Chapter 37: Colossus
Charon’s jaw dropped as tall metal walls came into view, reaching over a hundred yards into the sky. Turrets the size of a car rotated along the top, scanning the perimeter with mechanical precision.
Annie smirked at his reaction.
"Impressive, isn’t it? When we have the energy to run everything, the Fort is one of the most secure locations in the realm."
That was a big "if" to Charon, but he couldn’t deny that it was very impressive.
Emerius looked at the walls and turrets and had an entirely different question.
"How do you have these? I haven’t seen any mines, nor the right planetary systems to fund such an endeavor."
As usual, she had an answer.
"People aren’t the only thing that arrives in the River Acheron. Bits and pieces from the other realms show up here, some larger than others. We also have very skilled earth mages to reform metal, and the High Elders are very wise."
She smiled with pride.
"Through their leadership, we have pioneered technological advancements. From the walls, to the turrets, to the shields, the High Elders have invented them all."
A distant thudding began to echo around them, growing more intense with time. The ground shook, dirt and rocks jumping a few inches as the earth rattled.
Charon and Emerius looked around in uncertainty, drawing their weapons, but the others just smiled.