[Chapter 13 part 2] Rose - The Room Of Skulls

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“Sure,” Simon went to the bookshelf, retrieving a large crystal embedded in a marble base and a hand-sized black plaque.

“Is that a projector?” Free asked.

“Yes” Simon placed both on the table. “The display range is fifteen feet with a hundred and fifty degree radius, giving a good view.”

“It transmits moving images in holographic format.” Wise added.

“So holovision? Can we see some?” Light asked.

Simon glanced to Astra. “A bit is fine.” She shrugged, moving to Simon’s side.

“Watch out.” Simon said, and a flood of light exploded. Rose calmly fumbled her way towards the bar. More warning would’ve been nice. When she could see, she discovered a shifting kaleidoscope behind her.

Once everyone had escaped, a scene with two men fighting appeared. A coliseum duel. Three dimensional swords clashed against a cheering crowed. Incredible clarity…

The Pillar of Enera makes this possible. The HEAVENLY DAO had always had the strength to rearrange Enera’s gravitational fields. What it’d lacked was the processing power to manipulate a million land masses at once. Which the Pillar provided. Two hundred miles above the surface, its light had spread out and encircled the planet, becoming a precision tool for remaking the world. Once everything stabilized, humanity had re-purposed the magical network for communication and travel.

“Superb.” Light whispered.

“WHY DIDN’T WE HAVE ONE?” Silver shouted in anguish. Wow… Silver felt pain and could be ‘upset’ in that sense. It’s amazing there’s no anger behind that.

“A projector only works with a connection to the Pillar.” Astra explained calmly. “At my request, the Black Citadel destroyed the portion above Earth’s End. Defending Sola’s Legacy would’ve been a nightmare if anyone could just warp down.”

“Also,” Astra gesture accusingly. “They’re a huge distraction.” Can’t argue with that… Rose was captivated.

“Can we see something else?” Hope asked.

Astra sighed, “A few more channels.”

A kissing couple appeared. Romance… Perhaps someday, but that bounty needs to go first.

The scene flashed to a group atop a cliff. Behind them, enormous stone towers floated on their own small islands. At least thirty stories high, some disappeared into the mist below, enclosed walkways joining them in maze-like fashion. I think that’s a dungeon called ‘Celestial Spires’. Adventuring in such places was a means of earning recognition.

They were mesmerized as Simon flipped through ‘channels’. He settled on two people behind a desk reading ‘ABC News’. Aery Broadcast Company. Besides them was a magma-covered landscape gushing smoke. Eruptions on the new crust.

“Shouldn’t there be sound?” Rose asked.

“Yes, I’ll unmute.” Simon said.

One newscaster began speaking in a sober voice, “Evacuations are underway as volcanic activity continues intensifying. Unfortunately, given the location and density under threat, these efforts are running into logistical hurdles. Panic is growing as boiling ash rises through the fractured crust——”

“Turn it off. I’ll catch up later.” Astra said. “Call Lily.”

“Right away.” For a second the kaleidoscope was back, then blackness replaced it. Two red lines shot back from the crystal passing on either side of Simon. One hit Hope who scrambled away.

“Everything between those will be shown.” Simon said. “Please stand back.”

The blackness swirled like a liquid and retreated, revealing a roaring fire. It flickered twice before taking a female shape. A human-sized sprite. Fairies that large always possessed high intellect.

“Simon Black,” said the blazing figure. “How have you been?”

“I’m doing well, Fayla.” Simon answered. “Could you put me through to Lily?”

“Sure.” Fayla dissipated into flames only to pop back after a few seconds. “She’s coming. Be warned, she’s grumpy.”

“Thanks.” Simon said.

“Anytime,” Fayla smiled, peering off at something unseen. “There we go.”

Darkness washed over the fire and receded again to unveil a new view. A younger version of herself sat at the end of a pink marble table. An archway behind opened to a terrace where a column of light shone against the blue sky. That’s the Pillar!

“You’re back early. I thought I asked you to try and stall…” Lily complained. “How’d it go?” Hearing her was strange. Do I sound like that?

“There’s good news and bad news.” Simon said. “Which would you like first?”

The young girl slumped, “I could really do without more trouble. Start with the good.”

“Astra will be the new guildmaster.”

“You’re kidding!” Lily nearly fell out of her seat as she scrabbled upright. “She accepted?”

Simon nodded, “What’s more, she’s with me now.”

Astra walked forward, “Hi, Lily. It’s been long time, hasn’t it?”

“Nearly five centuries.” Lily answered. “I can’t believe Simon dragged you away. And that quickly too. This is… wait…” Her excitement faded. “What’s the bad news?”

Her mother turned to her, “Rose, could you come here?” Oh god, yesterday a heater and today a prop. She crossed the red line with trepidation. Lily’s eyes fixated on her. This is awkward. After a short delay, Lily released a string of swear words. Rose didn’t recognize many, but she was sure they shouldn’t be coming from a child’s mouth. While an understandable, I don’t like it.

“You’re certain she’s untainted?” Lily asked.

“Nero verified them himself.” Astra answered patiently.

“He knew about this? Since when?” Lily continued frantically. “No, forget that. ‘Them’? What do you meant ‘them’? How many are there?”

“Eight.” Astra said serenely.

“Eight? Eight…” Lily stared at Rose again. “And you’re bringing them here…?”

“Yes, and you’ll protect them.” This time Astra’s voice had an edge they knew well. Does it work on immortals?

Lily struggled silently. Finally, she pointed, “Keep their faces hidden, especially her.” Apparently it does.

“I appreciate this.” Astra’s tone was back to normal.

“Don’t thank me.” Lily grumped. “This negates virtually all the benefits of you coming. Anything else I should know?”

“Yes.” Simon called Free over to stand beside Rose. The others are so lucky…

There was no cursing. Instead, Lily went pale, “She’ll frighten many. I don’t know if I can manage this…”

“Which is why I’ll take over the guild and support you.” Astra said.

“Don’t focus so much on the negatives.” Simon offered. “In the long term, you’ll be happy to have Astra by your side.”

“But the short term is going to be hell!” Lily snapped, taking a breath. “When will you arrive?”

“Tomorrow morning at nine.” Astra said.

“Alright, let’s speak then.” Lily nodded tiredly. “It’s good to see you. I just wish you weren’t bringing more headaches…”

Lily reached to the table, and the room returned to normal. Everyone was quiet. She wasn’t happy to see me, was she?

“Can I use the projector for a bit?” Silver asked. No apprehension whatsoever…

“Why not use your own?” Simon answered. “Each cottages has one.”

Silver’s eyes went wide, “Really?” Then he was gone, jumping off the balcony.

“I’ll withdraw too.” Simon rose. “I’ve a backlog of sleep to work through.”

“Sandwiches are laid out downstairs. I’ve my own catching up to do, so you’re on your own till tonight. Lastly…” Astra motioned the bar. “Anyone who inebriates themselves is traveling in a block of ice.” She followed Simon out.

“Too bad…” Light eyed the alcohol regretfully. I disagree. In this instance, Rose wholeheartedly approved the tyranny.

Hope clapped her hands, “that’s it!” She rushed to the bar. This isn’t good.

“What’re you doing?” Rose asked.

“There’s all this world class liquor here.” Hope rummaged around. “I was thinking not trying any was a waste. Then it hit me. Just because we can’t drink it now, doesn’t mean we can’t later.” She had an evil grin.

“So you’re pilfering some?” Soul asked.

“The citadel is filthy rich. It’ll be fine.” Hope compared the labels on two fancy bottles. “Maybe these?” She reached for more but paused.

“Wait, why am I wasting time… Where’s Wise?” She spotted her brother heading out and dragged him back. “Be useful for once and chose some for us. The best-tasting, most expensive ones.”

Surveying the countertop, Wise went white, “Do you have any idea how much——”

“Nope,” Hope broke in, “I don’t need to know. Just point out the eight best. Then you can walk away.”

Hesitantly, Wise made his selection and raced out. How much are those worth?

“Perfect! One for each of us.” Hope grouped the bottles and wrapped her arms around them. “Someone get the door.”

Light moved to help. Of course he did. Rose watched them leave. “Is that ok?” She asked.

“I don’t know,” Soul said carefully. “But probably. Nero has the same gift as Wise. If it isn’t fine, he’ll take them back.”

“That’s good.” This was his area of expertise. In terms of anticipating trouble, he’s a step faster. “Then let’s grab a bite to eat.”