[Chapter 56] Lily – The Storm Fleet

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Lily and Astra watched the horizon-spanning storm from the western ramparts. We can’t blame the HEAVENLY DAO for this one. Similarly to fame, hurricanes and typhoons had attracted the Ether’s attention by capturing mankind’s awe. Scaling up in size and speed, their calm centers were replaced with tornado-forming vortexes. Maelstorms reached so high no sunlight could penetrate, yet lightning struck so frequently at all elevations that their interior was always lit.

Their edges became sharp. While forty mile winds were sweeping the Isle, the approaching wall was gusting at three hundred. The wards will drop that in half, but there’ll be damage.

Lily sighed. I didn’t reach the Underground Coliseum, as expected… I should’ve burned my way in when Rose first suggested the possibility. She cursed herself for the hundredth time.

She was done with childishness. Sarah is gone tomorrow. While she’d remain eternally bitter, she’d never again shirk her responsibilities. The costs are too high. Lily gazed up melancholically. For two thousand years, Arther prodded me ‘grow up’, but only his death was able to reach me. Why am I so stubborn?

She shook her head. I should focus on the present. She’d finished her mourning at the burial. Be more like Astra. Lily turned to her companion staring out at sea. She didn’t cry this time either… It was the same for Jenna and Ethan. What self-control is that? Just how deeply is she jaded?

“Do you believe another Dark Age is coming?” she asked hoping to distract herself. “I really don’t want to go through that again…”

“Nero claims something on the level of the White Dragon will happen tonight.” Astra answered. “We can only pray it doesn’t result in the worst.”

After a silence, Lily continued, “According to Argadon, it’ll be the third time.”

“Third what?” That got her attention.

“The third time Torak wages war on existence. Apparently, this world is Idia’s second attempt at life. There was another place before that. A heaven where angelic beings lived. Torak smashed it into a billion pieces. Those——” She pointed to the barely visible stars. “Are the scattered remnants of that paradise.”

Lily smirked, “Can you imagine how pissed he must’ve been? To have won twice, only to have life survive…”

Astra considered carefully and rendered her verdict, “You should spend less time speaking with ancient dragon gods. It’s not good for your mental health.”

What? “It’s true. Argadon——” Lily began then the maelstorm hit.

Even with the Isle and Rose Palace’s wards, Lily was knocked back. Astra quickly put up a third layer of protection. She’s better with air. Visibility dropped to a mile as mist barreled by and lightning assaulted the city’s invisible defenses.

“Should we remain?” Lily enhanced her voice to speak through the howling wind. “We could survey far better from the ISF’s building.” While their location had made sense to watch the approaching maelstorm, Lily was growing anxious over Kain’s arm.

“This evening I received a tip from Gareth Black. The Knights of Oranda might’ve deployed the Storm Fleet.” Astra answered.

“Even they can’t sail that.” Lily gestured to the rampaging elements.

“Wrong,” Astra corrected. “While they may never have done so before, they have Karissa and the ‘Eye of the Storm’. You should know.”

“Oh…” Lily said in sinking realization. Sure, with the Knight of the Tempest, it’s possible. Damn.

The Knights of Oranda were formed during the Dark Age in response to a collapsing world. In the name of courage, they rallied the brave to wage war on Sola’s forces, acting as a quick-response strike force specialized in hunting undead. The ships they rode were called the Storm Fleet from their frequent and lengthy trips into vilestorms. On these excursions, one of the knight commanders, Karissa Surhelm, had made herself known with her mastery over air. Wherever she traveled, malevolent winds were completely suppressed. So noticeable was this that soldiers began referring to her as the ‘Eye of the Storm’. This legend crystallized becoming a Sublime Vagary. I suppose there’s no reason it wouldn’t work on maelstorms too…

“Could you check using ‘Godly Reach’?” Astra asked.

Please, let her be wrong this once. Activating her ability, Lily’s heart sank when she felt a bubble of stillness ten miles out. “Found them. There’s about a hundred in a mile wide area. They’ll be here in two minutes.”

“So it’s confirmed.” Astra channeled a surge of power, and a two foot figure emerged, armored in ice. Sharp white blades sprung from its back, and frost fire from its head. A greater winter sprite.

“Warn Miki.” Astra said. The fae warrior flicked its wings and sped away leaving a frost trail. It was briefly blown off course leaving the palace, but then powered through the gale. Miki will relay the alert. While too much for ordinary fairies, lightning sprites easily cut through these winds. Storm is their element. Inexplicably, Astra conjured another messenger, sending it downward.

“What was that?” Lily asked.

“A call for backup.” Astra offered cryptically. I hate her habit of keeping others in the dark. To their right, streaks of electricity were fanning out from the Guild. Many immortals and saints were present this time around. She and Astra had seen to that. The Isle’s independence is at stake.

Lily reach out again. Five miles. Eighteen battleships belonged to the Knights of Oranda, and the rest were Empire. An invasion force.

“Eye of the Storm.” Boomed a voice from the Blue Abyss, and a wave of clarity hit the Isle. Before them, an armada glided forward above turbulent water. The maelstorm had been pushed back seven miles in all directions, forming a sphere of tranquility. Far off, lighting flashed unceasingly along its border. This was so useful during the Dark Age… It sucks having it turned against us.

Recognizable silhouettes stood on the decks. This is the worst. If the Knights were here, so too was their leadership. Besides Karissa, they were facing Grengil Sage, the Chaos Knight, and Alexard Deon, the Knight of Gilded Blades. All three have become monstrously strong.

The Knights of Oranda hadn’t disbanded, knowing the threat wasn’t over. Instead, they’d expanded, preparing for the day they’d be called on again. Damn you, Lithorn. If the stars vanish, we’ll need them. How had he won them over?

Lily turned to the Empire’s flagship, recognizing the figures at its front. Cedric Grinfield, Coralin Dorate, and Zavier Lithorn, the Northern Emperor’s great-great-grandson. They were issues too, especially the last. Since before the dark age, Zavier had lead the Bloodstone Order, the military faction forming the backbone of the empire’s might. He didn’t shy from conflicts, preferring a forceful hands-on approach. This hadn’t endeared him to many, but millennia of taking to the field personally had transformed him into a titan.

Worried, Lily scanned rooftops. Kara, Sars, Radin, Legonas, Agata, Simon and a dozen others were on golden structures. The rest were spread out elsewhere, with Gareth Black on the ISF headquarters. Oh, that’s nice. Scary people are best on your side.

Partly reassured, she faced forward. They’ll try diplomacy before force. Unexpectedly, the first to speak was Grengil Sage, his voice roaring out as the armada slowed.

“Kara, are you glad? Our long awaited opportunity to throw down has arrived!” He wore a wild smile and clutched a golden quarterstaff. Blades offer no advantages against the undead.

“What about you, Chaos Knight?” Kara answered back, baring fangs in a grin. “Are you happy to have stumbled on a chance to duel which satisfies your stifling honor?”

Both parties were clearly thrilled. At least someone’s having a blast. Grengil rivaled the Beast of Sanrune in battle lust. He’s a wonderful ally in a fight, but a pain the rest of the time.

“Not yet.” Alexard snapped sternly, flanking Grengil with Karissa.

“Kara, same deal.” Astra added icily. I’m so glad it’s not my job to rain those two in.

“To the matter at hand,” Zavier Lithorn began. “Our——”

KA-BOOOOOM. The largest lightning strike Lily had ever seen split the space between them. The subsequent thunder caused her ears to ring.

“That was to remind you of this place’s true overlord.” Siegfried voice echoed from the sky. “Keep damages to a minimum.”

That’s rich. After everything, the HEAVENLY DAO wants to pretend it cares? Despite her irritation, she understood. This was the military of a foreign power hovering off-shore. The pressure strengthens our hand, so I should be thankful.

“We’ll do our best.” Zavier bowed before empty air. Even that brute knows to show respect. “Once again, our demands are simple. Surrender the Isle of the Dreams.”

Astra turned to the Knight of Gilded Blades, “I’m disappointed to find you here, Deon. Why are you threatening the Isle?”

“To prevent another age of tragedy.” Alexard answered solemny. “Nero should have warned you about tonight. While the Knights accept your children are untainted, there’s merit to the Northern Emperor’s claims as well. Your daughter’s ability to open the Pillar is risk we can’t ignore, as is the lengths Samuel Lithorn is willing to go to prevent it.” Alexard gave Zavier a sidelong glance.

I see. The empire would’ve acted with or without the Knights. They feared what that confrontation might’ve triggered and chose to influence its outcome.

“We’re prepared to offer safe passage to any who wish to depart.” Alexard continued. “This can end without bloodshed.”

Zavier objected, “That’s not what we——”

“The emperor only cares that the pillar remains unopened.” Alexard snapped. “Removing Hope Skyfell achieves this aim.”

Lily sighed. So this is their gambit. Give Lithorn a win to avoid the worse. They’re no doubt hoping a show of force will make us back down.

Astra focused on Alexard, “You’re siding with a villain. Didn’t the Knights have principles?”

“Half of humanity perished last time.” Karissa countered. “Shouldn’t preventing a repeat be the highest principle of all? No one wants hostilities here.” Grendil and Kara would disagree. “Won’t you be reasonable?”

Astra shook her head, “Because you’re vastly underestimating the premium the Cultivating Realm puts on honor. They’ll take this as a declaration of war, sparking a global conflict. The Grey Kingdom and others will take advantage of this chaos. Millions will die.”

“You could be right.” Alexard said sadly. “Unfortunately, we’ve already committed ourselves. ‘Forge of Creation’.” The air flashed brilliantly as thousands of golden blades pierced their way into existence. Some were the size of trees, and all were aimed at the Isle. “You should realize the difference in military… potential…” He trailed off. What?

Lily spun to see a giant bird soaring into view, wings pulsating with the blue of frost fire. Astra’s phoenix… Her eyes widened at what followed in its wake. Circling up the pillar, a host of ice dragons scattered to perch on the Helix. I once asked why she chose them as her first line of defense. ‘Because they can fly’ she answered.

“Anticipating the worst,” Astra explained calmly. “I had my phoenix lead them here through the Darklands. The Mask of Xarst can keep Earth’s End safe alone.”

Expressions had turned ugly across the armada. Crafted over millennia by the strongest ice mage, those dragons weren’t normal. My phoenixes would also be more impressive if I lived in volcano. She was tempted to unleash Fayla, but reconsidered. That’s the immaturity I’m casting away.

“So what now?” Astra asked. Will they back off?

Before Alexard could answer, an airship raced up and made a frantic announcement, “Nirvan is under attack by the Laughing Man and requests immediate assistance! Two towns, fifteen thousand souls, have fallen to Kain’s curse. If they aren’t stopped, the country will be overrun.”

As everyone absorbed the news, Cedric jumped onto the Nirvan craft.

“What’s this?” Zavier demanded.

“I can prioritize.” Cedric barked back. “Countless lives are at risk, and I’m one of the few who can drive that madman off. The Isle can wait.”

A nervous tension settled as the interloper sped away. The one to break it was Grengil, “Say, Kara, my role is to keep you occupied. So if you were to…”

She got the gist, “Then let’s go.”

As the battle junkies disappeared, so too did the menacing weaponry hovering above. “I’m declaring a cease fire.” Alexard turned to Karissa, “Can you control the situation here?”

“Of course.” The Knight of the Tempest answered.

By her side, Astra issued her own proclamation, “The Knights of Oranda are guaranteeing a truce. All those who with the courage, accompany me.” She plunged downward, and dozens from both sides followed her.

You’re kidding… It’d happened so fast Lily couldn’t object. She looked nervously to Zavier, who shouted angrily, “Karissa, you don’t really expect me to stand idle?”

“You will.” Karrisa answered calmly. “Or I’ll collapse ‘Eye of the Storm’”

Zavier hesitated, “You wouldn’t dare…”

Karissa laughed, “How do you think I earned my title? I’m more than capable of fending off this weather. Are you as confident?”

Seething, Zavier said nothing. Coralin addressed him from behind, “This mission depends on the cover of the Maelstorm. You should take some men and deal with the distraction promptly. I’ll remain.”

I’ve heard enough. Certain the Isle safe, Lily spread her wings.