Chapter 63: The Overseer
Just as they entered the city, drawing closer to the nearest floating platform, a group of horse riders trotted up to them. Jim and Dirk—the coachmen—allowed them after seeing the crest on the black uniform they wore. These were the keepers. Enforcers of law here within the Sanctuary. Their leader trotted up to the window on Veronica’s side of the carriage and offered a greeting. "Good evening Madam Veronica. The Overseer requests your presence immediately." He delivered the message succinctly, "We’re here to escort you there."
Veronica simply nodded slightly as their carriage started after the keepers. They were led past the nearest floating platform that seemed to be dedicated to commercial buildings, and continued on to the platform situated directly in front of the chest of the large central statue all the platforms orbited.
Perched atop this platform was a grand city hall, the administrative heart of the Freehold Sanctuary. It was supported by towering white marble pillars, lending it an air of enduring authority. As they rode onto the bridge that led to the building, Zephyr found that it was perfectly stable beneath them. In fact, he couldn’t tell the moment when they rode onto the bridge. They closed in on the City Hall and slowed, their carriage stopping directly at the foot of the wide stairs that led up to the doors. People trickled up and down the stairs as they went about their affairs, a tinge of curiosity at the parade of keepers escorting the carriage. They knew that whoever was in there was very important.
"Alright. Simply keep your face straight and look forward. Don’t talk to anyone, and just follow behind me." Veronica looked between Zephyr and Rita.
Zephyr looked on non-committally and kept silent, waiting for her to be done with her short speech. Rita on the other hand nodded her head attentively, now realizing the depth of her earlier outburst. That was her teacher she had yelled at. The thought made her fidgety, so she was presently trying not to do anything that might trigger Veronica.
Veronica gave a final nod to both of them after confirming they had heard her words, and pushed the door open, stepping out.
A light chatter erupted from the passers-by as they noted who she was. It seemed she had a fair bit of reputation here as seen by the shocked double-takes and fervent whispers her presence elicited.
Zephyr and Rita stepped out after her, squinting in the mid-day sunlight before adjusting and taking after Veronica who had begun to walk up the stairs with a regal poise.
’So she’s some bigshot here, huh?’ Zephyr thought with his gaze locked straight ahead. The glances and whispers were overbearing even for him.
Madam Veronica is back—?!
Everyone needs to know this!