come here while she was under the plant’s influence. Who could order her, though? No, it was obvious. Julius gasped as he came to the realization that it was obvious. She was loyal to two people. Julius himself, and her father. The only reason she had come to Dammrias in the first place was because of her father’s machinations.

“Sleep.” He helped her fully onto the bed. “That is an order.”

She sat on her knees, looking into his eyes with a still face. “Yes, my lord,” she told him and collapsed on her back.

He had to go and investigate her room. The plant was no doubt there. Maybe it was in Edwin’s, as well? And Emieal’s, though he might be part of this scheme. Whatever the case, he needed something to protect himself from the influence. The herb most likely affected people through fumes, so a mask. His shirt would make due, so he wrapped it around his nose and mouth like a bandana and went forward.

First was Annea’s room. Smaller than his room, but the plant was there on the nightstand. The window was open, though most likely just for a cooling draft. Doubtful anyone went in or out through it. Her usual clothing was on the floor next to an opened box, most likely where she got her gown from. Her armour and sword were on and next to a chest of drawers. Crumbs of dirt were on the floor in the middle of the room. Annea’s? Or Arraneme’s. It could only be his. He already knew it could only be him. Mind was still drifting a tiny bit, so he was unsure what he was looking for. But it was the culprit themselves, not clues. And he had already met him yesterday. He knew exactly who he was looking for.

That man was in a lot of memories. A lot of fragments. His face, and the blood on his hands, and the plan he forged. He knew what he would do to the city of Kyrione. If he found him and killed him, he could save millions. But he still needed to know who else was part of the plan. Until then…

Second was Edwin’s room. Same as Annea’s. Empty, just like Annea’s. At the very least, no one was in the bed. The plant was there, though. He walked further into the room and…

“You should learn to knock,” said a girl.

He took a step back. “Who are you? Where is Edwin?”

She put her palm on her chest. “I am Talye. And Edwin is asleep. You are the prince that was stranded on the beach, aren’t you? Aren’t you?”

“I… yes, I am.” He carefully eyed the girl. Where did she come from? Where did Edwin sleep, and how was she impervious to the plant? More importantly… “Are you the one who was observing me from afar?”

“Me? Nope, only person I look after is Edwin, which is why I’m here. If I wasn’t here, he’d be feeling awfully sick right now. From the evil plant, you know? You know? You’re pretty smart for wearing something around your face. Only way the plant gets in is through your nose, so either that or,” she pinched her nose, “this.”

“Do you know what the plant is? And did you see anyone strange walking around? A blonde man in red?”

She shook her head. “Sorry. I’d help you, but I’d rather people don’t see me walking around. One pair of eyes at a time is my rule.”

“Aha.” Julius was unsure what exactly to say. Maybe she was under the influence, but it had a different effect. Maybe not. “I will be going now. Shout if you see or hear anything, alright?”

“I hear crickets. Do I shout?”

“No.”

She gave him a thumbs up. “Alright, boss.”

Third was Emieal’s room. His room was different than the other rooms since it was not one designed for guests. Had a nice bed, though. Lots of paintings, too. And, as expected, the plant. The man himself was fully clothed and on the bed, tongue out and drooling. Strange noises came from his mouth. Hababa, habababa. The window was closed. There was a weapon on the desk. A crossbow? No, a gun. There was a rifle on his desk, already loaded with shots. Why would he have a preloaded weapon ready? No, silly question. This was a manor surrounded by a forest. Robbers might come looking often. And a well-aimed shot did the trick. Went nicely through armour, too. Shame not everyone could use a gun due to lack of affinity. If everyone could… war would be very different.

Julius searched around some more. He went into every room, checked the wardrobes and under the beds, but could find nothing. Talye had not screamed either, but he was not really relying on her. All that was left was to lock the main door and lock all the windows. He was tired, after all, and he would prefer that Arraneme did not sneak in later and do something to Julius. He had also thrown all the plants he found through the window. Six in total.

Tired and finally done, he returned to his room. Annea was fast asleep. He had never seen her sleep before. She was peaceful, but also snored. Light snores, though. Tolerable enough. He collapsed onto the other side of the bed. She would not mind sleeping next to him. She should not, should she? They were married now, after all.

And then it clicked. They were married now. Arraneme had ordered her to sleep with Julius in order for them to conceive a child. Why he had sent her to Dammrias now made more sense. He wanted the child of Annea and Julius to inherit both countries. How… nice of him? Why would he want that? Questions on top of questions, but no answers.

There was, however, a need for an heir. Even without Arraneme interfering, Julius would need someone to inherit the throne of Dammrias. But that would come when it came. When Annea was not drugged out of her mind and was able to think. He would propose it then. Soon. He had to.

Sunrays heated his eyelids in the morning. They burnt ever so slightly, just enough to stir him awake. His sight was clear and he slowly opened his eyes to the fullest. Now wide awake, he noticed a weight upon his chest. Annea’s arm had wrapped around him and held him. Suffocating him. All he had to do was move it and stand up.

But he forgot how strong she was. Her arm pulled him closer. Julius’ ribs felt as if they would crack at any moment. God, since when was she this strong!?

“Hngh… this isn’t my room,” she said in a stupor once she lifted her head up. Julius’ groan must have woken her up.

“This-my-room…!” She was yet to release her hold. His words had, however, made her realize what she was doing to him.

“M-my lord! Please, forgive me!” She immediately stood up and moved back. Then, a realization came to her. Her eyes became darkened. “…Forgive me. I couldn’t disobey.”

Stroking the back of his neck, he stood up. “Be at ease. You have done nothing. Besides nearly choking me, that is.” Julius moved the curtains aside, letting more sunlight into the room. “You have met with your father last evening, I take it?”

“Yes,” she answered without looking at him.

“And he drugged you using some plant, then ordered you to lay with me, right?”

“Yes.”

“I figured. What I do not know, however, is where he went. Do you?”

“My father is raising his army, my lord. I don’t know why.”

In order to attack Lordem. That meant he had already left by the time Julius had been looking around the manor. Although Julius had no clue how he would manage to conquer it. Even without an army, there were enough guards and supplies to last for years, not to mention that the walls were way too high for a proper attempt at a siege.

“You should get dressed,” Julius said. “Meet me in the dining room afterwards.”

Annea nodded and turned around, leaving the room. Julius followed soon after into the hallway where a man was yelling erratically.

“Your Grace, your Grace! Have you seen my plants!?” Emieal hurried up to the king. “They’re gone! All gone! My father is going to kill me, ughuh!”

“I have thrown them out the window. They were poisonous and would have killed you,” Julius told him. “Whoever gifted them must have wanted to kill you and your father,” he added.

“Poisonous? Poisonous plants in the house!? Oh my God, whose plants were they!?” Emieal did not stop panicking.

“Ask your father when he returns and send a letter to Dammrias the moment you find out who it was. Is that clear?”

“Y-yes, your Grace!” He bowed. “…Breakfast! I must prepare it! Please, go sit down, I’ll just, I’ll…!” He sprinted down the stairs with incredible speed. Julius thought the man would kill himself by tripping.

The Sun was about to reach its zenith. Annea, Edwin and Julius had eaten a hearty breakfast and left the manor. Edwin had apparently been unaware of the girl in his room and had remained convinced that he had slept on his bed and nowhere else. He had known about the plant and the search for Arraneme, though. Julius wondered how. Had this Talye informed him? If she had, where was she now? Strange. Curious and strange.

The town streets were occupied by a few townsfolk going about their business. Most were probably indoors, busy working. Workshops were inside, after all. The core part of the tavern was indoors, as well, and that was where they were going. Someone should have arrived by now.

Julius opened the tavern door. An awfully creaky door, it was. The sound disturbed all the guests within, few though they may have been. Pairs of unfamiliar faces, and a singular group by a large table that he did recognize. The Gala and Rheinald.

“Ah, it would seem that dear prince Julius has arrived! Splendid!” Kyran stood up and proclaimed. “Come, sit, take a drink. We must still await the arrival of two other companions.”

“You were successful, I take it?” Julius asked as the three of them sat down.

“Why, of course!” He placed a sheathed dagger on the table. “What about your venture?”

Julius produced his card. “Right here.”

Kyran made a singular clap. “I see! Then you must also forgive me for addressing you improperly. You are a king now, after all. King of Dammrias, and High King of all the Fatherlands. This adventure is turning quite pleasurable for me.”

“I wasn’t aware a coronation could end so quickly,” Rheinald said.

“There was no feast or celebration. I was just given a crown, and that was that,” Julius spoke. “Married, as well. Amusing how fast things turn, hm?”

“Ah, your poor bride must be all lonesome in Dammrias. Should’ve brought here with you so that she may see the world,” Kyran said.

Julius looked at Annea. “I suppose so. Enjoying the sightseeing, dear wife?”

Her eyes stared at the ground. “…Yes, my lord.” There was a tremble in her voice. Maybe he was pushing her just slightly too far.

“Ah, I, erm, I see.” Kyran clapped his hands again. “Well, seeing as we’re all simply waiting, why don’t we-“ He cut himself off once the door creaked.

“Morning! Hope we didn’t keep you waiting,” A tall man chuckled as he closed the door behind himself. Elynne walked in before him.

“We got the weapon,” Elynne said. “Now all we need is food. Is there anything warm here?”

“Of course, I will order a warm meal for you two,” Kyran said and then ordered one of the Gala to do it for him.

“Thank you.” The magus walked up towards Edwin and took out a necklace. “Here, this is for you. Bren told me to give it to you.”

Edwin received the necklace and pocketed it. “Thanks.”

“You’re very welcome.” Her eyes quickly darted towards Julius. “Can we finally talk in peace now? Alone?”

“I had the same thought. Come, we will sit outside.”

There was a bench behind the tavern facing the forest. Sturdy and old, but it was fine enough. Elynne gave out a sigh of relief as they sat down. “It’s been a couple of years, hasn’t it?”

“Three. Three and a half, almost. I did want to visit, but the baron started refusing outsiders.”

“I know. It was lonely, not being able to talk to you. Could’ve sent a letter or two.” She leaned against the bench. “I’m… not sure what I want to talk about. I wanted to share my experiences, share my feelings, but I don’t know. I don’t know what to tell you.”

“Well, let us see… I have yet to be introduced to your travelling companion.”

“Oh, that’s Dannar. He helped me when I first woke up away from the island. He’s an… Inquisitor, but I think he means well.”

“An Inquisitor and a magus.” He chuckled. “I suppose there are worse combinations.”

“You’d think. He didn’t try to kill me yet, so there’s that.” She sighed. “At least my journey wasn’t lonely.”

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Huh? Enjoying myself how?”

“Enjoying yourself on this journey of yours.”

“I am. I think. I’ve enjoyed my time away from the island, but… I’ll need to go back soon.”

“To an island with a castle that no longer exists.”

“Nowhere else to go, after all.”

“I would tell you to stay in Dammrias.” But that was impossible. After this week ends, they would never see each other again in this lifetime. He knew that. “But you have your own goals to fulfil. Any regrets?”

She chuckled. “I’m not dying, Allie. But if there is one regret that I have, it’s that we couldn’t spend more time together.”

“And now that we can spend time with each other, there truly is nothing to say, is there?”

“Well… I did get exiled from my own homeland, so there is that. Your uncle is the head of Devyr currently.”

“Really? He must have exiled you because you are royalty, then.” Julius shrugged his shoulders. None of the fragments in his head held the image of Kyareal. He must have been irrelevant in the bigger picture. “Well, I became the king of Dammrias, which means that I also got married.”

“Oh? You did?” She looked ahead. “Do you think you’re ready? For kingship?”

“No. But I will manage.”

“Ah, what a shame, I missed out on being a queen.” She stood up. “I wonder how things would’ve turned out if we had married.”

“You would hate it, I think.” Julius stood up, as well.

“Probably. But who knows, really.” She looked at Julius and smiled. “Let’s finish what we came for, yes?”

The mountain seemed far larger once they started walking upwards. It was menacing even before they had started their climb, but the menace started to steadily multiply. An easy climb, at least the first half hour. Just a straightforward walk up the mountain path. There were stone stairs in steeper places, even. Monuments and flagstones bearing symbols of forgotten deities and heroes, as well. Trees grew here still, though the view in front showed their growing scarcity.

Julius felt slight pain after the half hour mark. They were not taking any breaks and no one showed any signs of outward tiredness. They would have to take one, though. The climb, as simple as it was, would still last two and a half more hours at the least.

The first stop was an hour into the climb. They rested by a set of stairs in a place that contained signs of previous travellers. Months old signs. No one had any real reason to scale Alattras. Except pagans, maybe, though there could not have been many left. Their gods slept and there was little magic in the world. They had no use for faith. But Julius felt uncertainty. Things would not stay like this.

Continuing up the mountain, the town below them shrunk further. Trees were scarcer and the grass was slightly darker. Plenty of trees, though. That would not change even when they reach the Garden. It would become chillier, though. A welcome change from all the July heat. It was still hot here.

Their second stop was after the second hour. Good thing everyone here had at least slight athleticism in them. There were slight breaths of labour from a few individuals, including Julius, but that was to be expected. Rheinald gave a single complaint, wondering why anyone would build a garden on a mountain. Besides his words, there were just a few casual chats that wrapped up quickly. Never was quiet for more than five minutes, though.

They continued onwards. An hour more and they would reach their target. He wondered what the place looked like and what was so special about it. All he knew was not to drink the water that would be offered. Someone before him already had. It severed some sort of connection, but he had no clue to what.

The third hour approached. The environment around them changed quickly and drastically, as if they had entered a zone of Spring cut off from the rest of the world. The air itself was mild and welcoming, flowers of both white and red sprouted from the bright green surroundings. Pillars of marble stood along the path, ruined by the passage of time. The path ahead became levelled, easy to tread on. Above them was no Sun, but the brightness did not cease. Strange that the sky was so empty and perfectly blue.

Soon after reaching this place, they stopped. A silver gate was just in front of them. Large, untouched, pristine, diligently crafted into the mountain wall. There was a carving of a bare man on the right side, his hand placed flat against the left side of the door. On the left was a naked woman, her palm touching the hand of the man. Their faces were obscured by long hair, and each carried something in the other hand. The man had an apple tinted with gold, and the woman a crescent of silver.

Kyran went ahead towards the gate and turned around with raised arms. “And so our road reaches its end!” he exclaimed. “I must warn all of you prior to entry. I am uncertain of what exactly we will encounter inside for all my knowledge comes from ancient tomes. What I do know is that none may leave the road at any point. Those that do will… suffer, I suppose.”

“What’s so dangerous about a garden?” Dannar asked.

“If only this were any ordinary garden so that we may cast our worries aside. But a final obstacle is required, no?” He looked at the group and took out his dagger. “Now then, I would urge all who have a Regalia to take it out. Only we who wield such keys may enter. As for my dear Gala, Rheinald, and Annealys, find a place to sit and wait. We shan’t take long, I hope.”

“Should’ve expected this. At least the outside looks nice.” Rheinald sighed and sat down on a rock. Kyran’s companions bundled together near a tree.

Annea took out a card and her sword manifested in her hand. “I’ve a key of my own,” she said. Julius now understood the conversation he had overheard about her entering the Garden. He had already guessed she had a Regalia of her own, though. There was a certain feeling coming from here that was not there before.

“Ah, I see. Well, I am sure that more manpower will not hurt us.” Kyran smiled. “Now, point your keys towards the gate. Picture a lock unsealing and a door opening. A simple spell, a simple vision.”

Everyone who could took out their weapon. They all pointed it towards the gate where stars themselves seemed to gather. Julius closed his eyes. A door was before him. Locked, but he had a key. He inserted it and turned. A pop. The key went back in his pocket. He grabbed the handle and opened the door.

A boy stood on a hill overlooking a river. Beyond the river was a mist. Beyond the mist, beyond their sight, they waited.

Julius opened his eyes. There was no hill, nor was there a river. Never was. The only thing here was a straight road of stone leading forwards. Around it were trees, shrubs – plants of all sorts, really. Many that he knew, but plenty that he had never seen. Colossal palms that stretched endlessly, mushrooms the size of firs, and pines with spines for logs and femurs for branches.

Above was a sky without a Sun or Moon. It had no clouds, nor was it blue. Above was a black sky filled with uncountable stars of indecipherable colours, auroras that flowed into a single direction, and worlds that seemed to be within grasp.

There were animals in the flora that hid and observed the newcomers. They waddled quietly, never taking their gaze off the people. All their eyes were empty. There were rabbits coated in green with ears and eyes twice the size of their heads. Snakes that were tall and armless and walked on two feet. Horses without a neck and with human feet instead of hooves. Lipless monkeys with daggers for teeth and without lids on their eyes hung on the branches on their lizard tails. And all creatures had empty eyes. Empty like the abyss.

“We are here,” Kyran said. “In front of us is a singular path leading forward. All we must do is walk until we reach the centre of the Garden where our destination lies. Remember, though…” He stared directly ahead of him. “Do not stray off the road. None of you will be able to return should you leave it. I cannot say that you will die, but I know for certain that none may retreat back onto the road or back to our home of Gaiia.”

“What a pleasant garden. You sure the animals won’t jump at us?” Elynne asked.

“Scared of the bunnies?” Julius asked

“Scared of that thing over there.” She pointed to the right. There was… a wolf? Some sort of wolflike creature with blood in its mouth. It had no fur and had sharp spines growing all over it like some sort of tumour.

“Not as horrible as the vampire,” Dannar said. “But, aye, it’s freaking me out. Don’t like its eyes.”

“Worry not. The creatures cannot travel on the road,” Kyran reassured them. “I believe they are chimeras, creatures made from multiple animals. I am afraid that I do not know how they got here nor who made them, but they were made on the other side. A different plane of reality. They see us and we see them, but we do not exist as the same time as them, or in the same place, really.”

“Spirits of some sort, then? I know that primordial spirits and elements live next to us at all times, but we cannot see them. Something about this place let’s us see them, right?” Elynne asked.

“In a similar vein, I believe. But, as I’ve said, these were created by someone and have definitely not existed from the beginning. Wonder and fascination, I tell you! Questions that need answers and sights that need seeing! But enough idle chatter. Let us proceed forward and witness the waters.” Kyran led the way.

They began walking. There were no breaks to be taken on their walk, and no room to take them, really. The stone road was wide enough for four people, only. And the stones themselves changed shape they further they went. The plants and wildlife, as well. New flowers sprouted, different bovines tracked them. Fruits grew nearby, as well. Juicier than anything back home. Tempting. Kyran warned them not to touch as they were mere bait.

What exactly was this place? Julius wanted answers. In all his memories, there was only a single mention of the Garden in High Alattras. A century ago, during the second Kyrione-Valoryan war. The last war in over a hundred years. Idrieal the Lion had entered the Garden and drank the water inside. After that, the first memory was Maryeal’s. His father, who had picked up the sword of kings from a man frozen in crystal underneath Terwall.

He thought about it more. Maybe drinking the water broke the link between the king and the throne. Maybe Idrieal had been the first one to free himself from the throne’s will. Which meant that Julius could not drink the water under any circumstance. He was the one in control. The throne bent to his will.

Then, he noticed something in the corner of his eye. A large behemoth with seven horns on its head started to trail them. It was a fiend with grey skin and pale eyes. Probably would go unnoticeable, had it not silently broken down all trees in front of it. But only Julius took notice of the demon, even though it collapsed all in its path. And the demon took notice of only Julius. It stared at him. Past him. Into him.

He felt safety, for a moment, once a bird began its song in the distance. It was a beautiful and serene song, unlike anything he had ever heard. Shame it did not stay like this and instead devolved into a horrifying mess of infernal screeching and wild cawing before completely being extinguished.

After that whole ordeal, everything seemed quiet. The behemoth disappeared, as well. The trees were more welcoming and reminded him of the trees back home. There were normal animals, as well. Deer, boars, lynxes. Soulless and empty husks, all of them. Only the void resided within their empty gaze. There were people, too. Naked folk without a care. Men, women, children. They stood by the border of the road, smiling and giggling. Laughing and pointing at the group. They did not stop to catch their breaths and instead started choking. Before long, they started screaming and shrieking before collapsing and returning to silence.

Julius was distraught. Judging by the faces of everyone else, they also shared that feeling. All they could was proceed forward and walked past the bodies. Bodies that rose up and started to follow them. They wanted to go on the road. They reached out for it, reached out for them, trying to set foot on the stone. But all they did was tumble back to the ground and flail around. They disappeared from sight once they could follow no longer.

“…What the hell was that?” Elynne asked.

“I wish I could say for certain. Perhaps I could tell you that they are illusions made to deter you from moving forward, but that would be a lie. From all the stories I have read and heard, I can safely say that they were once human. Empty vessels drifting forever is what they are now. How they became this way, though… Mere theories for that. Some say that they are restless souls who never found their place after death. Some that they are wretches who escaped from hell. Others say that they are magi who attempted to cross the boundary of between man and god, those who attempted to reach the truth and root where all knowledge – past, present, and future – lies. Akasha. The Cradle of Reality. But to know the truth is absurd! These are not things delegated to simple fools like us,” Kyran spoke.

“True. Only God may know,” Dannar said.

“Hmh. If only you knew of who your worshipped,” Kyran said. There was anger in his face. Did he hold a grudge against the Sun? “We shall arrive at our destination soon. No dangers await us any longer for we have passed into the inner garden.”

The sky became far more illuminated than it had been before. The trees and the grass around the road started to thin, revealing a desert of grey beyond. Flatlands, with hills and mountains in the far distance.

And, in front of them, the road was coming to an end. There was a plaza, if it could be called that. There were different roads coming from it, going towards three cardinal directions. In the very middle was a fountain of white and gold, built from three tiers and flowing with water that seeped down to the very ground and spread in ordinal lines into the forest.

Above, the sky did not change. But it became clearer, more understandable. The many worlds and many stars became as normal as fish in the sea. It simply felt right. There was nothing else to it.

“Hahah!” Kyran laughed in ecstasy. “My search has reached its end at last!” he shouted out and ran towards the fountain. He ran quickly, without a care in the world, just to stop dead in his tracks in front of the fountain. There was someone else here. A shadow coming from the opposite side.

Iron that moved forward. Steps that had no right to exist. An eerie presence that had no place in their world. This was not their world, though, was it? He saw the figure approach out of the darkness. A man with blonde, curly hair. it was unusually long, hanging only inches above the floor. A youthful and beardless man, his eyes filled with blinding silver and his smile the definition of grim. He wore armour that was pure and unstained, just like the fountain afore him. His arms were hidden away by his great cloak that waved without end, its brim dissipating into air and rebuilding itself. The man stopped and looked Kyran dead in the eyes.

“I had no idea that the waters would have a protector.” Kyran slightly bowed out of respect. “I beg you, o guardian of the waters, allow me to fill a flask for my dear father who-“

“No,” the man answered. “A servant of the Guardians shall never drink from this place, no matter their cause. Because of them, I wait here and protect. Because of them, who could not finish their duties.”

Kyran’s face was dumbstruck. “You are gravely mistaken, I serve none of these… Guardians, as you call them. I serve only-“

“You serve them,” the man interrupted him again. “From the day you first drank from the ruby tree, you have served their agenda. No one under their influence may touch these waters, lest the Sin occurs once more.” His gaze pierced Kyran and fell on Edwin. “Your appearance here is unsettling.” His eyes then shifted to Julius, to Elynne, to Annea, and to Dannar. “A band of slaves. None of you deserve to partake from the waters, but I shall not stop you.”

Kyran walked forwards. “But you would stop me? You would hinder me in my quest to save my father and my kingdom because of some ludicrous belief that I serve someone!?”

“You are unaware of the danger you possess. Unaware of the possibilities running through you. You are a match that should never be lit ablaze, lest the fire spreads and ignites lights that should stay dim forevermore.” The man revealed his armoured arms, his open palms there for all to see, and gazed above. “This place is a shelter. This place is a home. This place exists between the boundary of life and death. You are a threat to serenity, a threat to Gaiia. As long as your people, the people of the ruby tree, exist and drink from the roots, the world may never be safe. As long at the Guardians receive nourishment from faith, the world may never move on.”

“What the hell are you even talking about!?” Kyran grunted and grabbed the hilt of his curved swords. “The only reason I am here is because I wish to save my father. The only reason they are here with me is because I needed help to enter. You will not deny me my quest. I will take the water and return to my homeland after centuries! And I will kill you right here and now if you dare stand against my will!”

The silver-eyed man sighed and struck his face with his palm. “Very well. I will not kill you, I am no executioner. However…” Not a second passed before their battle ended. The man’s lance, pristine and perfect, manifested out of nowhere and it, alongside the man, was right in front of Kyran’s chest. A mere push and he would be dead. Kyran never even drew his weapons. “I will send you outside. But let me warn you – do not pursue these waters. Return to this Garden, and I will throw you out again. Seek it on Gaiia, and you will find only death. Death for yourself and death for your homeland. Begone.” The man’s lance disappeared, and the man was once more on the other side of the fountain. Kyran was nowhere to be found.

“And as for you, slaves of causality,” the man spoke to the group. “Drink or do not, I will not stop you. But listen and obey, as slaves should! The seasons turn and humanity will soon break its shackles, forever changing the face of the world. You will be the driving force behind it. You will ensure the wheel turns sooner than it should. Below the city of Azure, where the old road yet lies, is a gate leading back to this realm. A gate beyond which the rotten memory of the Guardians still remains, constricting the souls of the world. Enter the gate and break down their fading thoughts, so that you yourself may be free.”

Elynne suddenly groaned. “What the…?” Her sword blinked brightly before fading out.

“Someone from the outside has witnessed the Garden. Someone from the outside has heard my words. Someone whose intents are unknown.” His silver eyes burned brightly. “If you disobey me, your lives will end in ruin. Do as I said.” The man turned around and left.

Julius stared at his swaying cloak that faded into the darkness. That man was… wrong. None of them should venture through the gate. But he could not stop those who would. What was set in stone could not be changed. There was only one future. A future he must follow as there was nothing else. If there were other choices, other possibilities, then, maybe, he would stop them from going through the gate.

“Well, looks like this adventure will last a bit longer,” Elynne said.

“Aye, seems like it,” Dannar said.

“Will we follow through, my lord?” Annea asked Julius.

If she went, nothing good would come of it. Nothing good could happen to her. “…No. We will be doing something else,” Julius said quietly so that the others did not hear. If they heard him, they might have second thoughts themselves. Edwin seemed to overhear him, though. But he did not care, did he?

“Well, might as well drink it now that we’re here.” Dannar walked forward. “Looks just like regular water.”

“Don’t,” Edwin said.

“The water has healing properties, right? I’d assume that’s why Kyran wanted it for his father.” Elynne looked at her palm. “But it’s far too dangerous to drink. Even if it healed, who knows what else it did.”

“Should’ve asked that man, aye?” Dannar said.

“Honestly doubt he would have told us,” Elynne sighed. “Might be best we just left.”

“Oh, don’t forget about the money. He still has to pay us the other half,” Dannar said.

“Right, right.” Elynne looked at Julius. “The rest of you also ready to go back?”

Julius nodded. “This was enough of an experience.”

“Was it?” Elynne asked and looked back at the flowing stream. “I feel something coming from it. It feels like my own blood. Would it really hurt if I risked drinking it? There’s nothing to lose, after all.”

“Drink it, then,” Julius told her. He noticed the greed in her eyes. Did she think that the water would make her more powerful? Or did she know that it would?

“If it feels like my own blood… Do you think it might be the world’s blood?” she asked.

“Why don’t we go back? You’re no vampire, no point in drinking blood, no?” Dannar asked.

Elynne sighed. “True enough.” She took out her sword. “Now the other thing – anyone noticed my sword shining brightly before?”

“I did,” Julius said. “I doubt the others missed it.”

“Good. Thought it was just me. I think this means that the sword is enchanted in someway and that the Emperor himself listened through it.” She shuddered. “…What if he was listening the entire time I had the sword with me? What if he can see through it?” She tapped the blade. “Hello? Are you there, Augustus? Hello?” She tapped it again.

“Doubt he could see through the sheath. Just put it back and let us be on our way,” Julius said and approached her. “But if he can hear, then he should fortify Lordem. Quickly.”

Elynne sheathed the weapon. “Ooh, brilliant, we can threaten him through the sword,” she chuckled.

“That is exactly what I was doing.” Julius scratched his hair. “Definitely was not warning him of an impending siege.”

“Wait, you’re serious? Who is going to attack Lordem?”

“We should hurry, my lord.” Annea walked up, interfering. “This place is making me uncomfortable.”

She did not want Julius to say. That much was obvious. “I will tell you later, Elynne,” Julius said and started to walk. “We leave first.”

The trip back ended quickly, as if the road itself was far shorter. There were no creatures or people by the side of the road. No strange plants either. Just a quiet road and an already open gate. The others were all waiting outside, Kyran included. It seemed as if little time had passed since they entered.

“I assume you haven’t brought back the waters in a flask,” Kyran said. “But I am open to surprises! My assumptions are often wrong, after all is said and done.” There was an anxious look in his face.

“We have not. The man would most likely not have allowed us if we tried,” Julius said.

Kyran sighed. “I see.” He stood up from the rock he sat upon and turned around. “I… believe you can find your way down the mountain by yourself. It is just a single road, after all.” He looked towards Edwin. “I shall… I may need your assistance, though I neither know the time nor what exactly I need.” He turned to Elynne and Dannar. “Ayyleacht, give them the rest of their payment.”

The Gala woman approached the two and swiftly placed a pouch of gold on top of Elynne’s welcoming palm. “Well, you’re a man of your word,” Elynne said.

“I strive to be, but it seems that even that is slowly failing.” Kyran waved with his hand and ordered his group to move forward. “We may meet again, some day.” And both he and the Gala disappeared down the mountain.

“An interesting lot,” Rheinald said. “The bald one has six fingers on his hand. Shame I didn’t catch his name, fellow doesn’t speak saarish.” He looked at Edwin. “So? What’s the garden like?”

“Colourful,” Edwin said. “You didn’t miss much. Maybe the bone trees. And the demons.”

“Didn’t miss much. True.”

“We should scale down the mountain as soon as possible,” Julius said. “Would not want nightfall to catch us while we are still on top. When we reach the town, we will spend one more night here before departing for Dammrias.”

“Throwing another feast?” Rheinald asked.

“There’s a place we’ll enter. The gate below the city,” Edwin said.

“You know where it is?” Elynne asked.

“Yes. Easy enough to find.” Edwin looked towards the road leading downwards. “We should go.”

“Glad you share my sentiment,” Julius said and walked first. Annea quickly trailed behind him, and so did everyone else after them.

He dreaded returning back home. Feared it. He knew that once they went through that gate, things would start to change. Nothing would be the same anymore. Below Dammrias, below the land of Saarast, was a rot, after all. A rot that he had seen, a rot that they would all soon face. And he knew that he could change nothing.