The Veil

by Stuart Meczes

  “Alex, what are you doing?” hissed Gabriella.

  “What did you order your men to do?” I demanded, glaring at Aegis.

  The Highwarden raised both his hands in a placating gesture. “I apologise if we alarmed you, Guardian Eden. The orders were simply for my men to assist you with the Unicorns.”

  Oh… Instantly I could feel the hot fingers of embarrassment creeping up my neck, and I knew I’d overreacted.

  “I’m sorry,” I said, releasing my grip on the Lightwarden’s shoulder and gunpike. He shrank back away from me, trying his best not to show his pain. The others kept their weapons aimed at me.

  “Vordor,” commanded Aegis, raising his hand. All of the Lightwardens instantly lowered their weapons. “No apologies necessary, Guardian Eden,” said the Highwarden in a diplomatic tone. His face broke into an easy smile as he gestured towards me. “You are in an unfamiliar world meeting unfamiliar people. Being apprehensive is the right attitude to take. However, I can assure you, you are among friends…not enemies.” As the Highwarden spoke, his wardens climbed the steps – my muscles twitching as they passed us – and took the Unicorns’ reins, whispering to them in a soothing foreign tongue as they guided them back down the stairs and out the temple door.

  “We have a transportation Valoon ready to sail your Fera companions to Fenodara ahead of us,” he continued. “My Lightwardens will see to it that they are well cared for in the city stables and available whenever you might require them.” Aegis made a gesture for us to follow him and then turned on his heel, helmet pressed between his hip and arm like a giant shell.

  After a quick glance, we all descended the steps, falling into rows, with Gabriella and me leading. “What was that about?” she whispered.

  “Nothing,” I replied. “Like he said, it’s all unfamiliar. I think I’m just a bit on edge, that’s all.”

  Gabriella squeezed my hand. “Everything is going to be okay.”

  I smiled back. God, I hope so.

  The guards fell in around us as we walked, their heads fixed forwards and mouths closed. Aegis slowed his pace so he was walking next to Gabriella and me.

  “Your arrival could not have been more perfectly timed,” he said. “Today is Ar’Quistis – the Fenodarian New Year. Tonight the whole city will be celebrating the Water Festival. There will be parades, games, shows, events and all sorts of other activities, which you can watch or even partake in should you wish to do so.”

  “Sounds fantastic,” said Gabriella.

  Aegis smiled. “It is. It also helps our citizens forget about the atrocities of this terrible war…for one evening at least.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, I have been instructed to escort you into the city itself, where you will stay overnight. Tomorrow morning you will meet the Elder Council at the Tower of Ascension.”

  “Thank you, Highwarden.”

  Aegis nodded. “Each of your homesteads will contain the customary Fenodarian attire, which we do expect all visitors to wear when within the city. In addition the Alliance arranged for a portion of your salaries to be transferred onto currency cards, which you can spend at any festival stall, activity centre or shop you might chose to visit. Dinner is served in the Atrius half an hour after the second chime of the Great Clock.” He turned to look at Gabriella. “I would be honoured if you and your fellow Guardians would dine with me.”

  “That is a very kind offer, Highwarden. We would be happy to.”

  “Excellent. Before then, and any time up until tonight’s extended curfew, you are free to do as you wish.” We reached temple doors and the Highwarden stopped. “I only ask two things of you during your stay in Fenodara. One is to refrain from any attempt to enter restricted areas or venture beyond our gates. As I am sure you are aware, these are dangerous times and we can ill afford creating unnecessary risks.”

  Gabriella nodded. “Of course. And the second thing?”

  Aegis cast his eyes over the team, letting his eyes linger on me.

  “Don’t cause any trouble.”

  The Highwarden stepped across the threshold into the brilliant light of the outdoors. We appeared on a stone balcony and my breath rushed from my lungs. Around me, the others stifled gasps and made sounds of awe.

  The beauty of the vista that stretched out beyond us was almost too incredible to describe. The temple was set high up in a cluster of mountains blanketed in a mixture of golden and green trees. All around us, water cascaded down between the rocks like liquid lightening, scattering out in a hundred different paths and dropping into countless pools of turquoise water. At the base of the mountains, the water converged into a gigantic cove before carrying on out to sea.

  And rising from the cove, like a divine monument, was Fenodara.

  The whole city had been constructed on a massive plate of land that towered a thousand feet above the water, held up by a colossal rock pillar. A landscape of golden buildings cut the skyline like celestial blades. The sky itself wasn’t the diseased black of a sick world - as I’d imagined it would be - but crystal blue and clear as far as the eye could see. Large ships patrolled the water around the column, sporting sails that flapped like tiny folds of paper in the distance.

  This is nothing like what I expected. This is…this is incredible.

  As if hearing my thoughts, Aegis gestured out towards the beautiful landscape. “Fenodara is one of the few areas left standing that hasn’t been completely ravaged by the curse of the war. We fight hard to keep it that way.”

  “Looks like what you’re doing is working,” I said.

  “Have you ever seen anything so amazing?” Sophia whispered to Midnight. I could hear the excitement bubbling in her voice and felt a stab of emotion in my gut. I glanced at Gabriella, whose smile widened. Sophia had been through so much: physically abused by her junkie mother and then losing the man who had become her father, and now living on borrowed time, victim of an irreversible ageing spell. Her story was one of absolute tragedy, so seeing her with an expression other than abject misery or resigned apathy reminded me of the innocent girl she had once been.

  Midnight stared up at her, cocking his head to the side. She rolled her eyes theatrically. “Go on then.”

  The Familiar shifted into a majestic black hawk and then hopped into the air, sweeping towards the distant city until he became a tattoo on the shimmering skyline.

  Highwarden Aegis led us down countless rocky steps that cut a path through the mountains. The team pointed out their unique flora and fauna as we walked – intricate flowers with black petals here, a pool of turquoise water teeming with eight-finned fish there. There were so many rich and new sights; we were in danger of visual overload. It’s like being a child again. Where time is infinite and everything you see is a magic trick that fills you with wonder, before adulthood comes along and reveals all the secrets. Only Iralia and Aran seemed truly unaffected, which wasn’t surprising. Although they were now refugees living and working on Earth, Pandemonia was still their home world, and they were both old enough to have seen a lot of it.

  Amazing as everything was, I could feel still feel the dull knot of anxiety twisting in my stomach. It wasn’t like anything was wrong specifically – I had no reason to distrust Aegis Caria or any of his Lightwardens, and I certainly didn’t feel under direct threat. It was more a general sense of unease. It’s this place. My soul knows I shouldn’t be here…none of us should. Absently I placed a hand against the Mark of Sorrow that had etched itself onto my skin. We’re here because I need to find some answers, I reminded myself.

  Eventually we reached the base of the mountain, which opened out onto a vast, sandy shore where odd crab-like creatures with four sets of claws skittered about in the sand. Three boats that resembled streamlined Venetian gondolas were tethered to a long dock, bobbing gently on the waves like upturned silver shells. These must be the Valoons Aegis was talking about.

  We separated into groups and climbed into the Valoons. I sat between Gabriella and Mikey – who was sit
ting next to Scarlett – on a run of leather seats that lined both edges. Aegis and a handful of his wardens settled onto the opposite run of seats. After everyone was ready, the Highwarden raised his hand and coiled it into a fist. A Lightwarden straddling the rear of the Valoon pulled a tall lever and curved fins sprung out of the boat’s sides. They began to rotate, churning against the water, and we lurched forward with surprising speed.

  The trio of Valoons were soon carving their way through the cove, heading for Fenodara. I glanced at Gabriella, who was leaning back in her seat, raven hair whipping around her face. She gave my hand a quick squeeze and then turned to look out at the horizon. The twin suns beamed down from above, warming my skin. Despite the unease I felt inside, I couldn’t help but give my first genuine smile. I had stepped through the Veil expecting destruction and chaos. There was no doubt that those things were waiting around the corner, but what we had emerged into was like a breath of fresh air compared to all the fighting and death that had recently become our lives.

  I remembered something Sage Faru had said to me when he’d first told me about Pandemonia – and the now-fallen Prince Ashan – all those months ago: “The cities and lands of Pandemonia he still rules over are fertile and more beautiful than you could imagine.” Looking around at the stunning landscape, dominated by the proud column that held an entire city, I couldn’t argue with our leader’s assessment.

  We passed by one of the Fenodarian ships, which were far larger and more impressive up close. The huge canvas of triangular sail also acted like a defensive mirror – reflecting blinding sunlight in an array of directions. Dozens of turrets were fixed to the sides, and a small army of men walked up and down the length of its deck. “You seem to have the waters well patrolled, but what about the skies?” I shouted to Aegis over the roar of the Valoon motors. “Isn’t the city vulnerable?”

  The Highwarden leaned forward so we could speak more easily. “A good observation. The Umbra do have very effective Skyjets and Skyships, each with powerful weaponry, but we have a complex radar and defense system called the Needle. They get too close to us, and we burn them right out of the sky like a lanced boil.”

  That helped untwist some more of the knot.

  We reached the base of the pillar and the temperature plummeted as we were swallowed by its huge shadow. The gondolier warden used the lever to maneuver the boat through a looming cave that had been carved into the column. The sounds of water splashing against the walls echoed into the distance as the boats moved single file down the passageway. Metal walls replaced rock, linked together by dozens of multi-level walkways. Hundreds of Lightwardens patrolled above our heads, armed with a staggering array of ‘kiss-your-ass-goodbye’ weaponry. One of them noticed Aegis Caria and saluted before rushing to the back area where a complicated system of chains and pulleys hung in front of a trickling waterfall.

  “Fenodara ascension!” the guard shouted, pulling several of the chains.

  “Fenodara ascension!”

  “Fenodara ascension!”

  Several other Lightwardens echoed his words and everyone started scurrying about like mice. A second later metal walls rose up from beneath the waves, encasing the boats from all sides. The waterfall thundered into action, quickly filling the boxed-in space through large holes bored into the metal, and the walls continued to stretch all the way up, vanishing into the darkness high above. Soon we were rising, lifted up by the swelling water.

  “Damn, it’s like a water elevator,” whistled Delagio, his southern-twanged voice echoing off the thick walls. A strip of artificial lights clicked on, bathing everything in a white glow as we rose up inside the metal tube. Beyond Mikey, I could see Scarlett fidgeting nervously. My brother had her hands clamped in his.

  “Is she okay?” I whispered.

  “Yeah she’ll be okay, thanks bro,” he whispered back. “Just a bad memory.”

  I had no clue what bad memory he was referring to. When it came to her past, Scarlett was a closed book that few got to read. So when she muttered the words “old well,” they meant nothing to me.

  “We’re almost there,” said Aegis. He said it as a general statement, but it was clear he was trying to help set her at ease.

  A moment later a series of grinding cranks preceded the opening of a set of ornate doors just above where the elevator wall finished. Water and daylight spilled through the opening, making us all squint. When the boats had reached the right level, the gondolier wardens lifted the levers right out of their holsters and lowered them into the water, using them to push the boats forward like actual gondoliers.

  We emerged into Fenodara, and once again I was stunned into silence. It was like being transported to Venice in the distant future. Ahead of us was a narrow waterway, sided by sleek, curved buildings that towered high in the air like giant needles. Tiny faces peered down from disc-shaped balconies hundreds of feet above us. Countless bridges of sharp curves and glimmering metal ran between the buildings at various levels. Everywhere I looked I saw patrolling Lightwardens with stony expressions and powerful guns marching among robed citizens.

  It’s so…futuristic.

  In most of the fantasy books I’d read growing up, parallel worlds were always full of medieval castles and farmers. Arrogantly, I’d just assumed that Pandemonia would be the same – backwards and inferior to Earth. But if Fenodara was anything to go by, this world was far ahead of the curve, like something ripped from a Philip K. Dick novel. It was an equal measure of impressive and intimidating.

  Behind us the doors cranked closed again, and I could hear the rush as the water receded. We floated down the waterway for several minutes, the guards gently guiding the boats forward. I noticed a gigantic banner fixed to a building in the distance, the golden material rippling in the breeze. Standing proudly in the centre of it was a noble-looking Luminar with blonde hair, dressed in battle uniform. He had one arm placed across his chest. The words underneath were written in Qi’lern and passed from right to left in an electronic display.

  Never forget those who fell. Never forgive those who felled them.

  Aegis caught me staring at the banner. “That was Prince Ashan, the Luminar leader,” he said with a sigh. “He was lost to us over half a cycle ago, defending the Iron City from The Sorrow and its followers. Of all the dreadful threats he faced, he was killed by Devil carrying a diamond blade.” He shook his head as if he still couldn’t believe it. “His brother, Prince Rashad, has assumed control…but he is young and still finding his feet.” Another sigh. “I can’t imagine how difficult it must be inheriting such a dreadful war. The weight of all that suffering and death resting on your shoulders.”

  “The sins of the past have a way of stretching into the future,” said Gabriella. “Most of all the sins of war.” The Highwarden gave an agreeing nod.

  “The city seems quite calm,” said Scarlett, seeming more herself again. “Do you not get much of a threat here?”

  “On the contrary, Guardian Reid, Fenodara is a constant target for Umbra attack. As I was explaining to your huntmate earlier, it’s just that our defenses are so strong here in the capital. Beyond that, we are quite proactive. One of our primary focuses is to create the semblance of normality in this troubled time, through prevention rather than reaction. We patrol the seas, we scan the skies and we send out scouting parties to search for incoming threats so we can deal with them before they reach the city. I care for my citizens and wish to see them safe. Although beyond that – panicking hordes are hard to control and terrible for already-low morale. So we do what we must to keep them safe. He paused. “Though with resources dwindling and most of our supply lines cut off by the war, I fear it is only a matter of time before this city suffers a great blow.” The Highwarden lowered his head and stared down at his hands. For the moment he seemed to be done speaking.

  We kept floating down the waterway until it splintered off in various directions. The gondolier used the lever-come-oar to steer the boat along the leftmost path
, passing underneath a shimmering silver skyscraper that straddled both sides of the waterway. On the other side was an expansive park area where Fenodarian citizens – dressed in white robes trimmed with gold – sat on glass seats, talking and laughing. Majestic trees stood among a series of fountains in the park, and both were put to good use by large groups of Luminar children, who climbed up the branches or ran through the jetting water, squealing with innocent laughter.

  Several workers – identifiable by their simple black sash tops and harem style trousers – were attaching rigging to various buildings and setting up stands. They seemed quite skinny compared to the other citizens – and there was something glinting on all of their wrists – but they seemed focused and content to do their work.

  It was a humbling sight. My experiences on Earth had made me imagine Pandemonia as a living hell, where evil hid in every looming shadow. I’d never imagined that I would see a place where people acted just like normal humans, trying to live their lives and be happy. A sudden strong feeling poured through me. We can’t sit by and let this war claim the only light left in this world. It’s not just about Earth anymore…this war affects us all. I flexed the fingers on my tattooed hand. And if they need someone to lead the charge…could there be anyone more equipped than me to do it?

  Some of the children stopped playing and stared at the Valoons as we passed, pointing and whispering. They seemed to be focusing on one of the boats behind me. I turned my head and saw who they were staring at.

  Iralia.

  Droves of mothers came to collect their children, glaring daggers at her. She didn’t seem to notice, smiling back at them and even giving a little wave. What’s their problem? I wondered as the boats kept drifting down the waterway and the park disappeared on the horizon. It was only when the gondolier himself gave her a wary glance that the penny finally dropped. She’s an Umbra in a Luminar city. That’s why the citizens were all death-staring her. It wasn’t exactly hard to identify a Succubus when she had six-foot leather wings hanging out of her back. They all noticed her and didn’t like what they saw. I glanced at her and she cocked her head, giving me a smile back.