Chapter 235 - Family reunions...?
The gondola eventually made a smooth landing near the heart of the Rising Isle, where a central island featured a magnificent waterfall cascading into the network of waterways winding through the city. The island was adorned with numerous grand structures, each unique and intriguing in its own way.
One building appeared as though carved from a vast vein of pearly moonstone, ascending towards the heavens like a beacon. Another presented a stark contrast in its more—to Scarlett’s sensibilities—’modern’ look, reminiscent of a lofty clock tower embellished with a gleaming dial for a face. A third combined elements of a palace and an aqueduct, with great spires and a large section that arched over to an adjacent island, diverting water from a waterfall there to nourish a magnificent fountain at its front.
The architecture in general bore many of the characteristics of Zuverian craftmanship, utilizing standard pale stone interspersed with elegant marble columns, yet it exhibited much more complexity and grandeur than your typical Zuverian ruin.
Scarlett observed her companions marveling at their diverse surroundings as the group followed Principal Wizard Bunce through a spacious plaza towards a domed building bustling with robed wizards entering and exiting it. The building was large enough to fit several of Scarlett’s mansions in Freybrook inside.
The Chamber of Conjunction was a unique location even here on the Rising Isle, since it was the only place where external magic could penetrate the Isle’s defenses. It also housed the Kilnstones, where Scarlett’s party should have originally arrived.
The detour hadn’t been part of her plans, but she didn’t mind it too much. If anything, it had served as a decent introduction to this place for her party.
As they crossed the island, Bunce explained the purpose and significance of the various buildings until they finally reached the Chamber of Conjunction. Once inside, they were met with a mess of different chambers filled to the brim with wizards and other individuals, creating a chaotic scene that made it difficult for Scarlett to discern what was going on. Bunce quickly led them away from the central chambers, ascending to the higher levels through intricately designed corridors seemingly carved straight from a quarry, with stone veins seamlessly running through the floors and walls.
Eventually, they arrived at a small vestibule featuring a broad window at the far end, framing yet another breathtaking waterfall flowing from a crescent-shaped structure carved into a cliffside amidst lush greenery. The chamber contained a central arrangement of chairs and tables set above a transparent floor, revealing a mesmerising display of moving, flowing lights. Emerald crystal sconces hung from the walls, bathing the space in a soft, ethereal glow.
“Baroness, Grand Wizard Hartford will meet you here,” Bunce informed Scarlett, gesturing towards the empty chairs. “Regrettably, I hear he had to attend to some urgent business, but he should return shortly. One of the inconveniences of our limited numbers is that we are often pressed for people, and the services of wizards of his calibre are all the more occupied. This may differ from what you are used to on the mainland, but your understanding is appreciated.”
“Very well,” Scarlett responded in a neutral tone, watching Allyssa and Rosa wander across the room to the window.
It seemed like they hadn’t had their fill of sightseeing yet.
She looked at Bunce. “Would it be possible for us to explore more of the islands beyond what was shown on our route here?”