Chapter 47: The City Beyond Endings
The row of metal doors in the wall turned out to be exactly like an elevator bank, and Molithri ushered them into a filigreed metal box that buzzed with enchantments. Nathan’s magical senses could pick up the enchantments on the box and how they interfaced with the enchantments on the shaft. Notably, he could tell that this level wasn't the bottom. The elevators went down underneath the level of the ocean, and the only thing holding them up right now were the enchantments on the wall.
He made sure his aura was good and compressed. He didn't want to drop the Heirs down into whatever subterranean dungeon was present here, and he wasn't quite sure enough of his control of his aura to not accidentally break something in such a complex mess of magic.
Their guide pushed one glowing button of many on the wall, and they began rising. A little light tracked their progress as it moved up from a button labeled “Docks,” past buttons labeled for multiple different armories and vaults, several practice halls and a transit road, and towards the button labeled “Lower Palace.” Above that were “Upper Palace,” and “Palace Spire.”
They were all distracted from their examination as another set of enchantments flickered to life and the walls of the elevator car flickered into invisibility. The walls beyond must have been similarly enchanted, since they could see clearly over the port and out the opening into the nighttime waters beyond.
Molithri smiled indulgently as the Heirs stepped towards the wall to watch the port drop away beneath them. The Grace of the Mists grew small, and Nathan felt a pang of nostalgia. Their time on the ship had been interrupted by the run-in with a ship full of mercenaries and a giant sea monster, but on the whole it had been one of the more peaceful and stress-free periods he’d spent on Davrar. He’d had a good time sailing across the ocean, too.
Then their view was replaced by solid rock and the walls flickered back to opacity. They turned back to the young woman and Nathan asked the question that was on everybody’s minds. “Are we going to see Sarya?”
“You would be wise to sleep first.” Their guide was still smiling, but now it was more polite. “You’re placed well on the list, but do not carry emergency status. If she judges it worthy she’ll see you tomorrow.”
How soon she sees us is an indicator of how much she cares. Or maybe it’s all games. I killed her rival, even if it didn’t stick. She cares, and if she delays it's because she's making a point.
The doors slid open moments later and the Heirs exited into a grand entry hall. It was a huge and empty space, but the walls were made of warm wood and tall heatless flames danced on chandeliers. The whole ensemble gave the room a comforting and warm feeling. It was rather the opposite of the vibe Nathan had gotten from the Ascendent Academy, where everything was cold marble and pale frescos.