Chapter 17

"The Inner Conclave as you can see, is slightly different from your generic city." I gaze upwards at the mountain before me… thousands upon thousands of meters high… the peak cannot even be seen as the mountain seems to pierce the heavens. Mist rolls through the mountain side slightly obscuring my vision. Large palaces thousands of meters in size can be seen somehow integrated into the mountain itself… platforms also hover close to the mountain… arched bridges connect one platform to another. Emerald-colored vines can also be seen stretching up the mountain endlessly… while rainbow light flickers all over…

"Quite a breathtaking sight is it not? Unfortunately we're not here to sightsee. The Emperor lives within the depths of the mountain.. so if you wouldn't mind.. follow me…" he leads the group to a mysterious glowing platform.

My mind wanders.. "The depths huh.. mmh Commander, why doesn't the Emperor stay on the peak?" I ask. "Hmm? I'm not too sure myself, but it is forbidden to step foot on the peak.. as for why it would be any one's guess"

As we approach the guards managing the platform. "Halt. You must wait here. Some.. others will be joining your group shortly.. " The commander scowls at the guard. "You do realise we are here to meet the Emperor correct!?" Unfazed by the intimidating pressure the commander gives off "While that may be true, I preside over this entry point.. And I have my orders. You will wait." The guard sneers. "Hmph..." The commander walks to the side of the platform before sitting down cross legged… he proceeds to take deep breaths as he enters into some sort of meditation. I don't really believe in that sort of thing though and quickly lose interest.

Glancing around I casually walk over to where Sara sits… she curiously traces her finger upon the glowing lines which light up occasionally on the platform. "Mmh..? I peer over her shoulder.. a mysterious symbol flickers before you and then disappears.. "..those symbols look familiar…" I recall the tablet I picked up a while back.. although Jack has it now… "Ah!? Kyle.. Your interested in this too? It's quite pretty" her eyes take on a dreamy look. "I always dreamt of becoming a magician you know?.." she looks sad for a moment before looking back up at you.. she cheerfully smiles.. my heart warms.

"You know, magic isn't all that great, it comes with many great responsibilities… to be honest being a tailor like you seems much more interesting." I awkwardly chuckle. "Huh.. Really?" she gazes into your eyes for a moment before turning her attention back down to the flickering symbols. Her eyes become slightly hazy. Pondering for a moment I sit down next to her. "I can teach you." She looks over "Teach me what?" "Magic of course!" I reply. Her eyes widen, "You know how to use magic!?" Slightly nodding.. "I know a bit.. but just some flashy tricks.."

"There was this bard once.. he said he was some legendary warrior, I didn't believe him for a second though.. however he did have many bizarre stories to tell that is for sure. But anyways I used to conjure some balls of light for his musical performances.. The light would flicker and change colours giving the atmosphere a very cool vibe… and with his not-so great music skills we made a great team" My eyes take on a reminiscent look.

Sara glances over before biting her lip.. she hesitates.. "But hey.. don't you have to be talented for that sort of thing?" she twirls her fingers together.. I gaze over and give her a nudge "Trust me, with me teaching you'll have no issues." My eyes light up, "I can see it now! Archmage Sara!" I chuckle. "Are you making of fun of me!" She gives me a pouting look. "No..?" a mischievous glint appears in my eyes.. "Hmph.." she turns her head away..

Some silence passes before she glances back.. I lay there with my eyes closed… a content smile can be seen on my face as I enjoy the cool breeze. "Though.. that would be nice.. Archmage Sara" she silently mumbles.

***

Later that day… A glimmer in the distance as two figures can be seen… their cloaks flap in the snowy winds… no guards can be seen escorting them but they seem to walk with purpose. Perhaps these figures can provide the opportunity to escape I have been looking for.. I nod to myself more reassured by the thought. "This is it!" I cry inwardly. A sharp gleam appears in my gaze. My muscles tremble in excitement. An aura mysteriously forms around my body as my mind seems to enter a state of unparalleled clarity…

I then notice that one of the figures has broken into a mad sprint towards you. The figure seems to recognize me. The cloaked figure moves with such strength you doubt the guards can block such a foe. A cold sweat forms on my brow… "Okay okay keep your cool... this could be perhaps an opportunity" I mutter. "But... my luck has never been good so…"

"Master is THAT you!? Words cannot describe the pain in my heart from our separation!.." Jack cries out from a distance. I gaze over.. "Ah.. it's just Jack.." my hopes of escape are dashed as I casually sit back down. Gesturing to a nearby trooper, he starts to feed me grapes. I notice Jack looks quite distraught but also seemingly happy at the same time… his eyes appear to be slightly wet.. such a touching scene… anyone else in my shoes would most likely run to him.. a heart-felt reunion… I give the trooper a solemn look and whisper something to him… he sagely nods… before then springing up with lightning-like reflexes charging in Jack's direction. Jack is mercilessly taken down with little to no resistance. I slowly make my way over and greet Fang casually. I reluctantly decide to offer Fang a grape but he politely declines.

"These are the others we were waiting for I presume?" the commander comments. "Correct, now that we are all here, I can send you through now." the guard replies. The commander nods as he turns to me, "Come, let us go." The group makes their way onto the platform.

"Wait" Jack solemnly voices. The guard gives him a hard look. "Quack quack" Glancing over I notice what appears to be a duckling… it waddles along seemingly behind Jack in attempt to catch up to his big heavy footsteps. It tumbles onto the platform as it nestles into Jacks leg. Jack looks slightly embarrassed… a light gleams in my eye. Slowly stroking my jaw I nod approvingly at the little duckling. My gaze then turns to Fang.. he looks back at me calmly. Some time passes before Fang sighs.. he gently lifts up his sleeve… there sits a small orange crab.. It eyes menacingly gaze at me.. it waves it claws in a bizarre fashion..

I look at Fang questionably before then gazing back at the crab… our eyes lock.. it seems to grow timid. "Well, it's about time we headed off already" the commander dryly comments. With everyone assembled on the platform, magicians begin to chant as glowing symbols start to light up all around us in great frequency.. then with a flash of light, our group disappears.

To be Continued.